Longjing Tea
The late spring rain dripped on the old street paved with bluestone slabs, making the air exceptionally fresh, carrying the moist scent of soil and grass.
The wooden sign for "Evening Fragrance Tea House" was dampened by the rain, losing some of its former brightness but appearing even more rustic and tranquil. Below the sign, two carved wooden doors stood ajar, revealing the dim, warm light within and the subtle aroma of tea wafting through the air.
Shen Qingci stood at the door, her fingertips unconsciously caressing the cool doorframe. She was still wearing her museum uniform, a well-tailored navy blue suit and skirt, which was completely out of place with the relaxed atmosphere of this old street.
Just half an hour ago, she was in the ancient book restoration room, carefully gluing together a damaged manuscript of the "Tea Classic" from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Suddenly, her cell phone rang. The lawyer on the other end informed her in a formal tone that her grandmother had passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning, leaving her the old house on "Chayun Street" in the old city and the "Wanxiang Tea House" that had operated there for decades.
grandmother……
Shen Qingci's nose prickled slightly. She had grown up with her grandmother and didn't leave the city until she went to college. In her memory, her grandmother always wore a navy apron, busy in the teahouse, boiling water, warming cups, and brewing tea, her movements skillful and elegant. The air was always filled with the aroma of various teas, which was the most comforting smell of her childhood. However, as her studies and work became increasingly busy, she came home less and less often. She only learned about her grandmother's recent poor health through occasional calls from her uncle.
She took a deep breath and pushed open the familiar wooden door.
"jingle--"
The copper bell hanging on the door lintel rang with a crisp sound, breaking the silence in the teahouse.
The teahouse wasn't large, with a typical Chinese layout. Facing the door was a simple mahogany counter, neatly arranged with several labeled tea caddies. Behind it, against the wall, stood a row of antique shelves, displaying a variety of tea sets and antique tea books. A few square tables and armchairs dotted the room, their tablecloths covered in clean blue floral prints. In the corners, a few pots of lush orchids evoked a sense of tranquility.
However, the teahouse was empty at this moment. It no longer had the crowds of guests as before, nor was my grandmother busy around. It seemed a little deserted and desolate.
Shen Qingci walked slowly to the counter, stretched out her hand and brushed the cool surface, her fingertips touching a thin layer of dust. Her heart sank. It seemed that her grandmother's health was indeed too poor to run the teahouse.
"Is anyone there?"
A slightly hoarse female voice came from the inner room, and then an old lady with gray hair and reading glasses came out, carrying an empty purple clay teapot. When she saw Shen Qingci, she was stunned for a moment, and then a look of surprise and sadness appeared on her face.
"Is that Qingci? You're finally back." The old woman was my grandmother's old neighbor and a former helper in the teahouse, Grandma Zhang.
"Grandma Zhang." Shen Qingci called out, his eyes feeling a little hot.
Granny Zhang put down the purple clay teapot, took Shen Qingci's hand, and sighed: "Your grandmother was very peaceful when she passed away. She just kept thinking about you, saying that it would be great if you could come back to visit. She guarded this teahouse for her whole life, and the thing she was most worried about was it."
Shen Qingci nodded, speechless. She looked around this place full of memories and made a decision in her heart.
She couldn't let her grandmother's hard work go to waste.
In the following days, Shen Qingci handled her grandmother's funeral and immediately submitted her resignation to the museum. Although her supervisor was disappointed, he also understood her decision and gave her ample time to hand over her work.
After throwing herself into the teahouse's renovations, Shen Qingci discovered that things were far more complicated than she'd imagined. Not only did she have to clean and clear the clutter, but she also had to inventory the tea leaves and teaware, and understand the current state of the business. Her knowledge of tea was limited to the superficial knowledge she'd acquired from her grandmother as a child. She had little idea what tea leaves should be used for, what water temperature, or what teas were best to drink in which season.
That afternoon, Shen Qingci was behind the counter, poring over a yellowed account book, trying to figure out last month's income and expenditure. The door of the teahouse was pushed open again, and the copper bell rang.
She raised her head and looked towards the door.
In the backlight, a tall man walked in. He was wearing a well-tailored dark gray suit. He stood straight, with distinct features, a high nose bridge, and thin lips. His deep eyes scanned the environment of the teahouse with a look of scrutiny and evaluation.
Behind the man were two assistant-looking people wearing black suits, holding folders and tablets.
Shen Qingci put down the account book in his hand, stood up, and asked politely: "Hello, how many people are there? Would you like some tea?"
The man's gaze fell on Shen Qingci, lingering for a few seconds before he spoke. His voice was low and magnetic, yet with a subtle detachment: "We're not here for tea."
The assistant behind him stepped forward, handed over a business card and a document, and said, "Hello, Miss Shen, we are from the 'Shiyan Investment Group'. This is our President Gu's business card. Our company plans to renovate and develop this old town area. The 'Evening Fragrance Tea House' happens to be within our planning scope, and we would like to discuss the acquisition with you."
Gu Yanchen...
Shen Qingci took the business card and the name on it caught her eye. She had heard of this company, which had risen to prominence in the business world in recent years, known for its decisiveness and rapid expansion.
She quickly glanced at the acquisition plan on the first page of the document. The numbers on it were tempting, but her brows were furrowed more and more.
"Sorry," Shen Qingci pushed the documents and business card back, his tone firm, "I won't sell the teahouse."
Gu Yanchen seemed a little surprised, raised his eyebrows, and looked at Shen Qingci: "Miss Shen, as far as I know, this teahouse has been poorly managed and is on the verge of bankruptcy. The price we offer is enough for you to buy a nice house in the city center, and there is still money left. You can consider it, this is a very good deal."
"For me, this isn't a good deal, but a thought." Shen Qingci looked straight into his eyes, his clear eyes unwavering. "This is the hard work of my grandmother. I won't sell it for any price."
She could feel that Gu Yanchen's eyes had turned a little colder. He looked Shen Qingci up and down as if he was evaluating a worthless commodity.
"Ms. Shen, I advise you to be more realistic." Gu Yanchen's voice turned cold. "The renovation of the old city is an inevitable trend, and you can't stop it alone. If you actively cooperate, you can get generous compensation; if you insist on not doing so, you may end up getting nothing."
"Then I won't sell it either." Shen Qingci refused to give in.
The air suddenly became stagnant.
Gu Yanchen stared at Shen Qingci for a long time. Finally, he withdrew his gaze and said to his assistant, "Since Miss Shen has no intention of cooperating for the time being, we will take our leave first. I hope you can think it through. Our patience is limited."
After saying that, he turned around and left the teahouse with his assistant without looking back.
The wooden door closed again, and the sound of the copper bell seemed a bit harsh.
Shen Qingci stood there, her palms slightly cold. She knew this was just the beginning. Someone like Gu Yanchen would never give up easily.
But she won't back down.
She walked to the window, looked at the drizzling spring rain outside, and picked up a tea can on the table with a label of "Longjing". This was one of grandma's favorite teas.
She opened the jar and was greeted by a refreshing aroma of beans.
Shen Qingci brewed herself a cup of Longjing tea, watching the tea leaves slowly unfurl in the hot water, the tea soup clear and emerald green. She took a sip, the bitterness tinged with a hint of sweetness, just like her mood at the moment.
No matter how great the difficulties are, she will protect this teahouse and her grandmother's "evening fragrance".
Outside the window, the rain was still falling, but Shen Qingci's eyes gradually became firm.
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