Silver Needle White Needle
Chapter 8: Silver Needle
After returning from the tea garden, Shen Qingci's mood was very complicated. Gu Yanchen's confession was like a stone thrown into the lake of her heart, and the ripples it stirred up did not subside for a long time.
She admitted that she had feelings for Gu Yanchen. His maturity, his gentleness, his help at the teahouse, and the tender look he gave her all moved her. But she was also hesitant. Their identities and backgrounds were so different, and she was naturally cautious about relationships.
In the next few days, Gu Yanchen did not mention the confession again, nor did he come to see her on purpose. He just sent her a text message occasionally, asking about the progress of the teahouse renovation, or sharing some interesting stories about tea, giving her enough space to think.
This kind of respect made Shen Qingci like him even more.
That morning, shortly after the teahouse opened, an old customer hurried in, looking a little anxious.
"Qingci, this is bad!" Grandpa Chen came in, holding a newspaper. "Look, the newspaper says a large commercial complex is going to be built on our old street, and the 'Wanxiang Tea House' is also within the demolition area!"
Shen Qingci's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly took the newspaper. Sure enough, there was a report in the corner of the entertainment section. The headline read, "Chayun Street to Become a New Commercial Landmark; Century-Old Teahouses May Face Demolition." The report included a photo of the teahouse, and the text was ambiguous, but it hinted at the inevitability of demolition.
"This...this can't be true, right?" Shen Qingci's hands were shaking. She had clearly reached an agreement with Gu Yanchen, so how could such news suddenly emerge?
"How can it not be true? It's all in the newspaper!" Grandpa Chen sighed, "It must be that Mr. Gu's doing! He lied to you when he said he wanted to protect the teahouse!"
At this moment, the door of the teahouse was pushed open and Gu Yanchen walked in. He saw Shen Qingci's pale face and the newspaper on the table, and immediately understood what had happened.
"Qingci, please listen to my explanation." Gu Yanchen walked quickly to her, his tone urgent.
"Explain?" Shen Qingci raised his head, his eyes filled with disappointment and anger. "Boss Gu, is this what you mean by protecting the teahouse? Was everything you did before just to make me let my guard down?"
"No, you misunderstood," Gu Yanchen said hurriedly. "This report is false. It was deliberately released by our competitors in order to sabotage our transformation plans and sow discord between us."
"Fake news?" Shen Qingci clearly didn't believe it. "It's already in the newspaper, how could it be fake?"
"I can guarantee that this is absolutely false." Gu Yanchen looked her in the eyes with sincerity. "I've asked the public relations department to handle it, and they'll be issuing a clarification statement soon. Besides, the agreement between us is still in place, and I will never let the teahouse be demolished."
Grandpa Chen said, "No evidence is provided by words. Who knows if what you said is true?"
Gu Yanchen ignored Grandpa Chen and just looked at Shen Qingci intently: "Qingci, are you willing to believe me?"
Shen Qingci looked into his eyes, feeling conflicted. She wanted to believe him, but the newspaper reports made her doubt him.
Just then, Gu Yanchen's phone rang. He picked up the phone, and after listening to a few words, his expression turned grim.
"Okay, I got it. I'll be there right away." After hanging up the phone, he said to Shen Qingci, "Something urgent happened at the company, and I have to go back and deal with it right away. But I promise you, I will give you a satisfactory answer to this matter."
After saying that, he turned around and hurriedly left the teahouse.
Looking at Gu Yanchen's back, Shen Qingci felt mixed emotions. She didn't know whether she should believe him or not.
For the next few hours, Shen Qingci was restless. She kept following the news online, but didn't see any clarification. The old customers in the teahouse were also talking about it, and everyone expressed doubts about Gu Yanchen's words.
Just when Shen Qingci was about to despair, Gu Yanchen's text message came: "Qingci, the clarification statement has been released. You can check it online. In addition, I have found out who spread the false information, and I will hold him accountable legally. I will come to you again tonight and explain it to you in detail."
Shen Qingci immediately opened his computer and saw the clarification statement released by Shiyan Investment Group. The statement clearly stated that the previous reports were false and that the company's renovation plan would strictly adhere to the previous agreement, fully preserving the historical features of the "Evening Fragrance Tea House." The statement also included relevant evidence.
After seeing the statement, Shen Qingci finally felt relieved. She realized that she had indeed misunderstood Gu Yanchen.
In the evening, Gu Yanchen came to the teahouse as promised. He looked a little tired, but his eyes were still gentle.
"Qingci, I'm sorry for making you feel wronged." Gu Yanchen sat in front of her, full of apology.
"I should be the one to say sorry." Shen Qingci lowered his head, a little embarrassed, "I shouldn't have disbelieved you."
"It's okay, I understand how you feel." Gu Yanchen smiled. "If it were me, I would be suspicious too."
To express his apology, Shen Qingci specially brewed a pot of Baihao Yinzhen for Gu Yanchen. Baihao Yinzhen is a rare white tea, with a straight, needle-like appearance and a blanket of white hairs that resemble silver and snow. After brewing, the tea is clear and transparent, with a fresh aroma and a mellow flavor.
"This is Baihao Yinzhen, try it." Shen Qingci handed the teacup to Gu Yanchen.
Gu Yanchen took the teacup, took a sip, and nodded: "It's delicious and refreshing."
The two drank tea quietly, and the atmosphere was a little subtle.
After a while, Shen Qingci raised his head, looked at Gu Yanchen, and mustered up the courage to say, "Mr. Gu, regarding what you said last time, I... I'm willing to give it a try."
Gu Yanchen was stunned for a moment, then a surprised smile appeared on his face: "Qingci, are you serious?"
Shen Qingci nodded, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Gu Yanchen excitedly held her hand. Her hand was soft and warm.
"That's great, Qingci!" Gu Yanchen's voice trembled. "I will definitely treat you well."
Shen Qingci looked at his happy face, and her heart was filled with sweetness. She knew that she had made the right choice.
This cup of sweet Baihao Yinzhen tea also witnessed the official beginning of their relationship.
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