Such a Strong Scent of Tea

Qin Yun’s open interest caught the attention of those around her. They all looked up, eager to see how Zhou Chong and Han Xi would react.

However, these onlookers were bound to be disappointed.

Zhou Chong remained unusually calm, treating Qin Yun’s invitation as a genuine discussion about tea, even nodding earnestly and responding, “Sure, I’d love to learn from you sometime.”

His demeanor was that of an eager student, seemingly oblivious to any underlying meaning in Qin Yun’s words.

This composure made people doubt their own interpretations, wondering if they had overthought the situation.

Standing beside Zhou Chong, Han Xi appeared even more composed. She seemed accustomed to such scenarios and paid little attention to Qin Yun’s actions.

Unhurriedly, she refilled everyone’s tea, softly saying, “He hasn’t studied long; he has many interests, not all of which he can master.”

Guo Zhu’s eyes lit up, catching the implication in her friend’s words, quickly asking, “Oh? What else can he do? Sounds impressive.”

Everyone refocused on the man, hoping for a demonstration.

However, Zhou Chong merely shook his head, regretfully saying, “I’ve only scratched the surface, so I won’t show off.”

Everyone understood, as they were strangers, and it was normal not to perform.

Zhou Chong leaned towards Han Xi, whispering, “Enough, Han Xi. I don’t want to perform like a schoolboy!”

His comment elicited a soft laugh from her, accompanied by a reassuring pat on his arm.

The two sat side by side, a perfect couple framed by soft light, like a scene from a delicate painting.

The surrounding people became mere background, highlighting the couple’s beauty and harmony.

Yet, in this scene, one person sat quietly in the corner, her eyes filled with envy and sadness, tears welling up.

She watched the happy couple, emotions she couldn’t express swelling within her.

Only Qin Yun, her smile unchanged, continued questioning as if nothing happened.

“Where is Mr. Zhou from? Your accent sounds like it’s from the Central Plains.”

She sipped her second cup of tea, seemingly asking casually.

Han Xi’s smile froze, her gaze cooling slightly.

She’d forgotten about this. Memories could be altered, interests and skills too, but accents were hard to change quickly.

Han Xi hadn’t considered this, but Qin Yun had pinpointed it, a formidable opponent.

Zhou Chong hesitated, glancing at Han Xi, seeking guidance.

He had no memory of this.

He frowned, wondering why he didn’t know his hometown.

Han Xi’s mind raced, but she quickly regained composure.

She discreetly pressed his hand, then looked at Qin Yun.

“My husband likes watching bloggers from the Central Plains, so he picked up the accent.”

Zhou Chong felt the warmth in his palm, calming his chaotic thoughts.

He did enjoy Henan dialect videos, often stopping to watch.

The questioner leaned back, watching them with interest, softly saying, “Oh? Really?”

Her face screamed disbelief.

Such a flimsy excuse was hard to buy.

Clearly, Han Xi and Fang Zhou were conspiring, unwilling to admit the truth.

Today, she’d make Fang Zhou acknowledge his identity!

Beside her, Chu Xinran’s hope rekindled.

She too doubted the excuse.

So she composed herself, ready to assist.

The pure-faced girl stood, bowing to Fang Zhou, sincerely saying, “I’m sorry, Mr. Zhou! I mistook you for someone else! Please forgive my rudeness; you look so much like my first love!”

Chu Xinran’s move left him no choice but to forgive.

“No problem, just be careful next time.”

Zhou Chong waved it off, unconcerned.

Chu Xinran picked up a tea cup, insisting on apologizing.

“I offer you this tea as an apology; please forgive me.”

Guo Zhu’s cousin stepped in to smooth things over.

“Oh, Xinran’s first love went missing, so she’s upset. Please forgive her impulsiveness.”

Chu Xinran lowered her gaze, long lashes hiding a fleeting coldness.

If not for Qiao Sisi taking him so far, Fang Zhou wouldn’t have run, leading to this.

But paying Guo Zhu’s cousin helped; she knew to assist.

Zhou Chong glanced at Han Xi, seeking her opinion.

Han Xi smiled, nodding, curious about Chu Xinran’s plan.

So he stood, ready to accept the apology tea, letting bygones be bygones.

But then, Chu Xinran signaled Qin Yun with a glance.

Qin Yun understood, subtly tripping Chu Xinran under the table.

The sudden stumble threw Chu Xinran off balance, spilling the tea as she fell.

The pale tea poured like a waterfall, soaking the man’s white sweater.

The tea quickly seeped into the fabric, creating blotchy stains, resembling graffiti, comically absurd.

“What happened!”

Guo Zhu shot up, eyeing Chu Xinran suspiciously.

“Did you do that on purpose?”

A grown woman tripping on flat ground? Ridiculous!

And how convenient, spilling on someone?

There had to be intent.

Guo Zhu glared at her cousin, signaling: Look at the mess you brought!

The cousin lowered her gaze, thinking: Not my problem; I’m just here for the money.

Chu Xinran looked pitiful, tears glistening, on the verge of crying.

She held tissues, cautiously approaching to clean the tea.

Apologizing repeatedly, her voice choked with guilt.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean it!”

“I was too emotional, lost strength, and spilled it.”

Tears slid down her cheeks, enhancing her pitiful look.

Her pure, lovely face seemed even more endearing with her expression.

Yet, Zhou Chong remained calm, not angry or blaming her. He took tissues from Han Xi, gently wiping the stains, avoiding contact with Chu Xinran.

His deep voice conveyed understanding and forgiveness.

“It’s just water; don’t worry. I’ll change clothes; it’s fine.”

“Stay here; I’ll be back.”

He left for his room.

His words seemed for everyone, but his eyes were on Han Xi.

Han Xi nodded, softly saying, “Go ahead.”

They watched him ascend the stairs.

Feeling a cold gaze, Chu Xinran turned to its source.

It was Han Xi.

Her expressionless face showed displeasure.

Chu Xinran smiled, using her newfound tea skills, sweetly saying, “Sister Han Xi, I spilled water on him; are you mad?”

Everyone felt a shiver.

Such a strong scent of tea.

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