Overwhelmed by unexpected favor

Li Jingyi was a renowned jewelry appraiser, having seen countless priceless gems; her immunity to the allure of money was considerable. Yet even she was stunned by the sheer size of this courtyard residence.

“I can hardly wait to step inside and take a look. Though a renovated and rebuilt courtyard might lack some of the weight of history, its design is surely closer to modern tastes. With a courtyard this large, it must have been designed by a famous architect—I imagine the style must be absolutely breathtaking.” This was not just flattery; Li Jingyi genuinely felt this way.

“The architecture and landscaping are indeed the work of masters. While it may not have the same historical gravitas as other courtyard homes, its livability has been perfected. Personally, I prefer these courtyards, which incorporate more modern elements.”

As she spoke, Xiao Banxia led Mr. and Mrs. Wang Chuanjie into the compound.

Although Li Jingyi was a frequent guest among the elite families of the capital, it was her first time visiting a private residence spanning over 2,000 square meters.

The architectural design and landscaping were truly the creations of masters: the ancient charm had been preserved, yet modern elements were seamlessly woven in, creating a harmonious whole without a hint of incongruity.

After touring the front courtyard and entering the second, Mr. and Mrs. Wang Chuanjie could not stop marveling aloud. The innovative design of this new-style courtyard had thoroughly won them over, and their admiration came straight from the heart.

Upon hearing of their arrival, Butler Lu hurried out to welcome them, coming up to Wang Chuanjie and saying, “It is an honor to receive such distinguished guests. I am Lu Xuhui, the steward of the Xiao residence. Our young master is already waiting in the sitting room. Please follow me.”

Mr. and Mrs. Wang exchanged glances, once again raising their estimation of their host’s status.

To live in a top-tier residence and employ a top-tier butler, the host must naturally be of the highest social standing.

The group entered the sitting room. Upon seeing Wang Chuanjie again, Xiao Yao rose and said, “Welcome, Mr. Wang, to this humble abode. I never expected our paths to cross so often—after yesterday’s chance encounter, here we are again today.”

“I’m here today out of necessity. Though I wouldn’t call myself an unwelcome guest, my visit is certainly abrupt. If I have acted inappropriately, I hope Mr. Xiao will forgive me. When this matter is settled, I will host a banquet to make amends, and I hope you will honor me by attending, giving me a chance to apologize properly.”

Indeed, Mr. and Mrs. Wang Chuanjie’s visit had been rather hasty. If not for Xiao Banxia being one of his employees, Wang Chuanjie would have found it difficult to gain entry to such a grand residence.

As president of the Asia-Pacific division of a Fortune 500 company, Wang Chuanjie possessed exceptional social skills. He made a point of apologizing as soon as they met; even if Xiao Yao was displeased by his abrupt arrival, his sincere apology would likely dispel any annoyance.

“Mr. Wang, you are too polite. It is an honor to receive such distinguished guests—there’s not the slightest resemblance to an unwelcome visitor,” Xiao Yao replied.

Wang Chuanjie introduced his wife, Li Jingyi, and after the pleasantries, everyone took their seats. Butler Lu soon brought out a pot of tea.

“This is pre-Qingming Dragon Well tea harvested from the eighteen mother trees on Lion Peak. Please, Mr. Wang, have a taste and see what you think.” Once the tea was poured, Xiao Yao did not rush to discuss business.

Wang Chuanjie had anticipated that the tea served would be exceptional, but upon hearing it was pre-Qingming Dragon Well from the eighteen mother trees on Lion Peak, he could not help but be astonished, once again deeply impressed.

Dragon Well tea is classified by its origin: Lion Peak, Meiwu, and West Lake, with Lion Peak being the finest. Its tender yellow hue and lingering fragrance have earned it the reputation of "the pinnacle of Dragon Well." The tea is picked according to strict standards: some pick only a single tender bud, others one bud and one leaf, or one bud and two newly unfurled leaves. Because of these stringent requirements, yields are extremely low.

Among Lion Peak Dragon Well teas, those harvested from the eighteen mother trees in front of Hu Gong Temple are the very summit, the imperial tea, unparalleled in the world.

Lion Peak Mountain, nestled among the hills beside the beautiful West Lake, nurtures the world-famous “Four Supreme” teas—West Lake Lion Peak Dragon Well. In front of Hu Gong Temple at the foot of Lion Peak, the “Eighteen Imperial Tea Trees” are surrounded by railings, attracting countless visitors each day.

West Lake Dragon Well originated in the Song dynasty and flourished in the Qing, beloved and celebrated by scholars, poets, and beauties throughout history. Emperor Qianlong, in particular, visited the Dragon Well area four times during his six southern tours to watch tea harvesting and processing. The West Lake region is the authentic source of Dragon Well tea; Lion Peak is the core production area, and the eighteen imperial tea trees in front of Hu Gong Temple, designated by Qianlong, are the very heart of it. In 2005, one hundred grams of tea from these eighteen trees fetched a record price of 146,000 yuan at auction, setting the highest mark for Dragon Well that year.

A decade later, with China’s economy greatly strengthened and purchasing power dramatically increased, tea from these eighteen imperial trees has become even more precious, its price now beyond estimation.

Most importantly, to drink this legendary tea is not merely a matter of price, but of status. With an annual yield of only two taels, countless people across the country covet it; money alone is not enough to secure a taste.

Xiao Yao had brought out such a precious tea for his guests; to be honest, Mr. and Mrs. Wang Chuanjie felt deeply honored.

Wang Chuanjie knew his place—he was only here thanks to his connection through Xiao Banxia. To someone like Xiao Yao, he was hardly a distinguished guest.

To serve him, an ordinary guest, with this legendary top-tier tea was a mark of profound respect.

He wondered, if this tea was served to ordinary guests, what would be offered to truly distinguished visitors? His curiosity was piqued, though he doubted he would ever know the answer.

“I’ve long admired this legendary imperial tea. Today, I am finally privileged to taste it—it seems I have truly come to the right place,” Wang Chuanjie said, eager to sample the imperial tea.

“Our Chuanjie loves tea, especially Lion Peak Dragon Well. To drink this legendary imperial tea today fulfills a lifelong wish,” Li Jingyi replied, her demeanor serene and graceful; she spoke little, but always aptly.

Xiao Yao responded courteously, “I still have some Lion Peak imperial tea left. If Mr. Wang enjoys it, you are welcome to visit often.”