Sister Yu wore a pure white hanfu-style qixiong ruqun dress. Her hair was coiled in an ancient updo. She truly looked like a noble lady from a secluded mansion a thousand years ago.
Some people wore hanfu like they were showing off. But Sister Yu wore it with innate grace, beautiful as a celestial being.
Su Su sighed inwardly—indeed, hanfu really depended on looks and aura.
Sister Yu’s eyes held a faint smile. She took an antique tea set from the cabinet. Turning to the siblings, she asked, “Would you like some tea?”
Bai Su was about to refuse. But Su Su beside him cheered, “Yes! I love tea brewed by Sister Yu’s own hands!”
He could only nod awkwardly. When Sister Yu turned away, he glared at Su Su.
Su Su didn’t mind. She stuck out her tongue and made a face. In her heart, she grumbled, “Little kid, so obsessed with saving face you suffer. Why refuse such kindness?”
However… Recalling that tea’s taste, rapture flickered on her small face.
Though Su Su was a tea layperson in both timelines, she knew Sister Yu’s brew was no ordinary tea.
It had a hint of bitterness on entry, endless aftertaste, neither dry nor astringent. Just as she remembered that aroma, Bai Su was nearly captivated by Sister Yu’s tea artistry.
Sister Yu rolled up her sleeves, revealing fair forearms and wrists. She poured hot water with skill. Smiling faintly, her fingers danced like butterflies. Each step flowed methodically.
The siblings couldn’t grasp deep tea artistry. But they saw the intricate process wasn’t for ordinary patience. Sister Yu’s effortless elegance revealed her mastery.
In short, they didn’t understand but felt it was impressive.
Soon, the tea was ready. Sister Yu put away the set. She carried a small tray to them. Eyes crinkling, she joked, “Honored guests, please enjoy your tea.”
The three exchanged glances and laughed.
Su Su and Bai Su each held a bamboo-threaded porcelain cup. Deep red tea swirled inside. A faint “golden ring” shimmered on the liquid and rim. They met eyes, seeing mutual admiration.
Though clueless, they were awed.
Su Su lowered her head and took a slight sip from the rim.
Instantly, sweet bitterness filled her mouth. The tea was perfectly warm, lightly scalding her tongue. It carried plant-like freshness and aged richness. It overwhelmed all her senses.
Beautiful things are universal. Even if we don’t grasp why they’re good, the joy is the same.
Bai Su savored the aftertaste and praised it. Playing with his cup, he suddenly said, “Sister Yu, this tea must be expensive, right?”
Su Su shot him a disdainful look. “Expensive? Don’t say vulgar things during tea time. It ruins the mood.”
Bai Su’s face flushed red. He felt awkward.
He remembered the extraordinary woman before him. She likely didn’t care about money. Mentioning it during this elegant moment truly spoiled the atmosphere.
But Sister Yu didn’t mind. She took Su Su’s cup and placed it on a small table. Then she patted Su Su’s head. “It’s fine. These things aren’t worth fussing over.”
Bai Su watched Su Su lower her head slightly, obedient under Sister Yu’s touch. Her blissful expression resembled a tame, fluffy kitten. He felt sincere envy… If he patted her head, this hissing kitten would bite him all over.
Sister Yu continued with interest, “But my tea is genuinely pricey—Xiao Su, are you eyeing my stash?”
“Huh?” Bai Su was speechless.
Even with limited knowledge, he knew tea prices varied wildly. Cheap kinds cost tens of yuan per bag. The finest were priceless treasures, unavailable at any cost.
Bai Su rarely drank tea. But intuition said selling himself wouldn’t buy much of this brew.
He shrugged helplessly. “Sister Yu, don’t tease me. That tea you brewed—we couldn’t afford it even if you sold me.”
Sister Yu nodded. “You’re somewhat discerning, I’ll give you that.”
She released Su Su. Taking Bai Su’s cup, she set the tray on the cabinet. Leisurely, she asked, “You didn’t come just for tea today, did you?”
Su Su jumped up. Pointing at Bai Su’s messy, nest-like hair, she said, “Sister Yu, I brought my brother for a haircut. Look—it’s like a bird’s nest!”
Sister Yu nodded. Beckoning Bai Su, she said, “Come, Xiao Su. I’ll wash your hair first.”
Bai Su glared at Su Su. Amid her laughter, he awkwardly lay on the shampoo chair.
Sister Yu smiled. She tested the water temperature. Then she began washing his hair gently.
Her hands used almost no force. Soft and slender, they brushed his neck like a breeze. It made his heart tingle.
“This is really comfortable,” Bai Su thought.
Her delicate fingers washed his short hair. He felt a strange pleasure, like reclining on a beauty’s lap.
No wonder business boomed here with mostly male customers. Such hands washing your hair could melt half your body.
Sadly, they could only dream. These hands could wash hair—or break bones with equal gentleness.
“Alright, sit up,” Sister Yu’s voice said suddenly.
Bai Su froze—was it already done?
He sat up as instructed. Taking the light towel she handed him, he wiped his dripping hair.
“Come, sit here,” Sister Yu gestured.
She stood behind the barber chair, holding a cape.
Bai Su sat obediently. Sister Yu draped the cape over him and fastened it. With both hands, she straightened his head. Smiling sweetly, she asked, “So, Xiao Su, what hairstyle would you like?”
[To be continued]
