As the Chinese tea culture spread around the world, more and more people began to develop an interest in this unique culture. Of course, it was a favorite amongst the aristocrats and upper-class societies of the world.
Jill de Castei was no exception, either. His grandfather was a huge fan of Chinese tea culture and hence, he had a deep understanding of Chinese tea culture.
Since he was in China, he decided to do as the Chinese would. Hence, he ordered Biluochun tea, which he knew was Wen Xinya’s favorite. In order to cater to the needs of the Chinese, the French restaurant had a large stockpile of premium tea leaves as well as some exquisite Chinese tea sets. That was also the reason he chose to patronize this restaurant.
Wen Xinya smiled and said, “I didn’t expect you to fancy Chinese tea culture that much, Teacher Jill. I do know a thing or two about Chinese tea culture. If you don’t mind, shall I brew some tea for you?”
It was stated in the information about Jill that he had a penchant for Chinese tea culture and hence, Wen Xinya decided to use that to curry his favor.
Tea was one of the remarkable Chinese cultures and she was certain that Jill would be pleased with her respectful behavior.
Getting closer to Jill was a good thing for Wen Xinya because he was a renowned jewelry designer and a member of the French Vogue International Jewelry Association.
Greatly taken aback, Jill said gleefully, “Oh my gosh! Wen, you’re really an impressive lady.”
Jill knew that there were very few people in China who were proficient in tea culture and those who were, were all scholars or aristocrats. Only a few truly knew about Chinese tea culture, and the fact that she dared to perform tebrewing in front of him meant that she knew quite a bit about it.
Hence, he was glad and excited to see her perform.
The waitress served up a complete tea set and some premium Biluochun tea leaves.
Wen Xinya said, “Chinese tea culture is rich and there are more than a hundred tebrewing methods, different tea sets, and tea leaves. There are different brewing methods for different types of tea leaves. I’ll be performing the tea brewing techniques for Biluochun.”
Jill was bedazzled by Wen Xinya’s fluid actions and perfect tebrewing techniques which made her look elegant and graceful.
She was truly a charming Chinese lady.
Wen Xinya expressed her knowledge and talent in Chinese culture and the arts. The aroma of tea filled the air in the room and put them both in a merry mood.
The tea was ready. Wen Xinya served the tea to Jill with both hands and said, “This is tea serving which is also known as the method of serving offerings to the Goddess of Mercy. It is derived from the Buddhist story of serving jade to the Goddess of Mercy. Legend has it that it represents a blessing.”
Jill grabbed the teacup and asked, “What are the four remaining steps?”
“Observing, smelling, tasting and showing one’s gratitude.”
Jill performed the four remaining steps under Wen Xinya’s guidance. After he tasted the tea, he complimented delightfully. “It’s refreshing, fragrant, rich, and the aroma lingers in my mouth too. Marvelous, splendid!”
The two of them chatted about tea brewing and immediately got closer to each other.
Seeing that it was almost time, Jill changed the subject by saying, “Wen, I’ve been paying attention to the jewelry exhibition held by the Wen Family. Your mother’s masterpieces were perfect too, especially the finale piece, Puerile Phoenix. Oh… it’s the most flawless piece of art in this world. You modeled it very outstandingly.”
Jill did not sound in the least bit pretentious at all and he was also telling the truth because he felt that no one could come up with such a soulful and vibrant design which was also full of life.
The Spirit Of The Dragon symbolized pride.
Puerile Phoenix symbolized life.
Their beauty was outstanding, and also the reason for his visit to China.
Wen Xinya knew that they were broaching the main topic and purpose of their meeting. She said smilingly, “Thank you for your compliment, Teacher Jill.”
Still appearing excited, Jill said in a pompous tone, “I really liked the inspiration behind Puerile Phoenix. It’s perfect when combined with Puerile Phoenix’s outstanding qualities.”
Europeans had a strong enthusiasm and love for diamonds and gems. Gold did not fit their beauty standards, but Wen Xinya’s designs had given them a new impression of gold which they deemed to symbolize life.
“Since you like Puerile Phoenix, I must take you to Wen Corporation so that you can admire the set of jewelry in person,” Wen Xinya said amicably and tactfully with a sincere expression.
Jill decided to cut straight to the chase.
“Wen, I’m sure you know why I came to Capital city this time. The French Vogue International Jewelry Association has given Puerile Phoenix a high rating and they’d like to curate it for a lifelong display. What are your thoughts?”
His agenda was to acquire the rights to displaying Puerile Phoenix in the museum.
Wen Xinya smiled and said, “Teacher Jill, since you’ve read what I said about the inspiration, I’m sure you’re well aware that this set of jewelry symbolizes life, love, bliss, and hope!”
Turning someone down was an art too, especially when turning down romantic French. They were gentle and mild-mannered, but they were also prideful and uncompromising. However, they were not unreasonable and would also accept rejection once they were convinced.
Jill nodded in agreement to what she said, though he did not expect that to be the outcome.
Wen Xinya continued, “Life, love, bliss, and hope are the best things in life and they’re also the intangibles that humans pursuit endlessly. How could you bear to store them in a cold and enclosed museum, then? How could you bear to keep them away from human touch?”
The French valued life, love, bliss, and hope much more than anyone else did and they naturally had a different definition of them. Hence, Wen Xinya was certain that she would be able to convince Jill.