The Precious Teahouse
Page 6
“I had the same reaction when he started staying at the Teahouse,” Ziyu said.
Dahari nodded and placed his teacup on the table. “I’m glad that you have been able to save the Precious Teahouse. I hope to visit it very soon, now that my son has chosen to stay there.”
Ziyu glanced at San for a moment before he bowed his head formally. “It will be honor to serve you when you come.”
“Such a polite child,” Mei murmured.
“Father,” San said quietly. “As per your request, I brought Ziyu to you.”
Dahari took a folder at his elbow and held it out to Ziyu. “I would have come to Hanou earlier. If I had known the state of the Precious Teahouse, I’d have definitely made sure to help.”
Ziyu took the folder glancing at San in confusion.
“Tao and I were like brothers.” Dahari continued as Ziyu opened the folder. “I hope you can think of me as you would your father, Ziyu Yin.”
“I’d like that very much too.” Ziyu placed the folder on the table.
“Good,” Dahari said with a wide smile. “As promised, the aged Pu’er in my stores will go to the Precious Teahouse. It will be an honor to keep our businesses connected.”
Mei met Ziyu’s gaze, and said, “as well as our family.”
Her gaze spoke more than her words and he realized what she meant. San’s hand took his under the table and he blushed bowing slightly. She picked up the teapot and poured him tea.
“I look forward to endless hours with you, Ziyu. I’d love to hear all the tales San says you tell.” Mei poured tea for her son.
“Not to forget the Chabaixi,” Dahari said with a wide grin taking his cup he held it out to him in honor. “You are just as good as your father was, your art is beautiful.”
*****
Ziyu and San returned to the Precious Teahouse. The Precious Teahouse saved, forever safe in their care, and their generations to come. Their love bloomed, guarded ferociously, by Chen’s support, Jade’s compassion and Lee’s loyalty. Celebrated by San’s family, and nurtured every day by Ziyu and San.
If you visit the Precious Teahouse, Ziyu will pour you a cup and tell you a tale. When you ask him why he loves tea so much, he’ll answer, “If people drank a cup of tea every day, the pharmacists would starve, for you see, my dear customer, Tea is a cup of life.”
I, dear reader, I can’t argue with that.
****
The End
****
About the Author
Suilan Lee loves writing and reading. When she’s not doing those two things; she lives and works on a farm. She helps run the family business where she’s constantly wrestling broken pipes, town gossip and family drama. She loves watching drama, great food, and a delicious hot cup of masala tea.
Connect with her on her:
Twitter:@LeeSuilan
Facebook: Suilan Lee
Blog: Suilan Lee Blog