[[[CP|W:210|H:140|A:C|U:http://file2.qidian.com/chapters/201212/1/2510132634899684756202500223725.jpg]]]“Boss Fang.”

Upon arriving, Gao Dequan offered a sincere compliment: “Your Penglai Dwelling is becoming more and more elegant.”

“This is nothing yet. Once the flora and fauna here fully mature in a few years, then it will be truly perfect.” Fang Mingsheng dropped any pretense of humility, masking a hint of dissatisfaction with a slight smugness: “The only flaw is the stream water—it’s just common well water. I’m considering whether I should bore a pipeline to draw the Jade Dragon Spring water from Longhu Mountain here.”

“What an upstart.”

At that moment, Wang Guan couldn't help but curse inwardly. He finally understood why people scorned the newly rich; it wasn't contempt, but pure envy and resentment.

As if oblivious, Fang Mingsheng continued, “However, I consulted some experts, and they all said this task would be difficult. After all, the Jade Dragon Flying Spring is high up on the mountain; connecting a pipeline will require overcoming many hurdles. But the initial plan is settled; construction will begin after the symposium ends. So, Brother Gao, next time you visit, you’ll be able to drink the water from the Jade Dragon Flying Spring right here.”

Gao Dequan paid no heed, but his steps quickened slightly, leading him swiftly into the small building.

In the main hall, Elder Qian was already seated beside the tea table. Seeing the group enter, he immediately smiled genially, “Ade, you’ve arrived at the perfect moment. Come and sample the Lushan Cloud Mist I’ve brewed.”

“Elder Qian.”

Wang Guan and the others greeted him respectfully. Following Elder Qian’s gesture, they dispersed to sit down. Gao Dequan and Fang Mingsheng sat directly opposite Elder Qian. Wang Guan and Yu Feibai, the younger men, were positioned on either side of the trio.

On the tea table, an array of tea implements was neatly arranged. Two pure white porcelain cups stood at either end, with half a cup of leftover tea beside them. Nearby sat an electric stove; the kettle was already boiling, emitting wisps of hot steam.

Without waiting for Elder Qian to act, Wang Guan proactively took several porcelain cups and rinsed them with hot water. His movements were fluid, like running water, without the slightest clatter.

Soon, each teacup was filled about seventy percent with tea liquor, its color pale like jade, releasing a faint, delicate fragrance.

“Everyone, please taste,” Elder Qian said, holding up his cup for a refined sip, his expression tinged with approval.

Seeing this, the others also picked up their cups and took small sips.

The moment the tea entered his mouth, Wang Guan felt a rich, mellow essence spreading through his abdomen, rising to the taste buds, leaving his mouth fragrant and the aftertaste endless.

Yu Feibai exclaimed, “I’ve long heard that Lushan Cloud Mist is renowned for its four perfections: mellow taste, elegant color, exquisite aroma, and clear liquor. It truly lives up to its reputation; no wonder it’s listed as tribute tea.”

In contrast, Elder Qian, Gao Dequan, and Fang Mingsheng seemed accustomed to drinking Lushan Cloud Mist tea often, showing no particular awe.

“How dare you say that? This is one of the country’s ten famous teas, and it’s even in our province—yet you’ve never tried it,” Gao Dequan chided with a laugh. “It’s a shame you lived in Porcelain City for two years and never contributed to local economic development.”

“Uncle De, how can you blame me when you drink West Lake Biluochun the most often?” Yu Feibai retorted.

“Hahaha…”

Amidst laughter and banter, the group sipped tea and chatted casually.

Of course, the primary speakers were Gao Dequan and Fang Mingsheng, while Elder Qian listened attentively, nodding occasionally to offer a brief critique. As for Wang Guan and Yu Feibai, they were relegated entirely to listening.

As the conversation flowed, the topic inevitably turned to the purpose of this gathering.

Gao Dequan inquired, “Boss Fang, what treasure are you preparing to unveil this year?”

“Haha, that’s classified, classified,” Fang Mingsheng replied, adopting a mysterious air and waving his hand. “It wouldn’t be interesting if I revealed it now. I assume Brother Gao won’t tell me about the treasures you’ve brought either.”

“Indeed.”

Gao Dequan nodded with a light chuckle, though a trace of regret surfaced. “I know Boss Fang’s character well; if it weren’t a truly precious item, he wouldn’t be so confident.”

“Haha, Brother Gao knows me best,” Fang Mingsheng declared, basking in the praise, full of confidence. “I’ve attended this gathering for several years, and every year I just miss the champion’s crown in the treasure contest. This year, it’s my turn to take first place.”

“Your demeanor tells me your treasure must be extraordinary. It makes me impatient for the symposium to begin,” Gao Dequan said, smiling. “However, I must give Boss Fang a warning: the higher the expectation, the deeper the disappointment.”

“Oh, hearing you say that, Brother Gao must have also acquired an excellent treasure,” Fang Mingsheng’s eyes lit up, and his bearing shifted.

“Boss Fang will know when the time comes,” Gao Dequan also played coy, glancing subtly at Wang Guan. If that Li Tinggui inkstone proved genuine, it would certainly clinch the title.

Fang Mingsheng nodded reluctantly, then joked, “Elder Qian, did you hear that? Brother Gao is preparing to contend with me. You must promise not to show favoritism then.”

“Heh, how about I vote for you with favoritism?” Elder Qian chuckled.

“That would be wonderful!”

Fang Mingsheng readily agreed, causing Gao Dequan to laugh and scold him playfully.

Wang Guan listened from the side and offered a slight smile. It was only then that he realized the treasure exchange also included a competitive component—a treasure showdown. But logically, a simple exchange of collected items would indeed become rather tedious.

Adding a contest, however, completely changes the dynamic. It enhances the entertainment value while simultaneously igniting everyone’s competitive spirit, encouraging them to bring forth their finest treasures for appraisal—a strategy that serves two purposes at once.

With a smile, Fang Mingsheng suddenly announced, “I can’t show you the treasure I’m entering into the competition yet. However, I recently acquired another fine piece that I can bring out for everyone to admire.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?” Gao Dequan’s face lit up with delight. “Then we must impose upon Boss Fang.”

At this moment, Elder Qian appeared relaxed and nonchalant. Wang Guan and Yu Feibai, however, instantly became more alert. They watched as Fang Mingsheng walked out. Two or three minutes later, he returned at a quick pace.

In his hands, Fang Mingsheng was carrying a brocade box.

With the treasure now present, the others could no longer focus on sipping tea. They moved the tea set aside and intently watched as Fang Mingsheng opened the brocade box and carefully produced a sparkling, exquisitely beautiful Zisha teapot.

Engraved on the body of the pot were the eight characters: Quán Fèn Qù Kě, Méi Shòu Wú Gē (Removing Anger and Quenching Thirst, Long Life Without Scars).

Gao Dequan gasped upon seeing it: “This is Chen Mansheng’s Conjoined Happiness Teapot!”

“Haha, Brother Gao has sharp eyes. Please take a look,” Fang Mingsheng said, carefully setting the Zisha teapot down and gesturing.

Gao Dequan made no ceremony about it. He gently lifted the lid and placed it beside the pot, taking the opportunity to instruct the younger men: “You two, look closely. From now on, whenever you examine any lidded vessel, you must always remove the lid. Otherwise, if you carelessly fumble while inspecting it, the lid might fall and shatter.”

Wang Guan and Yu Feibai quickly nodded, understanding that even the smallest detail could not be overlooked. Lessons learned from past mistakes—such subtle experience was summarized from the setbacks of predecessors and should not be treated lightly.

While imparting this knowledge, Gao Dequan thoroughly examined the pot body and the lid, inside and out, before thoughtfully setting the Zisha teapot down and indicating, “Now, you two can try examining it as well.”

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