Inside, an old man and a youth sat facing each other. They appeared to be boiling water, with a small stove set upon a stone table. A kettle rested on the stove, and the youth was carefully placing pieces of charcoal beneath it.

The charcoal ignited, the flames burning fiercely without emitting any smoke. Instead, the kettle on the stove immediately began to hiss, releasing plumes of steam from its long spout.

Just then, the youth spotted Gao Dequan and Wang Guan. He immediately called out, "Uncle De, you've arrived too."

"Elder Qian."

Gao Dequan offered his respects first, then laughed and chided, "Yu Feibai, you waste your days on unproductive pursuits, always dabbling in crooked ways. Now you’ve come to disturb Elder Qian’s peace again. Aren't you afraid your father will ground you?"

"Uncle De, don't speak nonsense. If my old man finds out, he’ll truly skin me alive."

Yu Feibai spoke with feigned alarm, yet his face showed little panic as he grinned, "Besides, I’ve come today to present a treasure. I’ve acquired two marvelous things, ready to offer Elder Qian!"

"Present a treasure? I hope it’s not an embarrassment," Gao Dequan chuckled, his face betraying complete skepticism.

"Hmph, doubting me."

Yu Feibai looked displeased and immediately produced a finely packaged brocade box, showing it off. "Take a good look, this is the Fine Grade Xiao Long Tuan. This was made by a tea factory in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian, using retro techniques, purely by hand. All natural, without any added flavorings or preservatives..."

As he spoke, Yu Feibai opened the box to reveal round cakes imprinted with dragon and phoenix patterns.

"This looks like brick tea..."

Wang Guan was momentarily stunned, suddenly realizing that the Xiao Long Tuan seemed to be the name of an ancient type of tea cake.

"Oh!"

Gao Dequan also showed some surprise. "Feibai, your Xiao Long Tuan really is a tea cake. I thought it was some new tea on the market."

"Naturally. I wouldn't dare show off ordinary things in front of Elder Qian," Yu Feibai said with a proud smile. "This Fine Grade Xiao Long Tuan is completely retro, just like the ancient tribute teas. Only a few dozen cakes are produced annually. I had to pull in a huge favor just to get this box. I sincerely intended for Elder Qian to have a taste, and yet you accuse me."

"In that case, I misjudged you," Gao Dequan said, his eyes full of unconvinced amusement.

"That’s certainly the case."

Yu Feibai nodded carelessly, then produced another box, saying with a smile, "Wuyi Mountain Xiao Long Tuan from Fujian, paired with a Jian Ware Hare’s Fur bowl from Fujian—it’s simply exquisite."

"The Daoist rounds past Nanping Mountain, comes to test the three flavors of tea, disturbing not the midday bowl of Hare's Fur spots, pounding out spring urn’s goose-down wine."

As Yu Feibai recited the ancient poem, his movements were not slow. He took out several small bowls; their bodies were of dark, muddy clay, and the glaze showed numerous streak-like crystal patterns, fine as rabbit fur—precisely the Hare’s Fur glaze. Within the glaze were spots resembling partridge markings, which were distinctively beautiful under the sunlight.

"My word, Feibai, it’s only been a short while, but you’ve improved greatly. You even know this poem by Su Dongpo, 'On Sending Master Qian of Nanping.' Be honest, did you just flip through a book and memorize it?" Gao Dequan teased.

"Uncle De, don't always expose my secrets," Yu Feibai declared righteously. "Do I need to memorize poetry? I can just read it directly off a reference."

Everyone paused. They saw Yu Feibai press a spot on his finger, and an exquisitely designed, wide-screen mobile phone with a silvery metallic sheen appeared in his palm.

Wang Guan’s eyesight was good, and he clearly saw that the screen displayed the full text of Su Dongpo's poem.

"Haha..."

For a moment, everyone laughed, even Wang Guan couldn't help but let a slight smile curve his lips. However, he was also secretly impressed by Yu Feibai; after all, not everyone with a certain bearing and demeanor would so frankly admit to cheating.

"I knew you were unreliable," Gao Dequan shook his head and said with a smile. "You take your time fiddling around. Old Qian and I need to discuss some serious matters."

At this moment, Elder Qian, who had remained silent, saw the brocade box in Gao Dequan’s hand. His eyes immediately brightened with a hint of joy. "Have you found something good?"

"Indeed," Gao Dequan laughed. "But I didn't find it; it was Wang Guan who made a big score."

"Elder Qian," Wang Guan quickly stepped forward, his expression showing a touch of gratitude. After all, it was their first meeting, and he would not forget the kindness of being introduced to a job.

"Young man, we meet again," Elder Qian said, beaming. "It seems your luck is quite good; you found a bargain right after arriving at Jigu Zhai."

"It was indeed luck," Wang Guan nodded, not out of modesty, but because it was the truth.

"What is the object?" Elder Qian asked with curiosity. "It must be something significant to make your Uncle De rush over like this."

"More than significant, it's practically..."

Gao Dequan’s face lit up with joy as he was about to open the brocade box and take out the celadon small bowl.

At that moment, Yu Feibai protested, "Uncle De, there’s always a sequence to things. Elder Qian hasn't even appraised the treasures I brought yet. Mine first, yours can wait."

"Your treasures?" Gao Dequan looked confused. "Where are they?"

"Uncle De, stop pretending you don't know," Yu Feibai insisted. "Aren't they right here? The Jian Ware Hare's Fur bowls. They belong to Tang Qinghua; I finally persuaded him to let me bring them for Elder Qian to inspect."

"I say, how did you suddenly become so sensible, knowing you should show deference to Elder Qian? Turns out, you needed a favor," Gao Dequan suddenly understood, shaking his head and sighing. "What Fine Grade Xiao Long Tuan? It was clearly just an accompaniment."

"Uncle De, this is called elegance. Appreciating the Jian Ware while tasting the Xiao Long Tuan—they complement each other perfectly."

Yu Feibai, with a captivating smile, lifted one Hare’s Fur bowl and carefully placed it before Elder Qian. He said with utmost respect, "Elder Qian, look at this Jian Ware. The foot rim is small and shallow, the shaping is vigorous yet smooth, and the knife work is natural. The glaze is firm and lustrous, the color is deep black, and the vessel is glazed inside and out, with the outer glaze stopping near the foot. One look tells you this is a fine piece from Jian Ware."

"Furthermore, the glaze exhibits distinct dripping and kiln transformation phenomena, with thousands of fine Hare’s Fur lines, and crystalline spots resembling scattered oil drops—all very natural and flowing, not like deliberate forgery."

It was clear that Yu Feibai had considerable knowledge of Jian Ware. His detailed assessment hit all the key points.

Elder Qian did not rush to authenticate it but instead praised him, "Who said Feibai hasn't improved? At least after suffering a few major losses, he’s learned his lesson and is finally willing to study diligently."

"All thanks to the guidance from Elder Qian and Uncle De," Yu Feibai chuckled, a little embarrassed.

"If you young people are willing to study hard, there is no reason for us not to teach. Culture must be passed down through the generations, lest it die out..." Elder Qian spoke, the gentle aura around him dissipating, replaced by a commanding grandeur.

In that instant, Gao Dequan, Wang Guan, and Yu Feibai all grew solemn, listening intently.

However, after a few remarks, Elder Qian seemed to realize the topic had drifted. He immediately smiled. "An old man tends to ramble. I hope you will put this into practice in the future. Enough said; let me take a look at this Jian Ware bowl..."

........... New book uploaded, needing collections and recommendations urgently. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you.