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"H-Hello, Ms. Ouyang!" Xu Qing stammered, so nervous she bowed a full ninety degrees. "Just now... I was just so happy to see you that I couldn't hold back and laughed out loud. I'm really sorry!"
"Heh, it's all right. This is a private residence, not the company, so there's no need to stand on so much ceremony." Ouyang Xuanyue's expression was warm, and her voice was filled with a reassuring tolerance. "Come in and sit. It's cold outside, and the tea has just awakened."
Xu Qing instantly felt as if she had been granted amnesty, and more than half of her taut nerves loosened at once.
Listen to that! That tone! That sense of acceptance!
It was practically like coming home. It felt way too safe!
She hurriedly took off her shoes and carefully walked to the opposite side of the low table. Imitating Ouyang Xuanyue, she somewhat clumsily knelt on the rush cushion. Her legs were pressed together, her hands placed properly on her knees, and her back was ramrod straight, looking exactly like an elementary school student listening attentively in class.
Ouyang Xuanyue sat down again. With a gentle lift of her fair hand, her tea-brewing movements flowed as smoothly as clouds and water, without the slightest hitch.
Boiling water poured into the purple clay teapot, and curling steam carried a crisp tea fragrance as it spread outward.
She picked up a cup of clear, translucent tea and gently pushed it in front of Xu Qing.
"Have a taste. This is freshly picked Wuyi Mountain White Cockscomb Tea. It'll warm you up and drive out the chill."
"Th-Thank you, Ms. Ouyang. The way you brew tea is truly elegant." Xu Qing accepted the teacup with both hands, so constrained that she stammered a little.
"Don't be