Chen Wei stood behind Taibai Jinxing, listening quietly.
With every word of praise, he bowed modestly, occasionally nodding and chiming in.
"You flatter me, Star Lord."
"It's all thanks to His Majesty's heavenly grace and my honored teacher Taibai's guidance."
"I still have much to learn. I'll be relying on both of you Star Lords for advice in the future."
His replies flowed seamlessly, without a single flaw to pick at.
Inwardly, however, Chen Wei sneered.
He had seen through them.
Big Dipper and Southern Dipper had lowered themselves today not to exchange pleasantries, but to make peace.
The Constellations Faction had suddenly discovered that it had fewer cards left to play, while Chen Wei, who had taken over the mess, was not only ruthless in his methods but had powerful backing.
They certainly couldn't win a head-on clash.
Since they couldn't win, their only option was to bow their heads, admit defeat, and hurry to mend relations.
Having figured this out, Southern Dipper and Big Dipper were in no rush to state their position. They left everything to Taibai Jinxing.
Taibai Jinxing remained silent throughout. He neither invited Chen Wei to sit nor interrupted Southern Dipper and Big Dipper's flattery. He simply sat steadily in his seat, concentrating on handling the tea utensils, rinsing the leaves and pouring the tea.
Until Southern Dipper and Big Dipper had exhausted every flattering phrase they could think of.
Taibai Jinxing still said nothing.
Only after Southern Dipper and Big Dipper had exhausted every flattering phrase they could think of did they close their mouths.
Seeing this, Taibai Jinxing lifted the kettle and poured water into four purple clay cups. As he poured, he said, "With tea, the first brew is bitter, the second is astringent, and only with the third do you