Zuo Changlu laughed heartily. "That's true enough. Come, come, Old Hong, I happen to have some superb tea here. It'll help replenish your vitality. Just look how frail you've become."
Blind Hong said, his face full of gratitude, "All these years, I've truly owed so much to your friendship and support, Boss Zuo. If not for your benevolent heart, your deep kindness, and the many times you've helped me, these old bones of mine would probably have been buried in the earth for who knows how long."
Zuo Changlu said unhappily, "We've been brothers for so many years. Saying things like that makes us sound like strangers. Come, come, these are slices of seven-hundred-year-old ginseng. They supposedly prolong your life and add years to your lifespan..."
He helped the old blind man into his shop and began brewing the tea. In moments, an intensely rich, refreshing ginseng fragrance filled the air.
Blind Hong sniffed, and even the wrinkles on his face relaxed a little. He said in a low voice, "Boss Zuo, this ginseng tea of yours is truly extraordinary. It's probably more than seven hundred years old, isn't it?"
Zuo Changlu lifted the teapot and filled the old blind man's cup. With a chuckle, he said, "Take it easy, Old Hong. This first steeping is the best. Don't spill it and waste this token of my goodwill."
Blind Hong opened his toothless mouth in a grin and chuckled, saying with great delight, "Of course, of course."
His trembling hand reached out to feel for the teacup.
He found the cup, but on the wrong side. Instead of the handle, his hand found the other side. As Blind Hong shakily lifted it, the rim naturally tilted, and nearly a third of the tea splashed out.
"Oh dear..."
Blind Hong hurriedly