Chapter 33: A Master of Tea Artistry
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Changyi Road, Shisui Pavilion.
This is a teahouse located on the most scenic and tasteful street in Shangnan City.
This street used to be part of the old mansion district, where official residences of various architectural styles stood, once home to many high-ranking officials and nobles.
But now, all that former glory has faded away.
Along the street stretch pale yellow courtyard walls, behind which stand distinctively styled Western-style houses hidden among tall walls and dense foliage. Unique restaurants, bookstores, cafés, and teahouses are nestled here, making it a favored spot for leisurely strolls and relaxation.
Last night, Sister Wang had an unexpected encounter with Lv Yao on a narrow path, so she went to work this morning particularly radiant.
At noon, Jian Xiaojie invited her to meet at this teahouse.
Upon arriving, the tea master, rustic and kind-hearted like a village woman, greeted warmly, “Miss Wang, you look particularly well today.”
Sister Wang smiled, “Is that so? Perhaps life has been quite pleasant lately.”
It is often said that women are like flowers, needing regular tending and nourishment to bloom more brilliantly.
Now, Sister Wang wholeheartedly agreed.
Soon after, the sweet and plump Jian Xiaojie appeared in a white dress patterned with small daisies. She greeted brightly, “Big Sister Fu, the usual please~”
Jian Xiaojie turned to Sister Wang, “Hey? Your complexion’s gotten better recently, hasn’t it?”
“This skin is so tender!”
“And you look so spirited!”
Jian Xiaojie leaned close, inhaled deeply, then, with a mix of envy and delight, grabbed Sister Wang’s shoulder, “Damn! Is this how young studs get their boost?”
Sister Wang rolled her eyes, knowing full well she wouldn’t be taken seriously the moment Jian Xiaojie arrived.
And that figure of hers… utterly shameless!
That pure, fresh white daisy dress was stretched to its limit by her curves, instantly turning it into something brazen.
Sister Wang stepped back slightly, “What did you want to see me about?”
Jian Xiaojie smiled sweetly, “Your brother hiding at home is quite the sensation now. Someone’s asking me to help set up a meeting with him.”
Sister Wang frowned, “What’s it about?”
Jian Xiaojie sat opposite her, “Of course it’s troublesome. But I can’t refuse. The nightlife venue ST, right on the same street as NFA, wants to poach Lv Yao.”
The HR director of ST had gone through connections to reach Jian Xiaojie.
Sister Wang asked, “What’s the background of ST?”
Jian Xiaojie replied, “I looked into it—they seem connected to Jin Nan Investment Bank. But they approached Zhu Junyan, so I can’t easily dismiss their face. Don’t worry, I’ll bring a couple of friends along to back you up.”
Zhu Junyan was a well-known scion in Shangnan, reputed as “a brother to all within the four seas.”
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His reputation indeed carried considerable weight.
Sister Wang nodded, “I’ll talk to Lv Yao.”
“Ugh!”
Jian Xiaojie complained, “You can’t even be his family? You, a rich lady, are too irresponsible!”
Sister Wang sipped her tea calmly, “I already told you, we have a cooperative relationship.”
Jian Xiaojie straightened up, “I want to be your close and inseparable partner too!”
Sister Wang raised her hand to cut her off, “Shut up! You pay the bill. I’m leaving first.”
Jian Xiaojie was left speechless.
...
That evening, after Lv Yao finished his performance at NFA, he stepped down from the stage and went with Sister Nali to meet several NFA shareholders and distinguished guests.
Lv Yao toasted and chatted while Sister Nali mainly protected him.
Since Lv Yao’s debut at NFA, relying on original songs, his youthful and handsome appearance, and innate singing talent, NFA’s business had become increasingly flourishing.
Whenever Lv Yao performed, NFA was always packed.
When some guests posted photos of Lv Yao’s live performance on Weibo, Tianya, and other internet portals, more and more young people flocked to the nightlife venues on Zhongshan Road.
At this time, Weibo, Tianya, and other portals were still very popular.
Their traffic was enormous.
Especially Weibo.
Many celebrities eagerly joined the platform, personally managing their accounts in the early days.
These early days on the internet also witnessed many amusing incidents.
Thanks to the internet’s amplification, Lv Yao’s fame gradually spread online.
Many girls were captivated by authentic photos from Lv Yao’s performances, some even becoming fans in a frenzy.
Indeed, the internet fan culture seemed to have begun growing rapidly around this time.
The subsequent fan economy would last for seven or eight years, fueling the rise of fresh-faced idols in the entertainment industry and forcing audiences to endure mediocre content for years.
In hindsight, Lv Yao’s surge in traffic on Weibo, Tianya, and other portals was likely a deliberate result of NFA’s operations.
Having seen through Sister Nali’s strategy, Lv Yao quickly realized—his QQ online store could also ride the wave of the fan economy!
He could get some internet celebrities on Weibo to wear products from his shop and post pictures. They’d attract attention and traffic, while he’d gain followers and boost sales!
Perfect!
Under Sister Nali’s protection, Lv Yao completed his day’s work.
As he prepared to clock out, Sister Nali suddenly approached him, “The HR people from the neighboring venue have been trying to poach you these days. Have you received any messages?”
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Lv Yao was momentarily stunned, “No, I haven’t.”
Sister Nali nodded, “If you ever find yourself in a tight spot, call me.”
Lv Yao smiled, “Don’t worry, Sister Nali. I said I’d do this for a year, and I’ll stick to it.”
But Sister Nali shook her head, “I’m not worried you’ll run off. I’m worried you’ll offend someone. It’s better if I handle the dirty talk. If necessary, you can even help them side with us.”
Lv Yao: “...”
He understood the underlying scheme perfectly.
But he hadn’t expected Sister Nali to go to such lengths for him.
Indeed!
Sincerity is always a killer move.
Just as Lv Yao was touched, Sister Nali laughed, “I don’t mind if they target me backstage, but you’re onstage.”
Business is brutal.
Many venues get jealous seeing others make money while they lose out.
If they can’t have you, they’ll try to destroy you.
If they managed to bring Lv Yao down, NFA would suffer a huge loss.
So Sister Nali was willing to be the villain, preserving their goodwill and hope toward Lv Yao.
One must admit, people in this world think very strategically.
Lv Yao agreed, “Don’t worry, I’ll be a perfect green tea dio.”
Huh?
Sister Nali was momentarily taken aback.
By 2013, the term “green tea” had already become popular online, referring to women who appear innocent and harmless but are actually scheming and deceitful.
But this term was mostly used for women.
It was rare for a man to describe himself that way.
So Sister Nali was surprised.
She could never have imagined that the term “green tea” would have such enduring vitality, remaining popular even ten years later.
It even gave rise to the “tea language” or “tea studies.”
Coincidentally, Lv Yao could be considered a “tea art master” himself.