Despite Yichen's words, Yibai sat still as if he hadn't heard anything, waiting for the water to boil. In the countryside, his master had been an almost omnipotent figure, especially in the art of tea. Even before he could handle a kettle, his master had already taught him how to make tea, so his confidence was well-founded. He had memorized the "three boils" for tea-making when he was only five years old and therefore did not bother to answer Su Yichen's childish question. In Yichen's and everyone else's eyes, Yibai appeared unable to answer and pretended not to hear. But he paid them no mind, recalling his master's instructions.
The three boils for tea-making
1 . The first boil: "Shrimp eyes"
1 .Appearance: Small bubbles the size of shrimp eyes begin to form at the bottom of the kettle. They rise up with a rapid, sizzling sound.
2 .Temperature: Approximately 75–85°C (167–185°F).
3 .Tea pairing: This cooler water is ideal for delicate green and white teas, which can become bitter or astringent if brewed at higher temperatures.
2 .The second boil: "Crab eyes" and "fish eyes"
1 .Appearance: The small bubbles grow larger, reaching the size of crab eyes, and rise more steadily. As the temperature continues to increase, the bubbles become bigger still, like fish eyes, and the sound of the water becomes quieter.
2 .Temperature: Approximately 90–95°C (194–203°F).
3 .Tea pairing: This moderate temperature is best for many types of oolong teas and some black teas.
3 . The third boil: "Raging torrent"
1 . Appearance: The water reaches a full, rolling boil. The sizzling sound has ceased, and large bubbles break the surface in a "raging torrent," just like the waves of a drum being played in water.
2 .Temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F).
Tea pairing: This is the correct temperature for heavily oxidized teas, such as dark oolongs, pu-erh, and most black teas. The high heat is necessary to properly extract the full flavor from these dense, robust tea leaves.
3 . Tea pairing: This is the correct temperature for heavily oxidized teas, such as dark oolongs, pu-erh, and most black teas. The high heat is necessary to properly extract the full flavor from these dense, robust tea leaves.
Why this method is important
While modern variable-temperature kettles provide precise control, the practice of observing the "three boils" offers several benefits:
Developing intuition: It trains the tea brewer to pay close attention to the visual and auditory cues of the water, building an intuitive understanding of the craft.
Enhancing sensory experience: It adds a meditative, ritualistic element to the preparation, reinforcing the mindful nature of gongfu cha.
Connecting to tradition: It links modern practice with the ancient traditions of Hua tea culture.
Just then, the water boiled. Everyone was waiting for Yibai to glance at Yichen and learn how to make tea like him.
"Yibai, who had been as still as a statue, finally moved after the water boiled. Everyone was waiting for Yibai to peek at Yichen and learn how to make tea from him." Instead, he focused on pouring water into the teapot, with no intention of learning from him.
Pouring water was a simple action, but for some reason, when Yibai did it, there was an indescribable elegance and beauty.
"—If it weren't for his face full of red spots, this scene could have been painted."
However, Su Yichen's attention had shifted. He deliberately looked at Yibai from the corner of his eye, waiting for him to copy him and get caught in the act.
Unexpectedly, Yibai didn't even look up. He poured water with one hand and whisked with the other, his movements incredibly professional.
Although he believed in his own abilities, a sense of unease inexplicably surged up, compelling him to focus more intently.
Perhaps it was because Yibai's demeanor was so composed, which made Yichen feel a growing anxiety.Su Yichen was also a professional, and just by watching Yibai's movements, he could sense that Yibai might actually know how to make tea!
His heart couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Although he was still confident that this useless, incompetent , ugly, bastardous spawn of Satan couldn't compare to himself, the oppressive feeling inexplicably surged up, making him have to prepare seriously.
Perhaps it was because Yibai's expression was too indifferent and calm, making him feel anxious.
At the same time, just outside the tea room...
"Is that my fiancé?"
The Alpha in the wheelchair directed his gaze towards the beautiful, graceful and elegant figure of Yichen.
He possessed strikingly handsome features, a slightly pale complexion, and a carefully concealed intensity that made him appear frail his once robust physique now emancipated due to ibeing wheelchair bound. Only the coldness in his eyes hinted at his complex inner thoughts. His companions behind him were well aware that the Second Young Master's outward warmth was merely a facade.
The man's attendant also looked into the tea room, focusing on Yichen, who was standing towards Yibai's left side.
"Yes, that is him, Young Master Su of the Su Family," Li Wei Zhi confirmed, mistakenly believing Yichen was his intended fiance .
Upon hearing this, the man's gaze returned to Yichen's attractive face, and he felt a slight relief. Yichen was rather to his liking, despite the disparity in their families' backgrounds. He didn't dismiss the possibility.
After all, Omegas were just for show. Unlike his mother, he didn't think he needed a omega to help his career because the Li Family would soon be his, as long as his obstructive brother didn't get in the way...
When the time came, he would decide the fate of this engagement. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but furrow his brows and ask, "Has Li Mùchén returned safely?"
The tea room door was slightly ajar, offering a clear view inside, but those within remained unaware of their presence.
The subordinate answered nervously, "Yes. We lured him onto the cruise ship with his mother's heirloom, but after the exchange was completed, he vanished from the ship as if he had disappeared into thin air... So we failed to apprehend him."
Hmph," Li Wei Zhi scoffed. "Vanished? Do you think he knows magic? You were simply incompetent! You squandered such a valuable opportunity!"
The subordinate lowered his head and remained silent.
"Li Wei Zhi glared at him intensely.His dominating Alpha pheromones emanating around them, making his displeasure and anger with the situation evident in the air." He said coldly, "Forget it; he has just returned, and we cannot make a move on him again for now, or he will grow suspicious. But keep a close watch on him for me, and report any new developments or suspicious movements immediately."
Yes!"
Li Wei Zhi looked up at the captivating and charming figure of Su Yichen in the tea room again, and his mood improved slightly.
Ever since he had orchestrated the incident to make everyone believe his own legs were crippled by Li Mùchén, even Old Madam Li, who was closest to Li Mùchén, had not seen him. The entire family was profoundly disappointed in Li Mùchén, and his mother's expression soured every time she encountered him.
He had successfully traded his own two legs for Li Mùchén to be Alienated , hated and despised by everyone.
"However... Li Wei Zhi looked at his unmoving, powerless, emaciated legs, and intense resentment flashed in his eyes."
Despite the significant price he had paid, his father still valued Li Mùchén's capabilities and had granted him control of half of the company. He could not afford to delay any longer. He had to find a renowned doctor to treat his legs, reclaim everything that he believed rightfully belonged to him, and then completely sideline Li Mùchén.
Inside the tea room...
Since Yichen realized that Yibai might indeed possess knowledge of tea art, his scattered focus had sharpened, and he began to prepare tea with serious concentration.
Tea making is a detailed process, requiring specific infusions and techniques, and it demands complete focus. Unbeknownst to him, Yibai had already completed the final steps. Just as Yichen was finishing pouring the tea, an exclamation was heard.
"Wow, Yichen's tea cup is amazing!"
Yichen felt relieved and took a deep breath. He turned to look at Yibai but was surprised to see that Yibai had finished even sooner than he had.
He panicked for a moment but quickly regained his composure. Speed wasn't everything. The quality of the tea was what mattered! The onlookers grew restless and crowded around to examine the tea made by both individuals, particularly Yichen's, who was known as a prominent figure.
Without a doubt, Yichen's tea was made very successfully.
"No wonder he was crowned the omega white moonlight of city M and is highly regarded. and this tea is amazing!" the crowd praised, and Su Yichen offered a faint smile.
"Thank you, everyone. Let's go see what my brother made." He eagerly led the group to Yibai's table. He was certain that Yibai's tea could not compare to his own!
Hú Yǐn Shā could not sit still and followed Yichen and the others to Yibai's table.
Yibai's posture was so professional that Hú Yǐn Shā grew increasingly anxious. She found it hard to believe that someone raised in the countryside could possess greater tea-making skills than the well-cultivated Su Yichen who was raised in city M and was now crowned the omega white moonlight King of City M.
In contrast, Mu Xinyan and Su Yichen were confident and calm.
When they arrived at Yibai's table, someone exclaimed, "Wow, First Young Master Su's tea is amazing!"
"This first pour..."