Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
“However, I stayed up most of the night reading and taking notes.”
My mood brightened. “You are a life saver.”
“So, she wrote that a perfect blend of tea typically consists of three to five different types of leaves.”
“Okay.” I checked out the bowls. “I have four more to pick.”
“Apparently, limiting the amount to five, ensures a balanced and harmonious combination of flavors, aromas, and benefits.”
“Alright, Lan.” I clapped. “Good job because I damn sure was about to pick out ten or twenty leaves. It might have been pretty disgusting.”
Fen chuckled on my right. Unlike the other two, she was super shy and hadn’t said much since we arrived. At least, whenever our eyes met, she gave me a warm smile.
“Okay. Let’s see what the other four ingredients will be.” I rose from my seat, making sure my dark blue robe was closed.
Underneath it, I wore a beautiful shimmering blue sequin gown that sparkled under the soft lighting. The sequins caught the light with every movement, creating a cascade of blue and silver glimmers.
Aunt Min had insisted I wear a heavy dark blue robe. It was supposed to keep the gown hidden until the right moment, ensuring that no one would know what I was truly wearing beneath it.
I checked out the bowl of bright orange Rooibos. The leaves glowed like the setting sun, their earthy, sweet aroma filling the air with warmth and comfort.
If I remembered correctly, Chef Foo said that Rooibos was rich in antioxidants and known to support heart health.
Hmmm.
Across from me a yellow bowl contained Chamomile. The tiny, dried flowers looked like drops of sunshine.
I used to drink it to help with stress and keep my nerves calm.
We need calm today. Lei and Leo in the same room will have everyone on edge.
I pointed to that bowl. “Let’s add some Chamomile.”
Lan nodded, reaching for the bowl.
I looked at her. “What other ingredients do you think I should put in?”
When she brought it over to me, the delicate scent of chamomile filled the space. “The Grand Mistress mentioned Hibiscus but you already grabbed that.”
“Oh really?”
Grinning, Lan nodded. “So, good job with that.”
“Perfect.”
“Oh. She also talked about Silver Needle a lot and believed it had a light, floral aroma with a hint of sweetness.”
“Alright. That sounds good.”
“I’ll get it, Mistress.” Fen walked around the table. “I remember which bowl had the Silver Needle.”
“Okay.” I considered the ones I had so far. “Hibiscus, Chamomile, and now Silver Needle.”
“Here they go.” Fen brought over a tiny black bowl with these elegant silvery buds. Then, she lifted it to my nose.
I breathed in their scent. “Mmm. This tea is going to smell so good.”
Lan raised her finger. “Jing insisted that Silver Needle raised the elegance of the tea ceremony, so this must be another good pick.”
“Then, we have to go with it.”
Fen took the bowl over to the table with the other ones.
“So. . .” Lan lowered her voice. “Chen told me that the Grand Mountain Master and also the Mountain Master were partial to Lavender because the Grand Mountain Mistress would put it in everything, tea, marinades, sorbets, and ice cream.”
“I love lavender. Let’s add that too.”
“I will get it.” Fen headed back to the table to grab it.
I grinned at Lan. “You are on point today. Thanks.”
“No problem, Mistress.”
“And” I winked. “Chen was nice to you last night?”
A wicked smirk hit Fen’s face. “Very nice. He’s a. . .perfect gentlemen.”
Thandi spoke from the door. “Big on poetry.”
“Poetry?” I chuckled. “Don’t tell me Chen was over there trying to spit some sort of poetic game to you all.”
“No.” Lan shook her head. “Chen just liked talking about poems. He’s. . .cultured.”
Oh my God.
I glanced at Thandi and she nodded letting me know that Chen was really on some pimp-player shit last night.
Wow. At least now I have some Chen-kryptonite. When he tries to bother me. I’ll just tell Lan to handle him.
I smiled. “And what about Duck and Hu? Were they on their best behavior?”
To my surprise, Fen spoke, “Hu was very nice. He showed me to my bedroom and when he spotted a spider in the doorway, he saw how terrified I was and got rid of it. I could have done it myself, but. . .it was nice of him to handle it. Then, Hu spent the next twenty minutes searching my room making sure no other spiders were in there.”
“You don’t like spiders?”
“I’m not a fan of them.” Fen picked up the bowl of lavender and took it over to the other table.
I quirked my brows. “And Duck? How was he?”
Although they went quiet, all their faces held this comical expression.
Alright now. Duck did something stupid. This will be good.
I held out my hands. “What?”
“Nothing, Mistress.” Lan shook her head and returned her view to the table. “So would you like to add anymore leaves or are you done with the blend?”