" Sir, are you okay?" Song Xia inquired worriedly looking at the pale and slightly hyperventilating man as she half supported and lead him to a chair near the counter.
The man lost in his own physical and mental pain mutely nodded and grabbed at his chest.
'Is this really my child? That innocent and sweet boy who used to follow me around the store calling daddy? 'Hou Hui was heartbroken by his son's action.
The precious gift that his wife and him had received received later in life had no respect for him. His only child in this life had utter disregard for him.Even cursed him to die soon.
' What have I , Hou Hui , done in this life to deserve such a thing? Did I love and spoil my son too much ? So much so that he became a rotten man?'
Song Xia looked at the increased pained look on the man's face as he became increasingly depressed and tapped him on the shoulder.
" Sir , you look unwell. Can I take you to the doctor or call somebody for you?"
Hou Hui looked at the tall ,pretty teenage girl in front of him with concern for him clearly reflected in her eyes . She reminded him of an enchanting orchid.
' Such a good child. Her parents taught her well unlike myself who failed to teach my son.'
Hou Hui spoke , " Miss, I'm fine just a bit shaken. Don't worry,Miss,I'll take my medication and I'll be better soon."
Taking a white and yellow medication box from his shirt pocket and took a 2 small white tablets out. He quickly swallowed the medication and took a swig of from his water bottle.
' Was this elder a cardiac patient? Then his son acting out must have shocked him!"Song Xia 's eyebrows furrowed cautiously watching the man.
Looking at some colour returning to the elderly man's pale face made her feel slightly relieved .
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" Xiao Xia, tell Grandpa what you were looking for?Jade , perhaps calligraphy or paintings? What do you suppose your new master would be fond of?"Hou Hui's mind was whirling through the inventory in the store trying to find something suitable.
Originally he was still distressed about his son and his horrible behavior but now all those awful thoughts were pushed to the back of his mind.
Surprisingly, this young lady,Song Xia was an excellent conversationalist and brewed a wonderful cup of tea. Already they had covered many topics ranging from jade to antiques.
"Grandpa Hou, I'm terribly unsure! I truly need your help!" Looking a bit lost she looked at him hopefully.
Hou Hui ,gave a belly laugh and it felt as if a large burden fell of his shoulders. He began his search at the back of the shop. Doing what he does best and was on the prowl for the perfect item.
Soon enough he found his stock that recently arrived from C City. A shop was closing up and moving to a small town so they had auctioned all their inventory. Luckily an a old acquaintances his informed him about he good deal resulting him him acquiring a good few pieces.
A handwoven rug , an ink painting, a jade carved ornament and the pinnacle of that stood about from all those a tapestry. Not any tapestry but one that used the Xiang style- like embroidery. The tapestry was old but depicted an unbelievably beautiful mountainside in the clouds. Each stitch skillful and strong. Hundred threads painstakingly sown to show a life-like scenery that was close to a a heavenly plane.
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Song Xia sat nervously in the study looking at her master. Her clothing suited her and a simple wooden pin held her hair back in a bun. The royal blue made a fair skin seem even more delicate.The gorgeous angles of her face became more noticeable. The tea ceremony had just begun in a traditional setting with a kang table seated on satin cushions.
Grandma Chi and Grandpa Si lived in a bungalow style house with a large garden filled with various plants and flowers. Grandma Chi had a special fondness for jasmines and the whole garden had a delicate and lovely fragrance.
The two elders lived in a two bedroom house and two bathroom house . Some extra areas were a dinning room, kitchen,a study, a embroidery room and a small gallery. However, the house had a wrap around terrace that over looked the garden. On the terrace one could see two worn out chairs in which the old husband and wife sat on every evening.
Everyday ,without fail except in the event of rain or snow would Grandpa Si accompany his wife for an afternoon chat. Over the years their love for one another did not fade and only grew as they aged.While the outlandish displays of affection had changed their care towards each over was fixed. Love is not necessarily expressed with shouting,gifts or grand displays of affection . It was the little things in life that mattered.
The way Si Guying made his wife's morning tea. The way Chi Shuang ironed her husband's handkerchief and polished his shoes every night without fail. Or even to this day when Grandpa Si held Grandma Chi's hand as they crossed the road. The little gestures they unthinkingly did for each other.
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A young lady as graceful a butterfly poured the tea into her master's cup .The fragrance of the tea was slightly floral but not overly so. Slightly bitter and citrusy as well.
The masterful actions of the female master where even , elegant and timeless. A slight smile and bright eyes graced the elderly woman's face.
She eagerly accepted this new discipline 's bow and welcomed her wholeheartedly.
" Song Xia ,from this day forward you are my Chi Shuang 's apprentice!"Grandma Chi's eyes sparkled and she held Song Xia 's hand from across the table.
" Master, I will do my very best! I promise not to let you down!" Song Xia promised sincerely with the determination clearly audible in her tone.