The news of the award-winning film "Divergence" quickly spread across various social media platforms. Following the award ceremony, the team divided into three groups. One group led by Tan Ye and Miaomiao embarked on a team-building trip in the Netherlands, while Lu Cheng pursued business matters in Fiji with Shang Yu. Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng, on the other hand, began their tour of the five Nordic countries.
Upon returning to City A in the warm month of March, the release of the film "Same or Not" was postponed by a month. Fans and audiences collectively exerted efforts, continuously releasing new edits of this beloved couple.
After a brief rest, the pair paid a visit to Prof. Wang Shuo. Following his statement during last year's "Rose Incident," he disappeared from the public eye to accompany his granddaughter abroad for nearly half a year. Upon his return, he resumed his activities.
They were welcomed by Qi Yun, the wife of Prof. Wang Shuo, whose graceful demeanour belied her silvering temples.
Before even entering the house, the pair greeted her warmly. The eight disciples adopted by Prof. Wang Shuo, though never gathered together, held a deep affection for Qi Yun.
She smiled, "The old man has been waiting for you, he's practising calligraphy at the moment."
These disciples of the old man had grown up under her watchful eye, akin to her own children.
After changing their shoes, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng placed the courtesy gifts aside and stood by the large desk near the window, quietly waiting for Prof. Wang Shuo to finish his calligraphy.
With a sharp stroke and a steady finish, he finally put down his brush. Only then did Wang Shuo glance at the two standing beside him and ask, "Do you notice anything?"
On the rice paper almost as wide as the table, two lines were written in unison - "Measure the heavens and the earth equally, and share the days and months together." The story behind this phrase was always shared when Mrs Wang was away; it was the blessing from their mentor during the wedding of him and Qi Yun, the only wedding gift they received.
"We will surely live up to your blessing," said Zhong Shao, unable to hide his smile.
Prof. Wang Shuo was one of the few who knew about the relationship between Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng, and they did not hide their relationship from their respected teacher.
"Tea, cigarettes, candy, and wine," Wang Shuo, with keen eyes, noticed the gifts brought by the two as he walked towards the tea table and jokingly asked, "Who is visiting whom here?" Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng hesitated to respond. "Let's say we are both visiting," Yu Cheng tried to break the silence.
It was their first time setting anything in stone, lacking experience.
Prof. Wang Shuo, hands clasped behind his back, paused upon hearing Yu Cheng's response and turned to look at the two disciples a few steps away, "Zhong Shao, look at what you have done! You have corrupted him!"
While others thought Zhong Shao was mysterious and carefree, Wang Shuo knew better. He knew that Zhong Shao, despite his calm demeanour, could act mischievously when around him. Yu Cheng might have been in for a surprise if it had not been for his maturity and understanding of social decorum due to his age.
Upon Qi Yun entering with a fruit platter, she witnessed the scene, and after setting down the tray, he patted Wang Shuo on the back, saying, "Old man, what are you up to? It's not easy for them to come visit, yet you still have that stern look on your face."
Then turning to Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng, she added, "This old man keeps meddling around, just to see you two get together. Pour him a cup of tea as well, so that in the future, whenever you two have any issues, just come to the master here for judgment."
"Old lady, why are you stirring up trouble here?" the gentleman's slightly annoyed words were part of their usual banter, "These two youngsters, know how they managed to get together with their intellect. Hurry up and follow your mother-in-law's lead, come and brew some tea."
Both of them chuckled in unison, "Yes!"
"Use the tea leaves you brought yourselves."
Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng brought the 2003 Ban Zhang Six Star Peacock Qing Bing, which had a robust appearance with a dark and lustrous colour.
They took their seats at the tea brewing station. Zhong Shao picked up a purple clay teapot, and used a tea knife to scoop an appropriate amount of Ban Zhang tea into the tea holder for later use. Boiling water was poured into the purple clay teapot, filled to warm it up, and then the fair cups were warmed. After warming the cups, the remaining water was poured into a water bowl. The tea from the tea holder was put into the teapot, half filled with boiling water, and immediately poured out. This process was repeated 1-3 times. For the final time, water was poured to fill the teapot, the froth was removed, the lid was covered, and left to steep for 5-10 minutes. The tea was then poured through a strainer into the fair cups, with the tea liquid then poured into tasting cups.
Zhong Shao handed the first cup of tea to the gentleman with both hands, and the second cup to Qi Yun.
The tea had a rich and bright red colour, a sharp and fragrant tea aroma, a thick and golden halo, and a film of oil droplets on the surface. Upon tasting, the flavour was rich, smooth, and refreshing.
Wang Shuo placed down the tasting cup and asked, "Do you remember the last time you sat here?"
Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng naturally remembered; it was their first class when Prof. Wang Shuo brewed a pot of Taiping Monkey King tea for them.
During the third brewing, Wang Shuo finally said, "Acting is like brewing tea. Take this Taiping Monkey King, simple to brew, with the buds and leaves forming an interesting picture, with light and shadow reflecting in the water. The exquisite orchid fragrance of this Taiping Monkey King still lingers after several brews. However, this is not the most important aspect. What matters most is how the tea brewer remains focused, seeing the fragrance spring like milk, the crab eyes splashing like fish scales, the misty green of the pine trees after rain. Being an actor is like being the tea in the pot. Endure it, only then can your acting skills grow to a unique level."
After waiting for Shao and Yu Cheng to finish their tea, Wang Shuo finally spoke up, "Once the tea is brewed and evenly poured into everyone's cups, it signifies the fair distribution of sweetness and bitterness. Today, as I drink this cup of tea," he said, reaching under a nearby cushion to pull out two red envelopes, handing them to the pair, he continued sternly, "I will accept the red envelopes for tea expenses on behalf of the elders. From now on, this place is like a second home to you both. Just as in acting, where you must handle the teapot with care, your relationship should also be like this tea, growing more fragrant with time."
Accepting the tea money, the two replied, "Thank you, Laoshi."
As they left Wang Shuo's home, the two exchanged smiles, cherishing the genuine emotions and blessings bestowed upon them by the elder through this tea ceremony.
In the vast world, they were ultimately embraced and blessed by love.