Chapter 430 Do you have any other formulas?
Perhaps it was the expression on Bai Zepei’s face when he drank tea or maybe there was prior investigation. Bai Ruozhu quietly speculated.
At this point, the maid had brought the tea utensils, the "Six Gentleman of the Tea Ceremony". They were the tea canister, spoon, strain, scale, tweezers, and needle. The Du Family presented quite a respectable set, though not of the highest quality.
Bai Zepei, undistracted by others, solemnly washed his hands. He then skillfully warmed the tea pot, preheated all the utensils, loaded the tea leaves, rinsed them, steeped them...
Bai Ruozhu became lost in observation. She hadn’t expected her second brother’s tea ceremony skills to be so impressive. Although she was not proficient in this field, she could still discern some of its subtlety. Most striking was the aura of a sophisticated gentleman her brother exuded when he prepared tea.
Gauging the surroundings, she noticed others were also completely captivated, even Du Zhongshi revealed a touch of jealousy and unwillingness.
It wasn’t long before the tea was ready. Bai Zepei signaled the maid to serve each individual. Bai Ruozhu took a cup herself. Not understanding much about tea but having a sharp sense of taste, she could distinguish the difference. Indeed, the tea her second brother steeped was more fragrant.
"This is indeed skillful tea artistry. You are worthy to be Mr. Xie’s prized student." After tasting the tea, the old Master Du savored it for a while and then broke into laughter.
Du Wenyu chimed in, "Father is right. Our eyes have truly been opened today. Zhongshi has always been too proud. Today he has surely learnt that there are others better than him, right?"
Du Zhongshi’s face turned red, choked up and unable to respond for a while. Finally, somewhat unwillingly, he muttered, "What’s so great about doing something that should be done by servants?"
"Nonsense!" old Master Du scolded sternly, "How much do you know about the pursuits of gentlemen? This is called elegance, do you understand?"
"Then Ruyue’s tea brewing is also called elegance, isn’t it?" Du Zhongshi continued his senseless argument.
Bai Ruozhu asked, "Who is Ruyue? Was she the one who brewed tea for us the first time?"
Master Du’s rebuke was swallowed back due to her sudden question.
Du Zhongshi proudly claimed, "Ruyue is my maid. She not only excels at tea brewing but also needlework, cooking, and playing the zither. You wouldn’t understand."
Bai Ruozhu laughed upon hearing this, "Oh, turns out she’s a maid who’s proficient in everything." No wonder Du Zhongshi was so smug. This was his head maid, speaking about her as if she was his wife. But it was indeed possible she already belonged to him.
Du Wenyu’s face changed slightly. The sarcasm in Bai Ruozhu’s eyes stung his. He glared at Du Zhongshi and said, "Ruyue’s tea ceremony skills are mediocre and can still improve. Stop bragging here."
Before Du Zhongshi could retort, Bai Ruozhu interjected with a smile, "Yes, if the second young master wishes for Ruyue’s tea ceremony skills to further improve, it might be better for her to specialize in it. In the future, it would greatly enhance your reputation."
Master Du’s face also changed, and he impatiently said to Du Zhongshi, "You can leave now. Don’t make a fuss here."
He originally intended to give the Bai siblings a chance to show off their skills, never expecting it to instead tarnish the Du’s reputation. He couldn’t blame Bai Ruozhu for her sharp comments, as it was Du Zhongshi’s lack of foresight. He sighed lightly. After all, who could he blame for his grandson’s refusal to learn?
In a real distinguished family, each servant has their specific duties. For example, when a noble lady is sent off for marriage, she may bring several maids—one skilled in cooking, another in embroidery, another in tea ceremony, and another in cosmetology. As per the aristocratic norms, a maid adept in every skill implies that they excel at none.
Consider this—can a maid receive the same training as a noble lady? Even if she can, given her primary duty is to serve her master, how much time could she have to practice in a day? If she focuses on one or two skills, it’s feasible. However, it is nearly impossible to master all. At least, she can’t master any one skill to a pinnacle level that will bring prestige to her master.
Du Zhongshi overlooked this. He boasted about how capable and versatile his maid was—only for them to lose in tea ceremony to Bai Zepei. Wasn’t he just slapping his own face?
Master Du was in a terrible mood. However, he could not blame Bai Ruozhu as she had been considerate enough not to expose this fact. He pitied his second grandson who had even failed to comprehend this.
"Zhongshi is young and impulsive. Please don’t take his words to heart for my sake," Master Du soon regained his composure and said with a smile to the Bai siblings.
"You’re being too hard on yourself, sir. We won’t take it to heart," said Bai Zepei.
Bai Ruozhu also chuckled and said, "The second young master is indeed young and vigorous. I will easily forget what I heard." Being young and vigorous was just another way to say naive and immature. Would she bear a grudge against an ignorant and naive youngster?
Du Wenyu’s brows furrowed slightly. No matter how composed he was, he could catch the implicit meaning in Bai Ruozhu’s words, and was unable conceal his emotions.
"Haha, the younger generation should be vigorous. You two are very good—one excels in academics, the other in medicine production. Truly, youths are to be feared." The old fox, Master Du, seemed unaffected by the previous incident and continued jovially.
"You are too kind, sir," Bai Ruozhu politely returned, waiting for the old master to get to the point after such a long delay.
Master Du stroked his grey beard, a glint of astuteness in his eyes as he turned to Bai Ruozhu, "Indeed, it was pure coincidence that Zhongshu came to know Miss Bai. Now, the toothpaste business is prospering, and it’s all thanks to you, Miss Bai."
After hearing this, Bai Ruozhu responded with a smile, "You are too kind, sir. Without the Du Family’s operation and business network, our toothpaste would never have achieved such sales. I cannot take all the credit."
Master Du squinted his eyes while laughing, "Miss Bai is indeed humble and reserved. Being your business partner is truly a great honor for the Du Family."
Look, here come the compliments. Something’s definitely up!
"We are looking for a long-term partnership and expansion of business. Who would say no to making more money?" Master Du continued, "Miss Bai, do you perhaps have any other rare formulas? I will personally oversee it to guarantee even better business."
Upon hearing this, Bai Ruozhu sneered internally. As she expected, Master Du was insatiable. The toothpaste business was not enough to satiate his greed, and he was attempting to obtain more formulas from her.
Back then, she had no choice but to cooperate with Du Zhongshu due to her lack of resources and her family’s financial difficulties. Good formulas are extremely rare. In the future, if she wants to start another business, why must she cooperate exclusively with the Du Family? Doesn’t she have any business acumen?
And more importantly, if she needs a business partner, she doesn’t lack better options.
"Those unique formulas are hard to come by, and just thinking about improving the toothpaste formula is challenged enough. I really don’t have any other options," feigning helplessness, Bai Ruozhu shook her head.