AVRL 4

Meng Chi had brought up the topic of forms of address with a private motive. He wasn’t foolish—he could clearly see that Song Min was close to Yu Tingzhi. Changing the way they addressed each other was, on one hand, a way to draw himself and Song Min closer, and on the other, a way to highlight Yu Tingzhi’s status and elevate his seniority.

Even if Yu Tingzhi wasn’t his direct teacher, he was still a teacher. One ought to respect one’s elders and teachers, and mind the proper boundaries.

Who could have predicted that Yu Tingzhi wouldn’t play by the rules and would just take advantage of Meng Chi like that? That single “ge ge” left Meng Chi stuck between a rock and a hard place.

This opponent was no pushover.

Meng Chi thought to himself, even feeling a sense of urgency as if facing a formidable enemy.

Song Min was also startled by that “ge ge.” He looked at Yu Tingzhi and opened his mouth as if to say something, but then his phone buzzed twice in his pocket, drawing his attention. He pulled it out and checked a message from his roommate.

The car turned right onto a concrete road and continued toward their destination. Inside the car, there was a silence of three or four seconds, and then Yu Tingzhi suddenly asked again, “So, what do you say, Teacher Meng?”

His face was expressionless, yet Meng Chi could detect a hint of teasing in his tone, along with a trace of one-upmanship.

Could he tolerate this? Absolutely not.

Meng Chi went along with it, a sickly sweet smile spreading across his face as he met Yu Tingzhi’s gaze. “Of course I can, Brother Tingzhi.”

Perhaps Yu Tingzhi hadn’t expected him to actually back down, or perhaps he was put off by that saccharine tone. His expression froze almost imperceptibly for a split second.

Meng Chi caught it, and the frustration that had been stuck in his chest instantly dissipated.

Serves you right for trying to take advantage of me.

Song Min was on the phone in the back seat, coordinating a group assignment with his roommate, and didn’t notice the undercurrents between them. After that, the only sound inside the car was his voice on the phone.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at their destination—Sanshan Town.

This place was far from the city, with no high-rises or concrete jungles, only vast farmlands and factories with rows of chimneys. The roads were quiet all the way, and only upon reaching the porcelain market did one feel its hustle and bustle.

The porcelain factory was situated on high ground with rough paths, so they had to park the car in the lot and walk up. The early spring wind still carried winter’s chill; even with the sun shining bright, it stung sharply against their faces.

Meng Chi had come prepared, wearing not only a down jacket but also a cashmere scarf in the same color. Song Min’s jacket was a collared cotton one, and underneath he wore a round-neck sweatshirt, leaving his neck exposed to the cold wind. After walking just a short while, his face was flushed red from the wind, and the tips of his nose and eyes were also red, making him look pitiful.

“Cold, aren’t you?” Meng Chi noticed and began to unwrap his scarf. “Here, wear mine.”

Song Min shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. “No, no, we’re almost there.”

“There’s still a ways to go,” Meng Chi said, ignoring his refusal. He stretched out the scarf and looped it around Song Min’s neck, pulling him over with a firm but gentle motion. “This is new—first time I’ve worn it.”

“I’m not complaining, but won’t you be cold if you give it to me?” The scarf was soft, carrying Meng Chi’s body heat and the faint, clean scent of sandalwood unique to him. Song Min was a little embarrassed and wanted to dodge, but by now he’d missed his best chance to escape. He could only lower his head, though his eyes unconsciously flicked toward Yu Tingzhi, who was walking slightly ahead to the side.

Meng Chi naturally noticed his movement and could also feel the weight of Yu Tingzhi’s gaze from behind.

Suddenly invigorated, Meng Chi smiled and said to Song Min, “Seeing you shiver like a poor little puppy, that’s what makes me cold.”

Song Min: “Are you insulting me?”

Meng Chi laughed, reached out, and lightly patted the top of his head. “I’m complimenting you—saying you’re as cute as a puppy, the kind that makes people want to spoil you.”

After saying this slightly ambiguous remark, he immediately withdrew his hand, stepped back to a social distance, and said, “Come on, let’s move faster so we can spend less time in this cold wind.”

Song Min was a little stunned by this intimate gesture. Not many people other than his elders ever ruffled his hair like that—even Yu Tingzhi had never done it. He glanced at Yu Tingzhi’s receding figure and muttered, “I don’t hear any compliment at all,” before quickly catching up.

About five minutes later, the three arrived at the porcelain factory Meng Chi frequented—Sanshan Porcelain Factory. This factory had a large footprint and was a representative enterprise of Sanshan Town, with a complete production line for porcelain and a wide range of products.

The small porcelain exhibition was held in a courtyard attached to the factory. Probably because of the cold weather, there weren’t many visitors. Meng Chi had called ahead to let the owner know, so shortly after they entered, the owner came out to receive them in person.

The owner’s surname was Qian, around forty years old, with short hair and a slightly stout build, wearing an antique-style ginger-red Tang suit. Meng Chi knew him well and had once joked that if he wore a round cap, he could pass as an extra in an ancient drama.

After a brief round of introductions and small talk, the three followed Boss Qian into the inner hall.

“Straight to the tea ware?” Boss Qian glanced at Meng Chi behind him, then let his gaze settle on the tall Yu Tingzhi.

Meng Chi seemed to catch the habit too, instinctively glancing sideways at Yu Tingzhi. Then, realizing this wasn’t Yu Tingzhi’s decision to make, he was about to speak—but Yu Tingzhi beat him with an “mm” of agreement.

Meng Chi: “…”

“Then let’s go,” Meng Chi said, turning to Song Min. “I had Boss Qian set aside some good stuff for you. See if you like any of it—take your time and choose whatever you want.”

Boss Qian laughed heartily. “I’ve pulled out my best stock. If you can’t find anything suitable here, then there’s nothing else in the whole of Zewu.”

Song Min smiled and nodded, said thank you, that he would definitely choose carefully, and then asked if they also had vases here.

“Of course! Anything you might need, I’ve got it!” Boss Qian said with a bold laugh.

“You’re buying a vase too?” Meng Chi asked.

Song Min nodded and glanced at Yu Tingzhi. “Brother Tingzhi needs to buy one.”

Meng Chi narrowed his eyes almost imperceptibly. “Let’s look at the tea ware first. We’ll get to the vase later.”

Boss Qian laughed. “Let’s look at everything together—they’re all in the same place anyway.”

Meng Chi: “…”

Indeed, both types of porcelain were in the same area, in a room deeper into the courtyard, filled to the brim with a sprawling assortment of items. Even in the courtyard outside the room, there was an open space cluttered with many more porcelain pieces.

The styles and shapes here were all different, haphazardly piled together. Green sprouts had even pushed through the cracks between the paving stones. From a distance, they looked like a strange, colorful flower garden.

“Are these all rejects?” Song Min asked.

“Not exactly,” Meng Chi cut in before Boss Qian could speak. “These are seconds with minor flaws—they didn’t meet the factory’s standards, but it’d be a shame to throw them away.”

Song Min looked closely and indeed found many pieces that appeared perfectly intact; he couldn’t even see where the flaws were.

Boss Qian’s round eyes darted to Meng Chi, then he told them to feel free to look around. If they took a liking to anything in the yard, he could also help with restoration.

Meng Chi didn’t respond, so Boss Qian went off to attend to other matters upfront.

Since these seconds weren’t their target, the three didn’t linger long. After a few glances, they went into the showroom.

The room was laid out in a square shape, with rows of antique-style wooden display shelves along all four walls. The empty area in the center held independent display stands, each with different porcelain pieces, ranging from white porcelain to clay teapots—a complete selection.

Hanging in the middle of the hall was a calligraphic inscription, with four bold, vigorous characters flying across the paper: “Nature in Harmony.” Beneath it sat an aged, rustic wooden tea table with a set of black-glazed tea ware that had a beautiful texture.

“Oh? This calligraphy…” Song Min murmured as soon as he entered, staring at the inscription.

“What about it?” Meng Chi asked.

Song Min glanced at Yu Tingzhi, then stepped forward to get a closer look.

The four characters “Nature in Harmony” were not written in an expansive style; even in semi-cursive script, their temperament was more restrained. The ink was rich and full, the brushstrokes powerful and forceful, with notable variations in thickness and an undulating rhythm. Although Meng Chi wasn’t well-versed in calligraphy, he could tell it was exceptionally well done. After all, Boss Qian had once boasted to him that it was written by a distinguished student of the renowned calligrapher Mr. Yu.

“This is very well written,” Meng Chi praised. As his gaze shifted to Song Min, he noticed from the corner of his eye that Yu Tingzhi seemed to glance at him.

“Brother Tingzhi, you wrote this, didn’t you?” Song Min suddenly turned to look at Yu Tingzhi.

Huh?

Meng Chi was startled and looked at Yu Tingzhi in surprise, meeting his cool, clear gaze. ?

How could it be you?