Chapter 31

Chapter 31

After breakfast,

Since the production crew hadn’t given any new tasks, everyone continued running the tea shop as they had the day before.

Zhu Wei walked over to the cabinet where the tea was stored and opened it, only to find it completely empty.

In a tone of utter despair, she announced a major crisis.

“All our tea is gone!”

Bao Yiming asked in confusion, “Was there a thief in the tea shop?”

Wen Cishu rested his arm on the kid’s shoulder and ruffled his hair. “Did the production crew take it? Are they messing with us on purpose?”

Bao Yiming muttered, “Is the crew really that cruel?”

Rong Rong, the youngest girl, whispered in confusion, “Then how are we supposed to make tea?”

Zhu Wei pulled out a map from the cabinet and placed it on the table. Everyone gathered around.

The cartoon-style map depicted the street where the tea shop was located.

At the bottom were the game rules:

“For every two cups of tea sold, the production crew will provide one lunch meal.”

“Parents are not allowed to leave the tea shop, or they will be considered rule-breakers and dragged away by men in black suits~”

Chu Han calculated, “There are eight of us, so we need to sell at least sixteen cups of tea.”

Zhou Xu quickly added, “Our little Qi doesn’t eat much—he can share mine.”

Chu Han chuckled, “The problem is, we don’t have any tea. Not even one cup.”

Zhu Wei sighed, “This is truly a case of ‘even the cleverest housewife can’t cook without rice.’”

Wen Cishu leaned closer to the cartoon-style map and pointed at several spots. “Look, there are three tea shops specially marked here. Maybe we’re supposed to get tea first?”

Zhu Wei examined it carefully and nodded. “But adults can’t go. Only the kids can get it.”

All four adults turned their eyes to the children.

As the eldest brother, Bao Yiming stepped forward without hesitation. “I’ll go get it, Little Dad.”

Just as they were discussing, a female tourist called from outside the door, “Hello? Are you open?”

“Crap,” Zhu Wei muttered under her breath before turning to the customer with a bright smile. “So sorry—we’re open, but we’re not fully set up yet. Could you come back in half an hour?”

“Actually,” the tourist said, peering inside, “I’m not here for tea. Can I use your restroom?”

“Oh, sure,” Zhu Wei replied, not wanting to refuse, figuring it might be an emergency. She led the woman to the restroom and softly asked, “Do you need anything?”

The tourist shook her head with a smile. “No, thank you.”

“Sis Wei is so sweet~ She’d even help with this?”

“Haha, just a random passerby popping in.”

In the lobby, everyone breathed a sigh of relief as the crisis was resolved.

Xing Xing piped up, "I'll go with Brother Yi Ming to fetch the tea leaves. Let's go now."

Otherwise, we might not make it in time.

Rong Rong quickly ran to Yi Ming’s side. “I want to go too!”

More hands mean we can carry more.

Xiao Qi squirmed to be put down. “Xiao Qi wants to go~”

One little hand reached for Yi Ming, while the other held Rong Rong’s.

The adults figured the show’s crew would tag along, so the kids wouldn’t get lost, and agreed.

Wen Cishu bent down and earnestly instructed his little monkey, “Yi Ming, if you can’t read the map, just ask the shopkeepers along the street, okay?”

“Mm!” Bao Yiming nodded vigorously. “Don’t worry, Dad. Wait for us!”

He then turned to the other two adults, “Uncle Zhou, Auntie, no need to worry. I’ll bring all the younger siblings back safely.”

“Go ahead, go ahead.” Zhou Xu wasn’t too worried about them getting lost—he was more concerned about eight people sharing one meal later.

The four kiddos walked out hand in hand.

Soon, another tourist poked their head in.

Zhou Xu exclaimed, “Oh dear,” and walked over to explain that the teahouse was out of tea.

But the tourist pointed at the couplets and asked first, “Hello, did the owner handwrite these? Could you write one for me?”

“Huh?” Zhou Xu was momentarily stunned.

For the first time, Wen Cishu strode forward with purpose. “Of course, though there’s a charge.”

He winked at Zhou Xu.

Zhou Xu said with a grin, “Thirty-eight per couplet.”

Wen Cishu immediately observed the tourist’s reaction.

“Uncle Zhou, you’re quick on the uptake.”

“Thirty-eight is way too cheap—your handwriting’s gorgeous.”

Judging by his expression, he probably thought it was too expensive and was afraid the tourist would bolt.

The tourist stepped inside. “Okay, can you do it right away? I still have other places to visit.”

She had been admiring the calligraphy on the couplets and only noticed Wen Cishu’s face when she stepped closer. She paused slightly, then looked back at the antique-style teahouse door in surprise. “Did I step into a time warp?”

Zhou Xu, afraid she might leave, quickly ushered her in. “Haha, you didn’t time-travel. This handsome guy here time-traveled here from the past.”

The tourist stared at Wen Cishu in shock. “Wait—time travelers are real?!”

Wen Cishu went to fetch the brush and paper. “He’s messing with you.”

With the tea supply gone, Chu Han could only offer her a cup of warm water.

The tourist thanked them graciously.

Everyone got busy, and Wen Cishu set up his station gracefully before asking, “What would you like me to write?”

The tourist pointed to the entrance. “That one by the entrance will do.”

Wen Cishu dipped his brush in ink and finished the calligraphy in one fluid motion.

After letting the ink dry slightly, he rolled it up, tied it with a small string, and handed it to the tourist with both hands.

“Thank you,” the tourist said with a smile, bowing slightly as she placed the money on the table.

Before stepping out, she made a point of glancing back at the young man in ancient attire.

“Wasn’t that tourist totally charmed?”

“My wife is so polite and gentle with everyone, except me, wahh~”

Wen Cishu picked up the money. “In case the show’s lunch rations run short, can we buy our own?”

“Exactly!” Zhou Xu grinned. “Great! A couple more customers, and lunch is on us!”

As they spoke, Wen Cishu twisted his neck slightly, scratching at his collar.

For some reason, since waking up this morning, he had felt a persistent itch on his neck.

He hadn’t paid much attention during breakfast, but now the discomfort was becoming more noticeable.

-

Meanwhile, at the hotel—

Bao Tingyuan caught Wen Cishu’s fidgeting for the third time.

Something was clearly bothering his back.

He sent a message to his son:

“Yi Ming, when you return to the teahouse, check in with your little dad privately—avoid the cameras.”

But Bao Yiming was currently busy retrieving tea leaves and missed the alert on his smartwatch.

Bao Tingyuan called Uncle Xu, telling him to get Dr. Lin on standby.

Over the phone, Uncle Xu sounded alarmed. “What’s wrong, sir?”

Bao Tingyuan watched as Wen Cishu frowned for the fourth time on screen, finally scratching the back of his neck.

“Not certain—could be a rash or irritation.”

“Understood,” Uncle Xu replied.

After hanging up, he immediately knocked on the neighboring suite’s door and filled Dr. Lin in.

Dr. Lin’s gaze sharpened as a possibility came to mind.

“Could it be an allergic reaction to the costume fabrics? I’ll have some anti-itch cream sent up as a precaution.”

“Possibly. The master seldom wears borrowed outfits,” Uncle Xu said politely. “I appreciate your help.”

Dr. Lin chuckled. “That’s what I’m here for! C’mon, Xu—drop the formalities.”

Mr. Xu wasn't just being polite—he was being cautious.

After receiving the young master's call, he took the matter very seriously.

Although the master's health has indeed been improving day by day, his constitution is still very weak.

We wouldn't want a small issue turning into a big problem.

-

Meanwhile, on the show...

After the four kids left the teahouse, they followed directions and asked for help along the way, finally arriving at the nearest tea shop.

However, the owner said they couldn't just take the tea—they had to earn it by helping out in the shop.

Bao Yiming cleverly remembered yesterday's experience and told the owner they were really good at bringing in customers.

How good?

He picked up Xiao Qi, sat him on the counter by the entrance, held his little hand, and had him act like a lucky cat.

So Xiao Qi, with his round cheeks and beaming a sweet smile, kept raising and lowering his hand continuously.

The owner gaped in surprise, about to say this wasn't appropriate, when someone actually walked in to see what was going on.

So he stopped and helped the customer first.

"The owner's expression is hilarious hahaha, probably shocked by Ming Zai's quick thinking."

"Xiao Qi is so obedient and cooperative, understanding exactly what Yi Ming *gege* wanted him to do."

Later, fearing the eldest boy might come up with another crazy scheme, the owner sent them upstairs to clean.

The second floor was basically a tea lounge, but hadn't been used in a while—it was covered in dust.

The owner gave them brooms, mops, and cloths: "Clean it properly—I'll check later. And don't break anything."

The three kids chorused: "Okay!"

Though the owner sounded strict when giving the task, as he went downstairs, he couldn't help but stop at the corner to peek for a moment before smiling and shaking his head.

Bao Yiming assigned jobs to his younger siblings.

He went to the sink to wring out a towel and put Rong Rong in charge of wiping the stools.

He and Xing Xing started sweeping from opposite ends of the room.

The two boys quickly swept the floor clean and even mopped it afterward.

Rong Rong looked at the wet floor: "Are we done?"

"Yep, let's go." Bao Yiming took Rong Rong's hand. "*Gege* will take you to wash your hands. Xing Xing, you come too."

Xing Xing quickly followed.

Bao Yiming washed his siblings' hands, handed them tissues to dry off, and nodded approvingly: "Hmm, very good..."

"Ming Zai really has the potential to take care of younger siblings. Honey, maybe we should have another?"

"Forgotten? Mom's health isn't good—definitely not having more kids."

"Let's not have another baby~ Ming Zai deserves all the love from both of his dads!"

The three children helped each other down the stairs.

Rong Rong was small and a bit slower.

She worried about slowing them down the whole way, but seeing her two brothers carefully supporting her on either side of the stairs really touched her heart.

She had always wanted an older brother, but adults told her you can't just get a brother later.

Unexpectedly, she could live out this wish briefly during the show.

Downstairs,

Xiao Qi sat by the counter eating an orange, with over half left, waving at his siblings: "Come eat! It's so sweet~"

They gathered around as Xiao Qi gave each one a slice.

The cool, sweet orange made all the children smile.

The shop owner handed them a tea packet: "You've earned this. Here’s your tea, take it back safely. Be careful on the way."

Bao Yiming accepted the tea packet with both hands, excitedly: "Thank you, Uncle!"

Each child bounced with gratitude to thank the owner, making him a bit embarrassed.

However, there wasn't much tea. Once outside, Xing Xing asked: "Brother, do we still need to go to another tea shop?"

Bao Yiming quickly replied: "Xing Xing, do you remember the way to the teahouse? Why don't you take it back? I'll go somewhere else?"

Just then, Rong Rong pulled on Yi Ming's sleeve: "Brother, look, there are foreigners."

The children turned to see.

Outside the tea shop, three blond foreigners were talking to the owner.

The owner waved his hands in confusion, indicating he didn’t understand.

The foreigners kept pointing inside the shop and showed no sign of leaving.

Seeing the owner's troubled look, Bao Yiming thought for a moment: "Hold on."

He handed the tea to Xing Xing and hurried over. "Uncle, let me ask them."

He turned to the three and asked in English.

The foreigners were delighted and told him what they wanted.

After some conversation, Bao Yiming told the owner: "Uncle, they want to buy tea—something called Jin Jun..."

"Jin Jun Mei?"

The owner looked astonished, looking back and forth between them. "Really?"

Bao Yiming spoke with them again, then nodded in confirmation: "They want one pound."

"One pound?"

The owner glanced back into the shop and said quietly, "Tell them I only have pre-packaged tea here—it's not sold loose."

Bao Yiming relayed again, and the foreign tourists said it was fine.

Then the shop owner took out various packaged Jin Jun Mei teas and showed them off one by one.

Bao Yiming translated on the side, sealing the deal smoothly.

After the tourists paid by card, they kept thanking Bao Yiming. Noticing his sharp, European-like features, they curiously asked, "Are you part foreign?"

Bao Yiming nodded.

He still needed to get back to the teahouse, so he didn’t say much more. "Uncle, I’ll head out now."

"Wait a second!"

The shop owner grabbed his thin arm and pulled another bag of tea from the cabinet. "This is for you. Thank you, kiddo."

"Whoa, free tea!!"

"Damn, after that chatter, I’m totally convinced this kid’s got a gift—he was way ahead of me!"

"Just this morning he was being all clingy with Daddy, but the moment he’s out alone, he’s a total pro."

"Ming Zai: Being clingy with Mommy is every little one’s privilege~"

-

The four kids dashed back to the teahouse with two bags of tea.

Wen Cishu had already written two couplets and a folding fan inscription—basically ready to set up a stall for “letter-writing services.”

Zhou Xu saw them at the door and scooped up Xiao Qi, lifting him high. "You guys were gone forever! Everything okay?"

Xiao Qi raised his tiny hand, mimicking a beckoning cat’s motion, waving at Dad.

"Huh?" Zhou Xu blinked, baffled.

Xiao Qi mumbled, "Ugh, clueless Dad!"

Xing Xing and Rong Rong sat down with warm water, telling the adults about what happened at the tea shop.

Hearing this, Wen Cishu glanced at the little monkey quietly drinking water—why hadn’t he come over to brag about it?

Since when was he this modest?

He opened his arms and hugged him. "Yi Ming did so well. Come here, let Daddy give you a hug."

Bao Yiming fidgeted slightly in his dad’s hold but finally couldn’t help giggling softly into his chest.

"Pfft, Ming Zai, playing hard to get now? So cute!"

"Team Ming Zai all the way! Show crew, please open a special voting channel for me, thanks!"

"Your vote, my vote—Ming Zai debuts tomorrow!"

"I have to say it again—Mom’s the absolute best! When will my parents ever praise instead of pick on me?"

"Typical… other people’s parents [sobbing.jpg]"

Once the tea was retrieved, the teahouse officially opened for business.

Zhu Wei and Chu Han figured out that the two small bags could make at least twenty cups of tea—and got to work.

As tourists trickled in, Bo Yi Ming checked the time and suddenly noticed a message from Big Dad.

Oh no!

Bo Yi Ming hurried over to Little Dad, glanced at the camera positions, and tugged his sleeve. "Little Dad, come here. I need to tell you something."

"Huh? What is it?" Wen Ci Shu was puzzled but went along with him, letting himself be pulled into a corner.

"What's he whispering about? Why avoid the cameras?"

"Bo Zai, you sneaky little rascal, what are you hiding from us?"

In the corner.

After confirming they were out of camera range, Bo Yi Ming quickly said, "Little Dad, Big Dad just texted me and told me to ask you—away from the cameras—if you're feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"

"No... Oh."

Wen Ci Shu suddenly realized and touched the back of his neck. "The back of my neck is super itchy. Can you check for me?"

"Bo Zai, did your dad only say to dodge cameras but forget about mics? LOL"

"Last time when Mom kept gulping water, didn't Big Dad have you cut him off? Why dodge cameras this time?"

"Maybe it's a sensitive spot and he doesn't want it filmed?"

"Good point! Makes sense!"

Bo Yi Ming stood on his tiptoes, straining.

Wen Ci Shu swept his long hair over one shoulder. "Can you see it?"

On the back of his neck, a patch of red, blurred at the edges, stood out against his porcelain skin.

"Whoa, it's all red!" Bo Yi Ming's voice held concealed worry as he lightly touched it with a fingertip. "How did this happen? Does it hurt, Little Dad?"

Hearing his concern, Wen Ci Shu quickly reassured him, "Probably the clothing tag irritating my skin. But it's fine, not too bad. Tell Big Dad it's nothing serious."

Only after speaking did he notice the small white microphone clipped to Bo Yi Ming's collar.

So much for avoiding the cameras!

Last episode, he'd remembered to tell the kid to stay quiet, but today, he'd totally spaced on being careful!

Bo Yi Ming noticed his dad's odd expression, hesitating as if holding something back. "Little Dad, what's wrong? Are you suddenly feeling worse?"

Wen Ci Shu silently pointed at his own microphone, then Bo Yi Ming's.

Bo Yi Ming: (ΩДΩ)

"Is Mom having an allergic reaction? Is it serious?"

"With skin that fine and delicate, it must be all red. I just wanna give it a gentle blow~"

"Yo, crew, why not let Bo Zai's dad bring some ointment? And maybe appear on camera? We'll play dumb~"

Just as the audience teased, the father and son returned to view.

Though aware they'd been overheard, they pretended nothing had happened and went about their business.

Ten minutes later.

The show's PD popped up, handing Bao Yiming a tube of ointment while giving him a wink.

Bao Yiming smiled. "Thank you!"

"Not me!" The PD had expected him to catch the knowing look.

"I know—it must be from Big Dad." Bao Yiming turned back, dragging Little Dad along to apply the ointment.

"PD, what’s the deal? All of you should’ve said the ointment had to come straight from Ming Zai’s Big Dad!"

"Exactly! And he should be the one to put it on his wife!"

"Wait, I’m kinda curious—where’s that happening?"