Chapter 80: A Chance Encounter at the Teahouse

After the partnership was finalized, Lu Kun did not return directly to Gui A County. Instead, he headed for Guangzhou.

Lu Kun wanted to wander and observe, to truly understand the current state of development in Guangdong.

"Kun, look at that building—so tall!" Liu Shixun exclaimed in awe.

Lu Kun glanced in the direction indicated and smiled, "It's alright. Let's keep moving."

There was no denying that Guangdong and Angui were now polar opposites: one marching boldly forward in reform, the other clinging to the old ways, barely struggling along. No wonder the wealth gap between these two brother provinces would later become so vast.

Guangzhou was a city rich in culture, and Lu Kun had always been fond of it in his previous life.

If you’ve spent time in Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen, you’ll find Guangzhou quite different from them.

Here, you won’t encounter Beijing’s “high walls,” Shanghai’s “arrogance,” or Shenzhen’s “aloofness.”

Guangzhou’s defining trait is its inclusivity.

It possesses a unique cultural atmosphere all its own.

Here, people scald their bowls before meals, struggle to dry clothes during the humid southern days, wear down jackets and short sleeves side by side on the street, or lounge in vests and slippers under old trees for a respite from the heat...

In Guangzhou, you don’t need to pretend to be someone else.

People might call you “boss” with genuine warmth, even if you’re just a lowly laborer.

Of course, others might call you “handsome guy” or “pretty girl,” but don’t lose yourself amidst those flattering words.

Otherwise...

Your wallet may well end up empty.

Living in Guangzhou, you’ll raise a teacup far more often than a wine glass.

Even if your finances are tight, there are city villages with affordable rentals, and hearty meals like Longjiang pork knuckle rice that will fill you up...

And, of course, there are moments that move you to tears, like Evergrande winning the championship...

As well as,

The touching “Dongguan service” just next door~~~

Guangzhou is truly unique—a city where goodbyes are hard to say, a city you’ll miss after you’ve gone.

...

Lu Kun, together with Liu Shixun and the brothers Cheng Yuan and Cheng Hao, arrived early to have breakfast tea.

Food in Guangzhou, tea in Guangzhou.

For locals, morning tea is not just a culinary habit but a way of life.

“Boss, four people? Please, come upstairs,”

The sharp-eyed attendant spotted them as soon as they entered the tea house and greeted them.

“Yes,” Lu Kun nodded, “Could you please find us a table by the window?”

“Of course. You’ve arrived at just the right time—there’s a table by the window on the second floor that’s still available.”

With that, the attendant quickly led them upstairs.

...

“Gentlemen, may I ask what you’d like to order?” The attendant was adept at reading people; spotting that Lu Kun was the leader, he addressed him directly.

“For food, just bring each of us a serving of rice rolls, shrimp dumplings, and steamed buns. As for tea, let’s have a pot of Wong Lo Kat,” Lu Kun said with a smile.

Guangzhou people value “refined dining,” but the prices of dim sum range from high to low, suitable for both rich and poor.

The place they had chosen was a mid-range tea house on the street, not one of those upscale ones where you have to queue for a number.

The brothers Cheng Yuan and Cheng Hao sat upright on their stools, while Liu Shixun gazed out the window, casting curious glances until he finally settled down.

Before long, he started pestering Lu Kun again.

“Kun, what is Wong Lo Kat?” Liu Shixun asked, full of childlike curiosity.

“Wong Lo Kat is a type of herbal tea from Guangzhou.

Guangzhou has a long history of herbal teas, with a wide variety to choose from: Wong Lo Kat, Shiqi herbal tea, Twenty-four Flavors tea, Loud Gong herbal tea, Three Tigers Hall tea, Golden Silver Chrysanthemum Five Flowers tea...”

While waiting for their breakfast tea to be served, Lu Kun gave them a quick lesson.

“Wow, Kun, you know so much!” Liu Shixun exclaimed, showing signs of becoming Lu Kun’s fan.

“Just average, third best in the world!” Lu Kun said with a proud grin.

Wong Lo Kat herbal tea has always been esteemed by the people of Guangzhou.

After the 1980s, various herbal tea powders and soft-packaged teas emerged, such as Shennong herbal tea and Xia Sang Ju tea.

Even the renowned future conglomerate JDB Group, though funded from Hong Kong, sources its materials and processing mostly in Guangdong.

It could be said that they helped spread Guangdong’s herbal tea culture far and wide.

...

“Heh, little brother, you must be from out of town, but you seem to know Guangzhou’s tea culture better than us locals,” a short, stout middle-aged man turned and smiled at Lu Kun.

“Sir, I’m from Angui—so I suppose I’m half a Guangdong brother,” Lu Kun replied with a smile.

Should I tell you I was a regular at ‘Tao Tao Ju’ in my past life?

“Oh? So that’s it.”

The short, stout man’s eyes lit up. He raised his teacup and said, “Little brother, an invitation is no match for a chance encounter. How about coming over for a cup of tea?”

Lu Kun paused, then turned to his companions and said, “I’ll go join the gentleman for a cup of tea. When the breakfast and tea arrive, just start without me.”

Those who enjoy tea are usually quite serene.

Guangzhou people value harmony, believing it brings prosperity; ostentation and conflict are rare here.

Lu Kun observed the stout man—his traditional jacket looked simple, but the fabric was something few could afford.

And the thumb ring on his finger—such quality, even now, must be worth hundreds of thousands.

“Sir, may I ask what business you’re in?” Lu Kun, taking advantage of his youth, politely addressed him as “Sir.”

“Oh, I’m not very educated, just dabble in stone and timber,” the man laughed.

Lu Kun grinned outwardly, cursing inwardly.

You’re probably dealing in jade and rare woods!

You think acting humble will fool me?

“And what line are you in, little brother?” the stout man asked, smiling broadly.

“Oh, let’s not talk about getting rich. I just scrape by, living off a few family-run general stores. Making money? Impossible—never in this life!” Lu Kun put on his best act, suppressing a smile and looking thoroughly dejected.

The stout man’s mouth twitched; inwardly, he cursed Lu Kun for his shamelessness.

Who are you trying to fool? Even that watch on your wrist—could someone running general stores afford it?

You’ve taken humility to a whole new level.

Both men, in their hearts, raised their opinion of each other.

After a morning tea filled with mutual theatrics, Lu Kun and the stout man developed a genuine respect for one another.

Lu Kun learned that the man, originally from Guangzhou, had wandered over to Hong Kong, obtained a resident ID there through some maneuvering, and then returned to live in Guangzhou.

His name was Li Erfu.

Of course, he had nothing to do with Li Dafu.

Though Li Erfu was indeed in the jade and rosewood business.

As for his current wealth, Lu Kun didn’t ask, but he guessed it must be at least several tens of millions.