Chapter 7: An Unexpected Invitation
Li Wei couldn't shake off the feeling that his encounter with Yu Xiaoxiao was more than just a coincidence. As he walked back to his dorm, he found himself replaying their conversation in his mind, wondering if he'd missed any hidden cues or subtle hints.
As he entered his dorm room, he noticed a piece of paper on his desk. It was an invitation to a tea ceremony at Professor Zhang's residence, scheduled for that evening. The note was brief, but it mentioned that Yu Xiaoxiao would be attending as well.
Li Wei's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected to see Yu Xiaoxiao again so soon, especially not in a setting that seemed so...intimate. He wondered if this was a coincidence or if Professor Zhang had deliberately planned it.
Despite his reservations, Li Wei decided to attend the tea ceremony. He'd always been curious about Professor Zhang's interests outside of academia, and the prospect of seeing Yu Xiaoxiao again was too enticing to resist.
As the evening approached, Li Wei made his way to Professor Zhang's residence. The aroma of jasmine tea wafted through the air, and the soft glow of lanterns illuminated the path. Li Wei felt a sense of tranquility wash over him as he entered the residence.
Professor Zhang greeted him warmly, along with Yu Xiaoxiao, who looked stunning in a traditional qipao. The tea ceremony was a blur of delicate movements and soothing sounds, but Li Wei's attention kept drifting back to Yu Xiaoxiao.
As they sipped their tea, Professor Zhang began to speak about the art of cultivation, about the balance of yin and yang, and the harmony of heaven and earth. Li Wei listened intently, feeling a sense of resonance with the words.
Yu Xiaoxiao seemed to be absorbing every word, her eyes shining with understanding. Li Wei wondered if she was more than just a novice cultivator, if she had a deeper connection to the mysterious world he'd stumbled into.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Professor Zhang smiled at Li Wei. "I think it's time we discussed your progress, Li Wei. You've shown remarkable potential. I believe Yu Xiaoxiao can help you further your cultivation."
Li Wei's heart skipped a beat. What exactly did Professor Zhang mean by "further your cultivation"? And what role would Yu Xiaoxiao play in his journey?