Chapter 622: Let's Make a Bet

“You can do that?” Xu Ye and Shen Yibin had been college roommates for four years, and he’d never heard him mention anything like this before, so he was pretty skeptical.

“Believe it or not, but they’re your lungs!” Shen Yibin said with a smile. “You know how I could smell that women’s perfume on you earlier? Besides the great environment and fresh air here, it’s because I’ve learned a new breathing technique. It’s effective at clearing impurities from the lungs and keeping my nasal passages open. That’s how I could do it. So, do you want to learn or not? If you do, I’ll teach you.” ‘We’re good buddies, after all. I can’t just stand by and watch your lungs get ruined, can I?’

“If it’s really like that, then I’ve *got* to learn from you!” Xu Ye’s eyes lit up instantly. “If my nose becomes as sharp as yours, I’ll be able to tell what brand of perfume a girl is wearing right away. That’s another great tool for picking up girls! I have to learn this!”

‘Damn it, I’m trying to look out for your health, and that’s where your mind goes. I don’t even know what to say!’ Shen Yibin rolled his eyes, utterly speechless.

“Alright, it’s a deal then. Just hang out here for today. I’ll see when a good time is to start teaching you.” ‘Sigh, well, at least he agreed to learn.’ Shen Yibin started brewing the Junshan Silver Needle Tea in a glass cup. When appreciating Junshan Silver Needle Tea, the most important thing is to observe the shape of the leaves, so a clear glass was the most suitable choice.

‘Looks like I can teach him tomorrow morning. But I’ve read in those xianxia novels about absorbing the essence of the sun and moon. Mornings are for absorbing the essence of the rising sun, but I wonder if the Turtle Immortal also practices at night to absorb the essence of the moon? If that’s the case, maybe we could start practicing tonight.’ Shen Yibin glanced at the Turtle Immortal, pondering the idea.

‘Besides Xu Ye, Sun Qian should probably learn this too. She makes a living with her voice, so keeping her lungs clean and her nasal passages clear would definitely be good for her. But… having a pretty girl crawling on a rock with me might look a little awkward, huh? And Bai Yanni is on duty outside every day, breathing in way more car exhaust than I do. It’d be great if she learned as well…’ Shen Yibin did a quick mental tally and realized quite a few people could benefit from this.

‘I’ll just wait and see. If it works for Xu Ye, I’ll invite them to learn together. If it doesn’t work, I’ll have to figure out why.’ In the end, Shen Yibin decided it was best to observe for a while first.

“This tea really is something else! The color is golden-yellow and the leaves are as fine as needles, just as they say.” Xu Ye stared at the leaves in the glass. Inside the transparent cup, the needle-like leaves hung vertically in the water, rising to the surface before slowly sinking again. They rose and fell three times, creating a fascinating spectacle. The aroma was pure and fragrant, and the taste was mellow, sweet, and refreshing.

“Of course. I bought this myself on Junshan Island, not some fake stuff you get online.” Shen Yibin waved his hand magnanimously. “Take a couple of ounces with you when you leave, so you can enjoy it at home.”

“Hey, don’t be so stingy. After all we’ve been through, you’re only giving me a couple of ounces?” Xu Ye said scornfully. “Just give me half of whatever you have left! It’s not like you can drink it all by yourself!”

“I didn’t bring much back with me this time. Besides, I need it for cooking, not just for tea. I’ll let you try a dish I’m making with the Junshan Silver Needle Tea later. I guarantee you’ll love it.” Shen Yibin glanced at the patch of land where tender shoots were faintly sprouting. ‘In another year or two, you’ll probably be able to drink as much as you want.’

“Tsk, tsk. Using Junshan Silver Needle Tea for cooking? You’re really something else!” Xu Ye couldn’t help but click his tongue in amazement. He wouldn’t even casually serve such a fine tea to guests, yet Shen Yibin was using it to cook. “Have you ever seen such waste? You don’t need tea this good for a recipe, do you?”

“Shows what you know. Ever heard of West Lake Longjing Shrimp? If they can use West Lake Longjing Tea in a dish, what’s the big deal about me using Junshan Silver Needle Tea?” It was true that West Lake Longjing Shrimp was far more famous than Junshan Silver Needle Chicken Slices. Before he’d ever been to Dongting Lake, Shen Yibin had already heard of the renowned shrimp dish, but he’d never heard of the chicken slices. Only after trying it at Dongting Lake did he realize how delicious it was.

“Fine. If you’re so principled, don’t you dare eat the dish I make later!” ‘Once he smells the Junshan Silver Needle Chicken Slices, I refuse to believe he’ll be able to keep his chopsticks off it!’

“No can do. Your cooking is way better than your tea-brewing. I’m sure that in your hands, such fine tea won’t be wasted at all. I definitely have to taste what a dish made with Junshan Silver Needle Tea is like!” Xu Ye refused to take the bait, narrowing his eyes as he savored the tea’s rich aroma.

“Here, you guys have a taste. See if you like it.” Shen Yibin poured a small cup for each of his pets—Hah’Er and the Turtle Immortal—curious to see their reactions.

The Turtle Immortal quite liked it, immediately stretching out its neck to take small sips. Hah’Er took one taste and wanted nothing more to do with it. Xiaoliu just rolled its eyes, pulled out a flask from who-knows-where, and started happily sipping its own Monkey Wine. It seemed it still preferred alcohol.

“Hey, Bin, remember to whip up a couple of snacks for when we watch the game later. And bring out some of that Monkey Wine. We can drink while we watch!” The aroma of the Monkey Wine instantly caught Xu Ye’s attention, making him want a drink too.

“No problem. I happen to have about half a flask left.” ‘Heh, the *spiked* flask of Monkey Wine. I guarantee he’ll be satisfied.’ “I’ll go fry up some five-spice peanuts and prepare some chicken feet, too.”

“Hurry up,” Xu Ye said, checking his watch. “Mmm, by the time we finish this round of tea, the game should be starting. You should go get everything ready now!” ‘Great, I serve him tea, and now he’s kicking the host out of his own room.’

Shen Yibin shrugged and went to get busy in the kitchen. A few small snacks wouldn’t take long. About ten minutes later, they were ready. He carried the snacks into the media room, took out the half-full flask of Monkey Wine, and grabbed a few cups. After a shout outside, Xu Ye came in, still holding his teacup.

Even though the aftertaste of the tea had nearly faded, Xu Ye was still reluctant to pour it out. Shen Yibin figured he would probably add more water for another steep before finally giving up on the leaves and moving on to the Monkey Wine.

He turned on the projector. The players from both teams were already warming up. An idea sparked in Xu Ye’s eyes. “Bin, how about we make a little bet today? On who’s going to win this game. If I’m right, you give me another two ounces of Junshan Silver Needle Tea. If you’re right… I’ll let you drive my car for a while?”

‘Hmph. I remember back in college, Bin only ever watched soccer, not basketball. This win is in the bag.’