With Lian Muxiu’s permission, Little Nine lost interest in the exquisite trinkets around her. She lay languidly on the mat that Lian Muxiu had specially prepared for her.

Noticing Little Nine’s sudden change in mood, Lian Muxiu set down his book. "What’s wrong? Are you feeling dizzy? If you’re not feeling well, we can wait a bit longer. The place for one of the best meals is not far from here. We’ll get there in less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea."

Upon hearing Lian Muxiu's words, Little Nine realized they were almost there, and she felt a little better.

Lian Muxiu thought for a moment and then asked, "Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Chirp?" Little Nine immediately perked up and nodded enthusiastically. She had never tasted tea before, and now she was excited to try it. She thought to herself, she must be the first fox to drink tea.

Lian Muxiu took the tea set from a hidden compartment, retrieved the tea leaves from another compartment, and instructed the hidden guards to bring in the warmed water.

The hidden guards were curious when they received the order. It had been a long time since the National Master had shown an interest in tea. Why was he suddenly interested? And on the carriage no less? But orders were orders, and they obeyed without question.

Once the water was brought in, Lian Muxiu first rinsed the cup, heating it briefly before adding the tea leaves. He then poured in the hot water, waited for a moment, and then discarded the water. Little Nine watched, puzzled by his actions.

Though Little Nine was confused, she couldn’t stop watching Lian Muxiu’s every move. When he poured water into the cup for the third time, a faint fragrance wafted up from the tea. The entire carriage filled with a sweet aroma.

"Chirp chirp." Little Nine's eyes widened as she inhaled the fragrance. It smelled so good! She couldn’t wait to taste it.

Little Nine stretched her neck, trying to see the tea in the cup. The way she was drooling made Lian Muxiu’s heart soften. His little Nine was such a simple, easy-to-please fox.

Lian Muxiu chuckled, "Hold on a second, look at you, so greedy."

"Chirp chirp chirp." Little Nine, impatient, was nearly pulling at her ears in frustration.

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Lian Muxiu, seeing her impatience, gently placed Little Nine on the table next to the tea cup. "Be careful, don’t burn yourself. If you get burned, you won’t be able to eat later."

At those words, Little Nine finally calmed down a little, controlling her excitement.

She lowered her head and sniffed the cup again. The fragrance was mild and not overpowering, but when she lifted her nose, she could still smell it. Little Nine rubbed her nose with her paw, moving it lightly. Hm? The scent was still there, how curious!

Lian Muxiu, watching Little Nine’s antics, was genuinely fascinated. He had never seen a fox taste tea before. "What can you smell?"

Little Nine looked up at Lian Muxiu. She had gotten so close to the tea cup that the warmth from the steam had dampened some of her fur, causing it to stick to her face.

Lian Muxiu took a handkerchief and gently wiped her face, leaving Little Nine’s fur in a messy state.

Little Nine pushed his hand away and used her paw to fix the messy fur. She felt better now.

"Chirp chirp." That naughty Muxiu, taking the opportunity to mess up her fur.

She bared her teeth at him, giving him a warning, "Don’t mess with my fur again."

Lian Muxiu pinched her paw. "Ungrateful little thing. I make you tea, and you still dare to show me your teeth?"

Little Nine paused. Well, maybe I was a bit too harsh. He was just being kind.

She placed her paw on Lian Muxiu’s hand, lowered her head, and gently nudged his hand with her nose. She licked him in an attempt to make up for her earlier reaction. Lian Muxiu, feeling the warmth of her breath, stiffened. He looked at her, and Little Nine met his gaze with her large purple eyes, filled with a pleading expression.

He patted her head. "I’m not angry. Now, go on and drink your tea, or it’ll get cold."

Little Nine didn’t move immediately. She continued to gaze at Lian Muxiu, waiting until he prompted her again. Only then did she turn back to the tea cup. By this time, the tea was no longer hot but had cooled to a perfect temperature for her to drink.

Cautiously, she extended her tongue and took a sip. A bitter taste immediately spread across her mouth, causing her facial features to contort. She turned her head to the side, spitting out a few mouthfuls. It tasted worse than the sour fruit she used to eat on Wuling Mountain.

Lian Muxiu watched Little Nine, who was now lying on the table, sticking out her tongue and frowning. "Is it really that bad?"

Without hesitation, Little Nine nodded. It’s too bitter.

"Could it be that my skill in making tea is rusty?" Lian Muxiu sighed. "Forget it. If it tastes bad, don’t drink it. I wouldn’t want you to get a stomach ache."

Lian Muxiu’s tone was calm, but Little Nine wondered if her reaction had hurt his pride. She thought she might have overreacted.

Straightening up, Little Nine leaped from the table and jumped into Lian Muxiu’s arms. Her paw was meant to rest on his shoulder, but it was too short, so she put it on his face instead.

She patted his face with her paw, "Chirp chirp."

Muxiu, have confidence. Just practice more, and next time, I won’t react so strongly. I’ll be sure to give you face.

"Little Nine," Lian Muxiu said with mock sadness, "It seems you’re not satisfied with my skills. Sigh, I’m so heartbroken."

"Chirp?" Are you really upset?