THE REAL PROTEGE

Early the next day. The twilight sky was streaked with lavender and fading embers as the convoy of cars departed the airport, cutting through silent roads like a fleet of shadows. Ling Li and Four Eyes sat in the center vehicle, a long stretch Limo, clad in ceremonial robes — hers a cascade of rose gold silk with delicate phoenix embroidery, his a deep indigo brocade that itched in places he refused to admit aloud.

Their private plane landed with just enough time to make it for the six o'clock tea ceremony. Four Eyes was truly grateful to Ling Li, who also wore a ceremonial robe so that he wouldn't feel awkward.

As promised by El Capitan, the gifts were waiting for Four Eyes at the airport, all wrapped majestically.

In the back seat, the twins, Kim Kim, and Chin Chin, played rock-paper-scissors while Mr. and Mrs. Xu murmured quiet blessings and finalized gift details. The atmosphere was part reverent, part chaotic, and undeniably heavy.

Four Eyes adjusted the ceremonial sash around his waist for the fifth time.

"I feel like I'm walking into a test with nine judges and no answer key," he mumbled.

Ling Li arched an eyebrow without turning. "It's not a test. It's a rite. And they already know all your answers."

"That's worse!" Four Eyes whispered.

She smirked but softened. "My parents will appreciate your effort. They may not say much, but every gesture matters to them."

Then her eyes drifted to the horizon, voice lowering. "Especially with so much ahead of us."

The mention of the looming dance competition, the threat of Solaris, and Otako's two-year deadline hung in the air like an unspoken storm. This was not just a tea ceremony—it was a declaration of unity in the face of chaos.

Arrival at the Li Estate

They arrived at the ancestral Li compound just as the sky began to pale into early dawn. Lanterns flickered above the carved gateway, and two elderly stewards bowed low as the convoy rolled in.

Ling Li stepped out first, her movements fluid and grounded. Four Eyes followed, trying not to trip on the hem of the robe or let the gift box tip sideways.

Inside, the house was silent but alive with anticipation. The tea room had been prepared — a sanctified space of polished bamboo mats, antique scrolls, and two elevated cushions where Old Master Li and Madam Li waited.

Ling Li knelt in front of her parents with a grace that made the room still.

Four Eyes joined her, swallowing nerves like fire pills.

Old Master Li's gaze was piercing. He didn't speak, just observed.

Madam Li offered a faint smile, her fingers delicately folding the silk napkin in her lap.

Four Eyes placed the gifts with trembling hands — El Capitan's treasures wrapped in crimson silk and sealed with wax so intimidating it seemed to hum.

Then, with measured precision, Ling Li lifted the teapot and began the ritual. Steam curled into the air like whispered prayers as each cup was poured, presented, and accepted.

"Thank you for allowing me into your family," Four Eyes said respectfully, bowing so low his glasses nearly slipped off.

Old Master Li finally spoke. "You came in robes. You bowed with sincerity. You chose a worthy tea." He sipped, then paused. "Not bad."

Four Eyes nearly passed out from relief.

Madam Li looked at Ling Li and lightly touched her hand. "You are happy?"

Ling Li nodded. "I am."

Madam Li looked at Four Eyes. "Then we are content."

Outside, the wind rustled through the peach blossoms as the morning sun broke through the clouds fully.

After the Tea Ceremony – Family Pleasantries

As the final drops of tea were sipped and silence settled with grace, the twins — Kim Kim and Chin Chin — could no longer contain their excitement. With matching squeals, they bolted forward like twin comets, their little matching ancient robes fluttering around their tiny legs.

"Grandpa! Grandma!" Kim Kim cried, arms outstretched.

"We did it! We served tea!" Chin Chin added, practically flying into Old Madam Li's lap.

Old Master Li, always reserved, allowed a rare softness to ease the sharpness of his gaze. He chuckled low as Kim Kim clung to his neck, and Madam Li embraced Chin Chin with practiced warmth, smoothing the girl's wild hair with one delicate hand.

"You both did very well," Old Master Li said. "Your bows were even deeper than your father's."

Four Eyes protested inwardly from the side, looking scandalized. "I was nearly face-down." He murmured.

Madam Li noticed Four Eyes' aggrieved expression and said, "You were practically lounging," with a faint laugh as she decided to tease him more. "But we're pleased nonetheless."

Four Eues "...."

Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Xu approached with respectful smiles, offering a quiet bow as Ling Li ushered them forward.

"Father. Mother. These are my in-laws," she said formally, gesturing.

Old Master Li stood, adjusting his robe with stoic dignity. "Welcome," he said, voice low but firm. "We've heard much. You must allow us to host you properly during your visit. Take in the country. The land changes, but the spirit stays loyal."

Madam Li nodded. "It is rare to gather both sides of a family under one roof. It is an auspicious sign — especially as it marks the beginning of a new lineage."

Mrs. Xu blushed with quiet pride while Mr. Xu nodded firmly, eyes gleaming with respect. "We are honored, truly. Ling Li is a daughter worth celebrating."

The Gifts Revealed

As the warmth of reunion flowed around the courtyard, Ling Li gently took her father's arm and leaned in.

"Dad," she said softly, "there's something else. The gifts… Four Eyes went to great effort to prepare them. Please take a look."

She gestured toward the silk-wrapped parcels, each one exuding understated grandeur.

With a gesture of permission from Master Li, Four Eyes stepped forward, carefully unwrapping the first parcel and revealing an aged wooden box lined with velvet. Inside, nestled was a canister carved with ancient motifs.

"Da Hong Pao," Four Eyes said. "This batch… is older than all of us."

Old Master Li's brow rose as he leaned in. The scent of tea leaves—earthy, ancient, reverent—drifted upward. He reached out with two fingers and gently touched the seal.

"This…," he murmured, voice thick with reverence, "this is not just tea. This is history."

Madam Li leaned over, eyes gleaming. "I haven't seen this packaging in decades."