Knowing that he somehow offended President Shen, Mr. Lian didn’t dare to test his patience and kept his opinion about Lu Xinyi to himself. He couldn’t even muster the courage to ask for her name and who she really was to President Shen and he could only guess the relationship between the two.

“Well, are you aware that Silver Leaf has started accepting enrollees for their next school year? It’s the talk of the town right now, and everyone couldn’t help but be excited and prepare their bets.” Mr. Lian changed the topic, hoping Shen Yi would stop feeding his irritation.

“What bets?” Shen Yi leaned back and rested his chin on one hand while Lu Xinyi sat on the armrest of his chair and inclined her head, waiting for Mr. Lian to continue his babblings.

“Ah, of course. The Shen family had never participated before, but the other Big 5 families usually sponsor a student to attend Silver Leaf Academy. They spoiled these students and provided everything they need, and in return, they should dominate the rankings of the school.”

Shen Yi pressed his lips with a slight frown. He heard rumors before but never believed that it really exists. Was this some kind of bragging game between the families? He found it repulsive. Students should be learning without pressure from other people. This would also reflect badly on their image.

Seeing that her husband’s cup was empty, Lu Xinyi stood up and let Mr. Lian fill in the details about the Silver Leaf’s sponsored students and the betting game of the wealthy families within the capital city.

She started to brew tea with familiarity in her every movement. Shen Yi seldomly see her like this, paying attention to his wife. He knew that his wife could brew a good tea since she was the only one who made him addicted to it.

Even Mr. Lian stopped talking just to watch Lu Xinyi’s elegant and graceful movements. The enticing scent of the high-grade tea wafted around them, teasing their senses. A gentle aroma filled their noses, not sweet per se but gentle and subtle with its flavors.

Madam Lian sniffed the tea; her nose tingled slightly, smiling to herself as she took in the scent of the brewed tea. She wasn’t fond of drinking tea, but the tea Lu Xinyi was preparing almost made her excited to taste it.

They thought she was done when she poured the hot water into the teapot and to let it steep, but Lu Xinyi took a small stainless jar, opened it, and gave it a quick sniff. She smiled as she realized they were still fresh and could be used.

The one she prepared earlier didn’t have it, but since her husband was taking a sip of his tea with his visitors, she might as well prepare his favorite blend. She took a small amount of fresh lavender petals and dropped it inside the teapot.

“Lavender?” Madam Lian asked. Of course, she was aware of that scent, but she never had an idea that it could be used on brewing teas too.

“Yes.” Lu Xinyi nodded. “President Shen prefers his tea brewed like this.” She then set up the strainer over the teacup and poured the brown liquid from the pot.

No, he just recently got addicted to it. Shen Yi was an occasional coffee drinker, but that changed when he accidentally took a sip on his wife’s cup when they were having an afternoon snack with the twins.

His thoughts were mixed up that he didn’t even realize he took the wrong cup. It was only after the hot liquid hit his tongue that he realized he was drinking Lu Xinyi’s tea. Taking a sip from her cup once more, Shen Yi had actually found it nice and refreshing. It wasn’t revolting, and it had a pleasant taste.

When the tea was ready, Lu Xinyi passed a cup to her husband which he received with thanks. She then poured another cup for Mr. Lian and his wife.

Mr. Lian took a sip from his cup and sighed in content. How lucky he was. He never had tasted good tea and food in awhile. Who would have thought that he could see a glimpse of heaven when he paid a visit at President Shen’s house. The desserts that Lu Xinyi had served earlier were delicious and not too sweet for his liking.

“As you were saying…” Shen Yi’s voice startled him, making him aware of their forgotten conversation.

“Oh, that! The Sun and the Liu family had confirmed they already have sponsored students for this coming school year. The Tang family said their youngest miss will be attending Silver Leaf so there’s no point to find another student.” Mr. Lian said with a goofy smile as if he was one who couldn’t wait to win the betting game.

Shen Yi didn’t reply but swiveled the remaining tea in his cup, musing if Lu Xinyi would be fine with these changes. With her being the sponsored student of SY Holdings, she might receive unfair criticisms and prejudice from other students and school faculties.

“Will the Shen family join this time? Your family hasn’t participated in the previous competition.” Mr. Lian asked.

Lu Xinyi took the liberty to answer for her husband, seeing that he was once again deep in his thoughts.

“But of course, Mr. Lian. The Shen family will participate this year.” Her smile was bright and confident.

“Really?!” The surprised look on Mr. Lian’s face was laughable. Was it really a big deal who’d win on this bragging and betting game? She supposed that since money was involved, everyone was excited to see the results.

“You’ll see, Mr. Lian. We will take the crown this year.” Lu Xinyi decided then that she shouldn’t disappoint her husband and his family. With the Sun family refusing to acknowledge her, she would bring them down with the Shen family’s help.