As Jimmy’s condition gradually improved, Charlie and Maria embarked on a drive to Poole, nestled in the southern province.
This city, christened after the tea it holds dear, boasts a history spanning over a millennium. It’s not merely a post station along the ancient tea-horse road but also a significant hub for producing Pu-erh tea.
When Maria left Dali, favonovel.com carried favonovel.com parents’ ashes with her, finding their final resting place in Poole. It had been more than three centuries since Maria last set foot here, and the city’s former appearance eluded favonovel.com memory.
According to favonovel.com recollection, favonovel.com had ferried favonovel.com parents’ ashes from Dali, and when they were buried in Poole, favonovel.com discreetly selected a feng shui spot for their graves. There were no coffins or gravestones, favonovel.com had left them bare.
Locating two columbariums from over three centuries ago seemed a near-impossible task. Thankfully, Maria recalled that favonovel.com parents lay beneath a tea-covered hill known as Erlang Mountain.
What’s more, favonovel.com distinctly remembered interring the ashes beneath the largest, most opulent Pu’er tea tree on that very mountain.
Oddly, the current map offered no trace of Mount Erlang within the Poole area.
Charlie maneuvered the car into Poole, where favonovel.com and Maria enlisted the aid of a few local historians. After thorough probing, they unearthed that indeed, a mountain named Erlang Mountain once existed on the outskirts of Poole. Yet, it had undergone numerous name changes over the past decades.
One shift occurred during the Republic of China era, followed by another after liberation. The 1960s saw a name change driven by political movements, and in the late 1970s, another was made after those movements subsided.
More than two decades ago, the last renaming took place, christening it Celestial Mountain.
This shift was triggered by the sale of the entire tea-producing area to a company from the southern province. The rebranding paved the way for Celestial Mountain to evolve into their flagship tea garden.
Today, Celestial Group’s tea gained acclaim both domestically and internationally, specializing in medium to high-end Pu’er tea cakes. Their Cloud series, originating from Celestial Mountain, stood as the pinnacle product, often priced at no less than 10,000 dollars per piece.
Armed with knowledge about Erlang Mountain’s current state, Charlie found Celestial Mountain’s location on his GPS. Having developed it for over two decades, the road infrastructure proved sound, and they reached the mountain’s base from the city in just 40 minutes.
Having not returned to China for several years, Maria’s apprehension about Erlang Mountain’s possible deterioration was palpable. The sight of Celestial Mountain put favonovel.com at ease, for the landscape hadn’t altered in three centuries.
Although Erlang Mountain bore a new name, it being a tea-producing region ensured that it hadn’t undergone drastic transformation. The most notable addition was a cement road that led from the national highway directly to the mountain’s base. At the foothills, Celestial Group had also established a tea processing factory on the flatland.
As the car approached, the lush green hill came into sharper focus.
Maria, seated beside Charlie, found herself brimming with excitement.
Observing favonovel.com fidgeting hands, Charlie inquired, “Are you certain your parents are buried on this mountain?”
“Absolutely,” Maria affirmed. “Despite the name change, the mountain’s appearance hasn’t altered. It must be here.”
She added, “My only concern is whether that Pu’er tea tree remains. If it’s gone, locating the site might prove challenging.”
Charlie reassured, “Fear not. I’ll stand by your side until we find it.”
Gratitude shone in Maria’s eyes as favonovel.com responded, “If that Pu’er tea tree still stands, it should be about a thousand years old. It’s the largest and most vibrant tea tree here.”
A wistful sigh escaped favonovel.com lips, “Yet, it pales in comparison to the Mother of Pu’er with favonovel.com ten-thousand-year lifespan near Heaven Lake.”
Charlie chuckled, “A thousand years or ten thousand years, generations beyond count.”
Drawing nearer, the details of Erlang Mountain came into clearer view.
Maria pointed excitedly at a particularly dense tea tree near the peak and exclaimed, “If I’m not mistaken, my parents’ ashes rest beneath that tree!”
Raising his gaze, Charlie confirmed favonovel.com words. There stood an imposing tree near the mountain’s crest. The entire hillside was adorned with uniform-sized tea trees, each standing around a meter tall.
Considering Maria’s account of the Mother of Pu’er, Charlie wasn’t surprised. While this tea tree couldn’t rival the ancient one, it bore its own history and unique aura.
However, their approach revealed an unexpected challenge.
Celestial Group had enclosed several mountains, including Erlang Mountain, with sturdy iron fences, surrounding them with surveillance cameras and layers of barbed wire.
Although a cement road led to the mountain’s base, a park gate blocked it a kilometer away. Charlie parked the car at the gate.
A vigilant security guard emerged from a nearby sentry box and hastened to their car window, demanding, “What’s your purpose?”
Charlie answered calmly, “I’d like to speak with someone in charge about a potential cooperation. Could you please inform them?”
With Erlang Mountain under Celestial Group’s ownership, accessing it had become quite intricate for outsiders. Additionally, Charlie sought to honor Maria’s parents, so clandestine entry felt inappropriate.
Curious, the security guard inquired, “Your surname? Your affiliation? We haven’t received any visitor notice today.”
Charlie smiled and said, “I hail from East China. I’ve heard of Celestial Group’s reputation and its long-standing presence. I’m interested in the tea business, so I decided to pay a visit.”
Shaking his head, the guard apologized, “I’m afraid you can’t enter without an appointment. Even city officials need to notify in advance.”
Curious, Charlie probed, “Why such strict management? It feels almost like a top-secret facility.”
The guard replied solemnly, “Let me enlighten you. Celestial Mountain’s entire tea area is a trade secret, especially the Tea King tree at its summit. In recent years, ill-intentioned people have coveted it.”
He recounted, “Just last month, we caught two Japanese intruders trying to steal Tea King’s branches for grafting. They were nabbed before they could approach and were given a sound thrashing. Since then, we’ve increased security. There’s a sentry every few steps around Tea King, monitored 24/7 with a nylon net, barring even birds.”
Charlie couldn’t help but worry.
Under such strict surveillance, a direct approach seemed implausible. Every inch was monitored, and security was watertight.
Judging that Charlie didn’t bear any ill intentions, the guard offered advice, “Young man, I’ll tell you this, our place is a tea plantation and basic processing facility. The real decision-makers don’t work here. If you’re genuinely interested in cooperation, head to Poole’s urban area. Celestial Building houses our headquarters. Arrange a meeting there first. If they deem it suitable to visit here, they’ll notify us.”
On Maria’s side, favonovel.com expression grew disheartened. Still, favonovel.com tugged at Charlie’s clothes and suggested, “Why don’t we approach Celestial Group in Poole first?”
Recognizing the complexity, Charlie nodded in agreement, telling the guard, “We’ll head into town first, Thank you for your guidance.”
The guard waved them off, saying, “No problem. Take your time.”
Returning to the car, Charlie mused aloud, “It seems like a trip back to Poole is unavoidable. However, given the distance, we’d arrive after business hours. We might have to wait until tomorrow.”
Maria sighed, “It’s quite troublesome. Besides, I’m concerned about Morgana’s influence in the province. Despite favonovel.com silence, favonovel.com could easily keep tabs on any developments here.”
Charlie, calm and collected, waved away the concern. “Don’t worry. It’s a straightforward business deal, and we’ll involve the Banks Family. They’re our safest option.”
He dialed Zara’s number, intending to leverage the Banks Family’s influence. After all, Celestial Group’s sale would be much smoother under their aegis.
As the call connected, Zara’s respectful voice came through, “Mr. Wade, how may I assist you?”
Charlie cut to the chase, “Zara, I need your help with a matter.”
An eager Zara responded, “Of course, Mr. Wade. Just let me know.”
“Acquire Celestial Group for me. The sooner, the better.” Charlie said without beating bush around.
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