The wealthy man loved Tea and was hospitable. He especially appreciated guests who knew their tea. Whoever came to his house to drink tea, regardless of whether they were rich or poor, he would instruct his servants to serve them well.

One day, a beggar in tattered clothes appeared at the wealthy man's doorstep. Instead of asking for food, he simply requested a bowl of tea. The servant promptly invited him inside and poured him a bowl of tea.

The beggar looked at it and said, “This tea isn't good.”

Seeing that he seemed to know his tea, the servant quickly fetched better tea.

The beggar sniffed and remarked, “This is good tea, but the water isn't right. It needs mountain spring water of the finest quality.”

The servant recognized his expertise and hurriedly used reserved spring water to Brew another pot.

The beggar tasted it and said, “The water is good, but the wood used to boil it isn't right. The wood should be from the shady side of a famous mountain, as the wood from the sunny side is too soft, while that from the shady side is firmer and harder.”

The servant confirmed that this man was a true connoisseur of tea and immediately fetched the best wood to prepare the tea again, and summoned the master of the house. After the tea was served anew, the wealthy man and the beggar shared a cup.

The beggar said, “Ah, now the tea, water, wood, and fire are all right, but the Teapot is no good.”

The wealthy man replied, “This is my best teapot.”

The beggar shook his head and carefully pulled out a Purple Clay Teapot from his robes, instructing the servant to brew another pot with it. The wealthy man tasted it and found its flavor truly extraordinary. He stood up and bowed to the beggar, saying, “I will buy your purple clay teapot for any price you name.”

However, the beggar loved the teapot dearly and refused to part with it. He firmly replied, “No, this teapot is my life. I cannot give it to you.” The beggar hastily poured out the tea, packed away his teapot, and prepared to leave.

The wealthy man hurried to stop him, saying, “I am willing to offer half my wealth for your teapot.” The beggar remained silent and insisted on leaving. The wealthy man grew anxious and offered, “I will give you all my possessions for this teapot.” Hearing this, the beggar couldn't help but laugh and said, “If I could part with this teapot, I wouldn't have ended up like this.” With these words, the beggar turned and left.

The wealthy man rushed forward and said, “Here's what we'll do: the teapot remains yours, but you can stay here in my home, and we'll eat the same food. There's only one condition: you must let me look at the teapot every day. What do you say?” The wealthy man loved the teapot so much that in desperation, this was the only solution he could think of.

The beggar, worried about his daily sustenance, saw no reason to refuse such an offer and readily agreed to the wealthy man's proposal.

Thus, the beggar settled into the wealthy man's home, sharing meals and living quarters with him. Every day, the two men would sit together with the teapot, discussing everything under the sun, enjoying tea and wine, and leading a very happy life. Over the course of more than ten years, they became inseparable companions.

Time passed, and both the wealthy man and the beggar grew old. Clearly, the beggar was older. One day, the wealthy man said to the beggar, “You have no children to inherit your teapot. Why don't you let me take care of it after you're gone? What do you think?” The beggar was deeply moved and agreed.

Not long after, the beggar passed away, and the wealthy man finally obtained the purple clay teapot. At first, he was lost in joy over owning the teapot. But one day, as he admired the teapot from every angle, he suddenly felt something was missing. Images of the times he and the beggar had enjoyed the teapot and tea together flashed before his eyes, and he understood. He then threw the teapot to the ground in a fit of emotion…

The story ends unexpectedly. As time passed, many things changed. The friendship between the wealthy man and the beggar had transcended the value of the teapot itself. Even the most precious things lose their meaning if there's no one to share them with, and no possession is more valuable than a true friend. Reflecting on one's own life, what is truly the most important thing? Perhaps it's the person who shares a heart-to-heart conversation and a cup of tea with you!

A single true friend is enough in life! This is the sentiment shared by many who have weathered storms! And it is the goal pursued by many in understanding life! The bond of a true friend is a wordless warmth, an invisible presence.

A true friend is someone who understands you, knows you, and offers a gentle companionship and resonance. Like a cup of light tea, it seeps gently into the heart. Sometimes, all it takes is a hug, a glance, and everything is understood without words; sometimes, just a few lines of text, a moment of empathy, and a lasting impression is made.

A true friend doesn't need to intrude on your world; they simply travel alongside you in the depths of your soul. They don't interfere with your life; they resonate with you on a spiritual level.