A student at Peking University, driven by a desire for success but frequently facing setbacks in life, wrote a letter to Mr. Cai Yuanpei, the then president of the university, seeking guidance. After reading the letter, President Cai agreed to meet with him.
The student entered the office with great excitement. Before he could speak, President Cai smiled and greeted him, "Come, sit down. Let me brew you a cup of tea." He then rose, took some tea leaves from a drawer, placed them in a cup, poured hot water, and placed it on the table before the student, saying kindly, "This is premium green tea; please, try it."
Flattered, the student picked up the cup, only to find the sparse tea leaves floating on the surface. The water looked pale and colorless, without a hint of green. He took a sip, but it tasted just like plain water, lacking any tea flavor. The student couldn't help but frown. President Cai, ignoring the expression, chatted casually about trivial matters. Feeling awkward, the student waited until President Cai paused and then stood up to take his leave.
President Cai waved him off and said, "What's the rush? Finish your tea before you go. This is premium green tea; it would be a pity to waste it!" The student had no choice but to continue drinking. But as he did, a rich aroma filled his mouth! Stunned, he looked into the cup: all the tea leaves had settled at the bottom, and the water had turned a vibrant, clear green.
President Cai smiled and asked meaningfully, "Do you understand now?"
The student nodded immediately and said joyfully, "I understand! You mean that the pursuit of success should be like this green tea—one must not be impetuous or stay on the surface, but rather calm down and settle down earnestly and steadily!"
