Chapter 129
She produced a red certificate.
Gilded letters spelled out the words "Qualification Certificate" in both English and Chinese.
It was an Advanced Tea Master certification.
"Is this sufficient now?" Sophia Sullivan lifted her gaze. "Shall I bring it closer for your inspection?"
Isabella Langley's eyes widened.
She actually had certification!
Isabella bit her lip. "Certificates can be forged."
Sophia gave a light laugh. "State-issued certificates have serial numbers. You may verify it on the official website."
Someone immediately pulled out their phone to check.
"It's verified! The information matches perfectly. It's genuine!"
Isabella paled. "A certificate doesn't prove skill. Many are unqualified yet still certified."
Sophia's expression remained calm. "Then watch closely."
She switched on the electric kettle.
She poured mountain spring water into it.
"The first step in brewing tea is heating the water. Mountain spring water is ideal for its clarity and sweetness."
Once the water boiled, she poured it into the teapot.
"Step two: warming the pot. Boiling water rinses the pot and raises its temperature, which helps release the tea's aroma."
After warming the pot, she took out the tea leaves.
"Step three: adding the leaves. Too many leaves make it bitter; too few make it weak. The amount must be just right."
The leaves settled into the pot.
She lifted the kettle.
"Step four: pouring the water. Pour slowly along the side of the pot to avoid directly hitting the leaves."
Hot water met the tea leaves.
The aroma began to diffuse.
She covered the pot.
"Step five: steeping. The time depends on the type of tea, ranging from tens of seconds to a minute."
She waited quietly.
After forty seconds, she removed the lid.
The tea's fragrance filled the air.
"Step six: serving the tea." She poured the tea into a fairness pitcher, then into tasting cups. "This ensures even consistency, preventing the first cup from being too strong and the last too weak."
She raised a cup.
She gently inhaled the scent.
"Finally, tasting. Appreciate the tea's color, aroma, flavor, and form. Experience the art of tea."
She took a small sip.
The entire process was fluid and effortless.
Her explanation was clear and thorough.
Isabella's palms were sweating.
She wanted to flee but found herself rooted to the spot.
Sophia set down her cup.
"Bai Juyi wrote: 'For no reason, I hold a bowl of tea; I send it to one who loves tea.'"
"Su Shi said: 'Do not dwell on old friends and the homeland with this old heart; instead, try new tea with new fire.'"
"Li Qingzhao lamented: 'After wine, I prefer the bitterness of compressed tea; waking from dreams, the scent of Ruinao incense is most fitting.'"
"Lu You sighed: 'Upon waking, who will share the noon cup of tea with me?'"
"Xin Qiji prepared tea for guests: 'After the lamb is finished and the wine is gone, we brew tea again, aspiring to the ease of Yangzhou.'"
"The ancients are gone, but the tea's fragrance remains."
"We taste tea to understand life and grasp its truths."
She stood and bowed.
"Spring keeps its appointment; tea does not err. May you never regret it, year after year."
A moment of silence hung in the room.
Then, enthusiastic applause broke out.
"Well said!"
Mrs. Roscente listened intently.
She had built her fortune on tea and understood it deeply.
She had held little expectation for a young tea master.
Yet Sophia had astonished her.
Not only was her explanation vivid, but her skill was exceptional.
Every step was precise and perfect.
The aroma was rich, the liquor clear and bright.
Truly remarkable!
Sophia stepped down from the platform.
She approached Isabella.
"Does this prove my capability now?"
Isabella took a step back.
"It's time for you to honor your promise."
Cold sweat trickled down Isabella's back.
She looked toward Victoria Roscente for help.
But Victoria was lost in thought.
The Sophia she had just witnessed was astounding.
Quoting poetry with ease.
Her bearing was extraordinary.
Victoria had never seen this side of Sophia before.
In that moment, she suddenly understood.
What it meant to be enriched by poetry and literature from within.
Isabella bit her lip. "Fine, I apologize! Don't push your luck!"
Mrs. Roscente frowned. "Such ill manners! You were bold in your doubt, but now you wish to renege on your promise?"
The other ladies joined in.
"How dare you question someone as accomplished as Ms. Sullivan?"
"Some people simply don't know what's good for them."
The murmurs grew louder.
Victoria found herself drawn into the criticism.