Chapter 239

Evelyn Langley pulled a crimson certificate from her bag.

The gilded words "Senior Tea Master" shimmered under the sunlight.

"Would you like to examine it closely?" She held the certificate up to Chloe Valentine's face.

Chloe's complexion paled instantly, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her blouse.

"T-this could be fake!" she stammered defiantly.

Evelyn gave a light chuckle. "The certification number is right here. Feel free to verify it."

Someone in the crowd immediately pulled out their phone.

"It's legit! Officially certified by the national tea association!" the person announced loudly.

Chloe bit her lower lip. "A piece of paper doesn't prove real skill!"

Without another word, Evelyn walked gracefully to the tea station.

She pressed the kettle's switch with elegant precision.

"Step one: water selection." Her voice rang clear. "Mountain spring water is ideal. Filtered water is acceptable."

The kettle began emitting a soft hum.

"Step two: warming the cups." She rinsed each tea vessel methodically. "Temperature affects fragrance release."

Beads of sweat formed on Chloe's forehead.

Evelyn measured a precise pinch of tea leaves.

"Leaf quantity must be exact." Her fingertip tapped the scale. "One gram more brings bitterness. One gram less lacks depth."

Boiling water cascaded into the teapot, unfurling the tightly rolled leaves.

"Pour steadily." Her wrist rotated fluidly. "Forceful streams damage the leaf structure."

A delicate aroma began permeating the air.

Evelyn covered the pot. "Steeping duration requires perfect timing."

Exactly forty seconds later, she lifted the lid.

The liquid gleamed like translucent amber.

"Distribution must be even." She decanted the brew into tasting cups. "Please."

Chloe's hands trembled slightly.

Evelyn raised her cup. "Tea tasting mirrors life—both demand mindful presence."

She took a measured sip, her expression softening.

"Lu Tong wrote: The first cup moistens lips and throat," she recited. "The second dispels loneliness. The third awakens inspiration—five thousand scrolls flow from the mind."

The tearoom fell utterly silent.

"Su Shi said: Let us test new tea with fresh fire." Her gaze swept the audience. "Today's gathering honors this tradition."

Applause erupted like crashing waves.

Chloe's face turned ashen.

Evelyn gave a slight bow. "May everyone find serenity in this shared moment."