Independence

Everyone listened intently, captivated by Miranda’s story.

“Natalie, this instructor you brought in is quite good. Where did you find her? Why were the previous instructors all old men?” one of the ladies commented.

They had many tea tasting parties before, with different ladies hosting the event. This time, it was Natalie’s turn. She had only asked Miranda to step in because the tea master had fallen ill suddenly.

There weren’t such problems before this.

Another lady heard it and nodded vigorously. “Exactly! Why didn’t we invite such a beautiful young instructor before? We’ve always had old men. This is so much better!”

“She’s both pleasant to look at and listen to.”

“This young lady is quite good. Her voice is so soothing.”

Ingrid and Evelyn were stunned the moment they saw …nda appear. They watched in shock as she confidently took the stage. She could even discuss tea culture effortlessly and cite references with ease.

Ingrid listened as everyone around her praised Miranda. They were talking about how knowledgeable, how beautiful, and how extraordinary she was. All the compliments were directed at her!

Why?

Why did everyone like Miranda?

But she didn’t even know anything about tea. How did she have the nerve to pretend to be so knowledgeable and conduct the class for these ladies?

Who did Miranda think she was?

A flash of resentment appeared in Ingrid’s eyes. If she had probed deeper, she would realize that what she felt was actually intense jealousy!

Ingrid stood up and interrupted Miranda, “Wait a minute.”

Instantly, everyone’s gaze was drawn to her. Evelyn didn’t have time to pull her back, while Natalie

frowned.

Miranda asked calmly, “Do you have a question?”

Ingrid smirked, “Miss, you’re here to teach us about tea culture, but are you even a certified tea master? Aren’t you a little too young for that?

“Moreover, why does what you’re saying sound so unprofessional? You even repeated lines straight out of a documentary on television.”

Her words stirred up murmurs among the crowd.

“That’s true, why was the instructor suddenly changed?”

Those who had attended the tea tasting party before knew that the usual instructor was an elderly man in his 60s. Why was there suddenly a young woman instead?

Natalie stood up to explain, “Here’s what happened. Mr. Cohen suddenly fell ill a couple days ago, so I arranged for a new teacher. I assure you all, her tea–brewing skills are absolutely up to standard.”

Ingrid raised an eyebrow. “Then, may I ask what her level of tea mastery is?”

It was quite the contrary that Ingrid hadn’t done any homework. She spent the previous night researching and cramming information about tea brewing. She knew that tea masters were divided into five levels. which were Novice, Advanced beginner, Competent, Proficient, and Expert.

Each level came with a corresponding certificate that was officially recognized and issued by the state. The full title was the Tea Master Professional Certificate, which required holders to pass an exam.

Moreover, passing the exam wasn’t easy. One needed to systematically learn the art and skills behind tea brewing.

Ingrid’s roommate had taken the exam for the Novice Te.laster. She even paid for a prep course, and yet she needed two attempts to pass. Ingrid knew how challenging it was to obtain this certification.This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Even if Miranda had some knowledge about tea, so what? She didn’t believe that Miranda had the Tea Master Professional Certificate!

Natalie was in a bind. On one hand, she was annoyed by Ingrid’s tactless attempt to undermine Miranda On the other hand, she felt uncertain about what would happen next.

She knew that Miranda could brew tea and had some knowledge of tea culture, but she wasn’t sure if Miranda had the necessary qualifications.

With th

that thought, Natalie turned to Miranda, looking concerned.

However, Miranda gave her a reassuring look before turning her gaze to Ingrid. She spoke clearly and deliberately, “You just said that what I presented was unprofessional. Could you point out exactly which part was inaccurate?”