NovelEnglishChapter 101 Everyone had been listening intently, completely absorbed in the conversation, when suddenly they were interrupted. A few people couldn't help but frown at the abrupt break.
Mrs. Lloyd felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her.
What on earth is wrong with Suzan? Doesn't she know how rude it is to cut someone off like that? Hadn't anyone taught her basic manners? Even though Mrs. Lloyd wasn't particularly fond of Effie, there was a tand place for everything, and Suzan's behavior was out of line.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEffie's tone remained even. "Is there something you'd like to ask?" She had half-expected things wouldn't go smoothly today.
Suzan scoffed, "Everything you just said can be found on Google. What's the point of talking theory? If you really know your stuff, why don't you show everyone how you actually make tea?" As if anyone here couldn't talk a good game. But making tea-that was another matter entirely.
"Thank you for the compliment," Effie replied, her voice clear and gentle. "I'd be happy to show everyone how to make a proper pot of green tea." The room quieted as everyone's attention turned to her.
Effie picked up a small clay teapot, running her fingers thoughtfully over its surface before speaking. "The first step is to warm the pot." She poured hot water into the teapot and matching cups, swirling it gently. "Warming the pot and cups helps keep the tea at the right temperature and brings out the best aroma." She poured out the water with practiced ease, then measured a small handful of flat, bright green tea leaves into the pot. "With green tea, the leaves are delicate and the temperature matters-a little below boiling is best." Effie slowly poured the hot water over the leaves, her movements graceful and unhurried. The leaves unfurled, releasing a subtle fragrance.
"Let it infuse for just half a minute or so," Effie explained, already pouring the pale golden tea into a small pitcher before dividing it among dainty cups. Her motions were smooth and confident-clearly, she knew what she was doing.
"Please, enjoy," Effie said, offering a cup to Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Etheridge before serving the other ladies present.
Mrs. Smith accepted her cup, inhaling the gentle scent before taking a sip. Her eyes lit up in surprise. "This is... exquisite. Such a delicate aroma, and the taste is so smooth and refreshing. Truly remarkable!" Mrs. Etheridge nodded in agreement, a proud smile appearing on her face. "Effie, I had no idea you were so skilled with tea." All her previous worries seemed so unnecessary now. Who would have thought her daughter-in-law was such a treasure? The more she saw of Effie, the more she liked her.
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The other ladies tried the tea as well; even those secretly tly hoping to find fault were forced to admit that Effie's En technique was flawless. Suzan and Sigrid's expressions soured. They hadn't expected Effie to actually know what she was doing, let alone perform so impressively.
How could this be? It was almost unbelievable.
Effie smiled gently and added, "You know, preparing tea isn't just about technique. It's also about cultivating a calm and mindful heart."
"There's no such thing as a 'superior' or 'inferior' tea-what matters is om finding what you enjoy, and making it with care. Whether it's green, black, or oolong, if you make it with intention, it'll always taste wonderful." As soon as she finished, Mrs. Smith led the applause. "Beautifully said, Miss Bagnold! Making tea really is a kind of meditation." Suzan bit her lip, muttering to Sigrid, "I can't believe she pulled that off. I really underestimated her." Sigrid gave a cold snort. "She just got lucky this time. Next time, it won't be so easy."
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