Independence

Ingrid was stunned. She had only spoken off the top of her head. She had no idea what part of Miranda’s presentation wasn’t accurate!

Although she had crammed the night before, it was merely a last–minute effort. None of the information had really stuck in her mind.

Her eyes darted around as Ingrid tried to change the subject. “Right now, I’m asking you whether you have a Tea Master Professional Certificate. Don’t try to divert the topic.”

Miranda retorted, “As the instructor, I’m simply addressing a student’s concern and clarifying any doubts. Is there a problem with that? What do you mean by diverting the topic?

“You accused me of being unprofessional. Fine, but you need to provide a solid reason. I won’t accept baseless accusations!”

Caught off guard, Ingrid didn’t expect Miranda to be so assertive.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Ingrid pursed her lips when she noticed the skeptical looks from the others. She straightened her back instinctively and said, “What you said earlier wasn’t exactly wrong, but those are merely basic facts about tea culture that everyone here already knows.

“Even if they don’t, a quick search online would allow anyone to speak on the topic with confidence. The level of a tea master would determine the depth of their teaching. Did we come here today just to hear you talk about basic knowledge?”

Some of the ladies seemed convinced. After hearing Ingrid’s words, they nodded in approval.

“She’s right. How do we acknowledge your ability without a certificate? What if you’re just pretending to be an expert?”

“Exactly! There are so many frauds out there. It should be easy enough to show your certificate to everyone if you really have one, just to put our minds at ease.”

Natalie’s expression had darkened considerably. She had invited Miranda to deliver the talk. Those who questioned Miranda’s ability were indirectly challenging her credibility.

In contrast to Natalie’s nervousness and anger, Susan was completely at ease. She sipped her tea slowly, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.

She thought to herself that it was a good thing she came today: The event today turned out to be quite entertaining.

Although Susan had never met Miranda and didn’t know much about her, she could immediately tell that her appearance and demeanor weren’t the type that she liked.

How could she put it

Susan didn’t like women who gave off an air of poise and serenity. She felt that it was just a facade for being detached and pretentious.

To her, descriptions like being elegant, graceful, and refined were just pretentious nonsense!

Natalie was the perfect example of that, and Miranda was similar. Their demeanor both perfectly hit

Susan’s sore spots.

Susan even found herself thinking with glee that this young woman would find herself in a difficult situation if she couldn’t produce the certificate.

Miranda remained unruffled as she watched the crowd’s reactions. In fact, she even offered Natalie a reassuring look.

She spoke, “How do you plan to apologize for your baseless accusations and rude behavior if I manage to show you my certificate?”

Ingrid let out a cold laugh. “If you actually have it, you can make me apologize however you want. I’ll do as you say. What about that?”

“Good.” Miranda was waiting for this specific response.

She gestured to an assistant near the door. The young lady was dressed in a custom uniform for the teal tasting party. She promptly walked over to Miranda with s delicate steps.

Miranda had entrusted her bag and some essential items to the assistant before entering the room. The assistant was quick–witted and handed Miranda’s bag to her.

Miranda thanked her with a smile, “Thank you.”

The young lady blushed and whispered shyly, “You’re welcome.”

Miranda had foreseen the possibility of needing her certificate, so she had placed the document in a side. pocket of her bag beforehand.

The levels of tea master certification were distinguished by the colors of the certificate.

The tea master levels were differentiated by the colors of the certificate. As the crowd watched, Miranda slowly unzipped the bag….