Chapter 39 Ignorance
Serena seemed t
the awkward atmosphere in the room and continued, ” Focusing too much on fancy but impractical things is a waste of time. We should just drink in big gulps.”
Chris noticed that everyone present looked uncomfortable. He squeezed Serena’s hand, signaling her to stop.
“Chris, do you think I’m wrong?” Serena lowered her eyes, feeling wronged yet stubborn. “It’s the truth. What’s the point of sipping tea slowly? They just want others to think they’re special.
“I refuse to do that. If you insist that I can’t compare to Eleanor, I’ll admit it.”
“So you do know,” Yvonne sneered. She was the host of this High Tea gathering, and Serena’s words clearly made her uncomfortable. “You’ve got zero finesse; you’d embarrass yourself at a posh event.”
Serena’s face turned blushed, and her eyes welled up. She whispered, “Chris, did I say something wrong again? I’m just straightforward and often offend people.”
“It’s okay. That’s your strength,” Chris said. “High Tea doesn’t matter. There’s no need for all these formalities. Who the hell do you think you are, acting all fancy pants?”
“Since that’s the case,” Yvonne said coldly, “the two of you should leave. You really are a perfect match.”
“I’m just speaking the truth. Madam Yvonne, if you don’t like it, there’s nothing I can do. I can’t be like Eleanor, flattering everyone,” Serena said softly. “I won’t live my life to please others. But I’ll accept your blessing.”
Chris looked at Serena admiringly. “You did well by staying true to yourself.”
Eleanor watched the two of them and sneered inwardly, ‘Is she really that naive, or does she pretend not to understand that Madam Yvonne was belittling her?
“But Serena does have courage. She’s willing to offend everyone here just to criticize
- me. Maybe she is just ignorant
“Madam Yvonne, don’t take it to heart,” Eleanor said. “Serena has always been petty. and self–centered, and she’s used to thinking she’s right. No matter how outrageous her words are, don’t be surprised. Why don’t you let her stay and learn some High Tea etiquette?”
“Eleanor, you are so sweet,” Yvonne said. “Martha mentioned that you specifically studied High Tea etiquette and even passed an exam. Could you introduce it to us?”
“Yes, the school issued a certificate at the time,” Eleanor said, taking out a certificate. I thought it might come in handy, so I brought it.”
“Having a certificate doesn’t mean much,” Serena said. “You’ve always been good at
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exams. Getting certified is easy for you. Do you really understand the essence of High Tea?”
Eleanor smiled. “What do you think it is?”
“High Tea just needs a cup and some tea leaves. The cups in front of you are too small; big cups are much more convenient. Tea is for quenching thirst. That’s the true essence of High Tea culture,” said Serena.
Chris nodded in agreement. “Yeah, that’s right.”
Eleanor smiled. “Serena, do you know how many categories of tea there are? Do you know where tea originated?”
“Why so complicated? Categories? Two, black tea and green tea. The homeland of tea is either Brindsleigh or Isla Serava. People always say Isla Serava’s black tea is great, while Brindsleigh has the best breakfast tea.” Serena sounded confident.
“Really? This is the first I’ve heard of it,” Eleanor chuckled lightly.
Serena felt a bit smug. “See? Your certificate is useless.”
Eleanor spoke leisurely. “Have you ever studied the history of High Tea?”
Serena was taken aback and couldn’t answer for a moment.
“I thought so. You probably haven’t heard how High Tea has been passed down either,” Eleanor covered her mouth and laughed. “It’s not surprising that you can say such ignorant things.”
“I don’t know, but who’s to say you didn’t make it up?” Serena muttered.
“You can look up some information when you have time. Don’t use your ignorance to show how different you are,” Eleanor said sarcastically. “In the Middle Ages, tea was favored by the nobility.
“The southwestern region of our country is the origin of the tea plant. Yet you claim
tea comes from abroad.”
Muffled laughter echoed through the room.
“Also, tea is not just divided into black and green. There’s also dark tea, white tea, iced tea, and scented tea, among others.
“In spring, one drinks scented tea to relieve drowsiness; in summer, green tea to cool off; in autumn, dark tea to calm the mind; and in winter, black tea to keep warm. Did you know any of this?” Eleahor spoke slowly.
“I didn’t know.” Serena bit her lip, tears streaming.down her face. “I only know that tea is for quenching thirst. I focus on practicality, unlike you, who uses it to ingratiate yourself with others.”
Eleanor shook her head. “Ignorance is not a sin. The real problem is when ignorant people always think they’re right. I bet you don’t know anything about High Tea. You’ve been belittling High Tea, but do you even know what it truly conveys?
Chapter 39 Ignorance
“By understanding the culture and etiquette of tea, we can refine our taste, cultivate our character, and savor life. That’s the highest realm of High Tea.”
Serena shook her head. “I shouldn’t have come.“”
“Wait. I’m not done yet,” Eleanor smiled. “But I think even if I explain, you wouldn’t understand. You really shouldn’t have come. Do you think everyone gathers here just because they’re thirsty?”
“Enough,” Chris shouted. “Don’t think that by doing this, I’ll consider you better than
Serena.”
Eleanor looked surprised. “I’ve been talking about High Tea. Which part made you think I still have feelings for you?”
“Eleanor, you haven’t been speaking out of line. He’s arrogant. No wonder they’re
getting married. What a perfect match,” Yvonne said. “Martha, don’t think rude.”
I’m being
Martha waved her hand. “I appreciate that you didn’t get angry just now.”
“Eleanor is really great. She’s beautiful and articulate, a perfect match for Tyler,” Yvonne praised. “I love how she shares her knowledge, like what she just said.”
“I read it in a book and remembered it,” Eleanor said.
“Humph, so it’s just someone else’s opinion,” Serena scoffed. “Using other people’s ideas is stealing.”
“Then why don’t you tell us about the history of High Tea?” Yvonne’s face darkened.” You two are the youngest here, and yet you’re so disrespectful.”
“Enough, both of you, go back. I have some family matters to discuss with you later,” Martha said.
“Grandma, you’re biased.” Chris glared at Eleanor. “Eleanor is just pretending. You’ll all regret this.”
“I don’t care about the future. Right now, I want you to leave. Don’t upset me further, Martha said coldly. “Wait. Before you go, apologize to Eleanor.”
Suliscribed
