Chapter 131: A Resounding Slap in the Face (4)

Chapter 131: Chapter 131: A Resounding Slap in the Face (4)

Seraphina Sterling explained as she prepared the gongfu tea. Her movements were fluid and natural. In stark contrast to Michelle Galloway’s cautious and meticulous performance just moments before, it was immediately clear who was superior.

Michelle Galloway had been concerned with precise movements, steps, water temperature, and the amount of tea leaves. Focusing too much on these details only made her performance rigid and stiff, stripping it of the tea ceremony’s inherent beauty.

Seraphina Sterling’s movements were like flowing water, effortlessly executed. She was more practiced and spontaneous, yet there was a method to her actions. Her performance revealed her free-spirited and unrestrained personality.

"Whether brewing or savoring tea, I’ve always believed that the flavor is secondary. What’s more important is your frame of mind—it’s an attitude toward life, a personal philosophy. The tea ceremony of Country R is presented to everyone through flawless rituals. Apex’s tea culture, however, places more emphasis on inner substance. It’s about meticulously enjoying life, savoring all its flavors. Ultimately, it all comes down to one’s state of mind."

As she spoke, Seraphina Sterling had already poured a fresh round of tea for everyone. The emerald-green leaves tumbled in the steaming water, and a stream of tiny bubbles rose from the bottom of the cups, creating a scene of unique charm.

"If certain students here still can’t appreciate Apex’s tea culture, perhaps it’s because you lack the proper disposition for savoring tea." As she said this, Seraphina Sterling glanced at Simon, a clear retort to his earlier impertinent remark.

Impressive!

Brilliant!

’Now what are you going to say? Go on, keep talking—if you don’t mind admitting you’re someone who lacks the proper disposition!’

Seraphina’s words had backed Simon into a corner.

All eyes fell on Simon, everyone waiting to see how he would react to Seraphina Sterling’s counterattack.

Simon took a sip, his eyes meeting Seraphina Sterling’s radiant gaze. A smile touched his lips. "Good tea."

Everyone collectively breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed they had safely passed this hurdle.

This time, everyone’s admiration for Seraphina Sterling grew even stronger. Even Logan Grant of Aethelgard First High School and Genevieve Churchill of Veridia First High School were astounded by her profound knowledge. Michelle Galloway’s performance was clearly the result of last-minute cramming, whereas Seraphina Sterling’s skills were effortless and natural. Her poised and leisurely demeanor was in no way inferior to that of a true master.

"Michelle Galloway, aren’t you going to thank Seraphina? She just smoothed things over for you!" Genevieve Churchill said, walking over during the break.

"Hmph. Why should I thank her? She was just being a busybody! I could have handled Simon myself even without her!"

Michelle Galloway was already in a foul mood after being thoroughly belittled by Simon. On top of that, Seraphina Sterling had completely stolen her thunder, causing her anger to surge. If this weren’t an inappropriate setting, she would have already exploded. Now, hearing Genevieve Churchill tell her to thank Seraphina Sterling, her fury reached its peak—she was on the verge of erupting like a volcano.

"Tch! Are you daydreaming? With what little intelligence you have, you fell for Simon’s provocation like a complete fool. Ten of you couldn’t handle one of him! You think way too highly of yourself, don’t you? If Seraphina hadn’t stepped up, you would’ve completely shamed all of Apex! If you don’t have the diamond drill, don’t take on the porcelain work!"

Genevieve Churchill despised people like Michelle Galloway the most—clearly incompetent, yet insufferably arrogant. ’Where does she even get this confidence?’

"Even if I couldn’t handle Simon, the Marshal would have definitely stepped in to help me! There was no need for Seraphina Sterling to meddle! She just wanted to steal the spotlight!" Michelle Galloway shot a glare at Seraphina Sterling. If looks could kill, Seraphina would have died a hundred times over.

"The Marshal, you say? He certainly would have helped you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have stepped in," Seraphina Sterling said. Her single sentence left Michelle Galloway utterly speechless.