As the last of the tea cups emptied, murmurs rippled through the gathered crowd.
"When are you opening the teahouse?" a middle-aged man called out, impatience clear in his voice. "I’ll buy a whole kilogram of those tea leaves if you hurry it up!"
"Sa here! I’m ready to buy a month’s supply," another man shouted, his eyes bright with excitent.
A young woman next to him sighed in regret. "I don’t have the money for a lot, but I’ll save up and buy so soon, that’s for sure!"
Noah stood up, catching the attention of everyone nearby. He flashed his warm, confident smile, gesturing toward the teahouse’s entrance. "Why don’t we make it official and open the store?"
A collective cheer went up, and Noah’s father, David, blinked in surprise as his son turned to him, his smile softening. "Dad," Noah said, placing a hand on his father’s shoulder.
"Why don’t you do the honours of opening this teahouse for the public?"
David’s eyes widened.
For a mont, he simply stared at Noah, as if trying to process the gesture.
Then, pride flickered in his gaze, and he gave a small, almost reverent nod.
The journalists, who had arrived quietly so ti ago, adjusted their lenses, capturing every second.
Noah handed his father a large pair of ceremonial scissors.
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David moved toward the red ribbon with a slight hesitation that adorned the entrance.
The crowd hushed, all eyes on him as he raised the scissors, his hands steady.
With a quick, decisive snip, he cut through the ribbon, and for a heartbeat, silence reigned.
Then, the crowd erupted.
"Woo! Let’s go!" soone shouted, waving their hands in the air.
"I can’t wait to finally try this tea myself!" another yelled, clapping enthusiastically.
Amidst the cheers, Arthur, Adam, and a few others made their way over, grinning as they clapped Noah on the back.
"Congratulations, Noah!" Arthur said warmly, his handshake firm.
"This place is sothing special. "
Adam nodded, his usual stern deanour softened with a smile.
"This is going to be my tea supplier from now on."
David, overco with emotion, accepted the congratulations with a slightly unsteady smile.
His voice cracked just a little as he murmured, "Thank you."
He turned his head, discreetly dabbing at the corner of his eye before a single tear escaped, betraying the pride swelling within him.
Caroline, standing nearby, had a similar reaction, her eyes shimring with happiness as she hugged Lily and Alia tightly.
"Oh, Caroline, you must be so proud!" Carmilla said, squeezing her hand.
"More than words can say," Caroline whispered, laughing softly as she brushed away her own happy tears.
Jackson and Jack stepped up next, giving Noah a hearty clap on the back.
"Well done, Bo- I an Noah," Jackson said, grinning.
"Never doubted you for a second."
"Yeah, this place is about to blow up," Jack added, flashing a thumbs-up. "We’ll be here every day."
Aiden, still filming for his growing audience, sidled up and placed a hand over his heart dramatically.
"This mont… it’s like watching a movie. I’m proud of you, man," he said, his tone comically reverent.
The caras flashed again as Noah and his family received congratulations from all sides. The journalists leaned in, hoping to catch a few heartfelt words for their stories.
David, glancing around at the crowd, inhaled deeply, as if taking in every scent, every sound of this long-awaited mont.
"Thank you, everyone, for being here," he finally said, his voice clear and warm.
...
As the teahouse opened, a line quickly ford for the purchase of the tealeaves, with Jackson and Jack being the moderators.
"Can I buy two 1kg boxes," Adam said with a light smile, as he approached the desk.
"How could we Uncle Adam, this shop is yours drop by and take as much as you want anyti," Noah said, as he shook his head
As the teahouse officially opened, eager custors quickly ford a line that stretched out the door, with Jackson and Jack managing the flow and keeping things orderly.
Adam approached the desk, glancing at the line and chuckling as he looked at Noah. "Seems like you’ve got quite the demand here. I’d like to buy so, but I’m curious — how much stock do you have? I don’t want to leave everyone else empty-handed," he joked.
Noah laughed, waving off his concern. "Don’t worry, Uncle Adam. Order as much as you like — there’s plenty to go around."
With a smile, Adam nodded, "Alright, then. Can I get two one-kilogram boxes?" he asked, reaching for his wallet.
But Noah shook his head, leaning in with a grin. "Uncle Adam, we can’t charge you. This place is practically yours. Drop by anyti, and take as much as you want."
Adam frowned, chuckling softly as he shook his head. "You’re too generous, but really, I don’t mind paying."
David, who had overheard the exchange, stepped over, clapping a hand on Adam’s shoulder. "Absolutely not! We’re family now, and there’s no way we’re taking your money."
Adam glanced between them, seeing their determination, and finally let out a good-natured sigh.
"Alright, alright. I get it," he relented, grabbing the two neatly packed boxes and carrying them over to his car with a warm smile.
Soon after, Arthur stepped up, already eyeing the high-quality packaging of the tea leaves. "Noah, I’ll take two kilograms as well," he said, pulling out his wallet.
Noah imdiately shook his head, smiling. "Not you too, Uncle Arthur. Just like I told Uncle Adam, you don’t need to pay. Take as much as you want."
Arthur laughed, raising his hands in playful surrender. "Alright, alright, you win," he said, taking his tea and nodding gratefully.
With their tea leaves in hand, Adam and Arthur made their way out, exchanging a few words.
They both gave Noah a final wave and excused themselves, heading back to their cars.
Lily, standing beside her father, hesitated briefly, glancing back at Noah.
"I’ll catch you later," Lily said, smiling softly before leaving with Arthur.
Alia watched them go, then turned to Noah, her expression brightening. "Need any extra help?"
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