The traditional crafts place great importance on lineage and mentorship.
Disciples from the same master are like brothers. If one casually acknowledges a new teacher, how would the younger generation who once learned from Benjamin York address her? Would they have to call a young girl their grandmaster?
Benjamin's face darkened with fury.
He had never met someone so shameless—bold enough to sow discord right before his eyes!
To bully Sophia Sullivan in his own territory was nothing short of a direct insult.
He grabbed the bloodstained kitchen knife and wiped it roughly on his apron. Just as he was about to explode, a pair of hands gently pressed down on his shoulders.
Sophia guided him back into his chair and handed him a steaming cup of tea.
"Old as you are, yet still so hot-tempered. If a dog bites you, would you bite it back?"
Sophia was fiercely protective of those she cared about. If it were just the two of them, the matter could be settled easily. But with outsiders present, things were entirely different.
Even if they conceded now, gossip would spread behind their backs. Benjamin had spent half his life building his reputation—she wouldn’t let it be ruined by these people.
"Don’t stop me," Benjamin grumbled, gulping down the tea. "I want to see just how far they dare to push!"
Under the skeptical gazes of the onlookers, Sophia spoke softly, "Didn’t you say you wanted a set of auspicious-patterned tea ware? Since I have time today, I’ll make you one to cool your temper."
The outsiders gasped in shock. "Auspicious patterns? That technique still exists?"
They didn’t doubt her claim. Merely knowing the term "auspicious patterns" was rare enough.
"The auspicious-pattern technique was reserved for ancient imperial rituals—exceedingly rare. Even royalty seldom had the privilege of seeing it. The process is not only intricate but demands flawless execution in one go. And tea sets are the pinnacle of this craft."
A complete set required varied yet harmonious designs. Each cup employed different techniques, yet when combined, they formed a seamless masterpiece.
An elder among them explained to his companions, "An auspicious-pattern tea set is priceless—worth a fortune per cup. Each piece is unique. To assemble a full set, one must master calligraphy, painting, engraving, and even openwork carving. Decades of practice are needed to achieve such skill."
Authentic auspicious patterns required landscapes carved into the porcelain and latticework so delicate that a single mistake would ruin everything. Forget a young girl—even a master of Benjamin’s age couldn’t guarantee success.
But Benjamin burst into laughter.
After years of pestering her, his wish was finally coming true!
He casually tossed aside his own teacup, glancing disdainfully at the set he had made.
"If you can really pull this off, my shoddy work isn’t even worth keeping. I’d smash it all without a second thought!"
The crowd was stunned. The old master treasured his creations like his own children. For him to react like this meant he had absolute confidence in the girl.
Could she truly be a hidden master?
Benjamin eagerly brought out his finest tools, carving knives, and premium clay. The outsiders, sensing the gravity of the moment, hurried to assist. Someone discreetly made a phone call.
Soon, half of Potter’s Town had gathered to witness the spectacle.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement.
"Do you need my help?" Benjamin asked eagerly.
"No," Sophia smiled. "Ethan can assist me. You should go eat first."
Ethan Sullivan arched a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. No one had ever dared to order him around—yet Sophia spoke with such natural ease, without a trace of fear.
Interesting.
"Fine," Ethan replied in his deep voice.
"Of course! You’ve been pestering me for days—it’s only fair you put in some work now."
Benjamin cheerfully wiped his hands, ready to eat. He’d need his strength to properly admire his soon-to-be treasure!