the tea, but instead she spat it down the sink.
The second day, Mimi pretended to drink
the tea, but instead she gave it to Ali under
the table."
Waipo is pleased to share her favorite tea with her favorite granddaughter; she knows it will be good for her. Mimi is not at all sure about even trying it. It looks and smells awful. Waipo insists that the traditional Chinese tea has been passed down through generations and has important cooling powers.
When Mimi gives it a try, the tea is too hot and much too bitter to be consumed. Still, Waipo insists on her finishing it. Every time Mimi tries it, she determines never to drink it again. She finds ways to get rid of it. When Mimi is caught, her grandmother is very angry. Mimi cannot help herself; she tells Waipo exactly what she thinks of the tea.
The next morning, she finds Waipo working in the kitchen with herbs and flowers. Waipo is making tea AGAIN. When the tea has steeped, she pours it into two bowls. Once cooled, Waipo suggested a piece of rock candy to help with the bitterness. She shares her memory of a time when she didn't like the taste of the liangcha, and her waipo did the same for her. While the tea still looks the same and smells awful, Mimi also sees the love and care that Waipo gives to creating a new tradition with her beloved granddaughter.
Lovely, and sweet!
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