A simple fact

Interviewer: He ordered a cup of coffee for the candidate.
Coffee arrived kept before the candidate,
Then, he asked what is before you?

Candidate:
Instantly replied "Tea".
He got selected.
You know how and why did he say "TEA" when he knows very well that coffee was kept before.

(Answer: The question was "What is before you (U - alphabet)
Reply was "TEA" ( T - alphabet)
Alphabet "T" was before Alphabet "U"