At that moment, it was difficult for her to back down. Melanie, conscious of the audience’s eyes on her,
forced herself to recall the process and to keep a level head. It was not only a matter of taking a
sample, stating a few words, or even figuring out the general formula and ingredients. What if Melanie
said something wrong that she could not take back? Due to the overwhelming tension, even holding a
test strip made her hands tremble. After she completed a series of procedures, there was still a faint
lingering aroma on the tip of her nose. She thought long and hard about the ingredients so that she
could give a brief description of them. That would be preferable to saying nothing at all.
“Ms. Thayer?”
As soon as the host spoke, she responded quickly, “I like this fragrance. Light and elegant scents are
my go-to, and this one has won me over. Whoever the perfumer is, I imagine they value peaceful
silence and enjoy a serene garden view with birds and blooming flowers.
“By the way, this perfume has the delicate fragrance of chrysanthemums. I think it should contain
essential oils extracted from dried chrysanthemums?”
Even if her first sentence appeared to be well–organized, her subsequent ones revealed a distinct lack
of confidence. That question was tentative. She did not know what to say, but she also knew she could
not remain silent or start spouting nonsense.
What mattered was completing the level. “This...” The host hesitated. Melanie‘s heart throbbed in
suspense. “I don‘t know what ingredients are inside, but after listening to Ms. Thayer‘s description, it
sounds delightful! Why don‘t we invite the creator of this perfume and let him answer it in person? Let‘s
see how accurate Ms. Thayer is!” After a brief lull in the pressure, things tensed up again.
Melanie hoped her speculations were correct, or at least the creator would show mercy to her since
she had flattered them earlier.
One person came up to the stage casually while the crowd cheered. Melanie did not even dare to look.
She just stood on the stage with a stiff smile and applauded.
Her cheeks were burning hot, but she needed to remain calm. Her expression must stay pleasant and
confident. No matter what the creator said, she would stand up straight and speak with assurance.
“Welcome! Let‘s all welcome the creator himself to the stage! Let’s invite Mr. Moreau to introduce the
fragrance to us personally.”
The host’s words surprised Melanie.
She spun her head, and she saw that familiar face. Frank took the microphone and smiled like a
gentleman.
How could it be him?
Frank glanced at Melanie while holding the microphone and then paused before he looked down at the
audience.
“First, I‘m very grateful for the invitation from the organizer. I’m honored because although I grew up in
Westwood, essential oils have influenced me for many years. I like the culture and heritage of
Hyderland very much,” Frank‘s English was fluent, and he said it all in one breath. “This fragrance was
inspired by a friend I met during my first trip to Hyderland.”
After a pause, he smiled lightly, then turned sideways. He faced Melanie and said, “Yes, as Ms. Thayer
said, it‘s all about peace and serenity. So much of this way of life inspires me. Glad someone
understands me!”
He walked over, took Melanie‘s hand, and looked at her deeply with blue eyes. “Thank you, Ms.
Thayer!”
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