Chapter 354 Puzzle
In this International Perfume Blending Competition, there were two main themes: ‘Mystery” and “Solution.”
Participants needed to create two different perfumes based on these themes. The competition would last for five to nine weeks. After five weeks, as long as the perfumes were completed and aged, it could be submitted any time.
However, before the final submission of the finished product, all participants must create their fragrances at a designated location. Participants could enter and exit their fragrance blending room at any time, but were subject to monitoring each time they were in the room.
During the time not spent in the fragrance blending room, participants could choose to stay in the hotels arranged by the organizers, or go elsewhere.
Annie accompanied Melanie to the hotel arranged by the organizers. After checking in, she received an email from a private detective.
When Melanie came out after taking a shower, she noticed Annie’s unusually low spirits and asked, “Did they find something?”
“I can’t hide anything from you, huh?” Annie replied, handing Melanie the laptop. The information inside was about the original owner of Melanie’s heart, Emma Quinn.
Melanie quickly scanned Emma’s relationships in the document. She was surprised when she saw Emma’s brother and foster mother.
“No wonder that lady pulled me and called me “Emm” back then,” Melanie murmured. “I thought she was saying “um,” but it turns out it was Emm…”
Annie couldn’t understand. “What are you talking about?”
Melanie shook her head, her eyes becoming colder. “The fact that even her foster mother mistook me for her means our voices are similar.”
Looking at the information about Emma’s older brother, Nathan Quinn, Melanie’s mind raced even faster.
Annie was also surprised. “I didn’t expect Nathan to be her brother.”
“Now I understand why Nathan has been approaching me,” Melanie said.
“According to the information, Nathan was very close to his sister. He knew his sister’s heart had been transplanted into you, so he approached you to protect you, thinking of you as his sister. Didn’t you say Nathan saved you and your master in Medonia before?” Annie continued analyzing the situation.
Melanie nodded slowly. “But Nathan… He’s a strange person.”
Annie looked at the information, pondering.
“When you asked me to investigate him before, I found it strange. From adolescence to the present, he’s never dated. There are no rumors of him with other women. It isn’t normal.”
+15 BONUS
“Is that so?” Melanie always thought that Nathan always gave off an air of politeness, but was hard to get close to. He didn’t seem to have any close friends, let alone a lover.
Annie’s eyes suddenly flashed slyly. “Things that deviate from the norm must have a reason. Do you think he might have a sister complex?”
“Your imagination is too wild.” Melanie shook her head helplessly, but after some thought, she added, “But I feel that Nathan approaching me isn’t just about liking and protecting me. It’s not that simple. Besides, Nathan is Emma’s brother. Their relationship with him shouldn’t be so hostile…”
“Who?” Annie didn’t understand.
Melanie didn’t want to mention Jeffrey, so she shook her head. “Nothing. You go take a shower.”
When Annie came out after showering, she saw Melanie holding the rules card of the Perfume Blending Competition in a daze.
She couldn’t help asking, “Goddess, do you have any ideas now?”
Melanie put down the card. “The intimate relationship between people is an unsolved mystery. I want to create a fragrance that reflects my current mood of being lost, making everyone who smells it to feel confused and unable to find an exit.”
“Wow!” Annie dropped the towel she was using to dry her hair, and looked at Melanie seriously. “It’s not that I don’t believe you, but can you really create that?”
“Perfume is inherently a product of hazy dreams. In this respect, emotions are no different,” Melanie replied.
Annie nodded. “What about the second fragrance, “Solution?” How do you plan to create it?”
“The same rules apply, so I must find an outlet for my emotions within nine weeks, and then, based on my mood, create an antidote to the puzzle,” Melanie answered.
Annie shook her head again. “It’s too deep for me. I feel like you can even achieve enlightenment…”
Melanie smiled, and started changing her clothes.
Annie asked curiously, “Where are you going? Aren’t you going to take a rest?”
“I’m going to the fragrance blending room prepared by the organizing committee to take a look and make some preparations.”
Annie clicked her tongue, and also started changing clothes.
Melanie said, “The fragrance blending room is just across the street. You don’t need to accompany me. Even if you go, you won’t be able to enter without fingerprint verification.”
“Who said I’m going to accompany you to create fragrance? I haven’t been to Medonia for a few years. While you’re busy, I’ll go explore,” Annie said.
The two went out together, one turning left and the other turning right.
Following the assigned number, Melanie found her independent fragrance blending room and prepared the
+15 BONUS
who was also walking out.
“Seems like we think alike.” Gabriel smiled in tacit agreement.
Melanie nodded in agreement.
“Since you are here to prepare, it means you already have an idea. Can you give me a hint?” Gabriel asked. Melanie smiled, and didn’t answer directly. “It’s just a preliminary idea. There’s no specific framework yet. You will know when I finish.”
“I think this theme is designed for you-mystery and solution. It fits your unique fragrance from last time. Using your friend’s body scent, you captured your unique emotions toward him. Emotions are inherently mysterious, so it’s on point,” Gabriel continued.
Talking about that fragrance, Melanie suddenly felt a heaviness in her chest. She subconsciously reached ou to support herself against the wall.
Gabriel was startled, quickly reaching out to support her. “Are you okay?”
Suddenly feeling a sharp pain, Melanie furrowed her brows and hissed.
