Chapter 361 Pose a Challenge for Her
“Very good.”
Robert nodded, giving them a backhanded compliment.
“The contestant from Medonia just now left a deep impression on me. He was able to use the limited base scents here to create different fragrances, evoking the taste of local dishes in Medonia. It’s interesting. How
talented!”
His implication was that the other performances were mediocre.
After Robert finished speaking, he intentionally looked at Joseph, who had remained silent all along, and asked, “Joseph, what do you think?”
Joseph didn’t speak, and just nodded slightly.
“The Yorks’ position in the fragrance industry is unquestionable. People say that the perfume industry in Medonia is dominated by the Ustalians, but I haven’t seen any Ustalian contestants showcasing their talents.
Are they all too low-key?” Robert continued to provoke them, unwilling to accept defeat.
Joseph finally turned his head to look at him, his old eyes exuding dignity. “We hold this banquet and organize this competition with the aim of unity. Friendship comes first, while competition comes second. Regardless of
who, or which race, someone is, we are bonded by our love for perfumery.”
“You’re right.” Robert grinned. “I’m just speaking based on my feelings. Since the Ustalians dominate the
fragrance world, there should be outstanding talents among them. Ustalians like to keep a low profile, but
since it’s an industrial gathering, showcasing and sharing are also virtues. Don’t you think so?”
Unyielding, Robert insisted on getting an Ustalian contestant to show their talents.
Joseph squinted slightly, and the venue fell silent. His eyes flashed, and with a raise of his finger, the old
butler understood his intention and left.
At this moment, Melanie was standing with Gabriel. The performances of the contestants varied in quality, but
unexpectedly, Robert turned the showcase into a source of comparison between races.
“Joseph is the president of the organizing committee, while Robert is the chief judge. It can be said that
Joseph is the host and Robert is his guest. In my eyes, Joseph respects Robert.”
Gabriel was explaining to Melanie, when suddenly, the voice of the Yorks’ old butler came from behind. “Miss
Jones, Mr. York asked me to convey a message. Can you take a moment to talk?”
Melanie nodded, and followed the old butler out of the crowd.
“Mr. York wants you to come forward and demonstrate,” the old butler said straightforwardly.
“Me?” Melanie blinked. “I’m not prepared.”
The old butler nodded, and conveyed Joseph’s words. “It’s still possible to prepare now. Mr. York said he believes in your abilities.”
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Melanie was a bit speechless. How was she supposed to prepare on such short notice?
At this moment, the silent Joseph finally spoke and broke the awkward silence. “We have an ancient saying.’ Silence is golden. Being low-key and down-to-earth are the principles of Ustalians. But since it’s an
industrial gathering. Mr. Locke is curious about the strength of the younger generation of Ustal. Let’s have a junior do a demonstration.”
Joseph continued. “Do you all remember the Siberian Butterfly perfume I mentioned earlier? The young perfumer who created that fragrance is here at this competition. Let her represent Ustal and give us a demonstration.”
Melanie was even more speechless.
Walking on the path gradually opened up by the crowd, all eyes and lights followed her. She stood on the central stage, smiling awkwardly but politely.
“I’m honored that Mr. York personally asked me to do a demonstration, but… I really haven’t prepared… Representing so many Ustalian contestants in a performance is also a heavy pressure.”
“Last time in the fragrance competition, your perfume left a deep impression on me. You said at that time that
you used a bit of your friend’s body scent to create a one-of-a-kind scent. The most common comment from
other perfumers about your perfume was that, through the fragrance, one could sense your emotions toward
that person.”
Sitting on the main seat below the stage, Joseph spoke while looking at Melanie on the stage.
“You’re good at capturing the emotions between people and expressing them vividly through fragrance. How about selecting a few people you know from the audience, and using these bases and essences to create
fragrances for them? So that people not only associate the fragrance with the person, but also feel the
relationship between you and them?”
Joseph’s proposal stunned all the onlooking guests.
Perfume blending was indeed an art, but Joseph’s question was too difficult.
She could easily mess up such an ethereal concept!
Melanie naturally found it difficult. The topic set by Joseph was very narrow, and it was hard for Melanie to
find the balance while perfume blending.
“Joseph, you’ve really made it difficult for me.”
She said straightforwardly, “The theme of this competition is ‘Mystery and Solution,’ and it has already posed
a challenge for many experienced perfumers. The question you’ve set is even more difficult than the main theme of the competition.”
The guests in the audience burst into laughter, agreeing with Melanie’s words. Indeed, the question set by Joseph was challenging even for experienced perfumers.
At this time, Robert smiled. “Miss Jones is indeed the representative chosen by Joseph, embodying the true essence of Ustalian modesty!”
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Beside Robert, someone in the crowd deliberately raised their voice and shouted, “Is it true modesty, or is it a
lack of ability?”
