Chapter 413 Fifth Place
The one questioning Melanie’s score was none other than Aiden, the participant from Medonia who had created four fragrances with food flavors.
As soon as the audience saw him, they began to whisper among themselves.
Cyrus’s assistant muttered to Melanie, “He’s just a sore loser! Last time, you publicly defeated him and said his fragrance didn’t have good middle and base notes. Now, he’s just seeking revenge. Just ignore him!”
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Although Cyrus’s assistant said that, the organizers decided to display the scorecards given to Melanie by the judges.
After Aiden saw them, he squinted and boldly stepped forward. “Look, everyone! The scores given to her show
a clear polarization. Some are very high, while others are very low. Therefore, I question her receiving the second prize!”
Melanie looked at the large screen projecting the scorecards, and blinked.
Aiden wasn’t wrong. She didn’t understand why someone would give her such low scores.
Seeing her remain silent, Cyrus’s assistant spoke up for her.
“What kind of question is that? It’s just nitpicking! The scorecards are here. Based on the average score, Melanie is fourth, and she rightfully deserves the second prize. That’s what fairness and justice mean!”
“I’m just expressing my doubts. Everyone can take a look at my scorecard. All the judges‘ scores fluctuate
within a reasonable range. It’s unlike Melanie’s scores, which are all over the place. Besides, we have freedom of speech. You should understand that,” Aiden said fearlessly, throwing a challenging stare at Cyrus’s
assistant.
International competitions respected the freedom of speech of participants. Since someone raised a question, the organizers began to inquire about the opinions of all the judges and whether they were willing to stand by their previous scores.
Cyrus’s assistant felt this was simply absurd. “Aiden, is it because you are unsatisfied with getting fifth place and received a third prize that you want to drag down the others ahead of you to secure a second prize? If that’s the case, why didn’t you question Elder Gibson and aim for a first prize?”
“Right! Perfume blending isn’t an exam where one has a certain score to meet, where if you fall below it, you fail. Perfume blending is an art, and everyone’s perception of art is different. How can the scores be the same?”
At this moment, Gabriel also stood up to speak for Melanie.
“Even if it were an exam with a unified score line, it would allow for a certain number of talented individuals. You’re simply making trouble for no reason!” he added.
“I’m not making trouble!” Aiden protested.
Agitated, he grabbed the microphone and shouted, “Melanie’s fragrance was beside me just now, and I smelled them. I was unconvinced by these two fragrances of hers, so I’m raising my doubts. Some judges
+15 BONOS
Melanie understood–Aiden was just causing trouble. He was either seeking revenge or acting on instructions from the main judge, Robert. This probably involved the interests of the York family, and she was undoubtedly
being used as a pawn.
In the audience, Joseph and several other staff members of the organizing committee immediately gathered
with the judges for a discussion on how to handle the situation.
After more than ten minutes of intense discussion, Joseph said to Melanie, “Melanie, you might as well
explain your fragrance concepts again. The explanations on the cards are limited, after all.”
Each participant, when submitting their work, had to include a card detailing the aromatic ingredients used in the top, middle, and base notes. The card also had to contain the perfumer’s concept for the fragrance,
providing context for the evaluators.
Melanie pursed her lips and walked to the microphone, her expression calm.
“I believe that if everyone can question the judges‘ scores, then the previous scoring would become a joke.”
“If the judges decide to re–score, who will take responsibility for the scores given after the repeated evaluations? If I am dissatisfied with the scores given again, do I also have the right to demand a
reevaluation? If this continues in a loop, will the competition ever end?”
Her words were firm, but she stayed within the limits.
“I disagree with a reevaluation, but since Mr. York has made a request, I also respect everyone’s opinions. So, I’ll explain my thoughts again.”
