Chapter 301

Upon arriving at the so-called reception banquet venue, Lily was stunned. She hadn't expected it to be as lavish as a wedding. The only difference was the setting: a garden villa, exquisitely decorated by the staff. However, it was jam-packed.

Seeing the diverse crowd speaking various languages, Lily felt anxious. She smiled awkwardly at strangers and tilted her head to ask Giselle, "Are they all here for the competition?"

Giselle lowered her head, looking at her brochure. "Yes, I believe so."

"What the heck? Why are there so many participants? Shouldn't there be a limited number, given how difficult it is to enter?" Lily had a headache just from the sheer number of people, let alone the prospect of competing. "And who's the organizer we're supposed to meet?"

Lily considered greeting the organizer and leaving. Room service at the hotel sounded far more appealing than this crowded venue, especially with her aching feet.

"The organizer's representative is Lisa Parker, but I haven't seen her," Giselle said, pushing up her glasses.

"You haven't seen her, or you don't know her?" Lily suspected Giselle hadn't actually met the organizer.

Embarrassment, a look Lily had never seen on Giselle before, flickered across her face. Nevertheless, Giselle said thoughtfully, "I've never met the organizers, but I have their photos. I should recognize her."

Lily remained silent, thinking, Right. "Then let me know if you see the organizer. I'm going to get some air."

Lily wanted to escape, but knew Giselle wouldn't let her. "Lily, that would be rude. You should stay and get acquainted with the other contestants; it will be helpful for the competition." Lily wanted to point out that the competition was about the perfume review, not networking, but she was too tired to explain to the relentless Giselle.

Placing a hand on her lower abdomen, she said, "Actually, I need to use the restroom"

"Shall I accompany you?" Giselle asked immediately.

"No, that's not necessary! Wouldn't it be rude if the organizer arrived while we were gone?" Lily added, "Please keep an eye out for me. I'll be quick."

Gesturing to Giselle, Lily hurried to a less crowded corner, sighing with relief at the increased breathing room. Had she known the reception would be like this—boring and uninteresting—she wouldn't have come. She'd initially thought the review competition would be insightful, not a tedious social event.

She'd always avoided social interaction, which is why she'd left all company operations to Nathaniel and Melanie. She shook her head, thinking, Why am I even thinking about them? Raising her head, she was startled by the figure approaching.