Chapter 360

Melanie wanted to speak but was unable to disobey. She was taken to the police station just before the final round of the competition began. The challenge hadn't yet been revealed. Instead, a group of women, each carrying a tray and smiling, entered from the side of the hall. All participants were puzzled.

The women placed the trays before them, and the lids were lifted simultaneously. Each tray held two identical-looking perfume bottles, differing only in their labels.

The invigilator spoke: "Everyone, please be silent. First, congratulations on reaching the final round. Being here proves you are the best in the perfumery industry. However, there's still a long way to go before becoming a top perfumer in Westwood. Today, we have the final round. I hope you'll all be serious and give your best effort!"

After a pause, he continued: "You have two perfume bottles. Your task is to identify the ingredients and evaluate the relative merits and flaws of each fragrance. One fragrance was created by Mr. Parker; the other by a mid-tier perfumer. Use the paper and pen to record your findings. The contestant with the most correct answers wins. In case of a tie, the contestant who finishes first wins."

He picked up his timer. "The competition begins now!"

Almost everyone picked up the bottles, but there was no rush to open them. They were professionals, after all. They began by observing and cautiously sniffing the bottles before opening them, allowing the scent to fill their noses slowly. Finally, they sprayed a small amount onto their wrists to identify the base notes.

Everyone followed this procedure, except Lily, who examined the labels first. The bottles were clearly labeled with the names of the mid-tier perfumer and Wesley. Competitions rarely reveal the answers so readily. Usually, the names are concealed or the perfumers' identities are kept secret to avoid influencing participants' judgments. It's difficult to reach the top of the perfumery industry, and novice perfumers often have strong feelings—admiration or rivalry—toward established masters.

The invigilator had explicitly stated that one perfume was created by a mid-tier perfumer and the other by Wesley, and the bottles were labeled accordingly. This would undoubtedly affect the participants' judgments.

Lily looked at the invigilator, who was watching seriously, appearing fair and impartial. She then looked at Melanie's empty seat; Melanie hadn't come to the competition.

After a moment's thought, Lily brought one bottle to her nose and inhaled. A faint fragrance filled her senses.