Chapter 376

Lily didn't hate Southbank soap, but she found its corporate gift-giving insincere.

"This gift seems insufficient," he said. "I have others."

He caught up, blocking her path. Lily could only stare.

"Is this another corporate gift in disguise?" she asked.

Businessmen, she thought, seized every opportunity for profit. He didn't miss a chance, even during leisure outings.

"Of course not!" he replied.

After a moment, Lily asked, "Where's my gift?"

He quickly handed her a gift bag. "Didn't you say you didn't want one?"

"I changed my mind!"

She opened the bag. Unlike the usual fragrant soaps, these had a faint smell of vegetable oil—the same regardless of color or shape, only varying in scent concentration. Remembering their earlier conversation, she understood. "You want me to create essential oils to blend with Southbank soap, right? This would diversify the fragrance, attract more consumers, and expand the market." Southbank soap's unique feature was its use of vegetable oil—olive oil, to be precise. This resulted in a high oil content and moisturizing effect, but the plant scent was overpowering, leaving little room for other fragrances. As Louis had said, despite their varied shapes, the soaps were easily imitated. While artistry differed, most consumers didn't notice the details. Market impact was inevitable.

In business, one had to be proactive. Stagnation led to regression; even slight hesitation allowed competitors to overtake. The Corden Group understood this, seizing opportunities before others. This was commendable.

"You're brilliant!" Alexander exclaimed. "That's why I'm entrusting this project to you."

Lily countered, "What makes you think I'll succeed? Southbank soap has existed for centuries. Hasn't anyone tried this before? Is the lack of precedent due to past failures? Are you sure I'll succeed?"

The challenge appealed to her, but this wasn't just a matter of personal interest. Success or failure mattered less if driven by interest alone, but business demanded responsibility.

"I believe in you," he said confidently. "I'll fully support you. Most importantly, I believe you can do it!"

His trust made refusal hypocritical.

"I don't guarantee success," she conceded after considering.

"It doesn't matter," he replied calmly. "You'll never know the varieties of failure without trying."

Well, with the boss so optimistic, she had little to fear. As he said, there were many kinds of failure. She could explore them.