Chapter 538

Just as Lisa turned to leave, she had an idea and grabbed Lily's hand. "No, come with me!"

She led Lily to the backstage dressing room. Lisa, having been treated well by the organizer, had a private room. The space was much quieter once they closed the door.

The room smelled strongly of various cosmetics.

Lily held up a pinkish-purple bottle tied with a ribbon. "I think this is quite suitable for you, but I don't know if you'll like it. It's a small amount—just a test product. I can adjust it to your liking, but it will take time."

Lisa impatiently opened the bottle, sprayed some on her wrist, and sniffed. Her expression shifted from contented happiness to a blank stare. Lily remained silent, noting the absence of Lisa's initial enthusiasm.

Lisa straightened, forcing a smile. "It's good. I like it!"

Lily knew better. "Really?"

Lisa nodded emphatically. "Really! It smells very comfortable and fragrant. It's the smell I like. You know me best! By the way, how much do I owe you?"

Lily pushed Lisa's hand away. "Don't worry about the price. I promised to help you. I wouldn't take money this time, but I will charge next time!"

Lisa, accepting this, smiled and nodded. "Okay, then. How about dinner? Let me treat you."

Lily declined. "I can't tonight; I have things to do. Another time! You're here for a few more days, right?"

"Two," Lisa said, holding up two fingers. "An awards ceremony tomorrow, then the event ends."

"Going back to Westwood immediately?" Lily asked.

"No, Kingsland. I have an invitation there. After that, I'll go home."

Lily considered this. "Not much time, then. Let me treat you to dinner tomorrow night."

"Okay!" Lisa agreed decisively. "Tomorrow night. But let me pay."

After completing her work, Lily went home, noticing that Lisa hadn't truly liked the perfume. Perhaps politeness dictated her positive response.

It was understandable. Fragrance preferences vary greatly depending on individual sensitivities and sense of smell. Different people prefer different scents. Creating a custom fragrance is challenging; even a top perfumer might not always satisfy the customer.

Lisa wasn't dissatisfied, exactly, but it wasn't quite right. She raised her wrist and sniffed again. A fresh, elegant rose scent filled her nostrils. It was lovely, but it felt…girlish. She longed to shed that "little girl" image, yet both her father and Lily had created perfumes with that very scent.

Was it because others perceived her as a child? Had she not grown up at all?

Dejectedly, Lisa shoved the perfume bottle into her bag. She was disappointed.