Chapter 583

The man was surprised. Lily was supposed to be in the courtyard; the gate was locked, and the walls were nearly five meters high. "Did she fly out of there?"

Lily, however, was engrossed in the raw material before her. She handed Kasey a small stack of cash. "Here's the deposit. You can give me your address, and I'll drop by to sign an agreement." The youngsters' surprise was evident, though their amusement remained unconcealed.

"Congratulations, Kasey! You found someone who appreciates your little grass!" The girl beside Kasey patted her shoulder, a hint of mockery in her tone.

Lily remained unconcerned. The rarity of such materials explained the scarcity of perfumers. This trip proved rewarding; she carefully stowed the box. As she turned to leave, Kasey stopped her.

"Wait!" Kasey insisted. "Tell them! Tell them how rare this grass is! They don't know anything!" The spirited girl refused to concede defeat.

Lily, now the center of attention, felt uneasy. She cleared her throat. "Everyone has their preferences. I like the smell, so I'll buy it. Why should you care what others think?"

"What do you mean?!" Kasey retorted. "Only professionals appreciate this grass's potential! You do, and you said you're a perfumer! Tell them how ridiculous they are!"

Lily felt helpless. She was simply buying materials; she didn't want to lecture anyone. "As I said, everyone has preferences. It's like osmanthus, citrus, or mint—some prefer sweetness, some freshness, some coolness. I bought your grass because we both like the smell, and you wanted to sell it. That's all."

Lily found the exchange straightforward. Kasey, however, shoved the money back and snatched the box. "In that case, I'm not selling it!"

Lily was stunned. 'What?! How can she do that? Where's the integrity?'

"I think I understand," someone said. "You brought this woman here for support! You hired someone, but your actress isn't very good, and she's not cooperating."

Kasey's eyes blazed. "That's bullshit! I didn't hire her!"

One boy sneered, scanning Lily. "You're a perfumer, right? Dare to compete with me?"

To Lily, these eighteen- and nineteen-year-olds were children. "I'm here to buy, not compete." Turning to Kasey, she added, "Little girl, you promised to sell it. You must keep your word in business."

"I'm retracting my offer!" Kasey exclaimed. "I'll only sell it if you prove to them you weren't paid and that you're a real perfumer. Once they admit defeat, I'll sell it!"