Chapter 598

"Why so impatient?"

The other party smiled. "Since you're so impatient, let's not wait for the afternoon. Why not… now?"

"Now?"

She froze, then saw the door open with a click. Standing there was Noah, who had left that morning. He still held his phone, shaking it casually, a smug grin on his face. That explained the familiar voice. She hadn't expected it to be him again! He was the other girl's uncle from last night. Did this mean he'd taken the initiative to buy all the water hyssops?

It explained his claim that joining the society would give Lily access to rare materials simply by following his orders. Was that a veiled threat?

"I knew you'd find me," Noah said, grinning as he entered and raised a foot. "Have you thought about it? What do you think? Are you going to change your mind?"

Lily didn't directly refuse. Folding her arms, she stared at him. "Why me?"

"What?"

"Like you said, the Perfumers' Society is hard to get into. Many people compete for a spot each year. Why waste your time on an unknown person like me? I'm flattered."

"An unknown person?" Noah shook his head. "You're the first person to refuse Mr. Parker's invitation."

"Just because I rejected Mr. Parker?"

"Not just that," Noah gently rubbed his nose. "You beat me."

She didn't know the competition was a company-assigned test, an opportunity for both of them to prove their abilities.

In his family, Noah was a rebel. He eschewed politics and business, preferring perfume-making. His mother, a stubborn, old-fashioned woman, disapproved of her son's "feminine" pursuits.

In the Westwood competition, Noah had bet with his mother, planning to win her approval with a first-place trophy. He hadn't expected to lose to Lily. Unbeknownst to her, he'd remembered her name ever since.

After hearing this, Lily was speechless. What kind of reason is that? she thought. Just because she beat him, he was dragging her into the society? Perhaps he simply appreciated her talent. Was the competition a deliberate challenge?

"I've said it: only the association provides access to unimaginable spices. You'll achieve greater things in the industry."

He was confident, as if everything was proceeding as planned, and Lily would ultimately agree.

"Do you think I can't produce top-notch perfumes without those rare spices?" Lily asked, looking at him.

Noah nodded. "Of course!" Every perfumer knew it. Talent was crucial, but raw materials were equally important. Without high-quality materials, how could one create exceptional perfumes?

"Okay, wait a sec!" Nodding, Lily turned and walked toward the corner of the yard.