Chapter 708

She said it half-jokingly. A roar of laughter erupted, and the atmosphere relaxed considerably. Even La Beauté Group's other staff joined in, the situation having suddenly reversed.

The crisis not only abated but exceeded expectations. The initial proposed solutions—denying the recording's authenticity or claiming Lily's statements were nonsense—were inadequate. Given the internet's accessibility, analyzing and deciphering the audio to prove Lily's claims would have been simple, further fueling the controversy.

La Beauté Group couldn't afford a heavy-handed approach; the storm had already broken. Suppression would only reinforce the online rumors.

However, Lily's forthright explanation, without denial, changed everything. Her admission and full disclosure, including details of her additions, rendered further contention unreasonable.

"Ms. Christian," the perfumer who'd initially answered Alexander's question asked, "I've conducted similar experiments. The performance is volatile after adding other ingredients. Are you certain? Is it feasible? Have you truly succeeded?"

His skepticism was evident. He had repeatedly failed; Lily's youth made her success seem unbelievable.

Lily explained that scents could promote sleep and soothe nerves due to the raw materials' properties. But the perfumer questioned the ease of the process, citing the complexities of fragrance fusion and attribute compatibility. The theoretical understanding differed vastly from successful implementation.

"Here are two samples," she said, walking to the table and opening a box containing two well-preserved amber glass bottles. "These were made after I returned to Brown City, with my assistant in the lab."

"One contains calming ingredients; the other, refreshing. They're entirely different. Try them if you have doubts," she offered generously. The perfumer, still suspicious, readily accepted. He eyed Lily skeptically.

Lily smiled slightly, extending her hand to offer the samples.

After a moment's consideration, he took two test strips, picked up a bottle, and examined it. He opened the lid carefully, keeping the bottle upright, and inhaled cautiously from a distance, frowning slightly. He glanced at the unfazed Lily, then placed a drop on a test strip.

As perfumers, they possessed a basic understanding of essential oils. The color and scent offered preliminary insight into the ingredients. Confused, he brought the test strip slowly to his nose. His frown deepened, and he remained motionless.