Chapter 361 Pose a Challenge for Her âVery good.â
Robert nodded, giving them a backhanded compliment.
âThe contestant from Medonia just now left a deep impression on me. He was able to use the limited base scents here to create different fragrances, evoking the taste of local dishes in Medonia. Itâs interesting. How talented!â
His implication was that the other performances were mediocre.
After Robert finished speaking, he intentionally looked at Joseph, who had remained silent all along, and asked, âJoseph, what do you think?â
Joseph didnât speak, and just nodded slightly.
âThe Yorksâ position in the fragrance industry is unquestionable. People say that the perfume industry in Medonia is dominated by the Ustalians, but I havenât seen any Ustalian contestants showcasing their talents.
Are they all too low-key?â Robert continued to provoke them, unwilling to accept defeat.
Joseph finally turned his head to look at him, his old eyes exuding dignity. âWe hold this banquet and organize this competition with the aim of unity. Friendship comes first, while competition comes second. Regardless of who, or which race, someone is, we are bonded by our love for perfumery.â
âYouâre right.â Robert grinned. âIâm just speaking based on my feelings. Since the Ustalians dominate the fragrance world, there should be outstanding talents among them. Ustalians like to keep a low profile, but since itâs an industrial gathering, showcasing and sharing are also virtues. Donât you think so?â
Unyielding, Robert insisted on getting an Ustalian contestant to show their talents.
Joseph squinted slightly, and the venue fell silent. His eyes flashed, and with a raise of his finger, the old butler understood his intention and left.
At this moment, Melanie was standing with Gabriel. The performances of the contestants varied in quality, but unexpectedly, Robert turned the showcase into a source of comparison between races.
âJoseph is the president of the organizing committee, while Robert is the chief judge. It can be said that Joseph is the host and Robert is his guest. In my eyes, Joseph respects Robert.â
Gabriel was explaining to Melanie, when suddenly, the voice of the Yorksâ old butler came from behind. âMiss Jones, Mr. York asked me to convey a message. Can you take a moment to talk?â
Melanie nodded, and followed the old butler out of the crowd.
âMr. York wants you to come forward and demonstrate,â the old butler said straightforwardly.
âMe?â Melanie blinked. âIâm not prepared.â
The old butler nodded, and conveyed Josephâs words. âItâs still possible to prepare now. Mr. York said he believes in your abilities.â
1/3 +15 BONUS Melanie was a bit speechless. How was she supposed to prepare on such short notice?
At this moment, the silent Joseph finally spoke and broke the awkward silence. âWe have an ancient saying.â Silence is golden.
Being low-key and down-to-earth are the principles of Ustalians. But since itâs an industrial gathering. Mr. Locke is curious about the strength of the younger generation of Ustal. Letâs have a junior do a demonstration.â
Joseph continued. âDo you all remember the Siberian Butterfly perfume I mentioned earlier? The young perfumer who created that fragrance is here at this competition. Let her represent Ustal and give us a demonstration.â
Melanie was even more speechless.
Walking on the path gradually opened up by the crowd, all eyes and lights followed her. She stood on the central stage, smiling awkwardly but politely.
âIâm honored that Mr. York personally asked me to do a demonstration, but... I really havenât prepared... Representing so many Ustalian contestants in a performance is also a heavy pressure.â
âLast time in the fragrance competition, your perfume left a deep impression on me. You said at that time that you used a bit of your friendâs body scent to create a one-of-a-kind scent. The most common comment from other perfumers about your perfume was that, through the fragrance, one could sense your emotions toward that person.â
Sitting on the main seat below the stage, Joseph spoke while looking at Melanie on the stage.
âYouâre good at capturing the emotions between people and expressing them vividly through fragrance. How about selecting a few people you know from the audience, and using these bases and essences to create fragrances for them? So that people not only associate the fragrance with the person, but also feel the relationship between you and them?â
Josephâs proposal stunned all the onlooking guests.
Perfume blending was indeed an art, but Josephâs question was too difficult.
She could easily mess up such an ethereal concept!
Melanie naturally found it difficult. The topic set by Joseph was very narrow, and it was hard for Melanie to find the balance while perfume blending.
âJoseph, youâve really made it difficult for me.â
She said straightforwardly, âThe theme of this competition is âMystery and Solution,â and it has already posed a challenge for many experienced perfumers. The question youâve set is even more difficult than the main theme of the competition.â
The guests in the audience burst into laughter, agreeing with Melanieâs words. Indeed, the question set by Joseph was challenging even for experienced perfumers.
At this time, Robert smiled. âMiss Jones is indeed the representative chosen by Joseph, embodying the true essence of Ustalian modesty!â
243 +15 BONUS Beside Robert, someone in the crowd deliberately raised their voice and shouted, âIs it true modesty, or is it a lack of ability?â