Chapter 414 Miss Yancey âThe first fragrance is called, Snow Between the Brows.â
Melanie stood under the spotlight. Holding the microphone, she began to explain her fragrance concepts.
âWith this fragrance, I want to convey the emotions between people.
âLove is an eternal and unchanging topic. I used rose thorns, bitter orange flower, and nightâblooming jasmine for the top notes. For the middle notes, I used grapefruit, juniper berry, and clove. For the base notes, I used labdanum, dragonâs blood resin, frankincense, and rock rose. I aimed to create a feeling that brings extreme joy and despair.
âThe initial impression is alluring floral fragrance, with blooming flowers so beautiful it suffocates. The subsequent whiffs are like medicine, sweet with a hint of bitterness, making people alternate between feeling happy and sad and feel that they are unable to grasp at something. The lingering fragrance at the end is intense and profound, like poison, growing stronger as emotions deepen.â
Listening to her explanation, several judges couldnât help but pick up her fragrance and smelled it again, followed by nods of approval.
One person, familiar with Cyrus, couldnât resist saying to him, âYour disciple does have extraordinary talent.
She has indeed captured the feelings of difficultâtoâcontrol emotions.â
Cyrus proudly stood with his hands behind his back. âWhy else would I take her as my disciple?â
âThe second fragrance is called, You Are Like the Moon,â Melanie continued.
âFor the top notes, I used pear, bergamot, clary sage, and gardenia. For the middle notes, I used geranium, lily of the valley, and benzoin. The base notes include Texas cedarwood, lovage, and dry amber. This is the antidote I formulated for the previous Mystery, a remedy for that tormenting emotion.
âI want to express that love originally has no solution. Instead of struggling, reminiscing, and entangling yourself in the whirlpool of emotions, itâs better to let go, enjoy happy moments with your loved one, and not ask whether itâs fate or calamity.â
Spontaneous applause erupted from the audience.
Someone said, âWell said! When I smelled Snow Between the Brows, I felt like I was lost in the clouds. When I smelled You Are Like the Moon, I felt an instant sense of liberation!â
The applause continued for a while, so much that Robert grew impatient. He glanced coldly to his left and right, and the applause immediately dwindled. No one dared to praise Melanie anymore.
âHer fragrances are always ethereal, and not grounded at all. She uses ingredients from international fragrance giants, making her scents naturally clearer than others. Unfortunately, the prices are absurdly high!
âIf the fragrance industry promotes itself based on high costs, what will ordinary people use? Perfumes should be accessible to the general public. Highâend individuals attending highâend occasions usually use essences, âAiden said. Seeing Robertâs signal, he immediately took the lead in questioning Melanieâs perfumes.
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+15 BONOS âThe purpose of this competition is indeed to create fragrances for the mass consumer group,â Robertâs assistant chimed in as well. âFrom the beginning, the organizing committee emphasized strict adherence to the competition rules, aligning with the eventâs purpose. Therefore, judges should consider this dimension when scoring.â
The judges exchanged glances.
Some judges hade been able to perceive Melanieâs intended feelings in the fragrances earlier, resulting in lower scores.
Fragrance perception varied among individuals, so differing scores werenât surprising. After Melanieâs explanation and after they smelled her fragrances again, two judges were already regretting giving her lower scores.
However, Robertâs intention seemed to be to lower her scores further.
Robert, who had let his assistant speak for him earlier, finally spoke up and continued to be assertive. Judges, think about whether you want to reevaluate the scores.â
Joseph frowned, but he didnât look up. It brought forth a tense atmosphere.
Cyrusâs assistant clenched his fists in anger, muttering through gritted teeth beside Melanie.
âThat Robert! He really thinks heâs invincible! He knew that when the organizing committee repeatedly invited him to be the main judge, Mr. Joseph wouldnât openly contradict him, so he intentionally targeted you!â
Melanie also knew that the situation was unfavorable to her.
She didnât care whether it was the second or third prize. The scores had already been announced, but they were dragging her out on the spot for questioning and demoting her. It was humiliating!
The judges looked at each other. They knew they couldnât offend Joseph, but he didnât give any indication on his stance. At the same time, offending Robert was not advisable.
What should they do? Should they change the scores or not?
Just at this moment, a womanâs voice came from the VIP seats behind the judges.
âI actually think that Miss Jonesâs scores for Snow Between the Brows and You Are Like the Moon are too low.
Her voice was pleasant, but it also carried unquestionable authority.
Melanie looked in that direction, and saw a woman sitting in the middle of the VIP seats. She had gorgeous makeup and a graceful appearance. It was difficult to determine her specific age, but one thing was for sure-
she was impeccably wellâmaintained from head to toe.
As soon as she spoke, all the judges in the front row turned around, stood up, and greeted her with a mix of friendliness and respect.
âMiss Yancey! Youâre here too?â