Chapter 15

After deleting her messages, Melanie happily went downstairs and saw a stylish Wrangler at the hotel entrance. Her excitement surged when she saw Frank waiting inside. The thought of someone of his stature picking her up boosted her own self-esteem.

"Where did this car come from? I don't remember the company booking it," she asked, suppressing her excitement and smiling.

"That little company of yours?" Frank's words dripped with disdain. Melanie didn't mind; she knew MN Inc. was insignificant. Still, it was a pity. She had initially aimed to make it a publicly traded company, but had since given up.

Naturally, someone of Frank's wealth and status would look down on MN Inc.

"Hmm," she nodded. Frank said, "To be honest, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have ridden in your company's car from the airport." Melanie couldn't gauge the truth in his words, but she was delighted nonetheless.

"Where are we going?" she asked expectantly.

"You'll see."

The car sped to their destination. Melanie gasped, "Wow, so many beautiful flowers! I never knew such a place existed. Frank, how did you find it? You're amazing!" Frank smiled faintly, then leaned closer. "Yes, I am amazing. In more ways than one."

"Stop it! You're disgusting!" she playfully punched him, blushing and laughing.

The sun grew increasingly hot, becoming scorching. Jenny, unable to bear it any longer, looked at Lily, whose face was slightly flushed, but whose expression remained focused.

"Lily, let's go back to the hall. We can continue later," Jenny suggested.

Lily stopped, noting Jenny's heavy breathing and profuse sweating. She nodded in agreement.

Having walked a considerable distance, Jenny called for a ride back to base. While waiting, Jenny removed her hat and fanned herself. She noticed Lily still walking calmly. Having removed her mask in the garden, her cheeks were slightly flushed from the sun, but surprisingly, her skin appeared even fairer. Squinting in the sunlight, Jenny observed Lily among the brightly colored flowers—none were brighter than she. The stunning scenery couldn't overshadow Lily's beauty. Even her slightly messy hair and the beads of sweat on her cheeks looked beautiful.

Jenny had initially been prejudiced, suspecting Lily had obtained her position through improper means. However, Lily's performance had exceeded expectations, proving she was more than just a pretty face. "Lily, what are you looking for?"

Jenny had been on numerous field trips, but none of her colleagues had been as persistent as Lily.

Lily paused, pondering before replying, "A raw material containing the extract I need."

"What is it?" Jenny asked.