Chapter 333

This perfumery competition wasn't considered a major event for established perfumers. Primarily a talent search, it focused on young perfumers, inviting solo participants and representatives from perfumery companies.

Junior perfumers registered as solo participants received special treatment; they were exempted from the first round. Consequently, fewer participants competed in that round. As a Rebirth representative, Lily had no choice but to participate.

The first-round task was straightforward: identify the ingredients and base notes of five perfumes by smell. Easy for Lily; Jenny had given her a far more difficult version of this test previously. Lily quickly finished, expecting a low failure rate, but nearly a third of participants were eliminated. She initially believed only elite perfumers participated, but clearly that wasn't the case. Most surprising was Melanie's advancement to the second round.

Lily thought, "'Looks like she still has the basics, even after muddling around for years.'" Unknown to Lily, Frank had cheated, providing Melanie with the answers to the first round.

The first round concluded; the second, a written theoretical exam, began that evening. The exam covered fragrances, chemistry, and challenging historical and obscure formulas. Approximately half the remaining participants were eliminated, leaving only a few dozen for the final round. The organizers provided flights home for eliminated contestants, while those remaining stayed for the final round, scheduled for three days later, in the evening, followed immediately by the award ceremony.

Lily mused, "'The next three days will be so boring. Giselle, with her personality, will probably keep an eye on me and stop me from wandering around. Oh, man!'" She sighed, contemplating how to pass the time. Then, Melanie arrived.

"I didn't expect you to make it to the final round. Seems Rebirth invested heavily in your training," Melanie sneered, looking disdainfully at Lily. She seemed smug about her own success.

Lily gave Melanie a withering glance. "What's so surprising? Anyone could have done it. Even you. It's a pity for those who got eliminated."

"You're just jealous. I passed because of my abilities."

Surprisingly, Melanie didn't get angry. She smiled. "There's still the final round. We'll see who wins." Lily nodded. "We'll see."

Uninterested in further conversation, Lily headed outside. Only participants were allowed in the competition venue; Giselle waited outside.

Melanie, unwilling to let Lily leave so easily, blocked her path. "Lily, you think you're going to win, don't you?"

"I'm not sure I'm better than the rest, but you?" Lily asked, smiling enigmatically.

Melanie's expression soured. "Don't be overconfident!" she gritted out.

Lily chuckled. "Excuse me, only someone with great abilities has the right to be overconfident. Do you?"