Chapter 603
After recovering from her shock, Lily laughed. "Mr. Adler, please don't joke with me. I'm still too inexperienced to join the Perfumers' Society, I believe."
Lawrence shook his head gently. "We can't apply outdated views to modern society. Talented young people are everywhere. Experience accumulates with age. However, you're already talented; why go through that unnecessary process? There's no point in joining when you're as old as I am. What can people my age possibly do?" He concluded, waving a hand dismissively.
The man beside him looked pained. "Mr. Adler, to consider yourself too old? You're in your prime! We admire your work. How can we juniors compare to your achievements?"
"That's right!"
"Yeah!"
Others agreed. "Mr. Adler, your talent is unparalleled. You're one in a million; no one can match you, not in a hundred years!"
Lily was astonished. She hadn't expected this reaction. Lawrence's talent was undeniable; he was the country's top perfumer. But to claim no one would equal him for a century was excessive.
How could they know? They hadn't seen perfumers abroad. Some might be less renowned, focusing on quality over popularity. Wesley, for instance, was highly acclaimed in his own country. How could Lawrence be so certain of his superiority?
This, unfortunately, was the Perfumers' Society. Whenever someone praised Lawrence, the others followed suit—like his lackeys.
Lily couldn't feign such agreement and remained silent. She wondered about his intentions. She'd planned a short stay before searching for Alexander. She wanted to call him and return to Sapphine City together. She hadn't anticipated this disruption, and Lawrence seemed unwilling to let her leave.
"So, how about it?" Lawrence asked, turning back to her. He lifted his head, meeting her gaze. "Is my invitation insufficient? Will you reject my offer as well?"
His friendliness masked a lack of choice. His personal invitation meant the society would view her refusal as insolence.
After a moment's thought, she smiled apologetically, stepped back, lowered her head, and said, "I sincerely thank you for this opportunity. Unfortunately, the timing is abrupt; I haven't mentally prepared myself to accept."
"Are you honestly rejecting me?" Lawrence smirked.
"I'm not rejecting you," Lily replied humbly. "I'm unqualified. I was thrilled by the invitation and rushed here immediately, but…"
She glanced at Noah. "After two days, I've seen the Perfumers' Society. My personality is unsuitable; I can't contribute and would only cause trouble for senior members."
"Why would you…" Lawrence began, but Lily continued, "I was preparing to leave when you arrived. I'm sorry to have caused this commotion. Perhaps I should…"