Chapter 172 Arrogance Must Be Backed by Capacity
The perfume-tasting competition wasn't very formal. Invitations came from companies or newcomers from the past two years.
These newcomers got special treatment and skipped the first round.
So, there were fewer people in the first round.
Evelyn, representing her company, had to participate. Each person got five bottles of perfume to identify the raw materials and base notes by smell.
This was easy for her. Cathy had given her tougher challenges before.
She quickly answered the questions. She thought the elimination rate would be low, but surprisingly, a third of the participants were cut.
She assumed everyone here was elite, but that wasn't the case.
She was most surprised that Vivian also passed. Even after all these years, Vivian's skills were still sharp.
However, little did she know Rosen had gotten the first-round questions and answers for Vivian beforehand.
The second round took place that evening.
The schedule was tight. The second round was a written test covering a wide range of topics, including spices, chemistry, and ancient texts.
After this round, about half the participants were eliminated.
Now, only about ten people were left.
The organizers had return tickets ready for those eliminated, while the rest waited for the final round.
It was set for three days later, with results and the award ceremony that same evening.
Evelyn thought the next three days would be boring. Olivia would likely keep a close watch on her.
As she pondered how to pass the time, Vivian showed up.
"I didn't expect you to make it this far. Neogenito Fragrances must'e trained you well," Vivian said proudly.
Evelyn looked at her. "What's so surprising? If even you advanced, I feel sorry for those who got eliminated."
"No need to be jealous. I advanced on my skills!" Vivian smiled. "There's still the final round. Who knows who'll win?"
Evelyn nodded. "We'll see."
Ignoring Vivian, Evelyn walked to the door. Only participants were allowed inside, so Olivia waited outside.
"Evelyn, do you think you've already secured the win?" Olivia asked.
However, Vivian wasn't ready to let Evelyn go that easily. She quickly caught up, blocking Evelyn's path.
"I won't speak for others, but to beat you..." Evelyn paused, smiling knowingly.
Vivian's face twisted with contempt. "Don't get too cocky!"
Evelyn laughed. "Sorry, but can you really beat me?"
She walked around Vivian, wondering if she'd cause more trouble. If Vivian falsely accused her again, it wouldn't be good.
As Evelyn stepped out, Olivia rushed over with excitement. "Congratulations, Evelyn!"
News of Evelyn's advancement had already spread. Evelyn found Olivia's joy and restraint amusing, playfully pinching her cheek.
"I have a suggestion," Evelyn said.
"What is it?" Olivia asked.
"Stop calling me Ms. Taylor."
Olivia looked puzzled. "Then what should I call you?"
"Evelyn," she suggested.
Olivia blinked. "Evelyn."
"Good girl!" Evelyn patted her head, pleased.
They were colleagues with different roles, but Olivia was meticulous at work and kind to Evelyn. She had taken care of everything from accommodations to meals, and Evelyn appreciated it.
Things were going smoothly, and Evelyn was in a good mood. After a few jokes with Olivia, she continued walking.
A car pulled up, and someone got out. "Ms. Taylor, right?"
"Yes," Evelyn nodded.
"I was sent to pick you up," James Roberts said politely, his big sunglasses taking half of his face.
"Who are..." Evelyn hesitated, but quickly guessed. It had to be Lisa.
"It's Miss Thompson," James confirmed.
Evelyn was right, but why was Lisa looking for her now?
"She didn't inform me anything," Evelyn said.
"Miss Thompson has something important to discuss. It'd be a sensitive topic during the competition, so she didn't call. But when you see this, you'll understand." James handed her a ring.
Evelyn recognized it as Lisa's ring.
"So, Lisa doesn't want me to call her," Evelyn said.
"Miss Thompson will explain in person." he opened the car door. "Time is of the essence, so please get in, Ms. Taylor."
"Ms. Taylor!" Olivia caught up, still not used to calling her 'Evelyn.' "Where are you going so late?"
"Lisa needs to see me," Evelyn replied. "I might have to make a trip."
"Evelyn..." Olivia hesitated, then glanced at James and pulled Evelyn aside. "There have been rumors about your relationship with Matthew. Meeting Miss Thompson now might not be appropriate. I think you should refuse."