Chapter 16: Flirting with Danger

"Understood, Young Master," Li Feng replied, sneaking a glance at the scorecard of one of the international judges with an air of nonchalance.

Upon seeing the 9.5, he promptly copied the score, submitting it for official tallying.

When Gu Wenxuan's score was displayed on the screen behind them, a wave of murmurs swept through the audience.

After removing the highest and lowest scores, Gu Wenxuan ended up with an impressive 9.51, the highest score yet. She was visibly pleased, unable to contain the smug grin that spread across her face.

As Fu Hanning leaned back lazily in his chair, his gaze casually flicked upward.

Across the room, a piercingly cold stare met his own, sharp enough to feel like a physical impact.

Gu Yining's eyes, wide with barely concealed outrage, bored into him. She wasn't just glaring; she even rolled her eyes.

What's with that look? Is she irritated because I gave her sister a high score? Is she jealous?

Fu Hanning's lips quirked into a faint smirk. How amusing that her reaction actually gave him a strange sense of satisfaction.

Finally, it was Gu Yining's turn.

She carefully handed her perfume to the staff and took the microphone from the host. Despite the numerous cameras and internationally renowned judges scrutinizing her every move, she remained calm, even savoring the thrill of being in the spotlight.

In the past, she had countless opportunities to showcase her talent, but she had always chosen to stay in the shadows, keeping a low profile to support her two sisters. Now, she was ready to step into the light and revel in her moment.

"Esteemed judges," Gu Yining began confidently, her voice clear and poised, "my fragrance is called 'Encounters.' It combines ambergris, orange blossom, lavender, and rosemary. In life, we encounter different people; some are merely passing through, while others become essential to our journey. The top notes feature the sweet scent of orange blossom, evoking a variety of emotions. The heart is a lingering lavender aroma, while the base is the unforgettable essence of rosemary. Encounters mark the beginning of romance. I hope that those who wear this fragrance will meet someone special and share their lives with them. The scent varies in intensity with how it's applied, offering different experiences."

Gu Yining's poise and professionalism captivated the judges, who were clearly impressed by her presentation.

Meanwhile, Fu Hanning wasn't paying attention to her pitch at all. He took a whiff of the sample she had prepared.

The fragrance unfolded exactly as she described: a fresh burst of orange blossom followed by a soft lavender heart, all underpinned by a warm and intriguing rosemary finish. It was captivating and entirely immersive.

"Additionally," Gu Yining raised her voice, clearly directing her next words at Fu Hanning, "this fragrance includes a special herbal component, which allows even those with impaired or dulled senses of smell to fully experience it."

Her gaze locked onto Fu Hanning as she spoke, making it obvious that her comment was meant for him.

Frowning, he immediately scrawled a large zero on his scorecard.

So, she wants to test the limits of what she can get away with, huh? Well, let's see how she likes this.

He would gladly gift her a big, fat zero for her boldness.

Next to him, the other judges murmured among themselves, seemingly impressed by her performance. In the end, they turned to Fu Hanning to make the final call.

"Mr. Fu," one of them began, "we all agree that Leon's creation is sophisticated and precisely crafted. It has significant potential for the future fragrance market. But as for the second Miss Gu…"

The judge hesitated, clearly reluctant to say more.

They were all aware that if Fu Hanning intended to protect his almost-fiancée, they would not oppose it.

"She will not be my fiancée," Fu Hanning said, his tone definitive.

His single statement was enough to provide all the clarity they needed.