Chapter 105: The Set-Up

"I've been so busy that I didn't check the ingredients. I didn't realize your 'Encounter' fragrance contained lavender. If I had known, I wouldn't have used it. This is my fault; I'm really sorry," Ye Fanxing apologized, all the while scratching at her hands, her face a picture of distress.

As a top celebrity, her every move attracted attention. 

A growing crowd began to form around them, murmuring and speculating: "Do you think she did this on purpose to make Fanxing allergic?" 

"Isn't it the duty of a perfumer to inquire about a client's allergies?" 

"It's clear she's a novice. I really question whether the title of champion was deserved."

Public opinion can be a terrifying force. 

Gu Yining recalled that she had considered asking Ye Fanxing about her allergy history, but celebrities often guard their privacy fiercely, reluctant to disclose any vulnerabilities. She had assumed that her assistant would ensure everything was handled properly.

Never in her wildest dreams did she think Ye Fanxing would end up using her body as a pawn to sabotage her in front of so many people.

Gu Yining bit her lip in frustration. 

Regret washed over her like a tidal wave.

Ye Fanxing was truly frightening. 

In her presence, Gu Yining felt utterly naïve and unprepared. 

From the moment Ye Fanxing purchased the 'Encounter' perfume, it seemed as if she had set a trap, luring Gu Yining step by step into her web. 

She suspected that Fu Hannan wouldn't come to her defense either; in fact, he might even join Ye Fanxing in blaming her for causing the allergic reaction. 

"Enough of your nonsense!" Mu Zuozhen stepped forward, attempting to silence the idle chatter. 

Fu Hannan's icy glare lingered on Ye Fanxing's face for a moment, weighing his words carefully. 

Then he spoke, his voice cool and authoritative: "Are you suggesting the champion perfumer obtained her title through unfair means? Are you questioning my judgment?" 

With that one concise statement, the crowd fell silent, heads bowed in deference, too intimidated to voice any further dissent. 

Who would dare challenge Fu Hannan's authority? That would be tantamount to courting disaster.

Gu Yining's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Fu Hannan.

Was he… defending her?

Realizing that Fu Hannan seemed intent on protecting Gu Yining, Ye Fanxing quickly turned to the crowd, a forced smile on her lips. "This was my mistake. Don't blame Leon. She is an outstanding perfumer," she explained, trying to spin the situation in her favor.

Though her words seemed to offer Gu Yining some respite, they actually put her in an even more precarious position.

"Who believes that, Fanxing? She's just jealous of you and did this on purpose," some of Ye Fanxing's devoted fans chimed in, determined to support her.

Ye Fanxing's scheming attempt to undermine Gu Yining wasn't going to work without a fight. 

Gu Yining seized Ye Fanxing's arm and, after examining her pulse, calmly set her hand down. "Actually, I'm also a doctor. I doubt that your allergy is as straightforward as it seems," she declared.

"You? A doctor? Stop pretending!" a voice shot back from the crowd.

"Seriously, a perfumer moonlighting as a doctor? You must think you're pretty impressive," another chimed in, derisive.

The onlookers were quick to dismiss her claims, unwilling to entertain anything she had to say. 

Fu Hannan's cold gaze swept across the crowd, silencing them with his presence. "She is a doctor. I can vouch for that—she's my personal physician."

With Fu Hannan's declaration, no one dared to contradict her. 

The crowd murmured among themselves, now wondering why Fu Hannan was choosing to support his private doctor instead of showing concern for the allergic Ye Fanxing. 

Fu Hannan's endorsement gave Gu Yining a newfound sense of confidence and the ability to counter the accusations thrown her way.

"Miss Ye, I believe your allergy is not specifically to lavender. From your pulse, it appears your constitution is weaker than normal. High concentrations of perfume can be quite stimulating for you. The lavender in my 'Encounter' fragrance is at a significant concentration, perhaps exceeding what you can tolerate. You've been using lighter scents until now, haven't you?" 

Her analytical observation cut through the tension, turning the attention back to Ye Fanxing and away from herself. 

The gathered crowd listened intently, the earlier hostility dissipating as curiosity took its place.