Flash Marriage: She becomes Mrs. CEO after the Failed Dowry Talk

Chapter 270: Semifinals Round Two

Nora Northwood assumed a calm demeanor, walked through backstage, and found her spot.

To ensure the fairness of the competition, the participants’ seating positions vary each round.

Most of the seats were already occupied.

Nora scanned the audience and spotted Jasper Sinclair’s face.

He was so far away that his face was only the size of her thumb.

She gently rubbed the back of her hand; no one knew that she unconsciously did this when nervous.

Soon, the competition began.

The theme for the second round was ’Irritation’; only this single word, leaving the contestants to interpret as they wished.

This time, Nora didn’t rush to choose the fragrance oils but started to ponder the meaning of the word.

Dryness, boredom, parched lips... Which ’irritation’ was it?

The rubbing motion on her hand quickened.

In a flash, her thoughts traveled back to her elementary school language class.

She remembered an article called "Flower Clock" which discussed the blooming times and reasons of different flowers.

Flower.

Nora had a rather bold idea in her mind, and she decided to give it a try.

While other participants were already onto the second phase, she stopped rubbing her hand and began sniffing the scents one by one.

After filtering, Nora chose plum blossom as the top note for this fragrance.

Breaking from the traditional sweetness, it was an elegant plum scent.

For the middle and base notes, she selected plum and musk.

Soon, a restrained and serene natural plum fragrance emanated from her hands.

Indeed, the process of blending fragrances is truly magical, like exploring a different world.

Honestly, Nora was unsure if her bold approach today would earn her a good score in the competition.

Even if not, she had a unique experience.

As she left the venue, yesterday’s group of reporters surrounded her again.

Nora responded with the same rhetoric: "Thank you all for your attention and favor. I hope I haven’t taken up too much public resources, and please continue supporting VK Brand."

Returning to the hotel, Jasper said to her, "Seems like you’re in a good mood today."

Nora’s lips curved into a light smile, her eyes radiating a glimmer, nodding, "Indeed I am."

The noontime sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the picturesque smile on her face, enhancing her charm.

"Let me guess, is it because I’m here or because today’s challenge was easier?"

Nora pouted slightly, as if in contemplation.

Soon, she said,"Both."

After a pause, she continued to explain, "Before the competition, I was desperate to achieve rankings and score, to prove my abilities. After today’s competition ended, I realized those weren’t important; what mattered was the journey of my heart and the true gains from the competition."

Nora’s words were sincere and authentic.

Unintentionally, they tugged at Jasper’s heartstrings; his young lady was growing day by day.

"Nora, I find you’ve changed a lot from before." His gentle voice sounded at Nora’s ear.

A sly glint flickered in Nora’s eyes; she stood on tiptoe, tugging on Jasper’s tie to pull him down slightly.

"Jasper, do you like the current me or the past me?" When asking this, a graceful smile graced her face, carrying an inexplicable discord.

"I like both yous."

Watching her mischievous expression, Jasper suddenly felt a ticklish sensation in his heart.