Chapter 156 - 155: Master of Art, Perfume Queen!
Chapter 156: Chapter 155: Master of Art, Perfume Queen!
Her first perfume, *Resting on Snow, Scenting Fragrance*, was released eight years ago. As soon as it hit the market, it took the world by storm.
Because the perfume’s main note was rose, she was dubbed the Rose Queen.
Over the five years following its release, the Rose Queen continuously developed four more perfumes: *Evening Breeze Arrives Late*, *Moonlight Courtyard*, *Rouge Snow*, and *Southern Wind Knows Intention*. These five creations crowned her the absolute ruler of Oriental fragrances.
Even industry insiders had no idea who she really was. The only certainty was that she was from Jiuzhou; otherwise, she wouldn’t have used such classical naming conventions.
However, after the release of *Southern Wind Knows Intention*, the Rose Queen fell silent. For the past three years, there had been no news of her whatsoever.
Some said she had run out of inspiration, that the five perfumes had exhausted all her talent. Others claimed she had stepped on too many toes and met with an accident. Opinions varied, but none were backed by solid evidence.
It was only after the Rose Queen’s retirement that Xu Zhao Yu’s traditional-style perfume brand found more room to grow. But now, the Rose Queen had purchased the exact spices Xu Zhao Yu wanted. Clearly, she was preparing to develop a new perfume.
Filled with anxiety, Xu Zhao Yu pressed, "Did anyone see her in person?"
"No." The person on the other end shook their head. "With her reputation, why would she need to show up herself? The suppliers will naturally deliver the goods right to her."
Xu Zhao Yu let out a breath. "I understand. Just send the other spices over first."
Footsteps echoed just then as Old Madam Meng returned from her walk. Xu Zhao Yu snapped out of her daze and offered a gentle smile. "Mom."
Seeing her tightly knit brows, Old Madam Meng asked, "Zhao Yu, what’s wrong?"
Xu Zhao Yu relayed the news she had just received.
Old Madam Meng was astonished. "The Rose Queen is making a comeback?"
She was also very fond of the perfumes crafted by the Rose Queen, especially *Resting on Snow, Scenting Fragrance*. Every time she smelled that crisp, snow-like rose scent, her chronic headaches would ease slightly.
"Yes, I’m really looking forward to her new perfume too," Xu Zhao Yu said with a smile. "I’ll definitely reserve a bottle for you when it comes out."
Perfume formulas were highly classified secrets. Other perfumers had studied *Resting on Snow, Scenting Fragrance* for a long time but still couldn’t reverse-engineer its composition. During the three years the Rose Queen had vanished, her five creations had become limited editions—once sold out, they were gone forever.
Old Madam Meng beamed with joy and patted her hand. "You are always so thoughtful, Zhao Yu."
Xu Zhao Yu meekly coaxed Old Madam Meng with a few more sweet words, but internally she wondered what the Rose Queen’s purpose for returning could be. And where was this mysterious perfumer right now?
***
Outside the window, the sun shone brightly. Birds chirped on the branches, and a gentle breeze carried the faint, salty scent of the sea.
It was a seaside milk tea shop with elegant decor, overflowing with a refreshing and intoxicating floral fragrance. The interior layout wasn’t quite finished yet. A woman sat at the counter, trimming flower stems.
"Miss Qiu, the complete collector’s edition of *The Great Wilderness Immortal Journey* has been placed on the bookshelf," said a young woman nearby who was carrying books. "I’ve always felt this book really doesn’t match our shop’s vibe."
Admittedly, *The Great Wilderness Immortal Journey* was a world-renowned literary classic, but placing it in a milk tea shop felt a bit too heavy and serious.
Hearing this, Qian Qiu merely smiled and said nothing. What was she supposed to say? That she was one of the authors of that book? Who would believe her anyway?
"Mission accomplished! The reading corner is all set up." The young woman clapped her hands in satisfaction. "Miss Qiu, I’m really looking forward to this pop-up shop in Jianghuai."
As an employee, she would get to drink the newest milk tea creations from Qianqiusui.
Qian Qiu handed her a bank card. "Thanks for your hard work. Go get some rest; we’ll be very busy in a few days."
The girl nodded and left the shop.
RING RING RING!
The ringing of the phone shattered the quiet atmosphere. Qian Qiu pressed the answer button.
As soon as the call connected, the person on the other end spoke impatiently. "You pre-ordered that batch of spices? Are you going to make perfume again? I have a lot of people here wanting to collaborate with you. They keep asking me, and you—"
"I did buy spices," Qian Qiu interrupted, "but I don’t feel like making perfume recently."
"Why?"
"No reason."
"..."
This Rose Queen was truly unreasonable. So many international luxury brands wanted to work with her, yet she wouldn’t even spare them a glance. The perfumes she crafted didn’t just smell amazing and have incredible longevity; they genuinely nourished a person’s vitality and spirit.
The caller asked humbly, "Then what are you doing right now? Can’t you just squeeze in some time to make a perfume?"
"Shaking milk tea," Qian Qiu replied.
The caller went silent again. "..."
You, a world-class, hall-of-fame master perfumer, are refusing to make perfume so you can shake milk tea? Does that make any sense?!
"You’re welcome to come to Jianghuai to drink milk tea." Qian Qiu hung up the phone and resumed trimming the flowers.
***
Meanwhile, at the Mingjing Cultural Heritage Institute.
Dean Xu hurried over to find Cui Jinghan. Placing an invitation on the desk, he said, "A Jiu, there’s an international auction happening in Jianghuai. I need you to attend it in my place. You absolutely must bring back Nanling Jun’s *Lying Cloud Poem*."
Cui Jinghan’s hand paused. "*Lying Cloud Poem*?" he murmured.
"Yes. I thought the original manuscript of the *Lying Cloud Poem* was lost forever. I never expected it to resurface after all these years." Dean Xu sighed. "So many cultural relics were looted back then, and who knows when they will ever return. They are clearly our own belongings, yet we still have to spend money to buy them back..."
Cui Jinghan fell silent. Besides antiques, countless books had also been stolen. The Southern Region Library housed many ancient Jiuzhou texts and records, yet Jiuzhou people were strictly forbidden from entering to read them.
Cui Jinghan withdrew his thoughts and nodded. "Understood."
Dean Xu patted his shoulder, then asked in surprise, "You’re leaving for Jianghuai tomorrow. Why haven’t you packed your luggage yet?"
"There’s no luggage to pack," Cui Jinghan replied in a mild tone. "I’ll buy daily necessities when I arrive."
"You..." Dean Xu shook his head. "Alright, contact me anytime if anything comes up." With his hands clasped behind his back, he strolled away.
Cui Jinghan turned his head, gazing at the bare willow tree outside the window. "*Lying Cloud Poem*..." he muttered to himself.
He had almost forgotten about that poem because he had written so many literary works. Yet, strangely enough, any piece of writing that praised Empress Taichu hadn’t even had its title passed down through history. It was truly bizarre.
Cui Jinghan closed his eyes, suppressing the irritation rising in his chest, and went back to work.
The following morning at 10 a.m., he arrived punctually at the Jianghuai International Airport.
Yan Sinian had long been waiting by the exit corridor. Upon seeing him, he immediately waved his hand. "Senior Brother, over here!"
Hearing him, Cui Jinghan turned and walked over.
Yan Sinian reached out to take his luggage, only to find that he was carrying nothing but a briefcase. He smoothly transitioned, "Senior Brother, this is my student. Shall we all have lunch together later?"
Cui Jinghan rejected him without a second thought, his expression cold and aloof. "I don’t have time. You two eat."
Hearing those words, Shi Changying finished the last sip of her milk tea and spoke up. "No, you have to eat."
She absolutely would not allow her money to go down the drain.