I arranged a marriage for you, not made you invincible under a disguise.

The stakes Norris wanted were completely different from what Shen Sixi wanted.

It was as if his magnanimity was being revealed at that moment.

But Shen Sixi showed no remorse or embarrassment whatsoever.

She walked ahead as if it were her right, smiling as she looked Norris up and down.

It's like taking a look at her "possessions" beforehand.

Norris's expression gradually turned grim.

Shen Tu Mo's expression wasn't good either.

In front of everyone, the match between Shen Sixi and Norris took place in Clark's private perfumery.

This is the area that Clark focused on most when renovating his house.

The room chosen was in the best location and with the best orientation, and its area was larger than several bedrooms combined.

Various sophisticated and expensive perfumery instruments, some of which even university laboratories do not have.

The entire wall was filled with rare and precious spices, which Clark proudly showed to Shen Sixi.

Yu Chaodi exclaimed with emotion that many of the spices she had overheard her college teachers talking about while cleaning had finally transformed from textbook pictures into real, tangible things right before her eyes.

Shen Tu Rong also widened her eyes.

Although her family was very wealthy, her hobby had limited funds, and her perfumery only contained some common spices.

"Big brother, you see, Sister Xi and I both love perfumery. Could you buy us some of these too?"

Shen Tu Rong took the opportunity to act coquettishly.

Shen Tu Mo remained unmoved.

Shen Sixi was intently admiring Clark's collection, her profile serious and beautiful.

"That one is very well preserved."

"Oh, I didn't see this last time at home. What a pity."

Shen Sixi had to admit that although the Shen Tu family also had a dedicated perfumery, it was nowhere near as good as Clark's.

Shen Tu Mo withdrew his gaze and pulled his sister aside.

"what did you just say?"

"...I want to buy some expensive spices to take home."

"purchase."

Shen Tu Rong immediately jumped for joy, "Big brother is so great! I knew you would dote on me and Sister Xi the most!"

"It's none of your business," Shen Tu Mo said coldly. "I just can't let the Shen Tu family be outdone by others."

"Yes, yes, yes." Shen Tu Rong nodded perfunctorily, then turned and called Yu Chaodi to discuss the prices and storage requirements of various spices together.

Norris was already standing in front of the equipment.

He waited quietly for her to begin her visit, his face showing a proud and honored expression.

How could a novice like Shen Sixi compare to the teacher's years of experience and accumulated knowledge?

She needs to experience setbacks.

"If you're ready, let's begin."

Norris gazed calmly ahead, his hands resting on the table.

The colorful glass instruments reflected his slender, well-defined fingers.

Many people have said that his hands were born to blend perfumes.

Her slender fingers resembled the delicate bones of bamboo, her nails were meticulously trimmed and clean, and her palms were broad.

Norris handled the perfumery equipment with ease, as if he had entered another world that he could completely control.

Normally low-key and reserved, he was now exuding charisma and radiating brilliance.

His cautious yet sharp gaze was fixed on the vessel before him.

The match between Norris and Shen Sixi required simultaneous distillation, pressing, and solvent extraction.

They need to multitask and pursue maximum efficiency.

Finally, see who can extract higher purity from natural spices in the shortest time.

Norris was very confident about this.

Whether competing with his peers or learning from his teacher, he was always the fastest and most proficient.

Once the timer was pressed, he became completely absorbed in it, without any distractions.

He didn't look to the side again.

The perfumery was very quiet; everyone consciously kept quiet so as not to disturb them.

Norris was completely focused; even the strands of his hair seemed to reflect his concentration.

He took this competition very seriously, putting in his utmost effort, holding his breath and not daring to exhale.

Their hands moved swiftly and simultaneously, yet in an orderly manner.

Time passed slowly, and as the last glass instrument condensed water vapor, drops of pure natural essential oil fell into the bottle.

"finished."

Norris released his grip and breathed a sigh of relief.

He believed that this practice was more perfect than any of his previous ones.

But when he turned to look at Shen Sixi, he was stunned.

She had finished playing sometime earlier and was leaning against the wall, playing Dou Dizhu (a popular Chinese card game) on her phone.

Norris was stunned, noticing several bottles of essential oils neatly arranged on Shen Sixi's perfumery table.

Clark gave Norris a sympathetic look and told him.

"You're taking this too seriously. You probably didn't notice that Miss Shen finished an hour earlier than you."

“That’s impossible.” Norris’s eyes widened. He had already tried to streamline the process as much as possible, and it was difficult to further optimize and improve efficiency.

Clark shrugged, though he didn't know how Shen Sixi had managed it.

But it's true, she is that much faster.

Norris's once proud strengths—steady hands, meticulousness, and precise control of temperature and time—were all completely overshadowed by Shen Sixi.

Clark shook his head and took the two essential oils to the side to test them.

The result is self-evident.

The purity of the essential oil extracted by Shen Sixi far surpasses that of Norris.

……

Norris stared at all of this in disbelief.

His proud back bent.

"I lost..." He lowered his head, and after a long while, he finally found his voice and called out hoarsely, "Master."

Shen Sixi raised her hand, "Don't rush, I've changed my mind, the previous bet doesn't count."

She stepped forward and took the coin from Norris's pocket.

"I only need one coin from you."

Shen Sixi smiled calmly, like a spring breeze rippling the surface of a lake.

Norris stared at her, as if she had made him lose his soul with laughter.

"Ahem." Clark suddenly patted Norris on the shoulder. "Come with me to the tea room."

"..." Norris followed Clark, looking utterly dejected.

When they arrived at the teahouse, only the master and his apprentice were there.

Clark said again in a deep voice, "Norris, you were too impulsive today. I've said it before, even I can't compare to Miss Shen's expertise in perfumery..."

"Teacher, please don't underestimate yourself." Norris was convinced of his defeat by Shen Sixi.

But in his heart, Clark will always be the sky in his world of perfumery.

"Norris, there's something your teacher should tell you."

Clark looked grave, sighed, and spoke in a low voice.

"I...I've lost my sense of smell."

Norris was incredulous, thinking he had misheard.

The teacher who always said "a perfumer's nose is everything" has lost something so precious.

"So, Norris, from now on, my perfumery career will depend on you to carry it on."

Kluck was entrusted with a heavy responsibility.

Norris shook his head. "Teacher, I still have so much to learn from you. How can you shirk your responsibility now? Don't worry, you will definitely be able to cure him."

“It’s no use.” Clark chuckled. “Our family is so powerful, and I have so much money, but it’s all in vain. I’ve consulted all the famous doctors, but this nose is completely doomed.”

Norris's eyes reddened; he wished he had lost his sense of smell.

No wonder the teacher's hair has turned white so quickly lately.

Suddenly, Norris remembered something.

"Teacher, let's go ask Miss Shen. I've heard that the traditional Chinese medicine doctors there are very famous; maybe they can cure you!"