Chapter 103: The Allure of Dreams

The bespectacled woman and the team of researchers shouted in unison, but it was already too late. Chen Yu casually picked up one of the test tubes, brought it to his nose, and sniffed. "Perfume?"

Professor Qiu glanced up briefly in their direction but quickly buried himself back in the pile of documents.

"Do you even need to ask? I’m asking you—why aren’t you just staying by Professor Qiu’s side to help? Why are you messing with our stuff?" The bespectacled woman snatched the test tube back from Chen Yu and placed it carefully in its spot. "If anyone is supposed to guide us, it’s Professor Qiu. What could you possibly detect?"

This woman, Xiao Ya, was the head of the research department and the project leader. A workaholic, she dedicated herself to designing perfumes and cosmetics, living a routine life between the company and home. Approaching thirty, she was still single and fiercely protective of her research. No one but professionals—and not even Shen Zhuyun—were allowed to handle their products unless she deemed them a great success worth proudly displaying.

If it weren’t for the fact that Chen Yu had come with Professor Qiu, she might have already shown him the door.

"Can this even be called perfume?" Chen Yu smiled faintly.

"This is 'Dream Charm,' a product of countless efforts by Sister Ya and our team. But it can’t yet be called true perfume because it lacks the crucial final step—making the scent last longer and perform better. We've tried countless methods, but the fragrance fades within two hours at most. That’s why we invited your master, Professor Qiu!" The plump woman named Lei Lei explained, perhaps impressed by Chen Yu’s ability to identify the scent as not quite perfume and assuming he was Professor Qiu’s apprentice.

Xiao Ya folded her arms, casting a cold gaze at Chen Yu, silently daring him to say something more.

The tall, slender woman, Xu Danhong, spoke up with excitement, pumping her fist. "Once we overcome the challenges with 'Dream Charm,' I believe its market debut will cause a sensation and might even overshadow those big-name brands!"

At that moment, Professor Qiu approached, took the test tube, inhaled deeply, and furrowed his brows. The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on him.

After a long sniff, he returned to studying the documents, his expression noticeably more serious than before. The girls exchanged worried glances.

Meanwhile, Chen Yu strolled leisurely around the lab.

"Hey, who exactly are you?" Xiao Ya’s suspicion grew. She realized Professor Qiu hadn’t said a word to Chen Yu, and Chen Yu hadn’t assisted him at all. They seemed like strangers. This made her question his identity.

The other girls also noticed and turned their attention toward Chen Yu.

Chen Yu shook his head lightly and picked up the test tube again. No one stopped him this time, perhaps out of curiosity, as they wondered what he intended to do.

"Honestly, I’m not here to discourage you," Chen Yu began. "From a man's perspective, this perfume’s scent isn’t particularly special."

Xiao Ya’s gaze darkened. Even Professor Qiu hadn’t critiqued their samples yet, so who was this man to judge? She considered calling security to remove him.

Chen Yu ignored her hostility. "Why do women wear perfume if not to attract men’s attention? You’ve been imaginative, but even if this scent lasts and gets marketed, it will ultimately be drowned out and crushed by those big brands."

A plump, cheerful woman nodded in agreement. "Young man, I somewhat agree. From a man’s point of view, the scent might seem pleasant at first, but it lacks the depth to truly captivate—there’s a big gap compared to major brands. Of course, reaching this stage is already impressive for Miss Xiao and her team. As for scent longevity, I remain cautiously optimistic. That problem even baffles me."

Suddenly, Professor Qiu looked up and spoke.

Hearing this, the girls’ faces fell, but when Professor Qiu called Chen Yu "young brother," a wave of curiosity spread among them.

Lei Lei couldn’t help but ask, "Professor Qiu, isn’t this man your disciple or assistant?"

Several women stared at Professor Qiu, puzzled. If Chen Yu wasn’t brought by him, how had he gotten in?

Xiao Ya glared at Chen Yu, waiting for Professor Qiu to disown him so she could have him removed.

Professor Qiu chuckled. "Isn’t he part of your research team? I didn’t bring any disciples or assistants. This young brother might actually know more than this old man here—after all, he’s young and understands what young men prefer in a scent."

Everyone was stunned. So this man had sneaked in. It was almost a joke—they had let a stranger infiltrate, embarrassing themselves. Yet, their curiosity grew: why was he here, and what was his purpose?

"Please leave immediately!" Xiao Ya snapped, losing patience.

Chen Yu smiled faintly, gently swirling the test tube in his hand. "Why not try this perfume first? You can ask me to leave afterward."

Many froze, wondering if the scent had somehow changed.

"I’ll try!" Lei Lei stepped forward. She harbored no ill will toward Chen Yu and was straightforward and kind-hearted.

Everyone watched with anticipation to see if the perfume would transform in his hands.

Lei Lei brought the perfume to her nose, and immediately, she seemed frozen in place, as if under a spell.

"What’s wrong, Lei Lei?" Xu Danhong quickly took the perfume from her and inhaled. She too was stunned.

Lei Lei didn’t notice, lost in blissful trance with closed eyes, standing utterly still.

Even Professor Qiu felt compelled to smell it. The other women couldn’t resist and eagerly grabbed it. Each who inhaled, like Lei Lei and Xu Danhong, closed their eyes in rapture and remained immobile.

Xiao Ya raised an eyebrow, adjusted her black-rimmed glasses, and approached the group. Without a word, she took the perfume from the last girl’s hand.

She shot a glare at Chen Yu, silently accusing him—what trick had he played to make these young women behave this way?

Chen Yu smiled at her and gestured invitingly.

Xiao Ya snorted but finally brought the perfume to her nose.

Suddenly, the world seemed to spin. A dreamlike sensation overwhelmed her, intoxicating her completely. This was exactly the kind of fragrance she had long sought.

At that moment, Professor Qiu beside her said, "Miss Xiao, may I try it as well?"

Snapping out of her trance, Xiao Ya nodded and handed him the perfume, but her eyes now held a different respect for Chen Yu.

Could this man be a mysterious expert brought in by the CEO, destined to create miracles for the company?

Professor Qiu, calm and experienced, inhaled but did not become as entranced as the others. Instead, his face was filled with astonishment.

"Is there truly such a soul-stirring fragrance in the world?"

Hearing this, the girls awakened from their stupor.

"I have never encountered such a beautiful scent—sweet as first love, enchanting as a dream. It’s nothing short of a miracle. Is this really our 'Dream Charm'?"

"The scent is neither too strong nor too faint, yet it deeply permeates the soul. Just a whiff gave me a feeling I will never forget. I no longer care for those high-end brands!"

"'Dream Charm'—this is the true Dream Charm!"