"Mentor!" Joshua said.
Everyone was shocked by this profound act of respect, and the single word "teacher" made everything click into place, followed by another wave of shock.
"This guy is Joshua's mentor?!"
"Could he be the leading figure from the early days of the fragrance world?"
"He's won the highest honor in the fragrance industry and was once handpicked to be the royal perfumer by several royal families! Even though he gradually stepped out of the public eye, his designs were items that royals and social elites craved to own. It's said his last perfume design fetched a crazy price at auction!"
"This awards ceremony is so thrilling. I can't believe I'm seeing so many people you'd rarely meet in daily life."
"True. Some things are once in a lifetime!"
The old man looked calm. After accepting Joshua's deep bow, he stepped forward and helped him up.
Here, respecting one’s mentor was a deeply rooted tradition. This kneel represented an indescribable level of respect and admiration.
The old man smiled at Joshua and couldn't help but remark, "You've aged too."
Joshua's throat tightened a bit, but he nodded, "But still so vivacious!"
The old man chuckled and shook his head. No one could resist the march of time.
When Keira realized this old man was Joshua's mentor, her eyes lit up and she walked over to stand next to Joshua, "Mr. Joshua, this is?"
Joshua glanced at her and then introduced, "This is one of my students, Keira. She performed well in the perfume competition this year. Keira, this is my mentor, say hello to him."
Keira nodded smartly and was about to speak.
"No need." But the old man's solemn voice cut her off, his hand raised slightly in a stopping gesture.
Keira paused, puzzled, and the scene grew slightly awkward. She shot Joshua a help-me look.
"What’s going on?" Joshua was also a bit puzzled. His teacher was usually so amiable, why was he acting so aloof towards Keira today?
"Yes." The old man answered without expression, glanced around and asked, "This is?"
Keira quickly moved closer to the old man and said politely and kindly, "I'm sorry, sir. For the unresolved matter between me and my sister. It’s quite embarrassing!"
"An issue? You mean the plagiarism argument just now?" The old man asked.
Keira pursed her lips and said hesitantly, "Yes, it's all my fault. I let this issue get out of hand. I was just being resentful. That's why I had a falling out with my sister. But like everyone says, our industry can't tolerate such misconduct. Plagiarism is absolutely unacceptable. Even though I may have made mistakes in handling this issue. As long as the outcome is correct, nothing else matters, right?"
The old man's serious face showed a gaze full of wisdom.
"Regardless of the field, professional conduct is of utmost importance. Plagiarism. It's absolutely intolerable. Once detected, it must be severely investigated and dealt with." The old man said.
Keira smiled, "You're absolutely right. So, I can only feel bad about my sister."
Before she could finish her sentence, the old man's gaze fell on Chloe, who was standing not far away. He suddenly burst out laughing.
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