Perfume That Makes Me Young Again

"Maiden's Scent" is exceptionally rare, bestowed only upon those chosen by destiny.

Nonchalantly, I lift my chin to look at four individuals at the village entrance.

A woman, flamboyantly made-up yet unable to conceal the wrinkles at her eyes, scoffs disdainfully at me.

"Is it just about the money? I get your kind. Is $50,000 enough?"

Beside her, Winston, who had been quiet, flashes a hint of disdain.

"We genuinely desire your 'Maiden's Scent,' money is no object, as long as you are willing to part with it."

I observe Helen, her eyes slightly curved in a smile that doesn't reach her eyes.

"It's not about the money; the extraction of 'Maiden's Scent' is too dangerous. However, if you can gather the ingredients yourselves, I'd be happy to assist."

"Besides, for someone like you, an older woman desiring 'Maiden's Scent,' there are too many like you. If we gave it to everyone, there wouldn't be enough."

At my words, Helen, enraged, attempts to lunge at me and pull my hair but is restrained and comforted by Winston holding her.

Standing aside, Emmett, with a gleam in his eye, tentatively suggests, "Why don't we make 'Maiden's Scent' ourselves if you give us the recipe?"

A cold smile plays on my lips, my gaze warning as I fix it on the profit-minded man before me.

"Numerous merchants have obtained the recipe to make their own perfume and all without exception have met tragic ends. I'd advise you not to harbor such thoughts."

Emmett, pensive, lowers his head, unsure if he has truly absorbed my warning.

"If you truly desire the scent, follow me to the village chief to see if he grants you an opportunity."

With that, I turn and walk into the village, the others hurriedly following.

The chief's house lies at the village's heart. As we pass, villagers stare intently at the outsiders.

Helen rolls her eyes disdainfully, declaring, "Why are all the people here so old? Isn't there anyone young? Maybe the 'Maiden's Scent' is a fake."

I press my lips tightly, looking at her as one would a dead person.

"If you don't believe, you are free to leave," I state flatly.

Helen's face turns ashen at my words, but she dares not leave, instead venting her frustration on Winston beside her.

"If it weren't for you, why would I need 'Maiden's Scent'? Such a loser!"

Winston nods meekly, busy placating Helen, scarcely daring to breathe.

Emmett, holding a quiet woman closely, sneers at Winston, "Winston, so subservient now, weren't you quite the big shot before?"

At this, Helen shoves Winston, scoffing, "Damn it, I even buy his underwear, what right does he have to stand up to me? He's like dog shit, only his face is bearable."

Winston covers his face, a hint of murderous intent flickering in his dark eyes, but his face twists into a placating smile.

"You're right, my love. Everything I am belongs to you."

The woman says nothing, her empty eyes obsessively fixed on Emmett.

I watch the underlying currents among these interesting characters: an aging woman, a henpecked lover, a profit-driven merchant, and his obsessively adoring girl.

It's quite the spectacle, wondering who my beloved will consume first?

I notice a transparent insect, now perched on Helen's neck, unknown until now, as my smile deepens.

Hurry up, or my beloveds will grow impatient.

My destined one...