The Understated Dragon Lord novel Chapter 636

Catherine, as the epitome of professional pride, was not one likely to lose to a country bumpkin. If she were to lose to someone like Daniel, how could she continue in her line of work with any dignity? It would be a colossal joke—a world-class mixologist defeated by a rustic villager, which would tarnish her reputation forever.

“Okay!” Daniel didn’t hesitate; he readily accepted the challenge.

Hearing Daniel’s agreement, Smart nearly jumped for joy. However, due to the precedent set by the five women, he wanted to be absolutely sure, so he reminded Catherine sternly, “I hope you live up to your professionalism, Catherine. You're a world-class mixologist. If you lose professionally to this country bumpkin tonight, and word gets out, I believe your career as a mixologist would be over. It’s going to be the laughing stock of the industry! I don’t want the mixologist I’m paying good money for to become a joke. After you sample the bumpkin’s cocktail, use your expertise to utterly defeat him!”

Smart didn’t just want to win; he wanted to win with dignity, which is why he suggested Catherine herself taste Daniel's mix. As a world-class mixologist, she had her own perspectives on cocktails. Therefore, after savoring Daniel’s concoction, she’d surely be able to critique it from various professional aspects.

“Rest assured, sir. I will certainly defeat this bumpkin. Those five women aren’t professional tasters, and their standards for judging cocktails are limited to whether it's tasty or not. They voted for the country bumpkin because his cocktail perhaps just matched their taste preferences. But that doesn't demonstrate that his cocktail is outstanding in any way. An exceptional cocktail requires carefully selecting each base and modifying liquor. The flavors of each spirit should be enhanced to their utmost potential, and their merits are to be blended, creating a complex, layered taste experience,” Catherine explained as she picked up the cocktail.