Mike had no understanding of medicinal herbs. He only had some experience with and knowledge of commercial fragrances, at best. However, he was particularly persistent in participating in this project and was even optimistic about its prospects. It was indeed strange."Maybe he thinks he can earn money from this," Lily said in an unsure tone.Just as she was about to continue, Galen had already caught the ball and ran back to her. "Mommy, mommy! Throwโฆ"โDoes he want me to throw the ball again?โ Lily gently tossed the ball again, and with a giggle, the little boy chased after it.Alexander watched this quietly."Don't you think playing with your son is similar to playing with a dog?" He couldn't help but jibe. Although he didn't want to compare his son to a dog, watching how Lily played with Galen made it hard for him to think otherwise. "Huh?" Lily raised an eyebrow before turning to look at her son, who was grinning from ear to ear. "It is, but so what? He seems happy!"
"I've already said we're still working on it. It's futile to carry out the tests now!" Thompson stated after recollecting himself."It's been a few months! Youโre all useless! These medicinal herbs are garbage!" With his hands clenched, Professor Devon slammed them on the table as he barked.Thompson, who was already unhappy after being accused, could not hold back anymore after hearing what Devon had said. "Watch your words, Devon! The boss holds this experiment in high regard. Are you questioning his vision?" Thompson name-dropped their boss to try and suppress Devon. The boss had brought Devon and three other biomedical students with him when he returned from abroad. From how they talked, Thompson could tell that they looked down on medicinal herbs and saw this experiment as a waste of time. They were only here under the boss's order.Their scope of research was very different from the experiments done at this research institute.Thompson had no idea what experiments they were
With his colleagues' persuasion and Austin's approaching voice, Devon finally let go.As soon as he released his grip, fresh air quickly rushed into Thompson's lungs. He gasped heavily as he clutched his chest. His legs felt weak. He barely held himself up, but he did not want to succumb to Devon. "Professor Thompson, don't say I didn't warn you. Your time is running out! If this experiment fails, no matter how hardheaded you are, you canโt defend the fact that medicinal herbs are simply garbage!" Devon let out a snort and said, "Let's go!"Several people walked out of the room, leaving Thompson alone. Just as Austin was about to head downstairs after not finding anyone, he saw a figure coming out from the corner of the stairwell. The figure was staggering, with one hand supporting the wall while the other was around their throat."Professor Thompson!" Austin recognized the silhouette at a glance and strode over. "I've been looking for you! I have something I want to discuss w
Austin had been holding back. He had not been optimistic about this project since the beginning, whether or not it would succeed. To him, this whole experiment was a waste of time.However, after his repeated encounters with Lily, alongside how close she seemed to be with his granduncle, he wanted to show her who was on top. Lily was just a mere woman in his eyes. At this moment, Austin was keen on making achievements to prove that she was not as good as him.Once Thompson agreed, Austin would bury himself in the laboratory the whole day. He would think about it all the time.Traditionally, one would slowly boil medicinal herbs to obtain their medicinal properties. Not only should one pay attention to the heat, but one must also correctly control the amount of water used. After all, the medicinal properties would dissipate if the medicinal herbs were left to boil for too long.Right now, they were not boiling the herbs. Instead, the medicinal properties would get absorbed through v
"They've been asking around, and this set is specifically handmade by a master craftsman. Look!" Austin revealed a delicate-looking box as he spoke.Dominic scoffed lightly and put up a faint smile. "These days, anyone can call themselves a master. Which master is this?"Any ordinary person would have been discouraged after hearing this, but it was just another day for Austin. He had already mentally prepared himself for this. He kept his smile, removed the teapot set, and said, "Look! It looks like a pumpkin."Dominic glanced at it but said nothing. However, that was already considered a perfect reaction. Since the older gentleman did not scold or shun Austin, the teapot set caught Dominicโs attention.Back then, Austin was still determining what Dominic liked. Austin would often bring over things from traveling abroad, be it expensive calligraphy, paintings, or antiques. Ultimately, Dominic would throw them all out.After countless scoldings, Austin gradually figured out what Do
โGranduncle, boiling this medicinal herb is a usual thing to do. I can control how much effect the herb would have on its users and how much would get absorbed into peopleโs blood vessels. Still, itโs too difficult to manage its absorption after evaporation.โAustin felt helpless. โBased on your experience, is it possible for me to control the medicinal herbโs evaporation process entirely?โDominic threw Austin a sideway glance and pursed his lips, smiling. โWhat? You havenโt solved such a simple problem even after being in that stupid lab for a long time?โโItโs not like thatโฆโ Austin heard that Lily had already solved this problem, but as he was competing with Lily, he had to figure things out independently since she would not give him her data.He must piece all the puzzles together by himself. Plus, he was doubtful, not entirely believing that Lily had solved the problem and thought it was just a cover-up on her end. โI know so much about these herbs, and Iโve spent so much t
โGranduncle, itโs my fault! I shouldnโt have asked so many questions! Donโt get mad, please. Iโll stop asking!โโGet the f*ck out of here! Donโt you understand what Iโm saying?โ Dominic looked around. It seemed he did not find anything to grab, so he picked up the woven fan again and threw it in Austinโs direction. โYou brat! Why do you need to come over and piss me off so often? Do you believe you can dictate how I live my life when Iโve lived much longer than you? Get the h*ll out of here right now, and donโt ever show your a*s here again!โAustin dodged the woven fan every time Dominic threw it his way, even though it wasn't likely to hurt him much if it did hit him. He was anxious when he heard Dominic ban him from coming over again.โGranduncle, donโt be mad! I wonโt ask any questions anymore, and Iโll leave now! Please calm down. Getting mad isnโt good for your health! Iโll go back now, and Iโll visit you again soon!โ With that, Austin turned around and ran out the door like
โWho the h*ll are you?โ Austin tugged at his collar as he spoke in a tone that contrasted with his usual gentlemanly appearance.โI-Iโm Mrs. Moore. Weโve met before.โ The woman sounded slightly upset but spoke in an ingratiating manner.Austin had no idea who she was. โMrs. Moore? Which one? I donโt know a Mrs. Moore!โBesides his relatives and a few friends, Austin had little interaction with women, let alone someone elseโs wife. As the woman said she was Mrs. Moore, Austin thought he would not know such a person. Plus, why would he be in contact with someone elseโs wife? However, that did not apply to Lily.Maria could sense that Austin was going to hang up soon. She became anxious and spoke quickly, โMr. Fike, Iโm Mrs. Moore. We met at the seminar the other day and exchanged a few words. At that time, you were evenโฆโShe wanted to bring up that he had been splashed with a drink that night but realized that doing so would offend Austin. Hence, she quickly stopped and said, โ
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, โThereโs something I find strange.โโWhat is it?โ Mike asked after comforting his son.โInstead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldnโt we reach him?โAfter some thought, Mike answered, โThere are two possibilities. Itโs probably due to poor signals, or he doesnโt want us to contact him.โThe two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.โWhy canโt we contact Ross? Is he planning something?โโฆThree days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queenโs leg and looked up at her, saying, โYou should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, itโll take some time before you can stand.โSuddenly, Lily chuckled.โWhy are you laughing?โ Yasmin touched her legs. She had begun to regain sensation in her legs over the last two days. She then began to believe that she could get up. However, the queen was hesitant when the queen heard Lily chuckle.Lily shook her head
Lily straightened up and said without resentment, โOf course, you wouldnโt.โโThatโsโฆ quite a pity,โ the queen murmured thoughtfully.โWell, thereโs a price to pay for everything. Thatโs how the world balances itself,โ Lily continued, โI canโt stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I wonโt witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isnโt something youโll regret.โLily smiled and turned to head out the door.Rick heard their conversation as he stood guard outside. After exchanging looks with Lily as she brushed past him, he entered the room and saw the needles in Yasminโs legs. โYour Majesty, those needlesโโThe queen waved dismissively. โItโs okay. Lily will remove them later.โEven so, Rick was wary. โYouโre being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that womanโโโShe wouldnโt,โ Yasmin interjected, shaking her head."Why do you trust her so much?" Rick asked despite himself. The queen fell silent. If Rick had not asked her that, she would not have rea
Lily took out a cloth and unfolded it, revealing a row of silver needles inside. Yasmin was surprised she carried the needles with her.โTell me. What do you want?โ The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lilyโs request. Still, Yasmin was cautious about Lily trying to trick her.Lily casually said, "I left because Prince Ross wanted to help me. I hope you donโt punish him.""That's it?" Yasmin thought she had misheard Lily. 'Is she trying to talk terms with me just so that I won't punish my son?' she wondered in disbelief."Ross is my son. I won't harm him. Don't you think you've wasted an opportunity by making such a request?" The queen shook her head. "I wasnโt sure if youโd blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didnโt you already lock him up?"Yasmin was puzzled. "No, I only sent him back to Yudonia. He kept trying to get me to sto
"Three days," Lily replied.โThatโs it?!โ Yasmin was in disbelief. She thought Lily would try to buy some more time and suspected she would say the process would take several months or even years.โI havenโt felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldnโt mind waiting for three more days.โโAre you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?โ Yasmin pressed her legs hard but felt nothing. She would have treated her legs long ago if it were that easy.The queen had visited many famous doctors from various countries, but they could only stop her legs from getting weaker. However, Lily confidently told Yasmin that she could fix her legs so quickly.Yasmin wanted to believe it.After some consideration, Lily said, โI canโt guarantee that youโll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you havenโt used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, youโll recover slowly.โYasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
โBecause only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""Iโฆ don't trust anyone." Yasminโs expression stiffened as she turned her wheelchair away."Your Majesty, I know you're dedicated to the experiment, but there are other things in life. Have you ever considered letting go of your burden to sightsee? Youโve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Arenโt you tired of living a lonely life?โLily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasminโs back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, โSightsee, huh? Iโve forgotten what thatโs like.โYasmin had not used her legs for many years. Initially, she could still stand up and sometimes took a few steps. However, she could no longer get to her feet.She had grown accustomed to sitting in a wheelchair, but she felt a pang of sorrow after hearing Lilyโs suggestion.Lily asked, โWhat if I can help you stand again? What if you can walk a
"Yes, I returned not just for him but also for you," Lily said, "I'm sure you were anxious for my return, weren't you?"Yasmin scoffed dismissively. "Why would I be? I have my bargaining chip. Besides, did you honestly think I couldnโt bring you back?""Bargaining chip? Do you mean Nick?" Lily shook her head with a smile. "Don't forget that he's not my son. Do you think he'll be much of a bargaining chip to you if I choose to ignore him for my three children?"She did not wait for Yasmin to reply and continued, "Besides, Nick still has a father whoโs willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against youโ Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.โHowever, don't forget that his business spans worldwide. There's no guarantee what he might do. Who knows, he might spread information that can affect Your Majesty and Yudonia's reputation?""Youโฆ" The queen was exasperated but could not retort.Lily noticed it and casually said
Rick could only remain silent at that moment.Yasmin then turned her wheelchair around and blandly said, โBring Lily over. Iโd like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.โ"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must youโ"Yasmin interjected, "I'd like to hear what she has to say."Rick had no choice but to leave and do as she said.As Lily was about to doze off, she heard noises from outside and opened her eyes. Immediately after, the door opened, and Rick appeared. He glared at her and spoke coldly, โHer Majesty wants to see you.โLily glanced at Rick calmly and stood up as if she had expected his appearance. On the other hand, Mike rose before her and headed out.However, Rick stopped him as he reached the door. โYou stay.โ"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesnโt wish to see you. Just stay here!"Lily patted Mike's shoulder and said gentl
Everyone was shocked when Lily returned to the embassy with Mike. One of the staff members quickly left to report the news to Queen Yasmin.Meanwhile, Lily saw people peering at her and Mike from the corner. Afterward, several guarded-looking men appeared. Lilt recognized them as the queenโs attendants. They brought Mike and Lily inside and then gave the duo a thorough search.The men only relaxed after finding nothing suspicious about the duo. Even so, Lily could not see the queen as the men told her to wait in an innermost room instead.After returning to the embassy, Lily felt a sense of strange familiarity. Although she knew the place well, her mindset had changed.She previously hated the embassy and simply wanted to escape. However, she had returned with a critical mission. Not only did she have to complete it, but she also needed to leave the place in one piece.While she was calm, Mike was somewhat anxious. He clasped his hands on his knees and glanced around as he sat dow
"I promise I'll do anything you want, okay?" Mike begged. He was desperate to see his son, so he decided to follow Lily when she insisted on returning to the embassy.Mike continued, โIf any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They wonโt do that to me. Itโs natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. Iโm the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.โAfter a short silence, Lily said, โYouโre right.โ She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, โMe too.โDominic tapped the table. "So do I."Cameron thought for a moment before saying, "I've no objections."Seeing this, Austin spread his arms and said, "Since you all agree, what else can I say? Let's do it!"It did not matter whether or not he agreed, but he just wanted to support Mike. The latter nodded and became emotional, saying, โThanks, you guys!โ"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and donโt be rash like you promised," Aust