Upon entering the gate, one could smell the faint scent of plants. All sorts of unique ferns and plants, from the gate to the residence, made it difficult to travel by car. The plants dotted a gravel path, so the maids would need to walk quite a distance whenever they were going out to purchase anything, as there was only a parking space for cars near the main gate.Only a few would visit Dominic here most of the time. Initially, many would come over and seek Dominic’s medical advice, but he refused to meet any of them.After getting rejected several times, they started to understand that Dominic would not meet them. He was an older gentleman with a strange attitude. Besides his students, it was also difficult for his family members to meet him. As time passed, fewer people would visit, leaving the villa’s surroundings quiet. As Dominic loved the quiet atmosphere, he stayed home most days. Hence, this place appeared more deserted by the day. However, two cars were parked in front
Flower fragrances and birds chirping filled the backyard while the sun shone brightly in the sky.An older gentleman was lying on a bamboo rattan chair, rocking it leisurely. He held a purple teacup in his hand, putting his mouth to it and sipping from time to time. He was free at this moment.He wore a white wife beater, while a pair of woven slippers was on his feet, but only on one side. He used the other foot to sandwich the slipper between two of his toes as he shook his leg, with the slipper looking like it could fall any minute.No one would have imagined that this older gentleman, who appeared to be just another older man, was Dominic Fike, the legendary doctor everyone wanted to meet. He squinted his eyes and appeared to enjoy the moment. From time to time, he would open his eyes and look to his right. That appeared to be a casual gaze, but he was always anxious.On his right side was a vast herb field, and all the plants were his “babies.” Besides himself and the profes
“Since you know what it is, why did you want to touch it? You…” Dominic blinked his eyes, suddenly realizing something as he said sternly, “You did it on purpose!”“I didn’t do it on purpose. I was just curious if there were any exceptions, like perhaps it isn't as poisonous now that it has been improved and cultivated differently.”She held her cheek up with one hand and looked out over all the other ferns and plants, straight at the yellow flowers of the wilfordi root.The herb looked average, similar to other plants. The tender, green buds looked like tea leaves, but who could have imagined this was the poisonous wilfordi root?Most people might not be familiar with the wilfordi root. It belonged to the famous plant family—heartbreak grass!According to the myths, a farmer had tasted all sorts of herbs and finally tried the wilfordi root, which brought about his death as it was something that could not be treated.Although it was just a myth, it was a fact that the wilfordi ro
“What? What the hell are they up to?” The older man was appalled and somewhat angry. Being at his age and having gone through so much, he was used to all kinds of trouble. However, after he figured out what the research institute was up to, he was shocked and appalled. “I don't know what they're planning, but it's not improving herbal medicine for the benefit of humanity, as we first presumed they were doing.”She held up the cup of tea and took a sip. It had a mellow taste. The older man knew how to enjoy himself. He had tea leaves of good quality here, and both the herbs and tea leaves were gifts from nature. Thousand s of years ago, the ancestors were wise in using various herbs to treat patients. However, they have dual therapeutic and harmful potential. Poisons and medicines were always used in tandem. Some medicinal herbs have the potential to save lives if used properly, but they also carry the risk of death if misapplied. Lily knew about this and had always been ex
“Yes, I’ve already decided to pull out of the project, and Alex’s company will also divest. However, as the project has gone on for such a long time, I’m afraid they won’t give up and will look for other people,” Lily said thoughtfully.“Then let them get another person as long as it has nothing to do with you!”Waving his hand, the older man had learned to take things easy at his age. In his opinion, one could not save everyone with medicine, and what mattered most was to do their best. He got up and walked toward his beloved herb garden. “There are people who learn herbal medicine to help people, and there are those who want to cause harm. Human beings are much more complex than these herbs.”Lily got up and sat down in his rattan rocking chair. She felt great about being able to stretch. Rocking the chair, she said leisurely, “You’re right. There are all kinds of people. Some don’t like to be high-profile and prefer to stay at home in the middle of nowhere, while some enjoy d
The older man chuckled since he knew his students well. "You've never cared about claims like these. Why did you mention that little brat all of a sudden? Did he do anything to upset you?"He looked intrigued, as if he was eager to hear gossip.“Not really,” Lily answered blandly, then suddenly widened her eyes. “He went to the research institute.”“What?!” Dominic’s jaw dropped, and he could not wrap his head around it. “Why was he there? How could someone, who knows so little, contribute to the research? He better not make a fool of himself!”Lily did not know how to respond to that.“So you guys met? Does he know you’re my…”“No,” Lily answered quickly. Sitting up, she said almost warningly, “You’d better not tell him either!”“Yes, yes, of course!” Dominic nodded, not minding her request.He was somewhat whimsical when it came to taking a student. He would take one if he thought the person was someone he liked and suitable. He also did not care if his students did not becom
Dominic wanted to curse Alexander when he first saw Lily’s bulging belly.‘The Russell family isn’t about to die out. What’s the rush in making babies?’However, Dominic was Lily’s teacher and had no say in this matter. Besides, he could imagine how Wilfred would happily brag about him having great-grandchildren if the man were still alive.‘Oh, Wilfred…’ Dominic’s eyes dimmed when he thought about his departed friend. ‘Our short lives are full of endless encounters and separations.’He had not met the right woman since he devoted all his time and energy to learning about herbal medicine. He would have missed her if he did. Therefore, he had always been alone and had nothing else except several manors and countless exotic plants.‘Oh, yes, I also have several students! They are scattered worldwide, but only Lily would visit me occasionally.’ Thinking so, he became saddened. At the mention of her child, Lily suddenly remembered she was no longer alone and was living with a restle
Lily went around the garden and saw the housekeeper leading Austin in when she rounded the rockery.Austin was not wearing a suit and instead dressed casually, looking humbled. Lily raised her brow, quickened her pace, and walked away.Austin had waited so long at the gate that he fell asleep. When he woke, he noticed that the gate was still closed, and there was no indication that they would let him in. The most puzzling thing was that the red sports car was still at the gate.‘This doesn’t make sense! Dominic usually doesn’t entertain his guests for too long and usually tries to get rid of them within half an hour. However, he’s been with the same guest for so long today. That person must be special.’Fortunately, just as he thought he could not go in today, the housekeeper came to tell him that Dominic was ready to meet him.Thrilled, Austin followed the housekeeper into the compound. However, he felt a chill run down his spine as he rounded the bend in the garden. Austin shudd