Thompson also spoke bluntly, “You’re not a professional, so you might not understand. The experiment may not sound complicated, but it requires excellent skills. Besides, even an ordinary product requires multiple experiences to succeed. Of course, an opportunistic businessman like you would not understand how hard it is.”The one who spoke to Thompson before this was Mike Corden. Mike was wearing his business suit as he lounged on the sofa with a cigar.After listening to Thompson, he narrowed his eyes, held up his cigar, and tapped off its ash. “If I remember correctly, Professor Thompson, you told us that La Beauté Group has withdrawn their funding.“Without opportunistic businessmen like me, you won’t be able to continue your experiment, no matter how great it is!”He was undiplomatic, knowing that without La Beauté Group, the project would not have the money to continue unless they could find a new funding source. Moreover, they did not want the experiment to stop.“You—” Fac
Thompson pursed his lips, looking embarrassed.“From what I know, Lily didn’t learn about herbal medicine, but she is a brilliant woman. Coupled with her plant exposure, I won’t be surprised if she has learned about it during that time.“You don’t understand. Herbal medicine is a broad and profound subject. Even though I’ve studied it for decades, I’ve only scratched the surface—”“Enough! You’re still rather proud of it, aren’t you? If you guys hadn’t been so useless, there wouldn’t be a need to get outside help.”“Sir, I’ve shortlisted other candidates who are the country's top perfumers. Apart from them, I’ve also selected a few candidates from overseas as backups. Why don’t we…”Upon knowing that Lily had decided to back out, Thompson immediately prepared a backup plan by selecting several well-known perfumers. ‘If she does back out, we could replace her. However…’“Replace her? For what?” His employer scolded him. “You think there aren’t enough people who know about what we’
Mike looked up coldly, and his glasses glinted. “Professor Thompson, you’re a smart person. You don’t need me to teach you something as simple as that, do you? After a pause, he continued, “Or it’s so simple that you can’t even handle it?”“You—” After getting provoked many times, Thompson could not help but flare up.The man in the executive chair, however, interrupted. Deep and awful, his voice was strangely unnerving. “Stop quibbling! Professor, Mr. Corden is right in saying that you couldn’t even make a perfumer stay. Are you planning to wait until she tells everyone about what’s going on in the lab?”“No, but…”“No ifs or buts! I’ll let someone else take over if you can't do it.” A silence ensued while cold sweats covered Thompson’s back. Of course, he knew what the man meant.They could not afford to tell other people about their secret. Knowing much more than Lily about the project, Thompson knew his life would be in danger if someone else took his place. Besides, he was ob
However, the plant was so precious that she did not feel safe relying on the books alone. She meticulously recorded its daily changes on paper in case she made any mistakes. She even thought about asking Anastasia about the origin of agarwood and if she had any experience growing it. Before she decided whether to visit the woman, she received a guest instead. Olivia approached with an armful of snacks and toys for Galen, and he smiled as he saw her.Nonetheless, Olivia’s mind was elsewhere. After hugging Galen and having her face smeared with spittle, she hurried to the garden to see the precious plant. “Oh my! It's agarwood!”Although she knew Lily would not make a mistake, she was amazed to see it. The rare plant was young and small, but based on its condition, it was the best of the best. “Is Mr. Russell the one who got you this cool thing?” Raising her brow, Olivia grabbed an apple and took a bite. Lily shook her head. “How would he know about a plant like this?”“Hey,
Lily glanced and saw it was a call from Thompson. ‘What a coincidence!’ “Professor Thompson.” She answered the phone. His voice came from the other end. “Lily, are you busy with anything now?”“No. Is there anything I can do for you?” She lifted her eyelids and looked at Olivia, who was eating her apple. “Well, I have to ask you for a favor.” Letting out a sigh, he said, “Look. We’ve conducted the experiment for so long, and everyone approved it initially, not to mention you’ve invested so much energy in it. Don’t you think you’re being a bit too irresponsible by backing out now?” “Professor, I think it’s way more irresponsible to carry on with the experiment without knowing its purpose.” Lowering her gaze, Lily said casually, “I think I’ve made myself clear. If you’re trying to dissuade me from backing out, forget it.”‘Besides, I doubt you have the funding for the experiment as well.’“I…” After a pause, Thompson added, “Never mind. Are you free to have a meal with me?”
Olivia understood immediately. She only knew Lily was collaborating on a new experiment at the research institute, but she had no idea what it was about because it was supposed to be classified. If they were to talk about the experiment, it was not appropriate for her to be present. “Will you be okay going there on your own? What if he insists you stay with the project, and you two get into a fight? There’ll be no one to help you.” Thinking about it, she frowned. “Why don’t you bring Edward with you? He can wait outside in case anything happens.”Knowing she’s concerned for her safety, Lily said with a laugh, “You think I’m going there to fight? Besides, Professor Thompson is an old man. I’m afraid he’s the one who would need help if things get physical.”However, Olivia kept shaking her head. “He’s old, but what if he brings help? You’re young and know kickboxing, but you’re pregnant!” “We’ll be in a public place. Why have you gotten so anxious?” Olivia wanted to argue furt
Mike did not know what Mr. R had gone through, but there must have been a story behind his face.Mr. R was already numb to Mike’s reaction toward his face. However, Mike seemed relatively calm. Mr. R’s gaze swept over Mike contemptuously, and his voice became deeper, almost warning, "Mr. Corden!"Mike suddenly came to his senses, and the corners of his mouth twitched. "Sorry, I didn't know…""You don't know how ugly my face was, huh?" Mr. R gently stroked his mask. At this moment, Mike noticed that the same scars also covered Mr. R’s hands.When Mike gazed down at how this man had worn long sleeves and trousers in such weather, he wondered if there were also scars on the rest of Mr. R’s body."I didn't mean to offend you," Mike explained."Hmph!” Mr. R had grown accustomed to people's screams, contempt, panic, and fear when they saw him. Nonetheless, he, too, hated his face."I'll leave the funds to you, Mr. Corden. I believe Corden Group's financial resources will not let us do
Thompson’s smile froze for a moment before he chuckled. Then he proceeded to open the menu, flipped through a few pages, and ordered a few dishes. Afterward, he looked at Lily solemnly again."How have you been these days?"Lily hated it when people tried to beat around the bush and snapped, "Professor Thompson, this is not the first day we've met, so I think you know how I am. Let's get straight to the point. I still have no idea if the final product will be good or harmful for the public."Thompson looked terrified when he heard her words. "Harmful?! Why do you think that? Although we're not doctors, we know how to cure diseases and save lives. Pharmacology is beneficial to humankind. Of course, it'd be good for the public.""Really?" Lily picked up the glass and took a sip. "In that case, why were the assistants using wilfordi during the experiment?""How did you know it's wilfordi?" Thompson blurted before he could stop himself, and a guilty look flashed across his face instan