Lily glanced and saw it was a call from Thompson. โWhat a coincidence!โ โProfessor Thompson.โ She answered the phone. His voice came from the other end. โLily, are you busy with anything now?โโNo. Is there anything I can do for you?โ She lifted her eyelids and looked at Olivia, who was eating her apple. โWell, I have to ask you for a favor.โ Letting out a sigh, he said, โLook. Weโve conducted the experiment for so long, and everyone approved it initially, not to mention youโve invested so much energy in it. Donโt you think youโre being a bit too irresponsible by backing out now?โ โProfessor, I think itโs way more irresponsible to carry on with the experiment without knowing its purpose.โ Lowering her gaze, Lily said casually, โI think Iโve made myself clear. If youโre trying to dissuade me from backing out, forget it.โโBesides, I doubt you have the funding for the experiment as well.โโIโฆโ After a pause, Thompson added, โNever mind. Are you free to have a meal with me?โ
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. โWill you be okay going there on your own? What if he insists you stay with the project, and you two get into a fight? Thereโll be no one to help you.โ Thinking about it, she frowned. โWhy donโt you bring Edward with you? He can wait outside in case anything happens.โKnowing sheโs concerned for her safety, Lily said with a laugh, โYou think Iโm going there to fight? Besides, Professor Thompson is an old man. Iโm afraid heโs the one who would need help if things get physical.โHowever, Olivia kept shaking her head. โHeโs old, but what if he brings help? Youโre young and know kickboxing, but youโre pregnant!โ โWeโll be in a public place. Why have you gotten so anxious?โ 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 Mikeโs reaction toward his face. However, Mike seemed relatively calm. Mr. Rโs 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 knowโฆ""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. Rโs 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. Rโs body."I didn't mean to offend you," Mike explained."Hmph!โ 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
Thompsonโs 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
Since things had gotten to this point, Thompson thought he might as well tell Lily the truth. After taking another mouthful of food, he began to open up. "I'm the one who proposed this experiment. I'm sure you know this too," he said as he solemnly put down his silverware.Lily nodded, gesturing to him to continue."Initially, it was just an idea and a rough plan. I've grown accustomed to seeing various patients my age, and death wasn't uncommon. Dying isn't the worst part. What's terrible is the torment of the illnesses. Some can't take typical medication while the pain of surgery is too much.โThere's also the slow process of home remedies that may or may not work. Some children struggle to take pills and elderly who can't moveโฆ" Thompson sighed while Lily remained quiet.What he said had moved her. After all, dying from illnesses is a terrifying form of death."Then I thought my idea could treat peopleโs illnesses and sustain them in the long run if they could integrate medicin
It was also their trust in her, believing that she could succeed in this project. Other than that, La Beaute Group was not short of money. This small investment was nothing to them.La Beaute Group would withdraw the capital they had invested in the project now that she had decided to withdraw from it. Although paying the compensation would result in a loss to them, it was just a drop in the bucket for the company."Lily, the experiment has been going on for so long. I think we're about to succeed. Are you genuinely going to give up now?" Thompson asked earnestly. "This project isn't just my painstaking effort, it's yours too. I know you were optimistic about this project in the beginning. La Beaute Group has also invested so much in this. Don't you think it'd be a waste for you to give up?"He was heartbroken by her decision. Despite the pressure from his superior, he was reluctant to give up.A simple idea of his has blossomed to this point. It seemed like it was about to succeed
"Lily? Lily!" Thompson called out after her a few times, but she had no intention of stopping. Just as he was deciding if he should chase after her or not, Mike held him back. "Professor Thompson, you should give her some time to think." "Butโฆ" Although Thompson did not fancy Mike, Lily was long gone amidst his hesitation. Ultimately, Thompson could only sit resentfully and glare at Mike. "Mr. Corden, you know how on edge everyone is about the project. Are you deliberately causing trouble by pulling something like this?""You should be careful when you speak." Mike pushed the glasses on his nose bridge, and a faint smile appeared on his face. "Don't forget. I'm one of the investors now and have spent money on this project. Why wouldn't I want to see results? It's just that you're using the wrong method to try and keep her in this project.""What do you mean?" Thompson was puzzled."I can more or less understand where Lily is coming from. Now that she doubts your purpose, she w
Thompson was stunned for a while before bursting into laughter. "Oh, Mr. Corden, you're too naive! You must be kidding me! Don't you know what we will use the end products for? Didn't the boss tell you? If I told Lily the truth, do you think sheโd want to continue working with us?" "Why not?" Mike questioned. "You just need to tell her that for the sake of safety and the experiment's success. We have put an end to using poisonous herbs. Only herbs that calm the consumers will be used."Hearing this, Thompson's eyeballs almost popped out. "How is that possible?! Mr. Corden, are you telling me to lie to her? She won't be so easily deceived! Besides, sheโs the one whoโd be performing the experiment. It'll be meaningless for me to lie to her like this!"To Thompson, Mike seemed like he was out of his mind. Did he genuinely think that it was that easy to fool Lily? If that were the case, Thompson would not have been stressing about it until now. "I'm not asking you to lie to her." Wit
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