After a long while, Lily moved her fingers away from the little girl’s wrist. The little girl did not throw a tantrum when Lily took her pulse and only looked at Lily quietly.Lily did not say a word and slowly got to her feet. Dr. Blanc knew Lily was sad and did not say much except, “Do you need a break?”Before Lily could reply, the little girl said timidly, “Am I going to die?”“Nonsense! You won’t, okay?” Dr. Morris, who had been quiet, spoke. He hurried over, tucked the blanket around the little girl, and put the toy back into her hand. “You only have a cough and fever. You’ll be fine after a few days.”“But… my mommy died,” she said softly, slightly quivering. She was trying to suppress her feelings, but her eyes were already brimming with tears since she was still a kid.Lily was shocked and looked toward Dr. Blanc. She saw the usually calm man turning his head away in silence. It was clear that what the girl said was true.“Your mommy had a different disease than yours. Y
Just thinking about it made Lily clench her teeth and want to kill whoever created the disease.“It was an unusual case.” Dr. Blanc sighed and was rather sad. No one would be in a good mood seeing a weak child enduring such pain.“Unusual? Unusual?! There are patients in their 60s and 70s here, aren’t there? The girl’s mother would only be 30 at the most! How could she die?” Lily knew she had slightly lost it.However, she felt terrible when the child told them her mother had died. It was as if someone was choking her throat, and she could not breathe.“That’s because her mother had cancer.” Dr. Morris said blandly.Lily looked at him in disbelief and was in a daze for a moment.“Her mother had late-stage cancer and got infected with the virus. Her condition quickly worsened, and she died within two days, probably because she was already frail from her cancer.”Dr. Blanc sighed and continued, “Since the kid stayed by her mother, she got infected. However, the kid’s symptoms are
When Mike returned, he bumped into Rhea in the corridor as she was leaving. She looked at Mike with resentment after what had happened last time. As the two crossed paths, Rhea suddenly put out her hand to stop him. “Did the boss ask you to look for Lily?”Mike stopped and rubbed the back of his neck as he chuckled coldly. “Why don’t you ask him yourself?”Rhea lifted her chin and said arrogantly, “Don’t you dare think I don’t know what you guys are up to. Do you think Lily can replace me if she returns?! I’m irreplaceable in the lab!” From her studies to her work, she was always the cream of the crop in every field. Rhea genuinely despised and looked down on Lily.‘She’s just a perfumer with some fame. So what if she knows about herbal medicine or learned from Dominic Fike?’Since Rhea was a significant part of the virus research, she had an indescribable sense of accomplishment seeing the pandemic spread worldwide.‘Everyone will know me one day and shudder at the mere mentio
“You knew Lily was sensitive and knew a lot about drugs, yet you tried to spike her tea. Did you do it to tip her off so that she’d switch her tea with yours? Did you let her go on purpose?” He slowly walked a few steps forward, then climbed up the stool. Standing on top of it, he stared into Mike’s eyes judgingly.“I thought she wouldn’t discover my drug and that she would overlook it. I hadn’t thought it through.” Mike regarded him calmly, showing no sign of alarm. His boss stared at Mike for what seemed like an eternity through the mask, and then he started laughing. “Why? Aren’t you going to open the box and see what’s inside? It’s for you alone!”Mike was filled with dread after hearing those words. He held up the box and opened it abruptly, finding a small, severed finger inside. The blood on it had dried up, and he could tell from its shape and size that it did not belong to an adult.An explosion occurred in his head, as if a bomb had been thrown at it.The next second,
Lily had not slept a wink for two days. She watched the medicinal concoction intently as she drew a tiny bit and carefully fed a white mouse.When the little creature drank it all, she put down the dropper and put the mouse back into the observation cage. She bent over and studied it carefully. Having remained quiet, Dr. Morris asked, despite himself, “Are you sure it’ll work for the mouse?”Lily shook her head. “No.”Dr. Morris was surprised. “It’s because I’m not sure that I’m experimenting first. How could I use it on a human being without knowing what the result would be?” Straightening up, Lily glanced at him, then turned to feed the other white mice.She had familiarized herself with the virus, but it was cunning, and every person of different ages and constitutions would show different changes in their wrist pulse. Therefore, to be safe and accurate, she took the virus from each of them and put it into these laboratory mice.She also selected different strains of mice t
Dr. Morris was confused.‘Can I tell her I don’t quite get it?’“Are you saying we should do nothing and let it mutate?” He thought about it and asked.Lily shook her head. “What I am saying is that herbal medicine is meant to fortify damaged organs and mobilize the defense mechanism. Our bodies know how to protect themselves; that is why we can get well from a common cold after a few days without taking any medicine. That is our defense mechanism working to heal us.“However, this virus disrupts the mechanism. The medicine I’m researching would fix it so our bodies could fight and kill the virus.”She spoke earnestly, and Dr. Morris was dumbfounded. After a few seconds, his lips moved as he blurted out, “That’s a pipe dream!”‘It is! Would the patients still need us if there was a way to fix the defense mechanism and if our bodies could counteract the virus? Aren’t we researching medicine to fight the virus? Herbal medicine physicians are indeed unreliable. They’re full of s*hit
‘I can understand that, but what about Alex?’Although there were medical staff taking care of him and Greg was around, Lily was still worried as the outsiders had no idea how to deal with the virus. Fortunately, she could still use her phone.For everyone’s sake, she could only follow the rules and nod. “I got it. I won’t leave and will stay right here.”Dr. Blanc sighed. “I know I’m asking a lot from you and everyone else, but I hope you can all understand due to the unusual circumstances. I won’t be going home either.”Lily gave him a slight nod and was about to leave when she thought of something and turned around. “Dr. Blanc, how long is the incubation period?”“Based on what we know, it’s about seven days. However, since our data is not comprehensive with limited cases within the country, we’re unsure if it’ll be longer than seven days.”‘I see!’ In other words, she could not leave the place for at least seven days.Lily retired to her assigned bedroom and realized the pla
Anastasia was confused and had no idea why her father had changed so much, but she was sure it had something to do with Rhea. Since she had nowhere else to go and no one to talk to, Anastasia could only turn to Lily.Lily frowned. She was too focused on Alexander, so she did not think much of it when Anastasia first called her. Hearing Anastasia again now, she thought there was more than met the eye. Lily thought about it and asked, “Where are you now? What’s your exact location?”“I…” Anastasia looked around her and said, “I’m in front of a boba tea shop on Maplewood Street. Lily, I don’t know where to go. If I go home, my father will surely tell someone to lock me up. I…”“Stay where you are. I’ll get someone to fetch you,” Lily said quietly, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll settle you down first, and we’ll talk then, okay?”“Okay!” Anastasia answered obediently. “Thank you—”Before she could finish, Lily had already hung up.She did not need Anastasia to thank her, and it was rather dan
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, “There’s something I find strange.”“What is it?” Mike asked after comforting his son.“Instead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldn’t we reach him?”After some thought, Mike answered, “There are two possibilities. It’s probably due to poor signals, or he doesn’t want us to contact him.”The two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.‘Why can’t we contact Ross? Is he planning something?’…Three days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queen’s leg and looked up at her, saying, “You should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, it’ll take some time before you can stand.”Suddenly, Lily chuckled.“Why are you laughing?” 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, “Of course, you wouldn’t.”“That’s… quite a pity,” the queen murmured thoughtfully.“Well, there’s a price to pay for everything. That’s how the world balances itself,” Lily continued, “I can’t stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I won’t witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isn’t something you’ll regret.”Lily 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 Yasmin’s legs. “Your Majesty, those needles—”The queen waved dismissively. “It’s okay. Lily will remove them later.”Even so, Rick was wary. “You’re being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that woman—”“She wouldn’t,” 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.“Tell me. What do you want?” The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lily’s 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 don’t 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 wasn’t sure if you’d blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didn’t 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.“That’s it?!” 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.‘I haven’t felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldn’t mind waiting for three more days.’“Are you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?” 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, “I can’t guarantee that you’ll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you haven’t used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, you’ll recover slowly.”Yasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
“Because only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""I… don't trust anyone." Yasmin’s 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? You’ve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Aren’t you tired of living a lonely life?”Lily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasmin’s back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, “Sightsee, huh? I’ve forgotten what that’s like.”Yasmin 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 Lily’s suggestion.Lily asked, “What 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 couldn’t 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 who’s willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against you— Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.“However, 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?""You…" 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, “Bring Lily over. I’d like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.”"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must you—"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, “Her Majesty wants to see you.”Lily 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. “You stay.”"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesn’t 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 queen’s 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, “If any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They won’t do that to me. It’s natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. I’m the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.”After a short silence, Lily said, “You’re right.” She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, “Me too.”Dominic 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, “Thanks, you guys!”"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and don’t be rash like you promised," Aust