“These herbs you just mentioned are not ordinary herbs,” Chen said as he stepped closer to her, careful not to attract the attention of the people around them.
Chen looked at Mei with astonishment and admiration.
Just minutes ago, she had recognised the Hidden Pulse Pills, and now she knew about this breed of extremely rare herbs.
He was completely mesmerised.
“How do you know about Tianshan Xuelian, Wild Millennium Ginseng, Snow Ganoderma Lucidum and the rare Spiritual Lingzhi? These herbs are incredibly rare in China and can only be found in remote snow covered mountains,” Chen asked impatiently.
“I just happened to come across them while studying a little Chinese medicine,” Mei replied.
In truth, it had been her master who first introduced those herbs to her.
He had used them to save several critically ill patients by treating the illness from its root rather than merely suppressing the symptoms.
Since then, many Chinese physicians had adapted his methods, modifying them into different treatment techniques of their own.
“You know so much about traditional Chinese medicine. I’m really amazed, Miss Mei,” Chen said excitedly, looking at her like a child who had just discovered a hidden treasure.
“Can you please accept me as your apprentice?” he finally asked.
He had been holding the question back for so long that he could no longer keep it inside.
“Please, Miss Mei. I’d love to be your apprentice.”
Mei blushed slightly.
Apart from her master, this was the first time anyone had genuinely acknowledged her abilities.
“I would have, but I’m still learning myself and I don’t think I have much to teach,” Mei replied, politely turning him down.
“I don’t care, Miss Mei. I’ll learn whatever you know,” Chen pleaded.
However, Mei had already made up her mind.
She didn’t want unnecessary attention.
Taking on an apprentice would inevitably draw people towards her, something she wanted to avoid completely.
“Well, I’ll always call you Master, even if you don’t approve,” Chen insisted before finally letting the matter go.
Mei collected the remaining herbs she needed.
They were far less expensive than the rare medicinal herbs she had requested earlier.
Chen once again offered to pay for them, but Mei politely refused.
“Thank you, Master. I hope to see you again soon,” Chen said as he waved goodbye while Mei stepped out of the herb collection hall.
Just then, a black Rolls Royce Phantom pulled up in front of the pharmacy.
The rear door opened, and a tall man stepped out.
He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black three piece suit with a crisp white shirt beneath and a charcoal silk tie neatly fastened around his collar.
His polished black leather shoes gleamed beneath the afternoon sun, while an expensive platinum watch rested around his wrist.
He possessed a sharply chiselled jaw, straight brows and strikingly handsome features capable of captivating anyone at first glance.
The moment he stepped into the pharmacy, he effortlessly became the centre of attention.
“Who’s he?”
“He looks like an actor.”
“What company does he work with?”
Whispers spread through the pharmacy as countless eyes followed his every movement.
The moment Mei saw his face, her breathing hitched.
It was him, the man she had seen that morning.
Fragments of that unforgettable night flashed through her mind, causing her entire body to tense, Fear instantly gripped her heart.
Fortunately, she quickly reminded herself that he had never seen her face that night, slowly calming herself.
She wanted to avoid him completely, yet curiosity held her in place.
What could possibly bring someone like him to a pharmacy?
Lucian strode past her, his indifferent gaze briefly landing on her before looking away.
Mei’s heart skipped a beat.
For a brief moment, it felt as though a gust of wind had enveloped her, she quickly composed herself and walked out of the pharmacy.
As long as the man from that night didn’t remember her, everything would be perfectly fine.
“Who’s she?” Lucian asked Chen.
As he walked past the young woman moments ago, something about her had felt strangely familiar.
It wasn’t her face but her eyes.
For a fleeting moment, they stirred a distant memory, yet before he could grasp it, the feeling vanished.
“I only met her today, First Young Master. She rescued Jade Spring Pharmacy from a couple of scammers. She’s remarkable and highly skilled in traditional Chinese medicine,” Chen replied, unable to hide the admiration in his eyes.
“Why do you ask?” Chen questioned instinctively.
Lucian shot him a cold glance.
Chen immediately realised he had spoken out of turn.
“I’m sorry, Young Master. I spoke out of turn,” he apologised repeatedly, bowing his head sincerely.
“Whatever,” Lucian replied absent mindedly.
“What brings you here today, Young Master? It’s quite rare to see you visiting the pharmacy personally,” Chen asked respectfully, fear evident on his face.
The Fu family had been one of Jade Spring Pharmacy’s oldest and most valued patrons.
For many years, the pharmacy had supplied the Fu family with rare medicinal herbs and customised prescriptions, building a long standing partnership founded on trust.
However, Lucian Fu himself was notorious for his ruthless methods.
Cold, decisive and merciless, he possessed an intimidating aura that caused anyone standing before him to shrink in fear.
“Of course, Young Master. Please give me a moment to prepare another batch. Are you here with a new prescription?” Chen asked.
“No.”
Accustomed to Lucian’s personality, Chen nodded and headed towards the prescription room.
Just as he was about to enter, Lucian’s cold voice stopped him.
“Why aren’t your medicines healing her?”
Chen froze before swallowing nervously.
“Young Master,” he began, clearing his throat.
“The herbs I’ve been prescribing mainly relieve the Matriarch’s symptoms. They ease her pain, improve her appetite, help her sleep and support her body’s natural balance. Unfortunately, they cannot cure her because we still haven’t discovered the root cause of her illness. Unless the underlying disease is identified and treated, every prescription will only provide temporary relief while the condition continues to worsen.”
Lucian remained silent.
His grandmother had taken those herbs faithfully for years, yet her condition had barely improved.
Several years ago, she developed chronic kidney disease.
At first, everyone believed it could be controlled, but despite seeking help from renowned specialists in both Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, no one had been able to provide a definitive diagnosis or cure.
As her kidneys gradually failed to remove excess fluid from her body, fluid accumulated inside her abdomen, causing her stomach to swell until she appeared almost pregnant despite her old age.
The illness had become the Fu family’s greatest concern.
“Change the prescription to something sweeter,” Lucian instructed before turning to leave.
His grandmother had always disliked bitter medicine.
She had a sweet tooth, making every dose of herbal decoction difficult for her to drink.
She had practically raised him after Wei Lu became consumed with work.
Whenever he or Leon felt lonely, it was always the Fu Matriarch who comforted them.
To Lucian, Leon and his grandmother were the only family he truly had.
“I understand, Young Master,” Chen replied respectfully before preparing another prescription.
A short while later, he returned carrying a fresh package of herbs.
“I’ve replaced some of the bitter herbs with Chinese Red Dates, Goji Berries, Liquorice Root , Chinese Yam and Dried Longan Fruit. They’ll make the decoction sweeter while still helping relieve discomfort, nourish her qi and blood, improve her appetite and support her overall strength.”
He carefully explained the preparation.
“Boil all the herbs together over low heat for about forty minutes, strain the liquid, then mix it with a small amount of honey before serving. It should help relieve her pain, improve her sleep, strengthen her body’s vital energy and promote the smooth circulation of qi and blood.”
Chen explained every step meticulously, making sure nothing was overlooked.
“If you have any questions, Young Master, you can always contact Jade Spring Pharmacy,” Chen concluded.
“I’d like to suggest something, Young Master,” Chen said after thinking it over carefully.
Lucian raised an eyebrow, signalling him to continue.
“Why not ask the young lady from earlier to help?”