C18 Fighting for the Divine Medicine

Observing Cai Xiangsong's air of desolation, Xu Wenqian couldn't help but be somewhat perplexed.

He had always been unaware of the extent of Lin Luo's abilities, only that they were notably unique.

"Doctor Cai, if I may be so bold to ask, why are you so fixated on Lin Luo? Does she truly possess some exceptional skills?"

Xu Wenqian asked tentatively. Upon hearing the question, Cai Xiangsong nodded vigorously, as though confirming the exceptional nature of Lin Luo's abilities.

"All you need to know is that her abilities far surpass mine, to the point where even my master might not be a match for her."

Cai Xiangsong stated, without a hint of exaggeration, leaving Xu Wenqian utterly astounded.

He was aware that Lin Luo had healed his father's illness, but he hadn't realized the extent of her prowess.

While they were conversing, Lin Luo unexpectedly appeared behind them.

"It's no wonder it took you so long to prepare the medicine; you were engrossed in a secret chat. If you keep this up, Mr. Huo might very well succumb to exhaustion."

Lin Luo spoke earnestly, her concern evident in her voice.

Indeed, Mr. Huo's health was precarious, and exhaustion could claim him at any moment.

Chastened by her words, the two men ceased their idle talk and dedicated themselves to the task of brewing the medicine with renewed seriousness.

Once the medicine was ready, Lin Luo accepted the bowl and inhaled its scent lightly.

The timing was sufficient, yet the potency of the medicine was lacking. It appeared further recuperation was necessary.

Cai Xiangsong watched as Lin Luo delicately sniffed the aroma of the medicine, his eyes wide with analytical thought.

He was unsure of the purpose behind smelling the medicine, but it seemed to have some beneficial effect. Perhaps the potency could be enhanced with just a sniff?

With this in mind, Cai Xiangsong resolved to experiment with this technique in the future.

"Next time, just prescribe some tonics for him. His current state is frail, and although the medicine is ready, the fragrance lacks intensity."

Leaving them with that advice, he ascended the stairs with the medicine bowl in hand. Meanwhile, Huo Qiming had come to a moment of lucidity.

"Take the medicine first. Once you've taken it, you'll be on the mend, but you must rest for a good half month. During that time, avoid anger and fatigue."

Lin Luo explained earnestly, closely watching as he finished the entire bowl of herbal soup before she reached into her pocket and handed over a pill.

"Don't tell anyone about this pill. Just remember that you've had the soup," she whispered, her voice laced with concern that someone might discover the formula for the pill.

The pill was his prized possession, and it was a pity that only one remained. If he could, he would have liked to have more.

Huo Qiming hesitated upon receiving the pill. He had been told by Cai Xiangsong that a miraculous doctor was on the way, but Lin Luo didn't fit the image he had in mind.

Seeing no sign of Huo Qiming taking the pill, Lin Luo felt a twinge of disappointment.

"If you don't want it, then give it back to me. After all, even selling it for hundreds of thousands wouldn't be too much," Lin Luo said, reaching to reclaim the pill, but Huo Qiming gripped it firmly.

Just as Lin Luo was about to apply more force, the door swung open.

At the entrance, two onlookers stood, puzzled by the struggle they witnessed. "What's going on here? Why do I feel like you two are fighting over something? You're not keeping a treasure from me, are you?" Cai Xiangsong inquired, moving closer. Upon seeing the pill in Huo Qiming's open hand, he lunged for it.

He snatched the pill and began to sniff it intently, the scent of the medicine filling the air. Cai Xiangsong's spirits lifted, and his weariness seemed to vanish.

Xu Wenqian, curious, joined in.

The two of them examined the pill, sniffing it from all angles as if it were some extraordinary relic.

Watching the scene unfold, Lin Luo pressed a hand to her forehead, at a loss for words.

"I told you to eat it, but you refused. Now, you've missed your chance," she said to Huo Qiming, her tone one of exasperation, as if chiding a child.

"Mr. Lin, I'm not sure how many pills you have, but I'll offer you 100,000 yuan for just one," Cai Xiangsong proposed earnestly, extending his bank card.

Lin Luo casually waved his index finger as he handed over the bank card.

"Even if you wanted it, it's no longer available. This is the only one I have, and I initially intended to save it for Mr. Huo. But since Mr. Huo has declined, it's yours now."

Lin Luo spoke with an openhandedness that showed no hint of stinginess.

To him, it was merely an ordinary pill, but for others, it was a potentially life-saving remedy, especially in critical moments.

Cai Xiangsong felt incredibly fortunate upon learning that Lin Luo was willing to give the pill to him for nothing.

He wondered what he had done to deserve such a generous gift from Mr. Lin.

"No, I must thoroughly research it. This pill is unique; even its scent suggests it's extraordinary."

Cai Xiangsong mused aloud, catching Huo Qiming's attention.

After a soft cough, Cai Xiangsong, with some reluctance, placed the pill in Huo Qiming's outstretched hand.

"Mr. Huo, could you possibly share just a small piece with me? I'm eager to uncover the formula of this pill, even though I might not succeed in deciphering it."

Cai Xiangsong pleaded, his gaze fixed on the pill with unabashed covetousness.

Huo Qiming, unfazed by his avaricious stare, simply ignored it.

He swallowed the pill whole, and indeed, as it hit his tongue, a subtle aroma was released.

"Now that you've taken the medicine, I should be on my way. Hopefully, we'll meet again."

After bidding farewell to Mr. Huo, Lin Luo departed, with Cai Xiangsong trailing behind him.

Once they had left, Xu Wenqian took a seat.

"Mr. Huo, what made you decide to take the medicine so abruptly? It's out of character for you."

Xu Wenqian's confusion was evident as he pondered Huo Qiming's unhesitating action, giving rise to his suspicions.

He knew Huo Qiming to be a man never without his defenses, and their earlier struggle over the pill clearly indicated his initial reluctance.

"I've just met this so-called Dr. Lin, but I've known Cai Xiangsong for a long time. Between the two, I know who to trust better than anyone else."

Huo Qiming responded with a casual tone, yet he found himself instinctively rubbing his chest.

For some reason, he always felt a tightness there, as if something was trapped inside.

Just then, the phone rang, and it was Cai Xiangsong on the line.

"Director Huo, Mr. Lin asked me to remind you to be more cautious when handling antiques in the future. It seems someone took advantage of a loophole this time around."