"Five million dollars? The Swanson family is sure generous," the crowd whispered.Zion's offer got everyone excited. Whether it was Ziggy's henchmen or the Harmony Healers' apprentices, five million dollars was a big deal for them."Mr. Swanson, this is a family secret formula. It's not for sale, so I'm afraid you'll be disappointed," Dustin replied calmly.He saw through Zion's intentions. Such an ancient formula was worth more than five million dollars.Still smiling, Zion persisted, "It looks like Mr. Rhys isn't satisfied. "Well, it seems like the stars had brought us together today. I'll double the offer to ten million dollars.""Wow! It just jumped to ten million dollars! Mr. Swanson is being generous!" The crowd whispered excitedly. This amount was more than they could ever dream of earning.Even Ziggy was jealous at that moment. He had taken the job and risked his life for just one million dollars. While Dustin's formula was being offered for a handsome ten million d
"Mr. Swanson, I don't like being threatened. "Let me give you some advice: don't mess with me, or your Swanson family will regret it," Dustin said casually."You're quite bold, aren't you?" Zion sneered. "Alright, if you're that confident, we'll wait and see." With that, he left. The Swanson family wouldn't want a public confrontation. He would find another way to get the formula later."Kid, you're in trouble now for crossing Mr. Swanson!" Ziggy sneered as he gathered his crew and left.Even though Ziggy's plan failed today, he didn't leave empty-handed. The Swanson family had their eyes on the Dew Balm formula Dustin had. Ziggy believed that getting it would bring them great rewards."Mr. Rhys, we're thankful for your help today. Harmony Healers would've been in a tight spot without you," Brooke expressed his gratitude genuinely."Dr. Busch, it was nothing much. Just helping out," Dustin replied humbly with a smile."You're a talented young person with amazing skills. I
"The medicine's not for sale?" Cody frowned in disappointment.At first, he'd thought he'd found a treasure, but now he was learning about serious side effects. He couldn't help but ask skeptically, "Mr. Rhys, are you serious? Ziggy seemed completely fine earlier."Dustin remained calm as he replied, "The side effects won't show immediately but in about half an hour."Cody continued to ask, "Is there any way to reduce the side effects of the ointment, even if it's only 50% effective?" He hoped a milder version might have fewer side effects.Dustin shook his head. "Not at the moment."He knew both Zion and Cody had questionable motives. Plus, he had no intention of sharing the Dew Balm formula. It could be misused for profit and potentially harm people. After all, he didn't trust Zion and Cody."It's alright if the ointment isn't perfect right now. If you give me the formula, I'll work on improving it. Once it's better, I'll give you 50% of the profits," Cody proposed.Cody was
"Benefit people?" Dustin mused. Cody's behavior was a source of amusement to Dustin. He found it amusing that Cody was greedy yet portrayed as a noble person. While Zion may have been greedy, he was at least willing to pay for what he wanted. On the other hand, Cody was willing to take whatever he could get."Hey! Cody is talking to you. Don't you hear?" Seeing Dustin's continued silence, Harper snapped.She added, "You're part of Harmony Healers now, so you have to abide by our rules. Think of the prescription for Dew Balm as your contribution to Harmony Healers. There will be rewards in the future.""I'm going to say this one more time: the formula will not be shared," Dustin responded coldly."Hey, why are you so stubborn? Can't you be more open-minded?" Harper said, frustrated. She continued, "Cody wants it, not for personal gain. It's about helping the masses and saving patients. Isn't that a noble goal? Shouldn't we support that?""Using my resources to achieve his goa
"You asshole! You've gone too far!" Harper was so frustrated she was crying tears of grievance. She was known for her beauty and talents and had been pampered her whole life. No matter the situation, people adjusted their actions to cater to her every desire. However, this Dustin brat was the total opposite of a gentleman. He not only disrespected her, he also humiliated her publicly. It was absolutely despicable!"Alright, Harper, calm down." Cody tried to mediate."We're all working at the same place and will be running into each other often. There's no need to damage our relationship.""Please! Who's working at the same place as him? Only one of us can exist at Harmony Healers! It's either him or me!" Harper snapped back, not mincing her words."That's enough!" Brooke finally had enough and berated Harper harshly, "Harper, you're being absolutely unreasonable. The Dew Balm formula belongs to Dustin. It's up to him to decide what he wants to do with it. You have no right
"Great! It's a deal!" Cody's spirits soared.The Ostrower family was a prominent family in the medical field. They weren't as influential as the Welch family. Still, they were a significant presence in South City. With a little effort, it shouldn't be hard for them to get three top-quality medicinal herbs. "It's getting late. How about we all have a meal together? It will be a perfect opportunity to welcome Dustin," Brooke suddenly suggested. "No problem! I'll play the host today. Dustin, let me treat you to a meal at Regal Court!" Cody declared grandly."Regal Court?" Everyone at Harmony Healers grew excited at the declaration. Regal Court was the most prestigious restaurant in South City. It typically catered to senior officials and VIPs. Ordinary citizens could only dream of entering such a place. Dining there required not only wealth but also social status and influence, making it a highly exclusive establishment. Regal Court also had a widely circulated story asso
"What? Dined with the Emperor?" Harper was stunned before bursting out into mocking laughter."Hey, bumpkin, are you alright in the head? You? Dined with the Emperor? Are you even worthy? Even Cody is not qualified to dine with the Emperor. What makes you think you can?"A plainly dressed bumpkin like him dared claim acquaintance with the Emperor? How outrageous! "If you don't believe me, suit yourself." Dustin shrugged, not bothering to argue. It was pointless to argue with someone so condescending. "Hmph! I first thought you were ignorant and lacked manners. I didn't expect you to be so boastful too. I don't understand why grandpa values you," Harper sneered as she crossed her arms. As an Oakvale native, she felt a sense of superiority when dealing with country bumpkins. "We've arrived, this is it!" Cody suddenly stopped and pointed toward a piece of linen paper suspended in the air.The linen paper was of considerable size. Encased in a gold-rimmed glass frame, it was pr
"I can't believe this is Logan's calligraphy. It's no wonder he's qualified to transcribe the Emperor's verses." "The Emperor's verses and the Kirin's penmanship. It would be unbelievable if Regal Court still couldn't succeed!" "As expected of the Kirin. His calligraphy, penned in his teens, is comparable to esteemed calligraphy masters. What a treasure!" The students stared at the poem in amazement. They finally realized why Regal Court had such strict entry requirements. With such an invaluable treasure on display, it seemed perfectly justified. "I heard that the Kirin is not only exceptionally gifted but also incredibly handsome. He's also well-versed in both classical and contemporary literature. "If only I was lucky enough to meet him!" Harper sighed dreamily, her eyes brimming with admiration.Even though Cody was outstanding in his own right, Logan remained in a league of his own.Whether it was his family background, personal abilities, or physical attractiveness,