Chapter 1259

Flower fragrances and birdsong filled the backyard, the sun shining brightly. An older gentleman reclined in a bamboo rattan chair, rocking gently. He held a purple teacup, sipping occasionally. He appeared utterly relaxed.

He wore a white undershirt and woven slippers; one slipper remained on his foot, the other precariously balanced between his toes as he idly swung his leg.

No one would suspect that this seemingly ordinary older man was Dominic Fike, the legendary doctor everyone sought to consult.

He squinted, seemingly enjoying the moment, occasionally glancing to his right—a seemingly casual gaze, but tinged with anxiety. To his right lay a vast herb field, his prized "babies." He rarely allowed anyone besides himself and the gardeners near it.

Yet, a woman in long sleeves and trousers walked through the field. She seemed uninterested in the rare herbs, her brow furrowed as if searching for something. She bent down, examining something closely.

Having apparently found her quarry, she reached for a plant with long green leaves and tiny yellow flowers. Before she could touch it, the old man cried out, "Oh, my baby!"

He sprang up, his fallen slipper forgotten, and hopped towards Lily. "Don't touch that! Don't touch it!"

At his voice, Lily paused, looking at him. "I can't touch it?"

"You can't! Of course not!" He gestured emphatically, visibly stressed by her near miss.

Slowly, Lily withdrew her hand. She hadn't intended to touch it, watching as Dominic hurried over, breathlessly checking the herb for damage before examining her fingers.

Assured of their cleanliness, he visibly relaxed.

"Dear teacher, you're still as strong as ever!" Lily joked.

"Shut up! You'll break all my bones one day!" Dominic tapped his shoulder, then slumped back, resuming his air of listlessness as he returned to his chair. "Alas, I've aged so much! I can't do anything anymore!"

After a few steps, he turned back. "Lily! Don't stay in the sun so long. Come have some tea!"

"This..." She indicated the swaying herb, almost teasingly.

"No! Don't touch it!" Dominic waved her back to the backyard. He then summoned a maid to refill the teapot, pouring a cup for Lily as he continued sipping his purple tea.

"I realize you're becoming increasingly…" Lily sat, holding her cup, gazing at the lush greenery.

Dominic shook his head. "I'm not being stingy. Don't you recognize it?"

"It's the Wilfordi root," Lily replied indifferently.

"Exactly!" Dominic patted his thigh, pleased his student knew the herb. Then, a flicker of concern crossed his face. "Since you recognized it, why did you want to touch it? Don't you value your life? Don't you know it's…"

"Its branches, leaves, and buds are highly poisonous," Lily finished.