Chapter 1263

The older man chuckled, knowing his students well. "You've never cared about claims like these. Why mention that little brat so suddenly? Did he do something to upset you?" He looked intrigued, eager for gossip.

"Not really," Lily answered blandly, then her eyes widened. "He went to the research institute."

"What?!" Dominic's jaw dropped. He was utterly bewildered. "Why was he there? How could someone with so little experience contribute to the research? He'd better not make a fool of himself!" Lily was speechless.

"So you met? Does he know you're my..."

"No," Lily interrupted quickly. Sitting up, she warned, "Don't tell him!"

"Yes, yes, of course!" Dominic readily agreed.

He was whimsical about taking students, choosing those he liked and found suitable. He didn't care if they became healers or kept their identities secret. He took these things in stride. He'd saved many, done his share of bad things over the years; death and strange illnesses were commonplace. Some patients were grateful, others repaid kindness with evil.

In his youth, his short temper had resented ingratitude. But age had brought him peace. "Life and death are part of nature," he mused. "Forcing myself to heal for a few more years might not be good; I'll just go with the flow."

He noticed Lily staring thoughtfully at his wilford. "Why? Want to study it?"

"Yup," she replied frankly.

"Since you don't plan to continue the project, why study it? It's poisonous," Dominic said, shaking his head.

"Then why are you growing it?" Lily gestured toward the conspicuously swaying vine among his plants.

"I'm not only growing that. My garden's full of exotic plants, but you only notice that one!" Dominic looked disappointed at her lack of appreciation. "Can I have it?" Lily asked.

"Nope!" The older man replied immediately.

"Fine!" Lily rose to leave.

"Hey!" Dominic grabbed her sleeve, swallowing his pride. "Why get mad? You're just like your grandpa!"

"You're not giving me what I want, so what's to talk about?"

Dominic sighed. "It's not that I don't want to give it to you, but its poison is too potent. The plant is naturally poisonous, but because I've specially treated my soil, I'm afraid that when you take it back…" He paused. "Besides, you have a child at home, and you're…"

He tilted his head, looking at her belly. Instead of happiness, he felt annoyance toward Alexander. Must he be so hardworking?

He wanted Lily to study the new land he'd bought. He planned to grow various herbs with different needs, requiring special soil treatment for moisture, fertility, pH, and more. Yet…