Chapter 1282

Thompson's smile faltered before dissolving into a chuckle. He opened the menu, flipped through a few pages, and ordered several dishes. Then, he looked solemnly at Lily. "How have you been these days?"

Lily bristled at his indirect approach. "Professor Thompson, this isn't our first meeting. Let's be direct. I still don't know if the final product will benefit or harm the public."

Thompson looked terrified. "Harmful?! Why would you think that? We know how to cure diseases and save lives. Pharmacology benefits humankind. Of course, it will be good for the public."

"Really?" Lily took a sip of her drink. "Then why were the assistants using wilfordi during the experiment?"

"How did you know it's wilfordi?" Thompson blurted, a guilty look flashing across his face. His feigned ignorance was unconvincing. He, a graduate of a university specializing in medicinal herbs, with decades of study, certainly recognized wilfordi root.

Lily's suspicion solidified. Thompson's silence—his failure to explain, stop its use, or even question it—was damning.

A knowing smile played on Lily's lips. Thompson hastily took a sip of his drink, attempting to shield his face. "Things aren't what they seem," he stammered. "I have no intention of harming you."

"I know," Lily replied. "You warned me it was slightly poisonous and to handle it carefully. But you should have told me what it was."

"About that… While wilfordi root is poisonous, it also has medicinal properties. Many plants used in herbal medicine are poisonous, yet can be processed into medicine. Is that why you think our experiment is harmful?"

Thompson paused, then asked tentatively, "Is that why you want to quit?"

"Partly," Lily leaned back, considering. "But not entirely."

"What do you mean?"

"Professor Thompson, my understanding of the experiment is superficial. What are you—what are you all doing?" Her gaze was intense, scrutinizing.

Thompson was too frightened to meet her eyes. He felt exposed, as if she saw into his soul.

The waiter arrived with their food, providing a welcome interruption. Thompson quickly waved him forward. "Let's eat first!"

Lily remained motionless, her gaze unwavering. He buried his head in his food, attempting to avoid the issue.

After a while, Lily picked up the bill and sighed. "It seems you're not going to tell me the truth today, Professor Thompson. In that case, I'll leave. I've lost my appetite."

She left some money on the table. "Consider it a thank you for your supervision in the lab. Goodbye!"

Seeing her departure, Thompson hastily lifted his head. "This experiment is for the betterment of humankind, but…"

Lily paused, turning back at his hesitant expression. She narrowed her eyes. "Betterment of humankind?"