Chapter 1732

They heard footsteps approaching. Dominic opened the door just as Lily arrived. Seeing the open door, she raised an eyebrow, her expression unchanged.

"Have you started?"

"I was waiting for you."

"What if I hadn't shown up?"

"Then I'd have done it myself."

"How many years has it been since you last did this? Aren't you afraid you might miss the points?"

"Then I'll just poke a few more times. It makes little difference if I add a few needles."

Austin broke into a cold sweat as they spoke. What do they mean by adding extra needles? And what did Uncle Dom mean by waiting for Lily? Could it be…

"Wait a minute!" Austin sat up, looking at them. "Who's going to do the acupuncture? Is it…"

Lily glanced at him, then at Dominic. "You didn't tell him?"

"Tell him what?" Dominic asked innocently. "He's the patient. Does he have the right to choose his doctor?"

Austin was bewildered. Why not?!

Despite his bound limbs and weakness, he gritted his teeth, struggling to sit up straighter. "Uncle Dom," he said, looking at them both, "when it comes to acupuncture, I think you should be the one to do it. I don't trust anyone else."

Despite everything, his earlier prejudice against Lily's medical skills had faded. He believed in her competence and sincerity. Acupuncture, however, was different. He'd always been awestruck by Dominic's skill, secretly memorizing acupoint maps, though Dominic had never taught him. Dominic had explained that acupuncture was far more complex than it appeared; precise needle placement, puncture depth, and numerous other factors were crucial. Furthermore, acupuncture required extensive practice, and Austin lacked sufficient patients for practice. Therefore, he doubted Lily's proficiency.

"Oh, don't you worry about her," Dominic said casually.

"Then…"

"Lily's been learning acupuncture from me for some time, but she's never had the chance to practice. We shouldn't waste this opportunity," Dominic said, handing Lily the silver needles.

Austin's eyes widened. Did I hear that right? Is she using me as a test subject?!

Taking the needles, Lily walked towards him, smiling harmlessly. "Don't worry. Although this is my first time, I'll try my best. It might hurt a little, so bear with me. For a man, it should be nothing."

Austin was shocked. He wanted to escape, but his bonds and weakness prevented it. He stared at the needles in her hand. "D-Don't joke around like that!"

He turned to Dominic. "Uncle Dom, I'm your grandnephew! You have to take my life seriously! How can you treat me as a test subject?!"