Chapter 57

Walter, ecstatic, raced to the elevator, Queenie close behind. Upon entering, she frowned. Reaching the fourth floor, Queenie dashed out, clutching her stomach.

Nash slowly sipped his tea, muttering, "The laxative works quickly."

"Huh?" Brian, thinking Nash addressed him, tilted his head.

Nash shook his head. "Nothing. We should go."

Brian smiled. "You haven't received your consultation fee."

"You're right. Let's wait a little longer, then."

"Grandmaster, were those parasitic bugs?"

"Probably, but I'm unsure of the species."

Nash, a holistic medicine practitioner with limited parasitology knowledge, wouldn't have surgically removed them otherwise.

"Can't we identify them using medical equipment?" Brian pressed.

"Many types exist: regular and abnormal. The abnormal possess special abilities!"

Nash eyed the tray on the coffee table. A light tap of his fingers caused it to slide across the surface via an unseen force.

Brian, dumbfounded, quickly masked his shock. Inspecting the tray, they found two white bugs missing.

Brian's expression shifted. "Where are they?"

Nash poked the congealed blood with a teaspoon. It thickened visibly, and more white bugs emerged.

Brian was again astonished. "What's happening?"

"Likely an abnormal type. They have exceptional camouflage and can merge with blood. Mrs. Watson's unconsciousness stemmed from their anesthetic toxin, which paralyzed her cells."

Nash's eyes narrowed. He murmured, "Is this the Longhorn?"

His master had mentioned this parasite. Longhorns, regardless of sex, reproduced continuously, feeding on bacteria and fungi, ensuring survival within the host. They induced a deep, perpetual sleep while keeping the host alive.

While potentially granting a form of immortality, this state was indistinguishable from death. Mrs. Watson wasn't terminally ill; why the eternal sleep?

Just then, Walter emerged from the elevator, his expression radiant. "Dr. Calcraft, my wife's awake! Your medical skill is unparalleled. My admiration knows no bounds."

Nash smiled. "How is the madam?"

Her awakening indicated complete parasite removal.

Walter, smiling, replied, "She's still weak; full recovery will take time." He produced a check. "This is the hundred million dollars for your consultation fee."

Nash accepted and pocketed the check unceremoniously. "Thank you, Mr. Watson."

Walter laughed. "You deserve it, Dr. Calcraft."

Nash looked at the remaining bugs. "These have high research value. Might I have them as a gift?"

Walter's expression darkened. "These bugs rendered my wife unconscious for three years. They must be destroyed." He instructed his housekeeper, "Burn them. Let none survive."