Chapter 73
Chapter 73
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Zachary was Taylor’s first disciple. At fifty–two years old, with a doctoral degree, he now served as the Deputy Director of Serenity Hospital, in addition to several other positions.
The two had met over twenty years ago during a national–level research project. Zachary had been brought in by his mentor, and during the project, Taylor had guided him through much of the work and even co–authored a medical textbook
with him
Back then, Zachary had called him Master, and gradually, they formed an unspoken bond–he became Taylor’s first disciple. Zachary’s grandson was already two years older than Yvonne.
Taylor cursed his own foolishness. How had he let himself be swept away by his feelings and agreed to Kelvin’s offer?!
The thought of facing media interviews in the future, with everyone knowing about his connection to Yvonne, made his head spin. He wasn’t sure how to explain it to his disciples–was he supposed to confess that he had been bribed by Kelvin?
He sipped his coffee, trying to push down the anxiety swelling in his chest.
Taylor thought. What a shame. In my later years, my reputation was on the line.
“Taylor, you’ve been sighing all day. Is something bothering you?” Zachary asked, noticing his mentor’s troubled expression.
Taylor shook his head, unwilling to say much. He waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t ask. Let’s not talk about it. Actually, I did bring something new I’ve been working on recently.”
He pointed to a large box next to his chair.
The box had been carefully carried by his assistant from the research institute, and Taylor had kept a close eye on it the whole way, worried it might get jostled or damaged.
He moved over to the box and gently unlocked the small latch on the front.
Zachary set down his coffee cup and stepped closer, curiosity piqued.
Taylor had visited many times before, bringing various research products, but this was the first time Zachary had seen him handle a box with such care. The tension in the air was palpable.
Taylor chose a sealed box, designed to contain any scents, and as he opened it, a faint floral fragrance drifted out.
Zachary inhaled deeply, his eyes widening in surprise. “Taylor, you’ve fixed the overly sweet and artificial smell? No, wait- this is more than that..”
He took another deep breath, marveling at the scent. “And the energy inside–it’s multiplied by more than ten times!” Taylor nodded, his face reflecting a quiet pride. “I measured it. Compared to the flowers we’ve worked with before, the elements in this one are fourteen times stronger.
Zachary’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “This is groundbreaking! Have you reported it yet?”
Taylor shook his head. “Not yet. I can’t report it because I’m not sure the next batch will be the same.”
“Why’s that Zachary asked, intrigued.
Taylor carefully closed the box again, and then, in a low voice, explained what had happened with the mysterious flower he had discovered a few days ago.
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After listening. Zachary’s face grew thoughtful. So, you used cross–pollination? You transferred pollen from that rare flower 2 another open rose, and that’s how you got the final product?”
Taylor confirmed, “Yes, that’s exactly it.”
Zachary couldn’t hide his awe. “I can’t even imagine what that rare flower must look like.”
“It’s still alive. I’ve added a special compound to help it last longer. If you’re free, you could come and see it, Taylor offered.
Zachary, ever the eager researcher, agreed. “Let’s say October. I’ll go see it then.”
The two men continued sipping their coffee and discussing the details of their research, completely engrossed in their
conversation..
Half an hour later. Taylor finished his coffee and stood up. The medicinal value of this flower is incredible. I’m planning to send it to Mr. Walker Guy. Placing it by his bedside will help with his recovery”
When Taylor mentioned Mr. Guy, his tone was respectful, even reverent.
Zachary, clearly excited. immediately responded, “That’s wonderful! Your sacrifice is truly remarkable.”
Zachary understood Taylor’s dedication and the personal sacrifices he had made for his research.
T’ll take you to Mr. Guy’s ward, Zachary said. “Since his gunshot wound, he’s been unconscious. His wife has been staying with him here at the hospital…
As they walked through the hospital corridors, the heavy presence of armed guards at every turn made it clear that Mr. Guy’s condition was highly classified.
Even with their status–Zachary as the deputy director and Taylor as a renowned academic–strict security checks were still necessary to gain access.
Once in the room, Zachary carefully placed the flower at Mr. Guy’s bedside and quietly said his goodbyes to Mrs. Guy. He didn’t linger, knowing his presence wasn’t needed
After they left the room, they took the elevator down. Taylor was ready to leave, but Zachary, sensing something, spoke up and followed him out of the hospital
As they reached the ground floor, Taylor suddenly narrowed his eyes and stopped in his tracks. Zachary noticed and halted
as well.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
Taylor took out his glasses and put them on, confirming his suspicion. “It’s Kelvin.”
He hadn’t been wearing a suit, so Taylor had almost missed him, but there was a presence about him that was unmistakable -the kind of energy that once encountered, couldn’t easily be forgotten.
And there, in his arms, was a child. From the way she was dressed and her soft hair, Taylor could tell it was a little girl.
A sudden thought struck him–Is that Yvonne?
The girl looked listless, clearly unwell, and it wasn’t hard to guess that she was sick.
Taylor sighed.
He might have regretted his decision to take on Kelvin as a disciple and vowed never to accept another, but since he had, he couldn’t pretend they weren’t connected. A sick child was no small matter, and Taylor, with his connections in Serenity Hospital, knew he could offer some help.
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Without a word, Taylor turned and began walking toward Kelvin.
Zachary, curious, followed. Taylor, who did you see?”
“Ah, my little creditor.”
It was no mistake–this was the “little creditor” whose gift Kelvin had taken. Time to return what was owed.
Taylor couldn’t help but think–he’d be the subject of endless mockery by the older researchers for this one.
