Chapter 10

Daniel’s words left everyone within earshot shocked, staring at him with disbelief. The chance to be taken under Master Joshua’s wing at Healthy Land was a dream many harbored, some even willing to incur massive debt for such an opportunity. And yet, this young man had just rejected it? Not only that, he had the audacity to speak so arrogantly. Was he a fool, or simply unaware of what Healthy Land represented? Suddenly… Ryan spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the floor, unconscious. “What happened?” Joshua had Ryan moved back onto the stretcher for emergency care but despite his best efforts, Ryan remained unresponsive.

“Master Joshua, how’s my father?” “I’m sorry. Your father’s extensive internal injuries from martial arts practice were too great. Although The Cure helped a bit, it wasn’t enough to solve all the issues. I failed to bring him back.” Joshua apologized sincerely to Heather with a bow. “Please accept my deepest condolences.” Even though Joshua wasn’t responsible for Ryan’s condition and had done his best, the fact remained that Ryan was not revived. “The man’s not dead yet, what’s with the rush to apologize?” Daniel walked over to the medicine cabinet, gathered a few common herbs, tossed them into a paper cup, and poured some hot water from the dispenser to steep them. He handed the resulting brew to Heather. “Give this to your dad, and he will wake up.” “You think you can succeed where Master Joshua failed?” “Saving your father’s life.” Heather remained skeptical. “If Ryan regains his health, I’ll accept you as my teacher!” “Accept me as your teacher? I’m not interested in taking on a fool like you as a disciple! If only you weren’t so stubborn and had heeded my warning.” Though doubtful, Heather had run out of options. With skepticism, she poured the herbal infusion into Ryan. After drinking Daniel’s concoction… Ryan spewed a mouthful of black blood and then woke up. He was alive? Could it be that Ryan had truly been rescued from death’s clutches? Joshua couldn’t believe it and immediately checked Ryan’s pulse. There could be no mistake this time—Ryan had indeed been saved. “Thank you, Master Joshua, for saving my life again!”

“Ryan, it was him, not me. My medical skills are inadequate, and I almost cost you your life. I’m sorry.” Joshua invited Daniel upstairs and personally made him a cup of coffee. “Sir, I wanted to ask, you mentioned there was a problem with The Cure I administered—what exactly was the issue?” … The two talked in the room until midnight, with Joshua asking questions and Daniel answering. The Grants’ thousands-year-old secret formulas had grown incomplete over time, and Joshua presented them to Daniel, who filled in the missing parts. Although the complete formulas had not yet been verified, Joshua deduced and analyzed based on his extensive knowledge in pharmacology that Daniel’s amendments were a million times better than his own attempts. In the end, Joshua was completely convinced by Daniel’s medical prowess. For the first time in his life, Joshua was prepared to acknowledge someone as his superior. Holding a cup of tea, Joshua knelt before Daniel with a thud. “Master, please accept my disciple’s bow.” “Master Joshua, you’re old enough to be my grandfather. It doesn’t seem right for me to be your teacher.” “Master, your medical skills are superior to mine. If you refuse to accept me as your disciple, I shall kneel forever!” “Alright, alright, get up,” Daniel conceded, then helped Joshua to his feet. “I can teach you medicine, but don’t call me ‘Master’. An old man like you calling me ‘Master’ makes me feel ancient.” “What shall I call you then?” “Just ‘Dan’ will do.” “That’s too disrespectful! How about ‘Daniel’ instead?” “Whatever you prefer!” …

The following morning, Daniel was sound asleep when a persistent knocking started. He opened the door to find none other than Brittany, standing in her business attire. Seeing Daniel yawning and evidently just waking up, Brittany, already irked, became furious. “Are you still sleeping?” “Weren’t you the one who said to report to the office at 4:30 p.m.?” “Yesterday was yesterday, today is today! Master Joshua is leaving for Washington this afternoon, and the press release is now today. Get ready and come with me immediately.”

Daniel got dressed and followed Brittany to the International Conference Center. Once there, Brittany busied herself with tasks. Hungry from having skipped breakfast, Daniel bought two burgers and took them to Jessica, who was just taking a break after finishing her tasks. “Jessica, haven’t you had breakfast yet? Here’s a burger.” “Thank you!” Jessica gratefully accepted and started eating. She had been working since the wee hours due to the sudden change in schedule and was famished. Then Jennifer arrived. Seeing Daniel with a good-looking woman eating burgers and laughing together made her upset. Deciding to vent her frustration, she approached him. “Daniel, who’s this bitch you’ve picked up?”