Chapter 191

Lucy White got straight to the point.

"I have several ancient medicinal recipes that can produce vitality-boosting elixirs, but they require high-quality, aged herbs."

"I'd like to make an exchange with the Medicine Pavilion."

Dean Xavier's eyes lit up. "What kind of elixirs?"

Lucy took out a porcelain vial and handed it to him. "Vitality Elixir. It regulates the body and prolongs life."

The dean's hand trembled slightly.

He carefully poured out a pill onto a white porcelain dish, examining it closely.

"May I study this? If it proves effective, the Medicine Pavilion would be willing to negotiate."

Lucy nodded readily. "You can keep these two as samples."

She knew firsthand experience was necessary to believe in its potency.

After leaving the Medicine Pavilion, the production crew moved to the Tea Pavilion.

Lucy and Ethan Smith's tea ceremony performance dazzled the audience, effortlessly earning them entry qualifications.

Back at the inn, Ian Stone sent her an invitation.

At the bookstore café, Ian was sipping coffee while reading—a scene that momentarily transported Lucy back to their youth.

"What did you want to talk about?" she asked, taking a seat.

Ian slid a cup of coffee toward her. "Can't old friends catch up?"

Lucy took a sip. It still tasted the same as she remembered.

After reminiscing, Ian suddenly asked, "Do you have a grudge against Lily Green?"

Lucy arched a brow. "Did she ask you to target me?"

"She wants me to pursue you, then publicly humiliate you," Ian admitted bluntly.

Lucy smirked. "Sounds like her style. Did you agree?"

"Only on the surface," Ian said seriously. "Be careful with her—she's dangerous."

Lucy met his gaze directly. "What's your relationship with her?"

Ian averted his eyes. "Some things... I can't explain."

"But I would never help her hurt you," he vowed solemnly.

Lucy changed the subject. "How much do you know about your own condition?"

Ian countered, "What have you noticed?"

"That curse you're under—are you aware of it?"

His pupils contracted slightly. "You can even see that?"

Lucy lifted her chin proudly. "I'm a top-tier metaphysician."

Ian chuckled. "Still as confident as ever."

Lucy studied him meaningfully. "But you've changed so much."

Ian smiled bitterly. "Some changes... weren't by choice."

The melancholy in his eyes made Lucy's chest tighten.