Chapter 222

Lucy White had never been one to embellish her abilities with flowery words.

Whether it was geomancy or healing, her approach remained consistent.

The treatment plan lay before them—believing or not was entirely their choice.

If they trusted her, she would help. If not, she wouldn’t force it.

Hard sell? Absolutely out of the question.

Her bluntness left Ian Evans and his uncle momentarily stunned.

Seeing her unwavering confidence, their doubts gradually faded.

After a brief silence, the older man spoke. "Miss White, do you have any of your vitality elixirs on hand? I’d like to purchase a seven-course treatment."

Though he had long made peace with mortality, the prospect of decades more was undeniably tempting.

Lucy shook her head. "I don’t keep them in stock."

"The formula must be tailored to your constitution."

"Since I’ve agreed to help, I’ll see it through."

"But you’ll need to procure the ingredients. I’ll handle the preparation."

"One million for the labor," she stated plainly.

The crafting process wasn’t difficult for her.

The real challenge? She alone possessed this formula.

The older man exhaled in relief.

Money meant nothing to him.

His purpose had never been wealth accumulation, but using it to create value—repaying his family’s unwavering support.

"Done," he agreed readily. "Please provide the ingredient list."

Lucy penned it swiftly.

When he accepted the paper, his eyes first caught on her elegant calligraphy.

Only eleven components were listed—but each required specimens over seventy years old.

No wonder she had no ready supply.

"I’ll gather them promptly," he said, carefully tucking away the list.

Lucy knew the Evans family’s resources would make short work of the task.

Ian suddenly recalled the protective amulet.

"Lucy, could you spare one jade talisman for my uncle first?"

"Name your price," he added hastily.

She shot him a look. "My prices are fixed. I don’t engage in price gouging."

Two million per jade amulet—no exceptions.

Ian chuckled awkwardly. "Of course, of course. Your integrity is beyond question."

He’d hoped to persuade her to prioritize his uncle with a premium, but she’d seen right through him.

Normally he’d have stormed off—but today, he kept smiling.

Lucy relented slightly. "The jade amulets are still being infused. None are ready yet."

Seeing their disappointment, she added, "But I can prepare a temporary vitality talisman."

"Wear it for three days, and you can go about normally without episodes."

"However, it’s merely a stopgap—not a cure."

Ian sighed in relief, then pressed, "Would it protect him like Julian Chase’s did?"

"My uncle’s had two near-fatal accidents..."

Lucy laughed. "You think these are wholesale market cabbages?"

"Each one drains significant energy. Recovery takes time."

This was half-true.

Ethan Smith’s late-night call had warned her—certain authorities had taken notice of Julian’s talisman.

Discretion was now necessary.

"Your uncle’s accidents stem from his yin constitution."

"The vitality talisman stabilizes that, preventing mishaps."

"Relax. His current fortune shows no imminent danger."

"He’ll receive a jade amulet once they’re ready."

Only then did Ian settle. "Promise?"

"If there are extras..." He rubbed his hands together suggestively.

Julian cut in sharply: "Dream on! I’m already in line!"

"Special circumstances warrant one exception. You’re at the back!"

He even winked at Lucy.

Lucy: "..."

Was this secretly a comedian?

"We’ll discuss quantities later. Two per person is impossible."

She still needed to find optimal geomancy sites to nurture the jade.

The older man remained composed. "A cure would be blessing enough."

Lucy nodded inwardly.

This very equanimity had sustained him.

A more impatient soul wouldn’t have survived this long.

"Reserving one for you isn’t an issue."

"Though curable, thirty years of damage leaves residual effects."

"Long-term wear aids recovery."

The older man smiled gratefully. "My thanks, Miss White."