Chapter 186

The moment Lucy White's group stepped out of the vehicle, they came face-to-face with three men.

The leader was a tall young man with sharp, frost-like features. Behind him stood a bespectacled assistant and a muscular bodyguard.

When their eyes met, the man's gaze instantly locked onto Lucy.

"Lucy White." His voice was crisp as winter air.

Lucy's pupils contracted slightly. "Ian Stone?"

The stern lines of his face softened. "I'm surprised you remember me."

"How could I forget a high school classmate?" Lucy offered a polite smile.

Ian coughed twice, sickly pink blooming across his pale cheeks. "What a coincidence meeting you here."

Live comments exploded:

[Who's this gorgeous sickly prince?]

[I need his full bio in 3 seconds!]

[That face could kill me]

Lucy frowned internally. This was the same man who'd moved with panther-like grace on the survival island.

"Here for medical treatment?" she probed.

"Yes." Another cough wracked his frame. "Just returned from abroad. Heard the traditional medicine here is exceptional."

Ethan Smith narrowed his eyes. The agile fighter from the wilderness now played the frail invalid.

Michael Johnson inserted himself between them. "If you're here for treatment, we shouldn't keep you."

Ian's gaze turned glacial, then warmed when addressing Lucy: "Perhaps we could catch up later?"

"Sure." Lucy agreed readily.

The assistant knocked on the vermilion gate. A young apprentice accepted their referral letter before ushering Ian's party inside with deference.

Moments later, the apprentice returned beaming at the production crew: "Please come in. Dean Xavier will see you shortly."

The courtyard greeted them with an aromatic blend of herbs. Stone pathways flanked by drying medicinal plants led to equipment for processing traditional remedies.

"Herbal tea," the apprentice offered cool beverages.

Robert Lee smacked his lips. "Anyone here know traditional medicine?"

Blank stares all around.

"Looks like we're relying on Professor Lucy and Professor Ethan," William Jones chuckled.

Ethan inclined his head. "I have some basic knowledge."

Lucy twirled her teacup. "I've dabbled a bit."

Fifteen minutes later, white-haired Dean Xavier arrived.

"To enter our hospital, you must first pass the herb test." The elder gestured at the botanical display. "How many can you identify?"

Ethan stood first, accurately naming dozens of herbs with their properties.

When Lucy's turn came, she even described preparation methods flawlessly.

Dean Xavier applauded. "Solid foundations. However—" his eyes gleamed sharply, "the real test lies ahead."