Lin Shuwen was stunned to hear this.

  Not going for free? Did that mean she would charge them again?

  Lin Shuwen swiftly caught on and composed himself before he blurted instinctively. “How much?”


  Huo Yao raised her brow slightly and seemed particularly pleased to know that he was smart. She merely said, “It depends.”


  Lin Shuwen recalled how Huo Yao swiftly agreed to examine Fang Chen a couple of days ago when he visited her place.

  She had probably agreed for the sake of the money.

  Lin Shuwen felt puzzled and suddenly asked her. “Miss Huo, I don’t suppose you see the news much, right?”


  Huo Yao had retrieved her phone from her bag and was looking at it. She raised her head when she heard this completely irrelevant question from Lin Shuwen. “Nope.”


  No wonder.

  A knowing look swept across Lin Shuwen’s eyes. If she had seen the news, she would have recognized Fang Chen and would not have asked for consultation fees.

  Then again, this was better. If she did not know who Fang Chen was, it would save them a lot of trouble. They would not have to worry that she would make unreasonable demands after treating Fang Chen.

  Huo Yao had no clue what Lin Shuwen was thinking about. She lowered her head and replied to a text: [I haven’t been making any pills.]

  Don’t Steal My Lingzhi: [When will you make more pulse strengthening pills?]

  Don’t Steal My Lingzhi was one of the rare online friends with whom Huo Yao had direct contact. She had added Don’t Steal My Lingzhi to her WeChat account when she refined medicine for Huo Xiang’s poison.

  Huo Yao tapped on the screen gently and answered: [I don’t have all the apparatus that I need, so I can’t make pills.]

  In the past, she could still use Old Mr. Pei’s pharmaceutical laboratory, but her relationship with his family was awkward now.

  It seemed that she had to come up with some pill refining apparatus of her own.

  Don’t Steal My Lingzhi: [What equipment do you need? Maybe I can help you with it?]

  Huo Yao pursed her lips and replied: [No thanks. I don’t have time anyway.]

  Don’t Steal My Lingzhi: [What are you busy with?]

  Was she so busy that she did not care about making money?

  Huo Yao glanced out the window for a while before she replied: [I am taking my college entrance exam next year.]

  Don’t Steal My Lingzhi: [……]

  This joke did not sound funny at all.

  Huo Yao did not reply and placed the phone back in her pocket.

  The car went on to drive for 30 minutes before they finally arrived at a heavily guarded estate.

  After entering the estate gates, Huo Yao raised her head to glance at the security guards at the entrance. All of them seemed to be well-trained.

  CCTV cameras were installed everywhere inside the estate without a single blind spot.

  Lin Shuwen did not offer any explanation. Also, the bodyguard driving the car deliberately took a few more rounds before entering the estate. He seemed to be trying to prevent anyone from tailing them.

  The car drove up to a villa and the bodyguard killed the engine. He quickly got off the car and opened the door for Huo Yao.

  Huo Yao looked up and glanced at the yard. Other than CCTV, infrared scanners were also installed everywhere. Security was clearly important to them.

  Even without checking the internet, it was clear who Fang Chen was.

  “Miss Huo, this way, please.” Lin Shuwen closed the car door and spoke as he led Huo Yao up ahead.

  He brought her right into the villa.

  Huo Yao followed behind Lin Shuwen unhurriedly with her hands in her jacket’s pocket. She looked completely calm and there was not a shred of apprehension on her face.