Assistant Wang nodded. He told the deputy chairman that they were not hiring Mi Wei. Instead, they would be working together as partners.

  The deputy chairman frowned. “A partnership with a Chinese herb farmer? What is the chairman thinking? If word got out, what would people think of the association?”


  Assistant Wang lowered his eyes. “If the man is capable of producing rare herbs, I think it is fine for us to work as partners instead.”


  The deputy chairman glanced sideways at the assistant. “Is he the only person who knows how to do it?”


  How could Chairman Wang do this? It was as good as lowering himself.

  Assistant Wang said nothing.

  The deputy chairman waved his hand. “Fine. You may leave.”


  Assistant Wang nodded and walked to the lift entrance quickly.

  It felt stifling talking to the deputy chairman.

  After going upstairs the assistant explained the situation to Chairman Wang. However, he did not mention the deputy chairman’s concerns about the partnership.

  “Book a flight heading to City Huai tomorrow for Mr. Mi. I am worried that the mi orchid on the farm can’t wait.” Chairman Wang spoke with a serious look on his face.

  The assistant nodded.

  “Wait! Why don’t you send him over personally? Remember to make arrangements so that the more experienced farmhands can get trained by him,” added Chairman Wang.

  Since they were officially partners and Mi Wei was not under his employ, he could choose to stop working for the Apothecaries’ Association anytime he liked.

  The assistant answered respectfully. “Yes, Chairman Wang.”


  “Uh huh. Go on then.” Chairman Wang told the assistant to leave and get started on the tasks.

  Chairman Wang sat in his chair contemplating when he recalled the upcoming apothecaries exam. He took out his phone and sent Huo Yao a text message. He told Huo Yao about the exam and asked if she was interested in becoming an examiner.

  Huo Yao was having lunch with Yuan Xi at the school canteen when she received Chairman Wang’s message.

  She sent an audio message immediately: [I’ll pass. I’m very busy with school, so I would rather not go.] Chairman Wang had already guessed that Huo Yao would say this.

  He simply replied: [My disciple is stuck in a bottleneck. Do you mind giving him some guidance?”]

  Huo Yao raised her brow. She pondered before saying: [Sure. Give him my number then.]

  Chairman Wang swiped down to He Shu’s number and sent him Huo Yao’s phone number. Then, he gave his disciple a call.

  Before long, He Shu answered the phone. Chairman Wang made no mention that Huo Yao was the new honorary deputy chairman of the Apothecaries’ Association. He simply instructed He Shu to save Huo Yao’s phone number and said, “If you want to advance during this year’s apothecaries’ exams, you should talk to Huo Yao. I am sure she will be a big help.”


  He Shu went quiet briefly upon hearing this before simply acknowledging his master.

  The two of them chatted for a little while and then ended the conversation.

  He Shu looked at his phone and saw the electronic business card from Chairman Wang. He hesitated briefly before adding the number to his phone book.

  Huo Yao quickly saved He Shu’s number as well.

  He Shu raised his head and looked at the prescriptions on the table in front of him as he thought about what

  Chairman Wang said. To be honest, he wanted to advance in his career as an apothecary on his own merit. He quietly contemplated for a few minutes before sending Huo Yao a text message.

  [Thanks, but I don’t need any help for the moment.]

  He Shu had a cool personality, so he was not the sort to explain himself. After sending the text message, he put down his phone and continued with his research.

  In his opinion, he could get a better understanding if he figured things out for himself……