Chapter 1262

"Yes, I've already decided to withdraw from the project, and Alex's company will divest as well. However, given the project's duration, I fear they won't simply give up and will seek another partner," Lily said thoughtfully.

"Then let them find someone else, as long as it doesn't involve you!" The older man waved his hand dismissively. Age had taught him the value of ease. In his view, one couldn't cure everyone, and the most important thing was to do one's best.

He rose and walked toward his cherished herb garden. "Some learn herbal medicine to help others; others seek to cause harm. Human beings are far more complex than these plants."

Lily rose and settled into his rattan rocking chair, enjoying the stretch. Rocking gently, she remarked leisurely, "You're right. People are diverse. Some shun the limelight, preferring quiet lives, while others crave attention, misleading the public with their claims."

The older man turned, puzzled. "Who are you speaking of?"

"Aren't you aware?" Dominic, though largely homebound, maintained his network.

"A young man, sharing your surname, claims to be your last student and has been spreading that story."

"My surname? A young man?" He pondered. "Are you referring to that scoundrel, Austin Fike?"

Lily's eyes widened. "Aha, he's known to you." He sighed heavily, slapping his thigh in disapproval.

Seeing Lily's gaze, he hesitated, then paced before returning to her side. Bending, he looked into her eyes. "We all have our family troublemakers, don't we?"

Lily was unsure how to respond.

"So he's your..."

"My niece's son!" He slapped his thigh again, a habitual gesture. "He stayed with me for a time, observing herbal medicine, but lacked focus and the aptitude for it. Therefore, I never formally took him on as a student, only offering occasional instruction. I never gave him proper lessons. Why? Did he tell others he was my student? That little… I'll break his legs one day!" He barked, glancing at Lily twice. "Are you upset by his pretense? If you're unhappy, we can publicly clarify that you're my student. You—"

"Don't!" Lily held up a hand. "Spare me. I don't want that kind of attention."

Outsiders, inexplicably, revered Dominic Fike's last student. This reverence stemmed solely from their connection to Dominic and his past praise of the individual's talent, without knowing who this person was or their accomplishments. The rumor even painted this person as a miracle doctor, like Dominic himself.

Lily found the rumor preposterous and simply wanted no part of it. She detested such unwanted attention. The thought of being revealed as Dominic's last student filled her with dread.