Chapter 1300

"They've been asking around, and this set is specifically handmade by a master craftsman. Look!" Austin revealed a delicate-looking box.

Dominic scoffed lightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "These days, anyone can call themselves a master. Which master is this?"

An ordinary person might have been discouraged, but Austin remained unfazed. He'd anticipated this. Maintaining his smile, he removed the teapot set. "Look! It looks like a pumpkin."

Dominic glanced at it, saying nothing. This was the perfect reaction. The older gentleman's lack of scolding piqued Dominic's interest.

Previously, Austin had been trying to determine Dominic's preferences. He'd brought gifts from his travels—expensive calligraphy, paintings, antiques—only to have them discarded. Countless scoldings had finally taught him something: Dominic disliked foreign items. Attempts to oversell them only prompted criticism of their origin. Price was irrelevant; Dominic cared only for growing medicinal herbs and making tea.

Therefore, Austin now brought only tea and teapots. Any rare herbs he found abroad were likely already in Dominic's possession.

"All right, now. You seem on edge. What's going on?" Dominic waved his cattail fan, going straight to the point. He knew Austin wouldn't visit without reason. Austin understood herbs, but his mind was sharp; there was always a purpose.

Each visit served a purpose. Dominic, acting as a granduncle and occasional advisor, largely turned a blind eye. Austin used his knowledge wisely; Dominic approved of such eagerness to learn. Lately, however, Austin had been overly diligent.

"I can't hide anything from you, Granduncle!" Austin laughed. "I've been thinking about the uses of medicinal herbs. Is there a way to retain their volatile properties? To allow people to absorb their medicinal benefits simply by inhaling the fumes?"

Dominic fell silent, ceasing his fanning and staring intently at Austin.

Austin, uncomfortable under his quiet scrutiny, quickly broke the silence. "Granduncle, did I say something wrong?"

"Are you involved in the research institute's project?" Dominic asked bluntly.

Austin was startled. "You know about the experiment?"

"Of course! My—" Dominic paused, catching himself. He rubbed his neck, continuing uncomfortably, "I heard about it some time ago. It seems to have been ongoing for a while. What's wrong? Isn't it over yet?"