Chapter 1616

Dr. Morris was confused. "Can I tell her I don't quite get it?" he asked. "Are you saying we should do nothing and let it mutate?"

Lily shook her head. "What I'm saying is that herbal medicine aims to fortify damaged organs and mobilize the body's defense mechanisms. Our bodies know how to protect themselves; that's why we recover from a common cold in a few days without medication. That's our defense mechanism at work. However, this virus disrupts that mechanism. The medicine I'm researching would repair it, allowing our bodies to fight and kill the virus."

Dr. Morris was dumbfounded. After a few seconds, he blurted out, "That's a pipe dream!"

He straightened up. "It is! Would patients still need us if we could fix the defense mechanism? Aren't we researching medicine to fight the virus? Herbal medicine physicians are unreliable." He felt it was a waste of time. "I'll look at other departments. If you need anything, call me through the nursing station."

"Alright," Lily replied. She knew he dismissed her work and didn't bother with further explanation. Those who understand herbal medicine will get it; explaining to those who don't is pointless.

After recording her observations, she left the laboratory. Returning to the communal workspace, she saw Dr. Blanc approaching.

"Lily, how many days have you not slept?"

"Not too long," she replied, rubbing her eyes and yawning.

"Not too long? Your eyes are bloodshot!" Blanc said seriously. "You can't go on like this! It's urgent, but you need rest. Overwork will make you ill before you succeed!"

"I understand," Lily said casually, smiling.

"Then go take a break! Come back after a good rest. You're not the only one doing experiments here. Don't come back until tomorrow. Go," he added, his tone firm. It wasn't a request.

Lily started to speak, but he interrupted. "This is an order! We don't want you to be part of the project if you don't comply. We must take care of ourselves. Got it?"

Lily hesitated, then nodded. "Okay, I'll take a break."

"Wait!" Dr. Blanc caught up with her. "There's a room for you on level one. It might not be ideal, but there are clothes and toiletries. You'll have to make do."

Lily was surprised. "I can't go home?"

Dr. Blanc nodded. "The virus is highly contagious and has an incubation period. For safety's sake, it's best not to leave yet." Lily was speechless.