Chapter 145

Bianca dismissed the young woman with a sneer. There were two reasons for her disdain. First, the young lady looked far too young to have more than a superficial knowledge of medicine. Second, in Xenhall, no medical skills could compare to Bianca’s cursing skills. Once she cursed someone, many doctors would be powerless to help. Otherwise, people wouldn’t travel great distances to buy her poisonous worms to harm others.

Bianca’s gaze was piercing. “Are you really going to fight me for this 1,000-year-old ginseng?”

Shermaine had discovered the ginseng first, beating the madam by a step. ‘How could she have the nerve to say I’m the one trying to snatch it from her?’ she thought.

“It’s you who’s trying to take it from me, isn’t it?” Shermaine said.

Bianca let out a cold snort, her words laced with a threat. “This is Xenhall. I can curse. Aren’t you afraid?”

Shermaine smiled faintly. She wasn’t afraid at all. “Since I found the ginseng first, it’s mine. No one can take it from me if I don’t let them.”

Joshua, standing nearby, gave Shermaine a fond smile. He had no intention of getting involved. He didn’t know much about medicine and didn’t want to interfere with Shermaine.

Bianca glared. ‘Miss, you’re really asking for it. If I don’t teach you a lesson, you’ll never respect my cursing skills,’ she thought.

“I’ll take it anyway,” Bianca said as she bent down to grab the ginseng, but Shermaine blocked her with the hoe.

As Bianca reached out, it seemed she was about to grab Shermaine’s hand. Shermaine quickly dodged, and she sneered, “Madam, are you trying to prick me?”

Bianca hadn’t expected the young lady to see through the needle hidden in her sleeve. If she had touched Shermaine’s hand just now, she could have shown her the full force of a curse.

But Bianca hadn’t anticipated that the young lady would see through her trick. ‘She has some insight; she’s a promising one,’ Bianca thought.

“But I didn’t succeed, did I?” Bianca was rare in her missteps and was a little annoyed. This lady was not to be underestimated. Her agility was a clear indication. Bianca suddenly noticed Joshua, who was watching from the side. “Is he your boyfriend?”

Hearing the madam’s question, Joshua raised an eyebrow, curious to hear Shermaine’s response.

Shermaine’s expression was indifferent. “Sort of.” Her nominal fiancé was technically her man, but for now, it was in name only.

Joshua smiled. He would work to make Shermaine more certain of that answer.

Bianca shifted her cane. “You certainly know how to pick a man.”

He was handsome and clearly destined to bring good fortune to his future wife. He had grace and a bright future, but that didn't matter.

‘Since you won’t let me have it, I must teach you a lesson,’ Bianca thought.

After a moment of thought, Bianca spoke. “What’s your name?”

“Shermaine Shue,” Shermaine replied.

“How long are you staying?” Bianca asked.

“I’m not sure,” Shermaine said.

There was nothing more to discuss.

“Forget it. I can’t compete with you two young people. Bye,” Bianca said.

‘It looks like I won’t get this 1,000-year-old ginseng. I’ll see if there are any others and dig one up for my granddaughter,’ she thought.

Bianca gradually disappeared into the fog, but she didn’t go far. Instead, she hid in the shadows.

In the thick mist, a small, dark bug flew toward Joshua. It was nearly invisible to the naked eye. Shermaine took out a silver needle and flicked it straight toward Joshua.

Joshua tilted his head, and the needle whizzed past his ear. He glanced back to see the needle impaling a tiny, dark bug with red eyes.

Pierced by the needle, the bug soon lost its vital signs. Black fluid oozed from its body, which was oddly repulsive.

From her hiding place, Bianca watched this and couldn’t help but look at Shermaine with new respect. Despite her youth, she was quite capable. Her boyfriend was also agile.

Shermaine dug up the 1,000-year-old ginseng and tossed the hoe into the basket. She hadn’t worn gloves while digging, and now her hands were covered in dirt. Shermaine felt a bit awkward about holding Joshua’s hand again.

But Joshua didn’t seem to mind the dirt at all. He reached out and took Shermaine’s hand. “Let’s go.”