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"I see." Dustin nodded.
Dustin recalled something and asked, "Following what you said, between you and Edwin, whoever first creates Eternumax would dominate the market in Swinton?"
"You could say that," Natasha confirmed his thoughts.
"However, the documents of my researchers have been robbed. We have to start all over again. It would be too difficult."
"Humph! That Hummer is too despicable! Him and his dirty tricks!" Ruth was indignant.
"What kind of medicine is Eternumax?" Dustin asked once again.
"Eternumax is a medicine that not only increases your lifespan but also retains beauty. It was said to be derived from an ancient antidote recipe. However, because the recipe was crafted such a long time ago, half of it was lost. We could only keep researching to restore the full recipe." Natasha explained.
"An ancient antidote recipe?"
"If I'm following correctly, I do know about a type of secret medicine that has a similar effect to Eternumax." Dustin rubbed his chin
"Oh? And what medicine is that?" Natasha's eyes sparkled with interest.
"This medicine is called Immortunol. I read about it from a medical book archive. It also increases one's lifespan and retains beauty. Its effects should be on par with Eternumax." Dustin smiled faintly.
The archives that he read contained all valuable antidotes that had been lost in time. Whatever was listed in there was definitely no ordinary medicine.
"Hah! I don't believe you for one second! Eternumax is a secret ancient recipe. How could this 'Immortunol' even compare to it? I've never even heard of such a thing!" Ruth pouted.
"Just because you never heard of it, doesn't mean it does not exist. There could even possibly be a surprise discovery." Dustin suggested.
"No matter if it works, we should give it a try. Let me know what ingredients you need. I'll prepare them right. away." Natasha offered without any hesitation. That was because there was no other way to go about this. They were in a bind.
"Rue, bring me a pen and paper." Dustin turned around and commanded.
"Hey! I told you a thousand times already. My name is Ruth! Ruth!" Ruth clenched her teeth. Ruth gave Dustin a kick before bringing him the pen and paper.
After taking the pen and a few scribbles, Dustin finished writing Immortunol's recipe in an instant. Natasha scanned through the list and nodded.
"These ingredients are quite common and easy to find. The only tricky ingredient would be Luminianth Root." *Sis, there are a few sellers in the medicine market. Perhaps we could find some there." Ruth suggested.
"Yeah. Bring Dustin along to check it out. I still have some stuff to do." Natasha replied.
"Alright…" Ruth pouted. Although she was a little disappointed, she agreed to her sister's request. Her sister had a lot of stuff to do. She knew that she had to help her out.
After setting their destination, Ruth drove Dustin to the market. A Mercedes–Benz parked in front of a shop named Emporium. Dahlia and the others stepped out of the car which stopped abruptly. Other than Florence and James, there was also a pretty, well–dressed lady beside them. This woman was Florence's niece, Julie Amberson.
"Julie, didn't you say you wanted to get a present? Why are we at a place like this?" Florence was confused.
"Aunt Florence, I just got the news that this shop has a very rare ingredient called the Luminianth Root!" Julie whispered.
"Luminianth Root? What's it for?" The name piqued Florence's curiosity.
"It's great as a gift, of course! Tomorrow is the Hummers' birthday party. I'm planning to gift this to Miss Hummer!"
"Why are you gifting this instead of gems or jewelry like everyone else?"
"Hehe…You wouldn't know, would you? Miss Hummer is a noble lady. She doesn't need gems or jewelry. If you truly want to impress her, you should give her a one–of–a–kind gift. Luminlanth Root has the ability to retain one's beauty. No woman could ever resist it. I believe that Miss Hummer would like it!" Julie uttered confidently.
"You're not wrong, but this Luminianth Root costs a fortune, right?" Florence asked.
"Of course! This is an extremely rare item. You won't be able to buy it without three to five million dollars." Julie nodded.
"What! It's that expensive?"
Florence was shocked. "Julie, do you even have that much money?"
"Of course, I don't. But you do! So, lend me a few million dollars, I'll return it to you next time." Julie requested without hesitation.
Her words stunned Florence. Dahlia and James also frowned at her words. This cousin of theirs would always borrow money every time she visits.
Last year she "borrowed" a Mercedez–Benz from them for two days. Until now, she still hadn't returned the car. It seemed like they would not be getting it back. If they gave her a few million dollars now, there would definitely be no return as well.
"Julie, it's not that I don't want to lend you the money. A few million dollars is really too much." After thinking for some time, Florence still refused.
"Aunt Florence, your family owns a business! There's no way you don't have that kind of money. Or is it that you guys don't want to lend me the money?" Julie was getting upset.
"No, I really don't have that much money." Florence laughed awkwardly.
"If you don't, then Dahlia should have that money, right? She's the president of Quine Group! I don't believe for a second that she doesn't have a few million dollars to spare!"
Julle turned to Dahlia as she uttered those words.
"The company's finances are a bit tight at the moment. Every penny counts. I wouldn't recommend spending the money on such birthday gifts." Dahlia shook her head lightly.
If it was an emergency, she would definitely spend money without hesitation. But for her situation, she really could not help her even if she wanted to.
"Dahlia! You can't be that stingy? It's just a few million dollars! It's not like I wouldn't return it to you!"
Julie crossed her arms and said confidently. "After I send Miss Hummer this gift, I'll become her friend. Then, I'll get a high-rank position in Hummer Pharmaceuticals. I'll be earning a few million dollars every year, easy peasy!"
"Julie, you must not get ahead of yourself. It's not that easy to get into Hummer Pharmaceuticals. Never mind a high-rank position, with your experience, it would be best for you to get some training in my company." Dahlia tried to reason with her calmly.
"Dahlia, let me get straight to the point. I'm a valuable graduate of the Ivy League. Everyone wants me. A small company like Quine Group is not worth my time." Julie mocked.
Dahlia was speechless at her remarks. This cousin of hers was a classic narcissist. No experience and no skill, and yet she still dreamed about becoming a rich supervisor.
She looked down on almost everyone, and yet she didn't even have the basics down.
"Alright! Back to the point! Are you lending me the money or not?" Julie's arms were still crossed in front of her body arrogantly.
She really had no shame as the one who was borrowing money.
"No!" James answered.
"Fine! Today I finally get to see what kind of people you guys really are! Relatives, my ass! You all just abandoned me when I was in need. Tomorrow, I will make you pay!" With that, Julie turned around and stomped away.