Chapter 82: Taking a Master

Amanda Vance nodded, then shook her head again.

Samuel Ford didn’t understand what she meant.

Amanda Vance said, "I do admire the love my teacher and his wife share, but I don’t think I could ever have that for myself."

She never denied that true love existed in the world; she just didn’t believe she would ever find it.

After all, in the first half of her life, she had seen more than enough of Holly Vance’s true colors. It was a testament to her rationality that she didn’t just write everyone off.

He knew about the Vance Family’s affairs.

Looking at her indifferent expression, Samuel Ford’s fingertips twitched. He was about to say something, but then felt there was nothing to be said.

Their relationship was far from being close enough to confide in each other.

Amanda Vance clearly thought so too, paying his earlier words no mind. "When your grandfather takes his medicinal bath in a little while, I’ll have to trouble you to keep an eye on him, President Ford."

Samuel Ford snapped back to the present. "Of course. Is there anything I need to pay attention to?"

"Not really. The medicinal bath isn’t painful. If you notice the water getting cold, President Ford, just add some more hot water."

"Alright."

Mr. Ford was staying in the highest-grade suite, which had a bathtub in the bathroom, saving them a lot of trouble.

Amanda Vance quickly prepared the prescription and took it to the pharmacy, having them decoct it first to extract all its medicinal properties. After filtering out the dregs and leaving only the liquid, she poured it all into the bathtub, added water, and dipped her hand in to test the temperature before calling out, "That’s good."

She turned to Samuel Ford and said, "Thank you for your trouble, President Ford."

"Mm." Knowing she would remain this formal with him no matter what he said, Samuel Ford decided not to say anything more.

Mr. Ford had been in very serious condition and unable to get out of bed. Having regained some strength these past few days, he walked to the bathroom while leaning on Samuel Ford’s arm.

Amanda Vance also had a male doctor help them, and together they assisted the old man into the bathtub.

A thermometer was placed inside so they could monitor the water temperature at all times.

Amanda Vance went to prepare the items she would need. The Golden Needles were essential, and she also had to mix some more medicine.

Amanda Vance opened a medicine bottle and saw there wasn’t much left—only enough for this session. ’I’ll have to prepare more when I get back later,’ she thought.

As she was looking down and tidying up, she noticed a shadow pacing back and forth beside her. It lingered for quite some time, and each time it seemed the person wanted to speak but swallowed their words. Amanda Vance turned around, a little exasperated. "Mr. Lynch, is there something I can help you with?"

Seeing that she had asked, Mr. Lynch stroked his beard, smiled, and gave her a thumbs-up. "Megan, you’re as sharp as ever," he complimented.

His behavior only made Amanda Vance more confused about what he wanted.

Mr. Lynch rubbed his hands together and chuckled. "So, uh, Megan... what do you think of my medical skills?"

"You’re a national master of traditional Chinese medicine. Of course they’re excellent."

But Mr. Lynch shook his head, a pained look on his face. "And yet I can’t even save my own good friend."

As he spoke, he secretly watched her expression out of the corner of his eye.

At this, how could Amanda Vance not understand? She was amused. ’I never thought Mr. Lynch had such a childish side to him.’

Suppressing a laugh and deciding to play along, she followed his lead. "Mr. Lynch’s medical skills are incredible. It’s just that the secrets of the Nine Revolutions Needle were lost, making it difficult to perform. As it happens, I chanced upon them and learned the technique. I was wondering if Mr. Lynch might be interested in learning it?"

"Of course I am!" Mr. Lynch’s eyes lit up. This was exactly what he had been beating around the bush for. But then he hesitated. "Is it... appropriate?"

In ancient times, many traditional Chinese medicine techniques were passed down within families. Even accepting a disciple was a very solemn process. Many formulas for treating specific diseases were considered family heirlooms, and the Nine Revolutions Needle was even more precious—a miraculous technique said to be able to save anyone, so long as they still drew breath.

This was why he had been hesitating. Asking for someone’s ultimate technique right off the bat was far too presumptuous. It wouldn’t be out of line for her to call him shameless.

But Amanda Vance waved her hand dismissively. "These days, people favor Western medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine is on the decline. Part of the reason is that it’s too difficult to learn and requires a huge investment of time. Even if you hadn’t mentioned it today, I was planning to ask if you were willing to learn. You have an excellent foundation and solid skills, so you’d definitely pick it up quickly."

Amanda Vance genuinely meant it; she wasn’t just making it up to give him an easy way out.

It was better to find someone with a foundation than to teach someone from scratch.

And who was more suitable than Mr. Lynch?

Mr. Lynch had been watching her since she spoke her first word, and he could clearly see the sincerity in her eyes. She wasn’t just spouting nonsense.

He breathed a sigh of relief and admired her even more.

’This kid is truly remarkable.’

’So young, yet so open-minded. I’m the one who’s been petty.’

There was no need to say more. He puffed out his chest and promised, "I will definitely study hard."

After saying that, he felt it wasn’t enough. His eyes scanned the room, and he grabbed a cup of water. Holding it with both hands, he presented it to her with his head slightly bowed. "Megan, from now on, you’re my master. Today is a bit rushed, but when I have time, I’ll definitely hold a proper discipleship ceremony."

"There’s no need." Seeing how serious he was, Amanda Vance couldn’t help but laugh. "Just think of it as a normal academic exchange."

"That won’t do." On this matter, Mr. Lynch was especially insistent. He had already been thick-skinned, so he didn’t mind being a little more so. "Without the official status of master and disciple, how can I learn all of your skills?"

The Nine Revolutions Needle was amazing, but her other skills were just as impressive.

The medicine she had given Mr. Ford the other day was a superb remedy for strengthening one’s constitution, and its effects were excellent. He had secretly scraped off a tiny bit to study and knew right away that her attainments in pharmacology were also profound.

Her medical skills were far better than he had imagined, and not just in one single area. When it came to traditional Chinese medicine, she was an all-around genius.

So today, even if it meant throwing his old face away, he was determined to secure her as his master!

Seeing the burning intensity in his gaze, Amanda Vance paused for a moment before finally acquiescing.

Mr. Lynch immediately broke into an even brighter smile. He took the task of sterilizing the Golden Needles from her, his old face beaming like a flower, and fawned over her relentlessly. "Master, let me! How could I trouble an elder like you... I mean, trouble you with such a small task." He had been about to say ’an elder like you,’ but one look at her and he swallowed the words.

’Elder my ass, she’s in the prime of her life. She’s young!’

Since he insisted, Amanda Vance couldn’t be bothered to refuse and turned to prepare the medicine instead.

When Samuel Ford emerged with Mr. Ford, they were greeted by the sight of Mr. Lynch trailing after Amanda Vance, calling her "Master" repeatedly while doing this and that for her, acting like a complete sycophant.

The other doctor was also staring at the scene in shock. ’Is... is that really Mr. Lynch? I must be seeing things. Everyone in the hospital knows Mr. Lynch has the worst temper and the most pride. When has he ever smiled so obsequiously?’

He stared blankly at the scene, his mind struggling to process it.

He couldn’t help but rub his eyes again. ’Am I hallucinating? Why would Mr. Lynch be trying to suck up to a young girl?’

Hearing the noise, Amanda Vance turned around. Noticing their stunned expressions, she simply nodded her chin toward the bed and said, "Put him on the bed."

"Mm." Samuel Ford came to his senses and carried Mr. Ford toward the bed.

In front of so many people, Mr. Lynch felt no embarrassment at all. He followed beside Amanda Vance and asked, "Master, what’s the next step?"

Amanda Vance checked Mr. Ford’s pulse. "It’s time for acupuncture. The rest of you can leave for now."

Mr. Lynch, carrying his medicine kit, turned to Samuel Ford and the other doctor. "Did you hear that? She said for you to get out."

Samuel Ford was fine; his face was, as usual, an emotionless mask. The other doctor’s expression, however, was quite a sight. His god-like worship for Mr. Lynch was slowly dissipating, replaced by the crushing feeling of a shattered idol.