Chapter 35: Refusal

Luo Bi's grandniece, Wu Ying, needed a capable assistant, and Luo Bi happened to be the most suitable candidate. Even though Luo Bi had a difficult temperament and lacked discipline, when weighing the pros and cons, her proficiency in understanding medicinal and spiritual plants gave her the upper hand.

If Luo Bi became Wu Ying's assistant, the benefits would outweigh the drawbacks.

"You really think too highly of me. With my current level, I'm afraid I wouldn't make a good assistant. It's better if she finds someone else," Luo Bi declined tactfully. She knew perfectly well that regardless of how close she was to Jiang Zhu and Wu Yue, the scales of psychology would tilt in the face of absolute interests.

Catching a glimpse of Wu Ying's figure entering out of the corner of her eye, the corners of Luo Bi's mouth curled slightly; she was all prepared and waiting for her.

Wu Yue's expression changed upon hearing this. Jiang Zhu, unwilling to give up, also saw Wu Ying and waved her over: "Wu Ying, come over and have a chat with Luo Bi." Sometimes, things just work out once you start talking.

Wu Yue likely thought of this as well; hearing that a customer had arrived, he took the opportunity to slip away, leaving the space for Wu Ying to persuade her on her own.

"Auntie Luo Bi." Wu Ying was sweet-talker, addressing her immediately upon meeting. With the various great families being so interconnected through marriage, there were inevitably some kinship ties between them. Calculating through the generations, Wu Ying should indeed call Luo Bi "Auntie."

Luo Bi had her own ways; dealing with a young girl like Wu Ying was naturally no problem. She smiled and asked, "When did you arrive on Planet Blaze?"

Wu Ying was neither tall nor short, with a slightly rounded figure and skin as fair and tender as her mother's. Her features resembled both her father and mother; she had been quite ugly as a child, but unexpectedly, she had grown more beautiful with age.

Wu Ying's eyes were moist and clear, brimming with intelligence. The upward curve of her mouth was quite pronounced, always making people feel as though she were smiling. She seemed to prefer casual, loose-fitting clothes; she wore a comfortable, hollowed-out cotton outfit that showed what should be shown and covered what should be covered just right, making it obvious she put a lot of thought into her attire.

"I arrived on a spaceship early this morning." Wu Ying still possessed a childish air, her voice soft and delicate, as if she were acting coquettishly. She reached out a white, tender hand to pick up a relatively small high-grade medicinal plant, her eyes flashing with curiosity: "This one is so tiny!"

It was obvious she was ignorant. Following the gaze directed at the plant, Luo Bi looked at Wu Ying and reminded her with a smile, "That is a high-grade medicinal plant." So, do not underestimate it just because it is small.

This was the interesting part of the interstellar era: an alchemist or contract master might not necessarily understand pharmacology, but they could certainly refine spiritual medicines. Conversely, those who truly understood pharmacology might not necessarily be able to refine spiritual medicines. Luo Bi was a prime example; she recognized medicinal plants and knew what illnesses they could treat, but if someone with poor health came to her, she wouldn't be able to diagnose the specific ailment.

Wu Ying put down the medicinal plant and looked at Luo Bi with blinking, pleading eyes: "Auntie Luo Bi, please be my assistant. My current assistant isn't up to the task."

Luo Bi deftly trimmed a withered branch from the plant, her mouth curling into a smile as she spoke without even looking up: "I might as well tell you the truth. Don't let my familiarity with medicinal plants fool you; I know absolutely nothing about alchemy. I tried using a Red Jade Stone yesterday, and I couldn't even guide the fire source. I definitely cannot be your assistant."

"Guiding the fire source! I can do that! As long as you are my assistant, I'll teach you how to guide it." Wu Ying perked up, her eyes shining.

"Yes, yes, yes! Let Wu Ying teach you how to guide it," Jiang Zhu said, completely abandoning her work and sitting up straight to help persuade Luo Bi.

Luo Bi shot her a sidelong glance: "Forget it. I'm just not cut out for it."

(End of Chapter)