18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 329

Grannyvine's vine was just an old wives' tale, Stella recounted the description of the herb, "I'm not exactly sure what it's called. It was purchased by my family from some expensive specialty shop, and they said it was a secret remedy." Dr. Garcia chuckled in disbelief, "This herb isn't Grannyvine's vine, it's called Mountain Whisper, known for its antibacterial and itch-relieving properties for respiratory viruses. But it's incredibly finicky about its growing environment, thriving only on the edges of mountain cliffs."

"The extreme weather on the mountains perhaps contributes to its unique medicinal properties. Cultivated versions can't hold a candle to the real thing, with less than one percent of the efficacy, which is why it never became mainstream. With industrial pollution wreaking havoc on the environment, this herb is nearly extinct. It's no wonder it's been removed from many textbooks, so it's normal that you youngsters haven't heard of it."

Stella was astonished, "I see, that's amazing."

Its harsh growing conditions made cultivation and widespread use impossible, but somehow, her Arcadia had managed to grow it. Was this a miracle, or some unspoken stroke of fate?

Stella and Jasper's healing process reinforced Dr. Garcia's belief that his research was on the right track. Short-handed as he was, he decided to keep Stella and Jasper on.

Stella continued with her autopsies, while Jasper, who had been learning a wealth of medical knowledge under Professor Stella's tutelage, assisted Dr. Garcia.

Unable to handle everything alone, Stella took on an apprentice, a worker from the research institute. She was in her late twenties, slender, with a slight limp in her walk, "Professor Stella, I'm Lindsay, I'm looking forward to working with you." What? Stella was thunderstruck.

Even in protective gear, her gossip radar was off the charts, sizing up "Lindsay" from head to toe, "Both your legs are broken?"

Lindsay was stunned, "Yes."

With broken legs and after being swept away by a storm, she was still kicking.

The thing is, after seven years post-apocalypse, which doctor wasn't skin and bones? Although Lindsay was slender, her skin was glowing and radiant. Bentley's taste was indeed not simple. But work was pressing, no time for bloody gossip.

Facing the gruesome autopsies that Stella once heaved at, Lindsay, though a bit nauseous, was exceptionally composed, her demeanor hinting at professionalism.

been through Bentley's wringer and came back

found a noticeable difference in the degree of

in hand, went to see Dr. Garcia, then visited Collin

though he might

jar of honey syrup, "My family made this. It seems effective. You might want

Without any pretense, Collin felt somewhat relieved by having landed himself a wealthy student. After leaving Collin's quarters, Stella

the door with a

nearly dropped the loquat syrup in

emerged from the house, surprised, "What brings

Hugh."

couldn't invite Stella inside, "Professor Hugh's still sick. He's

"This is good for coughs. Give it to Professor

of her, "I'm one of Professor

you've got it wrong. Professor Hugh is

dramatic twist. She wondered if Professor Hugh was the second

Professor Hugh awake: Get a grip, she belongs to Bentley, stop chasing her, it won't end well

just a thought; she wisely

recuperation, Jasper, Stella and Cooper showed no signs of relapse, and

prepared battle, but their bodies bore the strain, weakened and breathless with the slightest exertion-recovery would take

the government rationed food, a porridge of corn and lichen was served, but with the constant

doctors had fallen to the smog virus, never to rise again,

meats, beans, soybeans, and black beans were all ground into powder for easy

patients, that was none of her business. It was her gesture of gratitude; without Professor Collin and the