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.

through Bentley's wringer and

noticeable difference in

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

weak, coughing as though he might expel

made this. It

financial status, but families that made a living off of herbs cultivation had grown tremendously wealthy in recent years. Without any pretense, Collin felt somewhat relieved by having landed himself a wealthy student. After leaving Collin's quarters, Stella decided to also gift Hugh

years old, opened the door with a

syrup in shock.

from the house, surprised,

came to see Professor Hugh." Why was

virus rampant, Lindsay couldn't invite Stella inside, "Professor Hugh's

good for coughs. Give it to Professor Hugh

curiosity got the better of

it wrong. Professor Hugh is my

wondered if Professor Hugh

of the student-teacher bond, Stella had the sudden urge to shake Professor Hugh awake: Get a grip, she belongs to Bentley,

it was just a thought;

Jasper, Stella and Cooper showed no

bore the strain, weakened and breathless with the slightest exertion-recovery would take

was served, but with the constant influx of patients, how much could actually reach the doctors'

never to rise again, and even

aged rice, batches of cured fish and meats, beans, soybeans,

or shared it with patients, that was none of her business. It was her gesture of gratitude; without