Suddenly, it was just Mirabe and Frank left in the private room.


    Frank topped off Mirabe''s coffee cup, nced at the door, then looked back at her and said, "You know, my condition is incurable.”


    Mirabe raised an eyebrow slightly, her fingers tapping gently on the table. "Your illness isn''t caused by themon flu virus."


    Frank met her eyes, which seemed to see right through him. He was momentarily stunned but quickly realized that anyone who could diagnose his condition so urately shouldn''t be seen as ordinary.


    He just shook his head without further exnation, his gaze wandering back to the door. After a while, he finally spoke, “Regardless, thank you for keeping it from Owen. At least he doesn''t have to worry about me all the time."


    Frank had been Owen''s mentor and father figure for ten years; their bond was both professional and familial.


    Mirabe took a sip of her coffee, her voice calm and measured: "Why are you so convinced your illness... can''t be cured?"


    Frank was taken aback.


    "Some unique infectious viruses can be suppressed," Mirabe paused, avoiding technical jargon, then added, "I never joke about treating and saving lives."


    Frank was still trying to process this when Owen, having finished a phone call, returned. Noticing his mentor''s unusual demeanor, Owen''s gaze shifted between Mirabe and Frank, his expression tightening slightly.


    After finishing her coffee, Mirabe stood up. "I should be going now."


    Owen hesitated for a moment. "Let me walk you out."


    Mirabe nced at him, didn''t refuse, and then nodded at Frank before quickly leaving the room.


    Owen put on a face mask as they stepped out, and as they reached the staircase, he voiced his doubts, "Ms. Mirabe, is the virus my mentor has... not ordinary?"


    Mirabe replied calmly while walking down, "Not necessarily. It''s just that as people age, their bodily functions decline, making them more susceptible to infections. It''s normal."


    Owen felt there was more to it but hesitated before probing further. "My mentor''s illness..."


    Mirabe paused briefly, then simply said, "Don''t worry."


    Hearing this, thest bit of uncertainty in Owen''s heart dissipated. "I''ll gather the necessary herbs and blood samples as soon as possible and arrange for a doctor to collect them and send them to you."


    "Good," Mirabe nodded.


    Owen had Johnny drive Mirabe home. Watching the car drive away, he then turned and went back to the private room.


    Frank''s mind was preupied with what Mirabe had said. Now that she was gone, he looked at Owen and asked, "This youngdy, her medical skills..."


    Owen looked firmly at Frank, "Her medical skills are exceptional. If she says it can be cured, then it surely can be."


    After all, wasn''t his own healthy presence here proof enough?


    Frank took a deep breath, picked up his coffee cup, and took a big gulp, as if to calm his emotions.


    No one who is ill would not hope to get better.


    It''s only when all hope is lost that one gives up hope.


    Frank collected his thoughts, suddenly curious, he asked, "By the way, where is this youngdy from? I heard her mention the Pharmacists'' Guild. Is she a member?"


    Owen nodded, "Yes, she is. And she''s one of their best."