A Healer’s Journey (Finnegan and Nuthana)

Chapter 99

Chapter 99 Why Should I Be Afraid Of You

Adam worked fast. In less than an hour, he had prepared all the herbs Finnegan needed. There were as many as seventy or eighty types, and the combined weight was a few dozen pounds.

After that, Finnegan asked Adam to let him work in a kitchen that was not in use, found a pot, and then closed himself in the kitchen to make the topical medication-Regenerating Ointment.

It could be considered an enhanced version of an ointment for wounds. Not only could it help to heal ordinary wounds, but it could also repair damaged nerves and skin. The combination of acupuncture and the application of the ointment to the severe burns on Waylynn’s body would be effective in skin regeneration.

It was just that making it was a time-consuming process. It took a full five hours. As soon as Finnigan finished making it, he promptly transferred it into a clean container and returned to the ward.

It was unclear whether it was because of Xena’s words that Romona did not complain about getting hungry after the long wait when she saw him again.

“Old Mdm. Brown, here’s the ointment I just made. Could you help me to apply it all over Ms. Wright’s body before it cools down?”

“Sure.”

With her help, Finnegan started applying an even layer of the Regenerating Ointment to Waylynn’s body.

It itched at first, but Waylynn dared not scratch. Soon, however, she felt a cooling sensation that felt very soothing, and the unbearable itchiness gradually subsided.

There was a sense of relaxation she had not felt for five years. It felt just like it did when everything was normal.

She could not help looking toward him with surprise in her eyes. What is this ointment? It’s still steaming because it’s hot, but why can’t I feel the heat? Can he really heal me so that I can go back to normal?

Half an hour later, Waylynn finally had a layer of the Regenerating Ointment all over her body. She looked as though her body had been cast in plaster.

Then, Finnegan and Xena wrapped Waylynn up in bandages like a mummy, leaving only her mouth, nose, and eyes visible.

Once they completed that step, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, “After this, we’ll do acupuncture and reapply the ointment every few days. Ms. Wright will be as right as rain in a month.”

Romona, who had not uttered a single word, asked, “Can Waylynn really recover?”

“Are you afraid you’ll lose the bet and are thinking of going back on your word?”

“Whoever reneges is a sc*mbag. I’m just asking, that’s all,” she responded with a snort, wanting to preserve her pride.

“In that case. I’ve no obligation to answer your question. You’ll see for yourself when the time comes. I also hope you’ll continue to be just as stubborn and not beg me for mercy.”

“Don’t worry. If I really end up losing, I’ll keep my promise.”

What a shrew. Not wanting to waste his breath arguing with Romona, Finnegan said goodbye to Xena and left the ward.

Adam and Stephen had been waiting outside all this while, and they quickly hurried forward when they saw him come out. “How is it, Dr. Larkin?”

“I’ve already applied the ointment for the first time and will change the bandages a few days later. After we repeat that several times, Ms. Wright will be in fine fettle and gain a new lease on life.”

“Dr. Larkin, how can I thank you?” Brimming with gratitude, Adam was on the verge of kneeling and bowing to Finnegan.

“If you really want to thank me, we can talk about that after Ms. Wright fully recovers,” Finnegan said with a smile. Then, he quickly steered the conversation in a different direction lest Adam continue gushing with gratitude. “By the way, is Old Mr. Wright home?”

Since I’m here, I should pay my respects to the man who used to be the head of Nuthana for ten years and was ranked in Loang’s top twenty.

“Grandpa has a meal prepared and is waiting for you, Dr. Larkin,” Stephen replied.

Finnegan had not expected that Nathan would deliberately prepare food for him. In a serious tone, he said, “Show me the way.”

He followed Stephen to a courtyard on the east side of the Wright residence. A century-old banyan tree towered over the area like a giant sunshade, and under the tree was a stone table laden with dishes.

There was also an elderly man with snowy white hair sitting in an upright posture at the table.

Although the man had his back to Finnegan, the latter could sense the former’s aura of power and authority. He could also discern the man’s vigorous spirit despite his seemingly elderly appearance.

Stephen led him to stand behind the elderly man. “Grandpa, Dr. Larkin is here.”

Nathan, whose face was full of wrinkles, raised his hand and gestured for Finnegan to sit down. “Have a seat, Dr. Larkin.”

Stephen excused himself after nodding at Finnegan, knowing that his grandfather wished to speak to Finnegan in private.

Finnegan sat down opposite Nathan without hesitation. He even took his time carefully studying the man before him. However, the latter’s composed demeanor meant Finnegan could not read him.

He sighed inwardly, then said, “Old Mr. Wright, you can just address me by my first name.”

“You should eat first. You must be hungry after working hard for several hours.” Like a kindly old man, Nathan handed Finnegan a plate and some cutlery.

Sitting in front of someone who had not only raised his three sons into strong, capable men but also previously wielded absolute authority, Finnegan did feel slightly intimidated. However, he displayed no trace of timidity or nervousness as he served himself. “I’ll be tucking in first, then.”

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Then, he proceeded to tuck in heartily as though Nathan was not there.

After wolfing down three heaping plates of pasta and polishing off several other dishes, Finnegan burped and set down his fork in contentment. “Thank you for the food, Old Mr. Wright.”

Smiling, Nathan asked, “Aren’t you afraid of me, Finnegan?”

“Why should I be afraid of you?”

Finnegan’s response made Nathan’s grin widen. “There are also many outstanding individuals among the Five Great Families’ younger generation. However, even though they’re young and successful,

they’re still very cautious because of their age. They’re very careful around me. Well, take this meal, for example. They wouldn’t have dared to take a bite. In fact, they wouldn’t even have dared to sit down.”

It was all because of his authoritative air that stemmed from being in a position of power for a long time, and only those who were similar could be themselves in front of such people.

As far as Nathan could remember, he had never encountered anyone like Finnegan.

Finnegan wiped his mouth with a napkin. “It’s not that they’re afraid of you but that they respect you.”

“Oh? So, were you being disrespectful to me earlier?” Nathan asked with a meaningful smile.

Finnegan set down his napkin, and his lips curved with a hint of a smile as he replied, “On the contrary, I think this is how I can show you the greatest respect. After all, someone your age wouldn’t desire respect from afar but rather normal companionship. It’s a pity, others already have a preconceived notion of how intimidating you are, so few can be calm before you. Treating you as an ordinary old man and elder like I am now and acting freely is the greatest respect I can show you.”

There was a glimmer in Nathan’s eyes. “You’re a good kid. No wonder Dr. Aiello, someone who has never accepted an apprentice, would take you under his wing.”

Without waiting for Finnegan to reply, he changed the subject again. “However, I hear you’re willing to lead an ordinary life after returning to Jadeborough and even want to open a clinic. Isn’t that somewhat of a waste of talent and self-destructive behavior? Dr. Aiello probably wouldn’t want to see you lead such a mundane life, right?”

“Then what would you think isn’t an ordinary life, Old Mr. Wright?”

Chapter 100 Take Them Out