*****For a moment that felt like an eternity, Nicholas didn’t react at all to the old man’s question.Instead, he merely stood there with his back facing him, looking as indifferent as ever, as though he hadn't heard a single word spoken behind him.And seeing this, the Healing Sage, who had been waiting both desperately and hopefully for a response, rapidly returned to his senses.The moment he did, the memories of how he had treated Nicholas earlier surfaced vividly in his mind.While he hadn't openly insulted Nicholas or uttered a single offensive word toward him, he certainly hadn't hidden his emotions either.When Nicholas had tried to warn him earlier, not only had he chosen not to listen, but he was also certain that looks of disdain, irritation, and dissatisfaction had flashed across his face several times.He had looked down upon him from beginning to end, believing him to be nothing more than an arrogant youngster causing trouble for no reason.He had acted all high and mig

*****Meanwhile, completely unaware of the storm raging within the old physician's heart, Nicholas still wore his usual lazy expression.“Meanwhile, the reason your needle caused an adverse reaction was that you chose the wrong acupuncture point.”Nicholas's tone remained casual, as though he were pointing out something as simple as spilling tea upon one's clothes.“That final needle had stimulated his already weakened meridian.”The moment the elderly physician heard those words, his mind nearly exploded.He froze completely.Nicholas's explanation echoed repeatedly in his head like a deafening bell, leaving him momentarily unable to think of anything else.And this continued for what felt like an eternity before…‘That explains it.’An intensely bitter expression appeared upon his face as another crack formed in the confidence he had painstakingly built over several decades.He had spent his entire life refining his medical skills and had long since grown accustomed to being the per

*****Completely oblivious to the emotional storm his response had stirred inside the Patriarch’s chamber, or to the fact that he had effortlessly overturned every impression they had once held of him, Nicholas soon left the Hunter estate… or rather, the Hunter kingdom, with Jason personally driving him away.The luxurious sedan glided smoothly through the estate's winding roads before merging onto the quiet streets outside.For a long while, absolute silence occupied the vehicle.Nicholas lounged comfortably in the passenger seat, one arm resting against the window as he lazily admired the scenery drifting past.His expression remained as relaxed as ever, carrying the faint, harmless smile of someone enjoying an afternoon drive rather than someone who had just shaken one of the country's most influential families to its very foundation.Jason, however, was the complete opposite.Seated behind the steering wheel, his back remained unnaturally straight, his shoulders rigid enough to ri

*****For several moments, Jason just sat there in stunned silence, trying to reconcile the image of Nicholas he knew with the unbelievable sentence he had just heard.The contrast was so absurd that it almost made him question reality.Then, suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind.His eyes brightened in the next second. "So that's it..."A relieved smile gradually spread across his face, everything finally making sense."I had no idea Sir was interested in running a company," Jason blurted out with a chuckle, the tension in his voice noticeably easing. "Looks like the Stella Group is about to lose its position as the city’s number one enterprise."As he spoke, genuine admiration filled his tone.To Jason, that was the only reasonable explanation.Someone of Nicholas's status naturally wouldn't bother interviewing for an ordinary position.Perhaps a prestigious corporation had invited him to become its president or chairman.Whatever the case... the company fortunate enough to r

*****Maintaining the same calm, unhurried demeanor that had always accompanied him, Nicholas pushed open the twin glass doors and stepped into the ground floor of the five-story building.The moment he entered, a cool stream of conditioned air washed over him, carrying with it a delicate blend of cosmetic fragrances… pleasant without being overpowering.The reception area before him was spotless, refined, and meticulously arranged, reflecting a level of discipline that immediately distinguished the company from countless ordinary businesses.A sleek marble reception counter occupied the center beneath an elegant golden logo mounted against the wall.Comfortable sofas and lounge chairs were neatly positioned for visitors, while illuminated display shelves along both sides showcased rows of carefully packaged cosmetic products whose luxurious presentation alone spoke volumes about the company's confidence.Toward one side rested a modest yet sophisticated showroom where distinguished c