Chapter 1 The Mischievous Doctor

• “Your lung cancer has been completely cured. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, you'll be able to smoke freely for another thirty years.”
• Deep within a certain primeval forest, inside a wooden cabin, a handsome young man was washing his hands as he spoke.
• In a corner of the room, against the wall, a gaunt man propped himself up on a simple sickbed. His gaze fixated on the dark substance now resting on the floor, freshly extracted from his lungs, then he exclaimed in awe, “This is truly miraculous! You are indeed the famed mischievous doctor, Finnegan Larkin, whose treatment methods are unheard of. If those orthodox scholars and professors were to see you directly removing cancer cells and tar from my lungs with your bare hands, they would surely be astounded!”
• The man appeared somewhat excited, and as he spoke, he habitually lit a cigarette and took a satisfying puff. According to Finnegan, he could enjoy this pleasure for at least another thirty years.
• The air was thick with the smell of secondhand smoke.
• Finnegan frowned slightly in annoyance. “You talk a bit too much. Also, the treatment is already done. You may leave now.”
• “You're kicking me out already? How heartless.” The man shrugged, swiftly getting out of bed.
• Despite his grumbling, he still obediently opened the door and stepped out.
• He knew of Finnegan's whimsical nature, understanding that even he, hailed as the Northern Border Ares, would not hold any special privileges in front of him.
• Outside, a light rain was gently falling. Amidst the drizzle, over a dozen individuals from the Langdon family, the wealthiest in Nuthana, were kneeling before a small wooden cabin, completely exposed to the elements.
• Upon seeing the door of the wooden cabin open, Mandy Langdon, who was kneeling at the front of the crowd, lifted her head in anticipation. However, she did not see Finnegan, which immediately filled her with disappointment.
• Yet, she recognized the Northern Border Ares before her, the one who commanded millions of soldiers. She quickly said, “Sir, could you please convey a message to Dr. Larkin for me? We have been kneeling here for a whole day and night, begging for Dr. Larkin's forgiveness!”
• The man looked at these people, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes. “How much respect do you think he will show me? Since you've offended Finnegan, you might as well kneel and wait. When he's in a good mood, he'll naturally forgive you.”
• After uttering those words, he walked straight past these people and left the wooden cabin.
• Once the Northern Border Ares had departed, Mandy finally mustered the courage and called out, “Dr. Larkin, we have been kneeling for a whole day and night. We beg for your forgiveness for our sudden offense. Please, come with me to Nuthana to save my grandfather!”
• However, after she finished calling out, there was no response from within the wooden cabin.
• Just as Mandy was steeped in disappointment, a small black bottle flew out of the cabin window. Finnegan said, “I'll let you off the hook today. I'll cure your grandfather's illness!”
• Mandy picked up the small bottle and opened it, revealing seven pills enveloped in a rich, herbal fragrance. Her face lit up with joy, and she turned toward the wooden cabin to express her gratitude. “Thank you, Dr. Larkin. Thank you, Dr. Larkin!”
• “After you return home, have your grandfather take one pill daily for seven consecutive days to help condition his body. Within ten days, I will personally visit the Langdon family to completely cure your grandfather. As for the consultation fee, please transfer one hundred million to my public account in advance. Do you have any objections?”
• The Langdon family, being the wealthiest in Nuthana with assets amounting to hundreds of billions, considered a hundred million as mere pocket change. Moreover, this matter concerned the life of Howard Langdon. The Langdon family was willing to spend any amount of money necessary.
• “No objections. We, the Langdon family, are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you, Dr. Larkin!”
• “You may leave now!” Finnegan said coldly.
• After the departure of the Langdon family, the wooden door slowly swung open. Finnegan stepped out, standing tall with a gentle demeanor. His eyes were profound, and a subtle hint of mischievous charm lingered at the corner of his mouth.
• “Nuthana, huh? I suppose it's time to return home. It's been five years, and I have no idea how Mom, Dad, and Rhiannon are doing.”
• Nostalgia filled Finnegan's eyes, and then, opening an umbrella, he stepped into the storm.