Chapter 21

Training

Ye Ling’s expression remained unchanged, as she forced a timid smile just like before. “I don’t know either. By the way, why did you also run for the position of pharmacy administrator?”

“Are you afraid of competing against me?” Liu Lin smiled brightly. “How can I compare to you? Your family has a medical background, and you were personally recommended by the village chief. I’m just here for the excitement and thought it would be nice to have a chance to see you.”

Ye Ling’s eyes darkened.

Why would she want to see her?

The two of them didn’t chat for long before a middle-aged man in a long gown and a refined demeanor walked in. “Is everyone here? Follow me.”

The group followed the middle-aged man and arrived at the pharmaceutical area behind the pharmacy. They saw a courtyard filled with large bamboo mats, on which various herbs were spread out. The sun-drenched herbs emitted a strong and pungent aroma.

Liu Lin immediately wrinkled her brows. “It smells terrible!”

Unlike Liu Lin’s reaction, Ye Ling’s eyes lit up with delight.

She had grown up in the Hundred Herb Hall and was most familiar with the aromas of different herbs. Even after her father forbade her from going to the Hundred Herb Hall, she had never forgotten the smell of those herbs in her memory.

At this moment, Ye Ling smelled all kinds of familiar herbs. She felt a sense of familiarity as if she had returned to the Hundred Herb Hall.

The middle-aged man walked through the mats, introducing the names, values, effects, and usage methods of the herbs to the people behind him.

This training session wasn’t only attended by people from Stone Village but also by people from several surrounding villages. At this moment, upon hearing the middle-aged man’s rapid introductions of the herbs, some people were puzzled while others displayed expressions of already knowing about them.

Halfway through, someone requested the middle-aged man to slow down. “You’re speaking too fast. How are we supposed to remember all this?”

The middle-aged man turned his head, revealing a cold smile. “If you can’t remember, then what kind of pharmacy administrator will you be? Will you need a whole day to find a prescription?”

Ye Ling pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

It seemed that this training was merely a formality. Those who lacked an understanding of pharmacology and herbal medicine would surely be unable to pass the exam, even if they participated in this week-long training.

At noon, the pharmacy provided a meal. In the afternoon, a fresh batch of herbs arrived from the northeast. The middle-aged man instructed Ye Ling’s group, along with the pharmacy staff, to begin processing the herbs.

“He doesn’t pay us. Isn’t he treating us like laborers? Ye Ling, don’t you think so?” Liu Lin said discontentedly, then turned her head to look at Ye Ling.

She had originally expected Ye Ling to agree with her just like before, but she was surprised to see Ye Ling completely ignoring her as if she hadn’t heard and had already started processing the herbs assigned to her.

Ye Ling’s serious appearance made Liu Lin look a little silly.

Why did this Ye Ling become even more foolish than before? Liu Lin felt frustrated and scornful, but she let her guard down a little and began contemplating how to proceed with her plan.

While everyone was processing the medicinal herbs, the middle-aged man responsible for the training approached and saw Ye Ling’s skilled and efficient movements. He couldn’t help but nod. “Not bad, have you done this before?”

“I’ve seen my family members handle medicinal herbs,” Ye Ling answered honestly.

The middle-aged man pointed at Ye Ling and turned to the others. “You should learn from this young girl. Being a pharmacy administrator is not only about identifying different herbs and determining their quality but also about being proficient in the various methods of handling them. Do you think it’s an easy job?”

The others directed their gazes toward Ye Ling. Some showed admiration and envy, while others displayed jealousy and wariness, secretly considering Ye Ling as a formidable competitor.

Seeing Ye Ling being praised by the middle-aged man, Liu Lin felt increasingly uncomfortable. In her view, Ye Ling was just a pretty face. Witnessing someone she looked down upon gaining attention in front of everyone, Liu Lin felt an antsy irritation creeping up within her.

“Lingling, you’re impressive. If I were as capable as you, I would become a pharmacy administrator and never have to work in the production team again,” Liu Lin approached Ye Ling, seemingly praising her but with a hint of sourness. However, she was confident that Ye Ling, with her emotional intelligence, wouldn’t be able to sense it.

Ye Ling glanced at Liu Lin and smiled foolishly. “Being a pharmacy administrator is also challenging. If you make a mistake, like giving a patient the wrong medicine, it could be a matter of life and death. The consequences would be much more severe.”

Liu Lin’s expression grew darker. She nodded in agreement outwardly but smiled maliciously in her heart. “You think things will work out so beautifully? Do you believe I would let you become a pharmacy administrator?”