18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 329

Grannyvine's vine was just an old wives' tale, Stella recounted the description of the herb, "I'm not exactly sure what it's called. It was purchased by my family from some expensive specialty shop, and they said it was a secret remedy."

Dr. Garcia chuckled in disbelief, "This herb isn't Grannyvine's vine, it's called Mountain Whisper, known for its antibacterial and itch-relieving properties for respiratory viruses. But it's incredibly finicky about its growing environment, thriving only on the edges of mountain cliffs.”

“The extreme weather on the mountains perhaps contributes to its unique medicinal properties. Cultivated versions can't hold a candle to the real thing, with less than one percent of the efficacy, which is why it never became mainstream. With industrial pollution wreaking havoc on the environment, this herb is nearly extinct. It's no wonder it's been removed from many textbooks, so it's normal that you youngsters haven't heard of it."

Stella was astonished, "I see, that's amazing."

Its harsh growing conditions made cultivation and widespread use impossible, but somehow, her Arcadia had managed to grow it. Was this a miracle, or some unspoken stroke of fate?

Stella and Jasper's healing process reinforced Dr. Garcia's belief that his research was on the right track. Short-handed as he was, he decided to keep Stella and Jasper on.

Stella continued with her autopsies, while Jasper, who had been learning a wealth of medical knowledge under Professor Stella's tutelage, assisted Dr. Garcia.

Unable to handle everything alone, Stella took on an apprentice, a worker from the research institute. She was in her late twenties, slender, with a slight limp in her walk, "Professor Stella, I'm Lindsay, I'm looking forward to working with you."

What? Stella was thunderstruck.

Even in protective gear, her gossip radar was off the charts, sizing up "Lindsay" from head to toe, "Both your legs are broken?"

Lindsay was stunned, "Yes."

With broken legs and after being swept away by a storm, she was still kicking.

The thing is, after seven years post-apocalypse, which doctor wasn't skin and bones? Although Lindsay was slender, her skin was glowing and radiant. Bentley's taste was indeed not simple.

But work was pressing, no time for bloody gossip.

Facing the gruesome autopsies that Stella once heaved at, Lindsay, though a bit nauseous, was exceptionally composed, her demeanor hinting at professionalism.

That was right, anyone who had been through Bentley's wringer and came back was a top-notch talent.

After dissecting several critical cases, all previously treated patients, they found a noticeable difference in the degree of liver and lung variation compared to those who hadn't received treatment.

Stella, with detailed autopsy data in hand, went to see Dr. Garcia, then visited Collin and Hugh.

Collin was very weak, coughing as though he might expel his lungs at any moment.

Stella handed him a jar of honey syrup, "My family made this. It seems effective. You might want to try it."

Collin wasn't sure about Stella's family financial status, but families that made a living off of herbs cultivation had grown tremendously wealthy in recent years. Without any pretense, Collin felt somewhat relieved by having landed himself a wealthy student.

After leaving Collin's quarters, Stella decided to also gift Hugh a jar.

A little kid, around five or six years old, opened the door with a childish voice, "Hello, who are you looking for?"

My goodness, Stella nearly dropped the loquat syrup in shock. This was a mini version of Bentley.

"Doctor Stella?" Lindsay emerged from the house, surprised, "What brings you here?"

"I-I came to see Professor Hugh." Why was she feeling so flustered?