The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella)

Paul rubbed his chin thoughtfully, not bothering to turn and look at David as he asked, "Is this how you guys usually make your medicines?"

David hesitated for a moment, then nodded, almost automatically asking, "Is there something wrong with this way?"

"Not exactly wrong," Paul mused, "just seems a bit complicated, that's all."

David chuckled, explaining, "We're using ancient alternative medicine techniques. They make the medicines purer and more effective than what you'd typically find on the market, plus they're gentler."

Paul went quiet at the mention of ancient alternative medicine, wondering who had been leading whom down this path.

After observing for a while, Paul felt his interest wane. He had a flight booked for 7 p.m. and had come to the association to let David know he'd be away for a few days. It just so happened there was an assessment going on, and out of curiosity, he decided to stick around when David invited him.

Even though his interest had dwindled, he figured he'd stay for the whole thing.

*noveldrama

By 2 p.m., it was time for the senior pharmacist assessment. The association had only five senior pharmacists, but this year, two intermediate ones were aiming for the senior level, bringing the total to seven participants.

Devon dashed in just as the assessment was about to start, still clad in

yesterday's outfit, with dark circles under his eyes and his hair tousled. He looked even more haggard than the day before.

Conrad glanced at Devon, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. Showing up like that for an assessment, didn't he realize pharmacy work was exhausting?

Conrad soon turned away, calmly rolling up his sleeves and organizing the medicinal ingredients on the table next to him. As he eyed the ingredients, a determined look crossed his face.

He was set on outshining Devon in this year's assessment.

Wasting no time, Conrad picked up the ingredients and started grinding them into powder. Compared to the others, who were still mulling over what medicine to create, his actions were quick and decisive, like he'd already mapped out his plan.

Meanwhile, Devon was still hesitating, staring at the pile of ingredients. It wasn't until fifteen minutes into the exam that he finally picked one up and began working.

The ingredients for this assessment weren't anything special; most were pretty ordinary. Though there were no strict rules about what to make, the limitations on ingredients made the assessment tougher, especially for senior pharmacists. Crafting an A-grade or higher medicine from these common ingredients was a real challenge.

Except for Conrad, who seemed to have it all figured out, the other pharmacists looked like they were struggling, including Devon.

Standing not too far away, the vice president kept shifting his gaze between Devon and his own apprentice. Watching Devon's sluggishness, as if he was scared of messing up, he couldn't help but compare him to Conrad.

With a slight smirk, the vice president leaned towards David and remarked, "Devon seems off today. What's up with him?"

David kept his cool, though inside he was mentally cursing his apprentice. Clearing his throat, he replied, "He's probably been going without sleep for a couple of days preparing for this assessment."

Feigning surprise, the vice president said, "That's some dedication. Looks like he's pretty confident about this year's assessment."