Chapter 216: Chapter 216: International Eccentric Doctor
Compared to Ann Vaughn’s youthful beauty, Sherry’s age and steadiness were more convincing.
After all, in the eyes of these people, it was unimaginable for the internationally renowned Doctor Aquarelle to be someone in their twenties, a person considered merely a newcomer to the herbalist community.
"This must be Dr. Vaughn? Your arrival truly brings glory to our humble abode." The host, Elder Morgan, approached with a wide smile, ready to shake hands with Sherry.
Sherry cleared her throat lightly, "Elder Morgan, I am Dr. Vaughn’s assistant."
Assistant?
Elder Morgan was taken aback and looked toward the woman standing in front of Sherry, whose face was as delicate as a blooming flower in the morning, only then realizing his mistake.
No wonder he was mistaken. Although the herbalist industry has been revitalized, it’s almost unheard of for someone as young as Ann Vaughn to have achieved such remarkable success.
Surprise flashed briefly across Elder Morgan’s face, but then he turned to Ann Vaughn without a hint of embarrassment, smiling warmly.
"I never imagined that Dr. Vaughn could achieve such impressive accomplishments at such a young age. Truly admirable, the younger generations are indeed formidable."
Ann Vaughn smiled slightly, showing no displeasure for being mistaken, shook hands with Elder Morgan, and said, "Elder Morgan, you’re overpraising me. Compared to all of you seasoned seniors, I still have much to learn to catch up."
Neither arrogant nor impatient, neither humble nor overbearing.
Elder Morgan assessed Ann Vaughn with a discreet look and mentally offered this eight-character evaluation.
"Dr. Vaughn, not at all. Please have a seat." Elder Morgan gestured invitingly.
The other guests nearby were surprised to hear Elder Morgan addressing Ann Vaughn with such respect.
No matter how great Doctor Aquarelle was, it shouldn’t warrant such esteem from Elder Morgan, right? After all, most of the hearsay is often exaggerated gossip.
Hasn’t there always been a lack of adept self-promoting herbalists in the country in recent years?
Half of the people still held a wait-and-see attitude toward Ann Vaughn’s capabilities.
"Dr. Vaughn truly is a rare breath of fresh air in our herbalist community." A herbalist seated across from Ann Vaughn offered a dry compliment.
The herbalists invited to the dinner were mostly older, with few women.
Ann Vaughn sitting there daintily, gave an odd feeling like a celebrity stumbling into an elderly wellness gathering.
"Elder Morgan, I have a question." A middle-aged man on the left spoke in a steady voice, looking at Ann Vaughn with gloomy eyes.
Ann Vaughn, sipping freshly squeezed juice, languidly raised her head, her bright eyes unfazed.
"Please, go ahead."
"Who among us here, including you, has witnessed this so-called Divine Doctor’s skills firsthand? It’s all hearsay. Is she really worthy of such courtesy from you?"
Elder Morgan pondered briefly, "I believe the patients won’t lie."
Rather, he trusted those patients, considering their status, would disdain telling such meaningless lies.
Either Ann Vaughn had genuine skills, or her background was terrifying enough to orchestrate such a charade with all those big shots.
"That’s not necessarily true. In my opinion, this Dr. Vaughn is just someone chasing fame without real skills to match." The middle-aged man lifted his chin, unabashedly voicing these blunt words.
Although others did not speak, they agreed with the middle-aged man’s words.
Given her age alone, and being a woman, even the most famous herbalists in S Country did not gain such widespread fame at such a young age.
After hearing this, Ann Vaughn lazily uttered an "hmm," not bothering to respond.
There were so many who misunderstood her; she’d be exhausted if she explained to each one.
"You say my doctor is just chasing fame without real skills—what evidence do you have to support this claim?" Sherry, who couldn’t remain seated, retorted to the middle-aged man.
"If Dr. Vaughn wasn’t as I’ve said, then why was she afraid to accept the Langdon Family’s invitation to treat Old Master Langdon? Was it fear, or is she just all talk with nothing to back it up?"
The middle-aged man argued confidently.
"So, you’re from the Langdon Family." Ann Vaughn’s lips curled upon hearing this, looking at him mockingly, "Are you trying to provoke me?"
The middle-aged man snorted coldly, "So what if I’m from the Langdon Family? Just from your refusal to treat a patient out of personal resentment shows your poor character! I would never agree to let someone like you join the association!"
"In front of a doctor, all patients are equal, and Dr. Vaughn’s actions are indeed inappropriate."
"Is it not said that if you truly have skills, you wouldn’t refuse such a small matter? It’s just treating a patient, after all."
"That’s not necessarily true. What if there’s another story behind it?"
The internal members of the association began arguing their different stances.
Only then did Ann Vaughn realize Elder Morgan’s intent to have her join The Herbalist Association, which was why he had invited her multiple times.
Elder Morgan had not anticipated that before he could win Ann Vaughn over, the Langdon Family would disrupt the matter.
But these people were all internal members of The Herbalist Association, and without their approval, it would be difficult for him to have Ann Vaughn join the association and assume the role of vice president.
"Dr. Vaughn, how do you respond?" Elder Morgan, unable to show favoritism toward Ann Vaughn, had to give her an opportunity to explain.
"Me?" Ann Vaughn slowly revealed a kind smile, "You may not know much about me, and that’s okay; you don’t need to know."
"But for those who come to me for treatment, I have a few simple rules."
"First, I do not treat those I do not want to treat. Second, I do not treat evil people. Third, on days I am not in the mood, I do not treat anyone."
The gentle, pleasing female voice mixed with the music, sounding very nice.
But upon closer inspection, were these even reasonable words?
Does treating someone really depend on mood? You might as well ascend to heaven.
People internally criticized her but refrained from speaking aloud due to Elder Morgan’s presence.
However, Elder Morgan felt entirely differently upon hearing these words.
The Divine Doctor was merely a glorified title for Aquarelle Vaughn within the country, but in the countries she had visited, she was referred to as the "Quirky Doctor."
The name resulted from her three specific rules for treating patients, not even a president could change her mind.
"Dr. Vaughn, how is your mood today?" Suddenly, a woman sitting at the end of the table spoke.
Ann Vaughn glanced at her and then chuckled, "Do you want to ask me to treat you? Aren’t you afraid I might not live up to my reputation?"
"Your presence here naturally signifies your skills. I believe in you."
These words left the middle-aged man looking embarrassed.
It only highlighted his petty nature and lack of insight.
Ann Vaughn nodded slightly, told the woman to leave her contact details after the meeting, then turned her gaze back to the middle-aged man, "If you still have doubts, feel free to spar with my assistant."