Five years ago, she was expelled by the Jones family. If it weren't for her master's help and teachings, she might have succumbed to the Jones family's oppression and ended up like her mother.
Her master's appearance saved her family's lives, and because of this, Deanna swore that once she had the ability, she would repay her master.
Hearing Deanna agree without hesitation, her master chuckled and joked, "You agreed so easily. Aren't you afraid I'll ask you to do something bad?"
"I believe you wouldn't harm me," Deanna replied with complete trust.
After she spoke, the laughter on the other end of the phone grew louder, and a smile spread across her face.
After the laughter subsided, her master got to the point. "This time, I need you to go to Sealand and assist a friend of mine with some research. He's working on pharmaceuticals and has encountered some issues with traditional and Western medicine. I think you have a talent in this area and might offer him a unique perspective."
Deanna was stunned. She hadn't expected that helping out would involve pharmaceutical research.
"Master, while it's nice to hear your praise, have you forgotten that I didn't learn much before you left? You only left me a few books to study on my own. Are you sure you're not setting up your friend for failure by sending me?"
"Don't joke around. Even though I'm abroad, I still keep tabs on your progress," her master said with amusement. "Don't think I don't know you've become a renowned healer in Cloudmere."
Deanna rubbed her nose sheepishly. "Renowned healer? That's just talk. My skills are nowhere near yours."
"Enough flattery. What do you say about what I asked?" her master inquired seriously.
Deanna put aside her playful attitude and responded earnestly, "I won't refuse your request, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to help your friend. So it's best if he doesn't have high expectations."
"That's fine. Just go," her master replied nonchalantly.
"Alright," Deanna nodded.
The two chatted for a while longer before hanging up.
After putting down her phone, Deanna realized she hadn't asked how to contact her master in the future or if she could reach him through this number.
Lance noticed her frustrated expression and asked, "What's wrong?"
"I forgot to ask if I can reach Master through this number in the future," Deanna explained.
Lance found it amusing. "You can always call back and ask."
"Right, why didn't I think of that?" Deanna smacked her forehead, feeling foolish.
She quickly dialed the number again, worried she might miss her chance to contact him.
Fortunately, the call connected, and her master's voice came through.
"What's up?" he asked curiously.
Deanna laughed. "I forgot to ask if I can contact you through this number in the future."
"You can, but I can't guarantee I'll always answer. Sometimes I get busy and forget to charge my phone," he warned.
Deanna assured him it was fine and said, "I'll wait for you to come back."
"You will," he replied before hanging up.
Old Ashley saw Deanna put down her phone again and asked, "Was that your master?"
"Yes, she asked me to send his regards," Deanna conveyed her master's message.
Old Ashley nodded with a smile. "I'm well. Did he say when he'll return?"
Before Deanna could answer, two young voices chimed in, "Grandmaster said she can't come back for now."
"If he can't come back for now, then so be it," Old Ashley said understandingly before changing the subject. "I heard something about research. Is your master asking you to do something?"
Lance also looked at Deanna curiously.
He had overheard the conversation and planned to ask after dinner but was glad Old Ashley brought it up first.
Seeing their expectant looks, Deanna didn't hide anything. "Master can't come back right now, so she wants me to assist a friend of his with some research. I've agreed and will leave in a couple of days."
She turned to Lance apologetically. "I don't know how long I'll be gone. Can you help manage the company while I'm away?"
"Of course. Don't worry about it. I'll take care of the company and home," Lance smiled supportively.
Relieved and touched by his words, Deanna said, "I'll handle things quickly and return as soon as possible."