With Lance's help, Deanna completed the procedures for establishing the research institute in just a couple of days.
However, she still had a lot on her plate.
There were office supplies to procure, regular staff to hire, and long-term suppliers for medicinal herbs to secure.
The first two tasks weren't urgent since there was still more than half a month before the institute's completion, giving her ample time.
But the last task, finding suppliers for medicinal herbs, was crucial.
Since they were working with traditional medicine, they needed a steady supply of high-quality and rare herbs.
As everyone knew, the best sources for these herbs were usually controlled by branded pharmacies or herb traders. Getting a share from them wasn't easy for most people.
Fortunately, Deanna wasn't just anyone.
Besides having the Mercer Group backing her, she also knew two or three old and well-known medical families. So what was difficult for others was relatively easy for her.
That day, she arranged to meet with Old Hughes and Old Wright.
Both had heard about Deanna's efforts to set up the research institute and had a pretty good idea why she wanted to meet them.
As soon as they met, they got straight to the point.
"I asked to meet you both today because I hope you can introduce me to your medicinal herb suppliers," Deanna said directly.
Old Hughes laughed and pointed at Old Wright. "See, I told you. This girl invited us for this very reason."
Old Wright ignored his smugness and turned to Deanna.
"We anticipated this and have already prepared for you," he said, handing her a document.
Old Hughes seemed annoyed. "You're so cunning! Didn't we agree to tease Anna a bit before giving her the documents?"
"I changed my mind when I saw how pleased you were with yourself," Old Wright replied, urging Old Hughes to hand over his document as well.
Reluctantly, Old Hughes handed his prepared document to Deanna.
Deanna was surprised to find that these were supply contracts from Hughes Pharmacy and Wright Group. She was so moved that she didn't know what to say and could only express her gratitude.
"Thank you both for preparing so much for me. When the research institute yields results, I will prioritize collaborating with you."
After all, the institute wasn't hers alone, and this was the best promise she could make.
Old Hughes and Old Wright understood her intentions and waved it off with a smile. "Collaboration is secondary. Just discussing medical techniques with us is the best reward."
Deanna nodded in agreement.
With the business settled, the three of them delved into a passionate discussion about medical techniques.
Old Hughes and Old Wright were both highly skilled in their field, and combined with insights Deanna had recently gained from Lionel, their discussion was intense and absorbing. They didn't even notice when night fell.
It wasn't until Lance called that their conversation was interrupted.
"Have you eaten? When are you coming back?" Lance asked with concern.
Deanna glanced at Old Hughes and Old Wright and replied somewhat sheepishly, "We got so engrossed in our discussion that we forgot to eat. We'll grab something soon, and then I'll head back."
"I haven't eaten either. I'll come over and pick you up, and we can all eat together," Lance said before hanging up.
Deanna stared at her phone in surprise.
This was the first time since they had been together that Lance had hung up on her.
She also sensed a hint of displeasure in his tone.
But she understood that Lance was just upset because she hadn't taken care of herself.
Old Hughes and Old Wright noticed her expression and teased, "That must have been Lance."
Their certainty made Deanna look up and smile. "He said he'll come pick us up for dinner."
"Dinner? Old Wright and I can manage on our own. We don't want to be third wheels," Old Hughes said mischievously.
Old Wright nodded in agreement. "You go have dinner with Mr. Mercer. Old Hughes and I still have some medical techniques to discuss."
Seeing that both elders insisted, Deanna agreed to meet another day.
Shortly after, Lance arrived at Hughes Pharmacy.
Deanna waved goodbye to Old Hughes and Old Wright before getting into the car.
As soon as she got in, she noticed Lance's tense jaw and knew her earlier suspicion was correct.
Feeling guilty, she rubbed her nose and moved closer, wrapping her arm around his. She tried to find a topic to lighten the mood. "Old Hughes and Old Wright said they wanted to give us some alone time, so they won't join us for dinner. I thought we could invite them another day. What do you think?"
Lance found her attempts both amusing and exasperating.
Ignoring her attempt at small talk, he raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you remember what you promised me before?"
Hearing this, Deanna felt even guiltier.
"No matter how busy you are, you must take care of yourself and eat on time."