Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Shiloh's bright eyes flickered with surprise. "You noticed? No wonder Cedric speaks so highly of you, Mr. Lloyd. Your insight is truly remarkable. You're right-l do have a condition. That's why, despite being over 80, I don't look my age."

Andrew nodded but did not press further. That was her personal business, and prying any more would have been rude.

Meanwhile, Aspen and Christina were fuming.

Aspen stepped forward, blocking their path. "Master Shiloh, I just don't understand. Why would you choose to leave with Andrew over a mere 20 million?"

Christina gritted her teeth. "Master Shiloh, we already told you-we're willing to offer you a better price. Why won't you accept our offer?"

Shiloh's expression remained calm. "It's simple. Mr. Lloyd understands what I actually need, unlike you all, who keep making empty promises without any real grasp of my practice. But most importantly, Cedric told me that Mr. Lloyd is a remarkable physician. So I thought, perhaps he might be able to help me with my condition."

Harvey, utterly frustrated, snapped, "So what, Master Shiloh? You think Andrew understands you just because he's offering money? And only 20 million, at that?"

Christina scoffed. "Master Shiloh, you are someone devoted to your spiritual path. What could Andrew possibly understand about that? If anything, I believe I can have a far deeper discussion with you. After all, we both have aspirations-we're dreamers with real goals!"

Shiloh shook her head and smiled at Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, they're blinded by illusions. Would you mind helping them see the truth?"

Andrew nodded. "It would be my pleasure."

Looking at Aspen and Christina's darkened expressions, as well as Harvey's tense demeanor, Andrew calmly began to explain.

"First of all, Master Shiloh isn't practicing some untouchable, mystical path like you imagine. In today's world, there are no gods, no immortals, none of those fantasy ideals you're chasing."

He continued, "There's only reality-things like food on the table, money to survive, and the struggles of everyday life. You all came to this monastery, but did you even notice how rundown it is? Master Shiloh isn't just practicing her teachings- she's also filming videos and posting them online. Have you ever wondered why?"

Harvey hesitated before answering stiffly, "Isn't it to educate people about wellness and healthy living?"

Andrew smirked. "Maybe partly. But the real reason is simple-she's trying to make a living. Am I right, Master Shiloh?"

Shiloh chuckled. "Absolutely. I make short videos for views and income."

Christina looked stunned. "It's really that simple?"

Shiloh nodded. "That simple."

Aspen still refused to accept it. She clenched her fists and said angrily, "With your reputation, Master Shiloh, if you needed money, you wouldn't even have to lift a finger. People

would line up to give not

"Why go through all this trouble, living a frugal life here in The Southern Highlands? And why settle for Andrew's 20 million when you could have so much more?"

Shiloh's tone remained indifferent.

"First of all, I don't like acceptingnoveldrama

handouts. I am not a beggar.

Second, 20 million is not a small amount. More than that would serve me no real purpose.

"And finally Mr. Lloyd is a miracle

doctor. He might be able to treat my condition. You, on the other hand, cannot. It's as simple as that. Mr. Lloyd, let's head down the O mountain."

Andrew grinned. "Of course. Right this way, Master Shiloh.