Chapter 2989

She had combed Grandmother Yan’s hair and applied a fresh, lively makeup, making it look as if she were merely asleep.

Only after sending Grandmother Yan’s ashes up the mountain did Yan Xiwan break down in tears in Ouyang Tianyun’s arms.

Although she knew this was merely a transformation, she couldn’t help but cry.

This outburst actually elevated Yan Xiwan’s state of mind, helping her understand that even for mortals, parting in death is deeply sorrowful.

Even though it was a joyful funeral, the departure of a loved one meant they would never be seen again.

Mortals were not like her. If she wanted to see someone, even if they were reincarnated, she could still find them. But among mortals, the connection between people often lasted only for one lifetime.

Yet, that single lifetime allowed them to fully experience the joys and sorrows of the human world.

Perhaps for this reason, Yan Xiwan hoped that the elders in her family would remain healthy. Even if separation was inevitable in the end, it would not be too painful.

Because of this, in the days that followed, Yan Xiwan checked the health of everyone in Yan Village and the Yan family.

For those with ailments, she pointed out the issues, prescribed remedies, and advised them on how to nourish their bodies.

For those without issues, she shared tips for maintaining health.

Regardless, Yan Xiwan only wished for their bodies to be healthy.

After seeing off Grandmother Yan, they then saw off the elders of Grandfather Yan’s generation who had rushed back.

Although kinship ties remained, future interactions would likely decrease, as Yan Xiwan’s generation would primarily interact with relatives of Yan Tieniu’s generation.

The older generations would gradually drift apart.

This was the natural course of life.

Yan Xiwan and her family stayed in Yan Village until their holiday was nearly over before leaving.

Yan Zhicheng and his wife had returned earlier. Yan Zhixin and Yan Zhishan, like Yan Xiwan, had a one-month holiday, so they stayed in Yan Village and left together with Yan Xiwan.

Yan Tieniu and Wang Suyu did not return immediately; they waited until the seventh day after Grandmother Yan’s passing before heading back to the capital.

Yan Xiwan and her family had to return due to work commitments, but they also waited until after the seventh day.

Back in the capital, Yan Xiwan began working on a new project focused on breaking human limits and extending lifespan.

Mortals were ultimately mortal and would eventually die, but their limits could be broken to extend their lives.

Human life seemed to follow a pattern, primarily driven by the constant changes in vitality within the body. If the youth and prime stages of life could be extended, lifespan would naturally increase.

Currently, Peiyuan Powder mainly repaired hidden injuries within the body, thereby enhancing resistance. While this might improve physical constitution, it did not necessarily extend lifespan.

Furthermore, for future development, it was inevitable for Yan Xiwan to research new medicines.

At the same time, Ouyang Tianyun began researching various weapons or mechas needed by humans in the future.

Although their research subjects differed, their goals and intentions were the same: to make human life more complete.

However, both conducted these projects in secret, ensuring no one knew of their research until they achieved true results.

Meanwhile, Yan Xiwan began supervising her first group of graduate students.

This group consisted of four students: two Western medicine practitioners and two Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.

Naturally, Yan Xiwan also secured a teaching laboratory at the university, where she guided them in researching other medicines.

The focus was on fitness supplements. While Peiyuan Powder was good, it did not mean further improvement was impossible, so further research was needed.

“In any drug research, we must first clarify our purpose. This time, we aim to improve Peiyuan Powder primarily to help you understand medicinal herbs. Once you understand how herbs affect the final medicine, you will be able to control the subtle differences in drugs,” Yan Xiwan said. “For example, take poppy. When people hear ‘poppy,’ they think of poison that kills. However, they do not know it is one of the best herbs for making anesthetics. But the ratio must be controlled precisely. If the dosage is too high, the patient will become addicted. Therefore, as pharmaceutical researchers, we must be careful in selecting drugs and precise in dosage.”

“Teacher, I remember many people use poppy shells as seasoning,” said Zhong Zhong, the student studying Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Yan Xiwan nodded. “Indeed, some people do this. But I advise against it. Adding poppy shells can enhance the flavor of food, but it is like drinking poison to quench thirst. If not careful, one becomes addicted. Although the medicinal properties in poppy shells are mild, long-term consumption is still terrifying.”

“Yes,” the four disciples said in unison.

Yan Xiwan continued, “Let’s return to our project. Our current project is improving Peiyuan Powder. We are improving it because the current version is only suitable for soldiers in combat teams, as their bodies are better suited for it. Ordinary people are not suitable for it. Therefore, we need to improve it, making Peiyuan Powder milder and suitable for ordinary people, so that we can improve the physical constitution of all citizens.”

“Yes,” the four disciples agreed again after hearing Yan Xiwan’s words.

Next, Yan Xiwan assigned tasks to them. More importantly, she wanted them to understand the drugs.

Fortunately, these four disciples were elites among elites, so Yan Xiwan did not need to supervise them closely. They were very proactive in everything they did.

Yan Xiwan’s project slowly got on track.

One day, when Yan Xiwan returned home from work, Ouyang Tianyun was already there, cooking in the kitchen.

Yan Xiwan leaned against the kitchen door, watching Ouyang Tianyun’s back, and smiled. “They say men in the kitchen are the most charming. I didn’t believe it before, but now I do.”

Ouyang Tianyun was startled at first, then said helplessly, “You just can’t let me rest, can you? You know I can’t resist you, so you just tease me.”

Yan Xiwan stuck out her tongue. “No, I’m just telling the truth. You are really charming today.”

Ouyang Tianyun looked at Yan Xiwan helplessly, then said, “Alright, hurry up and set the table.”

They had just started eating when someone knocked on the door. Ouyang Tianyun raised an eyebrow slightly. Yan Xiwan said, “I’ll wash the dishes. You go see who it is?”

Ouyang Tianyun didn’t say anything and went to open the door. When Yan Xiwan finished washing the dishes and came out, three people were sitting on the living room sofa: a man, a woman, and a child.

Yan Xiwan immediately recognized the child as Junjun, whom she had saved when she returned to Yan Village last time.

“Junjun is here,” Yan Xiwan smiled.

“Auntie,” Junjun said shyly, burying his head in his mother’s embrace.