Chapter 7 Selling The Formula

Back then, although Torin didn't agree immediately, he began to take notice. Eventually, while in jail, he studied the formulae of two kinds of medicines. One was for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. The other was a medicinal ointment beneficial for women's skin care. Once the call connected, Torin got straight to the point. He greeted Sawyer, “Mr. Youngblood, I have a highly effective treatment formula for Type 2 diabetes.” Sawyer was overjoyed. “Dr. Yelton, have you had a change of heart? That's wonderful! As long as you're willing to share the formula, you'll receive thirty percent of the profits from this medicine in the future!” Torin replied, “I only want twenty-five percent of the profits. Convert the remaining five percent into cash and give it to me now.” Sawyer was taken aback and said, “Dr. Yelton, if you need money now, I can give you an advance.” “It's fine. Just do as I say.” Torin didn't want to be beholden to anyone. Sawyer pondered for a few seconds before saying, “If this medicine is commercialized, it could generate a yearly sales revenue of at least ten billion, with two to three billion in profit. Given the standard price-to-earnings ratio of fifteen in the pharmaceutical industry, its future market value could be at least thirty billion, thirty percent of which is nine billion. However, Dr. Yelton, this is a significant sum of money, and I don't have much cash on hand. I can pay you three hundred million now at best. Once the medicine is on the market, I can pay you the remaining amount. How does that sound?” Three hundred million? Torin once learned from Preston that Hofcaster's Mercer family had a net worth of just over a billion. With three hundred million of his own, at the very least, Zinnia wouldn't have to suffer alongside him. After a moment of consideration, he agreed. “All right.” Sawyer was a savvy businessman, and he naturally wouldn't just part with three hundred million for nothing. He chuckled and said, “Dr. Yelton, I have a few friends who aren't in the best of health. If you have the time, could you perhaps see to their treatment?” Torin was a doctor, and saving lives was his duty. Without giving it much thought, he said, “Sure.” Overjoyed, Sawyer exclaimed, “Fantastic! Dr. Yelton, I'll come over right away to sign the contract with you!” Sawyer lived in the state capital, Yarwood, over two hundred kilometers away from Hofcaster. Three hours later, he arrived in Hofcaster with his secretary and lawyer, ready to pay a visit to Torin. When Sawyer walked through the door and saw two people kneeling before it, he was slightly taken aback. It was quite intimidating when the miracle doctor lost his temper. Sawyer was invited into the main hall, where Torin casually said, “My place is rather humble. Please have a seat.” At fifty-five, Sawyer had a penchant for traditional suits and hand-welted shoes. He often found amusement in toying with an agate bead in his hand, while an olive wood bracelet graced his wrist. Upon seeing Torin, Sawyer hurried forward and grasped Torin's hand. “Dr. Yelton! True greatness lies in the presence of the extraordinary. You, sir, are indeed an extraordinary being of this world!” Torin chuckled and replied, “You flatter me, Mr. Youngblood.” He glanced at Sawyer and added, “You look well. It seems you've made a full recovery.” Overwhelmed by emotion, Sawyer said, “Dr. Yelton, without your exceptional medical skills, I would have visited the Grim Reaper long ago.” With a wave of his hand, Sawyer's secretary approached, cradling a gift box. Sawyer opened the box to reveal a vintage ginseng. With a smile, he said, “Dr. Yelton, I acquired this a year ago at an auction. It's said to be a rare, three-centuries-old ginseng.” Torin took the ginseng and gave it a quick glance. As a successor of the art of medicine, he had his way of determining the age of the ginseng. He chuckled, “This should be a five-centuries-old ginseng.” Sawyer was elated. “Five hundred years old? So, Dr. Yelton, does that mean I've struck a good deal?” Torin explained, “Ginseng typically only grows for a few decades, with century-old ones being quite rare. Generally, only ginseng that has mutated can live for several centuries. We doctors refer to century-old ginseng as commander ginseng. Those over three centuries old are called marshal ginseng, and those that have survived for five centuries are known as king ginseng. One king ginseng is worth ten marshal ginseng.” Sawyer laughed heartily. “I shall gift this king ginseng to Dr. Yelton!” Torin said, “With this king ginseng, I can create a medicine that promotes longevity and well-being. I'll give some to Mr. Youngblood when it's ready.” Laughing, Sawyer replied, “Sure. I'll wait for Dr. Yelton's medicine.” Afterward, Torin skimmed through the contract and promptly signed it. He soon received a check for three billion, which could be cashed at any major bank within the country at his convenience. Torin promised to go to Sawyer's pharmaceutical factory to formulate the medicine within a week. After creating the original drug, he would then conduct tests to examine its efficacy. Sawyer had matters to attend to, so he excused himself right after signing the contract. At that time, Torin's medicine was ready. He poured it into a bowl and fed it to Silas. Silas had been listening to the conversation from his room. After finishing his medicine, he asked, “Who visited, Torin? Were you guys discussing business?” Torin nodded. “He's the head of a large pharmaceutical company worth billions, Silas. I have a formula that can help him make money. So, we decided to collaborate. We set up a company together, where I provide the formula while he provides the resources.” Silas' eyes widened in surprise. “So, the three billion he gave you was actually real?” Torin chuckled and replied, “Of course. Silas, I promised you and Yvette a comfortable life. I'll make sure Yvette lives happily like a little princess.” Silas couldn't believe his own ears. A wave of joy soon followed his shock. He laughed, saying, “That's wonderful. You're a capable man, Torin. I can now rest in peace.” Torin refuted seriously, “Silas, you won't die. Instead, you'll live a life far better than most.” As he spoke, he continued to massage and apply acupuncture to Silas until the latter eventually fell into a deep sleep. At that moment, Yvette brought a glass of water and handed it to Torin. She smiled and said, “Uncle Torin, you must be thirsty. Have some water.” Torin took the cup, smiling as he praised, “You're so kind, Yvette.” Just after finishing his drink, the sound of a car echoed from the entrance. Following that, a familiar voice rang out, “Mr. Yelton, I've brought something for you.” Torin stepped out of his house only to find Charles had arrived. He was busy moving things into the yard. accompanied by his two subordinates. The dignitaries and wealthy business magnates Torin had treated continued to express their gratitude by showering him with numerous gifts. Surprisingly, their accumulated tokens of appreciation had amounted to quite a lot. Torin smiled and said, “You've worked hard, Charles. Please, come inside.” Charles chuckled and replied, “There's more outside. I'll move them all inside.” After the gifts were placed in the house, Torin suggested, “Let's have lunch together before you leave, Charles.” Charles waved his hand dismissively. “I have some unfinished business at the prison, Mr. Yelton, and I can't leave for long.” Torin didn't insist. Instead, he asked, “Charles, during the years I was in prison, my girlfriend repeatedly applied for visitation but was never approved. I never received the letters from my family either. Could you look into this matter to see if someone has been intentionally causing trouble?” Charles was livid. “How could that happen? Rest assured, Mr. Yelton, I will definitely investigate this thoroughly once I return!” After seeing off Charles, Torin dialed Zinnia's number once again, and this time, the call finally connected. “What's the matter?” On the other end of the phone, Zinnia's voice sounded icy. Hastily, Torin apologized, “I'm sorry, Zinnia. I misunderstood you.” Beep. Beep. Upon hearing Torin's voice, Zinnia immediately hung up the phone. Momentarily startled, Torin tried to call her back, but Zinnia refused to pick up. After seven or eight failed attempts, he sighed and decided to send her a text message instead.