"Thank you for your thoughtfulness. It's truly no trouble at all. I'm delighted to assist."

Witnessing Maria's courteous demeanor, the young man was overjoyed.

A broad smile adorned his face as he shifted his attention to Barbara.

“Now, Barbara, following our association's tradition, kindly step forward and salute to honor your mentor."

Barbara's expression darkened.

What should have been a joyous occasion was morphing into a formal affair, where she was expected to acknowledge Maria as her mentor.

This was absolutely absurd!

At this juncture, Mrs. Jenkins voiced her opinion once more.

"Maria, we're like one big family here. Let's forgo all the formalities.

After all, she's your cousin, and cousins don't engage in such rituals for each other. It doesn't align with the Jenkins family customs."

Hearing this, Barbara sported a triumphant smirk, while Maria's countenance remained devoid of emotion.

“Excuse me, madam, are you attempting to meddle in the inner workings of the Pill Alchemist Association and defy our regulations?"

The young man, not belonging to the Jenkins clan, had no intention of yielding in the face of Mrs. Jenkins.

If it were solely an internal Jenkins family issue, he wouldn't get involved.

However, now Mrs. Jenkins wished to interfere with the Pill Alchemist Association's regulations. He wasn't going to allow the declining Jenkins family to believe they could control everything.

"You... I..." Mrs. Jenkins found herself momentarily at a loss for words.

She had indeed forgotten that her authority within the Jenkins family didn't reach into the vast Pill Alchemist Association.

Something appeared to be remembered by Barbara at this moment.

Barbara hurriedly approached Mrs. Jenkins and whispered, "Grandmother, don't fret. I don't need Maria as my mentor. Our family has influential connections within the Pill Alchemist Association... Do you recall Mr. Barnes' brother?"

The "Mr. Barnes" Barbara mentioned was, of course, her mentor in the Association of Healthcare Professionals.

As for Mr. Barnes' brother, she referred to Fred Barnes, the pill alchemist who had discreetly collaborated with Barbara during the charity banquet.

While Fred may not have been a top-tier pill alchemist, he possessed the credentials to serve as a mentor.

"Yes! I'm certain Mr. Barnes would be delighted to mentor you!" Mrs. Jenkins grinned.

Preserving appearances held paramount importance.