Once? Not enough

Chapter 19: Are you afraid of me?

It was not until he sensed her subtle emotions flashing beneath the surface that he regained his composure and calmly released her hand.

"Your heartbeat is a bit fast." He lifted his gaze. "What are you nervous about?"

Amy's ears instantly reddened. "I...I'm not."

Indeed, in front of a doctor, there seemed to be no secrets, not even her quickened heartbeat could be hidden from his discerning diagnosis.

"Spleen deficiency and weak gastrointestinal function," Evan continued. "Eating junk food is harmful to the stomach, especially fried foods."

Ah?

Amy hadn't expected him to be able to discern even that, pinpointing exactly what kinds of food she had consumed.

"Amy, do you often eat fried chicken?" Grayson couldn't help but ask from the side.

Embarrassed, Amy admitted, "When I'm too busy with studies, I just grab whatever's quick, perhaps a bit too often."

"That's not good at all. Your body is your capital for revolution. At your young age, it's the time to nourish your body. How could you be so careless? No wonder you're experiencing stomach pains."

Grayson frowned. "Evan, can you prescribe some stomach medicine for her? Seeing how she throws herself into work without care, she might end up eating fried chicken and fries again."

Evan typed a few words into his computer and then stated flatly, "The stomach needs to be nourished, not medicated."

He paused before adding, "But if this continues, it could lead to duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, pancreatitis, and even... gastric cancer."

The mention of gastric cancer startled Amy, causing her to look up, only to meet Evan's teasing gaze, similar to when he had previously educated her on the dangers of selling ovum.

He was scaring her again.

Amy bit her lip and nodded sullenly, "I understand. I'll eat properly."

After all, the word 'cancer' coming from a doctor's mouth had a significant deterrent effect. Being a normal person, she naturally feared death.

"Perfect timing, it's time for lunch. Amy, come have lunch with me. There's a nice home-style restaurant nearby that should be gentle on your stomach."

Noticing the time, Grayson warmly led Amy to dining.

Before departing, he casually invited Evan, "Would you like to join?"

Evan stood, "Sure."

Grayson: "??"

Had he misheard? Evan was known as a workaholic in the hospital, rarely leaving the building, let alone join for lunch.

He had meant it as a polite offer, never anticipating Evan's swift agreement.

Was this the same elusive Dr. Evan?

"Shall we go?"

Having shed his lab coat to reveal a neatly tailored white shirt beneath, Evan appeared more relaxed and subtly alluring without his tie, the two top buttons undone revealing a hint of collarbone.

Amy averted her gaze after a few seconds.

It was undeniable; the man was too attractive, drawing her eyes involuntarily, and evoking intense scenes in her mind whenever she saw him.

Her ears burned even hotter.

"Let's take my car then, all together."

Grayson, raising an eyebrow, gestured towards Amy, "Come on, Amy, let's treat Dr. Evan to a meal as a form of payment for his diagnosis."

Following behind Grayson, Amy kept her head down, deliberately avoiding Evan, even taking the passenger seat to let Evan sit alone in the back.

It wasn't that she disliked him.

Rather... she remembered his attitude.

He had blocked her, clearly wanting no further contact.

Thus, she conscientiously maintained a distance, adopting a stranger's demeanor. After all, having accepted his money, she was bound to respect his wishes.

The restaurant, nestled nearby the hospital in a commercial area, wasn't far off.

Grayson ordered lavishly, with a focus on stomach-friendly dishes, consulting Evan for recommendations.

During the meal, he took care to serve Amy, encouraging her to eat more a