Chapter 9: The Cause

1206 Words
Lillian, wearing a surprised expression, asked her sister, "Sis, is he really my future brother-in-law?" Flora, frustrated, furrowed her eyebrows and shook her head repeatedly. "What brother-in-law? Don't listen to his nonsense. He's the doctor I called..." Hearing that he wasn't, Lillian muttered under her breath, "I knew you couldn't find a boyfriend like that. How could he ever match up to you?" "Lillian, I just saved you. It's fine if you don't help me in front of your sister, but why throw cold water on me?" Oliver complained discontentedly. Lillian playfully pouted and, looking at her sister, proudly said, "Of course, he doesn't match up! My future brother-in-law should be tall, strong, handsome, gentle, considerate, and, of course, wealthy. He should protect my sister and pamper good her. Unlike this scruffy-looking guy..." With a dismissive glance at Oliver, she continued. In fact, this was not just Lillian's opinion; any friend familiar with Flora would believe that a woman as talented and beautiful as Flora deserved a boyfriend who was nothing short of a prince charming—wealth being just one of his many qualifications. Refusing to accept this, Oliver immediately retorted, "I can certainly protect your sister. I'll even throw in some protection for you, little sister." Watching the two bickering, Flora intervened, saying, "Enough, both of you. Lillian, go back to school immediately, and don't worry about other matters. I'll deal with that guy. As for you, hurry up and prepare the medicine. We're going to Grandpa's house." Hearing Flora's instructions, both Oliver and Lillian exchanged a glance, dared not to say much, and followed her orders. On the way to the Carmen family mansion, Oliver observed Flora, who remained silent and seemingly troubled. Unable to hold back, he asked, "What's the matter with the cosmetics project at your company that your sister mentioned today?" Flora was indeed worried about this matter. Upon hearing Oliver's question, she replied, "It's not just our company's issue. It concerns the entire Carmen family. Originally, Carmen Group was supposed to be the agent for Yadé's cosmetics. My cousin Brook was in charge, but after investigating Carmen Group, they felt we lacked experience in this field and refused to cooperate. My grandfather was furious, so Brook recommended me to him and asked me to take charge of the project." As soon as Oliver heard this, he immediately understood. Brook knew that this project was extremely challenging and that he couldn't handle it, so he deliberately let Flora take over. This way, he could pass off the responsibility to her and let her bear the brunt of the blame. Flora couldn't help but sigh. Then she asked, "Why are you asking me all this?" Without much thought, Oliver quickly replied, "Of course, I want to help you..." In Flora's heart, she was sure that Oliver couldn't be of much help. However, Oliver's words still warmed her heart. For so many years, she had carried everything on her own. The outside world thought of her as an indefatigable career woman, but deep down, she had always longed for someone to shield her from the storms of life. Of course, that someone could never be someone as scruffy as Oliver! "Forget it, you can't help, but thank you anyway!" Flora said, letting out a sigh. Oliver shrugged and remained silent, but he was quietly contemplating the situation in his mind. After a short while, the two arrived at the Carmen family. Inside the Carmen family mansion, there was still a lively atmosphere, giving the impression more of a banquet than a place where someone was seriously ill. Since Oliver treated Old Carmen yesterday, his condition had stabilized significantly. However, the Carmen family members attributed this improvement not to Oliver's efforts but rather to Dr. Jasper's timely use of medicine. When Flora and Oliver entered the ward, disdainful eyes followed them, and nobody bothered to greet them. Even those who would usually acknowledge their presence remained silent. Ignoring the hostile atmosphere, Oliver took Old Carmen's pulse. Flora anxiously asked, "How is Grandpa?" Ignoring Flora's question for the moment, Oliver examined Old Carmen and walked around the bed, suddenly seeming to have a realization. Speaking as if to himself, he said, "No wonder the illness keeps recurring. It's because of this reason..." Although the bystanders couldn't understand Oliver's muttering, they scoffed and sneered, convinced that he couldn't possibly cure Old Carmen. Dr. Jasper, in particular, immediately chimed in, "Stop pretending to be mysterious. We don't know what you gave him yesterday, but it caused a sudden high fever last night. If it weren't for timely medication, things could have taken a turn for the worse!" Oliver had anticipated the fever as a normal reaction to the treatment, but he didn't bother explaining. Dr. Jasper added, "I've said it before, traditional Chinese medicine is just witchcraft, all tricks to deceive people!" Unfazed, Oliver smiled and looked at Dr. Jasper, asking, "What if I cure Mr. Carmen today?" Dr. Jasper shook his head repeatedly, saying, "Impossible! Even if you cure him, you can say whatever you want. But what if you fail?" With a smirk, Oliver responded, "If I fail, I'll kowtow to you and admit my mistake. Moreover, I guarantee never to appear here again. But if I succeed, you must publicly acknowledge the traditional Chinese medicine and you are a disrespectful person!" Dr. Jasper was overly confident, believing that Oliver couldn't possibly cure Old Carmen, especially not today. "Alright, I agree!" Seeing Dr. Jasper's consent, Oliver glanced at Brook, who still wore a disdainful expression. In Brook's mind, he was already envisioning the glorious future of steering the Carmen family. Oliver spoke coldly, "And you, Mr. Carmen, don't forget, if I cure your grandfather, you'll have to kowtow and apologize to Flora!" Brook sneered, showing no intention of engaging in conversation with Oliver. In his eyes, Oliver was just a beggar from the street. Talking to him would be beneath Brook, the future heir of the Carmen family. Without wasting more words, Oliver took out his three silver needles. Unlike yesterday, today he targeted the Lung Palace and Union Valley points, specifically addressing the lungs. While Oliver performed acupuncture, Flora administered the medicine she had prepared to Old Carmen. Just as the medicine went down, Brook's voice came from behind, "Flora, let me tell you. If anything happens to Grandpa, you two are the culprits. Don't blame me for being unforgiving." Ignoring Brook, Oliver swiftly manipulated the silver needles. Suddenly, sounds of gurgling emanated from Old Carmen's stomach. His pale complexion gained a hint of rosy color, and then he unexpectedly vomited dark blood. Flora, about to approach and wipe her grandfather's mouth, was preempted by Brook. Holding tissues, Brook wiped away the dark blood. Suddenly, Old Carmen slowly opened his eyes. When he first saw Brook, his expression turned from surprise to joy. Trembling, he said, "Brook, is it... is it really you? I thought I'd never see you all again..." As the eldest son and grandson of the Carmen family, Old Carmen cherished Brook the most. Brook immediately ingratiated himself, saying, "Grandpa, it's me! Don't worry, you're safe. I've brought you the best doctors in the country. It's them who saved you."
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