Chapter 401
“Are you ready to talk?” Sean raised an eyebrow at her.
Josie pouted. “I never said I wasn’t willing. It’s just that my dream used to be to treat illnesses and save lives, to save more good people, and now…”
“It’s to drive all the bad people in the medical community out of the field, then tackle more medical challenges, and become a researcher useful for medical development!”
Josie sighed.
She said, “Sean, when I was little, as long as I worked hard and did a lot, I could eat my fill. Sometimes, people would even be kind enough to give me some old clothes. Actually, the people in my town were poor, and clothes were scarce. Once I grew a bit older, I could really understand why they disliked me so much. It was because their lives were already very difficult. Later, I studied harder than anyone, just to earn a scholarship every year. After entering university, I started earning money. Apart from my basic living expenses, I used all my money to repay the villagers, paying them back many times over. They might hate me and have no feelings for me, but they did raise me after all. I hope my money can help them live better. But beyond that, I can’t give them anything else, and I won’t, whether that makes me cold-hearted or indifferent. Ultimately, I never developed any feelings there that could tie me down. For so many years, I never even had the desire to go back and see it.”
Sean didn’t know what to say. Although his parents weren’t by his side as he grew up, he never lacked love. He couldn’t empathize with Josie. A deep sense of powerlessness made him hold Josie even tighter. “If you don’t want to go back, then don’t. From now on, this is your home, our home!”
“Okay.” Josie turned sideways, leaning affectionately against Sean. She said, “I used to crave care and protection from others. I wished the villagers would treat me like their own children, so even if I made mistakes, I’d still have food to eat, and they wouldn’t want to beat me up. So I was especially well-behaved and worked exceptionally hard. Although it didn’t earn me gentle treatment from them later, at least I had enough to eat and clothes to wear. Later, I joined Professor Lawson’s team. I thought if I worked harder than others and did more tasks, I might be able to have a good life. However, it was only at the very end that I realized I was terribly wrong. David was not like those villagers. He wouldn’t give me preferential treatment just because I was obedient and worked hard. He and his students would only exploit me more relentlessly because of my obedience. Sean, don’t you think I was incredibly foolish?”
Sean thought, ‘They say childhood experiences profoundly influence a person’s entire life. It turns out Josie wasn’t born this obedient. She became gentle and obedient merely to survive!’
Sean’s heart bled with pain, and tears streamed uncontrollably down his face. He said, “It’s over. It’s all in the past. No one will demand your obedience or bully you ever again. With me, you can do as you please. You can even be unreasonable. You can happily do everything you want to do. Josie, I want you to live a joyful life!”
“Okay!” Josie was tired from crying. Nestled in Sean’s arms, a slight smile played on her lips. Though past experiences had made her sad, she was happy now. She snuggled closer into Sean’s embrace, found a comfortable position, and closed her eyes. “Good night, Sean!”
That night, Josie had a dream. She dreamed she returned to the village and saw her mother, who was dressed in white like an angel, looking at her with a gentle expression. She said, “Josie, Mom is so happy for you. You’ve finally found your home. From now on, be happy and joyful, forget everything in the past, and look forward. Mom loves you!”
Before Josie could step forward, her figure gradually blurred. Josie anxiously chased after her. “Wait, Mom. Wait for me!”
Suddenly, a gentle hand took hers. It was Sean.