Chad had been inattentive long before she moved in, ignoring every hum and buzz of the city. Stephan remained oblivious. Throughout the sleepwalking episode, he never once dozed, and remained unaffected by the AI-generated events that were happening around him. They were barely bothering him.
With the foundation of two lifetimes' worth of knowledge and her photographic memory, Felicia never wasted time. From the beginning of the school year until graduation, she rapidly completed all her courses, achieving the highest grades in every subject. As a result, she graduated early, amidst the envious and even jealous gazes of her peers.
With more free time, she devoted herself fully to her clinic, busy preparing medicine and treating patients. Her reputation grew increasingly prominent. The once-thriving Harmony Medical Center had gradually faded into obscurity; now, everyone spoke of Union Clinic. As her fame spread, the clinic received an overwhelming number of consultation requests.
One day, Felicia finished applying acupuncture to a patient. She flexed her wrist, about to rest, when her assistant, Kerry, approached, looking indignant. His face was flushed, his eyes tinged with anger.
Felicia found the scene amusing. “Kerry,” she teased, “who upset you this time? You look like you’re about to explode.”
Kerry’s gaze flickered uneasily. “It’s nothing,” he replied. “Just two uninvited guests. I’ve already sent them away.”
“I see,” Felicia said, pouring herself some water, not pressing the issue. As Union Clinic’s reputation grew, being pestered by troublemakers became routine. Felicia trusted her team, allowing them to handle minor issues independently.
Kerry, for example, when he first applied, was barely in his early twenties, but he was quick-witted, hardworking, and never complained about errands or odd jobs. Even now, as a lowly assistant, he was a veteran of the clinic, having been there since its inception.
After setting down her glass, Felicia noticed Kerry was ready to refill it. “No need,” she said, flexing her wrist as she prepared to step outside for air.
Kerry blocked her path. “Ms. Fuller, it’s about to rain. Perhaps you should stay inside?”
Felicia raised an eyebrow, her gaze locking onto Kerry. With a forced smile, she asked, “What are you hiding this time that you don’t want me going outside?” Her expression held a subtle, inescapable pressure.
Kerry glanced at her, visibly uneasy, but stood firm, determined to block her. Felicia immediately stepped aside.
Stepping outside, she understood Kerry’s strange behavior. Dexter stood at the entrance. What was he doing here? she wondered. Kerry had stopped him, but Dexter refused to leave, hoping for another chance to see Felicia.
Felicia stepped through the door. Dexter looked pleased, then his smile faded at her cold expression. Cautiously, he said, “Felicia, I don’t know where you live, so I came to the clinic. I want to… to apologize and ask if you’ll consider coming home. Your mother and I…”
His words baffled Felicia. She laughed, an angry laugh. “I don’t need that. You can apologize by leaving me alone.”
Turning, she walked back inside, ignoring Dexter’s hesitant expression and disappointment.