Chapter 212: Complex Emotions
That was the only way she could feel better. Upon seeing her state, Percival immediately poured her a glass of water, soothing her gently and saying, “Don’t recall those memories anymore. Don’t force yourself, Ray-Ray. Have some water first to steady your emotions.”
Raylee took a small sip of water, gradually regaining her composure. Her lips quivered as she said, “Dr. Shapiro, I remember a part of it. I’ll write it down for you.”
Percival patted her shoulder, continuing to comfort her by saying, “There’s no rush. Once you’re feeling better, you can write to me. If you don’t want to, that’s fine too. I’ll find a way to investigate it myself.”
“I fully support your investigation, but you must prioritize your safety,” Raylee’s voice was laced with profound bitterness. “That prison is a cesspool of filth and corruption, teeming with countless unspeakable acts. There are also numerous experiments treating people like lab mice. Essentially, once you go in, don’t expect to come out alive. Jeremiah and I are the exceptions.”
“Don’t worry. If I want to investigate, I’ll definitely have my own ways.” Percival nodded.
“Dr. Shapiro, could I possibly trouble you for another favor?” Raylee pleaded, her face twisted into a grimace. “When the pain strikes, it’s unbearable. If I go to the hospital, they’ll say there’s no cure for my condition. Could you possibly provide me with some painkillers to keep on hand?”
“No problem. I’ll get it from the lab for you later. However, you can’t just take it on your own. Every time before you take it, you need to tell me your symptoms.” Percival gave a series of instructions.
Raylee nodded repeatedly, but she didn’t want to waste a single moment. After all, it was life-saving medicine.
“Go now. I’ll jot down some of the experiments conducted in the past, as well as the medications I took back then.”
After she finished speaking, her stomach suddenly started to growl loudly. She covered her stomach in distress, saying, “Also, I’m hungry. I could really go for some chili con carne, barbecue, and crepes…”
Percival was at a loss for words. “Given your current health condition, all you can think about is food? You’re not allowed to eat anything. Wait until you’re better to eat!”
“In life, it’s essential to enjoy the present. Indulge in whatever food you crave, pursue any entertainment that you fancy, and just go for it!” Unfazed, Raylee quickly changed her clothes and dragged Percival out of the hospital.
It was one in the morning. Two full days had passed since she lost consciousness. Raylee felt incredibly hungry, so much so that she felt like she could devour an entire cow. She and Percival roamed the late-night food street, devouring everything delicious they came across, much like invaders in a village.
After a satisfying meal, the two of them cheerfully strolled out, contemplating where to go to digest their food. As Percival observed that Raylee’s spirits were increasingly lifting and her smiles becoming more frequent, his mood, too, improved. That reminded him of the scene many years ago when he first laid eyes on Raylee. Back then, she was naively vibrant. When she laughed, her two charming dimples would deeply sink in. He couldn’t forget that scene and the heartbeat that had once stirred for it.
With satisfaction, Raylee closed her eyes, her voice brimming with contentment as she said, “Having a delicious meal really lifts the spirits! Indeed, only food and love should never be let down. As for love, all I have left is my grandma’s love. For the rest of my life, I absolutely cannot let down the culinary arts!”
“Who said you only have your grandma’s love left?” Percival immediately corrected her, saying, “What about me?”
“Wow! Dr. Shapiro, you’re so kind to your patients. Your love really fills me with a sense of security!”
“Well…” Percival held his tongue. Forget about it. Some words, some matters, keeping them hidden in the heart isn’t always the best thing.
Not far off, a sports car was parked by the roadside. Having just attended a friend’s banquet, Samuel had a few drinks and was then waiting for his designated driver in the car. Suddenly, Raylee’s figure intruded his line of sight.
“Raylee? At this hour, instead of staying home and sleeping, why is she wandering around on the streets? She’s even laughing and joking with a disheveled man. It looks like they are planning to spend the night together!” Samuel muttered a series of speculations. Upon considering what they might be up to next, he suddenly became on guard. There and then, he instantly assumed the role of an older brother. After all, Raylee was the sister he had doted on for eighteen years. Hence, he naturally got worried when he saw his sister about to be taken advantage of by a brute. Without a moment’s hesitation, he opened the door, stepped out of the car, and headed straight toward Raylee.
After covering some distance, he was finally able to see clearly. The man with Raylee was none other than Percival, Casimir’s childhood friend and a medical expert.
“What? Since when did Raylee become so close to Dr. Shapiro?” Samuel was utterly shocked. He rubbed his eyes, and after he confirmed that he wasn’t mistaken, the surge of anger that had initially flared up within him instantly extinguished. In its place, other complex emotions surfaced.
At that moment, Percival needed to use the restroom and asked Raylee to wait for him. Raylee stood quietly by the roadside, waiting. After a short while, a tall figure approached her.