Chapter 110

There was never any question of lowering anyone’s status in this situation.

Claire didn’t expect Barry to call her at all. Apex Hospital was one of the best, a leading military hospital, and Barry was a legend there, someone everyone respected. For someone like him to reach out personally, that said a lot.

“Claire, please don’t feel pressured. I can work around your schedule,” Barry told her.

Since she was a student, he figured she’d be busy during the week, but surely she had a free spot on the weekend.

“I can come by the hospital tonight, around eight-thirty,” Claire replied. She didn’t hesitate or try to avoid the meeting.

Even though she was in her final year of high school, and most students had to stay for evening study sessions until after nine, Claire’s situation was a bit different. She’d always been a top student. Back in middle school, she’d already gotten permission to do her evening study sessions at home. Schools made exceptions for students who consistently ranked in the top three. The only condition was keeping her grades up.

Because of that, Claire had her evenings free. She just needed to finish the first study period, and then she could head out. That session ended at seven-forty, so she’d have just enough time to get to the hospital by eight-thirty.

Claire had visited Apex Hospital once before, so she found Barry’s office with no trouble. When she arrived, Lawler was already there with Barry, the two of them deep in conversation about Daniel’s case.

She knocked softly on the door.

Both men turned to look.

“Claire?” Barry asked.

Since she’d told him she was a student, he addressed her by her first name.

“Dr. Barry,” she replied. While Barry sized her up, Claire took a moment to observe him too. She’d heard his name countless times, but this was the first time they’d met face-to-face. He looked to be in his sixties, with white hair, glasses, and a few gentle wrinkles. He seemed genuinely kind, the type of person you could trust at first glance.

“Are you a student at Apex Traditional Medicine University?” Barry asked, curious. He sometimes, taught at the medical university, but he was sure he’d never seen a girl like Claire there.

She seemed so calm and self-possessed, exactly like someone who’d been learning traditional medicine since she was young.

“No,” Claire answered and shook her head. She didn’t say which school she actually attended, and she certainly didn’t mention that she was still in high school.

“Lawler told me you were at the patient’s home when he had his episode, so you were able to do acupuncture right away p>

Barry wasn’t the type to beat around the bush. As soon as Claire sat down, he jumped straight into talking about Daniel’s illness.

Claire was happy to discuss it. Getting to talk shop with someone like Barry was a rare opportunity, a chance to learn and grow. The more they talked, the more they clicked. Lawler meanwhile, could barely get- a word in.

Eventually, Barry brought up something big. He wanted Claire to join his team and work together, combining Western and traditional medicine to treat Daniel’s bone

cancer.

That was when Lawler couldn’t hold back anymore. “Sir, I don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s too risky p>

If anything went wrong, it wouldn’t just be the patient at risk. It could ruin his mentor’s reputation too. And as for Claire, how could she join the team without the school’s official approval? People might even start to question Barry’s integrity.

Lawler just couldn’t accept that.

“Lawler.” Barry’s tone grew serious. “Is it the idea of working with traditional medicine that you can’t accept, or is it the idea of me working with Claire p>

Lawler’s face clouded. “Is there really a difference p>

“Sir, I admit I’m biased against traditional medicine, but even if you want to collaborate, shouldn’t you choose someone p>