Chapter 116
Barry expected Lay to put Claire through some kind of test, but he didn’t see this coming at all.
“Claire’s eighteen now, right? At your age, if you have someone to recommend you, you can already take the licensing exam p>
Lay glanced at her. “How long do you think you’d need to prepare for the exam p>
He didn’t bother to hide his concern. “The patient with bone cancer is already in the late stages. If it takes too long for you to get ready, I’m afraid he might not have that long left p>
From the way Lay spoke, Claire could tell he thought there was no way she’d be able to get her medical license any time soon.
“If we try to pull strings and get me a recommendation now, the timing’s going to be really tight,” Claire admitted, not trying to sugarcoat it.
Una, who had been listening nearby, jumped in right away. “I can help with that. Finding someone to give a recommendation slot isn’t a problem p>
“And honestly, you don’t even have to wait until you have the license in hand to start helping with research and treatment,” Una continued. “Once you pass the exam, getting the actual license doesn’t take long p>
Lay nodded thoughtfully. “That’s true. As long as you pass the exam, that’s what matters p>
The actual license could always come later.
“That just sounds like a hassle and a waste of everyone’s time,” Claire said, shaking her head and politely turning down Una’s offer.
Lay studied her, his eyes a little doubtful. “You’re not worried you won’t pass, are you p>
“If that’s what’s going on p>
“No,” Claire cut him off before he could finish. “That’s not it. I just don’t think we need to make it so complicated p>
Lay’s face turned serious. “You still need a medical license. If someone reports you for practicing without one, we’d all get dragged down with you p>
“You’re absolutely right,” Claire agreed. “Which is why I already got mine. Ages ago, actually p>
Lay started to nod, then did a double take. “Wait, say that again p>
“My medical license,” Claire repeated. She reached into the deepest pocket of her backpack, pulled out a slim booklet, and set it on the table in front of Lay.
He opened it up and stared. It was the real deal, complete with the official stamp. No way this was fake.
The photo showed Claire looking even younger than she did now.
Una took the license to check for herself, and her eyes widened. It really was Claire.
She handed it over to Professor Barry, who just smiled like none of this surprised him at all.
“I’ve always said there’s always
someone out there who’s better at something Barry said with a small smile. “The world isn’t short on geniuses. If a genius is willing in the work, their achievements will totally blow you away p>
Una just grinned, clearly proud. She’d always admired Claire.
put
Lay, though, couldn’t hide his shock. “When did you even get this? Were you underage p>
“Yeah, I was fifteen, I think,” Claire said after thinking for a second.
Una looked at her, genuinely curious. “What made you want to get certified so early p>
“My teacher pushed me to do it p>
Claire explained. “He heard you
couldn’t practice medicine without a
license anymore, and he was
worried I’d stop training and let my skills go to waste
She paused, her voice softening. guess he probably knew he didn’t have much time left, so he wanted to make sure was set up for the future.”
Lay couldn’t help but be impressed. “Your teacher must have been something else p>
He didn’t mean anything by it, but getting certified at fifteen—and being able to take
the exam that young-was seriously impressive.
Claire just smiled, her eyes sparkling with pride. “Of course my teacher was amazing p>
Lay couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re so proud. Well, my teacher was pretty great too, you know p>
For once, Barry didn’t bother to comment on how childish his students were acting.
He just cleared his throat and brought them back on track. “Alright, you passed the licensing hurdle, but there’s still our own assessment left p>
He turned to Lay. “I hear your acupuncture skills are something special, Claire.” Lay looked at her, curiosity written all over his face.