Chapter 1765
Sweat beaded on the researcher’s forehead as he struggled internally, hesitating for what felt like an eternity. In the end, he caved, allowing them to see the patient.
As the researcher scurried away, Karina glanced at Wilfred. “Earlier, you mentioned Dr. Carter and Professor Zeller. Who are they?”
Wilfred’s response was calm and straightforward. “Harley Carter, the person you just met. A dual specialist in internal and external medicine with years of overseas training. As for Professor Zeller, he’s a towering figure in the medical field. He’s given lectures at prestigious universities.” “Dr. Carter is his last and most esteemed protégé.”
Karina’s heart raced. “Are you talking about Tim Zeller? The Professor Zeller?”
Wilfred glanced at her, his tone neutral. “That’s him. What, are you a fan?”
Realizing her excitement might have been a bit much, Karina hesitated. Given the earlier tension, it seemed like there might be some conflict between Wilfred and the mentor-protégé duo.
While she mulled over how to respond, Wilfred casually looked away, his tone dismissive. “Admiration is understandable. His reputation speaks for itself.”
He took a few steps forward, deliberately widening the distance between them.
Karina blinked. Was he upset?
She quickly shook off the thought. Wilfred didn’t seem like the type to get angry over a few words, and besides, she hadn’t said anything offensive. If he was upset, over what? Pushing aside the distracting thoughts, Karina caught up with him.
Even though she had already observed the patient through the monitors, seeing him in person still left her in awe and sorrow.
“Dr. Wilfred, it’s been a while since you last visited,” the young man said quietly, sitting on the bed. He looked about eighteen or nineteen.
His skin was strikingly pale, devoid of any color, and his eyelashes and hair were pure white. The effect was stunning, almost otherworldly, like a snow sprite brought to life. “You’re… an albino?” Karina asked hesitantly.
The young man turned to her, and
she immediately waved her hands in apology. didn’t mean to offend! It’s just that this is my first time seeing someone with albinism. You’re so beautiful-I couldn’t help butask.”
The young man froze briefly, then set down the book he had been holding. Even this simple motion carried an inherent elegance, as if it were second nature.
He smiled faintly. “Thank you. You’re the second person to say that.”
Karina tilted her head in surprise. “The second? Who was the first?”
She assumed it must have been a close friend or relative, but the young man’s gaze shifted slowly to her side.
Standing there was Wilfred.
“It was Dr. Wilfred,” the young man said, his tone gentle.
Karina was taken aback.
Wilfred approached and began drawing blood from the young man, his chiseled, stoic features exuding precision. Yet, his actions carried a quiet tenderness.
For the first time, Karina caught a glimpse of the softer side beneath Wilfred’s cold demeanor.
It had been some time since the patient’s last blood test, and the previous results were outdated. As Wilfred studied the fresh results, his brows knit tightly together.
The young man noticed and gave a bitter smile. “It’s worse, isn’t it?”
“Yes. The rate of cell division is
accelerating uncontrollably,” Wilfred said, pressing his fingers against his temple. It was a habit Karina now recognized as a sign of either.
exhaustion or frustration. This time, it was likely both.
With the surgery approaching, the worsening condition was troubling for everyone involved. The patient’s life wasn’t, in immediate danger, but the real concern lay in those who might exploit him for further
experimentation, refusing tooved
abandon their unethical pursuits.
Sensing the heavy atmosphere, Karina tried to lighten the mood. “There’s always a solution. Don’t lose hope. And you, too-if you’ve managed albinism all these years, you can get through this as well.” She offered a reassuring smile before adding, “Think about your classmates at school and your family.”