Chapter 24

Perhaps, in the near future, she would be willing to tell him herself.
…
On the outskirts of the city, Juniper stood frozen, the old woman’s words echoing in her mind: “My home is just a small farm in the suburbs.”
But what stood before her was a sprawling manor, thousands of square feet of architecture nestled amidst babbling brooks and lush greenery. It was as beautiful as a hidden paradise, and she estimated it was worth at least a couple hundred million. And this old woman called it a “small farm”?
Just then, the old woman emerged, a wide smile on her face, and warmly took Juniper’s hand. “My dear miracle worker, you’re here!”
“Hello, Madam,” Juniper greeted with a slight nod, her demeanor polite and demure.
“Madam? That’s so formal!” The old woman beamed, her eyes drinking in the sight of the girl-the simple hoodie, the hair cascading over her shoulders, her fair and delicate features. She was absolutely delighted.
“Just call me Grandma, like my grandson does.”
Hmm? Like her grandson does?
The implication left Juniper a bit bewildered.
“My old man was complaining about not feeling well this morning,” the old woman said, leading Juniper inside while spinning a bald-faced lie. “We might need a bit of your time today to have you take a look at him!”
“Of course.” A healer’s duty was to save lives. Besides, the old man and woman were around her grandfather’s age. Seeing them always made her think of him.
In the bedroom, the old man lay in bed, feigning illness and taking cues from his wife’s expressions. He coughed convincingly every now and then. As Juniper placed her fingers on his wrist to take his pulse, the old man spoke up.
“Thank you so much, little one.”
He looked at the well-behaved girl and felt a sense of satisfaction. His wife was right; she was far more pleasant than any of those overly dramatic socialites.
“You’re welcome.” Juniper offered a small smile, her gaze resting on the old man’s face. Suddenly, a wave of familiarity washed over her. She’d felt it before—that he reminded her of someone, though she still couldn’t quite place who.
…
While Juniper was occupied, the old woman slipped outside. “Where is Shanley?” “Um,” Dana hesitated, looking troubled. “The young master just called. There’s an urgent meeting at the company, so he can’t make it back just yet.”
“That scoundrel!” The old woman was furious, her frustration boiling over. “If he dares to lose me such a perfect granddaughter-in-law, I’ll never forgive him! Keep calling him!”
When she returned to the room, the examination was over.
“My dear, is my husband’s condition serious?” She asked anxiously, craning her neck to see over Juniper’s shoulder. “Perhaps you should stay the night and give him some acupuncture treatments?”
The old man’s eyes widened in alarm. He thought, “Treatments for what? You’ll be the death of me!”
“There’s nothing serious. He just needs to rest well,” Juniper explained, amused. She disinfected her silver needles and placed them back in their case. After taking her medicine, it would be difficult for him to have any problems.
“Nothing serious?” The old woman’s brow furrowed in disappointment. “How can there be nothing wrong?” she muttered to herself. “Dear, could you check him again? Or you could check me,” she offered, clutching her chest. “I think my heart is hurting.”
“Madam, your heart is on the left side,” Juniper pointed out, her expression a complex mix of pity and amusement. “You’re holding… your right side.”
She added, “And besides, you sound perfectly healthy. You don’t need a check-up.”
“Is that so?” The old woman’s smile was strained and awkward.
If Juniper left now, they would probably never see each other again. She decided to make one last-ditch effort for her hopeless grandson.
“My dear, do you have a boyfriend?”