"So, what's your plan now?" Benjamin looks at Ava with a mix of sympathy and curiosity. He used to think she was just a gold-digger, but now he sees she never really wanted to be with his dad.
Ava yawns, "What else can I do? Just keep it simple. If I find a guy I like, I'll marry him. You think I'm gonna stay single forever?"
"Whoa, that's not what I meant!" Benjamin laughs, "A hottie like you staying single? That'd be a crime!"
Ava shoots him a glare, "Watch your mouth, kid. Show some respect to your elders, got it?" She starts laying down the law about respect.
"Oh, do you know Henry?" From what Ava said, Benjamin didn't catch any weird vibes from his dad before he died. He remembers the business card he found in his dad's office. Maybe this Henry guy knows something.
Ava thinks for a moment, "Nope, never heard of him. What's his deal?"
"He's a lawyer!" Out of nowhere, Ava drops a bombshell suggestion, "Benjamin, if you really wanna dig into your dad's death, maybe you should switch up your strategy!"
"Why?" Benjamin's puzzled, not getting her drift. Ava breaks it down, "If your dad's death was an accident, no matter how hard you dig, you won't find a killer. But if there's more to it, you gotta look at it from another angle. People kill for money or personal beef. Maybe it was for cash, or maybe a business rival. Or maybe your dad knew something he shouldn't have."
Growing up in a rich family, Ava's seen her share of drama, so she's got some solid insights on this stuff.
Benjamin was blown away by Ava's analysis and realized he had totally underestimated her. He always thought she was just a pretty face with a big chest, but turns out, she had brains and a killer perspective too.
"So, where should I start digging?" Benjamin asked Ava, swallowing his pride. He didn't care about the process, just wanted to get to the bottom of his dad's death. He was ready to do whatever it took, even if it meant stepping out of his comfort zone.
Ava coughed a couple of times, "I'm kinda thirsty!" Benjamin got the hint right away, "Mom, you thirsty? Lemme grab you some water!"
He didn't want to bicker over small stuff. Even if she was messing with him, he had to suck it up.
As Benjamin walked away, Ava smirked, thinking how obedient and sensible he was. Having a grown-up son like him wasn't too shabby.
Benjamin came back with a glass of warm water, but he sneakily added something to it. After giving it a shake, he handed it to Ava, "Stepmom, here's your water."
"Good boy!" Ava beamed. She loved calling him her son; it gave her a weird sense of pride.
After taking a sip, Ava started, "Figuring out your dad's death isn't that hard. First, find the person he trusted most at work. Usually, that's his secretary, but I don't know who that is."
"You'll have to figure that out yourself. The company's on lockdown, and the office is empty. It won't be easy. Second, don't rush. Focus on your life first, get a job, and investigate on the side. It's more practical."
Ava's advice was spot on. She wasn't worried about Benjamin slacking off. Even though her salary wasn't great, she could support him. She was thinking about his future; he needed to hustle and not drown in sorrow.
After mulling it over, Benjamin thought Ava's advice was solid. Finding the truth was crucial, but it needed patience. Rushing wouldn't help.
"Stepmom, is your hospital hiring?" Benjamin asked.
Ava almost choked on her water, surprised, "Do you know medicine? Did you study abroad?"
"Yeah, I did!" Benjamin had studied both traditional and Western medicine for four years with an old Chinese witch doctor in Celestoria.
The old guy was like a mentor, a master in both fields. His insights were on par with Western experts.
But the old man was a bit of a wild card, always bringing women home, even at his age, making them scream at night. He even encouraged Benjamin to find a woman.
"What's your specialty and which department do you want to join?" Ava asked, curious.
After thinking for a bit, Benjamin said, "I'm pretty good in all fields, but I' m probably best at gynecology. Are you looking for doctors in that department?"
His mentor was a gynecology expert, so Benjamin's knowledge was top- notch, but he was also good in pediatrics and internal medicine.
Ava laughed, "You actually wanna go into gynecology!"
Ava let out a nervous laugh, "Benjamin, are you for real? You actually know about gynecology?"
Even though she knew there were male gynecologists and nurses, picturing Benjamin as one was a stretch.
"Got a gynecological issue? Let me check it out, maybe then you'll believe me!" Benjamin knew Ava was skeptical, so he figured actions would speak louder than words.
Ava felt a mix of embarrassment and anger, snapping back, "You're the one with the gynecological problem!"
Right after she said that, her stomach started acting up, and her face turned pale. She thought, "Oh crap, I must've eaten something bad."
Too embarrassed to explain in front of Benjamin, she brushed him off, Forget it, I'm not arguing with you. I'll remember what you said and ask at the hospital tomorrow. You should get some rest too!"
Benjamin chuckled to himself, knowing the laxative was kicking in. He put on a concerned face and asked, "Mom, what's wrong? Why'd you go pale all of a sudden?"
"You wanted me to get you water, didn't you? Regretting it now, huh!" Ava didn't suspect Benjamin had anything to do with her stomach ache, thinking he was genuinely worried.
She felt a bit touched but couldn't show it, "I'm fine, you go rest. Your room's ready, no need to crash on the couch."
"Oh really? I see something off in your face. Should I diagnose you, stepmom?" Benjamin said it on purpose, knowing exactly what was happening to Ava.
Her stomach made another weird noise, and she almost couldn't hold it in, "No need, I'm really fine!"
Benjamin figured he'd teased her enough and didn't want to push it, so he left her room. As soon as he was gone, Ava rushed to the bathroom.
Back in his room, Benjamin noticed all the bedding was new, probably bought by Ava after work. Everything was neatly set up, giving a homey vibe. He felt a bit guilty for spiking her water earlier.
He heard the toilet flush from the bathroom. Benjamin went out and poured another glass of water for her, this time adding a remedy. Otherwise, she'd be up all night.
"Here, drink some hot water!" Benjamin handed her the glass. Ava looked at him gratefully, suddenly thinking he wasn't so bad. She had wanted to mess with him because he barged in earlier and saw her showering, which really ticked her off.
"Thanks!" At that moment, Ava didn't see Benjamin as a son but subconsciously as a man.
Benjamin flashed a charming smile, "No biggie, you're my mom, it's what I should do."
The good vibes between them started to grow.
The next day, the first thing Ava did after work was head to the gynecology department head to ask about a job.
They needed someone because a doctor was on maternity leave. Ava immediately recommended Benjamin.
The department head was in his forties, pretty young, with black-framed glasses, looking smart but serious, "Male gynecologists aren't rare these days. I care more about skills. Have him come to my office, I'll interview him personally. If he's good, he can intern for a while. If he does well, I'll push for him to stay."
In the hospital, the department head's power is pretty significant, almost like a deputy director, especially for department matters. It's basically their call.