Excessive anger could worsen a heart condition, and seeing his wife cry so hard clearly shattered the old man.
"Don't cry, don't cry… I just hate taking those medicines," he muttered in panic, "every time I take them, my head spins and my whole body feels awful."
"But… you still have to take them," the old woman said anxiously, brows twisted in worry.
"It might be the side effects of the medication," I said quickly as I pulled out a small prescription pad from my pouch. "Here, this is a cardiovascular-protective prescription using modern supplements. If you want, you can try it. If you don't, that's fine too."
My handwriting flowed smoothly across the page, neat and calming to the eyes.
The old woman received it like it was treasure.
"Young girl, you've helped us so much… tell us how much we owe you."
I froze, horrified. I only wanted to save him how could I take money for it?
"No need for payment," I waved both hands quickly. "I'm just helping someone in need. That's all."
The old woman insisted, and we went back and forth until the ambulance finally arrived.
I breathed a long sigh of relief.
Before being lifted into the ambulance, the old man suddenly pressed a business card into my hand.
"If you won't accept our money," he said, "then at least take this. If you ever need anything, call us. Anytime."
"Yes, sir." I smiled and tucked the card away.
The ambulance siren wailed sharply, whee-ooo and in moments it disappeared down the wide street.
Halley led Becgie over to me, bright-eyed and chattering,
"Angel, you were amazing! You just poked around a bit and saved someone's life like magic!"
I bent down and hugged the big dog.
"He was saved because treatment was in time. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to do anything."
"But it was still impressive! I've seen many doctors try emergency treatment, but none were as skilled as you."
Halley gestured wildly, his eyes sparkling, he looked exactly like Becgie begging for treats.
Honestly, it was too similar.
"Stop praising me or my head will explode," I said, lifting one of Becgie's paws and tapping it lightly against Halley's shoulder.
Halley caught the paw and stroked it carefully.
"This dog is fierce but gorgeous. The coat color is so pure. Is it yours?"
"It's kept by Mr. Anderson," I answered casually. At this point, after all the explosions online, there was no point hiding it.
Halley almost choked.
So it was Mr. Anderson's dog. No wonder its coat looked so perfect.
"So it really belongs to Mr. Anderson…" he mumbled, then hesitated. "Your relationship with him… is it real?"
I put Becgie down and shrugged.
"It's exactly like what was said on Facebook."
Halley opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again, unsure what to say.
I understood why.
A freshman student living under the same roof as a domineering, blood-soaked CEO.
It sounded more like a script than real life.
"Surprised?" I teased.
He nodded vigorously.
"It's not that surprising. Some things in life just… aren't up to us."
I turned my head. Buildings reflected in my eyes like upside-down drawings.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Halley blinked cluelessly.
I only smiled, offering no explanation.
Sensing I didn't want to talk about it, he changed the subject immediately.
"Angel, you're so good at emergency treatment, can you fix leg injuries too?"
I tilted my head at him.
"That depends. What caused it, how serious, how long ago… if it involves nerve or structural damage, it's hard to say."
"What if it was caused by a bullet? If someone's leg became disabled after being shot?"
Halley licked his lips, eyes suddenly urgent.
I stared at him for a couple seconds before answering calmly,
"It depends on the location and depth of the injury. I'd have to see the leg before I know whether treatment is possible."
"I… see…" Halley lowered his eyes, lost in thought.
I nudged Becgie lightly with my foot, then asked,
"Is it a friend of yours? A family member? If they want treatment, bring them to me sometime. I can take a look."
Halley seemed conflicted, but still replied softly,
"…Okay."
Seeing he didn't want to elaborate, I didn't press further.
Foot traffic around us began to thin, but shops grew busier lunchtime rush hour.
I pulled out my phone and checked the time.
No wonder all the restaurants were filled.
"Angel, let me treat you to lunch," Halley suggested.
I was about to agree... Then something inside me snapped awake.
Last time I casually ate lunch with Halley…
Captain had snapped like a wild animal, and I'd ended up stabbing him in self-defense.
I was seconds away from never seeing daylight again.
Never again.
Never ever again.
I instantly waved both hands.
"No way! Mr. Anderson just texted he told me to go home for lunch. Next time, okay? Next time I'll treat you."
The moment I invoked Captain's name, Halley didn't push any further.
He only nodded.
"Alright. But next time, you have to treat me."
"Sure," I said vaguely, having no idea if that "next time" would ever come.
I tugged Becgie away.
At a turn in the road, I spotted a clothing shop window.
Inside were all sorts of casual outfits, fresh, youthful, full of energy.
Exactly the kind of clothes I loved.
Across the street, a girl in a flowing white dress stood elegantly at the intersection.
The hem fluttered like white sakura petals.
Her long legs were wrapped in golden heels; soft brown waves fell over her shoulders.
Her skin glowed like polished jade, her whole temperament serene and refined like watercolors from an old Tuscan painting.
"Miss William, look! Isn't that dog over there Mr. Anderson's?" someone beside her asked.
Miss William raised her eyes, frowning lightly.
"I doubt it. Why would Mr. Anderson's dog show up in a place like this?"
Her voice was soft, pleasant, flowing like a small spring through someone's heart.
"But it looks just like his dog…" the woman murmured, still unconvinced.
Miss William smiled gently.
"You only saw it once."
The woman instantly shut her mouth.
I had no idea that someone across the street was longing after Becgie.
I only turned away, my red skirt swirling behind me in a rippling line.
Under the sun, my face didn't lose to hers at all.
When I arrived at the villa, Ryder, the annoying parasite was finally gone.
I happily rushed into the living room, even forgetting to take Becgie to the backyard.
"Nanny Alley, did Ryder leave already?"