Chapter 10
The car fell into a brief silence. Suddenly, a thought crossed Kylie’s mind, and she spoke up, breaking the quiet atmosphere. “Mr. Vance, I have something to take care of. Could you drop me off at the bus stop up ahead?” Samuel cast her a cold, skeptical glance, his tone laced with impatience and mockery. “You’re just a nobody from the countryside who just arrived in Seaville. What could you possibly have to take care of?” The bus stop was just ahead, and beyond it lay a shopping center. She probably hadn’t shopped enough earlier and used this as an excuse to go on another spree alone. Kylie took a deep breath and said, “Mr. Vance, you have matters only you can handle, and a nobody like me from the countryside naturally has her own affairs as well.” A hint of restrained frustration lingered in her voice. Samuel let out a low chuckle. “At least you know your place.” Then, without sparing her another glance, he instructed Logan, who was in the driver’s seat, “Stop at the bus stop up ahead.” “Yes, Mr. Vance.” Tenby University was a world-renowned institution, ranked among the top ten universities globally, celebrated for its serene environment and strong academic atmosphere. After asking a few students for directions, Kylie finally arrived at the dean’s office at the medical school. “Mr. Bradford,” she said apologetically. “I’m so sorry—I should have visited you sooner, but personal matters delayed me.” Jeremiah personally brewed a cup of tea and placed it on the coffee table before her. “How is your mentor doing? A great teacher nurtures exceptional students, and meeting you in person surpasses all expectations. It’s truly an honor to have you here, Ms. Clark. Do you have any plans to settle in Seaville in the long term?” “Mr. Musk is in great health. He reminded me several times to visit you once I arrived in Seaville,” Kylie replied, lifting the teacup and taking a small sip. “I may stay here for the long run.” A woman should have her own career. Even if she married Samuel, she would never be just a housewife. “That’s wonderful! Your medical talent shouldn’t go to waste. Would you be interested in joining our medical school?” Jeremiah asked enthusiastically, immediately extending an invitation. “This isn’t urgent. Let’s discuss it after the Traditional and Modern Medicine Conference,” Kylie said. “Of course!” Jeremiah immediately handed her a folder along with a small envelope. “This contains all the information about the conference—take it home and review it. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any feedback or suggestions. And this is your invitation—I hope you’ll be able to attend and share your insights.” Kylie picked up the folder and accepted the envelope as well. “I’ll go through the materials carefully. As for attending, I can’t say for certain just yet.” Kylie left the dean’s office after concluding their discussion. Since there was nothing pressing to do back at Hythe Villa, she decided to take a stroll around campus. It was her first time visiting a university, and everything felt fresh and exciting. No wonder it was considered the most beautiful campus in the country. In the distance, she even spotted a film crew shooting a scene. She lingered momentarily, watching from afar, but didn’t bother getting closer to the crowd. She wandered aimlessly along the path when a smooth, refreshing male voice suddenly called out from behind. “Kylie Clark?” She turned around, following the sound. A young man with striking features stood there, wearing dark sunglasses, a crisp white shirt, and jeans. The top three buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a sharp collarbone and a glimpse of cool, porcelain-like skin. His sleeves were casually rolled up, exposing a slender wrist. Leaning lazily against a towering plane tree, he exuded an effortless, laid-back charm. “Do you know me?” Kylie asked, surprised. The young man removed his sunglasses and took a few steps toward her. “Kyls, don’t tell me you don’t remember me.” A flicker of disappointment flashed through his eyes before he reached out and tousled her hair with deliberate force. “It’s me—Owen Lloyd. Ring a bell?” Owen’s deep, captivating eyes stayed locked on Kylie, unblinking. “Owen?” Kylie stared at him in disbelief. “How did you get so tall? And so handsome? Don’t tell me you got plastic surgery.” “Plastic surgery? Seriously?” Owen shot her an exasperated look. “I’ve always been this good-looking, alright? I just looked different back then because I was sick and ridiculously thin.” When Owen was 13 years old, he suffered from a rare immune system disorder. His family had taken him to countless hospitals, but every doctor had deemed it incurable. Desperate, the Lloyd family had heard that Allan Musk was a master of traditional medicine. Clinging to a last shred of hope, they had sent Owen to the sanctuary where he practiced. He had lived there for two years, and once he recovered, his parents took him home. After that, they lost contact. She never expected to run into him here today. Owen glanced at his watch. “It’s lunchtime. Why don’t we grab a bite and catch up? I have so much to tell you.” “Sounds good.” Kylie was hungry, too, so she didn’t refuse. Kylie rode in Owen’s car to a restaurant. During their conversation, she learned that Owen was now a well-known celebrity and had come to Tenby University for a film shoot. “What about you? What are you up to these days?” Owen asked. “Are you teaching at Tenby University? Being a professor seems like a great fit for you—light workload, plus long summer and winter breaks.” He knew how skilled Kylie was in medicine; she was more than qualified for the job. Back then, the 13-year-old Kylie had performed acupuncture on him. The scene remained vivid in his mind as if it had happened just yesterday. “I never even went to elementary school. I doubt I meet the qualifications to work in academia,” Kylie said. “I was just here to pick up some materials.” “True skill is what really counts—just like how acting depends on talent. You’ve trained under Mr. Musk since childhood and have mastered traditional medicine. You could easily publish high-quality academic papers! Honestly, with your expertise, even teaching at Tenby’s medical school would be an understatement of your abilities.” At a table by the window in the restaurant, a woman suddenly reached out and tugged at Yvonne, who was busy cutting her steak. “Yvonne, look! Isn’t that your idol, Owen Lloyd?” “No way. He’s filming at Tenby University right now—there’s no chance he’d be here,” Yvonne replied without even looking up, continuing to cut her steak. “Hurry up and eat. I had the restaurant pack a meal for him—I’m bringing it over later. The food on set is awful; he’s definitely not used to it.” “No, seriously, look! I really think it’s him!” the woman insisted. Only then did Yvonne set down her knife and fork and glance up. The moment she saw the two people walking into the restaurant together, she froze. She had seen that face somewhere before. Quickly, she pulled out her phone and opened a photo from a WhatsApp conversation. “It’s her!” Why was she with Owen? That shameless woman—first, she had forced Samuel into marriage by taking advantage of Vincent’s illness, and now she was out flirting with other men? Worse, she had even set her sights on her idol! The woman beside her asked, “Isn’t she just some nobody from the countryside? How does she even know Owen? They look really close.” “My idol would never associate with someone like her. She must’ve clung to Owen shamelessly!” As she spoke, an idea took shape in Yvonne’s mind. A sly smile curled at the corners of her lips as she sent out the photo she had just taken.