Leo caught Dr. Rudolph’s insinuation but didn’t fall for it. He declined, saying, “Dr. Rudolph, you’re giving me too much credit. I only have some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, and I dare not show off in front of a master like you.”
Dr. Rudolph’s understanding was quite different. To him, Leo’s statement seemed to imply that with just some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, he could cure Dr. Davy’s daughter, making him and other seasoned practitioners look insignificant. Dr. Rudolph’s competitive spirit flared up.
He extended his hand in a beckoning gesture to Leo and said, “Dr. Bloomer, please come to the consultation room. We have quite a few patients today, and it wouldn’t hurt to learn from each other. Please don’t decline.”
Leo felt somewhat awkward. Despite their professional rivalry, Healnature Clinic had a good reputation in Langstel, and Leo didn’t want to embarrass Dr. Rudolph.
However, given the current situation, if he refused and left, Dr. Rudolph might come looking for him soon.
Bob, who was present, encouraged Leo, saying, “Leo, since he’s so insistent, why not show them what you’ve got? I’d like to witness your miraculous medical skills again.”
The surrounding people overheard the conversation between Leo and Dr. Rudolph and were filled with curiosity. To them, the prospect of an experienced doctor challenging an unknown young practitioner was quite unusual.
Dr. Rudolph’s apprentice, Nick Connie, couldn’t contain his arrogance. He said, “Are you afraid? My teacher’s medical skills are beyond your reach. How about this? I’ll compete with you. If you dare, that is. Otherwise, you should admit that you’re just a mediocre doctor hiding behind the banner of traditional Chinese medicine, mistreating patients!” Nick challenged Leo.
Dr. Rudolph didn’t stop his apprentice; he was eager to see if this young man, who supposedly cured Dr. Davy’s daughter’s leg ailment, had any real talent.
In such a situation, Leo couldn’t back down.
“Fine, since you’re eager to step up, I don’t mind giving you a little demonstration,” Leo decided to teach them a lesson.
Dr. Rudolph and his apprentice, Nick Connie, heard this and their expressions changed. Leo’s arrogant words were hard to bear, so they decided to teach him a lesson and show him that there’s always someone better.
People always have a natural inclination for spectacles, and even the patients who came for treatment were no exception. Upon hearing about the competition, they forgot their initial purpose and crowded into the consultation room.
The consultation room was small, and it quickly filled up. Some latecomers had to stretch their necks to get a glimpse of what was happening inside.
Dr. Rudolph and Nick took their seats at separate consultation tables. Patients lined up to receive consultations from both doctors.
As Leo and Nick began diagnosing and treating patients, Jessica and others had already enjoyed several rounds of drinks in a hotel banquet room.
Keith, who had indulged himself a bit, was finally reminded by his wife, Monica, to discuss the matter at hand. He looked at Jessica with somewhat drunken eyes and said, “Jessica, my dear little sister, I have a favor to ask.”
Jessica generously waved her hand, saying, “Keith, if you have any difficulties, just tell me. If I can help, I won’t hesitate.”
Keith’s face lit up with a smile. “I knew my little sister is the most generous and reliable. Lately, I’ve been facing some financial difficulties, and I was wondering if you could lend me some money.”
Jessica hesitated for a moment upon hearing the request for money. Her brother’s reputation was well known to her. When he said he wanted to borrow money, it often meant he was coming to ask for money without the intention of paying it back.
In recent years, Jessica had lent Keith money on several occasions, and to this day, not a single cent had been returned.
Monica, with some insight, noticed Jessica’s hesitation and quickly chimed in, “Jessica, please help your brother. He’s been facing financial difficulties lately, and he’s come all the way to Langstel for help. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made a long trip here.”
While reluctant, Jessica asked, “Keith, how much money are you looking to borrow?”
Keith extended his right hand, holding up three fingers.
“Three thousand?” Jessica tentatively asked. If it was three thousand dollars, she wouldn’t have any issues lending it to him.
Upon hearing “three thousand,” Keith became somewhat irritated. “Jessica, you’re joking, right? How could I come all the way to Langstel to ask you for a mere three thousand dollars?”
“Thirty thousand?” Jessica suggested another figure.
As soon as she mentioned thirty thousand, Keith’s demeanor changed. “Three hundred thousand!”
“Three hundred thousand?” Jessica was taken aback. While she could lend her brother a few thousand or even a few tens of thousands, Three hundred thousand was a significant sum.
Seeing that Jessica was a bit hesitant, Monica chimed in, “Jessica, your Sophia is currently the CEO of a cosmetics company, and Martin is also a shareholder in a publicly traded company. Thirty thousand dollars is just a drop in the bucket for your family, but for us, it’s a lifesaver.”
Although Monica didn’t have much interaction with Jessica, she knew that Jessica had a sense of pride. At a crucial moment when borrowing money, lowering her gesture and offering a bit of flattery would be more effective.
“Aunt, back in our hometown, whenever your name comes up, everyone praises and admires you. When I was in school, because of your reputation, my classmates all thought I was a rich second-generation,” Barry followed his parents, joining in the persuasion.
Seeing that her own mother was about to be swayed by the whole family, Sophia looked at Keith and said, “Uncle, thirty thousand dollars is not a small amount. If you need money urgently, you can consider taking a loan from the bank.” Sophia’s implication was that if they needed to borrow money, they should go to the bank for it.
“Sophia, your mother and I were discussing something. You don’t need to interrupt,” Monica said when Sophia offered her input.
“Jessica, among the four of us siblings, I’ve always been the best to you. Even after you married into the Henley family, I’ve never stopped speaking highly of you,” Keith said.
“People in the neighborhood say you’re chasing after vanity, that you married into a fake wealthy family. If you lend me the money, I’ll go and show them your lifestyle in your big mansion, living like a wealthy elite,” Keith continued, targeting Jessica’s vulnerabilities.
Hearing these words, Jessica’s inner resolve did start to waver, but she was still hesitant.
Sophia gave Jessica’s hand a gentle tug and whispered, “Mom.”
Seeing her sister was still struggling, Keith decided to pull out all the stops, saying, “Jessica, if you lend me the money, I promise that when we visit our family this year, I’ll make sure you will receive the best welcome!”
This sweet-talking bombardment finally broke down Jessica’s psychological defenses, and she nodded, saying, “Alright, I’ll lend you the money.”