Chapter 225
“Go and check on her.” Sean glanced at Josie, stepped into the office, and then the office door was closed.
Josie was stunned for two seconds, then turned and hurried after Claire.
Outside the hospital, Josie, out of breath, stopped her and called, “Claire!”
“What brings you here?” Claire wiped the corner of her eye and forced a smile. “I’m fine. I’ve gotten used to this since I was a child. I understand her spirit of sacrificing everything for the Reedshaw family, and I can try to accept this profession and carry on the Reedshaw acupuncture technique.
“However, this does not mean she has the right to deprive me of my choice. Josie, when you joined our team, I was truly delighted. It meant I had a chance to escape this field. Since she does not wish to promote the Reedshaw Acupuncture Technique or make it widely known, having one disciple should suffice. There is no need to keep me bound to her side, would you not agree?”
Josie hugged Claire and said, “As an orphan, I am unable to comprehend what it feels like to have your parents make decisions for you. Since childhood, many of my choices were made under compulsion. Whenever I have the right to choose, I am always able to make decisions for myself.”
Claire looked resigned. “Are you boasting?”
Josie shook her head. “There is nothing enviable about being an orphan. What is truly enviable is having loving parents. Claire, I can see that Professor Wilcourt loves you very much. She makes decisions for you, but maybe it’s for the wrong reasons. I understand your desire to develop yourself and pursue your own interests. But try not to argue. You can always communicate in a reasonable way. You have no idea how much I envy you for always being able to be by your mother’s side. From Professor Wilcourt’s perspective, she does not want to let down her family, nor does she want you to amount to nothing. If you leave like this, she will be heartbroken.”
Josie held Claire and said, “Would you come upstairs with me? Let’s clarify things with Professor Wilcourt. Whether you want to change your major or do something else, talk to her calmly. I might be full of myself, but I still want to say that I will continue to study acupuncture. If possible, I am willing to take your place and carry on this legacy.”
“Are you sure about this?” Claire had never encountered someone so foolish. She continued, “Acupuncture is a niche discipline, and given my mother’s attitude toward this matter, you may never achieve any success in your lifetime. You will serve solely as a conduit for passing down the Reedshaw Acupuncture Technique. You are prohibited from profiting from it, conducting any groundbreaking research with it, or allowing it to become widely known.”
Josie shook her head and said, “Professor Wilcourt simply dislikes the media, but never said it couldn’t be known by more people. As long as more people are willing to learn acupuncture, there will always be achievements. Moreover, have you forgotten our current research project, which is the application of acupuncture in surgical procedures? This constitutes our research direction. With a clear direction, why should we be concerned about lacking achievements? Would you agree?”
Claire does not possess Josie’s courage. She said, “I don’t want to discourage you, but I’ve always felt this is just my mother’s wishful thinking. My father is happy to go along with her and do this research, so I just don’t say anything about it. As for any achievements, I don’t dare to think about it.”
“Then don’t think about it.” Josie pulled her into the elevator and went upstairs. “Let time prove everything.”
When they returned upstairs, Delilah was already seated at the coffee table, having her meal. As the two entered, Delilah looked up and said, “Weren’t you going to run away? Why did you come back?”
Josie cast a nervous glance at Claire, fearing she might lose her temper again. However, she ultimately did not understand them well enough. Claire stepped forward and plopped down beside her. She said, “I’m your caring daughter. If I run too far, I’m afraid you’ll feel lonely, so I am back.”
“Stop joking around!” Delilah gave her a stern look. “Sit down and eat.”
Claire obediently sat down across from her and said, “Mom, Josie has promised that she will study acupuncture diligently.