Chapter 290

Josie was so tired that she could not keep her eyes open. She didn’t go back to school and just slept at the Reedshaw family.

She was awakened by hunger and, upon checking the time, found it was 1:00 PM. She was extremely fortunate that there were no classes scheduled that day. She composed herself, tidied up thoroughly, and went downstairs.

Upon reaching the stairway entrance, she heard voices coming from downstairs.

Claire said, “Grandma, do you think I made a mistake by choosing to give up acupuncture at this time?”

Gale said, “There is no right or wrong in life’s choices. What matters is a clear conscience. Ask yourself: Would you regret not changing your major? Do you really like acupuncture? Are you willing to devote your entire life’s effort to this obscure academic field, despite its slim prospects? Claire, in the Reedshaw family, your mother is the only one who is so stubborn. You do not need to follow her example. Simply choose what you truly like. Do you understand?”

Claire nodded, appearing to understand only partially.

Jeremy emerged from the inner room and said, “Your grandmother is right. You can choose any major you like. Your mother no longer insists that you stay in this major, so you don’t need to feel such a heavy burden. Mom, is there anything to eat? I’ll have a quick bite before heading to the institute.”

“You stayed up all night last night, and you still plan to go to the institute today? Can’t you take a day off?” Gale cast him a reproachful glance, then turned to instruct the servant to prepare some food.

Jeremy called out, “Make a bit more. Claire, check if Josie is awake. Ask her to get up and have something to eat. In a while, she should come with me to the institute. I am not sure what has happened, but the director insisted that I go over.”

A look of delight appeared on Claire’s face. She asked, “Could it be about the papers? I noticed today that as soon as your two papers were published, they were enthusiastically received and strongly sought after. Many experts actively joined the discussion. They are probably going to be very popular.”

Gale waved her hand and said, “Whether it is popular or not is irrelevant. What truly matters is whether it can advance the development of research in traditional medicine and contribute to the treatment of diseases. Claire, please check if Josie has woken up. If she is awake, have her come down to eat something. If she is still asleep, let her continue sleeping. Leave the matters in the institute for your father to handle.”

Jeremy nodded. “That’s fine.”

At this moment, Josie had already come downstairs. She said, “Gale, Professor Wilcourt, Claire, I’m up. I’ll accompany Professor Wilcourt to the institute!”

“That’s perfect. There’s no need to call Delilah. Let her sleep a bit longer,” Jeremy breathed a sigh of relief.

Jeremy was exceptionally devoted to his wife. Although he seldom expressed it verbally, his affection for Delilah was evident in the details of everyday life.

Josie thought, ‘No wonder they could raise a daughter as warm as Claire. I am truly envious of this family. I really like the Reedshaw family!’

After a brief meal, Josie and Jeremy went together to the research institute. Upon arriving at the entrance to the director’s office, they met Audrey and her group.

Audrey asked, “Professor Wilcourt, when did your team get your results? How come you published your paper without saying a word? Are you afraid we might beat you to it? Trying to keep it under wraps?”

Josie’s expression darkened. She said, “Mrs. Kinberg, if you can’t tell the difference between being low-key and being sneaky, you should look it up in the dictionary. Professor Wilcourt, don’t pay attention to her. Let’s go.”

Jeremy, who had just been defended by a child, smiled broadly. He said, “Mrs. Kinberg, please don’t mind. Josie is still young and only knows how to speak the plain truth!”

“You…” Audrey, who had always been accustomed to ridiculing Jeremy, was talked back to for the first time. She felt so frustrated that she was about to explode. Unfortunately, Jeremy had already entered the director’s office, leaving her with no outlet for her frustration.

She thought, ‘It’s Josie again. Why is this bitch everywhere?’

Recalling the paper she had seen earlier, with Josie’s name prominently listed as the primary author, Audrey felt her frustration deepen. She thought, ‘Why is Josie so lucky?’