Sean stared at Josie and said, “Eleanor almost became Grandpa’s last disciple back then. If it weren’t for Uncle Elliot, she would have been the one with access to the attic in the backyard.”
Josie was silent for a moment. Then, she asked, “So, Eleanor returned to the country for the medical books in the Reed family’s attic? Was this also Lonnard’s goal back then?”
Josie felt a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite describe. She felt like she had been a backup option from the very beginning.
“No!” Sean quickly denied her words. “At least Auntie doesn’t think his terms are like that. Auntie wanted to take you as her disciple from the start!”
Seeing the urgency on his face, Josie couldn’t help but laugh. “Why are you telling me all this?”
“I was afraid you’d hear things you shouldn’t and overthink, making you unhappy!” Sean’s expression relaxed, and he raised a hand to caress Josie’s face. He said, “I don’t want you to be unhappy. You should always be happy!”
Josie turned her face and rubbed her cheek against his palm. She said, “Since the Reedshaw and Longley families have such a special relationship, what exactly happened back then that made Elliot give up Eleanor?”
Josie heard that Eleanor left Aloville several years after something happened to the Reedshaw family. This meant their breakup wasn’t due to the Reedshaw family’s issues, so something must have gone wrong between them.
Sean reached out and pulled Josie into his arms. “I was afraid you’d overthink and be unhappy, but here you are, immediately worrying about others. You silly girl, don’t worry. Whatever it is, I will find out. Just focus on your own work.”
After she became a disciple, the Reedshaw family treated her no differently. With the same kindness and care as before, Josie felt much more relaxed. Her previous tension dissipated, and she gradually accepted the fact that she now had a home. If there was a difference, likely, her coursework had significantly increased.
A week later, the research institute announced the success of Digby’s experiment and the completion of the intermediate research phase. It allowed the acupuncture intervention experiment to begin ahead of schedule. Delilah packed up her research materials and went to the research institute with Josie. The initial research was conducted with great rigor and completeness. Besides Delilah and her colleagues, Claire and Sean also set aside their tasks to join them at the research institute. They had just walked into the research institute building when they ran into David and his group. They heard that David’s research officially started. Today was their first day in the lab. Neither side was willing to budge. As they were locked in a stalemate, a person emerged from behind David. It was Digby who came to welcome them.
He said, “Hello, Professor Wilcourt. I’m Digby George. We met once at the project kick-off meeting before!” Digby acted as if he hadn’t noticed David and the others, stepping in front of them and extending his hand to Delilah. Delilah politely shook hands with him.
Digby then said, “Professor Wilcourt, you’ve recruited a great student. Our experiment was able to succeed so quickly, largely thanks to Josie!” Digby looked at Josie. “Josie, I always keep my word regarding what I said earlier. My lab welcomes your guidance anytime before this project ends!”
This remark, made by an experienced researcher to a senior undergraduate medical student, was truly a tremendous compliment. People wondered how excellent Josie was for Digby to say things like that. Everyone present was too shocked to speak.
Delilah smiled modestly. “You flatter her, Digby. Don’t praise Josie so highly. She is still young and should be focusing on her studies. She wouldn’t presume to offer you any guidance. You truly flatter her!”