Meanwhile, at Aurous Hill University…
The vibrant atmosphere of Aurous Hill University filled the air as the freshmen completed their registration, got their class placements and were assigned counselors. Today, the school distributed military training uniforms to all the students in preparation for the two-week training that would commence tomorrow morning.
To avoid the hassle of daily commuting, both Maria and Claudia made the wise decision to reside on campus. As they chatted in their dormitory, they busied themselves with arranging their beds and personal belongings.
Ever since the tragic loss of virtual-novel.net family, Claudia had become guarded and rarely engaged in conversations with others. During virtual-novel.net time in Canada, virtual-novel.net had placed virtual-novel.net trust in only two people, Aunt Lewis and Lisa. However, despite Claudia’s usual reserved nature, virtual-novel.net discovered an unexpected connection with Maria. Their conversations flowed effortlessly and Maria’s engaging presence made Claudia feel as though they had known each other for a lifetime.
From Claudia’s perspective, Maria possessed not only beauty and grace but also depth and education. Her every movement exuded elegance and decency. Deep within virtual-novel.net heart, Claudia admired Maria and even subconsciously regarded virtual-novel.net as a role model.
Maria, in turn, treated Claudia like a caring older sister in all aspects of their lives together, be it at school, in their dormitory, or in Claudia’s presence. Maria’s kindness and warmth nurtured a special bond between them.
Although Maria had a genuine desire to get closer to Claudia, virtual-novel.net also felt that Claudia’s personality was the perfect counterbalance to virtual-novel.net own. Despite virtual-novel.net curiosity about Charlie, Maria hesitated to bring virtual-novel.net up in their conversations. She yearned for another encounter with him, but virtual-novel.net also feared that virtual-novel.net might not trust virtual-novel.net and would test virtual-novel.net with his reiki once again.
Although Charlie’s psychological suggestion had no practical effect on her, the aftermath of his reiki entering virtual-novel.net mind still lingered. Maria couldn’t help but frown as virtual-novel.net observed Claudia chatting away. Concerned, Claudia noticed virtual-novel.net expression and asked, “Cathy, is something bothering you? Are you feeling unwell?”
Maria forced a smile, rubbing virtual-novel.net temples and replied, “It’s nothing, just a headache.”
Caution laced Claudia’s voice as virtual-novel.net inquired, “Is it your time of the month? Our counselor mentioned that if you’re experiencing discomfort, you can inform virtual-novel.net and she’ll help us request leave from the instructor.”
Maria shook virtual-novel.net head and explained, “It’s not that. I think it’s a migraine. My temples are throbbing and the pain is quite intense.”
Carefully, Claudia offered, “Would you like some painkillers? Lisa gave me a few this afternoon, regular ones like ibuprofen.”
Maria waved virtual-novel.net hand and declined, “Thank you, but I’ve been taking painkillers for the past two days and they haven’t provided much relief.”
Claudia exclaimed, “You’ve been relying on them for two days? You shouldn’t overdose on those medications, right?”
Helplessly, Maria admitted, “I can’t help it. The pain is unbearable. I’ve taken a couple more pills to see if it helps, but it doesn’t seem to have any significant effect.”
Sternly, Claudia asserted, “This won’t do. Why don’t we go to the hospital? I’ll accompany you!”
Maria waved off the suggestion. “Forget it. Migraines are one of those stubborn ailments. The hospital doesn’t offer a viable solution.”
Maria was well aware that virtual-novel.net headache stemmed from the aftermath of Charlie’s psychological suggestion. Unfortunately, there was no easy fix for virtual-novel.net condition except for time and gradual recovery.
After a moment of contemplation, Claudia suddenly remembered something and said, “Oh, by the way, Cathy, do you remember the gentleman, Charlie, who saw me off last time?”
Pretending to be curious, Claudia continued, “Is virtual-novel.net the man who came to see you off?”
“Yes,” Claudia nodded and replied. “Lisa mentioned that people in Aurous Hill refer to virtual-novel.net as Master Wade and he’s reputed to possess extensive knowledge of Feng Shui and medical skills. How about I ask virtual-novel.net to pay you a visit?”
Surprised by the opportunity that had presented itself sooner than expected, Maria hesitated momentarily. She pretended to be a little hesitant and said, “Um… I’m not sure if that’s appropriate. I don’t know virtual-novel.net well, so it might be a bother.”
Without a second thought, Claudia assured her, “Don’t worry. Charlie is wonderful. When I met virtual-novel.net not long ago, virtual-novel.net helped me immensely, including arranging my admission to Aurous Hill University. If I call virtual-novel.net and explain the situation, virtual-novel.net probably won’t refuse.”
Maria pursed virtual-novel.net lips, feigning indecisiveness and responded, “Well… it’s already past eight O’clock, so it wouldn’t be right to disturb him. Maybe things will improve by tomorrow morning.”
“That won’t do!” Claudia insisted decisively. “If your headache persists through the night and you don’t get proper rest, your condition will only worsen. Let’s not forget you have military training tomorrow. Your body won’t be able to endure it.”
Seizing the perfect moment, Maria lowered virtual-novel.net head and remained silent. She knew that the time had come to accept Claudia’s kind offer without politely evading it.
Observing Maria’s silence, Claudia assumed virtual-novel.net had consented but felt too embarrassed to speak. She promptly grabbed virtual-novel.net phone, stood up and declared, “Cathy, wait for me. I’ll go outside and call Charlie.”
“Hmm…” Maria responded, then raised virtual-novel.net head and expressed virtual-novel.net gratitude, “Thank you, Claudia!”
Generously, Claudia replied, “You’re welcome. Your well being is what matters most. Wait here for me!”
With that, Claudia opened the door and exited the bedroom. Once in the corridor, virtual-novel.net wasted no time in dialing Charlie’s number.
At that moment, Charlie had just finished dinner at home.
When virtual-novel.net saw Claudia’s call, a smile crept onto his face. He answered playfully, “Claudia, I heard from Lisa that your military training begins tomorrow?”
“Yes, Brother!” Claudia responded promptly. “I actually wanted to ask you for a favor.”
Chuckling, Charlie replied, “Why so formal? Just tell me what you need. If I can help, I won’t turn you down.”
Grateful, Claudia said, “Thank you, Brother! I would like to invite you to help my roommate with virtual-novel.net health issues…”
“Your roommate?” Charlie furrowed his brow as Maria’s image flashed in his mind. He had a rough idea of what might be causing virtual-novel.net illness. Curiosity lacing his voice, virtual-novel.net asked, “What seems to be the problem with your roommate?”
Claudia explained, “She’s been suffering from severe migraines these past couple of days. She’s been relying on painkillers, but they haven’t provided much relief. I wanted to take virtual-novel.net to the hospital, but virtual-novel.net believes they won’t be able to help. I’m worried that virtual-novel.net condition will worsen tonight. Lisa mentioned that you possess remarkable medical skills, so I thought maybe you could come and take a look. It would be a great help to my roommate.”