Half an hour later, Shen Xi removed the silver needles. Mayor Abel stretched his arms and said with a relaxed expression, "Ah—that feels so comfortable, I haven't felt this way in a long time.
And it's even more comfortable than the acupuncture session three years ago.
Dr. Shen, your acupuncture skills must have greatly improved during your return to your home country these past few months."
"Yes. It's the birthplace of acupuncture. I had access to many relevant books and could spar and learn from traditional Chinese medicine masters." Shen Xi replied with a smile as she tidied up her things.
During these past few months, although she had been very busy and accomplished much in China, she had never neglected her studies.
In the previous two years, she had treated several international dignitaries, earning worldwide fame. However, she was aware that she was a latecomer to the field and still had much to learn.
After packing her medical kit, Shen Xi was about to stand up and leave when Camila gently tugged her arm.
"Dr. Shen, don't leave. Since you're back, why don't you stay for dinner today?"
"This..." Shen Xi felt a bit torn and couldn't help but glance at Song Kaicheng.
Before Song Kaicheng could speak, Abel suddenly stood up and said, "Dr. Shen, please don't refuse. It's still early, you can chat with Camila. I have some important matters to discuss with Mr. Song."
"Since Mr. Mayor and his wife are so enthusiastically inviting us, we shall stay," Song Kaicheng said, then followed Abel towards the study.
Camila was around forty years old, but due to her good self-care and cheerful disposition, she appeared to be only thirty.
Seeing the two men disappear, Camila linked arms with Shen Xi and walked towards the door.
"Dr. Shen, come, let's take a walk in the garden."
It was springtime in Country B, with pleasant temperatures and refreshing air.
As they walked and talked, Camila soon shifted the conversation to Shen Xi's children.
"Did you find the children's father during your trip back home?"
She had long heard about Shen Xi's situation of having children before marriage and had personally seen the three adorable children.
All along, she had believed that Shen Xi's sudden departure from Country B was to find a father for her three children.
"No," Shen Xi replied after a moment of thought. "I went back primarily for work, and also to look for my younger brother."
Shen Xi did not want outsiders to know too much about that matter, as it involved the children.
"Oh. Did you find your brother?" Camila asked with concern.
Shen Xi replied, "Yes, I did."
"That's wonderful," Camila paused slightly, then patted her hand with a smile. "It's fine not to look for that irresponsible man.
However, for the sake of the three children having a complete family and experiencing paternal love as they grow, and also for your own sake, I advise you to find another man.
You are so young and beautiful, don't let this precious time pass you by."
"Thank you for your concern, Madam." After her heartfelt words, Shen Xi merely smiled faintly.
She was a little surprised, though. While she had always gotten along well with Camila, they had never discussed such topics before.
Camila stopped and continued, "Actually, there's someone close to you who is quite good. He..."
At that moment, a servant's voice suddenly came from behind them, "Madam, something's wrong, Daniel has a fever."
Both women were startled and rushed upstairs.
They entered a child's room and saw a little boy, about five or six years old, lying on the bed. His face was flushed, and his eyes were vacant. Shen Xi quickly went over to examine him and took his temperature. She diagnosed him with a fever caused by a common cold.
She gave him some medicine and told him to rest, then left the room.
At lunch, there were only four people at the table.
Mayor Abel's mental state had clearly improved compared to when they first arrived. Everyone chatted and laughed, like old friends reunited after a long time, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
As they were leaving, Mayor Abel and Camila escorted them to the door. Mayor Abel specifically instructed, "The public order in City H has been a bit unstable these past few days. Mr. Song, if you have nothing pressing, it would be best if you could personally escort Dr. Shen here every day."
On the way back, Shen Xi and Song Kaicheng sat in the back seat. Discussing the matter that was troubling Mayor Abel, Shen Xi asked curiously, "Brother Kaicheng, do you know anything about that group? Who exactly are they?"
"It's as the Mayor's wife said. They are a group of businessmen who have crossed over from the neighboring country. It appears they operate like an organization, with a unified controller behind the scenes.
But I am currently having people investigate who it is, and there are no leads yet," Song Kaicheng said, frowning.
Just then, a commotion suddenly erupted ahead, with many people gathered around. The car slowed down considerably.
Shen Xi peered intently and realized that two groups of people were fighting.
Not far from where they were, Shen Xi also spotted a familiar figure.