Chapter 8: Willow, Let's Go Home

Before starting his afternoon shift, Julian Kingston returned to his department and met the driver.

The driver was from the old family estate, whom Julian had temporarily assigned to transport Willow.

"Master Julian, Miss Avery asked me to hand this to you. She said it’s a gift for you."

Julian took it and immediately recognized it was traditional herbal medicine.

Giving medicine to a Traditional Medicine doctor?

She certainly had an imaginative mind.

"What gift?" Adrian Cross leaned over from the next office. "Julian, has the 'iron tree' finally blossomed?"

The entire hospital knew Julian had a cold personality. Even when he went out for entertainment, he would usually just book a room upstairs to sleep and tell them to call him when it was time to go back.

This eccentricity was jokingly referred to by others as "respectful but impolite."

Generally, he would acknowledge others' gestures of goodwill, but never too warmly.

Because of this, those in the hospital who were initially mesmerized by his appearance now kept a respectful distance.

Only Adrian had the thick skin to act as his buddy, occasionally dragging this "stiff" man out to see the world.

However, up until now, Adrian had never seen Julian accept a gift from anyone—especially not from a woman.

"Quick, quick, open it and let me see what it is."

Julian nodded, ignoring Adrian's fuss, and unwrapped the packaging.

The moment the herbs were revealed, the air seemed to freeze for a second.

"Uh... Cistanche, Epimedium, Cuscuta... Wait, buddy, are you..."

Adrian looked at Julian, desperately trying to hold back the corners of his mouth from twitching upward. "Kidney deficiency?"

"I mean, which woman is so incredible that she managed to sleep with you?" He was full of curiosity. "And after sleeping with you, she insulted you by implying you’re no good? Brave, truly brave. But it’s okay," he patted Julian’s shoulder, "these herbs are good. They’ll definitely help you regain your manly prowess!"

Julian stared at the herbs for a moment, then suddenly let out a low chuckle.

That little girl... she really was something.

He rewrapped the herbal package and spoke indifferently, "Just a child at home messing around."

"Huh? What child?" Adrian was puzzled. "Did you have a secret child out of wedlock behind my back?"

Julian shot him a glance. "Go back to work."

Adrian: "..."

Would it kill you to satisfy my curiosity for once? He returned to his consultation room, grumbling with indignation.

Once the department fell silent, Julian took out his phone.

Willow had indeed sent him a message.

She was asking if he liked the things she sent.

His thumb lingered on the screen for a long time before he replied with an unrelated question.

[What time do you finish class this afternoon?]

The reply came quickly: [Uncle Julian, I’m a bit busy today. Don’t wait for me for dinner.]

Julian: [Send me your class schedule.]

The screen showed "Typing..." for a long time. Finally, she sent over a schedule and added another sentence: [Uncle Julian, you go ahead with your business, don’t worry about me.]

Julian didn’t reply; he tossed his phone into the drawer.

...

Willow waited all afternoon, but Julian never replied.

She had originally wanted to ask if he was satisfied with the gift, but now she didn't dare say another word.

"Willow," Jace Miller sat down beside her and handed her a bottle of water. "This piece is quite difficult. Did you remember the points I mentioned earlier?"

"Yes," Willow tucked her phone away. "Thank you, Senior."

They were currently practicing a piece that Jace’s class had won a provincial award for during his freshman year. Since he had danced the center position, the teacher had asked him to come and provide some guidance.

Kingston Academy practiced separate instruction for male and female students. As soon as he arrived, the entire class was buzzing.

These dance students already had exceptional appearances, and Jace was a standout among them.

Every move he made drew the attention of many.

Sitting on the floor, Willow could already feel various unkind glares landing on her.

It made her feel quite uncomfortable.

"Senior," she asked tentatively, "how about you go check on the other students? I’ve almost mastered it."

"Sure." Jace stood up briskly and went to chat with the others.

Willow breathed a sigh of relief.

It wasn't that she was afraid of them causing trouble; she just didn't want to waste time.

But what one fears most often happens.

During the second round of practice, Jace suddenly spoke up: "Ms. Xu, I believe Willow dances the best."

His meaning was clear: he wanted Willow to take the center position.

As soon as he said this, everyone’s eyes shifted toward Willow.

"Willow isn't necessarily the best, is she?"

"Well, she’s pretty. She’s got the Senior wrapped around her finger."

"This piece is for the school anniversary. If she stands out, she might even get into the entertainment industry. Our school gets a lot of attention, after all."

"No wonder she’s trying so hard to flatter him..."

"Quiet," Ms. Xu frowned. "If you keep making noise, get out."

She looked toward Willow. "It’s settled then. You stay for an extra hour tonight. Let Jace help you refine the details. Don't let me down. Everyone else, class dismissed."

Soon, everyone left the studio.

Jace walked over to Willow. "Willow, shall we begin?"

Willow stood before the mirror and said softly, "Senior, thank you for today, but I can earn these opportunities on my own."

This way, she felt like she was gaining something without working for it.

Jace was stunned for a moment. "Willow, if there’s a shortcut, why not take it? At last year’s New Year's gala, a senior who took the center position was spotted by a director, filmed a movie, and became an overnight star. Your looks are better than hers; you’ll go much further than she did."

He folded his arms and gave a deliberate snort. "If it were anyone else, I wouldn't even bother speaking up."

"Quick, come here. Let me emphasize those movements from before. This was adapted from a male piece, so it focuses more on a sense of power..."

An hour passed in a flash.

Jace left first, and Willow was so exhausted she leaned against the mirror to rest.

When Julian arrived, this was the scene he witnessed.

The young girl was wearing a navy blue dance outfit, revealing a small section of her slender, soft waist.

The bright lights of the dance studio fell on her, making her look incredibly delicate and fragile.

He walked over slowly and crouched down with extremely light movements.

Willow vaguely heard a sound and asked groggily, "Senior, why are you back?"

Senior?

Julian’s voice deepened slightly. "Which senior?"

The voice sounded quite familiar. Willow’s ears twitched.

She couldn't quite place it at the moment, so she didn't even lift her eyelids.

Seeing her state, a sense of helplessness welled up in Julian’s heart.

He raised his hand, wanting to touch her hair, but ultimately restrained himself and pulled back.

He said in a low voice, "Willow, let's go home."