Chapter 656
Chapter 656 Together We Stand
“Wah, I’m not taking that medicine!”
Liar, getting a shot really hurts! Save me!”
“Mommy!”
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In the tumultuous scene, a mother, cradling her child in her arms, implored, “Dr. Thorne is the one who saved your life! Could you please just behave for a bit?”
The child, tears streaming down his face, was desperately seeking comfort from his accompanying grandmother.
The parents who had brought their children were unified in their stance, each echoing the sentiment. “You must listen to Dr. Thorne. Without the injection, your illness won’t get better.”
“Are you really going to ignore Dr. Thorne’s advice now?”
The parents used a combination of persuasion and gentle coercion, but their primary focus remained firmly on the medical treatment. They showed considerable support for Lysander’s efforts.
Once Lysander had successfully calmed all the children, it was apparent that the nurses were completely worn out from the effort. Despite this, when they noticed Josiah standing off to the side while holding a lunch box, they didn’t miss a chance to flash a cheeky smile at Lysander before they headed back to their dorm for a meal.
Josiah remarked as he approached, “I’ve kept the lunch box warm all the way here, so it should still be hot. You better eat it while it’s warm.”
After a long day that had been largely consumed by a test of patience and will with the children. Lysander felt a deep sense of fatigue. She gratefully accepted the lunch box and made her way to the consultation
room to eat
Josiah sat beside her, feeling an uncommon warmth in this simple moment. He quietly shared with Lysander the insights he had gained from Anita, then added, “I want to explore the lake behind the vill
village. It seems like it might have some potential.”
“The lake you mentioned, I’ve heard about it from the villagers and even had a chance to see it from a distance. The view is truly captivating. When I find some free time, I like to take a walk around that area. The lotus blossoms were exceptionally beautiful recently,” Lysander expressed a fondness for such tranquil places.
Josiah nodded slightly. “This place seems wonderful. If it turns out to be suitable for development after we assess it, perhaps we could have Guerra Group spearhead the project. Who knows, it might even help. stimulate the village’s economic growth.”
Lysander, knowing Josiah meant well, chose her words carefully, waiting until he finished before voicing her concerns.
“Don’t forget,” she cautioned, “this place is exceptionally isolated from the city. You drove for three days just to get here. Whether it’s fransporting supplies or hiring workers, it’s incredibly difficult. Even if you somehow manage to overcome these hurdles and turn this area into a tourist attraction, there’s no guarantee that visitors will actually come”
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Chapter 656 Together We Stand Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.
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“There’s no need to worry about attracting visitors,” he reassured her confidently. “Guerra Group has a wide network of clients and partners. We could initially invite them for a complimentary experience. Later, we can rely on the testimonials of these early guests, coupled with some strategic online promotion. As long as we maintain a high standard of quality here, I have no doubt that more visitors will follow.”
Lysander responded, “I’ve been here longer than you, and I genuinely desire to enhance the lives of the villagers. But transforming everything is too much of a challenge. It seems we might have to wait for the town’s own development to see any real impact here.”
“But I want to give it a try,” Josiah asserted confidently, “Who knows, maybe by fostering growth here first, it could actually catalyze the development of the town. It’s not completely out of the realm of possibility.”
Lysander had expressed everything she felt was necessary, offering no further attempts to dissuade him. She too harbored hopes for improvements in the area. However, she was concerned about Josiah potentially overspending here for her sake any further.
Josiah remained with Lysander in the consultation room until the end of her shift, insistently offering. “Let me walk you home.”
“It’s just a few steps from here to the dorm; there’s really no need for you to escort me.
“Didn’t you mention that you enjoy strolling by the lake on the edge of the village when you’re not busy?” Josiah suggested, “Let’s go together.”
Lysander, now more at peace with her thoughts, particularly with the earlier discussion about tourism development, agreed.
The village was devoid of streetlights; their only guides were the lights from the houses along the path and the flashlights they carried. They ambled slowly.
Listening to the chirps of insects and the rustling of grass leaves in the breeze, Josiah softly remarked, “I don’t know why, but I find this environment even more serene than complete silence.”
Lysander quietly agreed, “Maybe it’s because being close to nature taps into a basic human instinct.”
With a reflective smile, Josiah mused. “I’m actually starting to really enjoy life here.”
Their conversation flowed easily as they walked, and before they realized it, they had reached the village’s edge. Lysander pointed to the distant night sky, explaining. “That kasi body of water you see is the lake. To reach it, you have to cross a field strewn with weeds. There are quite a few hidden puddles in there. I wouldn’t recommend trying it at night; it’s too easy to miss your step.”
Near the lake, an intermittent light flickered, breaking through the darkness. However, for those unfamiliar with the terrain, the area still posed some risks, even for those adept at swimming.
Seeing Lysander’s willingness to offer guidance, Josiah felt deeply reassured. He responded gently, “All right, I won’t venture over there now, I’ll just admire it from here.”
Just then, a little girl carrying a basket approached them. She appeared to be about ten years old, with bright, sparkling eyes. Her voice clear and youthful, she asked, “Josiah, would you like to buy a straw origami for your wife? It’s really cheap.”
The previous morning, the village children had gathered to marvel at the car Josiah had arrived in. Among them was this girl, who, along with the others, had mistaken them for a married couple.
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Chapter 656 Together We Stand
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Josiah bent down to examine the intricately woven crickets in her basket. Each was so meticulously crafted that they could easily fetch much more money at a city’s scenic spot. In a warm tone, he complimented, “They’re really beautiful, did you make these yourself?”
“My dad made them; he’s really skilled with his hands,” the girl raised the basket toward him.
Josiah nodded. “Sure, I’ll buy-” He paused mid–sentence, a hint of embarrassment on his face as he turned to Lysander. “I was in a hurry and didn’t bring any cash with me.”
Lysander quickly searched her pockets, her expression complex as she admitted, “I did have some, but I used up all my change buying instant noodles. This is all I’ve got left, and I doubt this kid will have change.”
She pulled out a hundred.
The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward.
“The girl’s eyes sparkled, not with disappointment but with a quick business acumen. She eagerly pitched,
“Josiah, Dr. Thorne, why don’t you come and stay at my place tonight? My house is right by the lake. We have a spare house, and you can enjoy the view of the lotus flowers during the day, and fireflies at night. Oh, and my little brother’s a great swimmer–he can catch some fish for you to eat, and my mom’s an excellent cook.
She was clearly determined not to miss this chance to earn some money. Not only was she persuasive, but her eloquence was particularly compelling, which swayed Josiah somewhat. However, glancing at the sky, he noted, “It’s too late today; we’ll come tomorrow.”
Anxious that he might change his mind, the little girl quickly responded, “Great, then first thing tomorrow morning, I’ll come to the health center to find you. We must meet, no matter what. Dr. Thorne, you can’t fool a kid, okay?”
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