Claire dabbled in both traditional and modern medicine, but her most impressive feat was winning a gold medal at the International Math Olympiad. Yet, she had abandoned a mathematics major to enroll in The Cabinda University with the highest national entrance exam score.
Her greatest expertise was traditional acupuncture, yet she chose to study clinical medicine.
Meiko was also brilliant. Growing up, she had been surrounded by endless praise from teachers, classmates, and relatives.
Over time, she began to view herself as the ultimate prodigy.
She didn't believe there was always someone better out there.
And if there was, she was determined to crush them.
Meiko had marked Claire as her rival.
Claire, however, was completely oblivious.
She was too busy. The moment class ended, she left with Priscilla.
"Claire, please wait a moment!"
Meiko called out to her.
Claire was puzzled.
"Do you need something, Meiko?"
"I just wanted to be friends. Could I get your number?"
"I think you're incredible. I'm very interested in traditional medicine, and maybe we could..."
Claire listened to her ramble, realizing none of it was of any substance.
She grabbed Priscilla's arm. "I'm sorry, Meiko. We have somewhere to be. We'll get going now."
She pretended not to hear the request for her number.
Claire had zero intention of dealing with someone from Sundara like Meiko.
Her prejudice against Sundara stemmed from historical wars, an undeniable fact that could never be erased.
The concept of never forgetting national humiliation carried a heavy weight.
Even though she knew she shouldn't generalize an entire population, history had shown them bringing endless suffering to Solenia.
Not wanting to fake politeness with Meiko, Claire practically dragged Priscilla into a light jog.
"Why are we running? Is there a ghost chasing us?"
Priscilla joked.
She could tell Claire wanted nothing to do with Meiko.
She just couldn't figure out why Meiko was so desperate for Claire's number.
Was it really just to discuss traditional medicine?
"Yeah, I'm terrified a ghost might
catch up. Claire smiled, thinking of the derogatory nicknames for Sundaran citizens
"You made it so obvious you don't like her. I have no idea why she keeps throwing herself at you."
Claire didn't know either, but she made a mental note to keep a closer eye on Meiko.
If this girl kept trying to get close to her, it would definitely raise some red flags.
Claire always assumed the worst when it came to people from Sundara.
Oh, there was also the possibility that Meiko was here to exact revenge for Taro Miyamoto.
A simple investigation would reveal
that she and Julia had teamed up to
Scare Taro into a nervous
breakdown. FindNovel.net
As for seeing ghosts, that was entirely Taro's own delusion.
When you have skeletons in your own closet, everyone starts looking like a monster.
"Maybe she's a glutton for punishment, or maybe she wants something from me," Claire remarked casually.
But she had no idea how quickly her words would be proven true.
Claire followed Priscilla out of the campus gates, heading straight for a restaurant.
Winston was in Cabinda, so naturally, they were getting local specialties.
The establishment was an old, authentic diner right outside the university.
Joining Winston this time was Priscilla's cousin, Grant Hastings. "Grant."
Claire greeted Grant.
Grant was also a doctor, but his specialty was a bit unique.
He was a forensic pathologist.
There was another person present, a student of Winston's.
Claire didn't know him, but after Winston made the introductions, they exchanged brief pleasantries.
"What are you doing here, Grant?" On the phone, Winston had only
moed bringing Claire.ne
dinner.