Realization dawned on Clarence. This was the doctor behind that aggressively bitter medicine.
She was incredibly young and talented.
"It is wonderful to meet you, Dr. James. Thank you for the prescription; my sleep has improved dramatically."
"Are we sticking with the same formula? If it could be just a bit less bitter this time, I would be eternally grateful."
Before Claire could respond, Professor Lewis laughed affectionately. "Look at you. You were terrified of taking medicine when you were young, and you're still a baby about the taste now."
His fear wasn't about the physical toll of treatment, but strictly about the bitter taste.
When Professor Lewis and Clarence first met in a hospital years ago, he had been actively avoiding his medication while a nurse chased him down the hall, scolding him.
The ridiculous sight had made Professor Lewis laugh out loud, sparking the beginning of their romance.
"It's completely fine. I'll process the medicine into custom herbal capsules for you this time. You'll just need to take one each night."
"Capsules are much easier to travel with as well. Otherwise, you'd have to find a way to heat up the liquid remedies while on diplomatic trips."
Claire had heard he was heading overseas soon, which had prompted the adjustment.
"That's brilliant!" Clarence said, before narrowing his eyes suspiciously. "These capsules... they won't be incredibly bitter, will they?"
Claire let out a soft laugh. "I'll adjust the flavor profile as much as possible."
As long as the medicinal properties remained intact, swapping in slightly better- tasting ingredients was perfectly viable.
Besides, the capsules were bound together with honey. How bad could they really taste?
"Excellent. Thank you so much, Dr. James."
Clarence's smile was warm and engaging. Even in middle age, he was undeniably charismatic.
"Let's have dinner first. You can examine him after we eat," Professor Lewis suggested, not wanting to put her husband through a medical check on an empty stomach.
Furthermore, they had a guest; they couldn't force the young doctor to work while starving.
Clarence nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Let's eat. We can't let our brilliant doctor go hungry."
Caleb moved quickly, ladling a bowl of soup for Claire. He reached for his mother's bowl next, but his father beat him to it.
"You take care of our guest; I've
your mother covered," Clarence et
smoothly, his devotion to his wife was as strong as ever.
Professor Lewis couldn't stop smiling.
She was thrilled that her husband's insomnia was finally being treated, and she would be even more ecstatic if her son managed to lock down a girlfriend.
fo FindNovel.net
She thought Claire was wonderful, though she had no idea where her son's head was at.
Claire and Caleb remained blissfully unaware that Professor Lewis was secretly mentally planning their wedding.
Dinner conversation with Clarence was like a breath of fresh air.
There was never a dull moment. He expertly guided the conversation, ensuring the younger generation felt included.
He didn't lecture them about national politics or interrogate them like a typical overbearing elder.
Chatting with him simply felt incredibly comfortable and down-to-earth.
"I hope this isn't rude to ask, but I am genuinely curious. How old are you, Claire?" Clarence asked.
She looked incredibly young, yet she spoke with profound intelligence and maturity.
She was an exceptionally impressive young woman.
"Nineteen." Claire didn't mind the question at all.
"You're still in university, then?" Clarence was stunned. She was much younger than he had anticipated.
How could a nineteen-year-old possess medical skills that rivaled doctors with decades of experience?
It was almost unbelievable.
"Yes, I'm a freshman," Claire replied, noticing the shock on both Clarence and Professor Lewis's faces.
She instinctively glanced at Caleb.
Had he really not mentioned her background to his parents?
If they started doubting her abilities because of her age, this could get awkward.
Caleb offered a reassuring smile
before turning to his parents. "Talent
speaks
for itself Claire's medet
genius has absolutely nothing to do with her age."