Deanna nodded and took a sip of her drink. She didn't know what to talk about.
After all, they hadn't seen each other for many years, and it was natural to feel distant.
Kade noticed this and started a conversation, "So, what have you been up to all these years?"
"I've been studying traditional medicine. I'm barely a doctor now," Deanna replied with a smile.
Kade was surprised, "Studying traditional medicine? I remember you weren't in that field before."
"Indeed, I wasn't, but I changed later. By the way, what does your company do?" Deanna clearly didn't want to dwell on the past and shifted the topic.
Just as Kade was about to answer, Landon's voice interrupted them.
"What are you guys talking about? Mind if I join?" Landon said as he sat next to Deanna, scrutinizing Kade with a frown.
Kade recognized Landon and wasn't bothered by his gaze. He smiled, "Landon, long time no see. Your impatience hasn't changed a bit."
Landon remained silent, trying to recall who Kade was. Unfortunately, he couldn't remember and looked at Deanna for help.
Deanna noticed his look and chuckled before introducing, "This is Kade Burton. I remember he was your teaching assistant in college."
Hearing this, Landon finally remembered.
"So it's Kade. It's been a long time. I didn't recognize you."
He greeted Kade again.
After chatting for a while, they all went their separate ways.
Around ten in the evening, the banquet ended.
Deanna followed Landon back.
Upon arrival, she got out of the car and said goodbye, "You should go home. Drive safely."
"Got it," Landon replied as he turned the car around and left.
Deanna then entered her apartment complex.
Unbeknownst to her, Lance had been watching from a distance. He only instructed Xavier to drive away after seeing the lights in her apartment turn on.
Standing in her living room, Deanna felt an inexplicable emptiness.
She had worried about running into Lance upon her return but realized she had overthought it.
That was not bad. She didn't have to feel awkward about their meeting.
For the next two days, Deanna stayed home with nothing much to do.
Lance continued to visit their child daily.
However, his relationship with Deanna remained strained.
One day, while Deanna was tidying up her room, she received a call from Kade.
"Deanna, are you free today? There's something I need your help with."
"What is it?" Deanna asked instinctively.
Kade explained, "My mother has been suffering from chronic headaches. She's seen many doctors and visited several hospitals, but none could cure her. Could you take a look?"
"In that case, give me an address, and I'll come over," Deanna agreed without hesitation.
After noting down the address, she hung up the phone.
Old Ashley saw her with the medical kit and asked casually, "Going out for a house call?"
"Yes, my university senior wants me to check on his mother. I'll be back soon," Deanna explained briefly before leaving.
About ten minutes later, she arrived at an upscale neighborhood as per Kade's address.
Kade was already waiting at the entrance.
Seeing Deanna get out of the car, he enthusiastically took her medical kit and joked, "This box is quite heavy."
"Of course, it has a lot of tools inside," Deanna replied with a light smile.
They chatted casually as they walked to Kade's house.
Upon entering, a well-maintained middle-aged woman greeted them warmly, "You must be Deanna. You're so pretty."
"Hello, ma'am," Deanna greeted politely.
Grace nodded repeatedly and invited Deanna inside.
After some small talk, Deanna got straight to the point and began examining Grace's pulse and head.
"Ma'am, did you suffer a head injury when you were younger?" Deanna asked confidently.
Grace didn't deny it, "Yes, I fell when I was young, but the checkup showed nothing serious."
"I understand. The fall isn't the issue. Afterward, did you not rest properly and expose yourself to cold winds? This caused your head to catch a chill and develop rheumatism. Now, whenever your head gets cold, it starts hurting," Deanna explained.
With each word Deanna spoke, Grace's expression grew more excited because everything she said was accurate.
"I didn't expect someone so young to be so skilled!" Grace exclaimed in amazement and then asked with concern, "Is there any chance of curing my condition? Honestly, these headaches have tormented me for years."
"I can only say I'll do my best. Rheumatism isn't easy to cure," Deanna answered modestly.
Despite this, Grace was willing to let Deanna treat her.