On the phone screen, a schedule was displayed prominently with the name Lance.
Despite Leticia spending the past few days out and about, she was actually scheming ways to get closer to Lance. Hassan, believing his cousin would not make trouble again, relayed this information to Old Walsh the next day.
"My cousin has been visiting various attractions in Cloudmere these past days, Grandfather, you needn't worry."
"Since she's not causing trouble outside, let's not focus on her. Now, we need to find a way to ease the tensions between you, Old Hughes, and Dr. Deanna," Old Walsh nodded, shifting the conversation.
Hassan, intrigued, tentatively suggested, "Shall we invite Old Hughes and Miss Jones out again today?"
"What pretext shall we use for the invitation?" Old Walsh countered with a questioning look.
At a loss for a suitable reason, Hassan fell silent.
Old Walsh shook his head and continued, "I know your feelings for Deanna. Unless there's a problem between Dr. Deanna and Mr. Mercer, your chances of getting close to Dr. Deanna are slim. It's best you give up on her now."
Hassan pursed his lips, a struggle evident in his eyes, but mostly he felt powerless. He knew his grandfather was right; unless there was an issue between Deanna and Lance, he stood no chance.
"I understand, Grandfather. I won't cause any trouble for the family," he said resignedly.
Seeing his grandson's distress, Old Walsh felt sympathetic and decided not to pursue the topic further.
"Enough of that, go get ready. We'll go see Old Hughes in a bit."
Hassan nodded and left.
Half an hour later, they arrived at Old Hughes' pharmacy, fortunate to find him there.
Old Hughes was surprised to see them and looked at Ava asking, "What are they here for?"
"Old Walsh didn't say," Ava replied with a shake of her head.
With no choice, Old Hughes went out to greet them. Seeing Old Walsh and Hassan in the lobby, he raised an eyebrow and approached them, "I thought you had gone back home; haven't heard from you in days."
"Old Hughes," Hassan greeted politely.
"We've been resting at the hotel since we felt unwell after our car ride here a few days ago. Feeling better today, we decided to come out," Old Walsh explained with a smile.
However, Old Hughes didn't buy it. He glanced sideways and said bluntly, "Come on, cut the pleasantries. We've known each other for decades; what are you really here for?"
"Just bragging about your acupuncture and cupping therapy being top-notch in the country made me want to experience it," Old Walsh deflected with a made-up excuse.
Skeptically eyeing him, Old Hughes eventually didn't press further and instructed Ava, "Take Old Walsh to change into appropriate attire and prepare the materials for cupping therapy; I'll need them shortly."
"Alright," Ava nodded and went to arrange everything.
Soon after, they proceeded to the treatment room. Old Walsh had changed into suitable attire for cupping therapy and lay on the massage table under Old Hughes' direction.
As Ava prepared, she mentioned, "Old Hughes, we're running low on Aloe Vera herbs; we should ask Sister Deanna to send some more."
"I'll contact Anna later about it. Check what else the pharmacy needs while you're at it," Old Hughes responded before giving another instruction.
Hearing this, Hassan had an idea. He looked at Old Hughes and feigned surprise, "I didn't know Miss Jones was in the herb business; she never mentioned it."
"It's not a big deal; nothing much to talk about," Old Hughes replied nonchalantly as he began the cupping therapy on Old Walsh.
Unperturbed by his tone, Hassan smiled and said, "Grandfather, I remember you mentioned that our company's pharmacies have been getting subpar herbs from our suppliers. Since Old Hughes can get quality herbs from Miss Jones, maybe we could partner with her."
Catching on to his intention, Old Walsh nodded in agreement with a chuckle.
"That's a good idea. Once I'm done here, you contact Dr. Deanna to see if she has time to discuss this partnership."
"Will do," Hassan affirmed.
Observing the grandfather and grandson settle their plans so swiftly made Old Hughes couldn't help but interject skeptically, "Don't get your hopes up. Anna can't meet your demand."
This comment displeased Old Walsh.
"If your large pharmacy can be satisfied, why can't our Walsh family's pharmacy be? Unless you're afraid I'll steal your supplier?" he retorted, tilting his head towards Old Hughes with a knowing look that suggested he saw through any potential deceit.