Chapter 148: Is Being Rich That Great?
"Ms. Johnson, thank you so much! I had lost all hope. The hospital basically gave me a death sentence, but now I have a chance to live. You're incredible!"
Emily had just started her clinic hours when her first patient arrived.
The patient’s cheeks were sunken, and they were so thin they were almost unrecognizable. From their overall appearance, it was clear they were gravely ill.
If it were any other doctor, they might have just shaken their head and sent the patient away.
Originally, the patient had heard that Floyd was offering free consultations today. With no money left for treatment, they had come with the support of their family, not holding out much hope, just wishing for some pain relief before the end.
Seeing Emily, a young woman, the patient didn’t believe it even though Floyd had vouched for her skills being superior to his own. They were already in despair.
But as soon as Emily inserted the silver needles, the patient felt a noticeable difference.
The weak and lifeless patient seemed to be filled with vitality for the first time since falling ill.
Emily then prescribed some medication, choosing the most affordable and effective options given the patient’s financial situation.
"Don't worry about the cost; it won't be expensive. And there's no need to thank me. I'm a doctor; it's my job to treat and save people," Emily said calmly.
The patient's family took the prescription, and upon seeing it only contained four ingredients with listed prices, they were moved to tears.
Emily remained composed and called for the next patient.
Originally skeptical of Emily's youth, the patients in line now felt reassured and waited their turn.
One after another, Emily saw patients, and the line grew longer.
Perhaps word had spread about the successful treatments, attracting even more people to the free clinic.
James arrived and found himself at the end of the line.
He was surprised by the crowd. Were they all here just because it was free?
James frowned and gave instructions to his bodyguard.
Soon, the bodyguard went to the front of the line.
“No way, no way…”
Suddenly, a rough voice from the back of the crowd refused.
Emily had just finished with a patient and glanced over at the commotion.
Floyd understood her look immediately. "You keep seeing patients; I'll check it out."
When Floyd arrived, the man who had spoken was arguing with the bodyguard.
"I said no! I don’t need money. Everyone here is desperate for treatment. This might be their only chance to get better. How could I give that up?"
The man was tall and imposing, speaking with strong conviction.
The bodyguard had tried to pay him to either leave or move to the back of the line so James could see Emily sooner.
But the man, Aiden, was having none of it.
If it had been just one person, it might have been manageable. But his outburst drew Floyd and Emily’s attention.
James’s face darkened. Without seeing Floyd, he commanded with a cold authority, "Sir, I’m just asking you to move back, not to skip treatment. If you had money, you wouldn’t be here for a free clinic. I’m offering you cash kindly; if you don’t cooperate, someone will make you."
James had been away from the common people for too long, and his words carried an air of superiority.
The defiant patient looked James up and down and retorted, "You’re sick too, but you don’t know how to be kind. Think you can push people around just because you have money? The hospital said I’m beyond saving, so don’t mess with me. I’m not afraid of anything now!"
James felt the weight of the surrounding stares and was about to order his bodyguards to forcibly remove the man when Floyd stepped in.
"If you’re here for treatment, follow the rules. Otherwise, even if you buy a spot at the front, you won’t be seen today."
Floyd recognized James from a recent incident where he had tried to pass off a man as Emily.
Already having a poor impression of James, Floyd was even more displeased now.
"Mr. Ryan, I apologize. I’m just feeling unwell and wanted to see Emily quickly. I negotiated with them fairly. I believe if money can solve a problem, it’s a small problem. My time is precious, so please don’t tell Emily."
James’s attitude had shifted dramatically, showing Floyd respect and even pleading.
Seeing his genuine regret and considering he was a patient, Floyd decided not to make a big deal of it.
But remembering the tension between Emily and James from before, a glint of suspicion crossed Floyd’s eyes.
He examined James’s condition and said, "You seem to have a cold and fever. It’s not serious. Since you’re in a hurry, I’ll make an exception and check your pulse and prescribe medication here."
James refused, "No, I can wait."
He thought it best to wait and not draw Emily’s attention, avoiding giving her a worse impression.
"Alright then, please wait your turn. Everyone here is seeking treatment; let’s be considerate of each other," Floyd said, satisfied that James was behaving.
The crowd quieted down again.
James’s gaze was fixed on Emily.
Standing tall, he could see her clearly over the crowd.
How long had it been since he watched Emily work so quietly?
She was focused, diligent.
She treated patients with a gentle smile.
She seemed to glow with a soft, holy light.
James was mesmerized.
This was the real Emily.
He cursed himself for doubting her, for believing Bianca’s lies.
Emily, who had once been so strong, surviving on her own, would never resort to petty jealousy.
Daniel’s words echoed in his mind: "Emily deserves the best."
James was so absorbed in watching Emily that he didn’t realize someone had recorded him and posted it online.
By the time he found out, it had already gone viral.