Chapter 206
Leopold's complexion wasn't much better than mine.
"Please, have a seat."
The specialist gestured for us to sit across from him.
After we sat down, he pushed two reports toward Leopold and me.
"The detailed data analysis is all in here. Based on the current examination results, Ms. Wipere's condition is slightly more optimistic than I'd estimated."
The suffocating feeling lodged in my throat slowly descended.
Before I could speak, Leopold had already finished reading the report. His tone was severe. "The report only shows that Lucinda's traumatic arthritis is under effective control. There are no other abnormal physical indicators."
The specialist said, "Mr. Percy, don't worry. Today's examination results truly show no abnormalities."
"However, we can't rule out that future examination results might differ from now."
Leopold's eyes darkened slightly. "You mean there are no abnormalities now because not enough time has passed?"
The specialist nodded. "This is only my personal speculation. But considering that some conditions or drug reactions can appear with a delay, I believe it's worth trying."
I hadn't interjected. No one understood my body better than I did.
Although my physical examination showed no abnormalities, I was still very concerned about getting inexplicably lost today.
"Then let's follow the specialist's arrangement. How long until we can schedule a second examination?"
The specialist reviewed the report again, contemplating for a moment before saying, "Let's do it in a week."
"A week—won't that be a bit late?" Leopold wasn't reassured. "What about three days from now?"
I agreed with Leopold's suggestion and also looked at the specialist.
The specialist thought for a while, then relented and agreed. "For these three days, try not to let Ms. Wipere go out alone. It's best to record her diet and daily activities."
"I understand," Leopold answered in a deep voice.
Leaving the research facility, his expression hadn't improved—if anything, it had grown more somber.
"Don't go out these next few days. Try to stay home as much as possible."
Hearing him trying to restrict my freedom again, I couldn't help reminding him, "Leopold, the doctor only suggested I not go out alone. He didn't say I couldn't go out at all."
Leopold's brow furrowed sharply, his eyes showing displeasure. "I'm doing this for your own good. What if you..."
He didn't continue, but I knew what he wanted to say.
"My body, my responsibility."
Just when I thought Leopold would get angry and blame me unreasonably, he suddenly backed down a step. "Then I'll have Tammy come take care of you."
The moment displeasure appeared in my eyes, he added, "She's meticulous and considerate, with medical care experience. If you feel unwell, she can help you."
The displeasure in my eyes dissipated. I could accept that.
"Fine."
Compared to bodyguards, Tammy was indeed more suitable.
Seeing that I didn't refuse again, Leopold's expression visibly relaxed.
After returning to Bayview Villas, I went to find my dad in the study and showed him the examination report.
My dad scanned through it quickly. "From what I can see, your body shows no abnormalities."
"Right. But the specialist recommended another examination in three days to see if any values change."
My dad's gaze lingered on the specialist's signature line for a moment, his expression shifting slightly.
"Leo was truly thoughtful to get Dr. Moore to examine you."
I froze slightly.
I hadn't expected that stern, solemn specialist to be the legendary medical genius Christian Moore.
Having never met him before, I hadn't recognized him.
"Since this is Dr. Moore's assessment, we'll follow his plan. If you feel unwell at all, you must speak up immediately. Don't suffer in silence."
I lowered my head guiltily, indicating I wouldn't do that anymore.
Before, I'd always wanted to spare them worry, so I'd swallowed many grievances myself.
Later, I realized that approach was wrong.
Not only did it fail to reduce their worry, but it made them imagine all sorts of things.
Timely communication was better.
The next day, I came to Crescent Ballet Company to find Amelia as agreed.
Tammy had arrived at Bayview Villas last night to care for me. When my parents first learned Leopold had arranged for her, they were somewhat uncertain.
Only after I spoke up to keep her did they relax.
This morning, Tammy acted as my personal driver and private nurse, accompanying me here.
Amelia had met Tammy before. Upon seeing her, she proactively greeted her.
"Ms. Percy." Tammy politely responded. Seeing Amelia and me start chatting, she consciously fell back half a step, not interrupting our conversation.
"Lucinda." After our last collaboration, everyone was very warm toward me when they saw me this time.
I noticed Rena wasn't among the members this time. I asked Amelia quietly.
"Was Rena really fired?"
Amelia nodded. "Of course. Her mind wasn't on dance at all. Why would I keep her?"
I immediately gave her a thumbs up. If all company directors valued their members' character like her and treated every member equally, the dance world would surely be purer.
As she spoke, Amelia pointed to a new face and introduced her to me. "This is a new member I poached from another dance company. Her name is Irma Morris."
I followed her gaze and saw a girl with delicate features and an artistic temperament.
At first glance, I couldn't help freezing. "She..."
Seeing my surprised expression, Amelia smiled. "You also think her features resemble yours a bit, don't you?"
"Right. You didn't recruit her just because she looks like me, did you?" I teased deliberately.
"That was part of the consideration, but what ultimately won me over was her skill."
As Amelia spoke, she called out to Irma and had her demonstrate a signature move.
Seeing her so confident, I couldn't help anticipating.
Irma walked over graciously and immediately showed us her grand battement and three Italian fouettés.
This required extremely high leg strength.
Moreover, these two moves also demanded excellent body proportions.
The slightest hitch or insufficient symmetry in the physique would make it look terrible.
Irma did have real ability. Not only did she execute both moves beautifully and fluidly, even her finishing pose showcased her best angle.
And from that angle, she looked even more like me.
"Well? Not bad, right?" Amelia waited for my praise like she was presenting a treasure.
I was honest. "Very good indeed. And she understands herself well—knows how to let the audience see her best side."
"That's an ability only very professional dancers possess."
Hearing my praise, Irma said excitedly, "Lucinda, I've always seen you as my idol and goal. I hope I can become someone like you, too."
I thanked her with a smile, then encouraged her. "You definitely can. You might even surpass me."
I spent the entire afternoon helping them reorganize movement key points and company formations, refining many details so the entire dance had much greater depth and visual impact.
The night of the performance, Crescent Ballet Company unsurprisingly won the championship again.
In less than a month, it had won the regional competition twice consecutively, instantly becoming Silverlight City's most-watched dance company.
My name was mentioned alongside it. Many people proactively invited me to choreograph for them.
But I politely declined them all, citing insufficient energy.
Before long, rumors about me began to circulate.