Out of Extra Case File 30 Proud Ash
“Mistress, this is a gift, please accept it.”
Kneeling in traditional manners on the tatami mat, Wild Flower brought out the elaborately packaged fruits she had bought earlier to the middle-aged woman opposite her, earning her a warm smile.
“If only a Flower rarely visits my place to visit Yu, yet you are preparing gifts like these, I feel so guilty for the trouble.”
Hikari Chiharu, Yu’s mother, was glad that her daughter had such genuine friends. Seeing Flower’s visit as a sincere one, she served two cups of tea upon arrival and was delighted with the expensive fruits brought by Flower.
This papaya was just something Little Yu liked… Ah, no way, no way. She’s coming as a friend; it’s already rare, I can’t accept it.
Seeing Wild Flower trying to push back the gift, she smiled slightly, took the gift, placed it aside, and playfully said.
“No, no, it’s just a small thing for Yu. Mistress Chiharu, please receive it! It’s not a burden at all!”
“But, Miss Flower recently…”
Regarding the matter of Flower’s company going bankrupt some time ago, Chiharu did hear about it from her daughter, which made her hesitate to accept the gift.
“Haha, that’s all in the past!” Flower laughed while fanning herself, trying to keep things light-hearted. “I’m different now. Completely fine!”
It wasn’t a show; what Flower said was true after all. Here, whether it was surgery or follow-ups, this doctor, Black, always maintained his prideful demeanor, muttering under his breath, “All considered as repayment,” and refused to take even a penny, insisting that whatever money was secretly left behind always found its way back into his bag, making it hard to understand where he got the funds to maintain his clinic.
Just when she turned to return the money to her parents and then withdrew, saying she needed it more as she currently had no job. In the end, Flower had to reluctantly accept it and wait for the day to repay both Ash and her parents.
“Really thankful. Then may I accept this…on behalf of Yu…”
The sound of a sliding door abruptly drew their attention and disrupted Chiharu’s praise. Stepping inside was Ash, who, after a brief glance at Flower, plopped down beside her nonchalantly, folding his legs comfortably, showing no regard for manners.
Flower, intending to remind him, hesitated but could not bring herself to speak. Instead, she found even herself adapting to Ash’s self-expressive ways.
Mr. Ash is a good person, but he truly has his own unique character…hahaha.
“This is Ash, Mr. Ash!” Before the other could ask or Ash blurter out an early revelation, Flower quickly introduced him. “Mr. Ash is a doctor, a highly skilled one!”
Seeming fearful that her claim might not be convincing enough, she patted her chest vigorously, nearly gasping for air, before continuing.
“Mistress should have heard from Yu about my health condition, right? Look at me now, completely healthy with no issues at all, all thanks to this doctor!”
“Then Dr. Ash is really amazing!” Mother Chiharu genuinely appreciated and her eyes shone increasingly brighter, inadvertently using respectful language toward the younger-looking Ash.
“The wisdom of mortals.” Naturally, Ash showed no signs of humility. The reflected light from his glasses obscured his gaze, only revealing his mysterious smile.
People with talent must have pride, unless acting. Playing humble is nonsensical!
“In comparison to my skills, what’s described is merely the work of moving a finger… besides time spent. I predict this world holds nothing that can stump me.”
Without a hint of humility, he accepted cheerfully, reinforcing his reputation.
But it was this confidence that made his presence more credible in their eyes.
“Exactly! If Dr. Ash can be so great, I believe he can certainly help Yu!”
“That child – finally! The hope from Flower brings tears to my eyes.” Emotionally forward, she held Ash’s hands, excitedly. “Yu is a good girl, once so determined, surpassing everyone else. But since a fall, she couldn’t… Doctor, please, save her this time!”
“Hmph.” Emitting a nasal sound, Ash withdrew his hand, though his slightly narrowed eyes revealed he enjoyed the praise. “This kind of outcome is expected. Now, take me to see the patient.”
Hikari Yu… was her name, right? Initially thought of just another ordinary one.
No choice, why would I be so seriously asked? Now, let’s pay closer attention.
“What’s the situation?”
“Yu, this child, has been staring blankly at the sky and her leg, but lately, after a life-threatening incident, there appears to be some change.”
“Change?” Ash blinked, sensing something. “Where is the change?”
Following him into the backyard, Ash saw the familiar yellow figure; unlike before, the wheelchair-bound Yu supported herself with her hands, lifting half her body, with sweat dripping, as if trying to stand using her limp legs!
“Oh—” Regrettably, she almost fell but managed to get back into the wheelchair. “Still no luck—yes, mom and Flower! This here is…”
This here is… ah, I remember! On that day, she came here with Flower, with a creepy gaze fixed firmly on my leg!
Recalling that terrifying look, Yu shivered involuntarily.