Chapter 407 Sniper
When they saw Daryl, Bruce's family was completely floored. They never thought James actually knew Daryl.
After all, they had invited Daryl over a dozen times and were always turned down, but Daryl personally sent someone to invite James.
Daryl even hosted a banquet to entertain James.
Marigold kept saying it was impossible the entire way.
James informed Daryl of Bruce's family's request, and Daryl didn't hesitate or question why James didn't treat Bruce himself.
After a hearty laugh, Daryl promptly treated Bruce.
With a session of acupuncture, Bruce's headache was significantly alleviated. Daryl then prescribed some medicine for Bruce to take for a gradual recovery.
After the treatment, Bruce's family was about to leave, but Daryl insisted they stay for a meal. His insistence and warmth left Bruce's family in a daze.
They had never experienced such hospitality before.
After the meal, Bruce discreetly went to pay the bill and then left with his wife and daughter. He was more perceptive than Marigold, understanding that Daryl and James had matters to discuss.
Although Bruce didn't know when James and Daryl became so close, he knew it wasn't appropriate for his family to stay.
"James, this is the contract for Daryl Clinic!"
After Bruce's family left, Daryl waved his hand, and his secretary immediately brought out a contract.
Daryl pointed to it. "I'm not exactly noble, but I do keep my promises. I underestimated you regarding Trevor's treatment, and I admit defeat."
"This is our wager, the Daryl Clinic in Stardust City. Please, James, accept it."
He pushed the contract towards James with a smile.
"Dr. Fields, I can't possibly accept this." James quickly waved his hand. "That was just a setup between him and me. It had nothing to do with your medical skills. Your 'Soul Augmentation Technique' is very effective."
"Technically, I should be the one who lost. After all, though your ninth needle had flaws, it wouldn't kill Mr. Lee."
James had agreed to the wager with Daryl to make the act more convincing. Now that the matter was resolved, he couldn't possibly accept Daryl's clinic.
"I know it was a setup, but the ninth needle was indeed my own creation, and it was flawed." Daryl sighed. "It didn't kill Trevor only because he was prepared and wasn't actually sick. If it were someone else, that needle could have been fatal."
"I've done several clinical trials in the past few days and found that the ninth needle is indeed dangerous, and quite significantly so."
Daryl admired James greatly. "So, you spotting the flaw in my technique not only shows that your medical skills are far better than mine but also that I truly lost that wager."
"In the eyes of nearly a hundred people present, they all believe I lost to you."
"You should accept this wager, or people will say I'm not a man of my word."
"And compared to a clinic, my reputation is more important. If you don't accept it, it would be a severe blow to me."
"James, please do me this favor and accept it."
"Otherwise, I won't dare to see you in the future. Every time I see you, I'll be reminded of this wager, and it will become a thorn in my heart."
He insisted that James accept the Daryl Clinic. "Or do you not want me to visit you in the future?"
Hearing Daryl's words, James felt helpless. After thinking for a while, he finally nodded. "Alright, I'll accept the clinic."
"But in return, I have a gift for you."
James smiled and motioned for Samantha to bring paper and pen. He then wrote on a sheet of paper and handed it to Daryl. "This is the ninth needle of the 'Soul Augmentation Technique.'"
"With your expertise, Dr. Fields, you should be able to master it in about six months."
He knew this was the best return gift.
"The ninth needle of 'Soul Augmentation Technique'? You really know it? How is that possible?"
Daryl was initially stunned, then repeatedly asked in surprise, carefully examining the ninth needle.
Being a master of medical texts and proficient in the first eight needles of the 'Soul Augmentation Technique,' he quickly realized that the ninth needle was genuine.
James's ninth needle was not only a hundred times smoother than his own creation but also amplified the power of the first eight needles tenfold, making it a perfect finishing touch.
What shocked him the most was that the ninth needle wasn't just a single variation. James had written three variations, greatly expanding the application of the 'Soul Augmentation Technique.'
"It's real!" Daryl was ecstatic, gripping James's hand and exclaiming, "James, you're amazing, a model in the medical field. I'm not as good as you."
Daryl, a master of medical skills and ethics, felt he was far inferior to James.
Because James selflessly gave him the ninth needle, essentially giving him the entire 'Soul Augmentation Technique,' a technique that could establish a new school of thought. James could have lived comfortably for several lifetimes with it.
If it were Daryl, no matter how noble, he wouldn't have given the technique to someone else. But James did.
"In the field of medicine, skill comes first, and virtue is paramount."
"James, you have both. From now on, I'll call you my teacher."
Daryl stood up with the technique and bowed to James.
"Teacher, if you ever need anything, just let me know. I'll do my best."
"Dr. Fields, you're too kind." James quickly helped Daryl up. "As long as this technique can save more patients, I'll be satisfied."
Daryl patted James's shoulder and sighed. "I wish I had a son like you."
James smiled and shook his head. "You're flattering me."
Suddenly, Daryl's gaze froze, staring intently at the back of James's neck.
James, with his collar slightly open, had a cross-shaped birthmark on his back.
James was slightly taken aback and touched his back. "Dr. Fields, what's wrong? Did I get something on me?"
"Nothing, nothing." Daryl quickly regained his composure and smiled. "I was just marveling at your talent at such a young age."
As he spoke, he glanced at James's back again. Although he couldn't see it anymore, the shape of the birthmark was etched clearly in his mind.
As dusk approached, James and Samantha left River View Tower, heading swiftly towards Leo Villa.
"I'm sorry for causing you trouble." Sitting in the passenger seat, Samantha lowered her head slightly. "I'll work hard to repay the $200,000."
She had calculated that it would take about five years to pay off the debt.
James didn't say anything. As they left River View Tower, he felt a strong sense of danger but saw no enemies around.
Seeing James silent, Samantha looked up cautiously. "Are you going to abandon me?"
James was stunned and smiled helplessly, "Silly girl, don't think about it. Uncle Bruce's illness has been treated, and he transferred the $200,000 to me."
James reassured her while quickly leaving River View Tower. "Besides, this wasn't your fault. Don't think about it anymore."
He had taken a moment to examine the gemstone fragments again and noticed the cuts were old.
James suspected that the jewelry store had swapped the gems and framed Samantha as a scapegoat.
Samantha's long hair clung to her forehead, her black hair highlighting her smooth skin, looking exceptionally beautiful.
She didn't believe James's words, but she felt warm and touched.
James added with a smile, "If you really feel bad, just take good care of me in the future."
As he spoke, James was about to stop at the intersection for a red light when he suddenly caught a glimpse of a red dot.
He slammed his foot on the gas pedal, and the car shot forward.
Almost simultaneously, a bullet shattered the rear window, sending shards everywhere.