Chapter 176 The Atmosphere Felt Off
Joe's words were forceful, his expression serious, and it was evident to everyone that he was truly angry.
"Mr. Evans, I was wrong!"
The fat official's legs gave way, and he fell to his knees before Mr. Evans, slapping himself hard and begging for mercy with tears and snot streaming down his face.
He had struggled to climb to his current position, offending countless people along the way. If he were dismissed now, his life would be miserable.
The other officials with him also knelt down, pleading for forgiveness. They were nowhere near as arrogant as they had been just moments ago.
James was accustomed to such scenes, but for others, it was still shocking, especially those relatives who had mocked him earlier. They were now filled with deep regret.
Tony's mouth hung open, his chubby face trembling, his hands and feet cold, his mind blank. He felt not just discomfort but regret and fear.
He couldn't understand why James, who had been so ineffectual for five years, suddenly had the ability to open a medical practice and even knew high-ranking officials like Joe.
He was resentful and unwilling to accept it, but more than that, he was afraid—afraid that James would come back to trouble him.
As for Marvin, his expression was equally grim, as if he had aged ten years overnight.
Jennifer observed the reactions of these relatives and felt immense satisfaction. She had no fondness for them, especially Tony and Marvin, who had never treated her family as kin. She knew they had come to the opening ceremony today more to mock than to support.
At the same time, she gradually began to accept the fact that James was outstanding, and her reliance on him grew.
"Boss, something's wrong!"
One of Jared's subordinates said anxiously.
Jared was engrossed in a mobile game, not bothering to look up. "What trouble?"
"Boss, you better see for yourself."
Jared looked up and saw the group of people kneeling before Joe, slapping themselves and crying. He was stunned, "This..."
He quickly recognized Joe and exclaimed, "Why is Joe Evans here!"
He had been certain that today's events would seal James' fate and that Hall of Benevolent Medicine would be unable to continue. Face lost, he had gone off to play games. He had never expected such a turnaround.
"Boss, it seems he's here for James's opening ceremony, and there are several other officials too," one of his subordinates said, exuding a hint of fear.
Jared's face darkened instantly. He had planned to disgrace James, but instead, James had become the center of attention! He was extremely frustrated, and just then, his phone game announced his character's death. He had been about to win, and in his anger, he smashed his phone.
"Fuck!"
Jared cursed loudly.
He glared at James, his eyes filled with hatred.
'James, just wait! Let's see how long you can stay smug!' He made a resolution.
Joe, the highest-ranking official in Lindwood City, felt embarrassed that some of his subordinates were bad apples. He waved them away, planning to deal with them later.
"Dr. Smith, I apologize. It's my fault for not managing my subordinates well," Joe expressed his regret to James.
Joe was showing respect for James' dignity. James wouldn't be so foolish as to disrespect Joe and give him no face. "Joe, you're too polite. Your fairness and justice are seen by the people. Besides, there are always troublemakers. How can it be considered your fault?"
Joe nodded inwardly, relieved. He had feared that James, being young, might not understand the importance of respect, which would have been awkward. But now, seeing that James was well-mannered, Joe's impression of him improved.
As for the other officials, seeing Joe personally apologize to James, they held James in even higher regard and quickly came over to apologize as well.
Jennifer approached and softly said, "Thank you," then walked away before James could respond.
James was momentarily stunned, then smiled.
'Had Jennifer been won over by him?' He thought.
After such an incident, Joe felt it was inappropriate to stay longer. After participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the other officials, he bid farewell to James and left.
After all the ceremonies were completed, the Hall of Benevolent Medicine was officially opened. Due to the earlier commotion, although many people were watching, no one dared to come in for treatment. The crowd was more curious and apprehensive.
Jennifer smiled and announced, "Today marks the first day of Hall of Benevolent Medicine's opening. We offer a 40% discount on all medical consultations and prescriptions. Welcome everyone!"
However, the crowd remained indifferent, and no one came in, making the atmosphere a bit awkward.
Tony, who had been holding back for a long time, finally found an opportunity and jealously muttered. "Without business, you'll go bankrupt."
He no longer dared to speak as loudly as before, only muttering softly so that only a few relatives nearby could hear. Unfortunately, no one echoed his sentiments; instead, they thought Tony was being petty and somewhat despicable.
Jennifer felt a bit embarrassed by the situation and instinctively looked towards James, her eyes pleading for help.
This action was so natural that she didn't even realize it. Unconsciously, she had already started to see James as her pillar of support.
James stepped forward and said, "Guys, let me tell you that. Dr. Johnson was once the director of Lindwood City Hospital. His medical skills are unquestionable, and no cure, no charge."
Hearing James's words, many in the crowd began to stir.
At this moment, a voice said, "You all look so young. Do you even know how to treat illnesses? What if you can't cure people?"
Immediately, another voice chimed in. "Yeah, and since you know Mr. Evans, even if something goes wrong, we won't be able to get compensation!"
These two were Jared's subordinates, seizing the opportunity to stir up trouble.
Hearing their words, the crowd began to murmur.
"Indeed, the clinic's owner knew Joe and several other officials. With such a strong background, even if they couldn't cure illnesses, ordinary citizens wouldn't be able to do anything about it."
"You are right, so we shouldn't go inside!"
"Let's find other places for treatment! "
Jennifer frowned and said, "We opened this clinic to serve the people. If we can't confidently treat an illness, we won't pretend otherwise. You have my word!"
But despite Jennifer's assurances, no one was willing to come forward for treatment, making the clinic's atmosphere quite tense.
Jennifer was getting anxious; she hadn't expected such a situation.
Just then, a frantic voice came from outside the door. "Doctor, please save my nephew!"