Chapter 285 Do I Look Ugly?
After the two incidents, James' name was on everyone's lips. Reporters clamored for interviews, eager to get a piece of the reluctant hero.
James, nonetheless, eschewed the spotlight. Acclaim was the furthest thing from his aspirations, particularly given his background. It would only complicate his life.
He fielded a few questions to appease the press and then politely excused himself.
The staff at the tutoring center were incredibly grateful for his heroic actions. They visited him personally to express their thanks.
The families of the seven children were even more effusive in their gratitude. They showered him with thanks, fruits, and supplements, leaving James feeling a little overwhelmed.
Michael and his son were also deeply concerned about James' well-being.
Even Edwin and a group of esteemed traditional Chinese medicine practitioners paid him a visit. Whilst they praised his valor, they also admonished him sternly against such imprudence in the future, underscoring the significance of his own life.
Their concern was genuine, even if it was intertwined with their hopes for James to revive the art of traditional Chinese medicine. James was deeply touched by their sincerity.
In his five years as a live-in son-in-law in Lindwood City, he had never experienced such an outpouring of care and concern. It was a strange and heartwarming feeling, something he hadn't encountered even at the peak of his previous life.
He found himself growing increasingly fond of this ordinary life, with its simple pleasures and genuine warmth. It was a stark contrast to his former life, where, despite his status and the adulation he received, he had always felt a chilling lack of warmth. Even within his own family, behind the facade of unity, lurked jealousy and intrigue.
During his five years of absence, not a single one of those so-called relatives had bothered to look for him. Their silence spoke volumes. They were probably relieved, he mused.
A sudden realization dawned on him. Alistair's motive for giving him this task was not just to test his character but also to expose him to the simple joys and genuine human connection that his life of privilege had denied him.
The thought of Alistair brought a wave of nostalgia. He wondered how the old man was faring. Was he still in good health? Was his temper still as fiery as ever?
On James' instructions, Michael leveraged his influence to quell the media frenzy surrounding him. Within a week, the hype died down, and James faded from the headlines.
The collective memory of the public, particularly in an era characterized by instant gratification and transitory trends, tended to be ephemeral. New events and personalities constantly vied for attention.
James was content to remain out of the spotlight.
After a week of rest, his body had made remarkable progress. He could move around with relative ease.
His rapid recovery baffled the hospital staff. It defied all medical understanding.
Severe burns like he typically required at least three months of bed rest, let alone a week!
In the next room, a twenty-year-old patient with less extensive and severe burns had taken four months to regain his mobility. James' recovery was nothing short of miraculous.
The doctors were astonished. Not only could he walk, but his overall health had significantly improved. Even functions they had deemed permanently lost showed signs of recovery. It was a medical marvel.
Even seasoned practitioners like Edwin and his colleagues were astounded. They had initially considered his survival a stroke of luck, let alone a full recovery. Some had even feared he might never walk again.
Yet, here he was, a week later, walking, eating, and recovering at an unprecedented rate.
Only James knew that a week was actually slow for him. He could have gotten out of bed on the fourth day but chose to prolong his recovery to avoid raising eyebrows.
His accelerated healing, apart from his exceptional physical condition, was primarily due to the broken seal within him, which had unleashed a surge of internal energy. This energy fueled his recovery and regeneration.
The damaged skin and flesh were gradually being replaced, and he estimated a full recovery within six months.
He was aware that such a recovery rate would subject him to rigorous medical examination.
He decided to request a discharge in a few days.
On the eighth day, encouraged by his progress, the doctor decided to change his bandages, including those on his face, which had remained untouched.
His face had suffered significant burns, and the new skin growth over the past couple of days had been incredibly itchy.
In the ward, James sat patiently on the edge of his bed, anticipating the moment the bandages would come off.
Jennifer and Harmony stood beside him, their hands clasped tightly, their eyes fixed on the doctor.
Dennis, Kaitlyn, Michael, and, his son, Edwin, and two other elderly traditional Chinese medicine doctors were also present, their faces etched with concern.
"There might be a bit of discomfort as we remove the bandages. Try to bear with it, and let us know if it becomes unbearable," the attending physician cautioned.
James nodded and closed his eyes.
With everything prepped, the doctor began to meticulously unwind the bandages from James' face. Beneath the first two layers lay a gruesome sight – scabbed, blackened, and raw skin.
The doctor proceeded with utmost care, peeling back the bandages bit by bit. Despite his gentle touch, the process was excruciating for James, especially when the final layer, stubbornly clinging to his skin, came off like a second skin. James winced slightly, his brows furrowing.
But apart from that brief grimace, he remained stoic, as if impervious to pain.
The physician was captivated by his tenacity. Throughout his extensive medical career, he had never come across a case where a patient with such profound injuries managed to withstand the removal of dressings in complete silence. James was the first, a testament to his extraordinary willpower. It was no wonder he had charged into a burning building to save lives.
However, as the last of the bandages came off, a wave of shock and distress washed over everyone in the room. Jennifer and Harmony gasped, tears welling up in their eyes.
James' face, disfigured and scarred, was a horrifying sight. He was unrecognizable.
James opened his eyes and, noticing their reactions, chuckled dryly. "What's wrong? Is it that bad?" he asked, his voice raspy.
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