“Uncle Jack, what brings you here?” Tara looped her arm through Jack’s, her smile as pure and innocent as ever.
“Today was crazy busy at the clinic, and I figured you didn’t have a chance to grab a bite. Plus, you’re always saying the clinic food isn’t up to par. So, I whipped up your favorites and brought them over.” Jack gave her hair a playful tousle. “I made sweet and sour pork ribs, braised carp, and some osmanthus cake.”
“Wow! Thanks a million, Uncle Jack!” Tara's eyes twinkled with joy, so much like Mark's, especially when she smiled. Seeing her like this took Jack back, making him think of Mark for a moment.
He glanced away and suddenly noticed Flora, who was coming down the stairs with Corbyn.
His eyes lit up. “Oh, it's you!”
Since their last meeting, she’d been on his mind, and seeing her here was a pleasant surprise.
Flora gave a slight nod. “Mr. Jack.”
So, Tara was the niece Jack had mentioned before.
“Uncle, do you know Ms. Flora?” Tara asked hesitantly, picking up on Jack’s obvious interest in Flora, which was clear from the way his eyes brightened when he saw her.
“Yes, indeed!”
He grinned, his eyes sparkling. “We met by chance, and I really liked this young lady.”
Maybe it was because Flora reminded him of his sister that he felt so warmly towards her.
“What a small world! They say, ‘Birds of a feather flock together’!” Corbyn laughed. “My sister and Mr. Jack have already met!”
Sister?
Jack was momentarily confused.
As soon as Tara mentioned her hunger, Jack’s focus shifted back to her. He opened the food basket, and the delightful aroma wafted through the air, even making Corbyn take a deep sniff.
It smelled heavenly.
The clinic’s meals were nothing to write home about, and while those dedicated to their work didn’t fuss over food, who could resist a good meal?
“Lucky you, Tara, having two uncles who dote on you. I’m a bit jealous,” Corbyn admitted, taking a deep breath. “Man, I wish someone would bring me food like this, but no such luck for me.”
Tara smiled, feeling fortunate to have two uncles who cherished her so much.
“Oh, I remember you also love sweet and sour pork ribs and osmanthus cake, right?” Corbyn suddenly recalled, clapping his hands in delight. “You young folks sure have similar tastes, not bad at all.”
He hoped Tara and Flora would hit it off. Tara was his star pupil, and Flora was the sister he deeply valued. Plus, with Flora’s incredible talent in medicine, if Tara could learn from her, the sky would be the limit for her future achievements.
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