Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

At that moment, Chris felt a sense of being abandoned by the whole world. He felt quite aggrieved.

Angie looked at her son in this way, and Chris looked back at his mother.

After a while, Chris said, "I want to take a break this year. There aren't many patients who have made appointments recently. | haven't been to Sapphire City since Christina gave birth. Let's go together this time." Angie replied, "No need to force yourself. We won't be away for many days, and if you have work, that's more important. Don't make it seem like I'm pressuring you to come." Chris looked at his mother with a determined gaze and said, "I'm doing this voluntarily." Angie nodded naturally. "Alright then. If you want to go, go ahead. I didn't pressure you. Just a reminder, if there are patients, you won't be able to go to Athana at any time." Chris replied, "I know. I'll arrange things in advance. I'm heading to the hospital now." Just back from the hospital, Chris went out again to arrange work again. When he returned hlater, he still had to pack his suitcase. He was unaware that Angie and the others had never planned to abandon him.

After the door closed, Stella heaved a sigh of relief and said, "Oh my, we waited for more than an hour for Chris to cback. | almost couldn't wait any longer." It wasn't that Chris coincidentally chjust as they were about to leave. Instead, Angie and the others had set up the scene in advance by bringing down the suitcases.

The reason they did this was to deceive Chris so that he would tag along voluntarily.

Stella raised her hand in mid-air. Angie understood and high-fived her daughter. This was the first tthey had reached an agreement. It was considered a success.

"I don't believe he wouldn't fall for it. | knew he wanted to go just by the way he behaved every day. But if | forced him, your brother's rebellious spirit would kick in, suspecting | had sulterior motive. | have to deal with him in reverse now." Angie spoke with special insight, explaining one tactic after another.

Internally, Stella thought, 'ls Mom sevil empress who time-traveled here?" Meanwhile, at Yamin Hospital.

As Kimble was about to go home, he saw Chris returning to the hospital. He looked puzzled, and he halted and asked Chris, "What's going on? Didn't you leave already? Why are you back?" Turning back, he trailed after Chris and chattered non-stop. "Did you forget something? Let's go for lunch together. You're alone anyway. Let's go together." In a hurry, Chris replied without much thought, "No time, I'm busy, go play somewhere else." Kimble smiled and asked, "You're not in a relationship. What are you busy with?" But when Kimble heard Chris discussing things with the hospital management while standing by the door, he was stunned.

It was astonishing for someone who always considered surgeries a matter of paramount to hand over several surgeries to someone else and then head to Sapphire City.

After finishing his instructions, Chris cout and went to his consultation room to tidy up. He also locked the door. His close friend, Kimble, unable to contain the curiosity bubbling inside, caught up and asked, "Aren't you someone who prioritizes work? Why did you hand over the surgeries to other doctors this tto visit your sister for Christmas? What's going on?" Chris lowered his head and tidied up his desk. "I didn't go to see my sister when she gave birth. This time, | can go and visit her." Kimble rubbed his nose, feeling the credibility of this statement was about ten percent. He asked, "Why do | find it so hard to believe?" "I don't care if you believe it or not." Chris's office was simple. He finished tidying up in no time. "I'm leaving. No tto chat with you." Kimble followed behind Chris. Even if he didn't believe it, he didn't continue asking. He knew Chris wouldn't disclose something he didn't want to talk about. He would rather take secrets to the grave.

An hour later, when Chris stepped into the Yamin family villa again, Angie, Stella, and even Charlie were leisurely eating fruit and watching variety shows in the living room. It was rare for Charlie to be watching with them too.

Chris felt strangely out of place as if he didn't quite belong there.

Perhaps he needed to do a DNA test to check if he was related to them.

Noticing the movement at the door, even though no one turned, they all knew who had cin. Nobody said anything. Chris said, "I'll go upstairs to organize my clothes." Angie replied, "Okay." After her elder brother went upstairs, Stella glanced at the stairs. After making sure Chris wouldn't cdown for a while, she leaned forward a bit and asked quietly, "Mom, does Chris's behavior mean I'll have a sister-in-law soon?" Angie maintained her composure and retained a reserved attitude. She said, "Maybe, don't hold a hundred percent expectation." After saying that, Stella reminded her mom, saying, "Mom, you have to keep your word that day. You can't go back on your word. I'll also make sure to fulfill your task." The two of them sat on the sside. Angie raised her hand and high-fived her daughter. She said, "Once a promise is made, one cannot back out. I've always kept my promises. When did | ever go back on my word?" Observing the exchange between the mother and daughter, Charlie harbored doubts. When did these two get along so well and stop arguing? He asked, "What trick are you planning to pull on Chris this time?" Both Angie and Stella said in unison, "Men shouldn't meddle in women's affairs." Charlie was rendered speechless upon hearing their response.

Chris was efficient in his actions. He packed up his things in no tand cdown with a black suitcase. This suitcase had not been used for many years. He probably didn't even remember the last the used it.

The suitcase landed with a thud, and everyone stood up in unison. They move in perfect sync. Angie wiped her hands with a tissue and reminded her daughter, "Take the trash bag out. Otherwise, the house will get infested with bugs after we've been away for so long." "Let's go. Joseph's private jet is already at the airport. He messagedfive minutes ago." Angie pushed the suitcase toward Charlie, indicating for him to take it.

Charlie held a suitcase in each hand. Then, Stella pushed her suitcase toward Chris. Her meaning was obvious.

She even winked at Chris and said coquettishly, "Thank you, Chris." Chris suddenly felt goosebumps all over his body. He said, "Speak with your normal tone. Don't act like you're on something." Stella retorted, "It seems you don't like a delicate young woman. Noted. And don't knock on my suitcase. This is the new one my beloved sister bought me, and | haven't used it yet." Chris followed behind his skipping sister. "We know you want the suitcase because you like its color. If people didn't know better, they'd think you were planning to open a store." Stella had many bags, clothes, shoes, and even suitcases at home. It was a headache. Which man could handle it all? The original plan was to leave in the afternoon, but seeing her son return and receiving news that her son-in- law's plane had arrived, Angie decided to leave right away.

On the plane, Chris looked at the scenery outside, a vast expanse of white. For sreason, he suddenly felt a bit lost himself, unable to find direction. He was in disbelief that he had left his work behind.

Chris closed his eyes to rest, trying to avoid his sister's disturbance. Then, he began contemplating his unusual behavior. He was a simple guy, but he would engage in self-reflection, pondering his recent actions.

This was the first the had left work behind after working for so long. He needed to sort out his thoughts.

Several hours later, the plane had arrived at Sapphire Airport.

Joseph and Christina were already waiting at the airport. The couple estimated the tand arrived at the airport half an hour early to pick them up.

Seeing the four people coming out of the gate, Joseph warmly went forward and took the suitcase from his mother-in-law's hand.

Christina did not intend to take her brother's suitcase. She just glanced at him calmly and said, "I thought you weren't coming." Chris replied coldly, "I didn't have much surgery, so | cover." Christina didn't believe this. She was smart. She just didn't expose Chris. She knew her brother too well. When had he ever abandoned his job? The empty-handed Stella approached her sister affectionately, holding her sister's hand. She asked, "Christina, where's our leader staying?" Christina glanced at Stella out of the corner of her eye. She asked while already knew the answer, "Are you talking about Leia?" Chris's pace slowed a bit as he walked, his ears attentive. All these subtle behaviors of his were noticed by Christina, who smiled faintly.

Stella replied with a smile, "Yeah, I'm supposed to stay in Sapphire City for a few days, planning to hang out with Ms. March." Christina asked, "Are you really close with Leia? She usually keeps a distance from subordinates." Stella explained, "Not really. We've just been jogging together lately and ended up chatting more. | feel like Ms.

March is actually a nice person, not as serious as she appears to be. That's just my take." Stella absorbed in her own analysis. She then roped in Chris. "Right, Chris?" Chris, who had been silent, nodded. "Yeah, she's nice." As Joseph walked ahead, he naturally overheard the conversation. He chuckled and said in a calm and casual voice, "Getting Chris to say something positive is quite an accomplishment. It shows that Leia is pretty impressive." The few of them chatted and laughed as they kept walking. Stella always remembered her promise to her mother. From tto time, she would mention Leia, while Christina responded accordingly.

In the car, Stella persisted in her efforts, asking, "Christina, why don't we grab a meal with Ms. March after Christmas or before?" Christina responded, "She just got back and hasn't settled in yet. Let's give her a few days. We've already planned to go skiing after Christmas. Frank, Ava, Trevon, and Natalie will join us then. It'll be more fun with everyone." The children could have sfun together too.

Excited by the idea, Stella grew excited, resembling an ever-young child. "Snowball fights! That's awesome. | love it! | can't wait!" Joseph glanced in the rearview mirror and said to Stella, "Stella, Chris, since you're here, just have fun. Letknow whatever you want to do, and I'll arrange it. No need to hold back." Stella replied happily, "Sure, Joseph! Any recommendations for winter activities in Sapphire City?" Christina and Angie were talking about the children. Charlie and Chris were quietly listening.

Joseph pondered for a moment. "For outdoor activities, it's probably more snow-related. It's going to snow continuously in Sapphire City for a while starting tomorrow. It's quite beautiful. Your sister and | have tried skiing and ice skating. You could try dining in a snow house, riding snowmobiles, or doing soff-road activities.

Whatever you like, you can stay a few more days and explore at your own pace." Upon hearing Joseph's words, Stella started to get excited. She completely forgot about her mother's instructions. "Yes, yes, | want to play! | love outdoor activities, everything you mentioned!" Christina reassured. "We won't hold you back. You can have a blast with Ava and the others when the tcomes." Stella said happily, "You're the best, Christina! | work really hard. You can ask Ms. March if you don't believe me." Christina replied, "I know. Ms. March didn't say anything negative about you." Stella nodded. "I know that Ms. March is not bad. She's not people who would spout nonsense."