Chapter 647

Evelyn Carter had just placed her stethoscope back into the medical kit when Alexander Hamilton appeared at the clinic door, waiting for her.

"Someone from Elder Thompson's family came by," he said, leaning against the doorframe. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing toned forearms. "Dinner is ready."

A nurse peeked out from the pharmacy. "Go ahead, Dr. Carter. We’ve got things covered here. If there’s an emergency, I’ll run to get you."

Evelyn glanced at the wall clock—the hour hand had already reached seven. Outside, the sky was completely dark, with only a few dim streetlights casting faint glows.

"Let’s go." She took off her white coat and draped it over the back of a chair.

The village path, soaked by the day’s rain, made sticky, squelching sounds underfoot. Alexander’s leather shoes sank into the mud with a wet squelch.

"Careful—"

Before Evelyn could finish, his foot plunged into a puddle. Mud splashed up, staining his crisp dress pants in dark splotches.

"Are you okay?" Instinctively, she reached out to steady him.

Alexander shook his head, though his brow furrowed slightly. The cold mud seeped into his pant leg, and the grit beneath his feet made every step feel like walking on broken glass.

"Your shoes—"

"It’s fine." He cut her off, pulling out his phone and switching on the flashlight. The beam sliced through the darkness, illuminating the uneven path ahead.

Evelyn pressed her lips together. She knew Alexander had a thing about cleanliness—this was practically torture for him.

The entrance to Elder Thompson’s house was crowded with villagers. At their arrival, the crowd parted to let them through. A few children hid behind the adults, peering curiously at the visitors from the city.

"Dr. Carter, Mr. Hamilton, please come in!" Elder Thompson greeted them, rubbing his hands together. His gaze lingered briefly on Alexander’s mud-splattered pants before he offered an apologetic smile.

In the courtyard, several square tables had been pushed together. The mismatched bowls and chopsticks were worn but polished to a shine. At the center, a large pot of brown sugar egg soup steamed, its sweet, rich scent filling the air.

"Let’s eat out here," Evelyn said with a smile. "You can’t see stars this bright in the city."

Alexander nodded in agreement, though his eyes flicked toward a smaller table in the corner. The dishes there were noticeably simpler. A few children stared longingly at the egg soup on the main table before their mothers gently tugged them back.

Elder Thompson personally ladled two bowls of the soup. The melted brown sugar swirled with golden egg ribbons, glistening under the light.

"Drink it while it’s hot—it’ll warm you up."

When Alexander took the bowl, his fingertips brushed the scalding rim. Without flinching, he took a large sip. The cloying sweetness flooded his mouth.

Evelyn watched his Adam’s apple bob once.

"How is it?" Elder Thompson asked eagerly.

"Unique," Alexander replied with a faint smile before taking another sip.

Suddenly, Evelyn reached out. "Let’s switch."

Alexander pressed down on her wrist. "No need."

He tipped his head back and drained the bowl in one go, his throat working rapidly. When he set it down, a trace of sugar clung to the corner of his lips.

Evelyn picked up a bite of greens with her chopsticks and held it out. Alexander leaned in, eating directly from her utensil. His warm breath brushed her fingertips.

"Delicious," he murmured, though his gaze remained fixed on her face.