The next morning, I heard voices downstairs.
Claire Prescott woke up from her slumber, washed up, stretched lazily, and went downstairs.
"Good morning." It was Little Seven's voice.
Claire Prescott glanced at the bird perched on the beam, "Good morning, Little Seven."
The conversation in the yard continued. As she stepped out, she saw Morgan Lee and some unfamiliar people appearing in front of her. They were having tea with her grandfather, smiling politely as if discussing something.
Someone glanced over at her and asked, "Is that your granddaughter?"
Immediately, everyone turned their heads and looked at her, their eyes seemingly lighting up.
Elder Sinclair said, "My granddaughter is quite playful. I will consider what you've said, and if she joins your program in the future, please take good care of her."
"That's a given."
Morgan Lee said, "Then I'll trouble Elder Sinclair to mention it to your granddaughter, encourage her a bit. We won't disturb you any longer."
"Alright."
Before they left, she vaguely heard them say in a low voice, "No wonder President Lancaster insists on getting her into the program. With such appearance conditions, the ratings will definitely soar."
Claire Prescott suddenly had a bad feeling.
She walked over to Elder Sinclair and asked him, "Grandfather, who were those people Uncle Lee brought just now?"
"Those were people from a TV program team." Elder Sinclair pondered for a moment and said to her, "They said they're preparing to record two episodes of a program about traditional Chinese medicine and wellness, promoting the spirit of Chinese medicine. I thought it was good, so I agreed to let you participate."
Claire Prescott widened her eyes, "Wha...t?"
Made the decision for her without even asking if she wanted to?!!!
Just a few words from others, and she was "sold" that quickly?
Elder Sinclair said, "Participating in the program is also a way for you to grow and experience more of the world."
Claire Prescott quickly calmed down and rejected, "I'm not going. I'm only twenty-three, standing in front of the camera, others will just think I'm reading from a script. Grandfather, the program's intent is not as pure as you think, there's little meaning in participating."
Elder Sinclair sank into deep thought.
He's not someone unreasonable, it's just that those people were brought by Morgan Lee, they wouldn't deceive him, "You haven't seen the program's proposal, so set aside your prejudices first."
Claire Prescott took the document from him and skimmed through it briefly.
She knew her grandfather had always been deeply attached to the tradition of Chinese medicine and could understand his actions, but she had heard too much gossip about the entertainment circle from Zara Leighton and had no interest in appearing on a program.
She didn't want to argue much with him, talk was futile, "Grandfather, I'll read the document later. Can you leave this matter entirely to me to handle, and not get involved?"
Elder Sinclair gave her a profound look.
Despite the commotion, in the end, he still believed his granddaughter would make the right choice.
He was old, and the times were different, he was indeed easily swayed by others, but just wouldn't admit it.
"As you wish."
Seeing he had relented, Claire Prescott smiled.
Actually, appearing on a program could increase the exposure and attention to their Sinclair Apothecary to some extent, and Sinclair Apothecary and traditional Chinese medicine doctors indeed should be known by more people.
However, what she didn't expect was, she just attended a meeting yesterday, and inexplicably got selected and settled to record a show.
...
The night she met with the program team, it seemed the entire private room was waiting for her.
Claire Prescott appeared awkwardly in front of them and explained, "Sorry for being late, there was traffic on the road."
"No worries, please take a seat first." The person in the main seat said in a low voice.
Claire Prescott looked over, her eyes stunned.
The man was in a dark suit, exuding an elegant demeanor, though his expression was mild, there was an effortless pressure emanating from him.
It was the bigwig who appeared at the conference last time.
Ethan Lancaster.
She vaguely remembered that last time at the conference, he mentioned he was an investor in the film and television direction and wanted to invest in a variety show about intangible cultural heritage transmission.
But wasn't this supposed to be a gathering of the program team? Why was he here?
The only empty seat at the table was to his left.
Perhaps because the pressure he exerted was too strong, she didn't want to sit next to him, but since there was no other seat, she had no choice but to reluctantly sit down.
Once she settled, the person beside her stood up, "Miss Prescott, hello. I am the producer who contacted you on WeChat the day before yesterday, Liam King."
Claire Prescott politely rose and shook his hand.
Everyone present was a member of the program team, including directors, planners, and post-production staff.
Before coming, she asked Zara Leighton about it, and learned that this program team was the top-notch setup in the circle, and even artists might not be able to get in.
When introducing Ethan Lancaster, Liam King paused and subconsciously lowered his posture, "This is our program's major financier, Mr. Lancaster."
Claire Prescott nodded at him, "Hello."
"Sit down, there's no need to be formal."
His expression remained the same, but there was a bit more patience.
Just then, the waiter brought in dishes, one after another laid on the table, and then quietly left amidst the silence.
The purpose of today's visit was to discuss the details of the program, Claire Prescott got straight to the point, "I've finished reading the program plan..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Ethan Lancaster interrupted her, "Let's talk about work after dinner, first, enjoy the meal."
The others instantly showed flattery smiles, "Yes, yes, let's not discuss work now."
Then, Liam King filled Claire Prescott's glass with red wine. Not knowing her relationship with Ethan Lancaster, he dared not take the lead and sat down obediently.
At this moment, the director stood up, raised his glass towards Ethan Lancaster, and said, "Thank you, Mr. Lancaster, for supporting our program, our entire team will not let you down."
Once he finished, everyone followed one after another stood up, darkly covering Claire and Ethan.
Soon after, they all raised their necks and drank in one go.
Meanwhile, Ethan Lancaster casually held the stem of the glass, tasting it calmly with a small sip.
Claire Prescott had seen such table scenes before, so she was not surprised, and no one cared whether she drank or not.
Latter formalities, toasts, she ignored, simply sat there quietly eating, trying to minimize her presence.
However, at this moment, Ethan Lancaster suddenly used the public chopsticks, leisurely adding dishes to her plate, regardless of whether she liked the food or not, seemed ready to try every dish.
Under his attention, she instantly became the focal point of the entire table.
Claire Prescott stopped him, "Mr. Lancaster, I can do it myself."
Ethan Lancaster put down the chopsticks, spoke in a low voice, "You haven't clinked glasses with me yet. Can't drink?"
The man's eyes were as calm as a lake, his tone neither angry nor impatient, yet there was a sense of deterrence, an unspoken compulsion swirling within.