When Carina opened her eyes again, the carriage had already stopped outside Hyman Manor.
The businesswoman was a person who was able to let go of things. After learning about Zhang Heng and Anne, although she was disappointed for a period of time, she quickly pulled herself together and put her energy into the business on the island. In fact, the work she had done during this period had diluted the regret in her heart.
Now that the two of them were in the same small space, it brought back memories of the past. But after a good night's sleep, she had recovered a lot.
Carina got out of the carriage and stretched her shoulders. Unlike Malcolm's Terrance Manor, Carmen's Hyman Manor wasn't big, only about one-tenth the size of Malcolm's. There weren't many crops planted here. Other than the residence, most of the place was filled with gardens and lawns. This place was left behind by Carmen's late husband, Smith. A year after the couple got married, Smith accidentally fell off a horse and died. Hence, the manor was now Carmen's property.
"How can I help you?" A black man was mowing the lawn. When he saw them, he put down the scissors in his hand and walked over.
"I heard that the owner of this place is proficient in Guanahatabey medicine. That's why I'm here to seek treatment." Zhang Heng also got out of the carriage.
"Yes, Mrs. Smith is very talented in this area. Her Guanahatabey medicine is even better than the Guanahatabey people on the island." The black man smiled. "But if you want to seek treatment, you need to make an appointment in advance. We need to prepare herbs and the corresponding treatment tools for you. At the same time, you need to meditate the night before."
"Is that so? But we're already here. At least let me try it first."
"This …" The black man seemed to be in a difficult position. "But you came at the wrong time. In half an hour, a guest with an appointment will be here, so …"
Before he could finish his sentence, a female voice interrupted him. "It's okay, Drew. Let them in."
"As you wish." The black man stepped aside and gestured for them to enter.
Zhang Heng and Carina followed him through a small flowerbed and into the main entrance.
The black man went to the kitchen to make tea. After another five minutes, the owner of the voice came down from upstairs. Earlier, she was standing in front of the window on the second floor. Zhang Heng only took a quick glance at her. Now, he finally had the chance to get close to her.
According to the information Zhang Heng collected, Carmen should be about the same age as Eugene, in his forties, but it was hard to tell from his appearance.
Zhang Heng didn't know what method she used to maintain her skin, but she looked like she was in her thirties. She exuded a unique charm that was a mixture of maturity and innocence. Zhang Heng could understand why Eugene was fascinated by her.
"Drew, do you know who you just shut out?"
"Forgive my ignorance, madam." The black man bowed.
"Who is the most famous person on the island recently?"
"Mr. Malcolm, who established the black-market alliance, and Black Prince Sam, who became the pirate king of Nassau … I often hear people talking about their names. But the most famous one is Captain Zhang Heng of the Jackdaw." When the black man said this, he obviously realized who the person sitting in front of him was. After all, Zhang Heng's oriental features were still very obvious. A flash of surprise flashed in his eyes.
"No matter what, you can't chase the most famous captain on the island, the new king of Nassau out of his house. Drew, cancel the next appointment. Tell Mr. Buffon that the treatment will be rescheduled to tomorrow night."
The black man nodded, turned around, and served tea. After that, he walked out of the house.
"I hope my people didn't offend you." Carmen reached out her hand.
Zhang Heng had never been fond of the European hand-kissing ritual. It was a Viking custom that spread to Europe and became popular among the upper class. It was mostly used to show respect to married women. Even in modern times, it was still popular among the European royal families. However, it couldn't hide the fact that it was unhygienic, especially considering the current era. People living in Nassau might not even get to take a shower once a week, and their hands were bound to be full of germs.
Therefore, Zhang Heng only reached out his hand and shook it politely.
"Let me guess. Since Captain Zhang Heng is here, you must be Anne. No, Miss Anne has a head of enviable red hair. You must be Miss Karina. Although what you've done isn't as famous as Captain Zhang Heng, you're still a household name, especially among the women on the island. Many people are talking about you and Miss Anne. You've proven that in this male-dominated world, women can still have a place in it." Carmen's face flashed with a hint of awkwardness, but she quickly covered it up and turned around to smile at the merchant.
"You think too highly of me. I'm just a businesswoman who wants to make money," Carina said.
After the three of them exchanged pleasantries, Carmen said, "I didn't expect Captain Zhang Heng to know about me. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"There is one thing that I need Mrs. Smith's help with."
"That would be my honor. May I know if Captain Zhang Heng is feeling unwell?" Carmen picked up the teacup in front of her and took a sip.
"I heard that Mrs. Smith is very familiar with Mr. Eugene."
"I'm sorry?"
"We don't mean any harm to Mr. Eugene. In fact, we know that he has been in a difficult situation all these years. We want to help him solve his problems, but the premise is that you can help us first. Tell us what is threatening him."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just a doctor. Using Nahatabey's medical skills …"
"We know what your relationship with Eugene is," Carina interrupted Carmen. "Eugene always comes to your place for treatment in the middle of the night, and he only leaves the next morning. His wife is not on the island, and you've been a widow for so many years …"
"With all due respect, Miss Carina, you know nothing about widowhood." Carmen's tone changed, and she was no longer as polite as before. "If you're here for this matter, then I'm sorry. Our conversation has to end here. Drew, the guests are leaving."
The black man walked into the house, but Zhang Heng and Carina did not get up. "I heard that after your husband passed away, you and your husband's family are not on good terms. They want to take back his properties on the island, especially this manor. We might be able to provide some help."
Carmen's eyes twitched when she heard that. In the end, she said, "I don't know what you're talking about, and I can't help you even if I wanted to. Whether you believe me or not, Mr. Eugene is just one of my patients. If you're here to see a doctor, I'm more than happy to welcome you. But I can't do anything else."
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
