The True Heiress's Return

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But before Matthew could continue boasting, the three elders-Barret, Ethan, and Yael-started shouting and competing, "You old fool! That girl isn't just your student. She's ours too." "Exactly, Shakira is my beloved student as well," Ethan said. "Don't forget me. Shakira has been learning martial arts from me the longest, so I should be the rightful teacher," Yael added. Matthew sneered at them, "You all never announced having a student before. Don't try to squeeze in now. Go away."

Everyone present fell silent. The meeting lasted an hour, yet the four elders hadn't spoken much. Despite each person being of considerable prestige in Crescentville, or even nationwide, they all felt insignificant in front of these elders. But now, the usually serious and traditional four elders were arguing heatedly over a young girl, showing a side of immaturity. No one dared to interrupt, but they regarded Shakira much more highly, recognizing her as someone important. Shakira felt noisy. Such noisy arguments reminded her of a distant time in her past life when she wandered alone in Belaris. After Matthew and the others took her in, they often quarreled over who would have the first and last bite. Listening to the non-stop arguing around her, Shakira smiled and then raised her hand, "If you keep this up, I'm going home."

Matthew glared. "No way!" Yael exclaimed urgently, "You're leaving just after getting here?" Ethan smiled kindly, "Alright, we'll listen to Shakira." Barret snorted and said, "I can't be bothered arguing with these old guys anyway." Seeing this, everyone present marveled once again and thought, This young girl, at her tender age, is truly impressive. With just one command, she can get the four elders to obediently comply.

Even Jasmin, sitting in the second row, gave Shakira a thumbs-up. She thought, 'Shakira is awesome. I'm following the right/ person.*

Matthew cleared his throat and then started talking to Shakira about today's meeting.

"The government has proposed a project where Crescentville officials work with Clusia Hospital to create a reality TV show to ease the tension between doctors and patients and provide the public with an open view of the medical profession," Matthew said. Matthew introduced each person, saying, "The investors are the Banks family from Crescentville, the producers are the government of Crescentville, the planners are Alexander and the president of Clusia Hospital."

"The chief director is Kevin, the director at the last diplomatic summit," Matthew added. Shakira greeted everyone again as she followed Matthew's directions.

At the diplomatic summit, Kevin had taken care of everything, but he only found out after Shakira went on stage that there was a last-minute change with the piano soloist. Seeing an unfamiliar young face, he immediately broke into a cold sweat.

If it weren't for Shakira's impressive performance, which became the highlight of the event, his directing career could have faced a major setback.

Kevin nodded amicably at Shakira. "If I had known earlier about Ms. Nelson's exceptional piano skills, you would have been the first choice for the solo piece."Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

Shakira responded with a polite smile, "That performance was a last-minute decision. I'm sorry I couldn't inform you earlier, Kevin. Please forgive me."

Kevin waved his hands while feeling relieved on his part. Thankfully, they hadn't informed anyone in advance. Considering Shakira and the other seniors' low-profile nature, he could have unintentionally offended truly important people.

3

Matthew chuckled, "My apprentice here takes after me. We don't like being in the spotlight. Unless it's necessary, she definitely won't be stepping out."

Everyone nodded politely in agreement, and Matthew added with a playful twist, "So, to get my apprentice on the show this time, you're going to need to put in a lot more effort."

Shakira thought, 'So this is where the trap is waiting for me.

Shakira raised an eyebrow. "The investors are the Banks family from Crescentville, Fiona Banks?" Matthew nodded with a smile, "That's her."

Noticing her thoughts, Kevin explained, "The investors were assigned by the government. The Banks family is one of the leading medical families in the country, providing numerous medical talents and imported medical equipment to hospitals nationwide." "Many hospitals in the west were also funded by the Banks family charity foundation. It's just a matter of returning a favor, giving the Banks family some credit," Kevin added.

"I see," Shakira nodded and then asked, "So, you want me on the show?" "Just one episode," Matthew said.

Matthew, with his gray eyebrows, gave a flattering smile, "They're hoping for a young, standout person who can grab attention and be convincing. Besides you, who else could fit the bill?"

Everyone knew the skills of the medical master Matthew and his mysterious apprentice Lonely Bird, who had received his training and countless praises. She could draw in a large young audience. "Yes. It has to be Dr. Lonely Bird."

Shakira shrugged. "So, it seems I don't even have a chance to say no, do I?" Matthew spoke sincerely, "How could I force you to do something you don't want to? If you don't wish to, then forget it."

Matthew just mentioned it casually, but everyone else was quite worried. "Dr. Lonely Bird, it's only one episode. Please think about it again," one said.

"There aren't many people in our country recently who have the influence like Dr. Lonely Bird. Even though you've never appeared publicly, your mystery attracts even more attention," another one said.

"Also, we're working hard to get top-notch medical professionals from around the world to join the show. With Dr. Lonely Bird involved, the program gains credibility and influence," one man added.

Now everyone was talking more noisily than the old folks earlier. Moreover, those trying to persuade her were influential people in Crescentville. Shakira thought, 'If I turn down the offer, I might be regarded as ungrateful.' Shakira looked at Matthew and thought, 'This old guy have clearly decided long ago that she should be on the show!'

"Everyone," Shakira said, and the crowd immediately fell silent, filled with anticipation. Surrendering to their eager eyes, Shakira conceded. "I'll join the show, but I have one condition...

"Not just one condition, even ten, and we'll meet them all," one said. "Thanks to Dr. Lonely Bird!" another one said.

Then they moved on to discussing the show's schedule and process. Shakira confirmed each detail, finding no issues, and signed the contract with Kevin on the spot. Kevin was really worried she might back out.

Matthew watched with a smile, reminding everyone, "My student is shy around strangers. Please help me keep it under wraps and don't take up public attention." Everyone agreed instantly, "Of course."