Chapter 348: The Dinner Table Was Filled with Warmth and Laughter

The dinner table was filled with warmth and laughter.

Elena Ward remained blissfully unaware, thinking her sister's transfer was just a routine hospital reassignment. Apart from reminding Elena to take care of herself, she didn’t have many worries. However, she did notice her brother Daniel’s subdued mood and assumed it was due to exhausting training.

Before they left, Elena discreetly slipped five thousand dollars into her sister’s bag. The previous loan of ten thousand had long been repaid—this was just in case conditions were harsh where Elena was headed. At the very least, she shouldn’t have to skimp on food.

These days, Elena was far from strapped for cash.

Little did she know that where Elena was going, money couldn’t buy much of anything worthwhile.

"Big sis, I’ve already booked my ticket, so I won’t come to say goodbye—and don’t see me off either. Keep this deed safe. When you have the means, build a large commercial center here, just like I told you. The rental income alone will keep you counting money till your hands ache. Stop being so frugal—Daniel and the others are grown now. Don’t keep saying, 'We’ll buy a house when we have enough money.'"

Elena kept rambling, afraid her sister wouldn’t take her advice. She knew her too well—Elena had been thrifty for so long that even with money, she’d hesitate to spend it. But what was the point of saving if it didn’t improve their lives?

When you had nothing, frugality was necessary. But clinging to it even when you had means? That was just self-sabotage.

And her sister was absolutely the type to do exactly that.

What was the point of living if all you did was earn money without ever enjoying it? You might as well be a machine.

Elena walked her siblings to the door, enduring her sister’s well-meaning nagging.

Honestly, where did this kid get her penchant for worrying?

Daniel escorted Elena back, and the two parted ways with a wave at the intersection.

At the dormitory entrance, Daniel stopped. "I’ll leave you here—I only got half a day off. I won’t lecture you, but promise me you’ll take care of yourself out there. Bullets don’t have eyes—don’t get reckless just because you think you’re capable." His concern was genuine.

If Elena didn’t know the situation, he certainly did.

The conflict was escalating, with skirmishes breaking out constantly. Some areas had even seen consecutive clashes.

The thought of Elena—a young woman—going into such a place made his stomach twist.

"Relax, big brother. I’ll be fine. Besides, I’m a doctor—I might not even get near the frontlines. There are plenty of hospitals there. Who knows? I might just stay in the rear." Elena tried to reassure him, though she knew better—Sylvia Stone would never let her stay safely in a rear hospital.

The frontlines were waiting for her.

But as a doctor, saving lives was her duty. No matter what, she had chosen this path and was prepared for it.

In her memory, these border conflicts wouldn’t last much longer. It was already the summer of 1986—by 1989, things would settle down.

Who knew? By the time she arrived, the fighting might already be winding down.

Others might not realize it, but she had a clear understanding.

The wheels of history wouldn’t turn differently just because she was there.