**Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**
**Chapter 66**
In this intricate dance of contracts and commitments, Party A was none other than Quentin Hayes, while Party B was the spirited Nina Summer.
Nina found herself staring at the contract laid out before her, her mind racing with disbelief. “Hold on a second! If I lose just one pound, I’m penalized with a 3,000-dollar deduction? I thought we were here to discuss how to help Shadow!” Her voice was tinged with confusion and a hint of frustration.
A frown creased her brow as she grappled with the implications. “Why on earth would I be penalized for simply shedding some weight?”
Nearby, James, who had been observing the exchange, stepped in to clarify. “Ms. Summer, your health is intricately linked to Shadow’s condition. And in turn, Shadow’s well-being significantly impacts Mr. Hayes’ mental state.” His tone was measured, as if he were imparting wisdom that needed to be understood.
He continued, “Moreover, this clause isn’t as harsh as it seems. For every pound you gain, you’ll receive a bonus of 6,000 dollars. Additionally, you’ll earn 1,000 dollars for each half hour you dedicate to exercise.”
Nina stood there, her disbelief morphing into a whirlwind of thoughts.
Quentin, tapping the table with a sense of urgency, added, “One more stipulation. Unless there’s a truly exceptional circumstance, you are required to consume the meals provided by Hayes Medical Center for every single meal.”
James interjected quickly, “And remember, you can’t just gulp them down. Each meal must be savored over a minimum of twenty minutes.”
Nina scratched her head in contemplation, suddenly realizing the logic behind James’s words.
‘My health impacts Shadow’s health, which in turn affects Mr. Hayes’ mental well-being. So if I maintain my health, does that mean the world remains in harmony?’ she mused, the weight of the realization settling in.
“Seems reasonable enough,” she muttered softly, yet a nagging unease lingered in her mind.
‘It feels like one of those nesting dolls, and I’m the one trapped within?’ she pondered, feeling the pressure of the situation.
However, noticing that the contract lacked any clauses that could potentially harm her, Nina decided to push aside her doubts. With a resolute hand, she picked up the pen and signed her name, the ink flowing smoothly as she committed to this unusual agreement.
The previous night had been a turning point for Nina, as she witnessed Silverclaw’s grueling labor. It struck her then that the Forest Isle Zoo desperately needed a fully equipped veterinary hospital, complete with state-of-the-art medical facilities and a dedicated team of veterinarians.
Yet, she knew that establishing such a facility would require a significant financial investment.
After Nina’s signature sealed the deal, Quentin announced his need to rush off to an important meeting.
With Shadow needing to accompany Quentin, the loyal creature was reluctantly led away, its expression mirroring that of an overworked office employee dragged into an endless overtime shift.
But Nina had no time to linger.
She made her way toward the Forest Isle Wetlands, where the park staff were bustling about, transporting animal carriers one after another.
Just the previous night, while strolling through the Wetlands with Misty Fang, Nina had compiled a list of animals eager to serve as trainers.
The carriers were brimming with enthusiastic animal coaches, primarily snakes, alongside a few aquatic creatures from the nearby aquarium.
However, the real showstopper was a large rectangular glass tank.
Inside, a crocodile was voraciously devouring small fish, its jaws snapping with fervor.
Nina announced with a grin, “This crocodile will be our head coach for today’s special pre-competition training session.”
She furrowed her brow as she addressed the crocodile, affectionately named Big Chomp. “Big Chomp, why are you munching again? You just had a feast!”
Nina tapped the glass tank lightly, a playful warning in her tone. “The keeper just brushed your teeth! What if your breath becomes a distraction for our national athletes later?”
Big Chomp hesitated, its biting momentarily paused. [Nina, if I don’t eat enough, how can I possibly muster the energy to chase anyone later?]
Nina rubbed her forehead in exasperation. Big Chomp did have a valid point.
Yet, it had devoured an entire bucket of salmon only thirty minutes earlier.
Truly, Big Chomp had an insatiable appetite.
The Swim Training Center was eagerly awaiting the arrival of animal coaches. The specialized animal transport vehicle had already parked at the main entrance of the Forest Isle Zoo.
Nina hopped into the passenger seat, surrounded by a car full of eager animal coaches, as they set off toward the Swim Training Center.
******


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