Chapter 11
Aiden and the others searched from the outpatient building all the way to the inpatient wing of the hospital, running through every ward, but Josie was nowhere to be found.
“Aiden, are we still looking!” Natalie was gasping for air, sweat threatening to smear her makeup. She bent over with her hands on her knees, glancing up at Aiden with a delicate, worn–out look.
Seeing her flushed, pretty face, Aiden suddenly felt a pang of guilt. He replied, “No more. Sit down and take a break, I’ll get you some coffee”
Natalie’s look reminded him of Josie back when she first joined the team.
Back then, Josie was a sophomore then, fresh from a small–town college, for behind others in professional knowledge.
At first, Aiden hadn’t even considered her for the team. But Josie had this stubborn streak, a kind of resilience that refused to give up, and she worked harder than anyone else.
Besides, Josie was obedient and sweet, always following instructions to the letter. Give her a task once, and she’d get it done perfectly. She never needed him to worry.
That’s why Aiden had been willing to look after her more, to give her extra care, treating her like a little sister.
Aiden had thought that kind of relationship would last, but later he realized Josie had feelings for him. A girl from the countryside daring to like him–how laughable.
That was when Natalie showed up. Unlike Josie, Natalie came from a background that matched his. She was the campus beauty, and her grades were just as impressive.
Most importantly. Natalie was considerate, charming, and knew how to make people happy. Compared to Josie, who was always so serious and clueless about these things, Natalie was miles ahead.
Aiden never thought of making Natalie his girlfriend, but he was more than happy to use her presence to make Josie back off.
Then Aiden started giving Natalie more attention. But soon, Josie couldn’t take it and went so far as to accuse him of things. Well, if she wanted to play dirty, he couldn’t be blamed for being heartless. After all, Natalie was dragged into this and she was innocent
Honestly, even after all that, Aiden hadn’t planned to do anything more to Josie. Even when she embarrassed him by winning that medal, he was willing to let it slide, for old times‘ sake.
As long as Josie kept being that obedient little girl following him around, Aiden could still protect her like a sister.
But this time, Josie really crossed the line. Using quitting the team as leverage, ignoring his calls–if that’s how she wanted it, she had no one to blame but herself.
Aiden called the rest of the group back and handed out the coffee he bought. He said, “No need to look anymore. If she wants to quit, let
her
Aiden thought, “Let’s see where shell go after leaving Professor Lawson’s team.
“Does she think she can really join Professor Wilcourt’s group? In such a niche field, she won’t ev planning to starve herself?
Vincent looked a little upset. “Aiden, are you really not going to talk to Josie one more time?”
find a job after graduating. Is she
“You wanna ask her, go ahead and ask yourself” Aiden had lost all patience and turned to leave for campus.
Gavin patted Vincent’s shoulder. “We can’t find her, so what’s the point? If you’re that worried, there’s Professor Lawson’s class tomorrow. Just ask her then”
“Exactly” Jaden said, slinging an arm around Vincent’s neck. “She left the group chat and won’t talk to us. Even if we want to coax her, we
“Tomorrow, I’m coming with you. Let’s find her together. I swear, I’m gonna give that girl a good scolding She’s got guts now, Playing hide and seek with us? She’s driving me nuts.”
huh?
Natalie sipped her coffee, looking thoughtful. Josie’s definitely still in the hospital, so why can’t we find her?
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Is she deliberately avoiding us? What’s she thinking? Does she really plan on not coming back to the team?
Natalie couldn’t figure out Josie’s intentions for now. But this situation was working in her favor.
Natalie thought. As long as Josie doesn’t come back to compete with me, I’ll eventually win over all the senior boys. Everything they had would be mine.”
Unaware of Natalie’s schemes, Josie was busy taking notes during the consultation.
In the team, Josie spotted a few familiar faces–renowned experts in various medical fields, people she usually only saw in medical journals.
Midway through the consultation, a small incident occurred
A professor who had made a name for himself in pharmacology suggested Delilah. “Regarding the combined research on cytology and acupuncture, I think we should still invite Professor Lawson to join.
“He’s the top expert in cellular studies. No one here knows more than he does.”
You think I’m dead or what?” Delilah’s usually gentle face flashed with anger. “If you’re clueless about my history with him, I suggest you go catch up on the gossip.
“What kind of expert is he anyway? Bring him in and watch him kill my patients!”
“You…” The professor who made the suggestion was fuming. “Professor Wilcourt, that was uncalled for. Our goal is to tackle cell–related diseases. Anyone who can contribute should be welcomed into the team.
“How can you let personal grudges prevent you from bringing in someone who could benefit our research? That’s not what a doctor should be about,
Delilah snorted. “Sorry, but my team doesn’t need someone like David. If you think he’s so great, go find him yourself. He’s not welcome here.”
“Damn, she’s strong Josie swallowed nervously, stealing an admiring glance at Delilah. ‘My new mentor’s got guts.
And just like that, Josie realized she had unintentionally sided with David’s rival.
The thought gave Josie a rush. “Wonder if Aiden and the others will think I’m doing this on purpose. Well–of course I am. Let’s see them fume over it‘
“What are you smirking at Go show this professor what you’ve got. Prove to him that even my interns aren’t here just to fill seats,” Delilah said, tugging Josie forward.
Josie stepped up. “Good afternoon, professors. About the research on combining cytology and acupuncture that you just mentioned, I believe…”
Josie delivered a thorough analysis, covering everything from cellular research theories to pharmacological applications and the role of acupuncture. Her explanation dissected every angle, providing a clear feasibility assessment for Delilah’s new project
Though brief, her speech silenced the entire room. Even Delilah couldn’t hide the gleam of surprise–this girl was better than she expected
After a few seconds of stunned silence, the room erupted in applause. Someone asked, “You’re not majoring in acupuncture, are you?”
“No,” Josie answered honestly. “My major is cytology”
The man continued, “I heard Professor Lawson’s starting a new research team as well. Since you major in cytology, why didn’t you.
Before he could finish, Delilah cut him off, clearly annoyed. “What, you think my team doesn’t deserve a top–notch cytology student?”
“That’s not what I meant The man chuckled, patting Delilah’s arm. “Tin just worried history might repeat itself. You know how hard it was to put this team together”
Delilah glanced at Josie “Relax. That won’t happen this time. David’s not getting his hands on this one”
“Alright, that’s all I needed to hear. Then let’s wrap up for today. Once your team is assembled, start the research as soon as possible. 111
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coordinate with the patient’s family.” Jeremy stood up as he spoke.
Jeremy adjusted his glasses, his gaze lingering on Josie for a moment before leaving with another professor without saying anything
more.
Delilah turned to Josie. “You heard what he said. Since you’re in my team now, don’t let your mind wander elsewhere. I don’t like students with a foot in both camps.”
“Don’t worry, Professor Wilcourt. I’ll stay focused. There’s no way I’d go back to Professor Lawson’s side.” Josie promised firmly.
Then she asked, “By the way, those two just now–were they Professor Wilcourt from clinical medicine and Professor Sommers from pharmacology
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