Chapter 732 Youâre the First One The competition was extremely intense, with the first half dominated by impressive teams. However, in the second half, there was a complete turnaround.
For instance, Fergusâs team had been quick in solving complex problems in the first half, far surpassing the neighboring team.
But their speed noticeably slowed down in the second half, and the opposing teams caught them up. Seeing themselves in a disadvantaged position, Fergusâs team was visibly disturbed, their mistakes increasing.
As for Marshallâs team, they had not been favored from the start because their speed was simply too slow. The opposing teams had completed two- thirds of the tasks while they had only completed one-third. However, at the last moment, with the help of the substitute, their teamwork was extremely coordinated, allowing them to reverse the speed and be the first to finish the game. As long as their completion rate did not fall behind the opposing teams and achieved a lower error rate, they would win.
At the hospital, Fergus had just woken up when he received a call from his student. He had thought it was a call with good news and answered the phone with a bright smile. âHow did it go? Did we win?â he asked.
âWe did,â the student replied.
Fergus couldnât help but frown. âYou silly, why do you sound so frustrated if we won? Shouldnât you be happy?â
âProfessor Lynch, itâs not our team that won; Professor Hartleyâs team did.
âWhat?â Fergus found it hard to believe. He asked, trembling slightly, How is that possible? Catherine didnât even compete. How could Marshallâs team win?â
âThe substitute in Marshallâs team is as formidable as Catherine. They were initially behind the opposing teams but later caught up and won,â the student replied.
Upon hearing this, Fergus felt a ringing in his head and a sharp pain in his heart.
âProfessor Lynch, are you there?â the student asked, concerned.
Fergus sat in the chair, dazed, clutching his chest. His face was filled with pain, and he was unable to speak. After a while, he finally came to his senses and picked up the phone from the floor. He needed to find out what had happened.
As Fergus stepped out of the lounge, he ran into Paxton.
Paxton said, âProfessor Lynch, perfect timing. I thought you were still sleeping!â
Fergus looked at Paxton with a puzzled expression. âWhatâs up?â
Paxton replied, âI have good news for you. Miss Swann has woken up. She just came out of the operating room and is now in her room. Youâre in a hurry to see her, right?â
Fergus originally intended to rush back to the hotel to check on the competitionâs situation, but he hadnât expected Paxton to ask him this question.
Fergus had to nod in agreement. âYeah, I was so worried about Catherine that I couldnât sleep well. I woke up after a short rest, and I will see her now!â
Paxton suggested, âLetâs go then!â
Fergus gave a faint smile and followed behind Paxton as they made their way to the hospital room.
The room was crowded with people, and Catherine lay weakly on the hospital bed, looking pale.
When Catherine looked up and saw Fergus standing nearby, she greeted him, âProfessor Lynch!â
Everyoneâs attention shifted to Fergus, who approached Catherine with a smile on his face. âAre you feeling better, Catherine?â
âYes! Thank you for developing the antidote for me, Professor Lynch.â Catherineâs eyes were filled with sincerity.
Before, Fergus had always felt that Catherine was extremely arrogant and aloof, not even giving him a second glance. It was rare for her to speak to him in this manner. âYou are Marshallâs best student. I have to do my best to save you, both professionally and personally. No need to thank me, as long as you get better!â
Seeing Catherine awake, Fergus couldnât wait to verify the antidoteâs effectiveness. âNow that youâre awake, it means my antidote worked. Iâll have a nurse draw a blood sample for testing to develop a complete solution to neutralize the neurotoxin in your body as soon as possible.â
Catherine nodded faintly in agreement.
After calling for a nurse to draw blood, Fergus soon received the blood sample, and he seemed excited. He made an effort to contain his emotions, not wanting to appear too happy. â Catherine, Marshall is particularly concerned about you. I canât let him down. Rest well. Iâm going to the laboratory!â he said.
âSure! Thank you, Professor Lynch!â
Catherine watched as Fergus left. As soon as he left the hospital room, her previously calm eyes immediately turned icy.
Sitting beside Catherine the whole time, Branden stroked her pale face and tenderly said, âLet me handle this, okay?â
Catherine glanced at him, and Branden understood what she meant with just one look. In his entire lifetime, only Catherine could make him swallow his pride.
âOkay, Iâll leave it to you. But you must promise me that you will never hurt yourself again. or else I will do something crazy.â
Branden lowered his head, his cold lips tightly pressed against Catherineâs warm hand. He couldnât tell anyone how nervous he felt when Catherine collapsed in his arms. His brain completely shut down, leaving his mind blank. No one could understand his feelings at that moment. He felt as if his blood instantly ran cold. He didnât want Catherine to take any more risks. He wished it had happened to him, not Catherine.
Catherine knew well that Branden was an extraordinary man. It seemed that he was able to do anything. This was the first time she had seen him so humble, and she felt a pang of heartache. She gently stroked his hair, which felt very tough and a bit prickly, but she still liked it very much.
âI see. It wonât happen again,â Catherine promised.
Branden slowly raised his head, and his previously low spirits vanished, replaced by a playful and ambiguous expression as he looked at her. âHave you heard that you shouldnât touch a manâs head, or itâll bring bad luck?â
Catherine was taken aback, seemingly not expecting him to say such words. Before she could answer, Branden continued, âBut if youâre willing to support me, you can touch it as much as you want!â With that, he leaned his head toward her.
Seeing his nonchalant appearance, Catherine chuckled. âBranden, has anyone told you that you are thick- skinned?â
âHumph...â Branden chuckled as he hugged her. âNo, youâre the first one!â
âAnd the only one,â he murmured in his heart.