O snorted to herself, thinking, "Let''s see how long you can keep your cool!"


    "Thepetitors can now check their equipment to make sure everything''s in order. Once the contest starts, no recements will be allowed," the host announced, his eyes lingering on Flora.


    His look was as clear as day: "Honey, if you have any issues, just let me know, and I''ll sort it out for you."


    Being a professor at the University of Maple Grove, it was no surprise he was biased towards Flora.


    "I''m good," Flora drawled, soundingpletely rxed.


    "I''m fine too," O quickly chimed in.


    "Alright, then-"


    "Let''s get this started!"


    As soon as thepetition bell rang, O grabbed the scalpel and suture thread. She began stitching an egg with meticulous precision. This demanded her full attention!


    On the operating table, she was like a different person-earnest and devout, none of her usual pretense that people found so annoying.


    O stitched with patient, steady hands. She had done countless mock surgeries before, so this was second nature to her. Still, in the heat of thepetition, she couldn''t afford to ck off. She aimed for perfection.


    No room for mistakes!


    After finishing one egg, she couldn''t resist a nce at Flora.


    Compared to O''s intense focus, Flora seemed like she was in another world.


    The surgical instruments on her table were untouched; she lounged in her chair, looking like she might start ying on a smartphone if she had one.


    Why isn''t she doing anything?


    O frowned, then it hit her.


    Could it be that Flora doesn''t know how and decided to give up to avoid embarrassing herself with poor skills?


    The thought made O scoff again. Her teachers and senior ssmates were overthinking it; Flora wasn''t that impressive.


    She refocused on her stitching.


    "What''s up with Flora?" Darcy and the others were getting frantic. O was almost done with her second egg, and Flora hadn''t even started. Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Time was running out!


    Dr. Ray looked puzzled but wasn''t worried. Flora always had her reasons.


    In the audience, Connor chuckled softly.


    That girl, always ying her games.


    As the seconds ticked by, O had already started on her third egg, while Flora remained as calm as ever, resting her chin on her hand, looking like she might doze off any moment.


    "Sis! Come on, please! Just do something, will you?" they pleaded.


    "We''re really going to lose if you don''t move!"


    The whole room was in a frenzy.


    They finally understood the meaning of being more anxious than those directly involved.


    How could Flora stay soposed?


    x


    Ten minutes passed, and as O finished the third egg, she nced at Flora, who was still motionless O grew even more convinced Flora was clueless.


    Even if Flora knew what to do, it was toote; she wouldn''t have enough time.


    O felt victory was hers and proudly tilted her chin towards her team, as if unting her imminent triumph.


    Meanwhile, her team was shrouded in gloom.


    Mr. Atticus looked particrly morose and distressed.


    How could anyone be happy right now?


    It was clear Flora was toying with them.


    Just as O started on the fourth egg, Flora finally moved!


    The girlzily stood up, her delicate hand reaching for a scalpel.