Connor had taken up cooking as a hobby, but what about him? Even if he whipped up a meal, Aisha wouldn''t give him a second nce, right?


    "You just don''t want to do it; stop making excuses," Flora said, squinting her eyes with a knowing look. "There''s a world of difference between a meal cooked by a lover and one cooked by a maid. Cook Aisha a meal, and she''ll be touched for sure." "Really?"


    "To win a woman''s heart, you gotta win her stomach first. Just look at me and Connor."


    Ray: "..."


    Well, that kinda made sense.


    Looks like he''d have to learn how to cook!


    Connor, who had just stepped out holding a thermal container, overheard their conversation. His eyes narrowed with determination.


    Seems like he needed to up his culinary game too!


    He handed the container to Ray, signaling him to leave: "Two servings, enough for you and Aisha. Take it and go."


    "Alright." Ray grinned as he epted the container. "I won''t intrude on your cozy time with Flora then."


    "Take care."


    Just as Ray reached the door, Connor called out to him, "If you need help, just say the word."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Ray''s grip on the container tightened. Connor was always so perceptive.


    Always knowing everything.


    ...


    After Mr. Tanner got back, he immediately announced the shortlist. It was supposed to go out yesterday, but he had dyed it for Flora''s sake. Now, it had to be published.


    "Director, is there really no way to reconsider?" one of the senior staff asked. "Flora''s talent is undeniable. It''d be a shame if she doesn''tpete."


    "Yes, with Flora, we actually stand a chance at winning."


    Though it seemed a bit much to pin their hopes on a young girl, Flora indeed had the capability.


    "Enough, enough, stop talking," Mr. Tanner said, feeling a headacheing on. "Do you think I don''t want Flora topete in the Medical Championship? But what if she doesn''t want toe?"


    He had talked his mouth off, but she wouldn''t budge!


    It was their fault for offending her in the first ce!


    "Director, why don''t we all go and apologize to Flora?"


    "Yes, yes, let''s all go."


    "If she agrees toe, I''d kneel down if I have to!"


    "You''d kneel?" Mr. Tanner gave them a look, disdainful of theirck of backbone. "I''d kneel down if I have to!"


    The senior staff: "..."


    You''re not any better.


    Mr. Tanner was frustrated: "Alright, just release the shortlist now. Don''t get your hopes up for that stubborn girl."


    He had seen through her; once she made up her mind, nobody could change it.


    The Medical Championship was a globally recognizedpetition, attracting widespread attention. Everyone was eager to see who would represent their country.


    To them, Flora joining the national


    medical team andpeting in the


    Medical Championship was a given, considering her unparalleled talent in all of Austenberg.


    Thus, as soon as the shortlist was announced, social media exploded!


    : Am I blind? Why don''t I see Flora''s name!


    I can''t see it either! Damn, did Flora not pass the exam? Impossible. With her track record, passing should be a piece of cake, right?


    Haha, well, that''s not necessarily


    true. The national medical team''s exams are notoriously difficult; many veteran professors might not even make the cut. Flora is young so failing isn''t out of the ordinary. But weren''t Flora''s fans saying she was going to lead Austenberg to viêtory? They said she wouldn''t even join the national team if asked, and now, she didn''t even pass the exam. Hrious.