"Got it," Mr. Tanner rubbed his temples. "You can go now, and make sure to send the list to the contestants'' group chat."


    "Yes, sir."


    The assistant nodded and quietly left the room.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Mr. Tanner''s head was pounding. He''d been pushing the team hard in training and barely catching five to six hours of sleep each night. Age was definitely catching up to him, and he couldn''t keep up anymore. With one hand still massaging his temples, he picked up the list from his desk and casually nced over it.


    But when his eyesnded on thest name, he shot up from his chair as if struck by lightning.


    "Flora?!"


    Mr. Tanner''s eyes widened in shock as he stared at the name ''Flora'' on the list,pletely dumbfounded.


    How did Flora''s name get on this list?


    When he submitted the initial review, Flora''s name was definitely not on there.


    Panic set in for Mr. Tanner.


    Would Flora think he had intentionally added her name?


    In a rush, Mr. Tanner opened the group chat he had with Dr. Ray and Jules.


    We''ve got a problem!


    Half an hourter.


    At the University of Maple Groveboratory.


    Mr. Tanner nervously eyed Flora, who sat across from him on the couch, swallowing hard. "Flora, I swear, when I submitted the list, your name wasn''t on it. I have no idea how it ended up there." Seeing Flora remain silent, Mr. Tanner grew even more anxious, worried she might think he was behind it.


    Jules and Dr. Ray, seated beside him, were just as uneasy.


    They were big names in the medical field, almost legendary, but in front of Flora, they feltpletely subdued.


    Mr. Tanner''s throat tightened as he spoke again, "Flora..."


    "I get it."


    Flora stood up, hands in her pockets, her jaw clenched tightly.


    It was clear she was in a bad mood.


    "So... about thepetition..."


    Mr. Tanner found it tough to bring up.


    I.ne


    He didn''t want to say it, but with the list already out, thepetition rules required all contestants to participate, or the team would lose their eligibility topete.


    This meant if Flora decided not to participate, they wouldn''t even qualify to go to Lone Ind


    for the


    But even if Flora truly didn''t want to go, they couldn''t force her.


    Flora had already said she wouldn''t participate, and this mix-up was their fault.


    Flora remained silent, her eyes icy and piercing.


    Mr. Tanner felt his heart sink.


    Just when he was about to lose all hope, Flora''s voice suddenly rang out-


    "I''llpete."


    At that, Mr. Tanner abruptly looked up at Flora!


    He couldn''t believe what he had just heard.


    "Flora, you... you said you''llpete?" His voice trembled with excitement!


    Flora, her face cold, nodded.


    Her gaze briefly swept over the list, carrying a chilling intensity.


    Abbey.


    Well yed.


    Since Abbey was so keen on her going to Lone Ind for thepetition, she would oblige.


    Let''s see what tricks Abbey had up her sleeve.


    Even after returning to the National Medical Department, Mr. Tanner was still in disbelief.


    Truth be told, he had braced himself for giving up on thepetition, never expecting Flora to agree!


    In his view, Flora had always been steadfast, immovable; her sudden change of heart took him by surprise.


    The assistant had been anxiously


    waiting at the office door. Seein


    him return, he quickly said, "Director, you''re finally back. The contestants came by earlier, they..."


    Mr. Tanner raised his hand, signaling he understood. "Call them over."