I skipped lunch because Fanny had texted me earlier., She mentioned that a senior from her college days was now a visiting professor at her hospital, and she had already put in a word for me to meet him. The purpose? To discuss the potential treatment plan for Susie Collins in detail.,

"I'll bring Ernest along,

" I suggested, considering Susie was his sister. It made sense for him to be there, listening in on the conversation. After all, he'd be the one making the final call on whether or not to proceed with surgery., There was a brief pause on Fanny's end, and I sensed something was off.

"Is that going to be a problem?

",

"Just come alone,

" Fanny finally replied.

"We're tight on time and can only meet during his break, so it'll have to be quick.

", So, there I was, medical files in hand, meeting Fanny at the hospital. She waited for me at the entrance and quickly glanced through the files before leading me to the lecture hall.,

"As you know, the professor's schedule is jam-packed. After his lecture, he's got other commitments, so you might only get a handful of minutes with him,

" she explained as we walked. I couldn't help but joke,

"What is he, the President?

", Fanny laughed at my comment and played along.

"I know, right? He's a big deal now, recognized internationally. Our hospital must have really struck gold or pulled some serious strings to get him here.

", I could detect a hint of melancholy in her voice. Fanny was accomplished in her own right, but next to her esteemed senior, her achievements seemed to pale in comparison. It probably explained why her crush on him had remained just that—a crush.,

"Have you met him outside of work?

" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.,

"No, with his schedule? Besides, if I had, I wouldn't be dragging you here right now,

" she nudged me, half-jokingly.

"I told you, he's a big shot, always accompanied by his assistant. Every minute of his day is accounted for.

", It wasn't that she didn't want to; she simply hadn't had the opportunity.,

"Why not reach out to him personally?

" I encouraged her., Fanny didn't respond, and we arrived at the lecture hall, greeted by a huge digital screen welcoming Professor Yates., As we entered, the vast hall was filled to the brim, and there, at the podium, stood a young, handsome man with rimless glasses-Professor Yates himself. His clear enunciation and pleasant voice reminded me of those professional TV hosts, and his lab coat shimmered under the spotlight, making him look almost celestial. After all, doctors are akin to gods on Earth, with the power to heal., No wonder Yates had remained unmatched in Fanny's heart., With the hall fully packed and people even standing in the aisles, Fanny and I had no choice but to listen from the back. Although, when we walked in, I couldn't shake the feeling that Yates's gaze briefly met ours.,

"He's looking at you,

" I whispered to Fanny.,

"He's just scanning the crowd, don't get carried away,

" she brushed it off., An hour later, as Yates concluded his lecture, my back and legs ached from standing. Fanny, on the other hand, seemed unfazed-typical for a surgeon used to lengthy operations. But for me, a night of little sleep followed by this was proving to be a challenge., Rubbing my sore back, I watched as people crowded around Yates.

"Your senior sure knows how to hold a crowd,

" I remarked.,

"And he was impressive,

" I added, acknowledging the depth of his lecture., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.