Chapter 229
A trace of sarcasm flashed at the corner of Kenneth’s mouth as he said, “It’s not a matter of our opinion. Rather, it was witnessed by everyone present. Anyone with eyes knew what happened. Now that Mr. Longley is fully conscious, do you still believe that someone else had saved him?”
Audrey felt a sudden choke in her chest, and a surge of anger rushed straight to her head. She turned and walked away.
“My apologies, Mr. Garfield,” David said, unable to hide his embarrassment. He turned and went after Audrey.
Kenneth said, “Professor Lawson, let me give you a word of advice. Please focus more on your academic research and stop resorting to underhanded methods. The fact that Mr. Longley rejected you is no secret within the institute.”
David thought, ‘In other words, Mr. Longley would also be unlikely to approve my research proposals?’ David felt as if he had been struck on the head. He staggered several steps. It was only when the heavy sound of a door slamming shut echoed behind him that his legs gave way and he nearly fell to his knees.
After quite some time, he entered the parking lot in a daze. However, before he could locate his car, he heard a barrage of insults and the sound of a slap landing on someone’s face. David, disregarding his own distress, hurried to the side of the car and immediately saw Natalie curled up by the car door. Natalie, her eyes brimming with tears, covered her face. Clearly, she had been struck.
Audrey said, “You useless fool. You are incapable of accomplishing anything and only ever make things worse. You can’t even gather information properly. What use do I have for you!” Seething in anger, she raised her hand once more.
David firmly grasped Audrey’s hand and said, “Enough. We will discuss it when we get back. Do not embarrass yourself here.” As he spoke, he opened the car door and pushed Audrey inside, then turned to look at Natalie.
Natalie looked aggrieved, “Professor…”
“That’s enough. Say no more. Get in the car immediately,” David gestured for Natalie to get in with a stern expression. He couldn’t afford to lose face like this. He came to this place, full of enthusiasm, but unexpectedly returned not only disappointed but also having received a stern reprimand. Now, upon seeing Natalie, he also felt some anger.
Natalie boarded the car, trembling with fear, her anxiety reaching its peak. She wondered what would make Audrey and David so infuriated.
She thought, ‘Could it be that Mr. Longley is unharmed? Did Josie truly save Mr. Longley? No, this is impossible. Mr. Longley is already ninety years old. In such circumstances, a sudden cerebral infarction cannot possibly have no consequences. I refuse to believe that he is fine.’
Before she could make sense of it, a news bulletin suddenly interrupted the car radio program. A reporter said, “Dear listeners, just moments ago our reporter received news that Mr. Longley, a master physician of traditional medicine, suffered an acute cerebral infarction several hours ago. Fortunately, thanks to timely medical intervention, he is now fully conscious. To reassure everyone of his well-being and to express gratitude to the medical staff who provided emergency treatment, Mr. Longley recorded a video.”
The in-car radio had no video, yet Longley’s voice still came through the radio. He said, “I would like to thank everyone for their concern. First and foremost, I wish to assure you that I am safe and in good health. At present, everything is well. Secondly, I would like to formally express my gratitude to Professor Wilcourt and her team for providing emergency assistance immediately after my accident. As an educator, you are truly deserving of respect. Your students are also outstanding. You are all remarkable. Thank you all.”
A sudden braking sound rang out, and, propelled by inertia, the three people’s bodies all leaned forward. Natalie, seated in the back and not yet having fastened her seatbelt, struck her nose hard against the front seat. The pain brought tears to her eyes.
“Remarkable and outstanding?” Audrey was about to be driven mad with anger. She said, “How does Delilah deserve that? David, tell me, why does she end up being treated so nicely? She is a washed-up traditional medicine professor who cannot even recruit students anymore. What makes her worthy of anyone’s respect?”
Audrey slapped the steering wheel, and the vehicle emitted a piercing horn blast. The vehicle behind her nearly rear-ended her when she braked abruptly. The driver, already frustrated, became even angrier when he saw her honk for no reason and started cursing loudly.