Chapter 497 Meeting Liam for the First Time +8 Pearls

“I don’t want doubts or any last-minute hesitation to hold Professor Kerrigan or our country back at the last step!”

Manfred knew this was a risky gamble. He trusted Tilda. But when it came to Mystro and Liam, he didn’t know them well enough. To say he trusted them would be a stretch. If either of them ever betrayed the team… Manfred knew he could never handle the consequences. But if they just kept stalling like this, even with Dane leading the best elite team, there was no way they could break through and create the 4nm chip needed for the lithography machine.

The only thing Manfred was sure of was that Dane’s mentor, Harvey, had only taken in students with truly insane intelligence and talent. Tilda’s capabilities, which didn’t quite match her current age, were proof enough. If the other three were just as talented as Dane, maybe they really could break the monopoly. Maybe they could build Cetherland’s own lithography machine. Even just a one or two percent better chance was worth it.

That was enough for Manfred to take the risk. “Thank you, Mr. Parker. Then I’ll leave the job of persuading your superiors to you.”

“I’ll do my very best, Queen. You just focus on what you do best and help Professor Kerrigan!”

“I’ll do everything I can to help Dane!”

After the call ended, Tilda took a deep breath. To create a 4nm chip… She knew better than anyone how important this was for Cetherland to break through the barriers and defeat all those countries jealously guarding their monopoly.

1/4

Soon, noon arrived. Tilda’s phone buzzed with a message. It was from Mystro.

“Tilda, I’ve arrived.”

“Over here, Mystro.”

Tilda quickly shared her location with him. Soon, Mystro showed up with a backpack, wearing a mask. The moment he spotted Tilda, he gave her a huge hug.

“Tilda, it’s been so long!”

Tilda stuck out her tongue playfully. “Mystro, didn’t we just see each other a few days ago, on New Year’s? You’re exaggerating.”

“Tilda, even one day apart feels like years. It’s been over 20 days–of course I missed you!” Mystro reached out and patted Tilda’s head, his voice gentle.

Ever since he lost his parents, Mystro couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this way. Now, he knew he still had his seniors and Tilda, living well on the other side of the world. That gave him hope and something to care about. He didn’t feel alone anymore. This warm feeling, this longing, it’s like color finally returned to my world. Life isn’t just gray anymore. Now it’s bursting with color. I’m so grateful for it.

“Mystro, you’re so sweet. Did you eat honey today?” Tilda giggled in his arms.

“By the way, Mystro, since you rushed over, what about your job…”

2/4

“It doesn’t matter. I’ve already made enough money to last for a few lifetimes. Work is just something to pass the time. Meeting up with you all is way more important.” Mystro already knew what mattered most in his heart.

“I love how straightforward you are, Mystro.”

“Now, we just have to wait for Liam to arrive.”

“His flight left later than mine. It’ll probably be another hour.”

With Mystro there, the hour passed quickly as they chatted and laughed. People couldn’t help but stop and stare, even though both of them wore masks, their identities unknown. The warm, sibling-like atmosphere between them would touch anyone’s heart.

Finally, Mystro’s phone buzzed with a message from Liam.

“Tilda, Liam just landed. Let’s go meet him.”

“Okay!” Tilda’s heart sped up.

Liam…

This would be her first time seeing Liam in person. To her, Liam was like a real-life Dr. Black Jack–brilliant and mysterious.

Moments later, Liam came into view. Liam wore a black trench coat over a wool sweater and a pair of Dr. Comfort loafers. His hair was neatly cropped, and his dark eyes were cool and precise. There was a depth to his gaze, like someone who had seen through everything. His thin lips and sharp nose gave him the look of a seasoned soldier. If not for that quiet, distant aura–so common among doctors who’ve faced countless life-and-death situations–no one would have guessed Liam was a doctor.

This was the person Tilda had dreamed of meeting for so long. She recognized him instantly.