Chapter 72

Shermaine stepped forward to examine her condition. Foaming at the mouth was usually a clear sign of epilepsy. The pathological causes of epilepsy were primarily genetic factors, or other intracranial disorders such as brain tumors and cerebrovascular diseases. Shermaine could see the girl was barely conscious, her breathing faint. With practiced calm, Shermaine gently loosened the girl’s collar and carefully tilted her head to the side to keep her airway clear. When the girl began to convulse, Shermaine swiftly removed her own jacket, rolled it into a firm bundle, and placed it between the girl’s teeth to prevent tongue biting. Shermaine quickly checked the girl’s pockets and the small bag on her back, but found no medication. ‘If this were hereditary epilepsy, she should always have her meds with her,’ Shermaine thought. That suggested there might be another cause. After a few moments of convulsions, the girl suddenly went still. Shermaine had already called for an ambulance.

As the girl’s consciousness seemed to return a little, Shermaine handed her the jacket. Taking it weakly, she murmured, “My head hurts so bad.”

Hearing her speak, Shermaine comforted, “Hang in there, the ambulance is on its way.”

The girl was quite adorable. Hearing Shermaine’s words, she murmured softly and clung to Shermaine’s hand, as if only by holding on could she feel safe. The ambulance arrived quickly, but the girl clung tightly to Shermaine’s hand and wouldn’t let go. Left with no choice, Shermaine had to accompany her to the hospital. When they arrived at the hospital, a doctor immediately stepped forward.

Shermaine ordered, “Head CT now.”

The doctor looked up at her and said, “I’m the doctor here. I know what I’m doing.”

However, the girl’s lips were growing paler by the second. Shermaine insisted, “I told you! Get her a head CT now!”

It was the first time the doctor had been commanded in such an authoritative tone by a young girl. When he met her piercing gaze, far from being angry, he actually felt strangely intimidated.

The doctor replied, “I’ll get that arranged right away.”

Meanwhile, at Basterel University, Yvonne had been expelled from university. ‘I do feel some regret–after all, I sacrificed my promising future to take the fall for Wendelyn. But when I remember how she covered my father’s massive medical bills, even with regrets, I can’t bring myself to complain,’ she thought. Her dad had made it through and was now recovering. He should gradually get better soon. Yet for some reason, Wendelyn contacted Yvonne again. Yvonne felt a bit uneasy coming there. They arranged to meet at a gazebo near the library–a spot that remained largely deserted during the day. After a few minutes, Wendelyn finally showed up. She called out, “Yvonne.”

Yvonne removed her mask. “Wendy,” she said.

As Wendelyn approached her, she asked softly, “No one spotted you coming here, right?”

Yvonne shook her head. “No,” she said.

“That’s good,” Wendelyn said.

Yvonne asked, “Wendy, why did you ask to see me?”

Wendelyn lowered her head and pressed her lips. “I need you to do one more thing for me. Once you’re done, I’ll fund your studies abroad. How does that sound?”

Yvonne was taken aback. For someone who had already been expelled, the offer of overseas education was highly tempting. After some hesitation, she asked, “What… what is it?”

Wendelyn beckoned her closer with a finger. Yvonne’s body tensed before she leaned in.

As soon as the head CT images for the student from First High came out, the doctor immediately found a tumor in her brain. The tumor was pressing on her cranial nerves, which explained her epileptic seizures. It was an early–stage tumor, so surgical removal should be straightforward. But it was in a tricky spot–buried a bit too deep. The doctor was just about to call the hospital’s neurosurgery specialist when the assertive female student strode in. “Results ready?” she demanded.

The doctor, still a bit stunned, replied, “Uh… yeah, they’re out.”

“Show me the scans,” Shermaine said.

Still affected by what had happened earlier, the doctor instinctively stepped aside for her. Shermaine leaned in, studying the CT scans on the monitor intently. The doctor couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Can this high school girl really read these CT scans?’ Shermaine gave the scans a quick glance and asked, “Can your neurosurgeons operate on this tumor?”

The doctor pondered for a moment and said, “We can perform the surgery, but the risks are considerable. We’ll need the specialist’s evaluation.” He also thought, ‘Besides, the girl’s family hasn’t even arrived yet.’

Shermaine nodded coolly and declared, “If they can’t handle it, I’ll do it myself.”

The doctor was left speechless, staring in disbelief.