Marcus immediately voiced his agreement with Barney's plan. “Of course. No problem at all.”
He desperately needed Barney, Sophie, and Arius' help with the virus that held Anglandur hostage.
At that point, he could agree to almost anything that helped to smooth over their ruffled feathers.
Alas, Barney's declaration did not sit well with the men pleading for mercy on the ground. Getting a spot in the International Medical Association had been a laborious feat.
If they were essentially fired from the association, their reputation in the medical field would be ruined.
They immediately launched into a fresh wave of pleas. “Dr. Smith, we've truly realized our mistakes. Please give us another chance!”
Marcus had heard enough. He piped up, “That's enough. Ms. Tanner and the others have been far too generous toward you. All you're good for is saying nonsense instead of curing diseases. I don't ever want to hear about you lot next time.”
He ordered his men to bring the disgraced former researchers away.
“Ms. Tanner, let me express my apologies once again. I personally invited you here, yet such an unforgivable act happened to you on our grounds.” Marcus continued, “Once we've overcome this virus, I will take you out for a meal and properly make things up to you.”
These three doctors were his only hope.
He could sacrifice every shred of his pride to ensure the security of his country and his position.
Sophie had had enough of dealing with the drama by then. She replied curtly, “Let's talk about it another time! Why don't both of you head back first, Dr. Smith? I'm going to have dinner with Tristan, so I'll make my way back later.”
Reminding herself that the virus was a matter of life and death was the only thing that boosted her patience.
“All right. Go on, then. Arius and I will return as well.”
Arius whined, “Let's eat out, Dr. Smith! I'm sick of all the dinners they serve us at the medical association!”
He was suddenly swamped by a longing for his life back in Chanaea. It had been so easy to get whatever he craved in Chanaea. In Anglandur, he had to suffer through countless fast-food meals.
Barney had no objections to his mentee's suggestion. “Works for me. I'm going back to my room. Come and get me when you're ready for dinner.”
He knew they were tired of Anglanduran cuisine.
Unlike them, Barney was born and raised in Anglandur, and he was used to their culture and lifestyle. However, it was surely a culture shock for Sophie.
Marcus suddenly roared at his subordinates, “What's wrong with you? Didn't I ask you to see after their needs? If Ms. Tanner isn't used to Anglanduran cuisine, can't you hire a chef to make Chanaean cuisine for her? Did you need me to give you all a lesson on basic hosting etiquette?”
“We're sorry for overlooking that, Mr. President. We will arrange for a chef right away.”
One of Marcus' subordinates turned to Arius and Sophie and said, “Don't worry, Professor Gullifer and Ms. Tanner. We will hire the best chef in Chanaean cuisine we can find.”
They would spare no expense or pride in ensuring their esteemed guests' comfort.
Barney was beginning to think they had wasted enough time that day and declared, “All right, Mr. President. I'm heading back to my room.”
He had no interest in wasting more time.
Sophie had already turned around and returned to her room to have dinner with Tristan.
Meanwhile, Arius dropped his idea of dining with Sophie. The lovebirds hardly spent enough time with each other.
He eventually trailed after Barney.
After their departure, one of Marcus' aides voiced his doubts about the situation. “Should we be waiting on them hand and foot, Mr. President? Even the International Medical Association failed to help us. Can the three of them really be the answer?”
Marcus sighed and replied, “Frankly, no one can guarantee a solution to this virus, but Sophie has the advantage of experience, so she's our best bet for now.”
He was already facing such a tough trial shortly after becoming Anglandur's president.
There would be no presidency to speak of if the country's citizens were obliterated by a virus.
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