Chapter 737 The Fruits
When the job was finally done, Fergus was thrilled. He couldn’t contain his excitement and immediately dialed Atticus’s number.
“Professor Sterling, I’ve finished everything you asked for. Can you arrange my payment now?” Fergus asked.
Hearing Fergus’s words, Atticus replied with disdain in his eyes, “Professor Lynch, I trust you, but it’s not just up to us. I need something to convince my boss before I can arrange your payment, right? How about you wait a couple of days? Once everything’s settled, I’ll wire the money to you right away!”
Fergus had long seen through Atticus’s scheming. He knew it was not easy to take out money from Atticus.
Fergus was well-prepared and confidently replied, “Professor Sterling, check your inbox. Maybe this can help you convince your boss.”
Sensing Fergus’s implication, Atticus immediately opened his email. It contained a video and a blood report. The footage was covertly recorded. It showcased Catherine taking the medication provided by Marshall, and the report displayed Catherine’s blood test after taking the medication.
Seeing the data in the report, Atticus smirked. He finally achieved what he wanted. This was the result he desired.
“Professor Sterling, does the content of this email suffice for your boss?” Fergus’s voice came through the phone, conveying a hint of threat.
Atticus understood Fergus’s intent and knew Fergus only sought money. Money was the least of Atticus’ concerns, especially as this expense wasn’t coming from his pocket.
“Professor Lynch, rest assured. Your reward will be in your account soon,” Atticus said.
With his request met, Fergus joyfully hung up the phone. Yet, his inner turmoil persisted. He had avoided confrontation for years. He aimed to rise unexpectedly. But Marshall unexpectedly stole all his thunder. If that was the case, he had to secure something for himself. Since he couldn’t gain fame, he decided to pursue money.
Fergus blamed it on Marshall’s greed. He thought Marshall solely wanted the championship. Otherwise, Marshall couldn’t have been deceived. Besides, Fergus never believed Catherine alone could lead Marshall’s team to beat the Altonian Team. Everyone knew how strong the Altonian Team was worldwide. Fergus believed they couldn’t win by depending only on Catherine. It was just their wishful thinking.
Fergus executed the task smoothly, and Atticus promptly met his request. Fergus felt exhilarated upon receiving the transfer notification on his phone. However, Atticus added a new request. He wanted Fergus to keep a close eye on Marshall’s team. He asked Fergus to report promptly and intervene if necessary.
Reading this, Fergus wore a contemptuous smirk. To him, Atticus was a timid person who lacked courage and acted in fear.
Even Catherine, the strongest in Marshall’s team, fell into a trap. With the rest of the team, Fergus believed any random team could outclass them.
He found Atticus worrying about not securing the championship downright laughable.
Nevertheless, considering Atticus’s generosity with money, Fergus decided to help inquire. He phoned one of his team members and asked about Eamon’s and the others’ situation. Though finding Fergus’s sudden call odd, the teammate brushed it off and assumed it was a school-related concern, just like Fergus said.
“Professor Lynch, Eamon, and the others are training as usual. It’s just that the junior student, Marlon, seems sick. He struggles with some illness, lying in the dorm, unwilling to move,” the teammate replied.
Fergus immediately perked up and asked eagerly, “Have you visited him?”
“We did. He’s truly ill and weak. For him, even standing up is a challenge, let alone the match.”
Suppressing his excitement, Fergus made a few perfunctory remarks before hanging up. Once off the phone, he promptly informed Atticus.
If even the last backup was out of commission, Fergus was curious to see how Marshall would turn the tables this time.
In the hospital room, Catherine glanced at the report while casually enjoying the fruits prepared by Branden. She felt comfortable and content. However, her ease didn’t rub off on Marshall sitting beside her.
Marshall felt upset now. He couldn’t emulate Catherine’s composure. In her presence, he didn’t seem like a professor, feeling more like an inexperienced kid. Sometimes, he even felt ashamed of himself.
“Catherine…” Marshall called out.
Catherine paused. Then, she picked up a piece of fruit and offered it to him. ” Professor Hartley, have some fruit. It’ll cool you down.”
Marshall took a bite and was surprised by how good the seemingly ordinary fruit tasted. It momentarily distracted him and almost made him forget what he wanted to ask Catherine.
Before he could remember, Catherine already had news to share. She said, ” Professor Hartley, it’s settled.”
Catherine had everything under control regarding Fergus’ situation. Everything was set for the match tomorrow. Once the match ended, all of this would be over, too.
When someone else reported in that tone, Marshall would have been furious. But with Catherine, it was different..
After Marshall heard Catherine’s response, his tense heart immediately eased. He understood Catherine’s character. If she said it was okay, then it was.
“Well. I’m going back for a hot shower. I need to rest up. Keep going through the materials. I’m off.” Marshall waved as he left. Seeing his fondness for the fruit from earlier, Catherine instructed him to take some along.
Branden arranged for these fruits to be delivered daily. Catherine couldn’t finish them all, so if Marshall liked them, he might as well take them. They were just fruits, nothing significant, and Marshall didn’t overthink it. He grabbed them as he was pleased with the taste.
Back at the hotel, Marshall encountered some experts from the Agricultural Sciences Institute. They eyed the fruits he was carrying, which struck Marshall as odd. After all, the Agricultural Sciences Institute wasn’t keen on such things, yet today, they were curious about his fruits.
After inquiring, Marshall learned these fruits were the latest varieties developed in Janikon, which were priced astonishingly high. Just the grapes he had devoured earlier were sold individually in Janikon, each costing more than one hundred dollars.
Understanding the situation, Marshall nearly bit his tongue in shock. Reflecting on his voracious consumption earlier, he realized it was equal to his entire month’s salary.
Knowing the truth, Marshall couldn’t help but think inwardly, “Damn capitalists! Envy-inducing bunch, aren’t they?”
