Meanwhile, Arius had washed up and headed downstairs. He did not call Sophie on his way down, assuming she was still sleeping.
There was also the fact that Tristan was still in her room. If Arius foolishly interrupted their privacy, Tristan would surely have his head.
And so Arius decided it was best to head downstairs alone.
Barney was already up. When he noticed that Arius was alone, he asked anxiously, “Where's Sophie? Has she flown home?”
It was a valid supposition, given Tristan had the means necessary to fly Sophie home at a whim.
“No, she hasn't. She's still sleeping. I'm sure you know we haven't enjoyed a good night's sleep in ages!” replied Arius flatly.
Just then, Marcus piped up, “Arius, we've captured the men involved. They will apologize for their actions, and we'll do everything we can to make things up to you.” He was wholly at their mercy and had no choice but to make such a proposal.
Anglandur was in a mess, and eliminating the virus was the best way to defend Marcus' presidential seat.
Arius was unmoved. He replied, “You know what I'm like, Mr. President. I'm a pretty magnanimous person, but at the end of the day, I'm a citizen of another country, Chanaea, and I will not allow anyone to humiliate my country.”
He was born a Chanaean and would spend the rest of his life protecting his country.
“Of course, I completely understand. Everyone loves their country and wouldn't stand for anyone to disrespect their beloved country,” said Marcus beseechingly.
After Barney left the International Medical Association, the bunch of loafers left at the organization failed to deal with the virus sweeping through Anglandur. Their incompetence was the reason the Anglandurans president was begging for Arius and Sophie to save his country.
Even Barney added, “Well, Arius, the president has brought the men here. They're guilty of wrongdoing, but the Anglanduran citizens are innocent.”
Arius remained silent. Sometime later, he said, “I understand that, Dr. Smith. Why don't we do this? I'll return with you. As for Sophie, I can't guarantee she'll agree. You know her temper as well as I do.”
However, without Sophie around, there was no guarantee they could defeat the virus spreading through Anglandur.
After all, she had figured out how to eliminate the previous virus.
“Then we'll wait until she agrees!” Barney declared resolutely. He knew it was fruitless to shower her with pleading calls then.
In any case, her cold treatment was directed at the arrogant Anglandurans, not her mentor.
By the time Sophie awoke, it was already past six in the evening. She saw Tristan stretched out beside her, gazing at her tenderly.
To her horror, she realized she had been sleeping on his arm for hours.
“How's your arm?”
“It's fine!” In truth, Tristan's entire arm was numb.
Still, he could not bear to push her away when she slept so soundly.
Sophie sat up in bed and gently massaged his arm.
She chided him, “Why didn't you let me sleep on a pillow?” She was baffled that she could fall into such a deep sleep with her head against his arm.
Tristan enjoyed her gentle massage and replied earnestly, “That's because I'd love to be your pillow for the rest of your life.”
This man... my heart is no match for his romantic gestures. I simply can't refuse him.
Amid her thoughts, Tristan added, “Oh, before I forget, Barney called you many times. I get it if you don't want to speak to anyone else, but it's Barney. Should you, erm...” he trailed off hesitantly while handing Sophie's phone to her.
As expected, her call log had exploded with missed calls.
She told herself off sternly in her head. How could I forget about Barney? Sophie quickly called her mentor.
“Hi, Dr. Smith. It's me.”
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