Chapter 792

chapter792

"It's the same, no one's picking up."

"Great! The hospital's dodging, the organizers are playing dead, and I'd bet my last dollar there's something fishy going on here!"

Roseanne paused for a couple of seconds, then a thought struck her. "For nationwide competitions like this, the judges are usually professors from relevant fields. I remember the official site published the judges' list. Let's see if there's anyone from our university."

Mamie immediately fired up her laptop, clicking away-

"Found it!"

Roseanne stepped closer, but after scanning the entire list, she didn't spot any professors from Kingswell University.

Scales chimed in, "Since Kingswell University and Twilight Peak Academy are traditionally strong competitors, often bagging half the awards, the organizers usually avoid inviting judges from these schools to keep things fair."

In simpler terms, to avoid any conflict of interest.

Mamie frowned. "But we don't know any professors from the other schools. How do we even contact them?"

And even if they managed to reach out, there was no guarantee they'd get a response.

Roseanne pondered for a moment. "Just because we don't know them doesn't mean professors don't know each other."

"Roseanne, are you suggesting...?"

"I'll talk to Ms. Payne. She might know someone on this list."

Madeleine was abroad attending an academic conference, and because of the time difference, calling was tricky. So Roseanne sent a detailed email explaining the whole situation.

That evening, Madeleine replied.

She supported their quest to uncover the truth and retrieve their project report. Moreover, she assured them her phone would be on 24/7, ready to assist whenever needed.

And most importantly, the part Roseanne was keen on-

There was indeed someone on the list Madeleine knew!

However, they were just acquaintances, and she didn't have their contact details.

But this professor was good friends with Owen Reynolds.

So, during their nightly jog,

Roseanne filled Owen Reynolds in on the situation. "... That's about it. Since we can't reach the organizers and the school keeps deflecting, we're hoping to directly contact the judging panel. Even reaching one judge would help."

"You want to meet Patten?"

Roseanne nodded. "If it's possible. If not, a phone call would work too."

"Alright, I'll get in touch with him for you."

"Thank you, Professor. Sorry to bother you again." Roseanne smiled awkwardly.

"It seems ever since we met, you've been helping me out a lot..."

"Who says that? You've helped me plenty too."

Roseanne looked surprised. "Like how?"

"Before I met you, I could only make basic sandwiches. Now, I can gut a fish, fillet

it, and even roast a chicken."

Roseanne blushed and stammered, "That sounds... a bit like a complaint."

Owen Reynolds cleared his throat.

"Not at all. I meant to say, meeting

you brought a slice of everyday life into my world. It's been a refreshing experience for me."

The next day, Owen Reynolds arranged a meeting with Professor Fernando.

The venue was a chain coffee shop.

Owen Reynolds and Roseanne arrived early to wait.

Roseanne glanced around, hesitating.

Sensing she had something on her mind, Owen Reynolds asked, "Got a question?"

"...Wouldn't a tea room or a restaurant be a better choice?"

Before coming, Roseanne had looked up Fernando's profile. He was a leading figure in cell biology currently the dean of the Biology Department at Eldermere University, with academic achievements that were top-notch nationally