Chapter 143
The audience adored Emma; the director refused to move the camera from her face, unwilling to give Leon any screen time. Every time the camera focused on Leon, the audience complained.
A month later, the production team reassessed Carl's physical condition. This time, Carl was demonstrably more confident and energetic. "After taking Mr. Saunders's medicine," he announced, "I'm less sleepy and my memory's improved! I also kept my promise to Emma—I've been jogging every morning! This is my progress!" He proudly displayed his fitness records. He was no longer weak; he even had some muscle definition.
Carl's mother, in an interview, stated, "Carl's condition is very stable now. He no longer needs those medications with significant side effects, and his hospital visits have drastically reduced… I want to thank Emma. Her speech last time was incredibly helpful." The patient's recovery was more valuable than any award or certification.
Netizens, relieved to see Carl's improved health, felt a collective sense of gratification. Simultaneously, Emma's medical expertise gained widespread recognition, silencing her online critics. She was not only skilled but also compassionate and empathetic. Her fans even spontaneously formed a support group, "Emma's Troop."
Leon, however, fared poorly. Negative news about him spread online. His arrogance and condescension drew widespread ridicule. Memes depicting him circulated, with Emma cast as the heroic foil. In his office, upon seeing the online scandal, Leon's fury was palpable; the veins in his forehead bulged.
"Stupid people!" he raged. "They're assaulting me! Infringing on my image rights! I'll sue them!"
His assistant looked bewildered. "Professor Mellow, countless people are using these memes online. I'm afraid suing them all is impossible."
"Then what should we do?" Leon demanded, exasperated. He considered himself an elite from a prestigious overseas institution, condescending to appear on television to boost his national profile. Yet, he was the subject of mockery. He found it incomprehensible that people would admire a young woman over him, an "elite." He refused to believe anyone could be perfect. If he could find any evidence to fuel the fire, she would surely face a cyberattack.
Meanwhile, Emma, now nationally renowned, paid Leon no mind. At Icovine Estate, she and Liam enjoyed a pleasant evening.
"This is the new cake from T&S's head chef," Liam said, offering her a spoonful of tiramisu. The aroma and flavor delighted her. "Hubby, it's delicious!" she exclaimed.
The Icovine Estate staff were accustomed to their affectionate interactions. As they watched, the doorbell rang.
"Who is it?" Emma asked, curious.
A group of impeccably dressed individuals entered. The leader addressed Emma respectfully: "Miss Wilson, we're from the Pharmaceutical Association. Your performance in 'Legacy of a Healer' was exceptional. We'd like to invite you to join as a member and expert." The Pharmaceutical Medical Association was officially recognized.
Emma and Liam exchanged glances. It made sense; she had been noticed by government officials. She accepted their invitation and exchanged contact information.
"Thank you for joining us! Next week, we'll announce your membership in newspapers nationwide. Let's work together to advance modern medicine!" they stated.
"Thank you," Emma replied.
After their departure, Emma, holding Liam's hand, said, "Hubby, I'm going to be famous!" The sudden recognition felt unusual.
"Emma, you're the best…" Liam said admiringly. Then, lowering his voice, he murmured, "Shouldn't we celebrate this momentous occasion…?"
Emma blushed. "You're so bad…"
Liam chuckled, lifting her into his arms like a princess.
Simultaneously, Sean, having finished filming, called Emma repeatedly, but she didn't answer. Intrigued, he checked her Twitter and erupted in fury.
"Fk! Who the fk bullied my Emma?!" he roared, his eyes fixed on the screen. Numerous false and malicious posts about Emma appeared. One post claimed her "Holy Orchid Hero Emblem" was fake, alleging her name wasn't listed on the website and that Leroy's rescue was accidental, with Mona, Leroy's adopted daughter, supposedly confirming another doctor performed the life-saving surgery.
Netizens' outrage reignited. Academic dishonesty was unacceptable. The implication that Emma had falsely claimed the award and exploited it for fame and profit fueled further suspicion.
Jessica, upon seeing the posts, frowned. "These marketing accounts are notorious for spreading lies for pay."
"Someone deliberately hired them to slander Emma," Sean concluded.