Chapter 9

Zara's POV
Now, there are only the three of us; I mean, there are only me, Doctor Leo, and Orion here in this room. A situation where I am between two men in one room makes me feel a little uncomfortable. Honestly, I feel awkward and suddenly interrupted by Orion.
"Zara, can you come with me this afternoon?"
"Where?"
Doctor Leo looked away. My conversation with Orion was interrupted.
"Sorry, I'm going out." Doctor Leo said.
I don't know why I felt uneasy when suddenly Doctor Leo said goodbye to me and Orion.
"Wait, doc!" I stopped him from leaving. I immediately did it spontaneously.
Maybe because I didn't want to be left alone in this room with Orion. I already knew that Orion wanted that to happen. But I didn't, I didn't want to be in the same room with him. Because it was certain that Orion would lead me to a low-quality discussion such as concerning feelings. I didn't want that to happen. I avoided discussing romance, especially with Orion.
"Yes, doc, what's wrong?" Doctor Leo asked me, turning back.
I saw Orion putting on a face that wasn't okay. It seemed like he was disturbed by Doctor Leo's presence here.
"Oh yeah, Orion, I'm sorry, I have to start doing research in the laboratory with Doctor Leo," I said casually.
"Can I come into the laboratory?" Orion seemed to force himself to stay around me.
"It's nothing, Orion; in a critical time like this, not just anyone can enter the laboratory. So you're not allowed to enter, especially if you don't have an ID card as an employee at this hospital."
"Um, is that so?"
"Of course Orion, I don't want to take action that could endanger you," I said spontaneously.
Hearing me talk like that, Orion seemed to start overthinking. It was evident from the change in his skin color, too. He seemed to feel like I was worried about him. Even though I talked like that so that he wouldn't follow me into the laboratory.
On the other hand, Doctor Leo just stood there and waited for me.
"Okay, Orion, you can go straight to the field to observe the data while I do my job with Doctor Leo, who is almost in the same profession."
"Hmm... Okay then." He looked very weak.
"I trust you, you will get a lot of accurate data soon."
His face began to brighten up again with a glimmer of hope. I could predict that he took this job just because of me. Not because he sincerely wanted to help me, let alone dedicate himself and his skills and time to the wider community. He was just stealing my attention behind the opportunity I offered. He was just feeding his own ego. His ambition and obsession with me were so strong that he was willing to do this job voluntarily without even being paid. But I needed him this time. So let him do everything until I get the results I expected.
"Excuse me, doc, so?" Doctor Leo asked, interrupting me.
"Huh? Okay. Sorry, Orion." I immediately rushed out with Doctor Leo and Orion didn't just stay silent. He came out with us. It's just that I entered the laboratory with Doctor Leo. Meanwhile, Orion started to leave the hospital area. Hmm... That's what I expected.
When I arrived in the laboratory, I was confused about where to start. Because I didn't know what I should do in this laboratory room. But luckily Doctor Leo gave me the opportunity to work and not just be a fool standing around aimlessly.
"Doctor Zara."
"Yes?”
"Yesterday, I had the chance to collect some blood, saliva, and urine samples from several patients who came to this hospital for consultation."
"Umm, that's good; let's start researching it."
Doctor Leo was assisted by several of his colleagues who usually work in this laboratory. There were three people who helped prepare the tools we needed to conduct the research. I was also given a practice gown to cover my clothes.
"Here, doc, please use it." One of Doctor Leo's staff handed me the practice gown.
"Yes, thank you." I smiled slightly. Then put on the practice gown that I had been holding.
"It's ready, doc, the tools can be used right away."
"Yes, thank you." Doctor Leo replied.
We also started doing research on the related objects that were available.
We both started to focus on our activities. It turned out that Doctor Leo really deserved a thumbs up. He was indeed an expert and his expertise was proven in this matter. I was able to find a lot of new knowledge even from him. Finally, we came to the conclusion that there were no compounds or other things like bacteria, viruses, or microorganisms that affected the reproductive conditions of the women.
There was nothing strange that we found in the study of blood samples, urine fluids, or saliva of the patients. This is really confusing. We have to bring in a nutritionist other than a gynecologist. Because maybe there is an influence of food or drink nutrition that triggers this to happen. Because no other creature plays a role in this incident. But to be sure I have to tell Orion to distribute questionnaire sheets to the patients.
Because their answers could be plural or they could be the same. If the questionnaire has been distributed, it is very possible that there will be a bright spot. Where we will find out what foods and drinks are often consumed by the patients. It could be the levels of dangerous substances in food or drinks that have inhibited the ovulation process. Because the menstrual cycle alone can also be influenced by the consumption of food and drinks. Sometimes menstrual pain can be caused by spicy foods or drinks that are too sour.
But on the other hand, lifestyle patterns such as sleep patterns and exercise can actually also affect. So, in context, this problem is too complicated, and there are too many hypotheses. "Doc, what if my friend is researching nutrition?" Doctor Leo recommended it again.
"Yes."
It's quite surprising that Doctor Leo, as a new person in this hospital, has many potential connections and helps in the performance of this research. I think Doctor Leo is not just anyone and cannot be underestimated and looked down on. No wonder the hospital director has full trust in him. My position in this hospital could be replaced by Doctor Leo's performance. I can't turn a blind eye to the fact that Doctor Leo is starting to show his many advantages. I even feel threatened.