Once inside the elevator, Matthew swiped his card again and hit the button for the third floor. “It’s a pity today’s the weekend. If it were Monday, you could have witnessed a physics. experiment in action.”


    As he spoke, the elevator dinged at their floor.


    Matthew stepped out first, pointing out various areas designated for different experiments and which ces were off–limits, treating Mirabe and his cousin as if they were already part of the physics department’s future.


    Matthew led them down the corridor, and then they stopped at the third ssroom. At the door, Matthew swiped his card again, and the ss doors swung open automatically.


    “This is where we have ourb sses.” Matthew said, standing at the doorway and gesturing. at the equipment inside. He didn’t invite them in for a tour.


    .After about ten minutes of peeking into theb areas, the trio headed downstairs<b>. </b>


    While they walked, Matthew continued his pitch, encouraging Mirabe to choose their physics. department. Midway through, they saw a group of professors from various departments at Prestige College heading their way.


    Immediately, Matthew pulled the two to the side. His demeanor instantly became reverent. “Listen up,” he whispered with a hint of awe in his voice, “those are the big shots of Prestige. College, the top–tier professors. When they walk by, keep your heads down and stay quiet.” Even though there wasn’t an explicit rule against bringing high school students to thebs, it wasn’t exactly smiled upon by the faculty.


    Mirabe obediently positioned herself behind Matthew and bowed her head.


    As the Prestige College professors approached, a palpable aura of authority wafted over. Matthew’s palms were sweaty as he tensely greeted them, “Good day, Professors!”


    The head of the physics department nced over at Matthew’s group. Since Mirabe and Vincent both had their heads down, their faces weren’t clear, and they were presumed to be students. The professor gave a casual wave of the hand and continued on to the research building.


    However, one of the professors trailing behind paused right in front of Matthew. Matthew’s body tensed, and he


    autiously looked up to see Professor Wade from the biology department staring intently at Mirabe, who was behind him. Instinctively, he wanted to step in front of her to shield her. Professor Wade’s halt caused the other professors to stop and turn their heads in curiosity.


    With sweat beading on his forehead, Matthew was frozen in ce, stammering. “Professor Wade… this is my cousin and his friend. They’re here for apetition, and I… I just brought them to… to take a look…” Matthew was so nervous he barely knew what he was saying.


    Vincent, seeing his cousin’s anxiety, realized the gravity of the professors‘ status and felt at pang of guilt. He shouldn’t have let Matthew bring them here. If Matthew got into trouble for this, it would be on him.


    While Vincent and Matthew were visibly tense, Mirabe seemed unfazed by the professors‘ presence. She had been keeping her head down all this time, but then she noticed the persistent gaze of Professor Wade. After a moment of contemtion, she slowly lifted her head to meet his eyes.