Upon hearing that, Nancy finally felt a bit of relief from the frustration she had been feeling earlier while struggling to grasp the dense content of the session.


    “It’s nothing,” she said lightly. “I came mainly to learn.”


    Renee was about to say more when she caught a glimpse of Ariel on Nancy’s screen as it turned.


    Surprised, she called out, “Ariel?”


    Ariel heard her name. She looked over calmly but said nothing.


    When she didn’t respond, Renee gave a small huff, then turned to ask Nancy, “What’s she doing there?”


    Nancy shut her notebook and replied coolly, “No idea.”


    The words came out casual, but the tone carried a <b>clear </b>implication–who knew what she did to get in?


    Ariel was sitting right next to Nancy. Of course she heard every word. She also understood exactly what Nancy was trying to suggest.


    Clicking her pen shut, she said, “How I got here doesn’t matter. But I know how you got in.”


    Nancy’s gaze suddenly sharpened. She frowned, and the smile that had just lingered on her face disappeared without a trace.


    Was Ariel mocking her? Did she really think she had the right to judge her?


    Chad curled his lips into a smile and gave an exaggerated nod.


    That was a brillianteback.


    Renee picked up on Ariel’s jab. Annoyed, she immediately jumped in, “You don’t get to make wild assumptions like that. Nancy is way more qualified than you. She got in with her research paper. It had nothing to do with Jay.


    “If you’re that capable, why don’t you write something that actually gets recognized in the field and gets you an invite?”


    Sure, everyone had to write research papers, but there was a huge gap in academic level.


    From Renee’s perspective, Ariel had no business even opening her mouth.


    Nancy didn’t respond, but what Renee said wasn’t wrong. She couldn’t help but think that some of the things ignorant people did reallycked ss.


    “Renee?”


    At some point, Jayson had turned around. His cool gazended on Nancy’s phone screen. “If you like the Merinia time zone, why note early and start getting used to the study–abroad life?”


    Renee looked like she had just been caught red–handed. She quickly said to Nancy, “Let’s talkter. I’m heading to bed.”


    Nancy knew Renee was terrified of Jayson. Curious as she was about the conference, she wouldn’t dare ask him directly.


    Nancy gave Jayson a faint smile. “It’s fine. She’s ambitious. I’ll help her learn slowly.”


    There was a hint of indulgent affection in her tone, almost like a doting sister–inw.


    Ariel didn’t even spare her a nce because she had just noticed the second half of the session was about to start.


    New material was already being loaded up on the big screen at the front.


    This academic conference not only focused on current tecliological trends but also offered in–depth discussions of works by leading schrs in the field, including renownie journal publications.


    As the first few research papers came up, Ariel instantly recognized one of them. It was something Carlos had published a few years ago.


    She had studied it countless times, so she knew it by heart.


    Sure enough, when the screen reached the end of the paper, the author’s name appeared–Carlos Hockney.


    His paper was of exceptionally high value<b>. </b>Even for many in the field, it was a challenge to fully digest.


    Then, the screen shifted again. A new paper appeared.


    When Ariel looked over, her brows slowly lifted.


    Even Chad turned toward her in surprise, giving her a pointed look.


    The reason was simple.


    The research paper currently on the screen, selected as an example of top–tier academic work for discussion and study, was one Ariel had published five years ago.