The bickering from the Era and Sundale University representatives came to an abrupt halt.


    "Juniper, we are truly sincere," the Era officer said, his gaze fixed on her. "You can choose any major, pick any professor you want, and we guarantee a job for you upon graduation."


    "And there''s more..." he added, dropping a bombshell in a lowered voice. "You''ve heard of the Schwartz family, right? The wealthiest family in Borealia, a powerhouse in Era City for over a century?"


    Juniper''s eyshes fluttered. Her expression finally shifted. Oh, she was more than familiar.


    "Shanley Schwartz, the heir to the Schwartz Group, is a member of Era University''s Genius Program," the officer added eagerly, seeing he had her attention. "If you join, you''ll be fellow alumni."


    He knew that simply being able to say, "Shanley and I went to the same school," was like a golden ticket for anyone''s future career.


    "Is that so?" Hearing Shanley''s name, Juniper arched an eyebrow, a flicker of interest in her smile. "In that case..."


    "Please, Juniper, give Sundale University a look!" the Sundale officer interrupted, raising his hand desperately. "We''ll match their offer, anything you want!"


    After hearing both sides, Juniper spoke slowly. "Era University is an excellent school."


    The Era officer beamed.


    But before his smile could fully form, Juniper continued, "Of course, so is Sundale University."


    Now it was the Sundale officer''s turn to light up.


    "Both universities represent the pinnacle of education in Orient Country and it''s an honor to receive offers from both," Juniper said, tilting her chin up. Her delicate features glowed under the warm light. "But I can only choose one."


    Both admissions officers leaned forward, their faces etched with anticipation, practically screaming, “Pick me, pick me."


    "When we spoke on the phone, I made a promise to both of you," Juniper continued. "I said I would choose whichever school''s representative arrived at the coffee shop first."


    "That was me! That was me!" the Era officer shot his hand up, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "Juniper arrived first. We can check the security cameras to avoid any usations."


    He shot a pointed re at his rival from Sundale.


    His recruitment attempt thwarted and now being taunted by hispetitor, the Sundale officer felt his spirit crumble.


    "Firste, first served?" he thought bitterly. "You''d think she was picking out carrots at a farmers'' market. The way a perfect-score student thinks is truly on another level."


    "Therefore," Juniper announced, her decision now a foregone conclusion, "I will provisionally choose Era University. As for Sundale... perhaps we''ll have a chance to coborate in the future."


    The future? The Sundale officer knew that was just a polite dismissal. Once Era had their prize, they weren''t letting go.


    "Very well," he said, his shoulders slumping. "I respect your choice, and I genuinely hope we can work together someday."


    He then turned to the Era team,


    his pride still intact. "Sundale only lost on speed this time. Don''t


    celebrate too early. If you ever regret your decision, Juniper, or find yourself unhappy, pleasee to Sundale. Our doors will always be open for you, an exception we''d be d to make."


    "Don''t hold your breath. That''s not going to happen," the Era officer retorted, puffing out his chest. "Thank you for choosing Era University, Juniper. I promise, we will not let you down."


    With that, the dejected officer from Sundale University turned and walked away.