Melvin grabbed her bag and followed, still unable to get over the formality. Sure enough, just as he was wallowing in his emo phase, J approached and gave him a full ny-degree bow.


    "Good morning, Mr. Steele," she said with the utmost respect.


    "Pfft—" It was the first time Juniper had witnessed J''s brand of ''politeness,'' and she couldn''t hold it in, bursting outughing.


    Melvin''s expression darkened even further.


    ...


    At Era University, J got out of the car first, followed by Juniper.


    "Bring some for your roommates," Melvin said. Knowing they took good care of his sister, he had bought three extra portions of snacks.


    "Alright." Juniper took the bag filled with imported treats, raising an eyebrow. "Thanks, Melvin."


    "Don''t be a stranger." Melvin stood outside the car door, unable to resist gently straightening a stray strand of his sister''s hair. "If you want anything else in the future, just tell me. I''ll buy it for you."


    "Okay." A warmth spread through her. Juniper''s lips curved into a soft smile as she said quietly, "Ask my sister what she wants, too. Get some for her."


    Ebony Fox was always at the training grounds; she definitely wouldn''t have time for this kind of thing.


    "Her?" At the mention of Ebony Fox, Melvin felt his scalp tingle. His confidence instantly deted. "Juniper, maybe you should ask her?"


    His other sister was so intense; one re from her and his knees would go weak.


    "Tch." Juniper was silent for two seconds, then her red lips moved. "Fine, I''ll ask her."


    After saying their goodbyes, Juniper waved to Melvin and headed off with the bag. Neither of them noticed Ynda lurking in a nearby corner, phone raised, secretly taking pictures. She had captured the entire exchange, including the tender moment when Melvin had smoothed Juniper''s hair.


    Hah! She had finally caught Juniper with her real boyfriend. She had to admit, the guy was good-looking—tall, handsome, the whole package. It was just... what brand was that car? She''d never seen it before. It must be some cheap model.


    And the man himself—she had


    mingled in Era City''s high society for years and had met at least a hundred wealthy scions. A man with his looks and presence would surely be well known if he came from prominent family. Therefore, he had to be a nobody.


    That little vixen, Juniper, stringing along her poor boyfriend while seducing Shanley. She really had some nerve!


    With this evidence in hand, Ynda


    felt like she finally had some real dirt on Juniper Sooner orter, she


    would send all of this to Shanl


    And then, Shanley would surely be disgusted by her. And she hersel would finally have a chance to get closer to him.


    At the thought, a triumphant smile spread across Ynda''s face.


    ...


    Inside the ssroom, the results of


    the national leg of the World


    Programming Competition were about to be announced. The


    students were buzzing with


    excitement.


    "First ce will definitely go to Professor Byron. As for second... well, whoever is closest to him."


    "Pfft!" Hearing this, the students exchanged knowing nces. "It''s a shame Professor Tucker didn''t enter. With his skills, he''d deserve first ce."


    "Get real," another student interjected. "Even if Tucker entered, he wouldn''t win an award. Bet on it."


    The others fell silent, all too aware of the politics involved.


    "I disagree."


    A voice cut in from the doorway, and Juniper walked in.


    "I think Professor Tucker won''t just win an award," she said slowly. "He''ll take first ce."


    Every head in the room swiveled to look at her. Tucker taking first ce? But he didn''t evenpete. What was Juniper talking about?


    Just as they were all reeling in confusion, a student shouted, "The list of winners is out!"


    The students swarmed forward. When they saw the results, their eyes went wide.