Juniper raised an eyebrow and unabashedly stuffed all the snacks into her backpack. Her three roommates watched her, their eyes filled with smiles and admiration. They must have saved the world in a past life to be friends with Juniper in this one. With her around, they''d never have to worry about failing a ss again.


    "The award ceremony is about to start," Hattie announced. Just as she spoke, city officials and university leaders entered the hall. The reporters in the audience stood up, adjusting their cameras.


    Juniper nced up and saw Byron in the front row, speaking with a reporter, a scornful, sly, and wicked smile on his face.


    "Please wee the grand champion of this year''s World Programming Competition, Professor Tucker."


    Amidst thunderous apuse, a inly dressed Tucker walked timidly onto the stage. After a few brief words from the host, the floor was opened for press questions. The first few reporters were normal enough, asking about his project, his journey, and his future ns.


    Then one reporter spoke up. "Professor Tucker, can you respond to the rumors online?"


    The atmosphere in the hall instantly turned awkward. The question was hostile and pointed, clearly aimed at Tucker.


    “Online rumors?" Tucker was a man who buried his head in research, never paying attention to inte gossip. "What rumors?"


    "About giarism... stealing from your student..." The reporter paused for a few seconds before adding, "Or rather, your supposed ''master''?"


    "I''ve already exined this." Tucker already disliked these kinds of events, but he couldn''t refuse the administration''s repeated requests. He couldn''t believe he was being dragged into this mess again fils, master was so low-key, she had gone to great lengths to get the story off the trending lists. What if he caused her more trouble and she decided to fake her death again?


    "I have nothing more to exin," Tucker said, his face falling. “And don''t you dare say Juniper''s name. You''re not worthy."


    "You—” The reporter, who was just a hired gun, retorted with an ugly expression. “I''m just asking. Professor Tucker, if you have a clear conscience, why are you so defensive?"


    Watching Tucker stand there, mouth open but at a loss for words, a triumphant.smile crept across


    Byron''s face. Whether there was


    giarism or not didn''t matter. His goal was to muddy the waters, to permanently brand Tucker a giarist and ruin his reputation what if he won the award? He would still be seen as illegitimate and criticized.


    "You..." Tucker, never good with words, started to panic under the reporter''s aggressive questioning. The university leaders in the audience huddled together,


    vel


    murmuring amongst themselves Students also began to look at him with doubt. What was really going on? Who was telling the truth?


    “Are these people deliberately trying to make things hard for Tucker?" Hattie clenched her fists, indignant. “Look at the other professors, they''re all enjoying the show. Especially that Byron. No talent and a sore loser. He''s so detestable. Juniper, what do you think—"


    Hattie''s words were cut short as she saw Juniper stand up and stride confidently toward the stage.


    "Master, you''re back?" Tucker eximed in surprise when he saw her.


    Juniper stopped in front of the reporter, her icy gaze fixed on his press badge. "With a brain like yours, you call yourself a reporter?” Juniper raised an eyebrow and said slowly, "Tell the ughterhouse they''re missing a pig''s head. I''ve found it right here." The reporter was confused.