Simon pointed to the spicy snacks. “I asked Tobias about these. He said you young people love them.”

Yvette turned her head slightly, paused, and spoke slowly. “I’ve never tried them before.”

Simon was taken aback, feeling disappointed. It seemed he’d bought the wrong thing.

Yvette gave him a brief glance, her expression calm and indifferent. After a pause, she said, “I guess I might like it.”

Simon’s old face lit up, though he looked a bit awkward. Yvette lowered her gaze and gently rubbed her cup’s rim. She wondered, Should I not have said that?

Simon had a serious reason for finding Yvette. Recalling Betrico’s instructions, he straightened his posture. His tone and face grew serious. Looking at Yvette, he said, “James from the physics lab in Betrico invited you to the new energy conference. This is an important moment, and without your involvement, this breakthrough wouldn't have happened so quickly. James sincerely hopes you’ll consider this offer.”

Yvette pressed her lips together and looked up, her eyes calm. “No,” she replied.

Simon paused. Is she really turning down such a great opportunity? Anyone else would be ecstatic! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance! But considering Yvette’s other identity, Cyanbird, he understood somewhat. If she craved attention, this identity alone would attract many.

He took a sip of coffee. After a moment, his tone more earnest, he said, “James has worked on this project for years. Your involvement gave him a fresh direction, leading to its completion in just months. You made a major contribution. Are you going to give up this credit?”

Yvette tore open a bag of chips, her tone indifferent. “Yeah,” she hummed.

Simon, knowing Yvette’s personality, had already guessed. “Is it troublesome for you?”

Yvette looked up, as calm as ever. “Yes, I think it is.”

Simon paused. “I guessed as much. That’s why James suggested another idea. You can attend without showing your face. Your name will be included in the research, using ‘S’ as a codename. Does that work?”

Yvette leaned back lazily. “Have you already agreed on this?”

Simon nodded. “Yes, James suggested it. He sincerely hopes you’ll consider it.”

Yvette’s eyebrows rose slightly, annoyance flickering across her face. Afraid she’d be upset, Simon quickly added, “James doesn’t intend to pressure you. If you don’t want to go to Betrico, that’s fine.”

Yvette half-closed her eyes, a deep darkness in them, the tension easing. “Time and place.”

Simon excitedly retrieved an invitation from his drawer and placed it on her desk. “This is the invitation. The time and place are included. Do you need someone to meet you in Betrico?”

Yvette looked up, her voice cool. “No, thanks.”

Simon nodded. “Alright.” Yvette is Mr. Chavez’s girlfriend. Once she’s in Betrico, his territory, there’s no need for me to arrange a pickup!

Before leaving, Yvette paused at the doorway, giving Simon a half-smile. Her eyebrows were slightly raised, her voice soft and slow. “Change the username; it doesn’t sound nice.”

Simon was taken aback, his face flushing. Being denied was embarrassing. Change it to what? He decided to leave it to Tobias. It was too challenging for someone with a science background.

He coughed to cover his embarrassment. Passing the buck to Tobias is perfect; nephews are for this sort of thing, aren't they? “That username was Tobias’s idea. I told him to change it, but he insisted. I’ll make him change it soon. Don’t worry,” he said.

Yvette kept a neutral expression, nodded politely, and left.

Leaving, she encountered Patrick, who was delivering something to Simon. Patrick intended to ignore her, but she walked past without a glance.

Patrick, furious, stomped his feet. Passing students noticed, took photos, and uploaded them to the forum, sparking teasing amongst Apex Urban University students. Everyone speculated Patrick was mentally unstable. Seeing the forum, Patrick was enraged, hating Yvette even more but unable to retaliate.

In the physics classroom, Bonnie discussed a physics problem with John. A classmate informed Bonnie someone wanted to talk to her. Bonnie stepped out and saw Victor, looking around. “Here, here,” Victor called.

Seeing Victor, Bonnie stepped back, alert and guarded. Is Victor the one? Like a fox wishing a hen a Happy New Year—up to no good.

“What’s up? Were you the one wanting to talk to me?” Bonnie asked.

Passersby in the hallway glanced at them. How could they, having nothing in common, be chatting? Victor, a famous figure, attracted attention.

Victor stared intently at Bonnie, making her uneasy. After a while, he bowed deeply before her, stunning everyone. Even Bonnie was frightened.

Victor lifted his head and said seriously, “I’m sorry. Everything yesterday was Winona’s fault. Please forgive the Carter family. I’ll do anything if you forgive us.”

Bonnie, horrified, blurted out, “Are you out of your mind? Winona acted like a lunatic yesterday, and now you’re apologizing? What are you two up to?”

Victor’s gaze deepened, his fists clenched. He struggled before saying, “I’m really sorry, Bonnie. Please forgive the Carter family. Otherwise, should I kneel?”

Everyone was stunned. Is this the invincible Victor? Is he about to kneel to Bonnie? Are we dreaming? They glanced at each other, sharing their disbelief. The corridor was silent. Victor saw Bonnie’s silence and thought she wanted him to kneel.