“Why are you still standing there?” Yvette said to John.

John nodded mechanically, offering a sympathetic glance at Ethan, whose wrist was twisted, before looking at Yvette’s casual indifference. He mused, She’s so ruthless. How could she break someone’s bones so easily? He mentally resolved, I must avoid infuriating Yvette in the future. My small frame can’t take it. I’ll be more tactful when asking her to finish her homework! He hurried to catch up, exclaiming, “I’m coming! Wait for me, my goddess!”

Neither noticed Ethan groaning on the floor. He pulled out his cell phone, calling Lucas to arrange a pickup and handle his school withdrawal.

Upon returning home, Ethan angrily recounted the events to his grandfather. Only after repeated promises of revenge did Ethan agree to leave the next day for recuperation and study abroad.

Ethan’s grandfather was no fool. Daniel’s arrest suggested he'd offended someone powerful. How else could a deputy mayor fall so quickly? The swift investigation of numerous individuals in a single day wasn't something an ordinary person could accomplish. He'd inquired and learned Daniel had been taken to the police station, possibly because of a young girl. The girl, however, had left unharmed, while Daniel remained for questioning. As a seasoned observer, Ethan's grandfather quickly pieced together the situation. Discovering Ethan was the cause, he lost all hope.

The girl's identity and her backing were far beyond his family's ability to challenge. He wouldn't risk it for a worthless grandson. He’d witnessed firsthand years of wrongdoing from father and son, and despite his repeated attempts at intervention, nothing had changed. He finally gave up. Years earlier, after Daniel married his daughter, his infidelities quickly followed, culminating in his daughter's tragic death.

The Brooks family's negative influence on Ethan ran deep. He couldn't ignore the problem, however, as Ethan was his only daughter's child. So, he sent him abroad, hoping for reform, promising an inheritance if he improved. Should Ethan remain stubborn and hopeless, however, he would let him follow Daniel's path.

Ethan, unaware of the true situation, believed he was embarking on a lavish lifestyle. He later learned his grandfather had placed him in a strict boarding school, providing only meager pocket money. Ultimately, he fell in with a wild crowd, developed a drug addiction, and tragically died on the streets—but that’s another story.

Meanwhile, Simon received an email from Siren in the principal's office early that morning. He opened it excitedly; it contained the third phase of their chip discussion. He quickly forwarded it to Betrico, then sat back, restless. Receiving Siren’s communication after so long was unexpected.

Simon sipped his coffee, calming his nerves. He suspected Siren's email stemmed from the events involving Yvette a few days prior, perhaps as repayment for his trip to the police station. It seems Siren values Yvette even more than I thought, he mused. He set down his cup, staring blankly at a tree outside, wondering, Has that person found any clues?

That day, a crowd thronged Argrol University's bulletin board. Students from various faculties eagerly anticipated the announcement, their excitement palpable.

As Yvette and John passed, Bonnie struggled to escape the throng. The dense crowd relentlessly jostled her, hope dwindling with each push.

Bonnie, having just fueled herself, was poised to dash when the crowd abruptly fell silent. What's happening? Could the heavens have answered my silent plea? she wondered. Then she saw Yvette and John nearby. Ah, no wonder. It's Yve! she thought.

Almost every student at Argrol University knew Yvette. Several incidents had created quite a stir, making her the trending topic on the school forum. Winona, the previous campus belle, now trailed far behind in the campus beauty polls. Even lecturers across faculties were aware of Yvette.

Some onlookers, never having met her, initially dismissed her photos as heavily edited, unable to believe such beauty and flawless skin could exist. Yvette's arrival silenced the crowd, leaving those who saw her for the first time awestruck.

Bonnie waved excitedly, calling out, “Yve, you’re here! The cafeteria’s serving your favorite pork ribs today!”

Yvette nodded slightly. The cafeteria's pork ribs were delicious, easily missed if one was late. Given the lunch lady's unsteady hands, portions were small and never enough.

Bonnie's loud voice announced the pork ribs to everyone.

John, clutching documents to his chest, looked puzzled. “What’s happening today? Why is everyone gathered here?” he asked Bonnie.

Bonnie wiped her sweaty hands. “John, have you lost your mind? Our school’s annual Art Festival is approaching! We put up posters and each faculty prepares candidates. You’ve been in the lab too long! Remember last year you helped the finance department with… Oh, what was it called?”

John awkwardly interrupted, glancing nervously at Yvette. “That’s old news, Bonnie. Let's not talk about…”

Bonnie’s knowing look signaled her understanding.

John felt a mixture of amusement and exasperation. He knew Bonnie was likely daydreaming again. If she doesn't become an entertainment reporter, her talent will be wasted! he thought.

“Art Festival?” Yvette asked.

Seeing Yvette's interest, Bonnie quickly explained, “Yve, this Art Festival is unique. We use a point system, as Mr. Sunderland values traditional culture. There are four events: piano, chess, calligraphy, and oil painting. The winners earn $70,000 for their faculty. Last year, Ryan won first place in chess for the physics department. Winona won the oil painting, and she’s on her way to being accepted by Mr. Griffin of the Art Association. As for piano and calligraphy, I didn't pay much attention last year.”

As they spoke, an arrogant voice echoed from a distance, “Are you Yvette?”