Chapter 16

“Yeah!” Luna responded without looking up.

Nicole couldn't stand it anymore. While not particularly close, she considered Luna a friend after sharing a dorm room for four years.

“Luna, acupuncture is the most niche field in our university. You’ve literally switched from the most popular major to the least popular. Don’t you think that’s a bit drastic? Have you thought it through? Will you regret it in the future? This will impact your future—you shouldn’t joke about it. Don’t make rash decisions!”

Luna knew Nicole was genuinely concerned. “I’ve thought it through. Learning acupuncture doesn’t mean I’ll give up on my original course of study. All I did was quit Professor Hanley’s research team. Things aren’t as serious as you think. I need an internship and a mentor, so I’m very grateful to Professor Wilder for taking me in.”

Nicole seemed to pick up on Luna’s undertone. “About Professor Hanley—”

“I will not comment on other matters. But I’m serious about learning acupuncture. I’m not joking; I’m confident in mastering it.” Luna concluded the conversation with a smile, having no intention of further explanation.

Although Nicole was anxious, she knew it wasn't her place to press further. She could only grapple with her own thoughts.

“By the way, the online forum is abuzz! Check it out when you’re free. Wyatt and Rhett seem to be at odds, and everyone’s waiting to watch them clash!”

“Got it.” Luna grabbed her phone. “Thanks!”

Nicole waved. “Don’t mention it. If you really want to thank me, how about mentoring me for the Medical Innovation Competition in two months?”

Nicole’s words triggered a memory. In her previous life, Luna had still been part of Professor Hanley’s team when that competition took place. Wyatt had also signed up.

The competition required teams of three to six members. Luna had conceived the idea, planned the entire project, and even written the final thesis report. However, she wasn't selected for the team—all because Wyatt claimed she’d won enough competitions. Mia, in contrast, had a less impressive resume. Wyatt, aiming for even progress within the team, had chosen Mia, who had also participated in the selection process.

Luna had agreed to the decision under Wyatt’s seemingly persuasive gaze. Their team won the grand prize, receiving a $100,000 cash award. Mia, however, kept it all. Not only did Luna receive nothing, but the team shamelessly took credit for her innovation. Afterward, she received no thanks; they simply took her for granted.

Luna sighed softly. “Have you come up with a proposal? Show it to me. I’ll take a look.”

Luna recalled that in her past life, Professor Wilder’s team hadn’t entered the competition. Nicole’s team had ultimately won first place. But what if Nicole’s team could win the grand prize this time? If Luna shared her original idea and guided them, perhaps they could. The idea became increasingly appealing.

Nicole, however, hadn't expected Luna to actually agree. Her mentor was inferior to Professor Hanley. She had repeatedly tried to enroll in Professor Hanley's class but was unsuccessful each year. Guidance from Professor Hanley's student was the next best option.

Nicole brought over her laptop. “Take a look at this—this is our idea, but we haven’t figured out how to write it up yet!”

Luna was surprised. Nicole’s idea was very similar to her own from her past life.

“Was this idea proposed by your team, or did you come up with it yourself?”