Chapter 17

“Our team came up with it,” Nicole said, clicking into two other files. “We brainstormed three ideas in total, but we think this is the best. We’re stumped by how to take it further, though!”

That explained everything. Luna finally understood why Nicole’s team hadn’t pursued this idea in her past life. She took the mouse, clicked a few places in the document, and began typing. Luna still remembered her idea clearly, even after all these years. Soon, she drafted a proposal for Nicole’s innovation, drawing on her memory.

“Take a look. Will it be difficult for your team to execute this?” Luna didn’t hesitate to share; she genuinely wanted Nicole’s team to beat Wyatt’s.

Nicole was elated at Luna’s proposal, so much so that she almost wanted to kiss her. “Gosh, Luna, you know me so well! My senior said we were stuck because no one on our team majored in cell biology. If we were to execute this plan, we might need someone with a cell biology background to provide professional data. But, as you know, no one would help us because they’d be competing, too.”

She paused before asking, “Luna, don’t you plan to join the competition?”

Luna smiled. “Even if I do, our team’s idea won’t clash with yours. Trust me. Just use my plan. If you need detailed data from me for your thesis report later, feel free to ask. I won’t keep anything from you.”

Nicole trusted Luna. Having been roommates for four years, she believed in her character. Luna never lied and always kept her promises. She was exceptionally good to her seniors, which made their falling out all the more unfortunate. Nicole wondered if Mia, the newcomer, had played a role in their disagreement. Someone as straightforward as Luna was no match for that scheming beauty!

Suddenly feeling sorry for Luna, Nicole said, “Luna, let me know if anyone bullies you. I’ll teach them a lesson! And don’t pay any attention to what they’re saying on the online forum. I believe you’re not who they make you out to be. If you accused Mia of plagiarizing, then it must have happened, even without evidence!”

Luna hadn’t expected Nicole to bring up the plagiarism incident. Amused, she replied, “Thanks! But let’s leave that matter aside for now…”

Chapter 17 (Continued)

“Whatever you say!” Nicole proceeded to refine the proposal Luna had drafted. Simultaneously, she discussed it with her team.

Meanwhile, Luna considered the online forum discussions. Only after checking it did she realize how intense they had become. She navigated the threads and found the main post exposing her for joining Erin’s team. Rhett’s question from that day immediately sprang to mind—he must have been the author.

She followed the poster’s account and scrolled through the post. Most alumni commenting said she must have lost her mind to give up a popular major and quit Wilson’s team. Not only that, but she switched to an unpopular major, a questionable move in their eyes.

A small minority, however, praised Luna’s courage and determination, respecting her decision. These comments were few and far between. Others speculated about her reasons for leaving Wilson’s team. They dug up the plagiarism incident, but it didn’t create much of a stir because everyone was soon distracted by a campus-wide announcement signed by Wilson:

“The following students have passed the recruitment test for the research team…”

Luna was surprised to find her name missing. This move cleared Mia’s name, preventing further plagiarism accusations. At the same time, it conveniently framed Luna’s departure as a simple failure to pass his test, distancing him from her decision and silencing the rumors, thereby supporting Mia and discrediting Luna.