Chapter 19

Unlike Luna, who was facing online mockery and attacks, Mia basked in the glory of Wilson's official announcement and the support of her seniors. Any snarky comments were easily overshadowed by the outpouring of congratulations. No one scolded Mia.

Riding high on her good mood, Mia texted Luna. However, Luna wouldn't see the message until the next day, having closed her laptop after checking the online forum and buried herself in her studies. She'd taken copious notes and had several questions to ask Suzie. She only checked her phone as she was leaving the dorm, noticing Mia's text: "Luna, don't take the online comments to heart. I have trust in your capability. Even if you change majors, you'll still do well! All the best!"

Luna clicked her tongue. Even across the screen, she sensed Mia's thinly veiled malice; the attempt at a humble brag was unconvincing. After considering her options, she replied, "Will do!" She couldn't completely ignore Mia; doing so would jeopardize her investigation into Mia's plagiarism. The more Mia acted out, the greater the chance she'd make a mistake, giving Luna a clearer path to expose the truth.

Luna headed to the library, surprised to find Suzie there so early. Suzie quickly offered a cup of sweetened coffee. "Drink this and chin up!"

"Why would I need to chin up?" Luna blinked, confused. "I'm happy to see you, really!"

Suzie chuckled at Luna's serious demeanor. "Oh, you're so adorable." She pinched Luna's cheek.

This was a first for Luna; no one had ever pinched her cheek before. She blushed shyly.

Luna had always been reserved and unsmiling. While some found her cute, her seniors mostly praised her obedience. Perhaps that obedience was her greatest virtue, the reason they befriended her.

Suzie joined Luna and said, "Let me know if something's bothering you. I can lend a listening ear, just this once. Don't let those awful online comments get to you."

"But I'm not bothered at all!" Despite her words, Luna felt touched and tears welled up. "I know everyone's waiting for me to fail, but I believe in my choice. Suzie, I don't have time to be sad!"

At that moment, Suzie felt nothing but respect for Luna. In truth, they'd begun paying attention to Luna two years prior, when she'd made a name for herself. Erin had even privately reviewed Luna's exam papers and published theses. At the time, Erin had commented, "What a great talent! It'd be a shame if she worked for Wilson!" That's why Erin had immediately taken Luna under her wing at the hospital that day.

She was shocked, but not surprised, by the subsequent events. After all, she'd instructed Suzie to keep an eye on Luna after hearing the online plagiarism rumors. Suzie had her doubts about the true culprit. However, getting to know Luna and reading the online comments had led her to believe the plagiarism claim was legitimate.

Perhaps Wilson wanted to cover up the incident to protect his reputation, even blaming Luna for exposing the truth. One could only imagine the injustice Luna faced.

Feeling sympathy, Suzie patted Luna comfortingly. "You're right. Wallowing in sadness won't help. We need to shut them up with facts. Come on. Ask me anything!"