Two days passed in the blink of an eye. On the morning of the students' departure, eleven buses were parked at the college entrance. Freshmen boarded different buses according to their assigned locations. The special training would last for half a month. Students carried snacks, personal items, and power banks in bags of various sizes.

Felicia carried only a backpack containing a few changes of underwear, a charger, a needle case, and some emergency medications. After boarding, she found a window seat. The bus's smell was overwhelming, so she put on her headphones and popped a mint in her mouth.

The empty seats gradually filled. The noise level increased, and the two women in front of Felicia, huddled together, animatedly discussed the latest entertainment news.

"Did you see the red carpet event last week? So many A-list celebrities were there, yet a newbie named Abbie stole the show!"

"I know! I watched the livestream. Those big names even pushed Abbie to center stage! What's her story? I heard she was practically unknown before!"

"No way! She must have a powerful patron! How else could she land leading roles in major productions and work with top male actors?"

"Wow, I'm curious! Who is this mysterious benefactor?"

The woman on the left leaned in and whispered, "I heard it's a big shot from Seldvale—a global billionaire!"

Hearing those two words, Felicia opened her eyes and removed her headphones, which she hadn't yet connected to music. A big shot from Seldvale, a global billionaire. It had to be Stephan!

She suddenly understood. No wonder she hadn't heard from Stephan since he left Khogend. She'd been worried he might return. Now, it seemed he was busy supporting someone else. Good. This meant he likely wouldn't return to Khogend or think of her. The scar cream incident could finally be forgotten. Felicia put her headphones back on and played an upbeat song.

The women in front cleared their throats. "People like those unreachable big shots are like giants. The rumor might not be true. We shouldn't believe everything we hear."

The two women then resumed their gossip. The bus engine started, and a gentle vibration and bumping combined with the stereo made Felicia drowsy. Though her eyes were closed, she sensed someone sitting beside her.

For a moment, the bus noise subsided, only to erupt again. Felicia paid little attention, shifting slightly to continue her nap. Soon, the bus moved, and sunlight streamed in, illuminating her face.

Felicia opened her eyes and turned away, only to see Arnold sitting beside her, reading a book. "What are you doing here?" she blurted out, startled.

Arnold replied coldly, "This is an event I'm sponsoring, and this is the bus I arranged. Is there a problem with my presence?"

Felicia was speechless.