Chapter 909 What a Coincidence!
The next day, a clarifying video appeared online, causing a stir. The person who posted it claimed that the video circulating on major websites was a fake, created using AI face- swapping technology to frame Catherine. He admitted to his wrongdoing and voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.
Local law enforcement reposted the video and issued a statement to clarify the situation. Catherine, tired of being repeatedly woken up by phone calls, reluctantly answered, throwing the phone aside after putting it on speaker.
“Hello?” she said in a hoarse voice, instantly calming down Ronin’s excited mood. Carefully, he asked, “Catherine, were you sleeping?”
Catherine, irritated by the sudden disturbance, replied, “Do you really want me to tell you?”
Ronin could sense the underlying anger in her words, and he became extremely cautious. “Catherine, it’s really important. I’ve sent you the news. You can check your phone. If you’re tired, you can check it later.”
Ronin quickly hung up, seemingly afraid of being reprimanded by Catherine for any delay.
After the call, Catherine was wide awake. She glanced at her phone, noticing seven or eight missed calls, including from Ronin and Marshall. It was clear that something had happened.
Catherine immediately opened the message from Ronin and watched the clarifying video. She remained expressionless, uninterested in the content. Below the video, there was a wave of condemnation, with people cursing the video’s creator for using such means to frame a college student.
Many of Audrey’s fans, skilled in online confrontations, swarmed the uploader’s account, hurling insults.
Catherine knew the video wasn’t fabricated, but she didn’t sympathize with the uploader, who was merely a scapegoat.
After watching the video, Catherine exited and was about to reply to Ronin when Cloude’s call came in. She answered, hearing the man’s low voice asking, “Miss Swann, are you satisfied with the gift we prepared?”
Catherine sarcastically chuckled. “A gift? Isn’t it a condition for exchange?” She refused to play along with the pretense.
Hearing Catherine’s change in tone, Cloude laughed, seemingly in good spirits. “Miss Swann, you’re right. It’s indeed a condition for exchange. I hope for a pleasant cooperation ahead.”
“We surely will,” Catherine replied before promptly hanging up, showing no courtesy. If they wanted her cooperation, they had to prove they were worth it.
Catherine messaged Ronin, arranging to visit the school together. It had been a few days since she visited the laboratory, and she needed to check on her experiments. She feared that Marshall would go bald if she didn’t show up soon.
Ronin had been waiting at the school gate for a while, and as soon as Catherine appeared, he happily greeted her, “Catherine, shall we go to the lab now?”
Catherine replied, “Not in a rush. It’s almost noon; let’s grab something to eat.”
Ronin readily agreed to her suggestion. “Alright, Catherine, let’s go to the fifth cafeteria. I heard they have new dishes today,” he proposed.
Catherine didn’t mind; the cafeteria food all tasted similar, and any new dishes were just a temporary novelty. The main advantage of the cafeteria was its relative cleanliness and safety compared to takeaway options.
As they walked, Ronin noticed a familiar figure up ahead and immediately alerted Catherine. When she looked up, Rylan happened to glance their way. Upon making eye contact, Rylan’s face lit up with a smile. “What a coincidence! I rarely visit Styre University, and yet I run into both of you,” he remarked.
Ronin winked and looked at him with a suggestive expression. “Is it really a coincidence, Rylan, or did you deliberately come here hoping for an encounter?”
In response to Ronin’s teasing, Catherine remained unresponsive, but Rylan’s cheeks showed a hint of shyness. “I can’t find Catherine’s whereabouts. She’s just too mysterious, “he joked.
“That’s right. Catherine isn’t just anyone, and her whereabouts aren’t for everyone to know,” Ronin replied. Their banter left Catherine speechless.
Ronin noticed Catherine’s change in expression and steered the conversation. “Rylan, have you eaten yet?”
Rylan shook his head. “Not yet. Have you two eaten? How about I treat you?”
“No need, we were just planning to go to the cafeteria. If you don’t mind, join us!” Ronin said, avoiding looking at Catherine.
Rylan gladly accepted Ronin’s invitation. “I’ve heard that Styre University’s cafeteria food is excellent. It’s a rare opportunity, so why would I refuse? I’m so glad you invited me.”
Rylan and Ronin walked on together, and at this point, it didn’t seem appropriate for Catherine to stop Rylan from joining them.
