Listening in, Bonita couldn’t help but chuckle herself awake.

Once fully awake, she grabbed her phone to scroll through the comments and was surprised to see numerous praises for Neal—not just his gaming prowess but also his looks.

Some fans, who had watched his offline college league games, hailed him as a gaming icon and a heartthrob, transitioning from admiring his skills to swooning over his appearance.

These remarks stirred a complex whirl of emotions within Bonita.

She felt a sting of pain, sensing numerous rivals for Neal’s affection, yet a surge of joy bubbled within her as more people acknowledged his talents.

Neal was no longer just another streamer behind a screen; he had become a well-known and celebrated figure.

The joy Bonita felt from his rising fame soon outweighed her initial jealousy. For her, Neal’s happiness mattered most.

In the days that followed, Bonita didn’t visit the studio. Opting for a double major had filled her schedule to the brim, particularly on weekends, with back-to-back classes from morning till night, leaving her spent.

As April rolled in, the college league entered its second phase.

Initially, teams competed in a group stage to select the top eight for a round-robin format.

This would lead to the semifinals and ultimately the finals planned for August, giving everyone ample time to prepare.

Bonita and Neal kept in touch through online chatting, growing closer. They never used video calls or discussed meeting in person. Occasionally, when Neal felt too lazy to type, he’d send her a few voice messages instead.

Whenever she felt worn out, Bonita would replay Neal’s voice messages, finding solace in his voice that brought her immense joy. Bonita found herself hopelessly drawn into a relationship that felt both real and fantastical, sinking ever deeper into its captivating allure.

Her feelings for him grew stronger each day.

Thinking about the future of their relationship no longer preoccupied her; she was content to bask in the sweet, enveloping joy of the moment.

As May brought warmer days, Bonita seized the opportunity one class-free evening to gather Fernanda and the others for a dessert outing.

“Bonita, catching you has become a rare event,” Sloane complained, idly stirring her shaved ice. “Are you aiming for a spot in grad school through a direct recommendation?”

Sloane’s comment sparked a thought in Bonita.

“No, I’m not looking for shortcuts; I’m planning to sit the entrance exams,” Bonita clarified. “I’m aiming to join you at your university.” Her ultimate goal was to attend Neal’s university.

Despite the proximity of Esaham University and Luminary University, with one being the country’s premier institution and the other also highly ranked, the prestige gap was noticeable.

“You’re definitely on track,” Sloane said. “With your dedication, you could even land a spot at the best university worldwide.” At this, Bonita couldn’t help but laugh.

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