Chapter 190
“No way! I’m here just to see our girl Winnie!”
“Next episode is the last one before summer break. Once school starts, I won’t be able to catch every live show. How can you be so cruel not to turn up?”
“If Winnie doesn’t show, neither do I!”
“What’s Winnie got going on that she needs to take off? School hasn’t even started yet, right?”
The chat was ablaze with discussion and disappointment over Winnie’s upcoming absence. Bagot watched the flurry of comments, unsurprised by the viewers‘ reactions.
Though he hadn’t planned to address it directly in the show, with Winnie having mentioned it, Bagot cued the host through his headset to shed some light on the situation.
Ned picked up on the cue and turned to the camera to explain, “So here’s the deal, folks. Everyone knows Winnie’s a freshman this year, and EU Supernatural Department’s a bit different from other schools. They require freshmen to report in half a month early for some physical training. This just happens to clash with our next episode’s filming schedule.”
Once the live audience heard the reason, their disappointment was mixed with understanding.
After all, freshman orientation isn’t something you can just skip.
Candace, too, was taken aback. Winnie always seemed so mature that she often forgot the girl was a fresh eighteen–year–old just out of high school.
“Freshman orientation is definitely not something you can miss.”
On a whim, Candace mused, “What if we tag along for your orientation? I’m kinda curious to see what the Supernatural Department is like.”
Candace’s offhand suggestion opened the floodgates of the audience’s imagination.
“Now that you mention it, I’m kind of curious, too.”
“I’ve heard so much mystery about this Supernatural Department online, but there’s no info anywhere! Want to see!”
“Is this academy not open to the public? The show could get clearance, right? It’d be good publicity.”
“Hey, director, are you listening? Get in touch with Supernatural Department. Let’s go with Winnie for the next episode!”
“Great idea, count my vote!”
Count my vote!”
The chat moderator was taken aback by the barrage of supportive comments, thinking to himself how unpredictable netizens can be.
The Supernatural Department might align with the show’s mystical themes, but each episode was a carefully planned affair by the production team. There’s no way the director would just change plans for Winnie on a whim.
But as he glanced at Bagot, he saw the man looking at the chat, not with disbelief, but with a contemplative air. Could this actually work?
Unaware of the little scheme Bagot was considering under the influence of the viewers, Winnie responded to Candace’s suggestion instinctively, “I doubt that’ll work.”
Candace pouted, “Why not? What if I pretend to be your sister and escort you?”
Winnie gave her a glance but didn’t argue about the sister part, replying earnestly, “The academy doesn’t allow any family members to accompany new students during orientation. It’s one of their rules.”
Her statement shocked not only Candace but also Kane, Gentry, and even Joseph, who couldn’t help but interject, “These days, some scammers send out fake acceptance letters and create convincing websites. But if you look closer, you’ll find they’re bogus institutions. What if your Supernatural Department is one of those traps?”
Joseph’s comment stirred some nerves; after all, despite being touted as a legitimatel national university, no one could find the Supernatural Department’s address online. And now they’re saying family can’t come to orientation? It sounded suspiciously like one of those scam schools.
The live audience, previously oblivious to this angle, began to worry for Winnie’s safety.
But others thought the concern was unwarranted.
“Think about Winnie’s family background. If the EU Supernatural Department was shady, her family would have exposed it long ago.”
“That’s a solid point. No comeback.”
“There’s already been a deep dive into the school. It’s confirmed to be legitimate and accredited, just a bit unusual.”
“Might not be a scam, but the rules sure are weird.”
“I don’t believe it! For Winnie’s safety, I suggest the show follows her during orientation.”
“A bit obvious, aren’t we? With family not allowed, the show has even less chance.”
“Agh, I’m getting more curious by the second.”
As the other guests started to fret, Mervin finally spoke up, “I’ve been to the EU Supernatural Department. It’s no scam; it’s safe.”
Hearing Mervin’s assurance, everyone rallied around him with questions.
“You’ve been there? Were you a student?”
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