Chapter 299 Friendship and Networking Event
Every year before Christmas, the School of Bioinformatics organizes a social mixer for new students.
The event targets all incoming unmarried graduate students, aiming to broaden their social networks and help them better integrate into campus life. After many iterations, it has gradually evolved into an official matchmaking event—essentially, a convenient way for students to find potential romantic partners.
Of course, those already in relationships were welcome to bring their significant others along.
None of this mattered to Camilla, though. She spent her days rushing between classes at Harmony College and the laboratory at Excel Business University, with her mind constantly occupied by experimental procedures and data collection even during meals. How could she possibly spare time for a social mixer?
So when Camilla received an invitation with her name—Camilla Learmond—printed in bold, enlarged letters, she was completely baffled.
This was especially strange because the mixer required registration to attend. Camilla hadn't signed up, so why had she received a formal invitation?
Suddenly, something clicked. She narrowed her eyes and turned to see Hestia tiptoeing away from the lab bench, trying to sneak out unnoticed.
"Stop right there!" Camilla called out.
Hestia froze mid-step. After a moment, she turned around with a forced smile. "Did you need something?"
"Where are you going?" Camilla asked.
"The cafeteria."
"Didn't you just eat?"
Hestia swallowed nervously. "I'm hungry again. Need a snack."
Camilla's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Fine, but before you go, perhaps you'd like to explain this?" She waved the invitation card.
Hestia was visibly flustered, her eyes darting around. "Camilla..."
Camilla crossed her arms. "No sweet-talking. Come clean."
"Camilla, I've been meaning to tell you about this great opportunity," Hestia began.
"What opportunity?"
"Well..." Hestia took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "I registered both of us for the social mixer. Just for fun! I swear it won't interfere with our experiments or reports!"
Camilla couldn't decide whether to laugh or sigh. "If you wanted to go, you could have just registered yourself. Why drag me into it?"
Hestia pouted, hands behind her back, eyes downcast. "I was too scared to go alone. I wanted you to come with me."
"Besides, these mixers are more fun with more people. Going alone would be so boring," she added.
This was the first purely social event organized by the school since they'd enrolled, and Hestia couldn't deny she was excited about it. But such events were definitely dull to attend alone, which is why she had registered Camilla as well.
Camilla sighed in resignation.
Hestia approached her, clinging to her arm with a pleading expression. "Camilla, please come with me? I'll treat you to steak!"
"This isn't about steak," Camilla replied.
"Not just one steak? How about two steak dinners plus a French meal?"
Camilla remained silent.
"Camilla, please? My dear, beautiful, brilliant, thoughtful Camilla?"
"Alright, I'll go. But just this once—don't make a habit of this!"
Hestia nodded eagerly. "Of course! I promise to ask for your permission next time!"
The mixer was scheduled for Friday evening, with school officials reportedly attending. Being an official event, it was quite elaborate, held in the sports center. Preparations had begun two days in advance—balloons, flowers, red carpets, long tables, desserts, drinks—nothing was overlooked.
By the time Camilla and Hestia arrived, the place was already crowded. Hestia looked around excitedly, noticing how even the typically disheveled male students had made an effort to look presentable, like peacocks displaying their feathers.
It was worth coming just to witness this spectacle!
Camilla was considered Harmony College's beauty queen—a title bestowed by the school forum that she had never acknowledged. She rarely appeared at such events, but that didn't stop people from noticing her.
And there were quite a few who took notice.
Even though Camilla hadn't bothered with makeup or special attire, arriving in just her down jacket, she still drew everyone's attention.
"Hello, I'm from the Biology department. May I ask you for the opening dance later?" a young man approached and asked.
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