Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1599

It would be like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. She'd be relentlessly criticized for bullying the competition.

The organizing committee might as well just mail the gold medal straight to Eclara University.

"The committee actually considered that," Tucker's mouth twitched before he spoke earnestly. "They specifically emphasized that you are banned from competing."

Juniper found the whole thing ridiculous, but her curiosity was piqued. She lazily replied, "If I'm banned, what does this have to do with me?"

"Our university has secured a spot this year," Tucker said, his tone turning heavy with responsibility. "To be honest with you, Eclara University holds a solid reputation on this continent, but on the international stage, against so many prestigious schools, our computer science program still falls short."

Over the years they had participated, they rarely brought home awards, snagging gold only once or twice.

The rest of the medals were almost exclusively swept up by Western institutions.

"So, I want to ask for your help. Travel abroad with the team and coach our students," Tucker's voice grew quieter. "If we manage to secure a prize, our university's global ranking will get a significant boost."

"And next time there's an international competition or a major global event, our country will be granted more opportunities and spots."

"My wedding is on March 20th," Juniper replied slowly, calculating the dates in her head.

"Your wedding?"

Tucker froze, then slapped his forehead. He had been so overwhelmed with work lately that the detail had completely slipped his mind.

A wedding on March 20th.

Departing on March 10th, spending a week abroad, and then traveling back...

The schedule was going to be painfully tight.

"Look at me, completely forgetting something so important." The more Tucker thought about it, the more he felt he couldn't possibly interfere with her big day. He said warmly, "Your wedding is the priority. I'll find someone else to lead the team. It'll be fine."

"Don't worry, I'll definitely make it back in time to attend your wedding."

"Haha, alright then," Tucker chuckled, ready to hang up.

"Wait."

Juniper stopped him, her red lips parting slightly. "Let me think about it. I'll call you back in five minutes."

Shanley sat down, pulling Juniper onto his lap and wrapping his arms securely around her waist. "I did the math. Including travel time, it'll take about seven or eight days. You'll make it back just in time for the wedding."

"And what if I don't make it back?" Juniper looped her arms around his neck, her voice laced with lazy amusement. "Who are you going to bring to the altar?"

"If worst comes to worst, we'll just have J-Turtle stand in for you," Shanley teased, playing along since he knew she was joking.

J-Turtle and S-Turtle were the gifts he had given her for her nineteenth birthday.

A silent prayer for her to live a long, healthy life.

They had been raised exceptionally well and had grown quite large.

Juniper lightly punched his chest, muttering, "Boring."

"It doesn't matter, you'll definitely make it back." Shanley caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "And if you don't, we'll just postpone it a few days."

"The day you were born isn't the only good day on the calendar."

Shanley leaned in, gently nipping at her lip, his voice dangerously captivating. "Every single day since you were born has been a perfect day to me."