Chapter 3

Bai Ye frowned, knowing Professor Mansano, his doctoral advisor in neuroscience, who was also a renowned neurosurgeon at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He also knew the person in front of him, a family friend who had grown up with him at North China Hospital in Yanjing. Throughout their journey, Liu Junjie had always been overshadowed by Bai Ye. Seeing Liu Junjie's current demeanor, it seemed he was finally feeling a sense of vindication.

"Is that so? Oh, I see." Bai Ye said indifferently, then took out his keys. "I don't have time to deal with you. So what if you're a doctor? What's so great about that?" For Bai Ye, the most important thing was returning to China. Yesterday's attempt at cultivation had left him frustrated. There was almost no spiritual energy in this world. If this continued, the impure spiritual energy would drive him to the brink of madness, and even if he cultivated to his death, he would only reach the peak of the Qi Condensation stage.

This was clearly not what Bai Ye wanted. He still aimed to return to the Immortal Realm to settle old scores and repay debts. Dying here? That was out of the question.

Over the past six months, everyone thought he had fallen into despair, but in reality, he had been preparing for the future, as cultivation required money. Moreover, Bai Ye had almost pinpointed the location of the dragon vein and earth qi.

It was a photo of himself standing in front of a grand, golden palace, the Forbidden City in Yanjing. From the photo, it was evident that the dragon vein and earth qi were present there. This was why Bai Ye had decided to return to China. On one hand, he could cultivate, and on the other, he could better fulfill his promises. The Nobel Prize in Medicine, the world's top doctor—these were not achievements that a mere doctoral degree could secure. There were plenty of doctors with doctoral degrees, but not all of them won awards.

Liu Junjie felt an overwhelming sense of superiority. What did it matter if he had been suppressed by Bai Ye since childhood? What did it matter if his parents had always praised other children? Now, wasn't Bai Ye the one who had fallen?

But Liu Junjie's face showed a look of deep concern. "Bai Ye, you've disappointed me. This is self-abandonment, do you realize that? We're graduating in a year. Your doctoral degree will be wasted."

Liu Junjie's voice grew serious. "How can you face your deceased parents and Qiao Shan?"

Mentioning his parents, Bai Ye's calm demeanor instantly changed. Though he had been reborn, his soul had fully integrated. He was Bai Ye, and Bai Ye was him. His parents were his parents.

Looking at Liu Junjie coldly, he said, "Are you an idiot?"

"You!" Liu Junjie's face changed, and he shouted angrily, "Bai Ye, I don't know what you have to be proud of. Do you think it's still the same as before? You were the son of the dean, the prodigy everyone admired, the medical genius who completed his undergraduate degree at 19 and his master's at 22. If everything went smoothly, you would have your doctorate by 24, next year, and you could have obtained your U**LE early. Staying here was never a problem. But now, you're nothing."

The more Liu Junjie spoke, the angrier he became. The resentment and anger accumulated over twenty years burst forth. He no longer pretended to be concerned. He only felt a sense of schadenfreude and naked humiliation.

"Calling me an idiot. You're the real idiot. Let me tell you, you're finished, completely finished. You have no family support, no means to support yourself. Returning to China? You'll have to rely on the mercy of North China Hospital. We're no longer on the same level."

Bai Ye remained expressionless, shaking his head and sighing. "Calling you an idiot wasn't wrong. If you think like this, why bother to pretend to advise me? Isn't that idiotic? What if I change my mind? What if I go to Professor Eben Alexander? Hmm, do you think, given my impression with him, and if I assure Professor Mansano...?"

"You..." Liu Junjie's face changed. Bai Ye was right. Professor Alexander was a Harvard celebrity, the famous neuroscientist who had experienced near-death. Professor Mansano also had high hopes for Bai Ye, or he wouldn't have allowed him to act so recklessly for six months. If this were true, there might still be a chance to turn things around.

Thinking this, Liu Junjie steeled himself. "Hmph, you're dreaming. This is a decision made by the university. Do you think two professors can change that? Besides, without financial support, how will you pay tuition? You can't survive."

Mentioning Qiao Shan, Bai Ye's mind conjured an image. She was the daughter of his father's colleague, Uncle Qiao, and Aunt Wei, a tomboy who had grown up with him, a girl who disliked medicine and chose business instead, standing at 173 cm tall.

If his memory served, his parents and Uncle Qiao and Aunt Wei had once joked about their marriage.

Looking at Liu Junjie, Bai Ye suddenly understood. No wonder this guy had been so competitive. There was another layer to this. Qiao Shan, Qiao Shan. I've really been caught in an unexpected disaster.

Bai Ye smiled lightly. "Is that so? Why don't we try? Should I go to Professor Mansano now? As for tuition, that's even simpler. I forgot to tell you, I got my U**LE license six months ago. Do you think I can find a job? Even if not, should I call Qiao Shan? My house isn't small, 163 square meters, plus two underground parking spaces. At the current housing prices around North China Hospital, about 40,000 yuan per square meter, 7 million yuan should be no problem..."

The more Bai Ye spoke, the more Liu Junjie trembled. He was surprised by Bai Ye's sudden eloquence. Was this the same bookworm? Could grief have changed his personality? Had he been practicing public speaking and communication skills over the past six months?

But Liu Junjie didn't dare to bet. Looking at Bai Ye, he felt a mix of emotions. He was indeed an idiot. Why stir things up? Why not just let it be?

"Hmph! I'm not talking to you anymore." Liu Junjie couldn't continue, only managing a cold snort and a few empty threats before leaving.

Watching Liu Junjie's embarrassed departure, Bai Ye's face showed a hint of disdain. Too childish. I've eaten more salt than your whole family has eaten rice. What are you?

Bai Ye laughed heartily, his voice resonant and powerful. His voice carried far, "Liu Junjie, remember to plead for me with Professor Mansano."

Would Liu Junjie plead for him? Of course not. This was a rare opportunity to surpass Bai Ye. If he did, he would be the real idiot.

Bai Ye had already made up his mind. In a more poetic sense, his heart was no longer here. What was the point of staying?

Without defending or begging, everything was done with such ease, leaving Liu Junjie elated. Naturally, the official notice of Bai Ye's expulsion was issued.

The notice was delivered by Professor Mansano's assistant, Wilkinson. Perhaps the professor was truly disappointed, or perhaps he couldn't bear to see a medical genius fall. Wilkinson only gave Bai Ye one message: "Take care."

Besides Wilkinson, the university's logistics staff also arrived to inspect Room 107. They had intended to notify Bai Ye to vacate the room soon, but seeing his already packed belongings, they remained silent.

Liu Junjie also came, along with his lackey. Bai Ye recognized him, a former classmate from Yanjing University's Medical School who had also transferred here. He had once tried to curry favor with Bai Ye to secure a job at North China Hospital, but the old Bai Ye had ignored him. Unable to achieve his goal, he had settled for following Liu Junjie, becoming a loyal lackey.

The notice had been issued, and the matter was settled. Liu Junjie's heart was at ease. A prestigious university, ranked among the top ten globally, would not reverse its decision. Bai Ye's expulsion was a fait accompli.

Liu Junjie regained his confidence. "Bai Ye, you're preparing to leave. Tsk, weren't you so confident yesterday? Why didn't you go to Professor Mansano? Well, at least you have a master's degree and a U**LE license. With your parents' reputation, getting a job at North China Hospital shouldn't be a problem. At the very least, you can work in the emergency department."

The lackey, unable to contain himself, said, "Bai Ye, are you mute? Brother Jie is talking to you. If it weren't for Brother Jie..."

"Iron Pillar!" Liu Junjie's face changed, scolding him.

Bai Ye's heart stirred. Iron Pillar, yes, Liu Tiezhu. What a simple name. But how could such a name be so misleading? This guy didn't deserve such a loyal and honest name. He should be called Liu Ergou or something.

Looking at Liu Junjie, Bai Ye realized the road home would not be easy.

PS: Thank you to Hongmeng Tree, Chen Ji Tang Hongdou, Xiao Chao, Qi Cheng, Baoshi Mao, Changfeng, and other friends for your support. Thank you to Xie Xiaofen Rongyao and Tian Tian Dou You Hao Xin Qing for your support. New books are not easy. I ask for your support in terms of collections, recommendations, and clicks. The seedling's growth depends on all of you.