Chapter 124: Harrison at the Academy. Luck!

Song Kai moved the cup aside.

Moonlight spilled down, bathing Xu Ling in its glow, making her look as serene and beautiful as a fairy. Song Kai crawled over to her side, leaned his head close to her face, and held her soft, smooth hand, closing his eyes in contentment. Everything was peaceful and calm, filled with a tranquil power.

Song Kai had expected that lying in the same bed as Xu Ling would make him too excited to sleep. Yet, within five minutes, he was fast asleep.

The next morning, Song Kai opened his eyes to find that Xu Ling was already up. She had finished washing and was making final preparations for her thesis defense.

"Huh? When did you get up? I didn't even hear you," Song Kai said as he sat up.

Xu Ling set down her materials and glanced back at him. "Where is the water glass?"

"Huh? It’s on the bed. I didn't move it... Oh, I remember now. I was so thirsty last night that I drank all the water, really." Song Kai said, "After I finished it, I put the glass between us." He said this with a completely straight face.

Xu Ling pointed at the glass and asked, "Then why isn't it in the middle? Why did it end up at the head of the bed?"

"Ah? Is that so? No way! Honey, did you do something to me last night?" Song Kai said, reaching out to touch his chest.

Xu Ling waved her hand, speechless. "If you keep acting like a rascal, I’ll pinch your lips... Get up. We’ll go get some breakfast and then head to the university."

"Alright." Song Kai jumped up with a grin.

After washing up, they discovered that the old man, Winton, had already left for work. The old woman hosted them, serving toast and milk. Song Kai took a bite—it was very sweet. He said to Xu Ling, "Did you eat things like this when you were in college? It’s truly remarkable that you still have such a great figure."

Xu Ling stuffed her materials into her bag and said, "Less talk, just eat."

After breakfast, the two headed into Harvard University. During the day, everyone they met smiled and nodded, greeting each other with genuine warmth. Song Kai marveled at the two extremes: one didn't dare go out at night, yet the world was perfectly harmonious during the day. Most of the students on campus were white or Asian; there were very few Black students. The campus was full of vitality.

Xu Ling said, "Song Kai, let's go find my professor first. He’s a very kind elderly man of Chinese descent. I contacted him for this, and he’s the one who applied for this re-defense opportunity for me."

"Alright."

They entered an office where an old man greeted them warmly. This man, Jack Li, had been Xu Ling’s major advisor in college. Because he had a past connection with Xu Ling's grandfather, he took extra care of her.

After some brief pleasantries, Jack Li said, "Xu Ling, to be honest, I was quite surprised that the Dean agreed to let you re-defend. Such cases are rare in Harvard's history. However, congratulations are in order. There will be three professors present for your defense today: myself, Ms. Mister, and as long as you don't make any errors, both of us will pass you. But the third professor is very strict—notoriously nitpicky. You should prepare yourself mentally."

Xu Ling nodded confidently. "I have great confidence in my thesis and the upcoming defense. As long as that professor isn't intentionally making things difficult, it shouldn't be a problem. Oh, and Professor, if the defense is successful, will I get my degree?"

"That’s not necessarily certain, because the issuance of certificates requires the Dean's approval. The final step requires his seal. However, since the Dean agreed to let you re-defend, it shows he appreciates you, so the chances of success are high. In any case, do your best, Xu Ling. You must understand that even among students taking the normal defense, forty percent fail to receive their diplomas, let alone someone re-taking it after a delay. Regardless of the outcome, don't be discouraged." Jack Li said with a smile.

Although it sounded like encouragement, it was quite disheartening. It was clear that Jack Li didn't think Xu Ling’s chances were high.

After sitting for a while, the time arrived. Jack Li led them to a small classroom equipped with a projector, where a woman in her forties was already seated. This was Professor Mister. She and Jack Li were on good terms, and she offered Xu Ling some words of encouragement.

Song Kai waited outside the classroom. Looking through the window, he suddenly frowned. On the lawn outside the teaching building, a man was making a phone call. The man didn't look unusual, but Song Kai was startled; he looked exactly like the curly-haired white man who had come to the Black Emperor Hotel to find them! The one who claimed to be from the Department of Homeland Security and was hanging out with those three Black thugs.

Why would he appear at the university?!

Song Kai became alert, staring at the man, ready to follow him. After finishing his call, Harrison smiled, got into a car, and drove away. Song Kai watched his retreating figure and scratched his head.

It was truly bizarre. This was Harvard University, not a car dealership; how could anyone just wander in? Since the man had driven away, Song Kai couldn't follow him. He decided it was best to finish Xu Ling’s business quickly and leave. This place felt a bit too strange. It was true—the outside world was too dangerous; home was better. Then again, Tengyun City was a mess too.

Just as he was thinking this, a voice called out, "Song Kai, why are you here?"

Song Kai turned to see Winton walking over, wearing glasses, a formal tailcoat suit, and carrying a small cane. He looked particularly refined, like a minor aristocrat.

"Mr. Winton, you... you teach here?" Song Kai was surprised.

Winton laughed. "Wait a moment, I have some business to attend to inside. So you’re a student at this school? What a coincidence." With a smile, Winton walked into the small classroom.

Inside the room, Xu Ling was also surprised to see Winton. Winton took one look and suddenly realized that the student applying for the re-defense was none other than Xu Ling! Winton had always been resistant to these re-defenses, simply because he believed such students were only getting opportunities through connections. However, he hadn't expected it to be her. Last night, having debated the global economic situation with Xu Ling for over six hours, he was truly impressed by her knowledge and insight.

Seeing Xu Ling now, Winton nodded with a smile. "So it’s you. Let’s begin the defense as soon as possible."

"Alright." Xu Ling did not let her guard down; she projected her thesis and began her presentation.

Once the presentation concluded, Jack Li, feeling slightly nervous, asked two simple questions before turning to Winton. "Professor Winton, it’s your turn."

Winton nodded. "The thesis is excellent; I recommend an 'Outstanding' grade. Furthermore, Ms. Xu Ling’s knowledge and foundation in the major have surprised me. I will pass her. What do you two think?"

"Ah?" Jack Li hadn't expected it to be so easy. He laughed immediately. "Xu Ling is my most prized student; of course, she passes. Thank you, Mr. Winton."

Winton smiled, signed the documents, and stamped them. He said to Xu Ling, "Congratulations. Oh, and do go home early tonight; my wife says she’s preparing a big feast to host you both." With that, Professor Winton left with a smile.

"Not bad, Xu Ling! You actually managed to win over Professor Winton in advance!" Jack Li laughed.

Xu Ling was also a little excited. "It’s really a coincidence. Song Kai and I are staying in his guest room, and we debated for over six hours yesterday. He couldn't convince me, and I couldn't convince him, but I deeply admire his profound understanding of economics. I suppose he feels the same about me."

Jack Li gave her a thumbs up and held up the "Outstanding" defense report. "Let’s go find the Dean. Once he agrees to stamp this, you’ll have your degree and diploma."

The Dean of the School of Finance, named Joel, had his office behind the teaching building. Song Kai followed Jack Li and Xu Ling into Joel's office.

"Oh, Jack Li, thank you for your trouble. You may leave now; I will speak with Xu Ling," Joel said from behind his desk.

"Understood." Jack Li gestured for Song Kai to leave.

Joel stood up, walked over, and closed the office door. He looked at Xu Ling and said, "Congratulations, Ms. Xu Ling. You received the Outstanding defense report so quickly. Professor Winton gave you such high marks."

Xu Ling smiled. "I was just lucky."

"Luck is also a part of one's strength, Ms. Xu Ling. I will approve your defense report, though you cannot receive the certificates immediately. By the way, where are you staying? Is it close to the campus?" Joel asked, sitting back down.

"Very close. I am staying at Professor Winton's house. We spent a long time debating, which is why I said I was lucky—Professor Winton appreciates me," Xu Ling said with a smile.

"So that’s how it is," Joel nodded and smiled. "Come back here tomorrow afternoon to pick up your diploma and degree certificate. Congratulations, Ms. Xu Ling. You have successfully graduated..."