Chapter 11 — After I Resigned, the Whole Academic World Upraised

Unhappy memories. Injuries. Oppression. Years of oppression. Gradually being left behind. The phone vibrates. Is a new message. The sender is Director Tran.

“Professor Hua, welcome to the capital.”

“The story of University A is just the beginning.”

“The country needs pure scientists like you.”

“And will never let any other scientist like you continue to be left in the dust.”

“Just work in peace.”

“Behind you is the whole country.”

I stared at that text message for a long time. Speechless. His eyes suddenly became hot again. I slowly leaned back in the chair. Close your eyes. Ten years of pressure. Ten years of self-pity. Ten years of unwillingness. Finally completely dissolved in this moment. Instead there was an unprecedented feeling of relief. And strong desire is burning in my chest. I'm here. The era belongs to me. Until today. Just really starting. The plane landed at a specialized airport in the west of the capital. There was no bustling scene as imagined. Outside the airplane stairs is a clear blue sky without a single cloud. With enthusiastic and sincere faces waiting. The bus prepared by Professor Tien went straight to the apron to pick us up. Twenty-six people. Like a group of field mice accidentally lost in the upper world. Just cautious. The car slowly left the airport. Join the busy traffic of the capital. Outside the glass windows are towering buildings. It's a bright light. It's a completely strange city. But it is also full of opportunities and challenges. Ly Triet and a few young students were almost glued to the glass door. In their eyes. Sparkling rays of hope. Also mixed with some insecurity about the future ahead. I didn't say anything, just quietly looked at the young faces in front of me. I know very well that from today, I am not only your academic guide, but also your biggest supporter in this strange city. The car did not drive towards the campus as I thought, but turned into a high-end residential area with an extremely quiet and luxurious living environment. Professor Tien pointed to a brand new apartment building ahead and smiled and said:

“Professor Hua, this is the specialist apartment complex that the school has prepared for everyone.”

“You and Mr. Truong will live in a three-bedroom, two-living room apartment.”

“Postdoctoral researchers will live in two-bedroom apartments, two people per apartment.”

“Doctoral and master's degree students will live in a dormitory with two people per room.”

“Just bring your luggage and move in.”

“Rent, electricity, water and basic living expenses are all paid by the school.”

A series of deep breaths of surprise rang out in the car. In the capital, where every square meter of land is worth its weight in gold, everyone clearly understands what these conditions mean. This is no longer simply an incentive. It's a treatment for national-level talent. Professor Tien personally took me to the top floor of the building. He gave me a magnetic card.

“Professor Hua, this is your new home.”

I swiped my card. The door slowly opened. The moment I saw the scene inside, I stood frozen in place. A duplex apartment of more than two hundred square meters. Huge ground-level glass windows open to the view panoramic view of the entire green central garden below. Minimalist modern decoration style. Luxurious. But not ostentatious. All furniture, electronics and household appliances are brand new high-end products. On the tea table in the middle of the living room, place a basket of fresh fruit and a welcome card. I picked up the card. Inside are four handwritten words. The pen strokes are strong and decisive.

“Welcome home.”

Below is the signature of the president of Tsinghua University. My nose suddenly stings. Professor Tien seemed to realize my feelings so he just smiled lightly.

“Your daughter's room, we have already arranged it according to a little girl's preferences.”

He pushed open a door. Inside is a light pink wall. A lovely princess bed. A giant teddy bear that is almost as tall as a real person. The desk is full of paints, colored pencils and brand new picture books. Next to it there is also an envelope. It is the admission notice of the Primary School affiliated with Tsinghua University. Everything. They were all prepared in advance. So thoughtful that no detail is left out. After settling in. The next morning, Professor Tien led me to the new laboratory. When I stood in front of that brand new research building, I truly understood what he said the other day.

“Give you a whole building.”

That's not a joke at all. This is a scientific fortress built specifically for me and my team. In front of the building. The shiny copper sign is engraved with a row of prominent gold letters.