Chapter 13

Thankfully, I had never let go of my major these past two years. I had kept up with cutting-edge research and maintained contact with researchers in the field.

I had also been continuously thinking about what my contribution to the field could be.

The interviews went smoothly.

A few days later, I received my acceptance letter.

The big “CONGRATULATIONS” in my inbox made my heart pound. The world around me went quiet.

I sat there for a few minutes, then took a screenshot and sent it to Zou Yan.

He replied quickly:

“They had decided to accept you three years ago.”

“I was in the office back then and overheard them talking about how a very promising applicant had withdrawn. I felt it was such a shame.”

“You’re back on your original path. Congratulations!”

I called my parents, texted my best friend, and wrote emails to the scholars I knew in my field. After dark, I burned paper offerings for my grandparents, who had taught me math and physics since I was a child but, due to the times they lived in, never had the chance to realize their own full potential.

Achieving a goal felt so good. I couldn’t wait to share the news with everyone.

Zou Yan really understood me. I was finally back on my original path.