Chapter 47: The Butterfly Effect
Chapter 47: The Butterfly Effect
Seeing everyone looking less sorrowful, Jiang Ju grinned widely. “It’s not just the weekdays; I didn’t have weekends off either. Back then, my weekends were spent studying and experimenting. University students get summer and winter breaks, but doctoral students don’t!”
“I only get a few days off around the New Year to go home for the holidays. The rest of the time, I’m either buried in the library reading reviews and papers, working in the lab, or writing papers at my desk.”
“My advisor is actually quite decent. When I worked for him, he paid me well and was willing to guide me. There were no hidden rules or unwelcome demands. So, although it was exhausting, I’m still very grateful to him.”
“That’s why I’ve decided to include him in the first batch of trainees. When the time comes, I’ll personally mentor him and repay his kindness from these past years!”
At this, Jiang Ju instinctively touched the top of her head—luckily, her hair was still there!
“I will definitely teach him carefully and nurture him well!”
Seeing Jiang Ju’s fierce determination, Bai Mo smiled and shook his head. “You haven’t gone through a master’s or doctoral program before, so it’s normal that you don’t understand the complexities involved.”
“Nowadays, most master’s and doctoral students are essentially workers, just tools working for their advisors—who are their bosses. The students are efficient, qualified tools.”
“A boss who makes you work hard but is willing to pay extra is already the most conscientious and ethical one.”
“Honestly, Jiang Ju’s experience is quite fortunate and smooth. She graduated from university at twenty and went straight into a doctoral program. Even without the revival of spiritual energy, she could have graduated in her fourth year. She’s already among the enviable few.”
“Her advisor treated her as a prized disciple and often took her to meet other experts. So, despite her fierce words now, she wouldn’t really do anything to her mentor.”
“Many people graduate from university at twenty-two, finish their master’s at twenty-five or even twenty-six, then start their doctoral studies, extend their graduation, and take seven or eight years to complete their doctorate.”
“By then, they’re in their thirties, yet still broke!”
“If they’re men, they don’t have money for a house, not even a down payment.”
“For women, it’s not easy to find a suitable partner either.”
That’s life.
That’s reality.
“So, we really should cherish the opportunities we have now!”
“Right now, we’re just a research institute and a management office, but in the future? The institute will become an academy, the management office a department, and possibly even more.”
“By then, everyone here will have a bright and promising future!” Peng Bing suddenly said.
We all have a bright future!
The centenarian Daoist Chang Kong, having witnessed countless human loves, hates, and regrets, remained unmoved by Huang Zixing’s regrets. She had seen even greater regrets more than once.
“Now, amid unprecedented upheavals spanning a thousand years, with the revival of spiritual energy, immortality is no longer a dream. I now only seek longevity!”
Hearing this, Ning Fan immediately nodded. “I want to pursue longevity too. It is the greatest desire!”
…
While the group chatted, relaxed, and ate, Xiong Yan and Chu Xuan also dined—not with wagyu, truffles, or foie gras, but with simple hot pot. On the side were neatly arranged lamb and beef rolls, washed lettuce, cabbage, frozen tofu, and vermicelli.
Besides the hot pot, there was a plate of raw rice, a dish of cold black fungus salad, and two pots of rice wine. The difference from an ordinary meal lay in the ingredients.
These ingredients were all specially supplied!
The taste compared to famous dishes outside was uncertain, but the quality was unquestionably safe!
“Yesterday afternoon, the actual heads of the Morgan Consortium and the Rockefeller Consortium from the United States met in person in the real world. This morning, the top twenty consortium heads from the United States gathered offline.”
“Just now, an organization called the Illuminati was established!”
Hearing this, Xiong Yan leisurely picked up a plate of lamb rolls and dropped them into the hot pot. “This is quite normal. After all, the United States remains the undisputed world leader.”
“As the sole hegemonic power above planet Blue Water, recognizing the great upheaval brought by the revival of spiritual energy and promptly establishing relevant organizations was expected. Nothing surprising.”
“Not only the United States, but the remaining three of the five rogue states will also establish specialized supernatural organizations this or next month.”
“Furthermore, unlike at home where there is a tradition of unification, foreign countries often have multiple official organizations. In the United States, besides the Illuminati, there is the more radical Divine Grace Society. The British Empire has the Round Table Knights, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, MI6…”
“Besides official groups, many supernatural organizations will also gradually emerge among civilians. For example, the Life Church, a large multinational supernatural environmental protection group founded by environmentalists. It has many druid inheritors dedicated to protecting nature. The church itself has split into two factions: extremists and conservatives.”
“The extremists believe that all acts harming the environment are enemies—enemies of nature. They reject all industrial products and advocate a complete return to nature. They are fewer in number but deeply devoted and powerful.”
“Additionally, there is the notorious, mixed-bag Mercenary Guild. Initially founded by vibrant social groups and local magnates, it later became a front for a distillery.”
“Intelligence agencies from various countries once collaborated in an operation to take over. On the surface, they remain neutral, but most mid-to-high-level personnel are from various nations…”
“In short, the future supernatural realm will be wildly chaotic. Greater Xia is a bit stronger; at least it maintains peace and unity on the surface. Whether it’s the two saints of Phoenix Mountain, Lin Er of Dragon-Tiger Mountain, or Peng Bing from Hebei, they all still obey official command on the surface.”
Hearing this, Chu Xuan said nothing in judgment but continued, “The education and training industry will undergo great changes, and so will school district housing.”
Hearing this, Xiong Yan recalled his past life. “Oh, those tutoring teachers will be laid off? Expanding school districts, lottery-based admissions, and excellent teachers rotating to other schools?”
“This policy is happening quite fast, at least two months earlier than in my previous life! This means the butterfly effect has already begun!”
“The difference between memories from the previous life and the present reality will only grow. In the future, things might even turn completely opposite. You must prepare as early as possible.”
“I will.”
(End of chapter)