“Professor!”

“Professor McCarthy.”

“Great—”

Someone almost blurted out “Great Demon King” in surprise but stopped just in time.

Professor McCarthy’s presence at a student party seemed out of place, but at Xia Xiaolan’s farewell party, it somehow made sense! After all, Xia Xiaolan had earned an A+ under McCarthy’s instruction. Perhaps even the Demon King was reluctant to see such a student leave.

Everyone was curious what the Demon King would say to Xia Xiaolan.

Xia Xiaolan showed absolute respect.

“Professor, you came! I’m so happy!”

How heartless, being happy when about to leave.

The music stopped, and McCarthy maintained his stern expression:

“Although you rejected my invitation, refusing to continue your studies at Cornell and insisting on returning to China – a choice I still consider foolish as you’ll be leaving the cutting edge of architecture, and in a few years, your current classmates might surpass you… However, I must admit that your current self, and your performance over the past year, have been excellent. Xia Xiaolan, you and Ning Xue have given me a new understanding of Chinese students. I’m impressed with Hua-Qing University!”

This was McCarthy’s parting encouragement to Xia Xiaolan.

It was the Demon King’s acknowledgment of Chinese students’ capabilities.

At first, Daisy and others didn’t realize it, until Xia Xiaolan pointed out the key detail:

“Professor, I’m glad you came, and even happier that you pronounced my full Chinese name. I won’t forget your encouragement, and I’ll strive not to fall behind the architectural frontier!”

Everyone suddenly understood.

McCarthy had pronounced Xia Xiaolan’s Chinese name correctly in Chinese pronunciation. Imagining the Demon King secretly practicing the pronunciation of “Xia Xiaolan” in his office for this moment was somehow endearing.

The Demon King was a strict professor.

His hawk-like nose was still intimidating. Even though he showed his softer side now, no students dared to lift him and toss him in celebration.

When might they dare?

Perhaps on graduation day, when throwing their mortarboards into the air, they might dare to toss the Great Demon King too!

Xia Xiaolan felt satisfied.

From her first class with McCarthy, with those terrifying footsteps that created such a strong first impression, to today’s recognition – it had taken about a year to prove herself, and at this moment, Xia Xiaolan felt triumphant!

This was the meaning and motivation of striving forward, conquering one peak after another, defeating one strong opponent after another.

Farewells didn’t have to be all sadness; they could also be celebrations.

By the end, Xia Xiaolan was drunk, as were many others.

She vaguely remembered pulling Ning Xue aside, speaking in a mature tone, warning her about Mond Dawson, telling her to maintain Hua-Qing University’s reputation, and advising her that excellent men were everywhere – if one wasn’t suitable, move on to the next, and girls should never settle… Um, Xia Xiaolan couldn’t remember Jonathan’s expression at that moment.

“He must have quite the temper control not to have hit me right there.”

After sobering up, Xia Xiaolan had a headache.

Returning to China meant the Ford car was no longer needed, so Xia Xiaolan sold it before the exams.

After a year’s use, there was depreciation, but she recovered part of the car’s cost.

Many Chinese students were financially savvy, and Xia Xiaolan was the type who, even with money, avoided wasteful spending.

During her exchange year, she hadn’t denied herself materially.

Not counting the investment in Ma Hai and Xu Jing, and payments to Jim, Xia Xiaolan had actually made money during her studies in America… Prize money from the C·W design competition, salary from her GMP internship, the scholarship promised by the School of Architecture to her and Ning Xue, and the check just sent by the GMP office.

Kissinger knew Xia Xiaolan was returning to China, and despite Mrs. Wilson’s continued grumbling, the theater renovation project continued day by day. Before Xia Xiaolan’s return, Kissinger honored the promised project commission.

This money wasn’t earned from business, but purely from academic excellence.

So how could a true academic genius be poor?

Monetizing knowledge was the right of true academic talents; some might not use it immediately, but that didn’t mean they never would.

Hu Ying had packed Xia Xiaolan’s luggage. The liveliness that Xia Xiaolan had brought to the Wen household this past year would soon be gone. Hu Ying was reluctant to see her go and said:

“I’ll always keep your room ready. Will you come back to America?”

“Of course! I’ll come visit you all, Aunt Hu!”

Professor Wen and Hu Ying saw Xia Xiaolan off to New York.

Professor Wen had also hoped Xia Xiaolan would stay at Cornell, but his reaction to her return to China wasn’t as strong as McCarthy’s.

While McCarthy thought Xia Xiaolan would fall behind the architectural frontier by returning to China, Professor Wen knew that old friend Mao Kangshan was still there – even if Xia Xiaolan wanted to slack off, Mao Kangshan wouldn’t allow it!

In New York, Xia Xiaolan met four people.

First was Jim.

Jim had been monitoring the Wilsons for her, and with Xia Xiaolan returning to China, this assignment would end.

“The most unusual thing was Mrs. Wilson meeting with Mond Dawson, after which she went quiet. I think it might be related to Tina’s return to America. Mrs. Wilson is busy caring for Tina now – they’re like mother and daughter.”

Like mother and daughter?

Mrs. Wilson never acted without benefit. Word was that Tina’s inherited estate included over $20 million in cash and stocks alone, plus real estate inherited from Cui Yiru.

Xia Xiaolan didn’t want to think too negatively of people, but Tina’s inheritance was more than Xia Xiaolan’s entire worth. One million dollars might not be much to Mrs. Wilson, but several tens of millions in total inheritance would be significant to anyone!

Xia Xiaolan didn’t meddle. Tina wasn’t her responsibility – she was an adult, and who she associated with was beyond even Xu Changle’s control.

“I understand, Jim. Thank you for everything during this time!”

“It was a pleasure working together.”

Such an agreeable client was hard to find. Who knew when he’d find another one?

Previously he had complained about looking after Baby, but now even that assignment was gone.

Yes, Xia Xiaolan felt there was no need to secretly care for Zhou Yi anymore.

The second person she was meeting in New York was Zhou Yi.

At language school, Zhou Yi had already passed level 108. Qi Wei had invested tremendous effort, in pushing and encouraging Zhou Yi to study. Even Zhou Yi herself was surprised that she had progressed from almost no foundation to passing level 108.

Zhou Yi felt regretful about Xia Xiaolan’s departure:

“In a few days, I can apply for the level 109 test.”