What level has Xia Xiaolan reached now?

Ning Xue found it hard to say.

She came from a rich academic background, traveling nationwide with Ning Yanfan since childhood to appreciate architectural beauty. She began formal professional studies in middle school. Her foundation, built bit by bit, was incredibly solid. Even without attending Huaqing’s Architecture Department, it wouldn’t have mattered much—except that architects value credentials, and not having a university degree wouldn’t look right.

Xia Xiaolan was completely self-taught. With only partial understanding, she dared to start practicing. While Ning Xue built foundations before constructing pavilions, Xia Xiaolan first built beautiful, eye-catching pavilions, then secretly reinforced the foundation… Moreover, Xia Xiaolan’s interests were too scattered; she hadn’t devoted herself entirely to professional knowledge.

In Ning Xue’s opinion, Xia Xiaolan’s overall level was equivalent to a third-year undergraduate.

Ning Yanfan smiled: “But in terms of practical ability, she surpasses even Huaqing’s fifth-year architecture students doing internships.”

“She’s like a grade-skipper, jumping past fourth and fifth-year courses to start working directly. Ji Jiangyuan says she’s a businesswoman first, then an architect.”

Ning Xue’s words were somewhat contradictory—if her overall level was only that of a third-year student, how could she be called an architect?

Ning Yanfan didn’t point out the contradiction.

“She indeed follows a different path from yours. You pursue professional excellence and breakthroughs, while she focuses on monetizing knowledge.”

Two people, two paths—they shouldn’t interfere with each other, let them go their separate ways.

The scary thing was, what if one day the person who aimed to be a businesswoman and part-time architect surpassed the one devoted solely to architecture?

How could Ning Xue accept that?

The conversation between grandfather and granddaughter came to an abrupt end.

Thursday evening, Ning Yanfan wore an old man’s cap and sat in a corner listening to Mao Kangshan’s lecture.

The large lecture hall was packed. Because Mao Kangshan rarely gave lectures, seats were hard to come by.

Arriving late, Ning Yanfan had to bring his stool to listen.

Mao Kangshan would surely be smug about this later.

The audience didn’t know that tonight’s lecture hall hosted both “Northern Ning and Southern Mao.” Mao Kangshan’s voice boomed from the stage, showing no trace of the weakness he’d displayed at the Jiangcheng symposium just six months ago.

Seeing him, Ning Yanfan felt relieved—he looked like he’d live several more years.

Mao Kangshan’s lecture was lively. He allowed students to ask questions freely, and everyone seemed fired up.

The lecture hall felt like a marketplace.

Xia Xiaolan worried about Old Mao getting too excited.

Although his health check showed no major issues, elderly cardiovascular systems couldn’t compare to young ones. After the lecture, Xia Xiaolan and the Department Head rescued Old Mao from the enthusiastic students surrounding him.

Mao Kangshan was tired but still energetic.

The Department Head noticed Mao Kangshan had enjoyed himself and couldn’t help pressing further: “Teacher Mao, now that you’ve retired from your original position, have you considered teaching a course at the university? Don’t worry, we’ll ensure good compensation, and the schedule won’t be heavy—just one class per week.”

Xia Xiaolan looked at the Department Head.

So this was the real purpose!

Mao Kangshan shook his head, “I lack the energy and fear misleading students. Thank you for the department’s kind offer.”

He was already struggling with Beijing’s climate while living there.

Beijing was much colder than Hangzhou.

If not for Xia Xiaolan being in Beijing, he wouldn’t have come at all.

But Xia Xiaolan wouldn’t stay long either—she’d be going abroad next month, away from Huaqing University for a year. What students would he teach at Huaqing?

The Department Head was deeply disappointed.

Xia Xiaolan dared not decide for Mao Kangshan. The old man had worked hard his whole life; in his later years, he should do what makes him comfortable. An occasional lecture for variety was fine, but constant travel would be too burdensome.

Fearing the Architecture Department’s enthusiastic retention, Mao Kangshan hurriedly said goodbye as if his pants were on fire, with Xia Xiaolan accompanying him out.

Most students had dispersed. Ning Yanfan waited in front of Ning Xue. Seeing Mao Kangshan and Xia Xiaolan finally emerge, Ning Yanfan called out:

“Comrade Kangshan, your health seems to be improving with age. Congratulations.”

Mao Kangshan was surprised—why was this old fellow here?

He couldn’t believe Ning Yanfan would attend his lecture, assuming he’d come to see his granddaughter and happened to be there.

“Likewise, Old Ning, you’re living well. I must take good care of myself too—if I die first, won’t you be lonely?”

Ning Yanfan wanted to say he wouldn’t be lonely at all, but considering Mao Kangshan’s firecracker temper, he avoided conflict and nodded: “You’re right.”

Mao Kangshan coughed twice:

“Do you have something to say?”

Ning Yanfan looked at his granddaughter, “Xue, you tell them.”

Ning Xue looked at Xia Xiaolan: “I’ve decided to study abroad.”

This was unexpected news.

Studying abroad, not an exchange program—meaning Ning Xue would study overseas and not return to Huaqing?

“America too?”

Ning Xue extended her hand: “Yes, America. Still schoolmates.”

Had Ning Xue applied to Cornell University’s Architecture School?

Oh, that was quite impressive.

They quickly shook hands. “Hadn’t heard anything about this before, but congratulations!”

Xia Xiaolan had gone to Cornell as an exchange student because of her award, with the Education Ministry’s involvement and Mao Kangshan’s help. Ning Xue had directly gained admission—certainly deserving congratulations.

This was others’ capability; Xia Xiaolan felt no jealousy.

Ning Xue had always been direct, and didn’t hide now:

“This decision was sudden. Originally planned to finish undergraduate studies here before going abroad, but you made me decide to go early.”

Xia Xiaolan felt oddly honored.

Under the campus streetlights, Ning Xue suddenly smiled, like snow melting on a mountain peak:

“Though I hate to admit it, you’re quite impressive, Xia Xiaolan. See you in America.”

Ning Xue waved goodbye to Xia Xiaolan and left with Ning Yanfan.

Mao Kangshan felt uncomfortable, holding his breath.

While Ning Xue and Ning Yanfan were gracious, he wasn’t pleased.

Only those certain of victory could be so gracious—did Ning Xue think she’d surpass Xia Xiaolan?

“Why don’t you finish your undergraduate degree at Cornell too?”

We can’t let Ning Yanfan’s granddaughter outdo us. If Ning Xue could get into Cornell, Xia Xiaolan might too with some effort!

Xia Xiaolan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Teacher, Ning Xue has her path, and I have mine… Wherever I study, I promise you I won’t do worse than Ning Xue, okay?”

Mao Kangshan snorted:

“Almost got led astray by those two. Your competitors are talented and hardworking young people worldwide, not just Ning Xue.”

Really?

Old Mao sure thought big.

For several days after that evening’s lecture, the department’s discussions about Mao Kangshan remained heated. Amid this excitement, Ning Xue’s sudden absence from school went largely unnoticed—she didn’t even take the semester’s final exams, quietly departing for America.