At Binhai University, Chen Mo stood before the familiar yet unfamiliar school gate, feeling a surge of emotion.
It was here, at this university, that he had gained the most important things in his life and changed the course of his destiny.
The [Star Ring] construction, assisted by robots, was progressing swiftly thanks to Mo Nu's precise calculations. After waiting for so long, things were finally moving—and Chen Mo hadn't needed to monitor it closely.
When the school sent an invitation, he happened to be taking a rare break, and so he returned to his alma mater.
"Brother!" As Chen Mo's vehicle pulled up in front of the library, Zhang Xinxin ran over and grabbed his arm. "You're finally willing to show your face!"
"What do you mean 'finally'? You think I'm some recluse tech-nerd?" Chen Mo laughed and patted her head. "How's postgraduate prep going? Feeling the pressure?"
Zhang Xinxin had been studying at Binhai University for over three years. Chen Mo rarely visited, partly due to his sensitive identity and also to ensure she had a peaceful environment for her studies.
"It's okay—about the same as preparing for the college entrance exams," Zhang Xinxin replied.
"When you get into Capital University for grad school, you can come work at the company. I even got a tutor to help guide you—if you can't make it, I'll try pulling some strings to get you in."
"I want to start my own business," she said firmly.
"You've got big ambitions, huh? But look at Xiao Man—she's using every bit of the convenience I've given her to build her own future. Why are you trying to be a lone wolf? You've got a big tree at home to shade you, and you still insist on planting your own."
Chen Mo tapped her lightly on the head and opened the trunk.
"I brought you snacks. You can eat them after studying to recharge. Also, there are some cosmetics and clothes Xiao Yu picked out for you. She's pregnant now and can't get around easily, and I've been swamped with research. When you have time, hang out with her and keep her company."
"Got it. Thanks!" Zhang Xinxin beamed with joy at the sight of the two large boxes.
"Once you pass the exam, anything you want—your brother will make it happen. So give it your best shot."
"Okay!" She nodded enthusiastically. "I'm going back to the dorm to change before your lecture. There was a lottery to attend, and only ten people from my class got in. Luckily, I was one of them—or else I would've been stuck outside!"
"Alright, go on then."
In a shadowed corner nearby, Dong Quan observed the interaction between the siblings, his lips curling into a sly smile as he pressed the shutter button on his camera.
Although Chen Mo wore a mask, the security team around him left no doubt—this was definitely Chen Mo. And judging by the scene, today's visit to Binhai University would yield valuable intel.
Having taken the photo, Dong Quan quietly slipped away.
Chen Mo remained unaware that someone had been watching from the shadows.
After sending Zhang Xinxin back to her dorm, he wandered around the school library for a bit. Once it was almost time, he headed for the university auditorium.
Outside, Qiu Guofeng stood at the entrance, smiling warmly.
Beside him stood a middle-aged man with a receding hairline—the university secretary—along with Chen Mo's former counselors, teachers, and a number of security personnel. One of their own had won a Nobel Prize; this was a proud day for Binhai University.
Because of Chen Mo, the school leadership had basked in reflected glory. Qiu Guofeng himself was being promoted next year, and having Chen Mo—the legendary alumnus—on his resume was a shining feather in his cap.
They'd long wanted to invite Chen Mo back to give a lecture but hadn't found the right occasion. Now that he had won the award, they finally extended the invite—and to their delight, Chen Mo had accepted.
The news caused quite a stir on campus.
Outside the auditorium, the scene was buzzing. Many students stood by the entrance, blocked by security, unable to enter.
Lecture seats were limited. Each class had a designated quota, and those not lucky enough in the draw could only watch from outside.
As Chen Mo's entourage approached, Qiu Guofeng quickly stepped forward to greet them. "Mr. Chen Mo, welcome back!"
"Principal, Secretary, Teachers." Chen Mo shook hands with everyone, offering polite greetings. These were his former instructors—he didn't dare put on any airs.
"Mr. Chen Mo, the lecture is about to begin. Let's head inside."
Chen Mo nodded and followed them into the auditorium.
"In addition to awarding you a doctoral degree today," said Qiu Guofeng as they walked, "we're also appointing you as an honorary professor. And there's the matter of your scholarships—the Ant Scholarship you founded has become a coveted award at every academic level. Students are studying hard to earn it.
"There's also the bursary program. Each year, underprivileged students receive support. In the past two years, several of them, after graduating and earning a living, have donated back to the program. Many alumni contribute too. While some donations aren't large, they reflect genuine gratitude."
Chen Mo listened quietly.
Back when he graduated, he had established the Ant Scholarship Fund at Binhai University. Each year, the March Ant Group donated money to reward top students and support those in need.
Now, it seemed the program had made a real difference.
—
As they stepped into the auditorium, thunderous applause and cheers filled the space. Chen Mo walked onto the stage amid a wave of energy.
"Let the students outside come in," Chen Mo said once he reached the podium. "There's still room—they can squeeze in."
The security director hesitated, then turned to the principal and secretary. Seeing them nod, he gave the order.
"Those without seats can stand at the back or sit in the aisles," the director announced over the microphone. "The area in front of the stage is also open."
Chen Mo's bodyguards and student volunteers took up seats near the stage to manage the crowd flow and ensure safety.
Soon, the auditorium was filled to the brim. Every aisle and empty spot had students standing, sitting, or crouched in rows. Despite the crowd, order was well maintained.
Ten minutes later, silence fell.
The applause rose once again as Chen Mo stood under the spotlight.
"He's so warm!"
"Chen Mo looks even more handsome than in the photos."
"I want to marry him!"
"Chen Mo, I love you!"
"Brother, I'll have your babies!"
A brave female student shouted toward the stage—and soon, cheers and flirty shouts erupted all around.
Chen Mo smiled. "I love you all too, sisters."
Laughter and applause filled the auditorium.
"Alright, alright."
Chen Mo raised his hand, and the room quieted.
"I'm honored to return to my alma mater today. This place changed my life. My teacher told me I'm here to set an example for you all—or in plain terms, to flex and make you study harder."
The room burst into laughter.
"The school asked me to give a lecture, but I wasn't sure what to say. An hour or two isn't short, but it's not that long either. If I go too deep, some might not understand. If I keep it simple, it won't be meaningful. So I've decided to talk about technology and the future."
Everyone quieted as Chen Mo got into the topic.
"Many people think the future is far away—but it's already here. A year ago, I said the future had arrived. Our world today is the imagined future of the past.
"Marching Ant's holographic projectors, intelligent robots, the rise of AI—none of this existed just a few years ago.
"Now, when you walk down the street, you can see holographic ads outside shops. The models look lifelike and eye-catching. I believe this will be a huge trend.
"One time, I was shopping with my wife and saw one of those ads. As the inventor, I got curious and reached out to touch the model. The bruises from my wife pinching my waist lasted three days—that pain was real."
The audience burst out laughing.
Once the laughter subsided, Chen Mo continued:"Holographic tech brings the virtual world closer to our daily lives. Imagine in the future, every street and mall has holographic displays instead of cold LED screens. Instead of a flat display, people will appear right beside you. That's the future.
"I'll let you in on a little secret—holographic movies are already being filmed, and our company is investing in them. Soon, they'll replace 3D movies, letting you fully immerse in lifelike scenes.
"The maturity of holographic tech is paving the way for a new world. Many of you saw the video from my wedding? That was just a glimpse of what's possible.
"When we studied this technology, we looked at how it could reshape daily life. Holographic tech is the threshold of the future. Whoever masters it first will lead us there. Right now, we're still in the embryonic stage of that future."
Chen Mo's voice painted vivid images in the students' minds. A city lit by holograms. Robots serving in stores. Movies and games in full 360° realism. Floating cars.
It was a glimpse into a science fiction world.
"Some of you might think this sounds like fantasy," he said with a smile. "But it's not far. If I were to invest without concern for cost, I could build the holographic city I just described right now.
"As for anti-gravity suspension... well, we're still bragging about that one—for now."