Chapter 139: IQ

The academy was clearly well-prepared, so just a minute later, the bulletproof SUV carrying Li Mochen and the others had broken through the encirclement and slowly driven into the campus.

But even at school, Li Mochen's days were not easy.

After several months, he once again experienced the feeling of being the center of attention. However, unlike in the Original Dome Realm, where people's gazes were either respectful and adoring or fearful and hostile, at Lyndon Academy, most people looked at him like a monkey in a zoo, while the rest either showed pity, worry, and distress, or contempt and schadenfreude.

Even the teachers at the school were unabashedly watching him.

Li Mochen felt somewhat helpless. After the first class, he simply entered the state of Heavenly Mind Illumination. Then he amused himself by delving into the esoteric knowledge and magical mysteries in his memory—this helped him embody the Dao of Heaven.

As for others' gossip and stares? There was no need to care. Ask the heavens: have they ever paid attention to the ants gazing up at the sky?

It wasn't until the fourth class ended that Li Mochen, under psychological suggestion, ended his 'Heavenly Mind' state and went to the cafeteria with William for lunch.

On the corridor, they ran into Gavin Georgia, their vice principal.

“I heard you submitted an application to the school, requesting to calculate class hours and GPA as a student-athlete, is that right?”

“It was submitted yesterday to the new grade advisor.”

Li Mochen replied frankly: “I have no problem with my studies, but I need more time for training.”

In the end, he still took the path of a student-athlete—there was no other choice. He estimated that once all eleven stores of their Sunrise Company opened, he would be even busier.

By then, he expected it would be hard to meet the class hours for several major courses.

Student-athletes needed far fewer class hours and could more easily take leave. William was already very relaxed now. The guy had registered as a member of the Mixed Martial Arts Sports Association a month ago and had obtained the qualification with the help of several coaches.

Student-athletes at top universities like MIT and Harvard do face a bit of differential treatment.

It couldn't be called discrimination. A fighting star is widely respected and admired across almost all levels of American society.

But there is still some distance between those who consider themselves intellectually superior and the brutes they see. Then there are the children of prestigious families, who also look down on these nouveau riche who rely on fighting ability and magical talent.

But that didn't matter. Those bookworms were never in his social circle, and as for the children of prestigious families, they looked down on both commoners and fighting stars alike.

To associate with these people, the identity of a well-known entrepreneur was far more advantageous than that of a model student.

Moreover, Li Mochen's goal in entering a top university was mainly for the libraries of these prestigious schools.

He had already learned that the conditions for obtaining borrowing privileges at Stanford University's internal library on the West Coast were much more lenient than at other schools.

This was a prestigious school that rose after World War II. Now, backed by several giant arms companies and electronics corporations, it had strength comparable to top universities like MIT and Harvard.

And Stanford's vast collection of books was famous throughout America, not much inferior to the Ivy League.

“If you want to apply, it will be very difficult.”

Georgia shook his head and said disapprovingly: “You are one of the best students in our school—maybe even the best. As long as you maintain these grades, you can choose any prestigious university on the East or West Coast. But in mixed martial arts, many people think you're just lucky—”

“Let me try applying first. If it doesn't work, we'll talk later.”

Li Mochen wasn't too concerned. He figured that after this afternoon, the school would change its view.

If it really didn't work, he could also ask Louise Lyndon for help, or else threaten to transfer schools.

“Alright, I'll do my best to put in a good word for you.”

Georgia generously offered to help, but then he turned around and asked with a somewhat serious tone: “Are you confident about this afternoon's match, Andre?”

When he asked this, William Jacques also pricked up his ears.

He was also very worried about the afternoon match, afraid that Li Mochen would be exposed after this fight.

William thought the commentary on the fighting shows on TV made a lot of sense: Nathan Sports Group was likely using Li Mochen for hype. Once he was no longer useful, they would discard him.

But every time he tried to warn Li Mochen, the latter would put on a helpless, annoyed expression.

“Mr. Georgia is worried that I'll lose too badly and embarrass you, right?”

Li Mochen chuckled: “Then do you think the people at Nathan Sports Group would be idiots who don't know talent? Investing so many resources just for a hype that's bound to burst? Wouldn't that be making wedding clothes for their competitors? And if it really were hype, I should concede now and quit while I'm ahead.”

“I think so too. Investing so much in promotional resources before the fight and stirring up such a hot topic seems very suspicious.”

Georgia laughed and then heavily patted Li Mochen on the shoulder: “So I bet two thousand gold shields on you. Since you have a chance, go for it, Andre. I'm rooting for you!”

“See—”

After Georgia left, Li Mochen glanced sideways at William: “Smart people can see the truth. You have to learn to judge for yourself, not just follow the crowd, understand? There's another saying in the ancient Eastern country: ‘When you part ways for three days, you should look at each other with new eyes.’ It means that even if you haven't seen someone for three days, they can make great progress. Never judge people by old standards, William. Don't get stuck in your old impressions.”

“Damn, I feel like you're insulting my IQ!”

William Jacques cursed and then fell into deep thought. He also felt that what Georgia said made a lot of sense. Who should he listen to?

…

At the same time, at the Gate of Nathan Building, Dwight Payton, after finishing a meeting, walked out of the conference room and entered the elevator reserved for senior management.

His assistant, Carl Holton, followed him in: “Vice Chairman Cressey called. He wants to meet with you this afternoon for a talk and dinner.”

“Cressey? I don't have time. Tell him if he must meet, postpone it to the day after tomorrow.”

Dwight Payton loosened his tie, looking impatient: “Carl, you know what I'm doing this afternoon. That match is the most important thing for the company right now. Nothing else can take precedence.”

“Alright, I'll call him back later.”

Carl had expected this outcome and showed no surprise: “Also, the information department has gathered new intelligence. They've detected that besides Penguin Company, Arcadis Sports Goods Company has also been investing resources in major media to fan the flames.”