Dusk was approaching, and Wangdan University was letting out. Huang Tian left the laboratory and headed toward Leisure Bamboo Hall.
Along the way, he saw students leaving campus in twos and threes, books in their arms or bags in hand. Most were young men, with only a few young women among them. Smiles lit many of their faces, and they carried themselves with a spirited air.
That was only natural. In this era, university students were the favored children of Heaven. They held their country's future close to their hearts and often debated the fate of the nation with boundless enthusiasm.
They were like flames. Though small, their surging spirit set this dark age alight, letting people glimpse a little justice and hope through the weight of their sorrow.
"Mr. Huang!" Several students from the chemistry group happened to spot Huang Tian. They stopped and bowed in greeting, drawing curious looks from the students nearby.
Huang Tian smiled and returned their greeting. After chatting with them for a few moments, he walked on under the curious gazes of many students.
Only when he was some distance away did the students begin talking excitedly.
"Today was my first time attending Mr. Huang's class. He explained everything so clearly that I understood it with ease. I didn't feel sleepy at all."
"Exactly! And he's not much older than we are. I can always hear this passion in his words, just like in a poem—like lightning and thunder suddenly splitting the night, like a burst of fire springing up in the mountains!"
"Yes, yes! That's exactly it. I asked him a question after class about our country's future. His answer was simple, just like the other professors': Dayi would keep improving, win complete independence, and one day stand at the summit of the