"Sorry to trouble you, but I'm here to apply for admission through self-recommendation. What's the procedure?" Ji Zhixing asked, bowing slightly as he approached the gatehouse at Rain City University.
The gatekeeper paused and looked Ji Zhixing over.
He had worked as a gatekeeper for more than ten years. He had seen others come to recommend themselves for admission, but Ji Zhixing seemed to be the youngest of them all.
Dressed in ordinary clothes, he looked like he had just graduated from high school.
"Not bad, young man."
A smile appeared on the gatekeeper's face. "You managed to evolve your gene at such a young age. Come on, I'll take you to Ms. Yang. She should be in the office building right now."
"Thank you."
Ji Zhixing followed the gatekeeper onto the Rain City University campus.
Tall plane trees lined both sides of the path. Their dense foliage screened out some of the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
In the distance stood buildings of various styles. Some were thoroughly modern, their glass curtain walls reflecting the daylight, while others had a classical charm, the weight of history showing in their upturned eaves and interlocking brackets.
"Which school did you graduate from, young man?" the gatekeeper asked as they walked.
"Rain City No. 3 High School. I just graduated this year," Ji Zhixing answered honestly.
The gatekeeper's steps faltered. He looked at Ji Zhixing again, this time with greater surprise in his eyes. "You just graduated?
"You must only be eighteen or nineteen, right? And you've already evolved your gene? Impressive!"
"I got lucky." Ji Zhixing smiled.
"That's not something luck alone can explain." The gatekeeper shook his head, admiration in his eyes. "You're the first person I've seen evolve their gene right after graduating."
They walked along the