Seeing that father and son had finished talking, the Professor then invited Li Ge to join them.
"Mr. Li Ge, I would like to extend an invitation to you. Would you be willing to join our school?"
"I promise that our school will do everything it can to help you grow stronger."
"This is not just for you, but for our fellow mutants around the world."
This time, Cyclops spoke before Phoenix could.
"The Professor is right. As the leader of the X-Men, I can also promise you that anyone who wants to hurt you will have to get past us first!"
"Of course, we also have many fellow mutants here who need your help."
Li Ge glanced at Cyclops, met the Professor's gaze, then looked at the anticipation in Phoenix's eyes.
He thought again of that brilliant idea of his.
It seemed he would have to go to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters after all.
Fine, then. I'll light the first fire to overturn the world there!
"All right!"
"I agree to join your school. I'd also like to see what a school for mutants is actually like."
"Besides, there are a few things I need your help with."
Once the Professor had secured Li Ge's agreement, he unconsciously let out a sigh of relief.
Although Li Ge's presence might bring many problems, he was confident he could protect Li Ge at the school and reduce the chances of those problems arising.
The most important thing now was to bring Li Ge back to the school as soon as possible, to keep other ambitious people from discovering him.
"Oh, right, Professor! How will you handle things with my current school?"
"Should Dad and I go take care of the transfer paperwork?"
Since he had decided to join the Xavier Institute, there were still some issues to sort out.
At the very least, he had to say goodbye to Peter and Harry.
"Li Ge, may I call you that?"
"Don't worry. We'll help you sort those things out. You only need to pack your belongings, and then you can come straight to our school."
"You certainly won't be disappointed in our school!"
The Professor spoke with a kindly expression.
Li Ge said nothing more. Since the Professor had said he would help deal with these minor matters, that would save him some trouble.
"All right, then, Professor!"
"Give me the address. I'll go to school tomorrow to pack my things, then head over to your school to report in myself."
After seeing the Professor and the others off, Li Ge sat facing his father, Li Chuang.
"Brat, are you really going to join their school?"
"A school made up entirely of mutants is bound to have plenty of factions watching it."
"You don't need to get yourself tangled up in their troubles!"
His father, Li Chuang, was a man who had made his way alone in such a chaotic country. He knew all too well what this country was like.
"Don't worry, Dad!"
"I'm not someone just anybody can mess with anymore. I've already designed and manifested abilities for myself that can handle anything."
"Even if I don't have enough energy yet, it won't be a problem."
"I value my life, you know!"
Li Ge was pleased by his father's concern, but he would not change his mind.
"All right. Your dad supports your decision. You're a man now, and you can decide how you want to live."
Li Chuang did not try to talk Li Ge out of joining the Xavier Institute again. His son had grown up and had ideas of his own. As his father, he ought to support him.
"One more thing, brat!"
"You'd better think carefully about how you're going to tell your mom you've awakened mutant abilities!"
Hearing that, Li Ge immediately felt a headache coming on. Who knew how that childish mother of his would tease him?
Early the next morning, Li Ge left home.
He thought back to the previous night, when his mother had learned that he had awakened mutant abilities, and such powerful ones at that.
She had been like a child discovering a fun toy.
The gleam in her eyes had practically made him feel as though he were looking at a starving wolf whose eyes glowed green with hunger.
If Li Ge had not promised to design the ability best suited to her once he solved his energy problem,
he probably would not have gotten any sleep last night.
By the time his thoughts reached that point, Li Ge had entered the school. He did not see Peter or Harry.
It was probably because he had arrived too early.
He walked into the classroom, where only a handful of people were scattered about.
Li Ge paid them no attention. He went straight to his desk and began packing.
Although the others found it a little strange, no one asked Li Ge why he was doing this.
Racial discrimination was severe in this country. Asians like Li Ge were generally ostracized by others.
People like Peter and Harry, who could become his friends, were few and far between.
So even without their identities being a factor, Li Ge genuinely considered them his friends.
Before long, Li Ge had finished packing his things, but he did not leave right away.
At the very least, he had to give Peter and Harry a proper goodbye.
As for his original plan to use their identities to stir things up, he felt there would be more opportunities to do that at the mutant school.
Besides, he would not be stuck at the Xavier Institute. He could simply put his name on the rolls there and then wander around wherever he liked.
His ability itself meant that he could not possibly stay put quietly.
He could always come back and get involved in Peter's and Harry's affairs when the time came.
"Good morning, Peter! Have you seen Harry? I have something to tell you two."
The moment Li Ge saw Peter walk into the classroom, he went straight over to him.
"Oh, good morning, Li!"
"What's all this-?"
Peter noticed Li Ge's cleared desk and instinctively asked.
"Oh! You mean this?"
"I received an invitation to transfer to another school. Their offer was pretty good, so I've already agreed."
"I'm just here today to pack my things and say goodbye to you and Harry."
Peter was very surprised that Li Ge was suddenly transferring, and he felt a little down as well. Li Ge was one of his few friends at school.
Still, he was happy for Li Ge that he could transfer to a better school.
"Congratulations, Li!"
"I hope you'll come back and hang out with us when you have time."
"Of course. You're my best friends!"
Of course Li Ge would come back to hang out with them. After all, so much happened around them.
"Hey, Li, Peter, good morning!"
"Li, you said you're transferring to another school. I hope you'll have a good time there."
"Like Peter said, come back and hang out with us when you have time."
Harry walked into the classroom just then. He had heard Li Ge and Peter's conversation.
He had no particular thoughts about Li Ge transferring. It was perfectly normal.
He only wished him well.