Chapter 214: Why Do You Always Hide Your Sharp Edges?

Mu Yunning's appearance diffused the tension between Li Ye and Song Ziyuan and the others.

She was also holding a copy of *Modern Economic Inquiry*.

After entering, without learning the situation, she directly told Song Ziyuan, Yang Chen, and the others: "You may discuss various viewpoints with your classmates, but do not disturb their normal studies.

Since you are already in your third year, you must show understanding and care for your junior and sophomore peers; do not bring a critical attitude or Fengqi into the classroom, and do not act as if your senior status entitles you to some kind of senior privilege."

"Professor, we're not acting superior—we're just discussing an issue, but this student Li Ye claims that students from the Mathematics Department shouldn't discuss social development issues."

Yang Chen first explained to Mu Yunning, then turned to Li Ye seriously and said: "This isn't an economic issue—it's a social one."

Li Ye cut in directly: "If you believe this is worth discussing, then please have the professor contact the Academic Affairs Office and let them decide how we should discuss it.

Personally, I agree with the principle that truth emerges from debate, but discussion is discussion—do not mix in any non-academic elements."

"Alright, we will. But student Li Ye, what you face from now on won't just be us a few."

Yang Chen nodded slightly, greeted Mu Yunning, and left.

Li Ye's expression darkened.

When he published that article, he had anticipated some controversy, but now it seemed he had been overly optimistic.

Some people—you can lay the truth right before their eyes, and they still won't accept it.

Professor Luo once said: We learn from history's lessons, yet refuse to believe those very lessons.

Moreover, what Huajia faces now is a situation with no precedent whatsoever?

How can you prove what you say is true?

I came here through time travel.

Does that sound like something a person would say?

"Li Ye, come out with me."

After seeing off several 80-level students, Mu Yunning called Li Ye outside.

"You were too reckless," Mu Yunning said with a serious face. "When you published that article, why didn't you show it to a few professors first? Do you think they'd steal your name?"

"Was I reckless?"

Li Ye asked himself, but had no answer.

He had merely written down what was about to happen—and the path already proven by facts.

"Huh~"

Mu Yunning couldn't help laughing, then fell silent for several seconds before saying: "I won't say whether you were reckless or not, but you, Li Ye, are now famous.

I heard from Li Huai and the others that your catchphrase is 'Don't talk about state affairs'—is this how you practice that?"

Seeing Li Ye still looked confused, Mu Yunning went on: "If you were just discussing issues on campus, it wouldn't matter much—Jingda's academic atmosphere is free and open.

But publishing it in a national journal is like stamping yourself with a label. Don't regret it later."

Li Ye finally understood what situation he had landed in.

It was about picking sides.

But before publishing the article, he had shown it to Professor Zhang!

Now recalling that moment, Professor Zhang's gaze at him had indeed been peculiar.

That night, Li Ye knocked on Professor Zhang's door.

This time, there were no senior or junior students at home—only Professor Zhang and Teacher Lü.

"I figured you'd come. The kitchen has dishes—help your mistress."

"Mm~"

Li Ye went into the kitchen and quickly helped Teacher Lü prepare the food.

After the meal was served, Professor Zhang took out a bottle of wine and said to Li Ye: "Whatever doubts you have, ask them out."

Li Ye thought for a moment and said: "Master, I don't actually have any doubts—I just hate trouble. I dislike wasting time and energy on meaningless debates,

so I thought maybe the department could organize regular debate competitions, letting everyone discuss openly, and avoid wasting time privately."

Professor Zhang looked at Li Ye and said slowly: "You're always used to hiding your sharp edges. That's not necessarily good—because when you're older and look back, you'll find a youth without passion is terribly dull."

"."

Li Ye stared at Professor Zhang, wondering what he meant by "hiding your sharp edges."

"Do you think you've hidden yourself well? 'Don't talk about state affairs,' avoid discussions, do your homework obediently, act like a good little boy?"

Professor Zhang narrowed his eyes, slightly mocking: "But when I heard you say 'We need the world, and the world needs us' during your lecture, I knew you weren't a fish in a pond."

"After that, I paid attention, wondering what kind of monster you were. The more I watched, the more I realized—you don't act like a twenty-year-old. You're more like us old folks, fond of holding back and scheming."

【Damn, you've figured out my secret as an old monster?】

Li Ye was truly shocked. He had always hidden his sharp edges and kept a low profile since his first visit to Professor Zhang's home—how had he still been seen through?

But he hadn't seen into Li Ye's heart.

"Master, I'm just following my family's teachings—to avoid trouble when I go out. This isn't hiding my sharp edges; you're overestimating me."

Professor Zhang glanced at Li Ye and said coolly: "I understand your concerns. Everyone is fumbling forward now—even our own thoughts differ.

Some worship the Western model; others blindly reject it. But no one dares say for sure which path we should take.

Yet when I read your article, I realized you had already decided this path was right—you were certain, unwavering."

"So I didn't warn you. I didn't change a single word of your article. I wanted to see whether you could stand firm at the crest of this transformation, withstand the accusations around you, and hold to your true heart."

Li Ye froze.

Even his strong mental resilience was stirred by Professor Zhang's words.

Before the tide of the age, most people merely drift with the current—how many truly stand at the crest?

Looking at Li Ye's stunned expression, Professor Zhang smiled lightly: "But don't worry—if you're not cut out for it, I guarantee you'll get a good assignment after graduation, live a quiet, uneventful life, or rise to power and wealth."

"But if you are cut out for it..."

Professor Zhang leaned forward, smiling: "Then don't hesitate. Like your seniors, don't fall behind—move forward bravely!"

Li Ye fell silent for a long time, then slowly picked up the wine bottle, filled Professor Zhang's cup, then his own.

Professor Zhang smiled, raised his cup to Li Ye, and drank it down.

Li Ye raised both hands in respect, and drank his cup dry in silence.

If this path is right, then press forward!

Before, I was alone. Now, isn't there a shield up front?

Thinking of Peng Rui and Zou Mengcheng's future fates, Li Ye finally understood—he had truly boarded the ship today.

Even if he just drifted from now on, he could still sail toward a brilliant tomorrow—especially since he knew the best route.

Still sick with a cold. Late and short again.

(End of Chapter)