Bai Luan graduated.
All his objectives for coming to First University of Truth had been achieved, and there was no need for him to stay any longer.
Although by the standard university process, Bai Luan was far from meeting the graduation criteria.
He was only a freshman, lacked sufficient credits, volunteer hours, hadn't written his thesis, and hadn't defended it…
Therefore, if Bai Luan left now, he would not receive a First University of Truth diploma.
But that diploma wasn't very important to Bai Luan, so not getting it didn't matter.
It was time to return to his long-departed home.
Bai Luan sent messages to Truth Father and Heimerdinger, then began packing his luggage.
Ratio: Are you returning to Herta Space Station?
Bai Luan: Yes.
Ratio: I will visit you when I have time.
Bai Luan: OK.
Bai Luan put down his phone and continued folding his clothes.
Heimerdinger: You're leaving? Why? Did someone upset you?
Heimerdinger: Tell me who it is, and I'll definitely fire him!
Heimerdinger was practically dying of anxiety.
First University of Truth was even planning to have Bai Luan film the new year's enrollment video.
There were also a bunch of collaborations they wanted to discuss with Bai Luan.
Before, Bai Luan had been with Ratio, so they couldn't disturb him. Now that it was finally over, and he was free, this esteemed figure, Bai Luan, was leaving.
Don't go!
How much would First University of Truth lose if you left!
Under Heimerdinger's anxious wait, Bai Luan replied.
Bai Luan: I can't learn anything here.
Bai Luan: My mind is made up, do not try to persuade me.
Heimerdinger was speechless.
First University of Truth!
What an authoritative name!
Yet someone said he couldn't learn anything here!
But he couldn't refute it…
Besides Ratio and Bai Luan, this university truly couldn't find anyone else capable of leading the development of anti-star weapons…
Heimerdinger: But…
Although Bai Luan had made his stance clear, as the principal, he couldn't just watch such a person slip away from First University of Truth.
Heimerdinger began his final struggle.
Heimerdinger: In that case, you won't receive our university's diploma or the corresponding degree.
Bai Luan: Oh.
Bai Luan: I don't care.
You… I… truly…
A sense of powerlessness, like having strength but nowhere to use it, enveloped Heimerdinger.
He didn't want Bai Luan to leave, but he truly had no choice.
His usual, unfailing tactics were no longer effective against Bai Luan.
What could he do?
Withhold his diploma?
The person simply didn't care.
Threaten to blacklist him?
Mess with Ms. Herta's person?
Did he still want to be the principal?
Make empty promises?
Did he still need to make empty promises to this person?
He was the one who made the promises…
Let's try one last time.
Heimerdinger: Mr. Bai Luan, we can permanently retain your student status. As long as you wish, you can return to our university to complete your studies at any time.
Heimerdinger: Or, if you are willing, you can also accept our invitation to become our special invited professor.
Heimerdinger: I assure you, the treatment will absolutely be the best.
Bai Luan raised an eyebrow.
They want to keep me that badly?
Hmm… it's the university where Truth Father is, so I'll give them some face.
Bai Luan: Out of respect for Professor Ratio, keep my student status.
Bai Luan: As for a special invited professor, let's forget it, I already have a job.
Heimerdinger was immediately overjoyed.
Excellent! At least First University of Truth could use Bai Luan's name to promote itself.
Ms. Herta's assistant chose this university… the appeal must be significant!
Beyond Doctor Truth, First University of Truth had found a second selling point…
Bai Luan: Principal, I think you're a smart person.
Bai Luan: I know what you're thinking, but you'd best know your limits.
Bai Luan: Understand?
Bai Luan: I was very satisfied with this trip. I don't want us to be at odds when I come next time.
Heimerdinger: …
Heimerdinger: Can we write a story with you as the protagonist, to be used as a promotional brochure?
Heimerdinger: Don't worry, everything will be primarily factual, without exaggeration.
Bai Luan: Fine.
After receiving Bai Luan's permission, Heimerdinger breathed a sigh of relief.
Bai Luan's recent words clearly indicated he didn't want them to over-market him, and if he didn't want it, let alone Ms. Herta behind him.
So Heimerdinger made a slight concession, offering to write a biography for Bai Luan.
This was actually a clever move.
To write about Bai Luan's actions at First University of Truth, they would have to explain how he came to be there, which would provide a reason to include Ms. Herta's recommendation letter for Bai Luan.
While not as direct as promoting under Ms. Herta's name, it was close enough.
Heimerdinger: Then, Mr. Bai Luan, do you need us to book your return tickets? We will make all the arrangements for you.
Bai Luan: No need.
Inside Herta Space Station, Bai Luan closed the door of the Anywhere Door.
He tapped his fingertip, composed the final message, and sent it.
Bai Luan: I've already arrived.
Heimerdinger: ?
Huh?
No, how could it be so fast!?
Always acting unconventionally, is this what a genius is like?
Geniuses are truly terrifying.
Bai Luan didn't care how much he had shocked the principal of First University of Truth.
In fact, as soon as he got home, he cast everything about First University of Truth aside.
What decent person thinks about work when they get home?
Looking at the familiar Herta Space Station, Bai Luan nodded in satisfaction.
Then, Bai Luan, carrying his suitcase, walked with a strong sense of stealth.
He chose to return via the Anywhere Door precisely because he wanted to delay the news of his return, to buy himself more time to slack off.
What he needed to do now was find Asta to inquire about Ms. Herta's current whereabouts, to decide his next move.
If Herta was at Herta's Home, he would stay at Herta Space Station; if she was at Herta Space Station, he would return to his own little nest.
His main goal was to play guerrilla warfare with his boss, to snatch as much vacation time as possible.
Vacation shouldn't just wait for the leader's approval!
You also have to find ways to fight for it yourself!
Fight for as many days as you can!
As for why he didn't stay a few days at First University of Truth to rest…
That's because Bai Luan knew that a steady stream of people would come to discuss collaborations and such, making it impossible to rest properly.
Bai Luan knew how annoying these people could be when they started bothering you.
Besides, can slacking off without any worries still be called slacking off!?
What he wanted was that thrill of the leader possibly popping up at any moment!
It's like having homework due tomorrow, you don't do it during the vacation, you don't do it the night before school starts, so you have to wake up early tomorrow and rush to school to furiously copy it.
Don't ask why; if you ask, it's because he's an extreme warrior who loves to challenge limits.
Although in such situations, getting caught once makes you behave.
But unfortunately, Bai Luan was currently in a state of not yet being caught.
Finally, Bai Luan cautiously made his way to Asta's office, pushed open the door, and walked in.
"Who? Station Master! You're back!? Why didn't you say anything, I would have come to pick you up."
"That's not important, Asta. Where is Ms. Herta now?"
Asta's expression darkened slightly, with a hint of imperceptible unease: "Ms. Herta… left the Space Station half a year ago."
"Left? Why?"
"She said…"
Asta's voice dropped, her fingers unconsciously twisting together. "…It was too 'boring' here. Am I, the acting Station Master… not… doing well enough?"
Her tone carried deep self-doubt.
You mean Herta isn't here? My vacation might be extended?
"That's great!"
" ?"
Asta suddenly looked up, her clear eyes filled with shock and hurt.
"Ah, don't misunderstand! Asta! 'That's great' doesn't mean you're incompetent as Station Master… Phew! No, it's not that you're incompetent as Station Master either."
Bai Luan placed his hands on Asta's shoulders and began a rapid, earnest speech:
"Listen to me, listen to me, don't be sad and blame yourself yet. Asta, you're doing an excellent job as Station Master! You should know that before, the Station Master position was always held by a Herta Puppet. Now that it's been on you for so long, Ms. Herta hasn't taken it back, and even left here, confidently entrusting the Space Station to your management—doesn't that prove you're doing great? Don't always compare yourself to me. I personally fully approve of you being the Station Master. You need to know that when I get busy later, I might not be able to manage things here at the Space Station. You are someone I specifically trained to take my place, so please don't harbor such self-doubt, okay?"
Bai Luan's string of words left Asta dizzy and disoriented. She only vaguely understood that he was praising her.
She nodded somewhat confusedly: "Okay, okay!"
Bai Luan nodded with satisfaction.
It seemed his rapid 'talk therapy' had worked.
When encountering people who do very well yet doubt themselves, just praise them profusely.
Anyway, these people are inherently worthy of praise.