Chapter 14: Academic Aristocracy

Ethan admitted that there were many things he simply could not manage on his own.

If he were to tackle it single-handedly, Ethan believed that with enough time and effort, the game "Snake" could certainly come to fruition. However, the subsequent copyright issues would necessitate the intervention of a law firm.

While he was confident that copyright registration for video games could be resolved with sufficient funds, he also firmly believed that no attorney hired for such matters could match the legal finesse of Ms. Barbara Babcock.

The reason?

Ethan thought it could be summed up by a saying he had heard in a past life:

"You'll never truly know how extraordinary your university professor is."

Universities are places teeming with hidden talent, and top-tier institutions are especially so. They gather countless individuals and control vast resources, which is why so many people strive to be admitted, even at great cost.

Although Stanford of this era was not yet the world-renowned institution it would become, if one had to describe it, they were still a venerable Californian university striving for world-class status. Yet, Ethan understood that this period might be Stanford's most remarkable moment in its history, as it forged ahead with its robust university-industry collaboration initiative.

This initiative consisted of two phases.

The first phase involved attracting outstanding external companies to set up factories, providing students with learning and employment opportunities.

The university leased its non-saleable land to these companies at a nominal rate, and in return, these companies were required to prioritize hiring Stanford students. This scheme attracted numerous high-tech firms, including Lockheed.

However, it must be said that mere rent reductions were not enough to lure many companies to set up factories at Stanford. The real draw was the involvement of Stanford's Vice President, Fred Terman.

Fred Terman was one of Van Neumann's esteemed disciples!

He was also the mentor of the founders of Hewlett-Packard!

When he personally extended an invitation, which company would dare refuse?

Due to his formidable connections, leading research institutions and production companies quickly gathered at Stanford. After resolving student employment and research issues, the initiative's second phase—encouraging student entrepreneurship—was implemented.

The university provided technical guidance and free access to campus laboratories for aspiring entrepreneurs. When students needed assistance, the guiding professors offered timely help and solutions, and in return, successful students would support the university in their own capacity.

The most renowned example of this process was Google.

When Google was in its nascent stage and faced funding difficulties, they sought help from the university. Stanford then contacted SUN Microsystems, whose founder spent five minutes listening to Google's proposal and promptly issued a check for one hundred thousand dollars to support the startup. Subsequently, Google surged forward in the tech industry, and when SUN's challenge against Microsoft failed, many of SUN's engineers, including Google's future CEO, Eric Schmidt, switched to Google based on Stanford's recommendation.

Indeed, Stanford's rise was inevitable because they played the game of academic aristocracy.

This academic aristocracy was adored by those within and resented by those outside.

But that was of little consequence, right?

Though Ethan had not entered Stanford himself, having a sister there was enough!

After all, Evelyn was his sister!

Such close resources were not to be squandered, right?

Seeing Ethan admit his mistake with a dramatic bow, Evelyn was thrilled.

She commanded her foolish brother to escort her to the School of Engineering.

At the same time, she instructed Ethan to pick her up from school at five in the afternoon.

Since they had come in the same car that morning, Ethan agreed readily. However, as he bade Evelyn farewell, a new question surfaced in his mind.

"Evelyn—" Ethan called from the driver's seat of the Chevrolet.

"Is something wrong?" Evelyn, who had only just walked a few steps, turned back.

"Mm-hmm." Ethan nodded and, frowning, asked, "If I recall correctly, you're graduating this year?"

"Yes, I'll receive my diploma next month. Why do you ask?"

Her affirmative response only confused Ethan further. He gestured with his hands and said, "You're getting your diploma next month? Then why do you still have classes? Is it because you haven't completed enough credits?"

Yes, Ethan found this puzzling.

Evelyn was born in 1954, a year older than Ethan and had applied to college a year early. Now, with Ethan having worked for three years, Evelyn must have completed four years of university. Under these circumstances, why did she still have classes?

Ethan was perplexed.

Seeing his bewildered expression, Evelyn bent down, resting her elbows on the car window.

"Oh, Ethan~ you're really quite dense~"

Evelyn tilted her head and said with a smile, "Why do I still have classes? It's simple—I'm continuing my graduate studies!"

"I mentioned this to you before, didn't I? At home, we don't need to earn money for the time being, so when I have time, of course, I'll use it to better myself!"

"Under normal circumstances, I would graduate next month and re-enroll in September. However, I am very familiar with this place, and I have already chosen my professors in advance. They are more than happy to have me join their research groups at any time, so…"

Evelyn shrugged, looking exceptionally relaxed and content.

"Is that so?"

Ethan was hearing about Evelyn's graduate studies for the first time.

Given their previous estrangement, it was entirely understandable that the previous owner of his body was unaware.

"Mm-hmm, any more questions?"

Evelyn gave a light hum and gestured with her thumb behind her, saying, "If there are no further questions, I'll be on my way. I have an appointment with Professor Wenton today. I originally wanted to choose him as my graduate advisor, but he mentioned that he might not be at Stanford for long, so I need to make the most of my time and ask him a few more questions."

"Oh, and by the way, he's the same professor I mentioned before, who said 'knowledge is neutral.' He's also the one who arranged the meeting with Barbara today."

"Well, he seems like a good person. Alright then, you should go quickly and not keep him waiting," Ethan said with a smile, having received his answers.

"See you in the afternoon?"

"See you in the afternoon."

As Evelyn entered the School of Engineering's teaching building under Ethan's watchful gaze, she first greeted a few classmates and then stopped in front of a room on the third floor.

She knocked on the door, and a man in his thirties appeared in Ethan's line of sight.

The man was dressed in a suit and tie.

Perhaps because most of his hair follicles had migrated to his face, he had a Mediterranean hairline and a beard.

Upon seeing Evelyn, he warmly stepped aside to let her in.

As he moved, Ethan suddenly felt a flash.

A blinding light made Ethan instinctively close his eyes.

When he opened them again, the classroom door had already closed.

"Is this Professor Wenton? He seems so young," Ethan muttered to himself from the car.

After learning that Evelyn's meeting today involved the person who had helped him, Ethan was eager to discover who this kind-hearted individual was.

When he finally saw him…

He seemed rather ordinary.

With a common appearance, a slender build, and no notable features.

This left Ethan somewhat disappointed.

He had imagined that someone who could befriend a prominent lawyer like Barbara would be quite extraordinary!

If he were a recognizable big shot, it would be worth latching onto.

After all, the path to success typically involves either having influential connections or being attached to the right person.

And yet…

"Alas! What a pity!"