Chapter 24: The Man at the Top of the Food Chain  

Environmentalism could be wielded as a cudgel, depending on how it was used. For instance, when African nations sought to build railways, environmentalists would take the stage, arguing that such projects would disrupt the migration patterns of African wildlife. For the sake of preserving these animals, Africans were expected to make sacrifices—such as maintaining their primitive environment, ideally forever unchanged. 

Yet, when the United States constructed its transcontinental railroad, no one cared about the feelings of the American bison. At its core, the goal was simple: to prevent industrialization in Africa, which would give the continent the means to retaliate. 

The descendants of colonizers envisioned an Africa that remained eternally primitive, incapable of holding them accountable. As long as this outcome was achieved, no matter how backward or ignorant Africa appeared, in their eyes, it was "pristine," a "treasure of humanity," worthy of endless praise. 

Of course, whether this cudgel was effective depended on who it was aimed at. Sheffield had been restrained, carefully avoiding mention of how the upper reaches of the Mississippi River had already been polluted by Northern industrial zones. He wanted to occupy the moral high ground without offending anyone—a pragmatic approach. 

It didn't matter if what Sheffield had written wasn't particularly profound—even if it were complete nonsense, the University of Texas still had to grant him his diploma. He was confident about this. 

Sheffield already had his graduation certificate firmly in hand; all that remained was the formality. Once this formality was completed, he would naturally graduate. His conduct throughout his university years had been impeccable—he had genuinely attended classes, and thanks to his accumulated knowledge from his past life, he had managed to pass all his courses. 

Whether it was to better integrate with the children of Texas politicians in Austin, the state capital, or for other reasons, the fact remained that he had come here. 

In truth, given Sheffield's circumstances, he could have easily emulated John D. Rockefeller of New York, who had built a private school specifically for his heir. This school, called the Browning School, had very few students. Its origins lay in the fact that Rockefeller's son, Junior, hadn't liked any existing schools, so professors were hired, and the school was established. The first batch of students consisted of Junior and his four friends. 

Wasn't Sheffield's approach far more respectable than that of the oil tycoon? At least the university he attended was public. 

"The United States is vast and rich in resources, seemingly inexhaustible and endlessly renewable—a gift from God to this chosen land. Living within this divinely blessed territory, as citizens of the United States, we should be filled with gratitude. Balancing the relationship between humans and nature is crucial, for all elements within our world are interconnected. I call this the food chain." 

Facing a room full of solemn professors, Sheffield spoke with an air of deep compassion, his expression reverent, as though he truly felt the insignificance of humanity and the awe-inspiring power of God. 

"In ecosystems, chemical energy stored in organic matter flows through layers of the system. Simply put, various organisms are connected through a series of predator-prey relationships—like grass and rabbits, wolves and rabbits—transmitting energy upward layer by layer. If any link in this chain collapses, it will affect the next. For example, if we exterminate all the wolves, rabbits will multiply uncontrollably, devouring all the grass and causing pasture degradation. Once the grasslands degrade, those who rely on the land for survival will face dire consequences." 

"For instance, water is the source of life for humans and a prerequisite for economic prosperity. Water environments must not be polluted, and water resources are not inexhaustible. If we pollute the water, people will fall ill. Without clean water, they will leave, industrial zones will shrink, and eventually disappear." 

"Take the North American bison as an example. Seventy years ago, there were fifty million bison roaming the United States in massive herds across this chosen land. Twenty years ago, herds could still be seen in Texas. But in recent years, bison have vanished from sight. We only hear of scattered populations in some Northern states. The North American bison is just one step away from extinction—a mere twenty years later." 

Before the assembled professors and attending students, Sheffield's expression grew grave as he emphasized the consequences of the bison's extinction, drawing broader conclusions about the food chain. 

In reality, the concept of the food chain wouldn't be formally proposed for another thirty years. Within a decade, the United States would recognize the imminent extinction of the North American bison and mobilize national efforts to protect them. By then, only twenty-one bison would remain. 

But so what? The concept of the food chain was now his, and the proposal to protect the bison was his as well. All the credit and prestige belonged to him. Who cared if it was plagiarized? Who would know? 

Finally, with a poker face, Sheffield appealed for humanity, as the apex of creation, to regulate nature responsibly rather than destroy it. 

After reading his thesis, Sheffield's novel concepts left everyone deeply reflective. Suddenly, the president of the University of Texas at Austin, Gotthard Davis, began clapping. "A very innovative concept—it's hard to imagine that an underage student could possess such insight. It even astonishes me." 

As soon as Davis finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall. Sheffield raised his head slightly, nodding graciously, accepting the applause with calm composure, as if it were entirely deserved. 

"Sheffield is a kind-hearted person. We can see his sincerity. Today's thesis is astonishingly rare," one professor remarked. 

"I believe the introduction of the food chain concept is profoundly significant and could spark widespread discussion," another added. 

"In fact, we in academia should urge the government to immediately take action to protect the North American bison. It's our duty," yet another chimed in. 

Multiple professors praised Sheffield lavishly, hailing him as a rising star of Texas and a pillar of the university. Of course, some might have been flattering him due to his family's status. 

"I can already imagine that William will undoubtedly become a role model for citizens!" President Davis said calmly. "I hope you can maintain today's kindness." 

"Yes, Principal!" Sheffield bowed slightly in respect. He had no interest in becoming a role model for citizens. Kindness had nothing to do with the Sheffield family—he simply wanted to be the man at the top of the food chain. The food chain taught him one thing: wolves eating sheep was natural. 

Amidst admiration and astonishment, Sheffield flawlessly completed the formalities and received his diploma from the University of Texas. 

Now, he could return home to inherit the family fortune and live a life of luxury. 

(End of Chapter)