Chapter 2: Charles' School for Gifted Youngsters

Staten Island, New York. In the headmaster's office of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Charles Francis Xavier—known in Zhou Yi's memory as Professor X—warmly welcomed Zhou Yi and his family after learning about their visit.

As a spiritual leader dedicated to peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans, Charles was someone Zhou Yi deeply respected yet instinctively kept his distance from.

Professor Xavier's mental abilities were universally acknowledged as incredibly powerful. This wasn't just a testament to his willpower but a reflection of his unparalleled psychic strength. A single glance or thought could determine a person's fate—this was no exaggeration.

Reading minds and manipulating thoughts were as effortless to him as breathing. For someone like Zhou Yi, who harbored secrets, it was only natural to avoid meeting Professor X whenever possible. Even though Zhou Yi had confidence in both Charles' character and his own innate abilities, he wasn't willing to take unnecessary risks.

Perhaps sensing Zhou Yi's mental unease, Professor X smiled, radiating an overwhelming sense of warmth. With a hint of amusement, he said, "It seems Mr. Zhou is quite afraid of me. But don't worry, I'm not some strict disciplinarian."

"You must be joking." Zhou Yi forced a strained smile. "Anyone who knows about you wouldn't be completely at ease in front of you."

Charles chuckled. "That's how those who fear mutants feel. But as a friend who treats us equally, I don't think you have anything to worry about." He moved his wheelchair forward, addressing Zhou Lan.

"Ms. Zhou Lan, please rest assured. Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters is committed to fostering harmony between mutants and humans. Since your daughter has awakened as a mutant, we will do everything we can to guide her in integrating into this world."

Zhou Lan hugged the silent and timid Xia Ruisi, kissing her forehead gently. "Professor, I trust you. My poor Xia Ruisi, don't worry. You'll make many new friends here, and your mother and brother will visit often."

Xia Ruisi remained silent, clinging tightly to Zhou Yi's clothes.

At that moment, Professor X suddenly spoke. "Ms. Zhou, there's something I need to discuss with you—about your son, Mr. Zhou Yi."

"What about Yi?" Zhou Lan's voice trembled slightly, already overwhelmed by the recent turmoil in their family. Anxiety crept into her heart, as if she had an ominous premonition.

"Ms. Zhou, how much do you know about mutants?" Professor X didn't answer directly. Instead, he sipped his tea and explained, "Strictly speaking, mutants are an evolved branch of humanity. Genetically, we are nearly identical to humans, except for one additional gene sequence—what we call the X-Gene."

"This gene sets mutants apart, granting us abilities beyond human capabilities. However, not all mutants display their powers immediately. Some, like your daughter, have an active X-Gene, manifesting distinct abilities or physical traits. Others have a dormant X-Gene, making them seem indistinguishable from regular humans."

Professor X's eyes locked onto Zhou Yi. "Your son, Mr. Zhou Yi, may very well be a latent mutant."

Both Zhou Lan and Xia Ruisi turned to Zhou Yi in shock.

After a brief silence, Zhou Yi met Charles' gaze. "How did you discover my abilities?"

Zhou Lan gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief. Her world had just been upended.

Placing a hand on her shoulder, Zhou Yi spoke softly. "I'm sorry, Mom. I've kept this from you for a long time, but I had my reasons."

Professor X added, "Ms. Zhou, those with extraordinary abilities often need to tell small, necessary lies to maintain a normal life. I've witnessed too many tragedies. Believe me, you are fortunate."

Overwhelmed, Zhou Lan's expression blurred, and she slowly lost consciousness in her chair.

Unseen psychic waves rippled through the air. Zhou Yi immediately sensed them—Professor X had used his abilities. However, Zhou Yi didn't stop him. He knew Charles had chosen the right moment to intervene.

Still, Zhou Yi's eyes held a silent warning. "I don't want this to happen again—to my mother or to Xia Ruisi."

As he spoke, an invisible force erupted from him, like a sledgehammer striking the void. The carpet around Professor X was instantly pulverized into dust, though the damage was precisely controlled, sparing the floor beneath.

The disturbance was enough to trigger a reaction. The office doors burst open, and two people rushed inside. A striking red-haired woman raised her hand, and an unseen force gripped Zhou Yi, lifting him into the air.

This was telekinesis—the ability to manipulate physical objects using pure mental energy. But Zhou Yi had the same power.

His eyes flickered with golden light, and with a thought, he conjured a force that countered the woman's grip, shoving both intruders back against the wall, restraining them completely.

"Please stop, Mr. Zhou Yi. Scott and Jean mean no harm."

Professor X's voice wasn't heard through the ears but resonated directly in Zhou Yi's mind. His tone was calm, unfazed by what had just transpired. His very presence reaffirmed his status as one of the world's most powerful mutants.

Zhou Yi had to admit—this wheelchair-bound man commanded respect.

He retracted his telekinetic force, releasing Scott and Jean. The two stood silently behind Charles, clearly displeased but refraining from action after receiving his mental message.

Professor X introduced them, "Scott and Jean Grey. They were once my students and are now instructors at the school. Your sister will be learning from them."

Turning to Scott, he continued, "Please take Miss Ferguson to explore the school. I need to speak with Mr. Zhou Yi privately."

Scott nodded, first stepping up to Zhou Yi and glaring down at him in a silent show of dominance. Then, he turned to Xia Ruisi, speaking in a much gentler tone.

"Come with me, Miss Ferguson. From now on, Xavier's School will be your second home."

Zhou Yi ruffled Xia Ruisi's hair. "Go on, it's just a new school. Mom and I will visit on weekends."

Though still hesitant, Xia Ruisi seemed reassured after witnessing Zhou Yi's abilities. She mumbled, "Alright, I'll listen to you. But you better not break your promise again!"

Zhou Yi chuckled. "I'll bring you a gift when I visit."

Satisfied, Xia Ruisi followed Scott out of the office. Once the door closed, Professor X turned to Zhou Yi with a smile.

"You have a wonderful family. And you love them very much."

Zhou Yi smirked at Jean Grey and Charles. "Isn't that normal?"

Charles sighed, gazing out the window at the mutant students walking by.

"I've seen too many families torn apart by the divide between humans and mutants. Too many mutants lost to despair and anger."

Zhou Yi remained silent.

Mutation wasn't just about abilities—it often came with drastic physical changes. The transformation from human to "monster" could shatter families, strain society, and damage a person's psyche. Without guidance, many mutants spiraled into darkness.

Humanity would never allow chaos to spread unchecked. The result was an ever-shrinking space for mutant survival, an inevitable cycle of tragedy.

Yet, standing against this fate was Charles Xavier—a man who dedicated his life to securing a future for mutants, no matter how small his victories. Zhou Yi had no doubt about his sincerity or his greatness.