22 Years Earlier

Li Xinyu stood at the window of his cramped university dormitory, watching students stroll across the campus of Beijing University of Technology. At twenty-one, he was already in his final year of a double degree in computational engineering and neuroscience, top of his class despite having started with nothing.

Although China's population was declining, just like in the rest of the world due to a sharp drop in fertility rates, the competition became even fiercer as Earth entered the 22nd century.

"Another scholarship letter?" asked his roommate, noticing the envelope in Xinyu's hand.

Xinyu nodded, a rare smile crossing his face. "Graduate research position at Shanghai Tech. Full funding."

He didn't mention that this would be the first time in years he wouldn't need to work night shifts preparing wealthy kids for entrance exams. Later that evening, Xinyu called his mother to check in as per usual.

"Ma, I got it. The position in Shanghai."

Her voice, always soft but steady, came through the line. "Your father would have been so proud, Xinyu."

Xinyu closed his eyes, remembering his father. A brilliant but undervalued worker, who had died working overtime at a factory when Xinyu was fourteen. His mother had raised him alone since then, washing dishes at restaurants while encouraging him to study, to rise above their circumstances.

"I'll be able to send you money soon," he said, gripping the phone tighter. "Enough for better medicine for your arthritis."

"Just succeed," she replied. "That's all I want."

Xinyu looked up at the stars, barely visible through Beijing's smog. "I will, Ma. I promise you that."

He would become someone that mattered in this world. Not just another brilliant mind pulled back by poverty and morality, like his father had been.