Meanwhile, in the Other World
If Tang Xiao could see the state of the game world right now, he would realize that the situation was exactly as Li Xiaoyi described—perhaps even worse.
Tang Xiao’s reputation in this world had soared to the point where he was known by all, even surpassing the newly appointed prime minister of the government.
After the disaster, the survivors needed a new spiritual pillar, and no figure was more fitting than the scientist who had sacrificed himself at the brink of dawn. Dr. Tang Xiao’s ‘disease’, his meteoric rise, and his equally sudden fall—all of these elements made him an ideal symbol. Through government and Third Eye’s publicity efforts, he had already become one of the representative heroes who perished in the war.
His statue stood tall in the central square, still fresh and new.
It was easy to imagine how, once memory fusion occurred, the people of this world would react upon learning that Tang Xiao was being slandered and harassed online in the other world.
After failing to break through the fog area and being blocked by the military and the superpower forces, the people didn’t disperse. Instead, they changed course—some marched to the government headquarters to protest, while others gathered at the central square, staging demonstrations beneath Tang Xiao’s statue.
Security personnel patrolled alongside the protestors, maintaining order and preventing looters from taking advantage of the chaos. A newly recruited officer, barely settled into his role, was already drenched in cold sweat.
“He helped us—we have to help him too!”
“Bring our hero back!”
“Clear Dr. Tang Xiao’s name!”
“Punish the slanderers and give Dr. Tang Xiao the honor he deserves!”
The demonstrators held up colorful signs, their slogans written in bold, vibrant letters. All of them called for the government to clear Tang Xiao’s name—or, in a more extreme demand, to bring him back. After all, if the other world didn’t welcome him, then Dr. Tang Xiao belonged here. He was an invaluable treasure of their world.
Similarly, discussions about the other world were no longer a secret. However, perhaps because this world had just endured a large-scale war, its people were far more accepting of the truth than those in reality. Many even envied the peace and stability of the other world.
No—jealousy would be more accurate.
They envied that people in the other world were born into safety, with food, clothing, and shelter guaranteed. They envied that their children could study in spacious classrooms and that they had a future to grow up in.
That was human nature. Even though the war had ended and hope had returned, it was hard not to feel resentful when they saw their alternate selves in another world living such happy, privileged lives—lives that were theirs by birthright.
This simmering resentment was ignited when someone on social media revealed that Dr. Tang Xiao was alive in the other world and being slandered and attacked. The revelation instantly triggered the current upheaval.
“You holding up, rookie?” A patrolling officer patted a younger man’s shoulder. “Running into something like this on your first shift… Talk about bad luck. I’d say about twenty percent of the entire base’s population is gathered here. Seriously, don’t these people have anything better to do?”
The rookie forced a small smile, took a deep gulp of water, and steadied his breathing. “It’s fine. I knew what I was signing up for when I took this job.”
“…But is it true? What people are saying online—Dr. Tang Xiao is really alive in the other world?” the rookie hesitated.
The internet had been restored after the war, but the information circulating was a chaotic mix of truth and falsehoods. The authorities hadn’t had time to intervene before things spiraled out of control.
“Who knows,” the officer said, scanning the crowd. “Probably fake. Dead people don’t just come back to life. It’s more likely an alternate-world counterpart.”
The term counterpart had spread quickly ever since people started dreaming and gaining memories of their other selves.
To the officer, this so-called ‘Dr. Tang Xiao’ was likely just another counterpart, not the real deal. How could Tang Xiao’s achievements be attributed to someone from a parallel world? He couldn’t understand why these people were so worked up.
“…That’s possible,” the rookie admitted. “But even if he is just a counterpart, I don’t think Dr. Tang Xiao would do something like that.”
“Even if he’s just a counterpart, these people want to clear his name.”
The officer picked up on something in the rookie’s tone. “You’re a supporter of Dr. Tang Xiao?”
Ever since his death, Tang Xiao had been mythologized. Naturally, many people either revered him as a legend or sincerely appreciated what he had done.
The rookie let out a small, embarrassed laugh. “A few days ago, an expedition team found my father—he’d been infected long ago and was lost in the wasteland. They brought him back. He’s receiving treatment now.”
“Damn, you’re lucky.”
“Yeah.” The rookie sighed lightly. Just then, his replacement arrived to take over his shift. He turned to the officer and said, “Captain, I’m heading off now.”
“Alright. Get some rest.”
The officer patted the rookie’s back. The young man smiled sheepishly, took off his uniform to reveal his casual clothes underneath, and, right in front of the officer, walked into the demonstration.
Cases like his were countless. The number of people who had been saved thanks to Tang Xiao’s research was far greater than just twenty percent. But most had jobs, and they were rational enough to maintain the fragile order that heroes had fought so hard to restore—so they held back and waited until they were off work to join the protests.
As the movement grew, the government had no choice but to respond.
Inside the United Research Institute
“…Lodge? What are you doing?”
It was break time, yet Aberk saw that Lodge was still in the same spot and couldn't help but glance at his screen. He found that Lodge’s webpage was stuck on a very familiar site.
It was a fan site created by supporters of Dr. Tang Xiao. Incidentally, the protests and the revelation that Tang Xiao from the other world was not just a counterpart but the actual person were also organized and published there.
Aberk: …...
Lodge quickly shut his computer and turned to glance at Aberk. Aberk sighed, patted Lodge on the shoulder, and said, "Don't worry, everyone already knows it was you who leaked it."
The fact that Tang Xiao from the other world was not a mere counterpart but actually himself was originally known only to a handful of Third Eye members who had interacted with Tang Chen. The sudden leak of this information, and at such a crucial moment, made it obvious who was responsible—even with their eyes closed, Xiao Bai and Feng Shuyun could tell.
Not to mention, Lodge was the creator of that website in the first place. This wasn’t exactly a secret.
Lodge twitched the corner of his mouth, reopened his computer, and muttered, “Then don’t scare me like that. I’m busy.”
Busy with what? Obviously, remote coordination.
Aberk was speechless for a moment. Even though the Third Eye members knew Lodge was behind this, no one would report him.
Tang Chen had never disclosed Tang Xiao’s situation in the other world, only saying that he was not well-known. No one expected that this ‘not well-known’ meant being accused of academic fraud—so much so that it almost made Xiao Bai and Feng Shuyun furious. If their current research wasn’t critically important, everyone would have wanted to go on strike and join the protests.
“You’re not going to the cafeteria? Then I’m heading out.”
“Go, go.” Lodge didn't even look up and waved him off dismissively.
Aberk shrugged helplessly. Just as he was about to leave, Lodge suddenly shot up from his seat.
“Huh? Changed your mind?”
“…No.” Lodge stared at the webpage in shock. “The government has responded. They’re planning to hold a joint press conference with the other world, and Tang Xiao will appear.”
“What?! Let me see.”
With the release of the joint statement, both worlds' attention was drawn to this unprecedented press conference. Whether for the Nobel Prize scandal or the cross-world controversy, people from both sides were now eagerly awaiting the live broadcast.
One day later, after negotiations between the governments, the press conference was scheduled to be held in Tang Xiao’s original world. Though they planned to connect via the Fog Area to broadcast it online, initial tests showed the connection was barely functional and highly unstable. The staff even discussed holding two separate press conferences in each world if necessary.
But just as this backup plan was finalized, the signal suddenly stabilized for no apparent reason, leaving everyone baffled.
Regardless, the press conference proceeded smoothly. As soon as it started, countless people from both worlds flooded in. However, to their disappointment, Tang Xiao didn’t appear immediately. The first to step out were the leaders and diplomats of both worlds. They gave formal speeches explaining the truth about the two worlds and set the tone for future relations: continued cooperation and peaceful diplomacy.
“Dr. Tang Xiao, are you ready?” A staff member asked backstage.
“I’m ready.” Tang Xiao looked at himself in the mirror and took a deep breath. He had thought that after weathering so many storms, he would be unfazed by such a minor event. But in reality, his hands trembled slightly at his sides.
Because this was no ordinary academic conference. The stakes were far more complex and significant.
And of all times, Jun Tesi wasn’t here—he had vanished somewhere.
“...Additionally, regarding recent online controversy, the Human Alliance Government strongly condemns the false accusations. Dr. Tang Xiao’s contributions during the war are unforgettable for every infected person and every family affected. His achievements should never have been questioned…”
“In recognition of his accomplishments, both governments have decided to award him the title of ‘Honorary Academician’.”
This official statement effectively settled the recent online uproar. With the credibility of both governments backing Tang Xiao, the trolls who had been running rampant in the live chat instantly fell silent. Meanwhile, those who had learned about Tang Xiao’s work in the other world and had become his supporters erupted in celebration.
[Come on, where are the haters still trying to argue? Why aren’t you speaking up? Keep doubting! Weren’t you all acting like Sherlock Holmes before?]
[Laughable. Do you even understand the value of true genius? You dug up some dirt from the academic world and started slinging mud at him. How’s your face feeling now?]
[You really don’t use your brain, huh? Do you think Dr. Xiao and all the university professors would vouch for him so firmly if he weren’t the real deal?]
[Apologize to Dr. Tang Xiao! Right now!]
[I remember a certain PhD student saying, ‘If Tang Xiao didn’t buy his way into first authorship, I’ll do a handstand and eat shit.’ Where is he? Where?]
[You all harassed him online for so long—at least apologize, right?]
[Oh please, misunderstandings happen. How were we supposed to know he was also doing research in another world? If you look at his timeline alone, it is pretty unbelievable—playing games in freshman year, making Nobel-level discoveries by sophomore and junior year? Anyone would have doubts.]
[Oh, misunderstandings happen? Then let me ‘misunderstand’ you. I’ll slap you across the face and say, ‘Oops, my hand slipped,’ and you better forgive me.]
And these were the mild responses—some were even more extreme. People from various countries were cursing wildly in the chat, attacking any remaining doubters like rabid dogs. The chat was so out of control that the stream’s moderators had to jump in and start banning accounts nonstop.
[Why are there so many lunatics? Is Tang Xiao a scientist or a pop idol?]
[He’s way beyond an idol. Do you even realize how many people his research saved? He’s a literal savior. Every single one of his fans is die-hard.]
[Be more confident—he has fanatics (lol).]
[Dr. Tang Xiao literally saved my life. Let me put it this way: if I ever get a chance to visit your world, I will track down the people who harassed him online and personally take care of them. I’m dead serious. <smile.jpg>]
[Brother, take me with you.]
[I just love this type of silent but deadly wolf. Oh, right, they just went through a war over there.]
[Ahem, those people should really apologize now. I’m serious—many of Dr. Tang Xiao’s supporters just came off the battlefield. They really might use their knives.]
[And that world has more superpowers than ours. There might actually be people with similar abilities…]
[I’m sorry qwq. I shouldn’t have believed the rumors online and followed the trend. I apologize!]
[Apologies. I messed up, so I’ll take my punishment.]
[I’m sorry.]
Under the guidance of the staff, Tang Xiao finally took the stage. He tensed his face and slowly walked forward. As his image appeared on screen, the inappropriate insults gradually disappeared, as if no one wanted those filthy words to taint his every step forward. For a moment, the screen was filled with nothing but strings of apologies.
At the same time, within the Fog Area, white mycelium stretched out like a net, sinking into the fog to serve as a temporary server, ensuring a stable livestream connection between the two worlds. Watching Tang Xiao’s radiant figure on the screen, Jun Tesi found himself unable to look away.
Behind Lodge and Aberk, an entire group of scientists familiar with Tang Xiao had unknowingly gathered. Xiao Bai watched the screen, noting that Tang Xiao’s complexion looked good, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
“Looks like Tang Xiao’s really made it big this time. His rank must have shot past all of us by now,” Aberk couldn’t help but chuckle. “Who would’ve thought he used to be just a Level 1 scientist?”
“If not for that last incident, he was already set to be promoted to Level 5,” Xiao Bai said. “But now, as an academician… yeah, he’s officially ranked the highest among us.”
Their world had the title of ‘Academician’ as well, though it was a government-recognized title reserved for highly experienced scientists who had made major contributions. Even Xiao Bai was still working his way up.
Who would’ve thought that his student would surpass him in one leap?
“Hmph.” Standing on the outskirts of the group, Leon let out a soft chuckle. “Most of it is because of his political significance. With two worlds working together, they need a representative figure. And what could be more fitting than a scientist born in one world who gave everything to save the other? If we’re judging purely by academic merit, his credentials are still lacking…”
Lodge and the others turned to look at Leon with indescribable expressions. Xiao Bai twitched the corner of his mouth. “Leon, are you that free?”
“Of course not. Unlike you, I still have to deal with annoying politicians.” Leon scoffed and straightened up. “I was just passing by to take a look.”
With that, he walked away without looking back. Xiao Bai and the others turned back to continue watching the livestream.
“An academician… Our Tang family actually has an academician now…” Father Tang muttered in a daze, staring at the screen, while Mother Tang was enthusiastically recording everything. She kept turning to her recently returned son, Tang Chen. “Hurry up, Xiao Chen! Are you recording?!”
“I am, Mom,” Tang Chen said helplessly, holding a camera. “I already asked the staff on-site to record a copy. Why do you need to record another one from the computer?”
“You don’t get it. This is a different version! I need it to properly show off to people.” Tears glistened in Mother Tang’s eyes as she stared at the screen. “Look at how amazing our Xiaoxiao is.”
The online harassment didn’t just affect Tang Xiao—it had also affected his parents. During business trips and negotiations, they had endured strange looks and even ‘jokes’ from business partners asking if they could ‘buy’ a copyright for their children too, just to win some minor awards.
But they had never shown it, nor did they mention it to Tang Xiao, not wanting to add to his troubles.
Now, things were different. It was finally their turn to flaunt it.
In a university staff housing complex, Professor Li was having tea with a few colleagues while watching the press conference. When Tang Xiao appeared on screen, Professor Huang couldn’t help but tease, “Feeling proud, huh? Raising a student like that.”
“You don’t even need to say it.” Professor Li grinned so wide his face almost split. “I feel like my nose is going to point straight up to the sky. Good thing I didn’t recommend this brilliant kid to your lab.”
“What kind of talk is that?!” Professor Huang huffed. “If he had been in my lab, his achievements would be even greater!”
“Hah. Have you won a Nobel Prize?” Professor Li countered with one decisive blow. Professor Huang stammered, unable to refute, but suddenly thought of something. “Then there’s no suspense for this year’s Nobel Prize, right? After everything that’s happened?”
“Very likely.”
“Man, the university president is going to be over the moon!” Professor Huang smacked his thigh before turning to Professor Li again. “Congratulations, huh? Teaching a student like that.”
“Same to you, same to you.”
In reality, the venue wasn’t as packed as it seemed, but Tang Xiao knew that both worlds were watching him.
Taking a deep breath, his previously anxious heart gradually calmed as he stepped forward under the lights. The leader of the Human Alliance Government from the game world personally walked up and pinned a medal onto his chest.
Afterward, the man firmly shook Tang Xiao’s hand, looking him straight in the eye. “Dr. Tang, we are deeply grateful for your contributions to our world.”
Knowing that Tang Xiao wasn’t even from their world only made his selflessness even more admirable.
“No need to thank me. I did it for myself too,” Tang Xiao smiled. “I’m a human being as well.”
The man gave Tang Xiao a long, meaningful look before stepping aside for a photo and whispering, “Then I’ll leave the world fusion project in your hands.”
“Gladly,” Tang Xiao replied softly.
Revealed alongside the announcement of the two parallel worlds’ existence and their ongoing fusion was Tang Xiao’s appointment as a department head at the Joint Research Institute.
Of course, the project was vast beyond imagination, and Tang Xiao was only in charge of one branch of biological research. But even that was enough to reassure the unsettled people. Especially in the game world, where their trust in Tang Xiao was nearly blind faith.
That was the power of his reputation.
And at the same time, it was a responsibility as heavy as a mountain.
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