Zhou Yi's silence didn't dampen Professor Charles' enthusiasm. However, Charles tactfully shifted the topic to something they both found interesting.
"Your abilities are quite powerful. Would you be interested in undergoing a systematic test with us?"
"Test? What do you mean? And Professor, forgive me for being blunt, but my abilities may not be what you think—they might not originate from the X-gene." Zhou Yi wasn't used to the professor's enthusiasm. He knew his own body well, and his superpowers were likely connected to things from his past life.
"Whether you're a mutant or not isn't important right now. What matters is that you're a superpowered individual. In the eyes of humans, you are already different from them. And we, we are all on the same side." Charles smiled and pointed at Zhou Yi's chest, then at his own. "You, me, and everyone else with extraordinary abilities in this world—we are all in the same camp."
Zhou Yi couldn't refute that. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "So, what exactly does this test entail?"
"I believe Jean can explain it better than I can." Charles smiled kindly and stepped aside, giving his prized student a chance to demonstrate her expertise.
This was the first time Zhou Yi carefully observed Jean Grey, the red-haired beauty.
She exuded intelligence and sophistication. Her delicate and charming features, coupled with her striking shoulder-length red hair, gave off an air of independence and capability while highlighting her graceful swan-like neck and fair skin. Beneath her white lab coat, a well-fitted business suit accentuated her impressive figure, making her even more alluring. In short, she was a stunning woman.
Jean ignored Zhou Yi's gaze. To her, Zhou Yi was just a kid, at least six or seven years younger than her. His stare was no different from looking at a big radish—she remained expressionless as she spoke.
"As everyone knows, Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters was established to help mutants. Mutants are highly unique, and even with Professor Xavier's immense power, he can only detect awakened mutants with the aid of Cerebro. For those who have not yet awakened, even the Professor is powerless. And if we can't detect them early, we can't prevent potential disasters. By the time we find some mutants, it's often too late to prevent tragedy.
Because of this, we've spent years researching the X-gene, hoping to understand its awakening patterns. During this process, we've also developed methods to measure and assess the strength of different abilities."
"What does that have to do with me? I already told you, I'm not a mutant." Zhou Yi emphasized. He wasn't buying Jean's explanation. He knew exactly how powerful Charles was. The strongest telepath in history wasn't just a title.
"The X-gene is too singular in our research—it lacks a point of comparison. Henry and I believe that studying different superpowered individuals could help us make progress. Whether you are a mutant or not doesn't matter. If you're willing to participate in the test, it would be beneficial to our research."
"We won't force you to do anything. Everything is entirely voluntary." Jean concluded.
Zhou Yi pondered for a moment. He wasn't fully aware of the extent of his abilities. Since awakening, he had been exploring them, but the ones he had mastered so far were his force field, telekinesis, and his continuously strengthening physique. As for the rest, he had only scratched the surface.
So, in all honesty, he was quite interested in Xavier's test.
However, he didn't like the idea of being a lab rat. He had no intention of ending up like some unlucky superpowered individuals who became test subjects and suddenly gained thousands of "sisters." One Calliste was already enough for him to handle.
Still, after some thought, he decided it was worth taking the risk. Calliste had already joined Xavier's School. If his memory was correct, the school had many enemies—not just the government's X-program but also the Brotherhood of Mutants. Since Calliste's abilities were still unknown, as her brother, it wasn't necessary for her to take risks. That was his job—to protect his family. That had never changed.
Charles was pleased with Zhou Yi's agreement. To him, this was a great benefit to mutants. For Zhou Yi, it was an opportunity to understand and enhance his own powers. It was a win-win situation.
Smiling, Charles patted his wheelchair and said, "Mr. Zhou, I'm very happy you've made the right decision for both of us. I would love to personally observe your abilities, but unfortunately, my situation doesn't allow me to move freely. However, I think having Jean accompany you will be much more pleasant than being stuck with an old man like me. And don't worry about Miss Zhou—I believe we have plenty of time to wait for you to return."
Jean stepped forward, her face cold as she said, "Mr. Zhou Yi, follow me."
Zhou Yi nodded and glanced at Charles. "I hope you're worthy of my trust, Professor." With that, he followed Jean Grey out.
Charles watched him leave, his expression calm and profound, like a still lake.
Walking along the small paths of the school, Zhou Yi curiously observed his surroundings. Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters was an advanced institution built upon the Xavier estate. In terms of education, it rivaled prestigious universities. And in research, with the support of many high-intelligence mutants, it was a hidden powerhouse. At the very least, it seemed as capable as top-tier research universities.
As for the living conditions, the school blended the elegance of an old manor with cutting-edge technology, creating a very satisfying environment—especially for someone like Zhou Yi, who had a bit of a parental instinct.
Jean, who was leading the way, noticed Zhou Yi's impressed expression and was pleased. As a second-generation student personally taught by Charles, she saw the school as her home. His admiration naturally made her proud.
Dropping her initial hostility, she spoke proactively. "Xavier's School may not have a long history, but I believe it is on par with any institution, don't you think?"
"Absolutely. The school is great, and so are the teachers." Zhou Yi chuckled and teased, "I wonder if I have the honor of inviting this wonderful teacher to dinner?"
Jean's expression turned icy. She stared at Zhou Yi, her taller stature giving her the advantage as she looked down at him. "Sorry, I'm not interested. Especially in men who are still mentally and physically immature."
"Alright, Miss Grey." Zhou Yi raised his hands in surrender. "I admit I may not meet your standards right now, but with my current growth rate, I should reach your threshold soon enough."
"Zhou Yi, I swear, I want to use a gamma knife to see how thick your skin is!" Jean gritted her teeth, and her psychic energy flared, making the pebbles on the path float.
"Honestly, if I let you try, would you agree to dinner and a movie afterward?" Zhou Yi casually quickened his pace, almost pressing against her. But under his stronger telekinetic suppression, Jean's psychic field had no room to resist.
Realizing she couldn't deal with Zhou Yi's shamelessness, Jean simply clenched her jaw, sped up, and led him straight to the lab.
Seeing her reaction, Zhou Yi sensibly shrugged and followed quietly. He had teased her enough; any more, and she might actually snap.
He didn't know where he had gone wrong, but he understood one thing—it was impossible to go on a date with this mutant beauty. He could only sigh and acknowledge that mature women were indeed harder to charm than simple schoolgirls.
With that thought, they soon arrived at Xavier's research lab.