Chen Xiao was filled with admiration. At the MIT Whitehead Laboratory, he had always used the most advanced equipment and never imagined that such cutting-edge research could be conducted using domestic equipment. The creativity that bursts forth under restricted conditions gave him a sense of research passion that was distinctly different from the resource-rich environments abroad.

"It's incredible!" Chen Xiao sincerely exclaimed, "The innovation born under extreme conditions is itself the most valuable treasure. Relying on others is only a transition; eventually, we must have our own platform. A mansion cannot be built on someone else's foundation."

Yang Ping nodded, his gaze deep: "Indeed, Breaking Wall, the first wall to break is the one in our minds. When we become accustomed to dependence, we lose the ability to act independently. Now, being cornered might force more fundamental breakthroughs, so we should be grateful to our adversaries. Without their pressure, we wouldn't have established our research platform so quickly."

After touring several core areas of the laboratory, Yang Ping led Chen Xiao to his office. The office wasn't large and was filled with books and literature. The whiteboard was covered in complex formulas and structural diagrams. The only luxury was a large floor-to-ceiling window, outside of which was the hospital's lush garden.

The two sat on the sofa by the window. Jiang Jitong brought them two cups of tea, and the steaming hot vapor rose into the air.

After a brief silence, Yang Ping got to the point, his gaze confident, focused, and penetrating: "Chen Xiao, you mentioned in your email that you have some ideas about the Spatial Orientation Gene Theory, and I'm eager to hear them."

In the current medical biology field, there are only a handful of people who can truly understand the Spatial Orientation Gene Theory, and thus Yang Ping sometimes felt quite lonely.

Chen Xiao's heart skipped a beat. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down as he organized his thoughts: "Professor Yang, I believe the most revolutionary aspect of your theory is that it breaks out of the planar thinking of traditional theories. Traditional theories of stem cells becoming organs have never considered why cells form precise three-dimensional structures in the process of building the human body; they take it for granted. So, in the path of stem cells towards organs, almost all methods rely on the biological 3D printer. I'm not denying this is a viable path, but it's definitely not the best one. I've always believed that the best path is to realize the construction of separate three-dimensional organs through cell division in an external laboratory environment, rather than building a complete human body."

As he spoke, his speech became faster, his ideas clearer, and his eyes shone with excitement: "From a fertilized egg developing into a human body, this is taken for granted. No one has ever pondered why this is so. Biology uses genetics to explain it. Why does an apple grow as an apple and not something flat like a pancake? Yes, it's determined by genetic material, but why do cells behave this way? Building a house with bricks is because the blueprint dictates it, but why do the bricks follow the blueprint? How do they know their spatial positions and not make mistakes during construction? This indicates that cells don't build haphazardly; they can build according to a blueprint hidden in the genes, and this is the core of the problem."

Yang Ping listened intently, occasionally nodding slightly, his fingers rhythmically tapping on the sofa armrest—a habit when he was actively listening.

Chen Xiao continued to elaborate, incorporating his own understanding: "I've researched your papers. You completed everything from the groundwork to the whole theory on your own, which is truly unbelievable. Constructing such a theory without mature preceding theories as support is unprecedented. Your theory is entirely new; you not only proposed a theory but also single-handedly transitioned it into practice. Understanding the guiding conditions of such a Spatial Orientation Gene is crucial. This explains why scientists currently can only clone entire organisms in laboratory environments but cannot replicate organs, because laboratory conditions do not support the partial activation of spatial orientation genes. Even the ideal simulation of a female womb environment can only activate a complete orientation gene, meaning that once the construction plan is initiated, it can only build an entire mansion, not a particular room or wall. Your current research not only discovered the Spatial Orientation Gene but also resolved the most critical issue: controlling its activation. Utilizing this control to release partial orientation capabilities allows for the cloning of localized organs—it's truly remarkable."

"If I'm not mistaken, Professor Yang, your next step is to study how to precisely control this activation, managing its start and end points, enabling the cloning of any desired organ at will."

At this point, Chen Xiao paused slightly, somewhat embarrassed: "Of course, these are just some immature thoughts of mine..."

"No! Your understanding of the Spatial Orientation Gene Theory is profound." Yang Ping suddenly spoke, with obvious excitement in his voice. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes full of intensity as he looked at Chen Xiao, "Chen Xiao, you've grasped the core, understanding the Spatial Orientation Gene Theory from its foundational logic."

Yang Ping stood up, hurriedly walked to the whiteboard, picked up a pen, and started drawing while explaining rapidly, sharing some unpublished detailed data and concepts with Chen Xiao, who immediately moved to the whiteboard.

Time flew by amidst the clash of ideas. The water in the teacups cooled, was refilled, and then cooled again.

Yang Ping discussed a lot of knowledge regarding the Spatial Orientation Gene Theory. Chen Xiao was fully immersed in this high-density, high-level academic exchange. He felt his mind opened completely, with many previously vague ideas becoming clear through discussion with Yang Ping, even sparking new insights. Yang Ping was not only knowledgeable and broad-minded but also had an astonishing ability to simplify complexities and get to the heart of the matter. His perspective on problems often gave Chen Xiao moments of sudden clarity.

Nobody knew how much time passed before their discussion temporarily came to an end and the office fell silent.

Chen Xiao looked at the scientist before him, who was about the same age but had academic achievements and depth of thought far superior to his own, and felt an indescribable sense of admiration and awe. To follow such a leader and partake in such a research endeavor destined to be written into history—what more could he ask for?

An impulsive urge surged up inside him.

Chen Xiao took a step back, faced Yang Ping, and his expression became exceedingly solemn and earnest. He bowed deeply.

"Professor Yang," his voice quivered slightly with excitement, but his eyes were exceptionally clear and resolute, "Today's conversation with you made me truly understand what it means that there's always someone better. You've not only guided me academically but also shown me the gap in scientific spirit and realm. I... I earnestly request your permission to formally become your student! I'm willing to start as an ordinary researcher and follow in your footsteps. I know this request might be presumptuous..."

This abrupt action startled Yang Ping. He looked at this talented, sincere peer before him, his eyes betraying a mix of complex emotions—surprise, moved, and the joy of finding a kindred spirit.

He quickly held Chen Xiao by the shoulder, encouraging him to stand.

"Chen Xiao, no need for this." Yang Ping's voice was gentle yet firm, "We are fellow travelers, comrades; in the face of science, the competent lead. You have a deeper foundation in many aspects than I do. We should learn from each other, explore the unknown together as partners."

"No, I ask Professor Yang to agree to my request." Chen Xiao insisted.

After a brief moment of consideration, Yang Ping replied, "How about this, you can come to me any time you need to discuss anything."

"Thank you, teacher!" Chen Xiao seized the opportunity and immediately bowed with clasped hands.

Yang Ping smiled slightly, "Let's sit and talk—no need to be so formal. When you come to our Institute, I'll give you an independent laboratory, with no cap on funding, and you can assemble your own team. I won't interfere academically."

"Teacher!" Chen Xiao excitedly called out the title again, his eyes instantly moist. At this moment, he felt he had found his true place, a direction and mentor worth dedicating his life to.

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