I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2175 - 1391: Diary of a Madman (2)

I picked up a history volume and looked through it, yet there were no dates to be found. Each page was scribbled with the phrase "benevolence and righteousness." Unable to rest, I studied it intently through half the night, realizing at last that the lines concealed the repeated word "cannibalism" throughout the book.

"Sit."

Cao Xiugo rose to yield his chair.

"I’ll handle it myself."

Jiang Chen halted him. With Cao Jinse absent, Youmao was likely watching over her, so he spared the burdened Cao Xiugo any further effort. He stepped into the hall, fetched a seat, and settled in without a hint of formality.

Something felt off.

More accurately,

he wasn’t regarding himself as a visitor.

Outsider versus guest—despite the single-word gap, a clear divide existed.

"When did you get here?"

Relishing the shade beneath the tree, seizing a brief moment of ease amid life’s rush.

"Last week."

Evidently, Cao Xiugo was unaware of the visitor’s arrival in Kyoto, proving Princess Cao’s discretion in keeping it from her kin.

Of course.

Why drag external affairs into family matters?

"I’ll summon Jin Se and have her pick up some food on her way."

Cao Xiugo wasn’t just relaxed; he was warmly welcoming too.

Consider Yuan Run, who snubs Prince Ye outright, yet shows deference to him.

Exactly.

"Prince" and "Crown Prince" carry distinct weights.

"No need to bother Teacher Cao; I’m only here for a talk."

A talk?

Cao Xiugo seemed taken aback, then grinned and replied, "Something weighing on you? A spat with Jin Se?"

His tone carried a soothing, steady influence. Truly, as an educator, counseling pupils formed part of his daily role.

Jiang Chen smiled and shook his head, offering no specifics, just posing, "I’ve long puzzled over one matter I can’t quite fathom."

"What’s that?"

"Why did Teacher Cao opt to instruct at Kyoto University?"

Though Jiang Chen worded it mildly, Cao Xiugo grasped the deeper intent and responded steadily, "And where do you suppose I ought to be instead?"

Jiang Chen eyed the "Diary of a Madman" he held, "Realizing medicine offered no hope, Mr. Lu Xun turned from healing to writing. A figure like Teacher Cao belongs on a grander platform to unleash greater impact."

A grander platform?

Wasn’t leading the Kyoto Club already a lofty position?

Cao Xiugo neither dodged nor pretended confusion. He answered with wry directness, "You believe I should enter officialdom?"

Jiang Chen affirmed with a nod.

Cao Xiugo straightened in his seat.

"Human effort has its bounds."

"Thus, it should channel into areas of utmost importance."

Cao Xiugo sensed an undercurrent.

"Facing some tough challenge?"

Jiang Chen chuckled lightly, "Far from it. Does Teacher Cao sense futility in altering circumstances, leading to discouragement, and so selects..."

"Futility in altering."

Cao Xiugo cut in, "Altering what precisely?"

"I gave Song Chaoge a lift earlier and we conversed briefly. Some of his opinions struck me as intriguing."

Jiang Chen resembled a puzzled learner seeking guidance from his mentor.

"Such as?"

"Such as his take on Myanmar."

At that, Cao Xiugo pieced it together.

"The world lacks absolute right or wrong, only positions. Would Teacher Cao endorse that view?"

Cao Xiugo sidestepped a straight reply, offering a soft smile instead, "You’ve known him a while now. Haven’t you figured out his character yet?"

"I once believed I did."

Jiang Chen murmured, "But presently, I realize my grasp falls short."

"Failing to comprehend others poses little harm, yet failing to know oneself spells grave trouble."

Cao Xiugo spoke measuredly, "Each individual harbors personal aspirations and convictions. He follows his route, you yours. At times they diverge sharply, other times they align, but that’s fine. In such moments, avoid gazing afar—it breeds bewilderment; concentrate on the path right before you."

"I’ll fetch the tea."

"Let me."

"Do you know its location?"

Jiang Chen settled back obediently.

Cao Xiugo stepped away briefly, granting him solitude for reflection.

"Chilled brew, to beat the summer swelter."

Cao Xiugo came back, setting the priceless teapot down casually and passing a cup to Jiang Chen.

Noting the other’s absorbed state, he smiled faintly, "You’re plainly broad-minded, so why let it weigh you down?"

"The trolley dilemma—didn’t you encounter that in youth?"

The trolley dilemma features two rails: five bound figures on one, a single on the other, both helpless as a trolley barrels forth, and you stand at the switch to divert it.

In essence,

deciding which group perishes rests solely on your call.

"Song Chaoge’s decision hinges not on count but on greater worth; what of yours?"

Jiang Chen sipped the tea, its coolness invigorating.

"How would Teacher Cao decide?"

Cao Xiugo smiled serenely, "Now do you see why I picked teaching over politics?"

Jiang Chen lifted his gaze abruptly.

"I wouldn’t decide. The trolley’s course is destiny’s whim, regardless if one or five lie ahead."

"I figured Teacher Cao would divert it toward the lone figure."

Cao Xiugo’s smile lingered as he attuned to the leaves’ whisper in the afternoon breeze.

"Yet how can you tell which rail holds the single soul and which the five?"

Jiang Chen’s eyes tightened, then relaxed.

"The real trolley dilemma isn’t about pulling the switch, but that in actual scenarios, the tracks’ futures stay obscured. You lack certainty on diverting or not, unaware which side bears one versus five."

"Ssshh..."

Silence enveloped the yard.

Oddly,

no cicada song pierced the air.

Perhaps that idle Youmao had snared them all.

Jiang Chen took another tea sip.

"Being Teacher Cao’s pupil is a real blessing."

Cao Xiugo laughed softly, "You’re free to join classes at Kyoto University whenever."

Jiang Chen drained his cup and refilled it.

"So those entering government must boldly shape others’ destinies, defying fate’s hand."

Cao Xiugo chuckled, "That reading holds truth too."

Jiang Chen cast another look at the nearby "Diary of a Madman."

"Could I borrow this to peruse?"

Cao Xiugo passed the "Diary of a Madman" without hesitation.

"But return it when done."

The pair shared a knowing grin.

Gazing at the dappled shadows below, Jiang Chen felt partial insight, yet full clarity eluded him.

As an instructor, however skilled Cao Xiugo might be, certain lessons demand self-discovery by the learner.

The leisurely duo lingered, sharing half a pot of chilled tea.

"Bring it back right after."

Jiang Chen grasped the "Diary of a Madman."

"Jin Se’s shift ends soon; why not wait and dine with us?"

Cao Xiugo pressed him to remain, recalling prior occasions, "I’ll prepare the meal this round."

"After all this tea, hunger won’t strike soon. Apologies for the imposition, Teacher Cao."

"What imposition? Weekends often leave me solitary at home. Good to have someone for conversation."

What sort of steadfast soul could embrace such a life?

For an average person without talent, it might pass.

But an emperor with vast harems who opts for simple fare and prayer must possess immense fortitude.

Jiang Chen recognized his own inadequacy, with much growth ahead.

Wealth can surge in a night, but mindset evolves gradually, piling earth into peaks. Beyond undergrad lie masters, then doctorates, and postdocs beyond.

"I’m off."

Jiang Chen offered a subtle smile and departed, bypassing Cao Jinse’s return.

Acting all mature now, eh.

Mobility-limited Cao Xiugo skipped the escort offer. He rose, retreated indoors, and soon reemerged, resuming his spot under the locust tree with a volume in hand, resuming his read.

Glancing at the tome’s face,

it turned out to be yet another "Diary of a Madman."