In the principal's office of the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters on Staten Island, New York, Principal Charles Francis Xavier — the very same Professor X from Zhou Yi's memories — warmly welcomed the Zhou family after learning the purpose of their visit.
To Zhou Yi, this spiritual leader who had devoted his entire life to peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans was someone worthy of respect… and someone he instinctively preferred to keep his distance from.
Professor Xavier's psychic power was known throughout the world. His strength was not just a matter of will — it was the manifestation of an overwhelmingly powerful mind. With nothing more than a glance or a thought, he could control life and death. That was no exaggeration.
Even more ordinary abilities — reading memories, influencing emotions, rewriting thoughts — were, for Xavier, as effortless as breathing.
So for someone like Zhou Yi, who carried secrets in his heart, meeting the professor was something he would avoid if he could. Although he trusted Xavier's character and his own natural defenses to some degree, unless absolutely necessary, he would rather not take that risk.
Perhaps noticing Zhou Yi's inner unease, Professor Xavier smiled gently. A wave of warm, calming presence washed over the room. In a half-joking tone, he said:
"It seems Mr. Zhou is quite afraid of me. But don't worry — I'm not some kind of strict disciplinarian."
"You're too kind," Zhou Yi forced a small smile. "I doubt anyone who knows your reputation would feel relaxed facing you."
"What you're describing refers to those who oppose mutants," Xavier replied, wheeling himself closer to Zhou Yi's family. He looked at Zhou Lan and continued, "As for those who treat us as equals and friends, such worry is unnecessary."
"Ms. Zhou Lan, please rest assured. The Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters is dedicated to the dream of harmony between humans and mutants. Since your daughter has awakened her abilities and become one of us, we will naturally do everything we can to help her find her place in this world."
Zhou Lan held her trembling daughter Cherise tightly, kissed her on the forehead, and said gently, "I trust you, Professor. My poor Cherise… don't be afraid. You'll make many new friends here. Mom and your brother will visit often."
Cherise still didn't speak. She only clutched Zhou Yi's sleeve more tightly.
Just then, Professor Xavier suddenly spoke again.
"Ms. Zhou, there's something I need to discuss with you. It concerns your son, Mr. Zhou Yi."
"Yi? What about him?" Zhou Lan's voice rose — shaken by the recent upheavals, she was already emotionally fragile, and fear immediately flared in her eyes. She seemed to have an idea of what might be coming.
"Ms. Zhou, how much do you know about mutants?" Xavier did not answer directly. He picked up a teacup and spoke slowly.
"Strictly speaking, mutants are a branch resulting from human evolution. Genetically speaking, there are no major differences — except for the presence of an additional genome, what we refer to as the X-gene."
"Because of the X-gene, mutants diverged from ordinary humans. The X-gene grants us strength, intelligence, and abilities far beyond the norm."
"But not all mutants who possess the X-gene display their abilities immediately. According to our research, this gene exists within a significant portion of the population. Sometimes it manifests explicitly — granting full powers and physical changes, such as in your daughter's case."
"But in other people, the X-gene is recessive. Their abilities and traits have not yet awakened, but they are fundamentally different from ordinary humans."
"And your son, Mr. Zhou Yi, is very likely one such latent mutant — one who outwardly looks no different from anyone else."
At that, both women in the room turned sharply toward Zhou Yi.
Zhou Yi was silent for a moment, then looked at Xavier and asked calmly:
"How did you discover I have powers?"
Hearing that question, Zhou Lan covered her mouth in shock, eyes full of panic. Everything was spiraling far beyond what she could have imagined.
Zhou Yi, who was about the same height as his mother, gently held her shoulders and said with deep apology:
"I'm sorry, Mom. I hid this from you for a long time, but I had my reasons."
Xavier added softly, "Ms. Zhou, everyone with extraordinary abilities must sometimes tell a harmless lie to preserve a normal life. I've seen too many tragedies… trust me, you're already quite fortunate."
Hearing this, Zhou Lan's expression wavered, and she slowly fell asleep in her chair.
In truth, during his gentle explanation, Xavier had used his powers — Zhou Yi had clearly felt the subtle psychic ripple. But he did not stop him. In fact, he felt Xavier had chosen the right moment to intervene.
Still, Zhou Yi gave him a warning look and said coldly:
"I don't want this happening again. Not to my mother. Not to Cherise."
As he spoke, an invisible wave burst outward — like a massive hammer striking emptiness. The carpet around Xavier was crushed into tiny granules that scattered across the floor. The force had been controlled with absolute precision, affecting only the carpet and not the floor beneath.
Still, Zhou Yi's demonstration made quite a scene. In the same instant, two figures burst through the office door. A red-haired woman thrust out her hand, and an invisible force grabbed Zhou Yi like a giant fist.
Telekinesis — raw psychic power turned into physical force. And Zhou Yi possessed it as well.
Golden sparks flared in his eyes. With a single thought, Zhou Yi conjured a counterforce like a solid wall, instantly neutralizing the woman's telekinetic grip. In the same moment, he shoved both newcomers back, pinning them against the wall, freezing their movements entirely.
"Please stop, Mr. Zhou Yi. Scott and Jean mean no harm."
Xavier's voice echoed — not in their ears, but in their minds. Calm, steady, as though nothing unusual was happening. Yet the mere tone revealed the quiet authority of one of the world's most powerful mutants.
Zhou Yi had to admit: this man in a wheelchair was someone to be respected — and feared.
He retracted his telekinesis, releasing the two intruders. Scott Summers, the man with the unusual visor, and Jean Grey, the red-haired telekinetic, received a mental signal from Xavier and made no further moves. They simply stepped behind him, silently taking their places as protectors.
Yet the displeasure on their faces was obvious. Zhou Yi didn't care. In the world of mutants — and all superpowered beings — the rule was simple: the stronger one decides the terms.
Xavier ignored the tension and introduced them mildly:
"Scott and Jean Grey. They were once my students and are now instructors here. Your sister will be under their guidance."
"Scott, please take Miss Ferguson to get acquainted with the school. Mr. Zhou Yi and I still have things to discuss."
Scott nodded, then approached Zhou Yi with a slight air of superiority — though whether Zhou Yi could see his glare through the visor was anyone's guess. Then he knelt to Cherise's level and said gently:
"Come with me, Miss Ferguson. Starting today, the Xavier School will be your second home."
Zhou Yi patted Cherise's head. "Go on, Cherise. It's just a new school and a new environment. Mom and I will pick you up on weekends."
Having witnessed Zhou Yi's powers, Cherise was still timid but clearly more reassured. She gave him a strange look and muttered:
"Fine… I'll listen this time. But you have to come get me this weekend. Don't suddenly disappear like before!"
Zhou Yi laughed and ruffled her hair. "Don't worry, little one. I'll bring you a gift too."
Cherise said nothing more and left with Scott. Only after the door closed did Xavier turn back to Zhou Yi with a soft smile.
"I can see you have a wonderful family. And you care deeply for them."
Zhou Yi chuckled. "Isn't that something everyone should do?"
Xavier sighed, turning his wheelchair toward the window. Outside, young mutant students walked across the campus.
"I've seen too much… The identity of being a mutant has torn families apart, destroyed bonds, and driven far too many down dark paths."
Zhou Yi listened quietly. This was a heavy topic. Mutants were not only different in ability — many were different physically. Turning from human to "monster" could shatter a person's family, their place in society, even their own sense of self. Without guidance, despair twisted many into tragedy.
Would humanity tolerate such chaos? The answer was obvious. Mutants' living space would only become more restricted — and where that would lead, Zhou Yi dared not predict. But tragedy was inevitable.
As for Professor Xavier — this powerful man played the role of a saint, dedicating his life to carving out a space for mutants to live. His efforts might seem small compared to the world's fear and hatred, but he never stopped. He inspired others to walk the same path.
A man of great character and noble morals — Zhou Yi had no doubt of that.