I Swapped Bodies With a Female Celebrity - Chapter 26

“Is this for real? Did you see how Qin Yunxuan moved just now? So crisp and precise!”

“Tell me this is staged. Someone check for hidden cameras!”

“I recorded the whole thing and already posted it online—it’s got over a hundred views!”

……

Soon, the police arrived. After their investigation, no one expected that the man who had taken Qin Yunxuan hostage was actually a long-wanted solo thief!

When the officers learned that it was Qin Lang who subdued him, they were utterly stunned.

After all, this thief had been one of the most notorious headaches for law enforcement.

Meanwhile, the crowd outside erupted when they found out the assailant wasn’t part of a film crew but a real fugitive.

“Wait, this wasn’t staged? It was real?”

“Then those moves Qin Yunxuan pulled… kinda badass!”

“Never thought she had nerves of steel. I’m officially a fan now!”

……

“Xuanxuan, you scared me to death just now!” Mu Zhiyan clung tightly to Qin Lang, her delicate face filled with guilt and lingering fear.

Qin Lang’s lips twitched. This soft, adorable girl is actually Mu Zhiyan?

Birds of a feather really do flock together.

Recalling how she had kissed him earlier, Qin Lang decided he hadn’t exactly come out on the losing end.

“I’m fine!”

Though having a beauty cling to him wasn’t unpleasant, the way the old man nearby was staring at him made Qin Lang uneasy.

Gritting his teeth, he gently pushed Mu Zhiyan away.

“I’m just so glad you’re okay. If anything had happened to you… I’d never forgive myself!”

Qin Lang forced a dry laugh.

Honestly, he was a little exasperated. Who’d have thought the security team would single him out?

“Ahem!” Dean Chen, ignored until now, cleared his throat pointedly.

Mu Zhiyan finally seemed to remember his presence.

“Xuanxuan, let me introduce you—this is Dean Chen from the Zhongke Institute in Jiuyang City!”

Qin Lang was floored.

This old man is the dean of the Zhongke Institute?

That put him at the absolute pinnacle of the nation’s scientific community.

But… why is he here?

Is he looking for me? No way, right?

“Yunxuan, after hearing Xiao Mu explain your ‘Dark Forest Theory,’ I found it quite fascinating. She said the idea originated from you, so I’d love to discuss it further!”

Dean Chen smiled amiably, but to Qin Lang, that grin might as well have belonged to the Grim Reaper.

Discuss?

A science noob like him debating with one of the world’s top experts?

That wasn’t just a joke—it was an international-level prank!

If he opened his mouth, he’d be exposed in seconds.

“Dean Chen, you flatter me. I’m just a rookie in the entertainment industry—how could I possibly be qualified to discuss such topics with you?”

Qin Lang hurriedly deflected.

Even Liu Cixin—the actual author behind the Three-Body Problem—probably wasn’t fit to debate this man, let alone him!

But to Dean Chen, this modesty only reinforced his admiration.

“No wonder she’s so insightful at such a young age. This humility alone speaks volumes.”

His gaze grew even warmer, brimming with approval.

“No need to be reserved. Let’s just chat casually. Do you have any additional insights on the Dark Forest Theory? Your initial points alone aren’t quite enough to fully substantiate the concept.”

Dean Chen pressed on. “Yunxuan, don’t overthink it or sell yourself short. You’re the first person in our institute’s history to nearly ace the entrance exam. If not for your father’s…”

He sighed. “What a shame. A real shame.”

Qin Lang’s interest piqued. He still hadn’t figured out who his “father” in this world was.

“Dean Chen, you know my father?”

“Only by reputation, not personally.” Dean Chen shook his head. “But let’s return to the Dark Forest Theory.”

Qin Lang was getting a headache. Why was this topic inescapable?

He barely remembered the details of the theory himself—asking him to elaborate was pure torture.

But…

Faced with Dean Chen’s graying hair and hopeful eyes, Qin Lang didn’t know how to refuse.

If only I’d kept my mouth shut around Mu Zhiyan!

Why did I have to bring up the Dark Forest Theory?

Even if aliens did invade, taller people could handle it. What did it have to do with him?

“Well… Dean Chen, as you know, I’m in the entertainment industry now. I’ve forgotten most of what I learned before. And the Dark Forest Theory… it’s still very much a work in progress.”

Qin Lang forced a pained smile. “How about… I refine it further before discussing it with you?”

“Fair enough. A rigorous scientific mindset is always commendable.” Dean Chen nodded thoughtfully. “Yunxuan, you’re a true prodigy in the research world. You shouldn’t focus solely on showbiz.”

Qin Lang chuckled awkwardly, dodging the comment.

Maybe the real Qin Yunxuan was a genius, but he was just Qin Lang—an imposter!

“I’d assumed you’d abandoned research entirely, but it seems you’re still pursuing your passion even as a star.”

Dean Chen sighed wistfully. “In that case, Yunxuan… would you consider becoming my student?”

“Oh, sure—wait, what? Dean Chen, what do you mean?”

Qin Lang had been ready to humor him, but this proposal blindsided him.

Become Dean Chen’s student?

If he were the real Qin Yunxuan, he’d probably be jumping for joy. But now…

“Wow!” Mu Zhiyan’s eyes sparkled.

Dean Chen hadn’t taken on a student in years. Rumor had it even a high-ranking official’s child had been rejected, with the excuse that he was “too old and frail.”

Yet now… he was offering to mentor Qin Yunxuan?

If this got out, the entire academic world would burn with envy.

“Xuanxuan, what are you waiting for? Wasn’t this always your dream?”

Seeing Qin Lang hesitate, Mu Zhiyan looked ready to accept on her behalf.

What do I do? What do I do?!

Beads of cold sweat formed on Qin Lang’s forehead.

This secret’s about to blow!