History of Consciousness

Chapter 4: Self As the Only Reality

Like most of the campus buildings, the Ninth Building had a classic charm. The curved eaves at the roof's four corners rose gracefully, painted in bright colors.

However, the old wooden floors and stairs creaked with every step. Hongxiao thought that if the lights were out at night, this would be the perfect spot to shoot a horror film.

Outside Room 301 hung a large picture, appearing to be an anatomical diagram of a brain. A series of bulletin boards on the wall displayed reports, probably summaries of the lab's recent research. Hongxiao examined the peculiar words on the boards with curiosity.

At that moment, the door of Room 301 opened. Hongxiao instinctively turned to look and saw a girl step out.

He didn't get a clear look at her clothes because his attention was quickly captured by her eyes.

She glanced at him lightly. Her bright, deep, and clear eyes seemed to hold an unspoken message under the soft glow of the light. Just as Hongxiao was unconsciously pondering what her gaze was trying to convey, the girl had already walked away.

"Eyes bright as stars, gaze soft as moonlight."" he mused. "So this is what they mean."

"Maybe she's here to apply too? If that's the case, I hope we both make it!" Hongxiao had felt low ever since starting college, but for the first time, he felt that tomorrow might hold something better.

As she left, the door to Room 301 remained ajar. He intended to knock but gently pushed it open instead.

Inside was a large space, with a sofa and coffee table in the center, perhaps for guests to wait. Several doors led to other rooms, one of which had a sign that read "Professor Zhu Di."

Hearing the door open, a middle-aged man came out.

He was tall, wore a casual suit, glasses with a slight prescription, and had a polite smile.

Hongxiao thought, Not bad. This mostly fits the image of a scientist. If he had a little more white hair and maybe a bald spot, it'd be perfect.

"And you are?"

"Oh, I'm here to apply as a lab assistant."

"Welcome, welcome. Please, have a seat." Judy gestured for Hongxiao to sit on the sofa in the center.

"Let me tell you a bit about our lab," he said. After some small talk and learning about Hongxiao's background, Professor Zhu got straight to the point.

"Our research focuses on the brain's higher functions, including consciousness, memory, psychological activities, and so forth. We primarily use physical methods to stimulate the brain and then capture and analyze response signals. It's a popular area of research, but it requires highly advanced equipment, so only a few labs worldwide can pursue it. We're among the top labs in this field."

Hongxiao listened attentively, sensing that this scientist's assessment of his own lab could be taken with either one of two possible assumptions.

In one way, it could be assumed that the professor was humbly downplaying the lab's brilliant achievements.

In the other way, it could be assumed that he might be exaggerating with some grand terminology to boost the lab's image.

Hongxiao didn't really care which way it is. He just couldn't help but try to formulate some theory of other people's mind.

"Our lab currently has several researchers, including doctoral and master's students. However, we're looking to recruit one or two freshman students interested in research and who would be a good fit for this project, so we can train them early."