The publication of the paper "Using the Density of Celestial Objects in the Kuiper Belt to Limit Its Elemental Composition and Formation History" not only increased Raj's popularity and status in the industry, but also greatly benefited his collaborator, Dr. Gablehauser.
Dr. Gablehauser was originally just an administrative figure—a department chair who hadn't conducted original research in over twenty years. His most recent work consisted mainly of publishing popular science books for general audiences, which meant his standing in the academic community had diminished considerably over time.
Co-authoring this influential paper would significantly boost his reputation in the academic world, a prospect that delighted him immensely.
"Rajesh, thank you very much," he said warmly, smiling at Raj.
"You're welcome, Dr. Gablehauser." Raj returned the smile graciously. "You've also put in considerable effort on this project, and you deserve this recognition."
"That's true," Gablehauser nodded, clearly pleased. "In December, the university is organizing a research trip to Geneva to observe CERN's Large Hadron Collider, and I'm going to put your name on the list. And you can bring your girlfriend along as well."
"Thank you, Dr. Gablehauser, that's very generous of you." Raj nodded appreciatively. "By the way, I'd like to apply for a green card, and I was hoping you could help me by writing a letter of recommendation."
Raj was currently in the United States on a H-1B visa—a short-term non-immigrant work visa for foreign professionals.
The validity period of this visa was quite limited, with a maximum duration of only six years. More troublingly, if he were to lose his job, he would be required to leave the United States immediately.
In the original timeline, Rajesh had nearly faced deportation after losing his position at the university.
So Raj wanted to apply for a green card to secure his status once and for all. With an endorsement from a prestigious research university, his chances of approval would increase dramatically.
"Absolutely, no problem at all," Gablehauser agreed readily.
Writing a recommendation letter for a green card application cost him nothing and would further cement Raj's loyalty—it was an easy decision.
A few days later, Raj began preparing for the Halloween party he was hosting.
He made sure to gather everything needed: carved pumpkin lanterns, assorted candies, festive decorations, an array of snacks and drinks, and various game props for entertainment.
"Honey, what do you think we should dress up as for Halloween?" Penny asked curiously one afternoon.
"To be honest, I haven't given it much thought yet," Raj admitted with a smile. "But couple costumes would definitely be a good choice."
"I think so too," Penny agreed enthusiastically. "So what do you think—Romeo and Juliet? Or maybe Cinderella and Prince Charming?"
"Those are good ideas," Raj laughed. "But what about Aladdin and Princess Jasmine? I think that could work really well."
Aladdin and Princess Jasmine were the hero and heroine of Disney's animated film "Aladdin." That cartoon had been released in the early 1990s and earned over $500 million at the worldwide box office. It was one of Disney's highest-grossing animated films and had made a huge cultural impact.
"Aladdin and Princess Jasmine?!" Penny's eyes lit up as she blinked. "Okay, yes! Let's choose those two."
Raj then went to a costume rental shop to find the outfits. After trying them on and examining themselves in the mirror, they couldn't help but laugh at each other's reflections.
Penny as Princess Jasmine looked absolutely perfect. With her pretty face and attractive figure, she could pull off just about any costume without difficulty.
Raj's Aladdin costume, however, presented some challenges. Aladdin's signature look featured a bare chest and vest, and while Raj didn't have a protruding belly, he also didn't have the defined six-pack abs that would make the costume look ideal. The overall effect was somewhat less impressive than he'd hoped.
"Well, it looks like I need to hit the gym more over the next few days," Raj said, patting his midsection ruefully.
"I don't know," Penny teased, pointing at his chest with an amused smile. "I think your chest hair is quite unruly enough to make up for it."
In the next few days, Raj started dieting to lose weight and began exercise regularly. He went to the university gym every day for running, lifting weights, push-ups, and sit-ups, maintaining a consistent routine.
This surprised Howard, because Raj had rarely exercised before. Not only him, but all four of them in their friend group shared the same sedentary lifestyle. They lived by the motto: don't stand when you can sit, don't run when you can walk. Howard often joked that after he turned fifty years old, he would probably die of cardiovascular disease.
"Raj, are you serious? I've never seen you exercise before," he said, genuinely surprised.
"Howie, exercising is actually good for you," Raj said with a smile, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I've only been exercising for three days, and I've already lost 1.5 pounds. And look at my abdominal muscles—they're already getting toned. See?" He lifted his shirt slightly to show his progress.
"You already have Penny now, and there are so many girls who like you. You can't be this desperate to impress them," Howard laughed, shaking his head in disbelief.
If he had a beautiful girlfriend like Penny, and so many girls secretly admiring him, he certainly wouldn't be spending his time at the gym exercising.
Raj smiled knowingly.
Actually, he didn't like exercising either. He had always felt that life and death were matters of fate, that wealth and fortune were determined by heaven. If death wanted you at midnight, it wouldn't wait until dawn. Whether you exercised or not, everyone died eventually.
What's more, his life hadn't been happy in the first place. He had been poor and unremarkable, without a girlfriend, and life hadn't seemed very interesting. In those days, dying early might have seemed like a relief.
But now he had completely changed his perspective. Now that he was successful and well-known, he lived a comfortable life and was accompanied by a beautiful girlfriend. He could genuinely be called a winner in life.
Since that was the case, he needed to take good care of himself and exercise regularly, so that he could enjoy this wonderful life for as long as possible. He figured that the original Rajesh would thank him for leaving behind a healthy, strong, and fit body, and perhaps reward him even more for it.
"Howie, you should also start exercising," Raj suggested earnestly. "Otherwise, even if you get a girlfriend, but your health isn't good enough to satisfy her needs, wouldn't that be a tragedy?"
"Oh." Hearing what he said, Howard suddenly showed a look of understanding on his face.
No wonder Raj was practicing so diligently—he had such a beautiful girlfriend to keep happy, so of course he had to work harder to stay in shape.
However, Raj had a valid point. If someone's physical condition was too poor, it really wouldn't be good for maintaining a relationship.
Thus, motivated by Raj's example and reasoning, Howard also started coming to the gym to exercise regularly.
November 1st, Saturday—Halloween.
After getting up in the morning, Raj began making arrangements for the party. He hung plastic skeletons on the door frame of the corridor and placed two carved jack-o-lanterns in front of the door, their candles ready to be lit. A large bowl filled with assorted candy sat on the table just behind the door, within easy reach for trick-or-treaters or party guests.
He positioned several skull-shaped lamps around the room and stuck fake spider webs made of white silk in the corners and across furniture, creating an authentically spooky Halloween atmosphere.
The party was scheduled to start at six o'clock in the evening, and guests began arriving one after another around six-ten.
The first to arrive was Howard. Following Raj's costume party instructions, he had dressed himself up as Captain Jack Sparrow, complete with the trademark bandana, beaded braids, and dramatic eye makeup.
Johnny Depp had been a massive star in those years. In 2007, "Pirates of the Caribbean 3," which he starred in, had earned 960 million US dollars at the box office worldwide, making it the highest-grossing movie of that year. As a result, the fictional character of Captain Jack Sparrow had become incredibly popular, establishing himself as a beloved anti-traditional hero.
"Wow, Captain Jack!" Penny exclaimed after opening the door, her eyes widening when she saw Howard's elaborate costume.
"Ahh, greetings, dear lady," Howard said theatrically, holding his fingers in an exaggerated, delicate gesture. He walked in with mincing, unsteady steps, perfectly imitating Johnny Depp's distinctive swaying gait and slurred speech pattern.
"Wow! That's amazing!" Penny couldn't help but laugh with delight, seeing how vividly he captured the character. She hadn't expected Howard to have such impressive acting talent.
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