Through the joint efforts of Lin Zhixia and Feng Yuan, their newly established "New Graph Theory" group had grown to seven members—including one Russian and six Chinese.
Lin Zhixia deeply appreciated the joy of teamwork.
Her six companions were all intelligent and diligent. They spent two weeks completing the foundational preparations together, then rationally divided tasks based on the existing framework—during this period, Feng Yuan remained in a state of extreme excitement.
Feng Yuan said with great ambition, "My dad says we surpass our masters, and he'll help us."
Feng Yuan's father was an internationally renowned mathematics professor. His full support filled Lin Zhixia with confidence.
Feng Yuan was even more delighted: "My dad also said that basic theoretical research isn't easily translated into industrial applications right away, but our research motivation is precisely to create industrial products."
Lin Zhixia chuckled lightly: "Yes, we'll definitely succeed."
Feng Yuan sighed with emotion: "When I used to write papers, I often added the phrase 'this issue has recently drawn attention from both industry and academia,' but in reality... very few people actually paid attention."
Lin Zhixia responded with great optimism: "Our research directions are highly specialized. Even the seniors in our same Laboratory might not know what we're working on. It doesn't matter—once we develop practical applications, both your name and mine will be known throughout the world."
"Like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs?" Feng Yuan asked.
Lin Zhixia paused for a moment.
Bill Gates' Microsoft and Steve Jobs' Apple...
Created Windows and the C operating system.
In today's internet world, the vast majority of netizens use either Windows or the C operating system. Their massive user base and effective business strategies have kept their companies enduring.
After brief consideration, Lin Zhixia spoke with increasing humility: "We're still in the preparation phase. How far we'll go in the future, I can't predict right now."
"Keep going!" Feng Yuan said with a laugh. "Man proposes, God disposes."
Lin Zhixia responded enthusiastically: "Okay, okay!"
Just then, Lin Zhixia heard knocking. She quickly said: "Let's stop here for today. We'll talk again when we have time. Contact me anytime if you encounter problems."
After Feng Yuan said "Alright," she ended the video call.
Lin Zhixia closed her laptop and called out: "Jiang Yubai, come in."
Jiang Yubai pushed open her door: "How did work go today?"
"Quite smoothly," Lin Zhixia briefly explained. "Everyone's happy to be doing research they enjoy."
She stood up from her seat and walked over to Jiang Yubai: "What about you? How was your meeting?"
Jiang Yubai answered truthfully: "Not bad, listened to their analysis of overseas markets." He omitted the specific details about "international trade" and directly brought up Lin Zhixia's Quantum Platform project.
Jiang Yubai told Lin Zhixia that his family held controlling shares in a rapidly developing internet company—this company's name was so prominent that Lin Zhixia was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected such complex networks behind internet enterprises.Globally renowned internet companies like Google, Tencent, Microsoft, and Alibaba all have their own research institutes and laboratories.
Microsoft's "Cambridge Research Lab," for instance, maintains close ties with the University of Cambridge.
Lin Zhixia pondered for a few seconds before belatedly asking, "Are you going to invest in my laboratory?"
Jiang Yubai explained, "Not investment—mutually beneficial collaboration. After you return to China, that company will contact you to establish a 'Quantum Laboratory,' with you as its director. You'll be a university professor, mentoring students, conducting research, and applying for grants. The company's 'Quantum Laboratory' will operate under specific regulations, recruiting openly from society. You can focus your time on what you want to do, while other planning will be handled by the company's relevant departments, like marketing, HR, and legal. Since it involves your reputation, I'll ensure they maintain strict oversight."
Lin Zhixia finally fully grasped Jiang Yubai's meaning.
Jiang Yubai believed Lin Zhixia's research team would inevitably keep growing.
His prediction was entirely correct.
Initially, there were only ten people in that WeChat group.
Now, just the "Hilbert Space New Graph Theory" research subgroup alone had seven members.
If Lin Zhixia wanted to expand further or even establish a "Quantum Technology Company," she would face many commercial challenges. But she preferred to dedicate her time to research and teaching.
Her team members were similarly academically focused—none of them understood markets, marketing, or client relations. Aligning with a prestigious internet company would make it much easier for them to expand operations, recruit openly, or even develop overseas markets in the future.
Lin Zhixia had an epiphany: "I see—you're helping me in your own way."
Jiang Yubai was still trying to downplay it. In a fair and impartial tone, he said, "Not exactly helping. I benefit from this too."
"Really?" Lin Zhixia questioned.
Jiang Yubai sat on the sofa. "Really."
He smoothed the crease in his trousers, hinting for her to join him.
Lin Zhixia understood.
She walked over slowly and honestly reminded him, "But your investment might not pay off. Our platform might not make any money."
Jiang Yubai had naturally considered this.
After graduating next summer, Jiang Yubai would return to China for work. His parents had already paved the way for him. Starting this semester, he not only had to maintain excellent grades but also participate in internal decision-making for the family business—in other words, he was busier than ever. Yet he was happy. He now had broader resources, a richer network, and clearer career plans. He also had the means to safeguard Lin Zhixia's path. Ever since elementary school, he'd resolved to protect her forever.
The countless words in his heart condensed into one simple sentence: "Risk is part of investment. I have faith in you. You've made a great start, and I'll walk the road ahead with you."
Lin Zhixia was touched.
Sitting on his lap, she couldn't help but sigh, "You're so good."
Jiang Yubai whispered in her ear, "You're better."
Lin Zhixia demurred, "No, not really. I'm not that great."Jiang Yubai kissed her cheek and softly called her pet name "Xia Xia." His voice was so pleasing it sounded as if smoothed by sandpaper, deeply magnetic, and with the sound source so close to her, even if her bones were rigid, they completely softened in his embrace at this moment.
According to Lin Zhixia's original plan, this weekend she was supposed to play squash with Jiang Yubai. Her squash skills had improved by leaps and bounds, making her a worthy opponent for Jiang Yubai, and she thoroughly enjoyed playing.
However, plans often fail to keep up with changes.
Jiang Yubai had passed his swimming coach exam. He mentioned it to Lin Zhixia, whether intentionally or not, and she exclaimed with delight, "Hurry up and teach me how to swim! Let's swim together. I really want to learn."
Lin Zhixia had never been to a swimming pool and didn't dare to play in rural rivers—Brother strictly forbade her from going near water. Many years ago, Brother had said that playing in water was extremely dangerous for children. If he ever caught Lin Zhixia near water, he would scold her from morning till night until she cried herself hoarse. Lin Zhixia was terrified by Brother's warnings. As a child, whenever she saw a pond, she would steer clear of it.
But she was filled with longing for swimming.
She felt certain she could learn quickly.
Jiang Yubai's home had an indoor swimming pool.
Lin Zhixia quickly changed into her swimsuit and walked barefoot on the marble floor. The clear pool water shimmered with ripples as she cautiously stood by the edge, waiting for Jiang Yubai to appear.
However, Jiang Yubai's attire greatly surprised Lin Zhixia.
Not only was Jiang Yubai wearing swim trunks, but he also had on a short-sleeved shirt. The loose clothing covered his upper body, preventing Lin Zhixia from catching even a glimpse of his chest or abdominal muscles.
What was going on?
Why was Jiang Yubai being so conservative?
Lin Zhixia frowned slightly.
Jiang Yubai brought a rubber swim ring. He placed it in the water, tested the temperature with his hand, and spoke like a sports coach: "Get into the water first and get familiar with the feeling of floating."
Lin Zhixia called out to him, "Coach Jiang."
Jiang Yubai responded, "What is it?"
Lin Zhixia asked mischievously, "Is today your first day on the job?"
Jiang Yubai knelt on one knee by the poolside, his left hand resting on the cool tiles. Just as he was about to enter the pool, he heard Lin Zhixia's question. He turned his face to glance at her as she sat down beside him.
She leaned forward, slowly closing the distance between them.
He lifted his chin, looking up at the ceiling, his Adam's apple moving slightly.
"Coach Jiang?" Lin Zhixia called again.
Jiang Yubai followed the scenario Lin Zhixia had set up, fully cooperating with her role-playing game: "It's my first day at work, and you're my first student. Let's focus on the lesson and don't get distracted. I..." he actually said, "...it's not easy working this job."
Lin Zhixia nearly died laughing.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Jiang Yubai straightened her up, maintaining a subtle distance in his attitude toward her. He was proud and restrained, careful to keep proper boundaries, his conservatism tinged with a hint of aloofness that made Lin Zhixia unable to resist him.
Lin Zhixia found Jiang Yubai truly interesting and refreshing. She loved playing games with him. Eagerly, she grabbed his wrist and said, "Coach Jiang, I'm afraid to get in the water."
Lin Zhixia thought Jiang Yubai would carry her into the pool.
Unexpectedly, after a moment's thought, Jiang Yubai said, "Alright, we'll pause the training for now. You should work on overcoming your psychological fear."Why did Jiang Yubai set the plot to develop this way?
Lin Zhixia questioned him: "Don't you want to teach me?"
Jiang Yubai replied briefly: "No."
Lin Zhixia grabbed his collar with her left hand: "Are you a professional coach?"
He said: "I have a coaching certificate."
Lin Zhixia suddenly realized that while Jiang Yubai's tone was upright and aloof, his body language was exceptionally accommodating. Now that she was pulling his collar, he leaned closer to her. Gathering courage, she slipped her left hand under his shirt hem, and his breathing rhythm noticeably faltered.
Leaning against Jiang Yubai's chest, her left fingertips roaming freely, she asked: "Teacher Jiang, how much do you earn per month as a swimming coach?"
After a pause in his breath, he replied: "Two thousand three, in RMB."
"Really?"
"I'm still an intern, not yet regularized."
Lin Zhixia traced circles with her fingertips, her voice softening: "Teacher Jiang, what do you need to do to get regularized?"
Jiang Yubai said calmly: "Teach you well."
"But you're so cold to me," Lin Zhixia complained.
Through the fabric, Jiang Yubai grasped her left hand: "Students have rules to follow. With your improper attitude, it's hard for me to conduct lessons."
Lin Zhixia sat up obediently and continued probing his persona: "Teacher Jiang, with me as your only student, is your income enough? Do you pay rent?"
Jiang Yubai's setting was quite meticulous: "I share a rental."
A spark of inspiration struck Lin Zhixia: "Who do you share with? Do you have a girlfriend?"
Lin Zhixia thought this question would stump Jiang Yubai, given the potential conflict between reality and the game's setting. But not only did he show no panic, he deftly countered: "Do you have a boyfriend?"
Lin Zhixia froze for a second, speechless. She sulked: "I quit."
Jiang Yubai clasped her slender waist: "Giving up so soon?"
Lin Zhixia provided a solid reason: "I need to focus on learning swimming."
Jiang Yubai kissed her forehead: "Come into the water with me."
Lin Zhixia turned her face away: "Take your shirt off first."
Jiang Yubai let out a faint laugh: "Do you want to see?"
Lin Zhixia nodded vigorously: "Mm."
Jiang Yubai gently nibbled her earlobe: "When do I get to see you?"
Lin Zhixia blushed crimson. Mumbling, she asked: "Do you want to too?"
"Dream of it daily," he whispered in her ear.
Yes.
Lin Zhixia remembered the dreams Jiang Yubai had shared with her.
After Jiang Yubai turned nineteen, Lin Zhixia shared his bed every night. He let her explore countless times—whenever she asked, he would willingly unbutton his pajamas.
Lin Zhixia was a fair person who believed in "give and take."
As images surfaced in her mind, her heart raced erratically. Stammering, she said: "T-then tonight."
Jiang Yubai was even more excited than her.
He led Lin Zhixia into the pool. Diving headfirst into the rippling shallow end, splashes landed on Lin Zhixia's face. She asked puzzledly: "Are you okay?"
The flowing water calmed Jiang Yubai, washing away those impure thoughts. Resurfacing, his cotton shirt clung tightly to his body as he said composedly: "I'm fine. Let go of the float and hold my shoulders to practice floating."Lin Zhixia trusted him completely.
She followed his instructions without question.
Jiang Yubai taught Lin Zhixia with undivided attention for two hours. Her comprehension was frighteningly high—she understood everything he said. She was probably the best student one could ask for. The "swimming coaching sessions" had become Jiang Yubai's favorite recent pastime.
That evening at eight o'clock, Jiang Yubai went to bed right after showering.
He lay on Lin Zhixia's bed reading.
Meanwhile, Lin Zhixia was still writing emails. During the winter break of her freshman year, she had spent days and nights pondering how to use mathematical tools to verify linear rank functions in quantum programs. In the end, she failed to derive a solution and abandoned that research topic. But now, she had new ideas, and Senior Wei Ruoxing's research direction happened to overlap slightly with hers.
Lin Zhixia sent an email to Wei Ruoxing.
In the email, she wrote: "Hello Senior, regarding the verification of quantum programs, I have some ideas. Attached is my draft in PDF format."
It was 3 a.m. Beijing time.
Surprisingly, Wei Ruoxing was still awake.
Wei Ruoxing replied quickly.
She praised Lin Zhixia's work and suggested that Lin Zhixia publish as the sole author. However, she was very busy recently and would need at least a week to find time to read Lin Zhixia's draft paper.
Lin Zhixia fell into thought. She picked up her phone and messaged Wei Ruoxing on WeChat: "Senior, are you staying up late?"
Wei Ruoxing replied instantly: "A bit insomnia."
Lin Zhixia immediately asked: "Did something happen?"
After waiting a few seconds, Wei Ruoxing instead asked her: "Has Tan Qianche contacted you?"
Senior Tan Qianche?
Actually, he had contacted Lin Zhixia.
He heard that Lin Zhixia was recently developing quantum programming languages and subtly expressed interest in joining her team.
However, Lin Zhixia remembered that both Luo Ying and Wei Ruoxing had issues with Tan Qianche. If she brought Tan Qiance into their WeChat group, both seniors would likely be very unhappy.
Without hesitation, Lin Zhixia chose to side with the seniors.
Tan Qianche was currently a visiting scholar in the United States. Lin Zhixia praised him extravagantly, saying he was erudite and highly skilled, and should focus on his academic work—her project could be handled by other students.
Nevertheless, Tan Qianche was after all a genius-level figure and probably guessed Lin Zhixia's true intentions. He described his career plans: "Next year when I return to the provincial capital, I'll find a university position. You and I will be colleagues in the same department."
Lin Zhixia casually responded: "Well, I'll be Teacher Lin, and you'll be Teacher Tan."
Tan Qianche didn't reply further.
Evidently, he had some pride too.
When Lin Zhixia asked Wei Ruoxing if Tan Qianche had contacted her, Wei Ruoxing said Tan Qianche had emailed her wanting to discuss some personal matters. As for what exactly those matters were, Wei Ruoxing didn't mention a word.
Lin Zhixia put down her phone.
She turned and looked at Jiang Yubai on the bed.
She remembered her promise from earlier at the swimming pool.
Jiang Yubai closed his book and hinted subtly: "What time is it?"
"Just past eight," Lin Zhixia said.
Jiang Yubai lifted a corner of the blanket: "Come here."Lin Zhixia suddenly felt somewhat nervous, her heartbeat involuntarily quickening. She had originally intended to turn off the light, but she had promised to let Jiang Yubai take a look, and he clearly couldn't see clearly in the dark. She could only quietly climb onto the bed under the lit bedroom lamp, pulling the covers tightly over herself. She buried herself beneath the quilt.
Jiang Yubai also slipped under the covers: "Xia Xia."
He was calling her that again.
But Lin Zhixia said, "I'll only allow you to look for ten seconds."
Jiang Yubai took off his watch and placed it in her palm: "You keep time."
Lin Zhixia's face flushed crimson as she straddled his legs. She clutched his watch tightly, the second hand like a drumstick madly beating to the rhythm of her heart. She was shy, anxious, and faintly expectant, though she wasn't quite sure what she was anticipating.
Jiang Yubai unfastened the buttons of her nightgown.
His movements were cautious, like a devout worshipper on a pilgrimage.
When all the buttons were undone, Jiang Yubai's fingertips hooked her shoulder straps, gently pulling them downward. His breath stilled in that instant, then grew unusually rapid, as if he had just survived a calamity.
Lin Zhixia tilted her neck back, forcing composure: "Ten seconds."
She began the countdown: "Ten, nine..."
Jiang Yubai's kisses trailed downward from her collarbone, fervent and urgent, as if intent on melting her heart. Lin Zhixia's mind buzzed, and she forgot to count. In the stifling, airless space beneath the quilt, his hands were firm and scorching, like stones from the Flaming Mountains.
The intimacy lasted far longer than ten seconds. Lin Zhixia gripped his clothes until they were crumpled: "You... hmm, you've gone over time..."
Jiang Yubai cupped the back of her neck and directly captured her lips in a kiss. Her thoughts grew muddled, unable to form a single sentence, yet she gained the most profound memory since she started dating Jiang Yubai.
Around nine o'clock at night, Lin Zhixia came back to her senses.
The quilt had long been thrown aside, and both she and Jiang Yubai were in disarray.
Jiang Yubai held her, kissing her over and over, praising her for being sweeter than a strawberry. She remained modest: "Strawberries are much sweeter than me."
Jiang Yubai chuckled. Then he said, "I'm going to take a shower."
Lin Zhixia asked him, "Didn't you just take one?"
Jiang Yubai walked away with his back to her: "Taking a shower is like eating—after one meal, there's another; after one shower, there's always another."
Lin Zhixia was convinced by his impeccable logic.
She watched as Jiang Yubai walked back to his bedroom.
Not long after Jiang Yubai left, Lin Zhixia hugged her pillow and rolled around on the bed. In her mind, she played a movie where the male lead was Jiang Yubai. She recalled his appearance, demeanor, and actions from childhood to adulthood. She was the only observer in the world, countless scenes flitting past her eyes like fleeting glimpses. She thanked heaven for granting her such extraordinary memory.
That night, they still slept in the same bed.
Lin Zhixia took Jiang Yubai's hand and wrote characters in his palm. She traced each stroke with earnest care. In the darkness, their sense of touch grew more acute. Jiang Yubai guessed, "You're writing..."
"Eight characters in total," she whispered, "childhood sweethearts, a harmonious union for a hundred years."
Jiang Yubai tightly clasped her fingertips, moved by her voice. A warmth stirred in his heart, lingering for a long time.
At the end of October, the cool breeze was gentle, and the autumn sky was clear and refreshing.Lin Zhixia's two papers on "Quantum Recursive Patterns" and "Distributed Quantum Computing Program Logic" caused a minor sensation. Her second paper introduced new mathematical tools, achieved significant technological breakthroughs, and filled a major gap in the field of "Quantum Program Verification."
The foundational work for both papers was actually completed during Lin Zhixia's undergraduate studies, spanning over three years of research. With much content still requiring supplementation and refinement, Lin Zhixia did not feel complacent.
However, several senior experts in the industry publicly praised Lin Zhixia as an "excellent and highly talented scholar." Since she had just turned nineteen, she suddenly gained widespread fame—yet at this point, she didn’t feel her life had changed much.
That was until she opened a webpage and browsed the morning news.
Her photo caught her eye immediately.
The headline read: "The Pinnacle of Talent: Genius Beauty PhD Solves World-Class Problem at Just Nineteen!"
Lin Zhixia hesitated for a moment before clicking the link. Her background was laid out clearly by the reporters: she had studied under Professor Shen Zhaohua at age ten, won a gold medal in an international mathematics competition at twelve, and published two SCI papers by fourteen... The journalists had even interviewed her middle school teachers and classmates, all of whom praised her profusely, calling her "brilliant, kind-hearted, and flawless."
Lin Zhixia was stunned.
This was way too exaggerated.
Back in middle school, she clearly had many flaws.
She was socially awkward, timid, often hid behind Jiang Yubai, and even quarreled with Jin Baihui in the hallway.
Morning light streamed through the window, casting onto the wooden floor. Lin Zhixia sat facing her computer, lost in thought for a while.
Jiang Yubai gently knocked on her door.
He entered the room and called her for breakfast.
Lin Zhixia pointed at the computer screen with one finger. "Look, I’m in the news again."
Jiang Yubai glanced at the screen and read aloud six words from the headline: "Genius Beauty PhD."
"I don’t like that title," Lin Zhixia said. "They should delete 'Genius Beauty' and change 'PhD' to 'PhD student.'"
Resting her chin in her hand, she added, "The term 'beauty' reminds me of my high school classmate Shao Dongxu, who called me 'beauty' every day instead of using my name. But I have a name."
Jiang Yubai promptly improvised a new morning news headline: "In-Depth Feature: Don’t Miss This Insightful Read on PhD Student Lin Zhixia’s Latest Research Progress in 'Distributed Quantum Computing Program Logic.'"
Lin Zhixia was overjoyed. "I love that headline! You could be a news editor!"
Jiang Yubai accepted her praise graciously. He took another look at the webpage before taking Lin Zhixia’s wrist and leading her to breakfast.
At the table, Lin Zhixia told Jiang Yubai she had received an invitation to an internationally top-tier academic conference. On Sunday morning, she would fly to Berlin, Germany, accompanied by an Indian senior student. They would stay in Germany for a week.
Jiang Yubai was happy for her.
On Sunday morning, Jiang Yubai personally drove Lin Zhixia to the airport.
Before parting, Lin Zhixia kissed him on the cheek and left him with seven love letters.
"Open one letter each day," she said softly. "By the time you read the last one, I’ll be back."
Jiang Yubai stored the letters in a hidden compartment in his car. "I want to visit you in Germany," he said.
"No, I don’t agree," Lin Zhixia replied. "You have classes tomorrow. You can’t skip them for me."
Picking up her suitcase, she waved at him. "See you next Saturday!"
She cheerfully set off for the academic conference.
She greatly enjoyed interacting with her peers.
But even though they had just parted, Jiang Yubai already missed her.
While reflecting on whether love had clouded his judgment, he took out his phone and marked the flight route and time for Lin Zhixia’s return.Jiang Yubai unfolded Lin Zhixia's first love letter to him, reading it word by word from beginning to end, going through it several times. Touching the words she had written felt like touching her fingers, offering a glimpse into her inner world.
Since Lin Zhixia wasn't home, Jiang Yubai invited a few friends to play golf—Sun Dawei being one of them.
Over the past two months, Sun Dawei had relaxed at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, fished in Norway's Lofoten Islands, and watched the aurora borealis on Iceland's black sand beaches. He even returned to his hometown to savor the local dishes he had been craving. His grandparents took turns comforting him and offering guidance, causing those tangled feelings of love and resentment to fade.
Life had long returned to its former tranquility.
However, a scar still remained in Sun Dawei's heart.
Dressed in sportswear, Sun Dawei confided in Jiang Yubai: "I'm tired. I won't love again."
Jiang Yubai swung his golf club, sending the ball in a perfect arc. Watching its trajectory, he remarked mysteriously, "Just focus on your career then."
Sun Dawei sighed, "Career stuff isn't easy either..." Suddenly remembering something, he asked, "My uncle got promoted and moved to Beijing. He mentioned you—said you met him during a vacation in Changbai Mountain when you were young?"
Jiang Yubai replied briefly, "A few times. At the shooting range, his aim was precise."
Sun Dawei said, "Ah, yes. His second uncle was a forest ranger who took him hunting in the mountains when he was a teenager."
Jiang Yubai casually brought up, "Are there many rules in Beijing circles?"
"How would I know," Sun Dawei said honestly, "Your family has more connections in Beijing. Mine only relies on my uncle."
As other classmates approached, both Sun Dawei and Jiang Yubai avoided discussing their families' political and business ties publicly. They shifted to talking about emerging industry investments in recent years, with Sun Dawei unexpectedly mentioning "Quantum Computing."
Sun Dawei's assessment of "quantum" was: "Several new companies have popped up in Silicon Valley using 'quantum' as their banner. No one knows what they're actually doing."
Jiang Yubai responded effortlessly, "I'm not familiar with this industry. If we can hype the concept stocks, we wouldn't lose by investing."
Like the good buddy he was, Sun Dawei jumped up and patted his shoulder: "You create the heat, I'll watch the trends."
Jiang Yubai agreed offhandedly.
On the emerald green golf course, Sun Dawei swung his club with one hand and asked enthusiastically, "Isn't Lin Zhixia in this field? If you don't understand something, just ask your girlfriend when you get home."
Jiang Yubai's swing hesitated.
Sun Dawei continued, "Ah, mentioning girlfriends... Xiao Jiang, my heart feels so bitter..."
Sun Dawei had originally thought he had completely recovered from his heartbreak.
Little did he expect that discussing past matters with Jiang Yubai today would make tears stream from the corners of his eyes again.
Sun Dawei thought sorrowfully that if someone photographed him now, added captions, and posted it online, he would definitely become the internet's universal "streaming tears" meme.Sun Dawei gazed at Jiang Yubai through tear-filled eyes, feeling that Jiang Yubai had grown increasingly tall, handsome, and radiant—this was how a man looked when nourished by love. He felt somewhat envious of Jiang Yubai and Lin Zhixia's stable relationship, sensing that the two of them had never seemed to argue.
Meanwhile, Lin Zhixia quickly adapted to life in Germany.
On her first day in Berlin, Lin Zhixia went out alone to explore the city.
She wandered through a market near her hotel, where the bustling streets were filled with a continuous stream of pedestrians. Curiously observing her surroundings, she listened to the German spoken in every alley and avenue. Understanding every word made her steps grow lighter.
She bought many gifts in the shops.
The next day, the academic conference officially began.
The moment Lin Zhixia entered the lecture hall, she saw a dense crowd of attendees and journalists—they had come from all over the world, making this one of the largest events Lin Zhixia had ever experienced.
The lecture hall resembled a giant theater, with four tiers of seats in the audience section, all filled to capacity. Many local German students had also come, and Lin Zhixia spotted numerous vibrant young faces at a glance. She almost forgot that she herself was only nineteen this year.
When it was Lin Zhixia's turn to present, she took a deep breath and walked steadily onto the stage.
Bright white chandeliers hung overhead, while the audience was bathed in dim blue lighting. Thousands of gazes converged on Lin Zhixia's face, but she showed no stage fright and immediately began explaining the content of her paper.
Most speakers would bring notes, but Lin Zhixia spoke entirely without them.
Her memory was her best document.
Lin Zhixia's presentation lasted a full hour.
Beyond her paper, Lin Zhixia also mentioned that she was collaborating with a group of friends to develop a quantum programming language. She hoped that technological advancements could save more energy, solve more complex problems, and bring a brighter future for all of humanity.
When she uttered her final word, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
At that moment, she couldn't tell whether everyone was clapping because she had spoken well or because they were relieved that "she had finally finished."
Lin Zhixia bowed to the audience, and as the applause continued unabated, she realized she had earned the recognition of most of her peers.
On the final day of the academic conference, while reading the news, Lin Zhixia discovered that portal website reporters no longer referred to her as the "genius beauty PhD" but instead called her a "young scholar."
She particularly liked the title "scholar"—learning knows no bounds, and the sea of knowledge has no shore. She would forever maintain a mindset of continuous learning.
During this academic exchange conference, Lin Zhixia met many people.
On Saturday morning, Jiang Yubai picked her up from the airport, and she eagerly shared her experiences with him. MIT had also sent her a formal job offer. Next November, Lin Zhixia would begin a one-year postdoctoral position. After that year, she would return to her provincial capital to become a university professor, achieving the ultimate goal of her career plan.
After saying all this in one breath, Lin Zhixia's throat felt slightly dry.
The driver was at the wheel in the front, while Jiang Yubai sat in the back seat and handed Lin Zhixia a bottle of water. He showered her with praise, making her feel wonderfully pleased. The atmosphere in the car was exceptionally harmonious when Jiang Yubai asked, "Will you be going home for Spring Festival next year?""Yes," Lin Zhixia admitted.
Jiang Yubai caught her wrist. "I'll go back with you."
Lin Zhixia was puzzled. "Do you have time?"
Jiang Yubai said, "I can spare a week."
It had been a long time since Jiang Yubai returned home. His elders had been urging him to come back for a visit. To prevent Lin Zhixia from buying an economy class ticket, Jiang Yubai took her on his private jet. At the end of January 2014, they flew directly back to the provincial capital.
It was Lin Zhixia's first time on a long-haul private flight. She never knew flying could be so comfortable. She and Jiang Yubai slept on a spacious bed overnight, and by early morning the next day, they had arrived at their destination.
Winter had settled in the provincial capital, with cold and bleak winds.
Breathing in the familiar air, Lin Zhixia felt as warm and vibrant as a summer sun.
The plane landed at the provincial capital's airport. Jiang Yubai and Lin Zhixia took a special passage, and Lin Zhixia began pondering a question—her brother had asked what time she would exit the airport. Mom, Dad, and Brother were all waiting to pick her up.
Lin Zhixia released Jiang Yubai's hand. "I'm going to find Mom and Dad. You should head home early too. I'll video call you every night at six."
Jiang Yubai blocked her path. "You told me..."
Lin Zhixia stared at him without blinking.
Jiang Yubai reminded her, "This Spring Festival, you're going to come clean to your family."
Yes.
Lin Zhixia had indeed said that.
This Spring Festival, Lin Zhixia planned to tell Mom and Dad that Jiang Yubai was her boyfriend. She and Jiang Yubai were dating and would continue to do so.
Childhood sweethearts, a harmonious union lasting a hundred years—these were the words Lin Zhixia had written on Jiang Yubai's palm.
Lin Zhixia also recalled her father's past concerns.
Dad had said that the gap between Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai's family backgrounds was too vast, beyond what he could imagine, and he couldn't protect her.
Lin Zhixia discussed with Jiang Yubai, "How about this: I'll take you to see Mom, Dad, and Brother right now, to prepare them. Otherwise, I have to hide when video chatting with you and lie to them. I don't want to deceive anymore. Although my brother isn't very bright and easy to fool, I still feel a bit guilty when I trick him."
In Jiang Yubai's ears, Lin Zhixia's brief words sounded like heavenly music.
He had finally waited for this day.
Lin Zhixia was going to confirm his official status in front of her parents—this meant that no matter how much Lin Zeqiu protested in the future, he couldn't change the established fact.
Jiang Yubai straightened his sleeves slightly. Carrying the suitcase with both hands, he followed Lin Zhixia toward the exit.
The Spring Festival rush was at its peak, with crowds everywhere.
Lin Zeqiu wore a smoke-gray down jacket. Tall and slender, with sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and excellent facial features, he stood out like the brightest star in the crowd. Lin Zhixia spotted him instantly.
Lin Zhixia waved to him. "Brother, Brother!"
She ran toward him, beaming with joy.
Lin Zeqiu broke into a smile.
He hadn't seen Lin Zhixia for over a year.
Lin Zeqiu turned his head and told Mom and Dad, "Lin Zhixia came out pretty quickly."
But Mom asked, "Where's Xia Xia's suitcase?"
Only then did Lin Zeqiu realize—Lin Zhixia wasn't carrying her suitcase. She only had a small crossbody bag.Lin Zeqiu stuffed his hands into his pockets, a bad premonition rising in his heart. His full attention was fixed on Lin Zhixia, completely ignoring the figures around her.
Suddenly, he overheard a girl nearby exclaim, "So handsome, so handsome... that guy in black is gorgeous..."
Another girl chimed in, "Damn, he's absolutely stunning."
Lin Zeqiu frowned.
He wasn't wearing black today.
Who was this handsome guy?
Shifting his gaze, Lin Zeqiu caught sight of Jiang Yubai.
Sure enough, Jiang Yubai was dressed in black casual wear. The two girls who had praised him kept stealing glances in his direction. In his left hand, he carried a suitcase adorned with a pink Strawberry sticker—undoubtedly Lin Zhixia's belongings.
Lin Zeqiu's breath hitched instantly.
He already knew what was coming next.
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