Shen Zhaohua's research group consisted of seventeen students. In recent years, they had begun recruiting part-time laboratory assistants.
Shen Zhaohua unilaterally declared that Lin Zhixia had passed her interview. She gave Lin Zhixia a campus card with "Lin Zhixia" printed in the name field and "Laboratory Assistant" as the position.
She said, "Lin Zhixia, you can come directly to the university whenever you're free. Our university has several libraries with resources far more extensive than the provincial library."
Zhu Chan chimed in, "Our university's literature database is updated in real time with important papers from around the world..."
Lin Zhixia's eyes sparkled, "Can I read all those papers?"
Shen Zhaohua gazed at her intently, "You can read them however you want."
Lin Zhixia was overjoyed. She clutched the university campus card tightly, as if grasping fate by the throat.
Papers!
Countless papers!
Globally updated papers in real time!
The university library was simply paradise on earth!
The more Lin Zhixia thought about it, the more excited she became, almost unable to contain herself. She circled around Shen Zhaohua, "Teacher Shen, Teacher Shen, thank you! Why are you so kind to me?"
"I already told you," Shen Zhaohua bent down again to meet Lin Zhixia's eyes, "you haven't realized it yet, but the future belongs to you."
Lin Zhixia and Shen Zhaohua looked at each other for a moment, the smile in Lin Zhixia's eyes growing brighter. Lin Zhixia believed Shen Zhaohua was encouraging her, urging her to march forward courageously, conquer all fields, and climb to the pinnacle of science.
Lin Zhixia would certainly not retreat.
She solemnly declared, "The future belongs to every one of us."
Shen Zhaohua sighed, "It's hard to imagine you're only nine years old this year."
Lin Zhixia explained seriously, "I was born on September 24, 1995. Today is January 2, 2005, so I am nine years old... ten by traditional counting."
Shen Zhaohua nodded slightly. She had other matters to attend to and couldn't stay with Lin Zhixia for long, so she asked Zhu Chan and Niu Siyuan to continue showing Lin Zhixia around the laboratory.
During the brief two-hour tour, Lin Zhixia frequently shared unique insights. When Zhu Chan discussed theoretical physics with her, she always demonstrated clear cognitive methods.
Zhu Chan had previously tutored undergraduate students for their graduation projects. Based on her observations, Lin Zhixia's comprehension, thinking ability, and knowledge breadth had already reached the top level of undergraduate students.
Lin Zhixia possessed vast and profound knowledge reserves. Yet her appearance and personality remained that of a nine-year-old girl. This stark contrast made all the laboratory staff marvel in secret.
Before parting, Zhu Chan gave Lin Zhixia a book titled "The Context of Twentieth-Century Mathematics." The book was authored by a professor from East China Normal University, published in 2002, and chronicled the development history and theoretical applications of mathematics in the twentieth century.
Lin Zhixia flipped through the pages, scanned the table of contents, and immediately fell in love with the book.
"Thank you, sister!" she expressed her gratitude to Zhu Chan.
Zhu Chan smiled and replied, "Perhaps in the next century, someone will write 'The Context of Twenty-First Century Mathematics,' and Lin Zhixia's name will be in it."
Lin Zhixia hugged the book tightly, "Will my name be printed in textbooks?"Zhu Chan bent down to look at her. Just like Professor Shen today, Zhu Chan was also full of expectations for her: "You will. I don't know what others think, but I believe you definitely will."
Zhu Chan was one of Shen Zhaohua's favorite students.
Usually, when Zhu Chan guided her juniors in revising their papers, her attitude was extremely rigorous and serious. This was the first time Niu Siyuan had ever seen Zhu Chan's amiable and kind side.
Niu Siyuan's gaze was dull, his expression numb.
Initially, the thought in his mind was: Lin Zhixia couldn't possibly be that smart.
But now, his mind was filled with: Why? Why has Teacher Shen never said "the future belongs to you" to me? Senior Zhu Chan never gave me any books either? Ah, this world is so unfair.
If, in another two years, Lin Zhixia skipped grades to attend university and became Professor Shen Zhaohua's doctoral student...
It was very likely that Niu Siyuan would have to respectfully address a little girl with twin ponytails as "senior."
Niu Siyuan instantly fell into an abyss of despair. His lips trembled slightly, his eyes half-open and half-closed—the expression of a young person who had lost their beliefs.
The winter wind howled desolately, the campus enveloped in solemn cold.
The sky was gloomy, the sun itself felt cold.
In the same environment, Lin Zhixia had completely opposite feelings.
Sunlight shone on her face as she gazed down the long road ahead, suddenly sensing the warm breath of spring. Today in the university town, she had gained unprecedented happiness.
Even after leaving the university gates, she remained in high spirits.
The brief Laboratory visit had earned Lin Zhixia a campus card and real-time access to global academic paper databases. Recalling what she had seen and heard over the past few hours, she suddenly realized—Jiang Yubai had been particularly quiet today.
She had been negligent.
Her attention had been entirely on Shen Zhaohua and Zhu Chan, without noticing Jiang Yubai. So, was Jiang Yubai feeling bored? He had been dragged by Lin Zhixia to visit the physical oceanography Laboratory.
Outside the university town gates, crowds flowed endlessly, bustling with activity.
Amid the chaotic surging tide of people, Lin Zhixia tugged at Jiang Yubai's sleeve and asked him directly: "Jiang Yubai, did you have fun today?"
Did he have fun?
Actually, it was alright.
Jiang Yubai's father had bought another cruise ship the year before last. Jiang Yubai had once gone sailing with his parents. He had seen thousand-mile waves chasing the moon, and witnessed vast expanses of sunset clouds soaring to the heavens.
But he had never seen artificially simulated hurricanes and tides, nor did he understand "ship model towing tanks."
Today, he had broadened his horizons.
Jiang Yubai told Lin Zhixia: "I had quite a good time."
Lin Zhixia nodded: "That's good."
However, Jiang Yubai's uncle Jiang Shaoqi had mixed feelings.
In the physical oceanography department's experimental building, Jiang Shaoqi had listened as Lin Zhixia and Zhu Chan discussed English papers. He noticed that Lin Zhixia's English pronunciation was quite natural. She was skilled with various phrases, carefully articulating stressed and unstressed syllables.
Jiang Shaoqi even developed a further conjecture—most intelligent people he knew could speak several foreign languages.
What about Lin Zhixia?
How far had Lin Zhixia progressed in her cultivation?
Jiang Shaoqi had graduated from the Austrian Conservatory of Music.
The Austrian Conservatory used German for instruction, and Jiang Shaoqi could speak fluent German.To verify his conjecture, Jiang Shaoqi suddenly crouched down and looked at Lin Zhixia, testing her with: "Sprichst du Deutsch?"
This meant: Can you speak German?
After speaking, Jiang Shaoqi quietly awaited Lin Zhixia's response.
Lin Zhixia looked back at him with apparent interest. Her eyes shone like stars, reflecting a splendid radiance.
Having discerned his thoughts, she replied: "Ich lerne seit zwei Jahren Deutsch."
Jiang Shaoqi held his breath as he translated her words: "You've been learning German for two years? Two years ago, how old were you... seven? You studied from 2003 to 2005? How many foreign languages can you speak?"
Lin Zhixia didn't answer his question. Instead, she took her dad's hand and bid them farewell: "I'm going home now, goodbye."
Her dad added: "Xia Xia, quickly say goodbye to your deskmate."
It was clear that Dad deeply valued Lin Zhixia's deskmate Jiang Yubai.
Jiang Yubai's presence proved that Lin Zhixia could also coexist peacefully with her peers.
Hearing her dad's words, Lin Zhixia immediately waved to Jiang Yubai: "See you tomorrow! Jiang Yubai!"
Jiang Yubai waved back: "See you tomorrow! Lin Zhixia!"
Lin Zhixia turned and walked with her dad toward the bus stop.
Watching her retreating figure, Jiang Yubai recalled her intellectual exchange with Shen Zhaohua... He suddenly realized he didn't understand her very well after all.
So in Lin Zhixia's eyes, everyone was equal. Carefully reviewing the past few months' experiences, he suddenly noticed that Lin Zhixia had never shown even the slightest contempt for her classmates. Most of the time, she was merely puzzled by ordinary people's ways of thinking.
On their way home, Jiang Yubai asked his uncle: "Uncle, should Lin Zhixia skip a grade?"
Weekends were peak traffic periods with congested roads and poor driving conditions. Jiang Shaoqi held the steering wheel with both hands, casually responding: "My dear nephew, your uncle isn't just the world's best uncle, but also an educator skilled at listening. After hearing Professor Shen's words, I found them very reasonable. After listening to Lin Zhixia, I found them even more reasonable."
Jiang Yubai pressed further: "What's your insight then?"
Jiang Shaoqi smiled mysteriously and answered profoundly: "Like E major and C-sharp minor, you can't say E major is bad, or C minor is bad. You might prefer to hear a G minor march, but you haven't realized it yet."
"What?" Jiang Yubai's fingers resting on the seatbelt froze.
The traffic showed no signs of clearing.
Jiang Shaoqi patiently explained: "You play piano so well, you must understand what I mean. Personally, I believe Lin Zhixia should skip a grade. She's an undeniable genius. She's still young, so thoughtful - wouldn't it be better for her to advance earlier? In elementary school, she can only hear brief chords, never encountering the symphony most suited to her. Chords aren't her destination - she should conduct... Symphony No. 8 in E-flat major."
Hearing "chords" and "symphony," Jiang Yubai instantly grasped Jiang Shaoqi's deeper meaning.
In fact, he agreed with Jiang Shaoqi.
He said: "Uncle, your words make perfect sense."Jiang Shaoqi slightly raised his chin: "Your uncle here is too good at educating children. I'm just too young and don't want to get married and have kids yet. If your deskmate were my niece, I'd reach a consensus with her within a day, send her to Tsinghua University tomorrow, accompany her to receive an award the day after, and maybe even snag a Nobel or Fields Medal by the following day?"
Jiang Yubai didn't pay close attention to Jiang Shaoqi's self-praise.
He stood from Lin Zhixia's perspective, trying to plan her future.
He remembered Lin Zhixia repeatedly emphasizing that "she herself is her own lifelong teacher." If her surrounding environment changed, would her self-study methods change as well?
This question seemed to involve what Lin Zhixia constantly referred to as the "id, ego, and superego."
The more Jiang Yubai pondered, the more confused he became, until he finally blurted out: "I want to skip grades with Lin Zhixia."
"Skip grades together?" His uncle sounded surprised.
It was at this moment Jiang Yubai made up his mind: "Yes."
In the "Exploring the Universe" comic series, Jiang Yubai and Lin Zhixia always explored the unknown realms of the Universe together. In reality, Jiang Yubai would never let Lin Zhixia become a lone hero. He would keep pace and move forward alongside her.
Uncle tightly gripped the steering wheel: "Which grade do you want to skip to?"
"Provincial No.1 Middle School, junior high Olympiad class," Jiang Yubai explained.
Uncle's expression changed slightly: "Jiang Yubai, calm down. You're only nine years old. Do you want to compete with all the top students in the city? I have a friend's son studying in the advanced class at Provincial No.1 Middle School - he's suffering from constant headaches... and he's just a junior high student studying until midnight every night. How can this be acceptable?"
Jiang Yubai wasn't intimidated at all by his uncle. He could even identify logical flaws in his uncle's argument: "Uncle, I'll be ten this August. When I compete with junior high students, I should be ten years old."
"Is there any difference between nine and ten?" Uncle suddenly became emotional. "If your dad finds out that I took you out for fun today and you got brainwashed by that Professor Shen, insisting on skipping grades to join Provincial No.1 Middle School's Olympiad class... your dad might kill me."
The congested vehicles stretched like a long dragon. Uncle gazed into the distance and murmured: "Jiang Yubai, aren't you afraid of losing the world's best uncle?"
Jiang Yubai remained calm: "No, that won't happen. My dad is very reasonable."
But Uncle said: "Precisely because he's reasonable, he wouldn't approve of you participating in competitions."
Jiang Yubai countered: "Why?"
"Competition is extremely fierce. You'll feel tremendous pressure," Uncle answered deliberately. "Jiang Yubai, you have good stress tolerance, but there's no need to spend time on things you won't use later. When I was your age, I had to practice violin every day, day and night - that's what made me who I am today."
No matter what topic Jiang Yubai brought up, his uncle always managed to praise himself along the way.
Although Uncle was somewhat unreliable, his predictions about Dad's behavior were usually accurate. Jiang Yubai began considering how to convince his Dad and Mom.
Jiang Yubai's Mom was preparing for a winter banquet this evening. She had invited many relatives and friends, and as the guests gradually arrived, the spacious hall became exceptionally lively.The banquet started at five in the afternoon, but Jiang Yubai and his uncle Jiang Shaoqi never showed up.
Jiang Yubai and Jiang Shaoqi did not attend the banquet. They went to the study to look up information and jointly researched the Olympiad class training program of Provincial No. 1 Middle School.
"Online sources say that students in the Olympiad class can withdraw at any time and transfer to regular classes," Jiang Yubai raised a hand and pointed at the computer screen.
"What a blow to a child's self-confidence that would be," Uncle frowned.
Before Uncle could say more, the study's main door was suddenly pushed open.
Jiang Yubai turned to look and saw his Dad.
Dad stood nearly 1.9 meters tall. No matter what he wore, he always appeared elegant and poised. His posture was as straight as a pine tree, his steps steady, radiating the ruggedness of a mature man with an imposing aura that commanded respect without anger.
Dad didn't ask Jiang Yubai a single question.
He merely glanced at Uncle, who immediately confessed everything: "Big brother, listen to me. I did my absolute best to help you look after the child. This morning, Jiang Yubai and I went to the university district and met Professor Shen Zhaohua. Shen Zhaohua explained the benefits of grade-skipping, and then Jiang Yubai insisted on skipping grades. I tried to stop him, but I couldn't. This child's willpower is incredibly strong, just like when we were young."
"Grade-skipping?" Dad laughed. "To which grade?"
Uncle didn't dare make a sound.
Jiang Yubai immediately responded: "Provincial No. 1 Middle School, first-year junior high Olympiad class."
Dad crouched down to look at his son: "Is that so?"
Dad was wearing a perfectly tailored high-end custom suit. Jiang Yubai raised a hand and rested it on Dad's shoulder—like a young king bestowing honors upon a knight.
Jiang Yubai clenched his fingers into a fist, wrinkling the suit's fine fabric: "Dad, I've made a man's decision. It cannot be changed."
Dad laughed heartily: "A man's decision? You're still so young."
"Almost ten years old," Jiang Yubai reiterated. "I will enroll in Provincial No. 1 Middle School's first-year junior high Olympiad class."
Dad asked a question: "What if you can't keep up with the Olympiad class's pace?"
Jiang Yubai already had a countermeasure: "I never waste time. If I can't keep up, I'll submit a transfer application to move to a regular class."
Dad pressed further: "You'd skip two grades, first joining the Olympiad class, then transferring to a regular class. Are you sure you can adapt?"
Jiang Yubai answered without hesitation: "Yes."
Dad nodded: "Admirable courage. I've told you before, a person makes many decisions in life, with both good and bad outcomes. No matter how things develop, since you've made up your mind now, don't regret it in the future."
Uncle chimed in for emphasis: "Don't regret it, Jiang Yubai."
The tone of this statement seemed to indicate they weren't opposed to the idea.
Jiang Yubai truly hadn't expected to convince his Dad so effortlessly. Instead, he grew puzzled: "Why aren't you stopping me from skipping grades?"
Father and son locked eyes: "I believe you've made a man's decision. You're almost ten, old enough to take responsibility for yourself. I'm your father, but I can't guide you in every single matter. You're my son, and you deserve the chance to be independent."
A surge of passion burned in Jiang Yubai's chest, so intense it felt like he might combust. Yet outwardly, he remained composed: "Yes, I will maintain my independence."Then, Dad suddenly poured cold water on him: "To be honest, I don't support you participating in the Olympiad."
Uncle chimed in: "I don't approve either."
Jiang Yubai's tone remained unruffled: "I'm taking responsibility for my choice."
"Very good," Dad praised him, "worthy of being our family's child."
"Indeed," Uncle also said, "such an outstanding child is truly rare."
Dad stood up again, leading Jiang Yubai and Jiang Shaoqi out of the study. All three of them went to the banquet hall, a place filled with laughter and joy, where the lighting accentuated the elegant dresses and glittering jewelry, with opulence visible everywhere.
Jiang Yubai saw many adults, as well as some children around his age. When other children came to talk to him, Jiang Yubai would always nod briefly and speak sparingly. He couldn't multitask. He was still calculating matters related to the Olympiad class.
Moreover, he had just realized—the reason he actively skipped two grades to attend the provincial No. 1 High School's Olympiad class was that, from a long-term perspective, he believed Lin Zhixia was more suited to the Olympiad class environment.
Had he been influenced by the "Exploring the Universe" comic series?
In the second volume of "Exploring the Universe," Jiang Yubai and Lin Zhixia fearlessly faced difficulties and challenges. Together, they explored the unknown mysteries of the Universe and created new chapters in space history.
As for reality? He wasn't sure.
To resolve his doubts, after arriving at school on Monday morning, Jiang Yubai formally informed his deskmate: "I've signed up for the provincial No. 1 High School's 2005 Olympiad class selection activity."
After Jiang Yubai finished this long sentence in one breath, Lin Zhixia stared at him in a daze: "Why are you..."
Jiang Yubai would never reveal his true thoughts. He immediately fabricated a reason: "This is my way of improving myself."
A way to improve himself...?
Lin Zhixia was half-convinced, half-doubting. Yet Jiang Yubai's expression didn't seem like he was deceiving her.
Jiang Yubai kept his head down, not revealing any emotions or sharp edges. He focused entirely on browsing through a copy of "Complete Solutions to Middle School Math Olympiad Problems," turning a page every two minutes—this was Jiang Yubai's normal reading speed, which Lin Zhixia had long since calculated.
Only then did Lin Zhixia realize that Jiang Yubai truly intended to skip grades and attend the provincial No. 1 High School's Olympiad class.
During break time, Jiang Yubai abandoned all recreational activities. He became diligent and studious, completely focused. When Ding Yan invited him to play on the parallel bars in the playground, he turned a deaf ear; when Dong Sunqi asked him to appreciate a new book, he remained unmoved; when Liu Xingjian wandered around his seat, provoking him with words, he still sat motionless.
Liu Xingjian sneered while making bold claims: "Jiang Yubai, are you afraid of me? Don't you dare talk to me?"
Jiang Yubai turned around, facing Lin Zhixia's side. Holding the Olympiad practice problems with both hands, he completely ignored Liu Xingjian.
Immersed in the ocean of knowledge, accumulating the dew of learning, nothing could shake the important position that "Complete Solutions to Middle School Math Olympiad Problems" held in his heart.
Jiang Yubai's series of unusual behaviors deeply shocked Lin Zhixia.In just one day, Jiang Yubai had provided a wealth of material for the "Human Observation Diary." However, Lin Zhixia had no time to ponder the details. At noon that day after school, Lin Zhixia rushed home in a frantic hurry, burst through the door, and quickly changed into a pair of pink rabbit slippers... Without even taking off her backpack, she dashed straight to her bedroom.
She grabbed the landline phone on the desk and feverishly pressed a series of buttons. After a brief wait, she heard a middle-aged woman's voice: "Hello, who is this..."
Lin Zhixia introduced herself: "Hello, Principal, my name is Lin Zhixia."
The female principal immediately caught on: "Ah, you must be the child Professor Shen recommended, is that right?"
Lin Zhixia got straight to the point: "Yes! Can I enroll in the 2005 seventh-grade Olympiad class?"
The principal informed her: "The Olympiad class selection process begins every January, divided into three stages: preliminary exam, secondary exam, and interview. Professor Shen has already registered you. If you don't show up, the spot will be forfeited. If you want to join, come to the first lecture hall of the provincial No.1 Middle School's junior high division next Thursday... to take the preliminary exam."
The exam is next Thursday?
Lin Zhixia was startled.
She herself had no issues at all.
She was just somewhat worried about Jiang Yubai.
She also thought of her brother Lin Zeqiu. Reportedly, Lin Zeqiu ranked near the top at school, and was highly respected by his classmates. However, despite working hard for a whole year, her brother hadn't managed to get into the Olympiad class, nor was he willing to accept her tutoring.
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