Lin Zhixia swept toward the podium like a gust of wind.
Just as a security guard moved to stop her, Teacher Gu intervened, saying, "She's my student and can represent our group."
Another student nearby chimed in, "Teacher Gu, Lin Zhixia is only a second-year undergraduate... Perhaps I should present instead. I've been learning from Tan Qianche for over two months."
Teacher Gu waved his hand, signaling the student to remain quiet. He handed the microphone to Lin Zhixia and whispered, "Go ahead, step up."
Clutching the microphone, Lin Zhixia ascended the steps.
Under the spotlight, she stood straight before the projection screen and introduced herself: "Thank you, it is a sinyais zhixia lin and ia fr superdug circuits and quantumputation group."
She then outlined the presentation's content: "I have a brief introdu of the group research onstrate a superdug ed with Josephson junctions using iherence by perf the qubit state tography..."
Yang Shuwen, who had previously traveled abroad with Lin Zhixia, was familiar with her foreign language skills. Yet he hadn't anticipated she could fluently summarize the group's recent work without any preparation.
Yang Shuwen gasped, "Lin Zhixia's English pronunciation is so clear, with connected speech and proper stress—it's like listening to a recording."
Wei Ruoxing praised sincerely, "Her word choice is polite and formal, and her attitude is excellent."
After listening for a while, Yang Shuwen grew excited and impassioned: "Lin Zhixia has memorized Tan Qianche's paper; she remembers every detail."
"She didn't memorize it," Wei Ruoxing stated firmly. "She understood it."
Yang Shuwen clenched his hands tightly. "Truly impressive, she's genuinely remarkable."
"Her potential is limitless," Wei Ruoxing agreed.
Wei Ruoxing and Yang Shuwen sat in the same row, their eyes fixed on Lin Zhixia as she briefly described the experimental content.
Reporters aimed their cameras at Lin Zhixia. Teachers and students watched intently, quietly focused on her. In such a formal setting, Lin Zhixia summoned all her concentration to explain each slide.
She progressed smoothly until she reached the second-to-last slide.
On that slide, there were only four line graphs—no formulas or textual explanations.
The slide's title was "Future Work."
Typically, science and engineering reports include a "Future Work" section where authors outline potential developments. However, Tan Qianche hadn't mentioned "Future Work" in his paper or discussed it with anyone. The content of this slide was entirely new and unfamiliar, unrelated to the preceding material, leaving Tan Qianche's junior colleagues stunned.
What to do?
Lin Zhixia raised the microphone.
The auditorium fell silent.
An awkward silence began to stretch.A foreign male student sitting in the third row suddenly raised his hand. Lin Zhixia thought he could explain the line graphs on the PowerPoint.
However, this foreign student only made the situation worse.
He asked bluntly: "Excuse me, could you explain how to set the experimental parameters?"
Yang Shuwen’s expression changed: "The four line graphs on the PowerPoint have no names, no ranges—who knows how Tan Qianche’s new experiment was conducted?"
Wei Ruoxing revealed: "That foreign student is a classmate in our group. He asks a lot of questions and likes to be exacting—young lecturers often find themselves embarrassed by him."
Yang Shuwen had always despised such students. He could only pin his hopes on Lin Zhixia: "Hey, do you think Lin Zhixia can figure it out?"
"It’s too difficult," Wei Ruoxing said.
There was one thing Wei Ruoxing didn’t voice—if even she couldn’t guess the experimental parameters for those graphs, how could they force Lin Zhixia to have a sudden insight? Lin Zhixia was only fifteen; she should be allowed to grow gradually under her mentor’s guidance.
Lin Zhixia was stumped by the foreign student’s question. Over the past decade, the books, publications, experiments, and projects she had encountered had left tangible imprints in her mind. Those imprints exploded in an instant, muddling her thoughts as if a white haze had clouded her vision.
She shifted her gaze, turning toward the other side of the PowerPoint.
At that moment, she suddenly remembered that before going on stage, she had glanced at the order of student presentations for the day. The next student speaker would be discussing artificial intelligence... Lin Zhixia had a sudden epiphany.
Lin Zhixia hypothesized several sets of input data and mentally calculated them in seconds—sure enough, they matched the trends of the line graphs. She immediately announced that the four line graphs on the PowerPoint were all simulation training results of "Quantum Deep Learning."
She proceeded to explain to everyone how to use the image trends to deduce the types and ranges of parameters for "Quantum Deep Learning."
Lin Zhixia outlined the algorithm from basic to advanced concepts, integrating Tan Qianche’s work. Her voice never paused because no one in the audience interrupted her—everyone was an attentive listener.
After the presentation concluded, the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause, with her senior classmates clapping the most vigorously. Yang Shuwen beamed with pride and told the students around him: "That’s Lin Zhixia. Lin Zhixia is in my group. She’s the youngest, smartest, and most promising person in our team."
Just as Wei Ruoxing was about to chime in, a teacher she knew unexpectedly stood up. That teacher asked Lin Zhixia a few questions, which Lin Zhixia answered effortlessly. After answering, she smiled at everyone—a sweet and lovely smile.
That noon, the "North American Academic Exchange Conference" came to a temporary close.
Lin Zhixia followed Gu Likai, Yang Shuwen, and others out of the lecture hall.
The outdoor sunlight was bright and abundant, and as far as the eye could see, there was nothing but clear blue skies and white clouds.
Gu Likai walked ahead with his hands clasped behind his back. His temples were graying, his figure tall and slender, though slightly hunched. After taking a few slow steps, he suddenly said: "Tan Qianche has been working on a research topic for several years without success. Lin Zhixia, I’ll assign his topic to you."
Lin Zhixia hesitated: "Is that really okay?""Alright," said Teacher Gu, "you've been studying experiments and theory for over a year. Previously, I trained you according to doctoral standards, which narrowed the path. You're even more resilient than your senior Tan..."
Lin Zhixia murmured to herself, "Is Senior Tan's resilience not good enough?"
Teacher Gu smiled and personally exposed his disciple's past: "Your Senior Tan joined my laboratory in his first year of undergraduate studies. He was eighteen that year, impulsive and lacking refinement. He never told you all, but he also blew up a laboratory."
Tan Qianche blew up a laboratory!
Lin Zhixia was utterly astonished.
Teacher Gu didn't elaborate further. He briefly summarized the research topic and asked Lin Zhixia to write a thesis proposal within a week, sending it to his email.
At today's North American academic conference, Lin Zhixia saved Tan Qianche's entire team and left a deep impression on international colleagues. Yang Shuwen was particularly grateful to Lin Zhixia and proactively pleaded for her: "Teacher Gu, one week is too tight. Could you give our junior Lin some extra time..."
But Teacher Gu told him: "One week might be too tight for you, but for Lin Zhixia, it should be just right."
Yang Shuwen felt as if an arrow had pierced his heart.
Lin Zhixia didn't decline either. She accepted this challenging task and found time to visit the hospital, carefully inquiring about Tan Qianche's research progress.
While lying in bed receiving an IV drip, Tan Qianche shared his research findings with Lin Zhixia.
Lin Zhixia asked in surprise: "So you've already written about one-third of it? Are you willing to hand this project over to me?"
"I'm stuck at the one-third mark," Tan Qianche said weakly, "I gave up on this topic long ago."
Sitting by his hospital bed, Lin Zhixia added: "I have my own research tasks too. I'm not sure if I can complete so much work. I want to take it step by step - I just learned how to break down a large framework into smaller goals."
But Tan Qianche said: "You don't need to."
He turned his head, his gaze profound, his words calm: "You're still young, with plenty of time. Don't treat publishing papers as your goal - treat content and achievements as your goals. Taking ten years to perfect your work isn't too late for you."
Lin Zhixia blinked.
The light in the hospital room was particularly pale, the sheets and quilt covers spotless pure white. Tan Qianche lay motionless, looking exhausted, his black short hair disheveled across his forehead. A mere common cold seemed to have drained him completely, like a major illness that had sapped all his strength.
With closed eyes, he said slowly: "There was a period last year when you were quite anxious. Don't think I'm better than you - at eighteen, I knew less than you do now. It took me eight full years of study to reach where I am today. You've only studied for one year and want to surpass me - isn't that a bit naive? After all, I'm still an outstanding alumnus in the provincial No. 1 High School's archives."
They were alone, just the two of them.
As if possessed, Lin Zhixia spoke her mind: "When will I be able to..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Tan Qianche had already guessed her meaning.
Tan Qianche's throat grew dry as he let out a hoarse laugh: "Soon, soon. I estimate that within six years, you'll make earth-shattering contributions."
Lin Zhixia hesitated to speak.
What she really wanted to ask was why Tan Qianche hadn't made earth-shattering contributions within six years himself.Tan Qianche looked into her eyes and once again read her inner thoughts. He said, "You won't end up as useless as me. When I'm alone in my dorm room and occasionally feel some self-loathing, I go out looking for fun. The more fun I have, the more I despise myself, creating an endless loop in my programming that ultimately leaves me with nothing. You're still young, don't follow my example. For the next six years, focus on your studies and don't let anyone distract you. You're born for research - heaven has gifted you this talent, and you mustn't waste it."
The last sentence seemed meant for Lin Zhixia, yet also for himself.
Lin Zhixia recalled the widely circulated rhyme from Provincial No.1 High School. She recited: "Tan Qianche of Class 18, Grade 10, perfect scores in every subject, effortlessly wins Olympiads, immensely talented with profound wisdom..."
Before she could finish, Tan Qianche interrupted: "That's all in the past. High school feels so distant now."
"That's a bit regrettable," Lin Zhixia said honestly. "You're a very intelligent person. But academics aren't the sole meaning of life - experiences and worldly knowledge matter more."
Tan Qianche raised his right hand, covering his eyes with the back of it: "When we first met, you said I wasn't a good person. Now what do you think I'm like?"
"Not a good person," Lin Zhixia maintained her consistent evaluation.
Tan Qianche chuckled softly, and as he laughed, tears stained the back of his hand. He revealed: "That rhyme you just mentioned was composed by your senior Wei Ruoxing. Don't mention it in front of her, don't make her angry."
He closed his eyes tightly, thinking of Wei Ruoxing. His complex and peculiar feelings were like molded sand on the beach - seemingly enduring and stable on the surface, but revealing filthy residue when stepped on.
This March kept Lin Zhixia extremely busy.
Every day she had to accomplish three things: write some of her thesis, work on the Group Software, and consolidate her specialized courses.
Senior Wei Ruoxing had already left. She had gone to the United States with her advisor to continue her studies.
The good news was that Wei Ruoxing's research group was willing to collaborate with Lin Zhixia, as they had high achievements in the field of "Quantum Artificial Intelligence."
Additionally, Nagano Ayaka from Tokyo University frequently contacted Lin Zhixia, sending her emails every month.
Lin Zhixia suddenly realized - she had formed her own international academic network.
It was truly incredible.
Initially, she had only wanted to get to know more doctoral seniors.
In comparison, the undergraduate seniors seemed somewhat lacking.
For example, He Shangqing, a third-year undergraduate.
He Shangqing was in the same "Software Engineering" group as Lin Zhixia. Last month, they had an argument in a coffee shop, and Jiang Yubai even threatened He Shangqing with a voice recorder, scaring him into running away on the spot.
Lin Zhixia thought He Shangqing would thoroughly reform himself, just like his three roommates had.
Unfortunately, Lin Zhixia was mistaken.
He Shangqing was quite bold. He stopped attending group meetings and didn't respond to Lin Zhixia's messages.
Furious, Lin Zhixia wrote an extremely long email to the "Software Engineering" teaching assistant. She also went to the Physics Department to find him. The moment He Shangqing stepped out of the classroom after his lesson, Lin Zhixia called out: "He Shangqing!"
Her tone was exceptionally fierce.
He Shangqing, carrying his backpack, completely ignored her, paying her no attention at all.Lin Zhixia demanded, "Why didn't you attend the group meeting or reply to our messages? Are you planning to drop the software engineering course?"
He Shangqing stretched lazily: "I've said everything I needed to say. You recorded it—just listen to it a few more times. You can even submit the recording to the professor if you want. At worst, I'll drop out."
He Shangqing stood over 190 centimeters tall—truly too tall.
Lin Zhixia tilted her head up and met his gaze for two seconds.
After those two seconds, Lin Zhixia smiled faintly: "You're threatening me again. I've told you before—I hate being threatened the most. This semester, you're taking Quantum Computing and Quantum Information Science... The teaching assistants for both courses are my colleagues."
"Can you make me fail?" He Shangqing asked, both annoyed and amused.
But Lin Zhixia replied: "No, I'll inform them about your situation so they can grant you the privilege of working alone in group assignments."
The Quantum Computing professor was extremely busy, and undergraduate assignments were typically graded by teaching assistants. Anyone who offended a TA would inevitably face consequences—He Shangqing knew this perfectly well. Thus, his attitude did a complete 180-degree turn.
He stopped opposing Lin Zhixia.
He actively participated in group activities, agreeing to everything and willing to learn anything—except he refused to write a single line of code. He was certain Lin Zhixia could make the entire program flawless, and he saw no point in doing extra, useless work.
Meanwhile, Lin Zhixia continued burying herself in studies.
She was simply too busy. Her usual communication with Jiang Yubai consisted of just a few text messages like "Good morning," "Time to sleep, good night," "Did you have lunch?" etc.
Initially, Jiang Yubai's replies were equally brief.
Later, he often wrote long paragraphs that successfully intrigued Lin Zhixia. She couldn't resist calling him to ask what he'd been up to lately. When she heard he'd ventured into investment, she was astonished: "You started investing at fifteen?"
Jiang Yubai added: "Under parental supervision."
Lin Zhixia grew curious: "What's your initial capital?"
Jiang Yubai remained tight-lipped: "Not much."
Lin Zhixia insisted on getting a number: "How many digits in 'not much'?"
Jiang Yubai changed the subject: "In two months, our school is holding the senior prom. Can you attend?"
Lin Zhixia dropped the investment amount inquiry and started considering the "prom" question. She calculated: "Should I wear an evening gown? I need to buy a suitable dress. What color tie will you wear?"
"Crimson," Jiang Yubai said, "or light red—the color of strawberries."
Lin Zhixia hadn't expected him to still be thinking about strawberries during his senior prom.
Lin Zhixia had seen several Western teen campus movies where the protagonists took their senior proms very seriously.
Jiang Yubai attended an international high school. Lin Zhixia figured international schools followed customs similar to Western ones, so she decided she must prepare properly. She said earnestly: "Alright, I'll buy a light red dress."
Jiang Yubai lowered his voice. His voice was exceptionally pleasant, deeply magnetic, as if polished by sandpaper—each syllable piercing through her thoughts. He asked: "May I help you prepare the dress and shoes?"
"Y... yes," Lin Zhixia agreed.
Through the phone, she heard him laugh.He asked again, "When can I pick you up from school?"
"Why would you pick me up?" Lin Zhixia's response was a beat slow.
Jiang Yubai's Adam's apple bobbed. He said, "You're coming to my house to get measured for clothes."
Lin Zhixia pondered thoughtfully, "Are they the expensive, high-end custom-made dresses and shoes done entirely by hand?"
Jiang Yubai said sincerely, "The dress and shoes aren't expensive. They're just accessories to complement you."
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