On the way back from Beijing, Yi Tianyu's face carried an indescribable melancholy, yet it was mixed with a kind of determination that comes after everything has been settled.
"Dad, I'm going to book my flight," Yi Tianyu said.
Yi's Mother's eyes reddened. Even though this was a good decision, as a mother, she still couldn't bear to let him go.
Her son had been by her side since childhood. Even when he went to university in Shanghai, they still visited him often.
But once he went abroad, it wouldn't be so convenient for them to see him anymore.
Would he eat well? Would he suffer from culture shock? Would he adapt to the local customs? Would he be treated unfairly?
Yi's Mother had too many worries and fears in her heart.
"Well, since you've decided, start packing. When are you leaving?" Yi Dafa sighed softly.
"Tomorrow," he said with a smile. "It's just two years. I'll be back soon."
"So soon?!" Yi Dafa responded, then after a long pause, added, "Take care of yourself."
Yi Tianyu nodded with a smile and went upstairs to pack.
Actually, the admission letter had arrived long ago, but he hadn't made any travel plans or packed his things.
He had been waiting for an answer that would never come.
Yi Tianyu shook his head and haphazardly threw a few things into his suitcase.
Downstairs, Yi Dafa and Yi's Mother exchanged glances, their eyes red.
"Maybe it's good for him to leave early, to go far away from that person... maybe he can move on sooner..."
Yi Dafa sighed. He actually quite liked Gu Xue Jiao. If that well-behaved and sensible girl could have become his daughter-in-law, both he and Yi's Mother would have treated her well.
But... it just wasn't meant to be.
For the past two years, neither of them had mentioned Gu Xue Jiao to Yi Tianyu, but they had been quietly keeping tabs on her. That girl had become so outstanding and had met another remarkable man. Her life didn't need their son to interfere.
Yi's Mother glanced worriedly upstairs. Her thoughts were similar to Yi Dafa's. Even though Yi Tianyu had suffered heartbreak, they couldn't blame Gu Xue Jiao at all.
She was a good girl. Because of her, their once-immature son had learned to work hard and strive.
One could say that if it weren't for this girl during Yi Tianyu's high school years, he might have muddled through, then been sent abroad to study finance with their money, and eventually brought into the company by Yi Dafa.
But now, everything he had achieved was through his own efforts.
He had loved someone, and though it ended in sorrow and heartache, he himself had become better because of it.
Loving the right person is a good thing—it makes you a better version of yourself.
Although the Yi couple regretted that Xue Jiao couldn't become their daughter-in-law, they were still grateful to her.
——
The day Yi Dafa and Yi's Mother saw Yi Tianyu off, the weather was sunny, completely unlike their heavy hearts.
They didn't dare show their sadness in front of Yi Tianyu, forcing smiles the whole time.
Yi Tianyu also smiled, not wanting his parents to worry.
"Son, why are you taking so little?" Yi's Mother asked anxiously.
Yi Tianyu's suitcase was tiny, with very limited space, which worried his parents greatly.
Yi Tianyu smiled. "Mom, Dad, don't worry. There's nothing much I need to bring."
He reached out and hugged his parents. "I'm a grown-up now. Don't worry about me. Take care of yourselves. If you miss me, just video call me."
"Okay..." Yi's Mother's eyes reddened again, but she held back her tears.Yi Tianyu picked up the little boy beside him: "Be a brave little man and take good care of Mom and Dad."
The adopted child was already in tears, clenching his fists tightly: "Mhm! Big brother, take care of yourself too."
Yi Tianyu smiled faintly. Hearing the boarding announcement, he set the boy down, gave his parents one last deep look, waved, and walked away with his suitcase.
What did he have left to take with him?
It seemed there was nothing but loss and sorrow to carry away.
And nothing to leave behind except his blessings.
Goodbye.
——
After boarding the plane, Yi Tianyu sent a message to Lin Zhihua before powering off his phone.
The message read:
【If you ever treat her poorly, I won’t let go again.】
Lin Zhihua saw it and scoffed, calmly replying with two words:
【Unnecessary.】
His reply came so quickly that Yi Tianyu hadn’t even turned off his phone yet.
Though Lin Zhihua’s response was polite on the surface, Yi Tianyu could clearly read the subtext—Hah, as if that would ever happen.
Yi Tianyu: "…"
He shook his head with a complicated expression and switched off his phone.
Lin Zhihua didn’t mention Yi Tianyu’s message to Xue Jiao, who was currently preoccupied with nervous preparations to visit Professor Tan’s mentor.
It was only then that Professor Tan revealed who they were going to see.
"We’re visiting Academician Hu Sheng."
Xue Jiao, holding the gift box Lin Zhihua had prepared—a modest, conventional present—widened her eyes in disbelief.
"Academician Hu Sheng?!"
Her expression was one of utter shock, as if she’d just heard something unbelievable.
Academician Hu Sheng was the only female mathematician in the country to hold the title of academician, with remarkable achievements to her name.
But the most striking thing was…
"Isn’t the Academician already ninety this year?" Xue Jiao asked hesitantly.
She remembered the Academician was quite elderly, which was why there had been little news about her in recent years.
Professor Tan nodded with a sigh. "Teacher is ninety-one now. Her health… Well, I originally planned to take you to meet her during your postgraduate studies. But after mentioning you during our last conversation, she expressed a desire to see you."
Xue Jiao was visibly moved. No one could remain unaffected when meeting such an eminent figure.
Professor Tan adjusted his glasses, noticing the box in Xue Jiao’s hands. "What did you bring?"
Xue Jiao blinked. "A manuscript."
"Oh." Professor Tan nodded approvingly. Strictly speaking, gifts weren’t necessary, but he didn’t want to discourage her thoughtful gesture. His question was mainly to ensure she hadn’t brought anything overly extravagant.
Of course, his expression would change drastically after meeting Academician Hu Sheng later—so much so that he’d wish he could turn back time to examine the box more closely, maybe even hold it a little longer before handing it over.
Academician Hu Sheng resided in a retirement community for senior officials. When Professor Tan led Xue Jiao inside, they found several other people already present.
The Academician’s late husband had also been an academician, though he had passed away a few years prior. The visitors were her descendants and a few of her students, all of whom clearly knew Professor Tan well, exchanging warm greetings.
An elderly man around Professor Tan’s age glanced at Xue Jiao and raised an eyebrow. "Ah, so this is the famous Gu Xue Jiao you’re always raving about?"
Gu Xue Jiao straightened up politely and smiled. "Hello."
The man looked somewhat familiar, but she couldn’t place him, so she simply greeted him courteously.
However, it was obvious that this man—around the same age as Professor Liu—had likely endured no small amount of provocation from Professor Tan’s constant praise of her."Gu Xue Jiao, don’t mind him. He’s been having a tough year with his students, so seeing you puts him in a bad mood." After a pause, Teacher Tan remembered to introduce, "Oh, by the way, this is Professor Li from Peking University."
Xue Jiao: "..."
If seeing me puts him in a bad mood, you must have been provoking him all the time, right?!
Xue Jiao was nearly in tears, overwhelmed by the sheer thrill of having a teacher who constantly stirred up trouble everywhere!
At that moment, an elderly woman was wheeled out. At ninety years old, she was frail and thin, but her spirits were high, a gentle smile on her lips.
The living room fell silent, everyone careful not to startle the esteemed scholar.
Xue Jiao, who had just sat down, couldn’t help but stand up again, her face filled with reverence.
"You’ve all come…" The old woman’s voice was soft and warm.
"Yes, we happened to arrange to visit you together. We take turns coming, but we were worried about disturbing you," Professor Li quickly stepped forward, crouching beside Academician Hu, his voice tender—completely different from his earlier demeanor.
Academician Hu smiled and asked each of them about their recent work. Even Teacher Tan sat upright like a student, earnestly reporting on his research progress.
Then the old woman turned her slightly clouded gaze to Xue Jiao and said kindly, "Gu Xue Jiao?"
"Yes!" Xue Jiao stood up, nervous.
Seeing that speaking was difficult for the elder, Academician Hu gestured for her to come closer. Xue Jiao hurried forward and crouched beside her.
Academician Hu took a careful look at her, meeting her clear and earnest eyes, and nodded repeatedly. "You’re very good…"
"Thank you…" Xue Jiao didn’t say much, simply gazing at her with admiration.
"At your age, I hadn’t achieved what you have…"
Xue Jiao lifted her head, her eyes bright. "But you’ve dedicated your entire life to hard work. I’m nowhere near you."
Academician Hu nodded again, then added after a moment, "Your teacher has told me about your situation. I’ve already contacted Academician Xi from the Academy of Sciences. When you have time, have your teacher take you to meet him. Spend the next year learning under him. I know the university curriculum alone isn’t enough for you…"
Before Xue Jiao could respond, Professor Tan couldn’t contain his joy. "If Academician Xi is willing to mentor her, that would be the best outcome."
Xue Jiao glanced at Academician Hu, then at Professor Tan, her voice soft. "Thank you both…"
Truly, thank you. How fortunate she was in this life to have met so many remarkable teachers.
Academician Hu smiled and chatted with the others for a while before saying, "Gu Xue Jiao, come with me to the study?"
"Of course." Xue Jiao was momentarily surprised but quickly nodded.
Someone wheeled Academician Hu inside, and Xue Jiao hurried after her, still holding the small gift box she hadn’t yet presented.
The middle-aged man pushed Academician Hu in, gave Xue Jiao a nod, then closed the door behind them.
Xue Jiao felt a little awkward, unsure how to position herself.
Academician Hu gestured again, so Xue Jiao pulled up a chair and sat beside her, making it easier for the elder to speak without straining.
The academician stretched out her veined hand, and Xue Jiao quickly reached out to hold it.
"Do you know why I wanted to speak with you privately?" Academician Hu asked, looking at her.
Xue Jiao shook her head, meeting her gaze earnestly.
"Because when I look at you, I see my younger self. You’re already far more accomplished than I was at your age, Gu Xue Jiao… In the future…"
Academician Hu took a few labored breaths before continuing, "As long as you keep persevering, your achievements will surpass mine one day…"Xue Jiao couldn't help but speak up: "You..."
Academician Hu tightened her grip slightly and shook her head: "Your eyes are pure, rarely seen purity. Do you like mathematics?"
"I do," Xue Jiao nodded.
"That's good." Academician Hu smiled. "If you like mathematics, keep persisting in it, alright?"
"Alright," Xue Jiao answered without hesitation—this was something she had already decided long ago.
"In our Mathematics and Physics Division, there are over 120 academicians, but only slightly more than 20 are mathematics academicians. Is mathematics important? Extremely important. But it's also too fundamental, making it harder to achieve notable results compared to other fields. So, the path of mathematics can be tougher. Are you still unafraid?"
Xue Jiao shook her head, her voice firm: "I'm not afraid. When I chose mathematics, I was already prepared."
Academician Hu Sheng's smile became more pronounced, clearly delighted. "That's wonderful, mathematics..."
She began earnestly explaining mathematics to Xue Jiao—her experiences over the years, the detours she had taken, everything. She laid it all out plainly, the good and the bad, sharing it openly.
Xue Jiao listened attentively. This was an invaluable treasure, the accumulated wisdom of an academician's lifetime.
Until Academician Hu's breathing grew increasingly labored. Xue Jiao hurriedly handed her some water: "Academician, please drink some water."
Academician Hu took it, sipped, then added: "Gu Xue Jiao, never give up easily, no matter how many difficulties you encounter in the future."
"Alright." For some reason, Xue Jiao's eyes moistened.
"By the way, you brought me a gift? What is it?" Seeing her reddened eyes, Academician Hu asked with a smile.
Xue Jiao quickly stood up and placed a box on the desk in front of Academician Hu, gently opening it.
Inside were only two thin sheets of paper. Xue Jiao wiped her hands before carefully taking them out and placing them on the desk.
This was prepared by Lin Zhihua. It seemed he had known in advance whom they would meet today and had prepared this for her to bring.
Honestly, when she first learned what it was, Xue Jiao had been just as astonished.
Academician Hu Sheng's vision was blurry, so she leaned forward curiously as Xue Jiao gently guided her closer.
"Crash—" The sound of a cup shattering on the floor.
Professor Tan and the others, who had been chatting in the living room, immediately stood up and rushed into the study.
Academician Hu was trembling as she traced her fingers over the two sheets of paper, her face filled with disbelief. The veins on her forehead pulsed, her expression caught between shock and joy.
She was still breathing heavily, her head bowed, eyes wide and fixed unwaveringly on the papers.
"What's wrong? Teacher, what's wrong?" Professor Tan and the others were badly frightened.
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