Xue Jiao spoke earnestly, her gaze fixed intently on the teachers.
Even if the audience below didn't know her, they could still sense the reverence she conveyed—reverence for that mentor of hers.
Lin Zhihua’s heart was suddenly flooded with countless thoughts. One moment, he thought of her gratitude toward him—on such an important day, she hadn’t thanked her parents or her actual teachers, but instead, she was expressing gratitude to him.
She remembered him.
Her heart had always held him in memory.
But… mentor …
A pang of bitterness surged in Lin Zhihua’s heart.
The professors on the judging panel couldn’t help but nod. Professor Tan from Tsinghua University smiled and said, “I hope you remember the words you spoke today, and I look forward to the day you personally tell me the results of your hypothesis-based proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem.”
Xue Jiao smiled and nodded.
Cheng Mingze clapped lightly, his eyes fixed firmly on her.
He could no longer recall what Gu Xue Jiao had been like before—the image of that strangely dressed, wild girl had completely faded from his mind. Now, all he could picture was the girl who lowered her head in concentration while studying, or the one whose gentle smile could brighten the world in an instant.
She was confident and hardworking, never discouraged, never giving up. Every achievement she earned was the result of her own efforts.
“Now, please have the judges determine the rankings,” announced the staff. The professors tilted their heads slightly, exchanging opinions.
Professor Tan nodded, then said something inaudible, prompting the others to nod in agreement.
With that, Professor Tan picked up a pen, wrote swiftly for a moment, and handed the results to the staff.
In truth, the outcome of this competition was already clear. Whether on stage or off, nearly everyone had already guessed the results.
First place: Yang Zhan.
Second place: Cheng Mingze.
Third place: Zheng Mingxuan.
Fourth place: Gu Xue Jiao.
Fifth place: Bai Jiu.
Several professors took the stage to present the awards. As the most senior among them, Professor Tan should have awarded the first-place prize to Yang Zhan.
But when he stepped onto the stage, he walked straight to the fourth position and stopped in front of Xue Jiao.
He handed her a red certificate and said softly, “I admire you. More than talent, I appreciate those who work hard—hard with purpose. There are many talented people, and even more who work hard. But you have one part talent and nine parts diligence.”
“Thank you!” Xue Jiao’s voice trembled slightly with excitement.
Being praised by a mathematical giant whose work was included in textbooks—her joy was beyond words.
Professor Tan was already quite old, and no one knew how much longer he could contribute to the history of mathematics. Xue Jiao had long heard of his reputation.
With a smile, Professor Tan said solemnly—
“Gu Xue Jiao, I’ll be waiting for you at Tsinghua.”
Xue Jiao’s eyes reddened, her grip tightening around the certificate.
Tan Qi stood beside her as the other professors stepped forward. A group photo was taken—the dozen or so professors alongside the five winners.
“Look at the camera—one, two, three, click !”
Xue Jiao smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
She was grateful for this new life she had been fortunate enough to receive, grateful to fate for granting her another chance to pursue her dreams.
And she was grateful to Lin Zhihua—her mentor and friend.
She would not squander her youth, and in return, her youth would not betray her.
With a second chance at youth, she would write every joy, sorrow, and achievement earnestly into the story of her life.At this moment, Xue Jiao had no idea what the future held or what she would encounter. Whether it would be good or bad, filled with fireworks or thorns, she was brimming with hope and anticipation for what lay ahead. Life is written with one's own pen.
The brush that paints the landscape only paints one's own landscape.
——
After taking photos, the five of them made way for the second round of eliminated contestants. They were all first-prize winners of the winter camp. In terms of imperial examination rankings, they were all successful candidates—though Xue Jiao and her peers were in the first rank, while Li Lei and others were in the second rank. Those eliminated in the first round were equivalent to the third rank.
Once everyone had taken their photos, a group photo was taken, marking the official conclusion of this year's math competition.
Lin Zhihua quietly left the venue the moment it ended and got into his car.
"Boss, next... shall we meet with President Pang?"
"Mm," Lin Zhihua nodded. "Inform President Pang in advance and arrange an afternoon tea."
"What about dinner?"
"Tonight, I'll have dinner with Xu—" His phone vibrated slightly, interrupting his instructions.
Lin Zhihua looked down and opened WeChat—
[I’m done with the exam!! Thank you! I’m going back tomorrow. Can I treat you to dinner tonight?]
"Are you having dinner with President Xu tonight?" Chen Yan continued the thought he had been about to express. They had a collaboration with President Xu and had been meeting frequently for meals to discuss the partnership.
The Lin Group was formidable, and Lin Zhihua was exceptionally capable, but it still took time to carve out a new path.
Lin Zhihua shook his head and raised his hand, palm facing Chen Yan in a gesture of refusal.
"Don’t arrange anything with President Xu tonight. If he calls to invite me, say I have something very important and we’ll dine together tomorrow instead."
Chen Yan: "...Understood."
Lin Zhihua tapped out a reply—
[Sure, the usual place?]
Xue Jiao froze for a moment before recalling that delicious meal. She swallowed hard and nodded vigorously—
[Yes!!! My treat again.]
Just then, Cheng Mingze patted Xue Jiao on the shoulder. "Who are you messaging?"
"My mentor!" Xue Jiao put her phone away.
"The one you thanked on stage today?" Cheng Mingze frowned slightly.
For some reason, the thought of someone appearing in Xue Jiao’s life during a time he wasn’t aware of, sharing stories he didn’t know, made him feel uneasy.
Cheng Mingze shook his head, dismissing the emotion, and said, "Let’s go. We’re having lunch together. The teacher suggested climbing the Great Wall this afternoon—are you coming?"
"Yes!" Xue Jiao replied firmly.
Her meeting with Lin Zhihua was in the evening, so she could still join the afternoon outing!
Cheng Mingze smiled at her. "Don’t wear your school uniform when we go out this afternoon."
Xue Jiao rolled her eyes. "Obviously!"
After the New Year, Xue Jiao and Li Sitong’s relationship had improved further. Before leaving, Li Sitong had packed two new outfits for her.
In the afternoon, Xue Jiao wore a white down jacket with a white sweater and a red scarf. Her face looked tiny against the oversized jacket.
Cheng Mingze dressed much lighter—young men only needed a trench coat in winter.
The group set off in high spirits, including those who hadn’t performed well in the competition. Everyone was happy to join.
Going out always made it easier to forget troubles.
——"Shu Lan, why do they insist on climbing the Great Wall? It's exhausting!" one girl complained to another, her face full of resentment.
Shu Lan pressed a finger to her lips and lowered her voice: "Fangfang, don't let Lin Yinyin hear you."
Fangfang pouted: "What's so great about being rich? She acts like the whole class is her slaves! Just because she wants to climb the Great Wall, everyone follows like obedient puppies!"
Despite her words, she and Shu Lan continued following the group of students ahead who were busy taking selfies.
Though she complained about Lin Yinyin, she didn’t dare show it openly.
"Hurry up, you guys!" a boy ahead called back. He was good-looking, sunny and handsome.
He smiled brightly, revealing a row of neat teeth, his gaze fixed intently on Shu Lan from a distance.
Fangfang immediately shouted, "You're walking too fast, we can't keep up!"
The boy stopped at once and turned back, saying, "Shu Lan, are you tired?"
His voice was full of concern, carrying an unmistakable warmth.
"Yu Cheng!" a lively girl ahead suddenly called out, "Yu Cheng, come take a photo for me!"
"Wait a sec!" Yu Cheng replied over his shoulder before quickening his pace toward Shu Lan.
Seeing Yu Cheng ignore her, Lin Yinyin stomped her foot angrily, shot Shu Lan a glare, and ran off.
"Yinyin, wait for us—"
Lin Yinyin ran even faster, only to collide head-on with someone coming the other way.
"Ow!! Are you blind?!" Lin Yinyin's voice rose sharply, filled with fury.
"Yinyin! What happened?" Those ahead of Shu Lan rushed over to see what was going on.
"Let's go check it out too!" Fangfang said with a hint of amusement, pulling Shu Lan forward.
Shu Lan glanced back at Yu Cheng, who simply shook his head and followed them.
"How do you walk?!" Lin Yinyin snapped, glaring at the person who had caused her to fall.
Xue Jiao was equally bewildered. She had been walking just fine when someone suddenly charged into her. She had kept her balance, yet the other person was the one throwing a fit?
Wasn’t it the other girl who had crashed into her?
The supervising teacher and a few students from No. 7 High School were also stunned.
"What happened? What happened?" someone in the crowd stepped forward, asking Lin Yinyin with concern.
Lin Yinyin fumed, "She knocked me over!"
Xue Jiao: "..."
After a pause, she spoke up: "I think it was you who ran into me."
The weather wasn’t great today, with a chilly wind blowing, so Xue Jiao had been wearing her hood. Now, as she spoke, she pulled it back.
She looked at Lin Yinyin calmly but firmly.
Lin Yinyin was about to retort when Xue Jiao’s face, previously hidden under the hood, came into full view.
Lin Yinyin faltered slightly at the sight of the girl’s striking features, swallowing back her words.
After a moment, she lashed out again: "Apologize to me!"
Xue Jiao was annoyed. She had been minding her own business when this girl crashed into her—and now she was being demanded an apology?
Her voice turned icy: "I believe I’ve made myself clear. You were the one who ran into me."
"You—"
"It was you who collided with her," Cheng Mingze’s cold voice cut in, interrupting Lin Yinyin.
"And now you have someone backing you—" Lin Yinyin looked up and froze.It was a refined and gentle face. Lin Yinyin had never been serious about her studies and never bothered with flowery language. But at this moment, a phrase came to her mind—"A jade-like gentleman unmatched in this world."
"Thump, thump, thump—" Lin Yinyin's heartbeat went erratic as her eyes remained fixed on Cheng Mingze, unable to look away even an inch.
Shu Lan took a step forward, but Fangfang quickly grabbed her: "What are you doing?!"
"We can't let that girl offend Lin Yinyin, otherwise..." Shu Lan said anxiously.
"Why do you care?" Fangfang rolled her eyes and whispered enviously, "Look at that girl—she's wearing Canada Goose, MS shoes, and a watch worth hundreds of thousands. Her family background must be impressive..."
Shu Lan widened her eyes at Xue Jiao, unable to fathom someone casually wearing something worth so much. Coming from a poor family, she couldn't quite understand it.
Fangfang continued sourly, "Is this girl the heavens' favorite daughter or what? Prettier than a celebrity, rich family—why is life so unfair..."
Soon, she added, "Shu Lan, her grades definitely can't compare to yours!"
Shu Lan shook her head, not wanting to compete over such things, and kept her eyes on Lin Yinyin and Xue Jiao.
In reality, Lin Yinyin was being coldly stared down by Cheng Mingze. She lifted her chin slightly and asked, "What's your name? What's your relationship with her?"
Cheng Mingze's frown deepened, his eyes carrying a hint of disgust. "Apologize."
Lin Yinyin was startled by the disdain in his gaze. For some reason, she didn’t want this boy to dislike her.
"Fine, fine, I won’t bother with you!" She glared at Xue Jiao.
Everyone: "..."
Those who knew Lin Yinyin were stunned—would she really let this go so easily???
Xue Jiao shook her head and said nothing more. After dealing with Cheng Mingjiao, she had learned that some spoiled girls simply couldn’t be reasoned with.
"Let's go."
Cheng Mingze was still scowling angrily, his gaze full of contempt as he stared at Lin Yinyin.
Xue Jiao tugged at his sleeve and shook her head. "Let’s go. Just pretend we got bumped by a dog."
The corners of Cheng Mingze’s lips twitched upward despite himself, his eyes softening with affection. He nodded, took Xue Jiao’s wrist, and led her away.
Behind them, Lin Yinyin shouted, "Don’t you dare leave! Who are you calling a dog?! Stop right there! I, Lin Yinyin, won’t let this go!"
Neither Cheng Mingze nor Xue Jiao paid her any attention as they continued walking in the opposite direction. The other students from Seventh High naturally followed, leaving only Lin Yinyin’s classmates behind.
She stomped her foot in frustration, glaring hatefully at their retreating figures—angry and resentful, yet still unable to forget the radiant young man from earlier.
"Yinyin, are we still taking photos?"
"What photos?! No! Let’s go back!" Lin Yinyin stormed off furiously.
Shu Lan shook her head from behind and tugged at Fangfang. "Fangfang, we can head back now. Let’s go."
Fangfang was still looking back, sighing enviously. "As expected, the kind of girl who can make Lin Yinyin back down... has to be rich, beautiful, and privileged..."
——
That evening.
"What are your plans for tonight? Still going with the teachers?" Cheng Mingze turned to ask Xue Jiao in the car on their way back.
Xue Jiao suddenly felt a little embarrassed and scratched her head. "Um... I’m having dinner with a friend. I’ll be back after that!"
Cheng Mingze frowned, the creases on his forehead deepening, mirroring the turmoil in his heart.
"That friend who’s both a teacher and a friend to you?"
"Mm." Xue Jiao nodded.
"You had dinner with him last time too?""Mm-hmm," Xue Jiao nodded again.
Cheng Mingze fell silent, his gaze fixed in one direction without moving.
After getting out of the car, Cheng Mingze picked up Xue Jiao's backpack, intending to carry it into the hotel for her.
But Xue Jiao reached out and tugged on the strap, saying sheepishly, "I'm going to grab dinner first, so I'll just keep the backpack with me..."
Cheng Mingze looked at her without moving. After a moment, he said in a slightly hoarse voice, "Come back early."
"Okay!" Xue Jiao nodded, waving goodbye. "I'll bring you some late-night snacks when I come back. The food at that place is amazing!"
"Alright..." Cheng Mingze nodded slowly, then picked up his own bag and followed the others upstairs.
Xue Jiao turned around, took out her phone, and sent a message:
[Should I head straight to the same place as last time?]
As usual, the reply came instantly:
[I'm almost at your hotel entrance. Wait for me.]
Xue Jiao was momentarily surprised, then thought to herself—he’s really considerate. Is he worried I might not find the place?
She had just walked from the parking lot to the hotel’s main entrance when the sky turned overcast.
At that moment, a familiar black car pulled up, and the window rolled down, revealing a handsome and familiar face.
"You got here so fast!" Xue Jiao smiled, her face brightening.
Lin Zhihua’s lips curved into a slight smile as well. "I was already hungry, so I came early. Get in."
"I'm pretty hungry too. Just thinking about the food at that place makes me even hungrier!" Xue Jiao opened the passenger door and rubbed her stomach, her expression nostalgic.
Lin Zhihua couldn’t help but laugh again, shaking his head as his expression relaxed.
Cheng Mingze stepped out from the side of the hotel, watching the car speed past with a slight frown.
For some reason, he felt like he’d seen that car somewhere before...
——
It was the same familiar alley.
Today, Lin Zhihua was driving himself, and he stopped before even entering the alley.
"It’s not convenient to park inside, so we’ll have to walk the rest of the way," Lin Zhihua explained, turning to Xue Jiao.
Xue Jiao nodded cheerfully. "No problem."
She opened the car door and followed Lin Zhihua inside.
Shu Lan and Fangfang walked out of a restaurant with their classmates. Shu Lan couldn’t help but say, "The food was really good... just way too expensive..."
"No kidding."
Shu Lan added, "At such high prices, splitting the bill per person..."
Fangfang scoffed. "Why split it? Isn’t Lin Yinyin loaded? We’ve been following her around all day—what’s wrong with her treating us?"
"That’s not right... it’s not exactly cheap..."
Fangfang also thought about the price and smacked her lips. "It’s definitely a famous place. You have to make reservations in advance. When will we ever get another chance to eat here?"
"Amateurs," Lin Yinyin said as she walked up to them, pursing her lips. "This place is nothing. There’s a restaurant deeper in the alley where ordinary people can’t even get in, no matter how much money they offer!"
"There’s a place like that?" Fangfang gasped, suddenly curious, her earlier jealousy and disdain completely gone.
Lin Yinyin lifted her chin slightly. "The chef there is one of the best in the country. You need a membership card just to enter. Even wealthy people can’t get one just by throwing money around!"
"Have you eaten there before?"
"Of course!" Lin Yinyin raised her chin higher, her gaze fixed on the door at the far end of the alley.She had only eaten there once before, and that was because someone had sought Lin Zhihua's favor and treated the Lin family to a meal. Later, when people found out that Lin Zhihua didn’t get along with his family, no one bothered to curry favor with the Lins anymore.
Just as she was thinking this, Fangfang suddenly exclaimed, "Yinyin! Isn’t that the girl we ran into today?"
Fangfang recognized her by the clothes—she had memorized the girl’s appearance.
Lin Yinyin froze, then glared furiously at the retreating figure.
Two figures had entered from the side path, heading straight for the innermost restaurant in the alley.
They watched as the two figures stepped into the restaurant.
"She… she… she went inside…" Fangfang stammered.
Lin Yinyin turned around and shot her an angry look. "Look at the man beside her—dressed in a suit, nothing like the boy from earlier today. A woman like her is definitely a social butterfly or someone’s mistress! I’ve seen plenty of her type, using their looks to latch onto rich men and climb the social ladder!"
"That can’t be…" Shu Lan couldn’t help but say.
"Of course it is! Just wait and see! I want to know which man she’s accompanying. Anyone who can enter this place must be a familiar face. Let’s see who it is—maybe he even has a family already!" Lin Yinyin fumed.
To prove her point, she led the group to stand outside the door in the lingering winter chill, enduring the cold.
Shu Lan wanted to leave, but Fangfang held her back, eager to watch the drama unfold.
And so, the group stayed and waited.
—
It was the same private room as last time. The familiar woman walked over slowly and smiled. "Bringing your little girl here for dinner again? What would you like to eat?"
"Whatever’s ready, send it over first—like the soup you’ve been stewing. Then make two fish dishes and a few signature dishes," Lin Zhihua replied calmly.
The woman gave him a sidelong glance. "Always eyeing my best stuff. Fine, fine. Black chicken soup, simmered for forty hours on low heat—perfect for the young lady." She paused. "You don’t even eat fish, do you? And you’re ordering two?"
Xue Jiao was surprised. "You don’t eat fish?"
Lin Zhihua raised a fist to his lips, feigning seriousness. "I do now. It’s quite delicious."
"Pfft—"
The woman chuckled meaningfully, shook her head, and left.
Soon, a table full of dishes arrived. Xue Jiao scratched her head hesitantly.
"Um… could I take some back for my brother?"
Lin Zhihua’s hand, which had been ladling soup for her, paused briefly. Then he smiled. "Of course."
After setting aside a portion for Cheng Mingze, the two began eating—or rather, Xue Jiao ate while Lin Zhihua busied himself serving her dishes and refilling her soup.
By the end of the meal, the plates were empty. Xue Jiao leaned back in her chair, clutching her full stomach. "So delicious!" she sighed contentedly. "If I could eat like this every day, I’d be living like an immortal!"
Lin Zhihua’s heart stirred slightly, and a thought flickered in his mind.
Xue Jiao smiled blissfully, her eyes sparkling with joy and satisfaction.
For a moment, Lin Zhihua felt as though a seed in his heart had taken root and sprouted, wrapping tightly around his entire being.
He quickly averted his gaze, his voice slightly hurried. "Let’s go. We’ll walk for a bit to help digest."
"Okay!" Xue Jiao agreed immediately—she really was stuffed.
—
They stepped out the door, Lin Zhihua carrying a thermos that clashed with his otherwise polished attire, while Xue Jiao walked beside him.In the distance.
"He's here, he's here!"
"Damn! That guy is way too good-looking!"
"Of course, the good-looking ones always stick together."
"They actually look pretty good together."
"Maybe they're just dating normally?"
...
Fangfang felt a pang of jealousy and tugged at Lin Yinyin's sleeve. "Yinyin, who is that guy? Is he her sugar daddy? Is he married?"
Lin Yinyin's face had already turned pale—ghastly pale—but Fangfang didn’t notice.
"Let's go!"
"What did you say?" The others were stunned.
"I said, we need to leave now!" Lin Yinyin hissed through gritted teeth.
She didn't know if the man beside that girl was keeping her as a mistress, but she did know one thing—that man was a devil!
A ruthless, merciless devil!
—
Xue Jiao glanced at the sky as small snowflakes began to fall.
"It's snowing..."
Lin Zhihua nodded and guided her to the shelter of the entrance, where the snow couldn't reach her.
"Wait here for me. If you feel cold, go inside. I'll go get something."
"Hey—let's just run over together. The snow isn't heavy," Xue Jiao suggested.
She had endured much worse during the company's annual meeting that year, braving freezing snowstorms...
Suddenly, Yi Tianyu came to mind, and her stomach twisted with pain again.
Lin Zhihua shook his head. "Snow is still water. Don't catch a chill. Wait for me."
With that, he jogged away quickly.
Soon, he returned, his shoulders slightly damp from the snow. Just as Xue Jiao was about to speak, a large crimson shawl was draped around her neck.
"Wrap up well. Don't get cold," Lin Zhihua said softly, his movements respectful and proper.
Then, with a swift motion, he opened a large black umbrella, shielding both of them completely—not a single snowflake could reach them.
His voice was gentle as he said, "Let's go."
Author's note:
Lin Zhihua: Without comparison, there would be no realization of disparity.
Yi Tianyu: ……………………………………