Since you’re going the artistic route, stop boasting about being the study goddess. You can’t have it both ways, or you’ll end up with nothing in the end.
"I’ve been busy practicing piano lately, and I’ve definitely neglected my academics. That’s my fault."
Qin Xiangge said with a regretful expression.
To the boys watching, all they felt was heartache.
Gao Yuyue rolled her eyes. With acting , why not apply to a film academy instead?
But now that they’re heading to the winter camp without Qin Xiangge, the annoying pest, she might actually eat two extra bowls of rice.
When Qin Xiangge looked up, she immediately saw Gu Bichen walking in from outside the door.
She froze, then hurriedly ducked her head down.
How much did he overhear?
Freshman math group office.
"Shen, what are your plans for the future?"
Chen Zhou pulled over a chair from next door and gestured for Shen You’an to sit.
Shen You’an raised an eyebrow slightly. "Of course, to go to university."
Chen Zhou nodded. "If you can maintain consistent performance over the next two years, you can pick from the top programs at Qing University or Jing University."
But this presumes consistent performance. Two years is a long time, with many uncertainties.
Though he had great faith in the abilities and qualities of the student sitting before him.
"Have you thought about what kind of career you’d like?"
Shen You’an replied blandly, "Haven’t thought about it yet."
Chen Zhou fixed his gaze on her. "Your logical thinking ability is exceptionally strong, and you’ve displayed a unique talent for mathematics from a young age. You’re quite suited for math. What do you think? Interested?"
The smile on Chen Zhou’s face resembled that of a cunning wolf from the tale of Little Red Riding Hood.
Shen You’an really hadn’t decided yet, but Mr. Chen was being so direct...
"What are you suggesting, Mr. Chen?"
Chen Zhou smiled. This kid is really sharp.
He reached for the keys on his belt, picked out a small key, and unlocked the lowest drawer beside him, taking out a stack of exam papers.
"Take these back and work on them."
Shen You’an accepted them with both hands. Newest update provided by Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
Although called exam papers, they were essentially a collection of handwritten problems that had later been printed out, with no annotations, no source, and even the edges were irregularly trimmed. Some ink on the paper seemed to have slightly bled, making one wonder if they were made in some shady workshop.
But upon seeing the first problem on the paper, her expression turned more serious.
Chen Zhou glanced around. Other teachers were engrossed in lesson planning, and no one was paying attention to them.
He lowered his voice, carefully saying, "My mentor, Academician Jiang, is preparing to establish a Young Mathematicians Program. Students will be selected during this winter camp. Perform well — I’ve high hopes for you."
Chen Zhou tapped the thick stack of exam papers with his fingers and said earnestly, "This is a rare opportunity. You must seize it."
Shen You’an responded seriously, "Thank you, Mr. Chen. I will do my best."
Chen Zhou smiled contentedly. "Alright, head back. Oh, by the way, make sure you finish the papers at home. Don’t let other students see them."
Shen You’an raised an eyebrow and looked at Chen Zhou.
Chen Zhou rubbed his nose and urged her, "Alright, go on. Hurry back."
Shen You’an, carrying the stack of papers, left.
As Chen Zhou turned his attention back, a nearby teacher teased, "Mr. Chen, you’re surely biased, keeping this treasure for Shen alone. What about the other students? Why don’t they get this treatment?"
Chen Zhou retorted without hesitation, "Mathematics is all about talent. Hard work alone won’t cut it. This field can be all-consuming; if overdone carelessly, it can drive one insane. By not giving it to them, I’m thinking of their well-being."
The other teachers fell silent upon hearing that.
Indeed, being a truly extraordinary mathematician requires talent. For ordinary people, their ceiling is high enough for exams, but learning beyond that won’t be of much use and might even be harmful.
Chen Zhou took a leisurely sip of tea. He had been observing Shen You’an for quite a while.
He was confident that Shen You’an was the "genius" he was looking for.
Even the most critical teacher would surely approve.
Liu Runxi was quite good too, but his family background ensured he wouldn’t delve too deeply into one specific field, nor would he pursue this path in the future.
From every perspective, Shen You’an was the best fit.
Shen You’an returned to the classroom, holding the stack of exam papers, and found herself the center of attention as a group of students stared longingly at the papers in her arms.
Gao Yuyue came over. "An’an, what did Mr. Chen say to you? These are exam papers, right? Can I take a look?"
Other students perked up their ears to eavesdrop.
Shen You’an handed the papers to Gao Yuyue, who immediately accepted them gleefully.
Her mood quickly soured: "What is this? Do you think I’m this dumb?"
Gao Yuyue couldn’t help but start doubting her own intelligence.
Shen You’an pulled the papers from her hands. "They’re not suitable for you. Stop looking."
Gao Yuyue still wouldn’t give up. "Mr. Chen is playing favorites, giving special treats just for you."