Chapter 128: Heightened Vigilance-Back Before the College Entrance Exam, I Became a Sensation in the Science Community(Flowing waters fill the goblet.)

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The laboratory was temporarily unable to start work. After Wu Tong reported to Dean Pan about her apprenticeship, she put that matter aside and headed to the Department of Mathematics at the School of Mathematics. Although the university granted her a special exemption from following the regular class schedule and waived assessments, she still felt the need to familiarize herself with the department—at least to know where her classroom was and to fulfill some basic student responsibilities.

Having always been a diligent student, Wu Tong found it somewhat unfamiliar to adapt to the privilege of not attending regular classes unless involved in continuous research or special matters.

The 2010 cohort, Class 1, of the Peking University Department of Mathematics was now essentially complete. Those admitted to the department were all exceptionally outstanding—top scorers in the national college entrance examination abounded, alongside numerous students admitted through competition exemptions and the Strong Foundation Plan. The department was truly a gathering of talents.

This year, Peking University had achieved a sweeping victory in admissions. With Wu Tong as a shining emblem, the university attracted top students across provinces. Unless one had a clear inclination elsewhere, nearly all sought-after candidates had been recruited by Peking University, especially the mathematics department, which was the most popular choice this year without exception.

At this moment, everyone was going through registration, stepping into the university gates for the first time, everything still fresh and new. Conversations buzzed as acquaintances greeted each other—some were dorm mates, some came from the same previous schools, and the more outgoing, socially adept ones had already started making new friends.

Naturally, the hottest topic was whether the legendary prodigy in their cohort would be assigned to their class.

However, most believed this was unlikely. The “Sage” already seemed to stand on a cloud above them, distant and unreachable, at a height they could only admire for a lifetime. Such a prodigy would surely have special arrangements by the university; it would be strange if they were made to attend regular classes alongside everyone else.

Their gazes inevitably drifted to the three IMO gold medalists in the class. Did they know any detailed news about the Sage?

Though unfortunate to be in the same year as Wu Tong, the Sage’s sudden extraordinary emergence had created a vast gap. Yet, the three IMO gold medalists were still top-tier scholars in their own right.

As for the Sage, they had ascended beyond the mortal realm.

Guo Jiachen, Zhang Beibei, and Nie Peng had all confirmed their choice to major in mathematics, setting clear goals toward mathematical research. Su Zhikang, following his interests, chose the Yao Class at the nearby Hua Qing University, intending to major in computer science—a field in which Hua Qing had greater advantages. Chu Xiaosheng had received an invitation from his target institution and was heading abroad for further studies.

In a way, the Sage's breakthrough had propelled them to quickly clarify their own futures and work toward their goals. Though this summer vacation was a time to relax, none dared to slack off. Being so far behind the Sage, and undertaking the ultimate academic pursuit chosen by some of the world’s smartest minds, they knew that without relentless effort, they would soon be lost among the masses.

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“Will the Sage come today?” The three quietly exchanged messages as classmates sneaked glances at them.

“I forwarded the class notice to the Sage. Judging by their usual character, if not engaged in research, they’d probably come. Otherwise, no chance!” Zhang Beibei shrugged. When they enrolled, the Sage was still attending the International Congress of Mathematicians in Hyderabad, overseas, so they hadn’t disturbed her immediately.

In the past few days, some had come to identify their classrooms or study quietly, but Wu Tong’s presence had yet to be seen. They suspected the Sage had entered some indescribable research state and dared not disturb her. Zhang Beibei had just forwarded the class group notice again.

“One-hour report at the International Congress of Mathematicians—indeed, Earth can hardly contain the Sage's divine powers. Sprinting from Earth toward the cosmos, I imagine the stars and seas will be the Sage’s true destination!” Guo Jiachen joked, their tone light and relaxed.

Having trained together during the IMO camp, they all knew Wu Tong’s personality well. Despite the vast difference in knowledge compared to the Sage, they treasured their friendship and never allowed estrangement to grow between them.

As they spoke, Guo Jiachen’s gaze casually swept toward a corner near the door and suddenly froze like a still frame, unable to suppress a smile: “Hey... it’s the Sage! The Sage has arrived!”

Surprise rippled through the class as Wu Tong stepped in. Could it be that the Sage had really come to their classroom?

“Sage, over here!” Zhang Beibei waved cheerfully, motioning Guo Jiachen to scoot aside and making room. She planned to sit beside the Sage, and old Guo would have to move.

“Beibei!” Wu Tong smiled softly and took her seat following Zhang Beibei’s invitation. “Guo Jiachen, Nie Peng, long time no see!” Seeing these familiar faces again brought her joy. The camaraderie forged in their past struggles instantly erased the distance of time, pulling them back to the atmosphere of their training days.

“How was your summer vacation?” Wu Tong had been busy almost all vacation and hadn’t contacted them to ask.

“Not bad at all, though certainly no match for the Sage’s dazzling international brilliance!” The three had only returned for less than two weeks, and the Sage had already proven the Polymath Conjecture. Such speed left ordinary people dumbfounded, unwilling to relax and instead regaining the driven spirit of IMO preparation, earnestly studying university textbooks ahead of time without a hint of slack.

“Has the Sage really joined the class?”

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“Wow... I can’t believe I’m this close to the Sage!”

“What a fortune, to be in the same classroom, the same class, as the Sage! Applying to Peking University was truly the best decision of my life—absolutely worth it!” As Wu Tong, Guo Jiachen, and the others caught up after their long separation, the rest of the class quietly buzzed with excitement. Though the modesty of Peking University students prevented wild fanfare, occasional stolen glances and whispers of enthusiasm filled the room.

When Chen Tao, the counselor of Class 1 in the 2010 Department of Mathematics, stepped into the classroom, he immediately sensed the vibrant excitement. Just as he prepared to welcome the students warmly, his eyes landed on Wu Tong in a prominent spot.

Ah, so this was the Sage’s arrival. No wonder the classroom atmosphere had heated up. It was no surprise that even this doctoral student—sent by his advisor to serve as the class counselor—felt a surge of excitement upon seeing her.

Normally, a typical math class wouldn’t require his presence, but his advisor had dispatched him specifically to keep an eye on the Sage and provide focused support.

The upper echelon of the School of Mathematics, as well as other faculty members, regarded the Sage as their most precious jewel. Especially after her official apprenticeship with Professor Cheng from the School of Materials Science, where she pursued a dual major, they were determined to guard her closely against any outsiders attempting to lure away their prized prodigy.

Before he came to the class, Counselor Chen Wenping had repeatedly emphasized this to him.

(End of chapter)