Chapter 129: Playing the Flatterer

“Hello, students. Congratulations on officially joining Jing University. I am your counselor, Chen Tao, currently a doctoral candidate and also your senior.” Chen Tao stepped onto the podium and first introduced himself. He turned around and quickly wrote his name and a string of numbers on the blackboard. “This is my contact information. Feel free to reach out if you need anything!”

“Of course, I believe that as mathematicians, you are all highly capable and independent individuals. You probably won’t need to bother me too often!”

So, don’t call me unnecessarily. Except for our revered Wu Shen—otherwise, I’m happy to be responsible—but please don’t treat me like a maid. Otherwise, both my hairline and academic progress will be at risk.

“The atmosphere was so lively just now because Wu Shen arrived, right? Come on, Wu Shen, why don’t you say a few words?” Chen Tao thoughtfully sent class information to Wu Tong, making her feel involved without expecting her to speak. But Wu Shen respectfully accepted the invitation, bringing him great honor.

It’s truly admirable that someone so outstanding and top-tier is still so approachable and humble, without a hint of arrogance.

“The counselor is joking. Just call me Wu Tong. Like everyone here, I’m a fellow traveler on the road of mathematics. I hope that all of you can ride the winds and waves, remain steadfast on the path of mathematics, and march forward courageously!” Surprised to be called on, Wu Tong stood and offered a blessing.

“Wu Tong has set an example; now, everyone please introduce yourselves voluntarily. Let’s get to know each other since we’ll be comrades in this trench. It’d be embarrassing if you can’t call your classmates’ names outside the classroom! Also, if anyone is interested in competing for class officer positions, please bravely show yourselves and rally some votes!” Chen Tao energised the room and moved on to the next step.

“Don’t expect too much from Wu Tong; she has her own research tasks and won’t be able to participate much in class affairs.”

Wu Tong’s popularity was so high that Chen Tao had to sternly remind everyone. He had confirmed with Wu Tong beforehand—she had no intention to run for class office—so he played the villain this time.

Getting to know each other, electing class officers, discussing various enrollment matters, scheduling the opening ceremony, and finally, the dreaded military training program. Jing University’s military training is truly rigorous, led by real soldiers as instructors with strict supervision. For many upperclassmen who dislike sports, it’s a nearly unbearable ordeal.

Now, it was their turn!

Many students couldn’t help but frown, clearly those who disliked exercise. Of course, there were also those well-rounded in virtue, intelligence, physique, aesthetics, and labor, eager and ready for the challenge. It all depended on personal preference.

Regarding military training, Wu Tong had no objection. She was accustomed to morning exercises, which gave her a solid foundation. Besides, having somewhat acclimated to harsh weather, the blazing sun didn’t affect her much. For her, military training was no insurmountable challenge.

However, whether she could fully participate depended entirely on how quickly the funding for the materials laboratory project was approved. If there was a conflict, she might have to arrange special accommodations and prioritize the project over training.

Priorities mattered. The new materials research project was obviously more important than military training.

Since nothing was finalized, Wu Tong remained calm, listening to her classmates’ introductions, familiarizing herself with the class, and observing the officer elections. She would communicate with her mentors if necessary.

Guo Jiachen, always lively and with a top-tier IMO gold medal, dominated the competition and was elected class president. Zhang Beibei and Nie Peng also took on respective positions.

Their class was truly a talent pool—few in number but packed with top scorers and gold medalists, so most obtained official roles, with only a few focused solely on studies choosing not to participate.

Many students displayed dazzling talents in their campaigns, showing off skills and artistry, impressing even high school graduates and Wu Tong herself. These so-called “academic prodigies” were far from mere bookworms; they had rich and diverse abilities beyond academics.

Wu Tong applauded sincerely, marveling at such vibrant youthfulness—something she had never imagined before.

Yet, she had no regrets about her own choice. Studying and researching, unraveling unsolved mysteries, was also her joy.

The next day, Wu Tong didn’t follow the class schedule to attend initial lectures again, as it felt like a waste of time. Instead, she went to the library to find a wealth of literature on fluid mechanics and the Navier-Stokes equations, studying them carefully.

When a goal is set, it must be achieved step by step, laying a solid foundation from the basics. Eventually, the grand structure will be topped off.

“Preparing to research the Navier-Stokes equations?” Whether in the library or dormitory, it was easy to find Wu Tong. When Li Yisheng spotted her flipping through papers, he asked curiously.

Wu Tong’s achievements in number theory were a bit of a pity to leave behind. But with her talent and current level, Li Yisheng was not worried she would waste her potential. He believed she could succeed in anything she pursued.

Seeing Wu Tong still striving fervently in mathematics comforted Li Yisheng immensely. He had personally escorted her to Old Cheng’s research institute. Only once did he fail to accompany her, and Old Cheng managed to “abduct” Wu Tong—simply unbelievable.

When the dean, Professor Zhou, and others inquired, Old Cheng dismissed them with a confidentiality order, sending them away like a fully inflated balloon being poked and deflated helplessly. The secret project involved national confidentiality; no one dared probe further. They understood the rules, yet their concern only grew.

They didn’t resent Wu Tong’s brilliance or her service to the country; they were proud she was entrusted with such a critical role. Otherwise, Old Cheng wouldn’t have kept silent.

But they were still frustrated that Old Cheng benefited while acting coy—simply outrageous!

After discussions, Li Yisheng was assigned to monitor Wu Tong’s situation, ensuring she didn’t dive so deeply into materials that she abandoned mathematics and its glory.

“First, build the foundation. I’ve always been involved in this field, so I’ll explore specific ideas later. As for number theory, I’ll keep trying the Goldbach conjecture. Both paths will proceed simultaneously!” Wu Tong sat by the window, sunlight filtering through the canopy of trees, casting dappled patterns around her.

Recently, though she devoted considerable effort to materials science, she never forgot her roots. Mathematics was a journey she would never cease advancing on.

Time is like water in a sponge—squeeze it evenly and attend to all aspects. The more she seized time, the better. Multitasking was tiring, but the joy of learning made it worthwhile.

(End of chapter)