Chapter Seventy-Three: Divine Speed

After Wu Tong left her contact information, Director Pan let her go home. The time of a genius is precious—every minute they delayed risked the possibility of the child missing a spark of inspiration, which could mean the loss of a world-class achievement. That would be a real crime on their part!

Wu Tong thought that was the end of the matter, but things escalated and spread even faster than she’d imagined. Soon after, she received a call from home.

“Tongtong, is it you the official news reported on—the one who solved that global problem?” Wu Jingzhong’s call squeezed itself in as Wu Tong was on her way to the IMO training classroom.

“If, in the past couple of days, there hasn’t been another Wu Tong who happened to solve another problem, then it should be me!” Wu Tong spread her hands; it seemed her father was reacting a bit slowly.

The county bureau must subscribe to the official newspaper, reading it was practically a required course for them. She’d thought her family would have known yesterday.

“I was out in the countryside yesterday and didn’t get a chance to read the official news. I just heard someone mention that there was a Wu Tong from Capital University who solved some math problem—what a sensation! Even the official paper did a big story on it!” Wu Jingzhong slapped his forehead, regretting that he hadn’t asked for more details and had missed learning about his daughter’s great achievement at the first opportunity.

At the time, he’d thought it was some other child at Capital University who just happened to have the same name as his daughter.

Oh dear, how could he have not realized? Hearing his own Tongtong’s name and not reacting—he could just kick himself!

This was the official media, a special feature in the state newspaper—what an honor! More importantly, it described how his daughter had solved a world-class problem and won praise from the top international experts!

He had really missed out.

“This morning, as soon as I got to work, the county head and the secretary suddenly visited our office, praised me for raising such a fine daughter who’s brought honor to the country on the international stage… They said they’d be watching me closely and giving me more responsibilities!” Wu Jingzhong felt as if he’d been on a roller coaster, completely bewildered.

He sent the leaders off with some vague words, didn’t have time to respond to his colleagues’ congratulations, and grabbed a copy of the official newspaper to read carefully. Only then did he realize the magnitude of what his precious daughter had accomplished.

He’d thought that last time, when she’d given a special report at Capital University before she was even officially enrolled, that was already the height of glory!

“It was just solving a rare problem. As for work, just do whatever you like, Dad. Don’t pay it too much mind. I’ll probably receive a fair amount of prize money this time—once I get it, why don’t you take some time off, bring Mom and Grandpa, and go traveling for a bit? Let’s be trendy and go see the world! I probably won’t have time to accompany you in the near future, but you all should have fun. I’ll cover all the expenses!” Wu Tong consoled her father playfully, lightening the mood.

She hadn’t expected solving such a math problem would cause such a public sensation. Since her family hadn’t reacted yesterday, she’d thought the news hadn’t reached them yet and was planning to share it after everything settled down.

“It was probably just good timing; the official paper used my story as an editorial to inspire young people to pursue knowledge. Let’s keep a calm perspective,” Wu Tong still didn’t feel she’d done anything earth-shattering.

Since the turn of the millennium, China’s international standing had risen steadily, and last year’s Olympics had made the nation’s voice heard worldwide. She figured the official media had chosen to spread her story as an inspiring example.

If she had become the echo drum for the official news, so be it.

Still, earning such generous rewards for solving a problem like this did make her genuinely excited.

No matter what others called her—a genius or a prodigy—she remained an ordinary person at heart. She hadn’t reached the level of a sage with no desires, only possessed a few more strengths than most.

“Thank you, Tongtong. Please take good care of yourself, living on your own in the capital…” For Wu Jingzhong, the sensational news mattered less than his daughter’s well-being. He quickly shifted to reminding her to look after herself.

In early June, Tongtong and Xiao Xin would take the college entrance exam, then submit their university applications at the end of June, and at the start of July, Tongtong would be flying abroad for a competition. The next two months would be busy; they probably wouldn’t be in the mood for travel.

“Dad, everything’s fine here. The official media came for a brief interview today, and some leaders stopped by as well. There might be more activity in the coming days, so things could get a bit lively. If you and the others are inconvenienced, please bear with it!” Wu Tong added, asking her father to pass on her words to her mother and grandfather. Once she entered the training classroom, she likely wouldn’t be able to answer calls.

“Good, good, good! This is an honor—we’re so proud! We won’t be inconvenienced. Just focus on your studies!” Wu Jingzhong hung up joyfully, eager to share the good news with the family.

As the news reports spread, Wu Tong received many congratulatory calls—from New City No. 1 High School, from Xincheng County, from Tianzhong City, and even from the Central Plains Province Department of Education.

These organizations didn’t bother her much, only offered their congratulations and asked if she needed any help, letting Wu Tong know that her hometown cared for her deeply.

After all, this was their own child—so accomplished, already making her mark—and they couldn’t let her feel neglected or unsupported. They were determined to keep Wu Tong, proud to stand tall and compete with the capital, for she was a child of their province.

Wu Tong responded politely, assuring them she had no difficulties and everything was well, expressing her gratitude for their care. As for calls from the media, she stopped answering altogether and simply turned off her phone. Her family had Teacher Li’s number and could reach her in an emergency.

By withdrawing quietly, Wu Tong cut herself off from the outside world’s noise and excitement.

Her daily route became fixed and tranquil: training classroom, library, dormitory. Most students at Capital University maintained their distance, watching from afar but never crowding or harassing her. Used to these curious glances, Wu Tong took them in stride, knowing the novelty would soon fade.

Wu Tong’s focused and undisturbed attitude greatly pleased the professors and teachers at Capital University—this, they felt, was the true spirit of scholarship. This year had been a bumper harvest for the university—what a source of joy!

So joyous was Capital University that they moved with remarkable efficiency. Summing up awards from the Capital Municipal Bureau, within three working days, one and a half million yuan was credited to Wu Tong’s account. The sheer speed amazed Wu Tong, who had seen plenty in her time.

She had never feared the university would renege on its promise—if anything, it seemed the university feared she wouldn’t accept the money.

(End of chapter)