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

“Is that so?” Jin Xin hesitated a little, scratching his head in embarrassment. “But I’m really not cut out for scientific research!”

The only thing he could truly be proud of was his physical fitness. Jin Xin spread his hands in resignation; despite how dazzling his current achievements might seem, with impressive grades and all, he knew his own limitations better than anyone. If it weren’t for Tongtong breaking down the high school curriculum for him, spoon-feeding him knowledge bit by bit, gathering all sorts of materials and practice exams, and helping him review with focused drills and targeted predictions before the big test, he wouldn’t even dare dream of these results.

The only real effort he could claim as his own was that he never dared let up in his hard work.

“Haha... Jin Xin, you really underestimate yourself!” The admissions officers from Jingda and Huaqing laughed, turning to look at Jin Xin, whose cheerful and sunny demeanor was tinged with a touch of embarrassment and shyness. “Do you really think just anyone can get a score like yours? Even with Wu Tong’s help, you still had to be willing and able to learn and truly master the material!”

Was the young man being modest, or was he just lacking in confidence? If he couldn’t absorb the knowledge himself, even a genius couldn’t help! Wu Tong’s assistance was invaluable—this much was clear from Jin Xin and the many students at Xincheng No. 1 High School who had benefited from her notes and lectures. But if Jin Xin weren’t intelligent and hardworking, how could he have raised his scores to such an exceptional level? Besides, with a genius like Wu Tong as his sister, sharing half his blood, could his intellect really be so lacking?

With decent intelligence, diligence, a willingness to work hard, and a bit of luck, he already possessed all the basic qualities needed to become a research candidate. After all, how many prodigies like Wu Tong or Comrade Lu does the world truly have? Scientific progress may require the strides of geniuses, but the development of science depends just as much on the persistent efforts of countless ordinary researchers.

Come to think of it, perhaps he wasn’t so unqualified after all!

A thoughtful look crossed Jin Xin’s face. He’d never realized he had such potential; his only goal had been to attend a regular military academy. But after his extraordinary performance in the college entrance exam and the analysis from these professional teachers, it seemed that he could set his sights even higher.

To be an ordinary soldier was indeed of limited impact. But if he had the chance to take part in designing and building those great national enterprises and mighty instruments, to contribute to projects that would showcase the nation’s power and deter foreign adversaries—just the thought of it made his heart race!

At that moment, a school he had only dared to dream of, one he’d always thought beyond his reach, took root firmly in his heart.

The University of Science and Technology of China—the “military Jingda and Huaqing.” For the first time, he had a clear and determined goal. He wished to become a tiny but indispensable cog in the mighty machine that forges the sword-edge of China, forging ahead wherever it points.

“Thank you, teachers. I’ve made up my mind—I’m applying to USTC. Thank you for your kindness!” Steadfastness in his goals—this was an old family tradition.

“Thank you for your hard work, teachers. The child’s wish is our wish as well. We’re grateful you came all this way for this rascal!” Jin Yuan smiled as he poured water and sliced fruit for the admissions officers and their representatives, his hospitality warm and attentive, without a trace of flattery—only heartfelt gratitude for their efforts and guidance.

For these top universities’ teachers, the chance to sit and discuss their child’s future was once unimaginable. Yet now, after two rounds—one online, one in person—they couldn’t help but feel truly delighted.

“Thank you, Mr. Jin. No need to be so formal! Jin Xin’s dedication to serving the nation is something to be proud of!” one of the officers replied. “Wu Tong is doing very well at school, by the way. In a few days, Professor Li from our university will be leading a team to the Kazakhstan Olympiad, and we’ll be sure to take great care of her!” The children of this family always had clear, independent goals—if they couldn’t recruit them both, there were no regrets.

Mr. Zhou from the Jingda admissions office switched topics with a smile, chatting amicably with Jin Yuan and the family about matters closer to home. After all, Wu Tong had chosen Jingda, leaving their rivals next door longing in vain. This year’s admissions—Jingda had scored a sure win. Being a step ahead made all the difference, and the other side would have to settle for scraps.

As Wu Tong grew and blossomed, her future would be limitless, so it was all the more important to maintain good relations with the Jin family and Wu Tong’s parents.

The Huaqing admissions officer could only grit his teeth as he watched the shamelessly triumphant Jingda crowd, their ingratiating smiles nearly unbearable. Let them crow all they liked—after all, they hadn’t managed to recruit Jin Xin, either! But at least they had Wu Tong! Mr. Zhou, fanning himself, kept up his friendly conversation with Jin Yongqing and the others, his smile growing ever brighter and more meaningful.

That day, the official Weibo accounts of Jingda and Huaqing both tagged USTC’s account: “Look over here! There’s a child whose heart beats for you!” A whole host of universities watched from the sidelines, secretly amused that there were actually students the two giants couldn’t win over.

“Oh, it’s Wu Tong’s elder brother! What a fine young man,” the chorus went. “If we can’t have him, neither can you!” Universities across the country joined in, tagging each other and lining up for the fun.

At first, USTC’s social media manager was baffled by the flood of tags. But once the story became clear, delight spread across their face—what a stroke of luck to have a top candidate delivered to their door! The official account immediately responded: “USTC welcomes every patriotic student to join us!”

Ever since the onset of the information age, as smartphones and computers became widespread and ever more powerful, nearly every major university had registered official social media accounts by last year. This year’s admission season was a spectacle, with countless dramatic episodes and ample entertainment for the curious public.

All those years of diligent study, all for this moment of glory. Millions of students across the nation, along with their families, were focused on exam results and university applications. Social media was awash in exam-related news throughout June and July.

Media outlets scrambled to contact the Wu and Jin families. After all, to have produced a champion and a runner-up sibling pair—one a dragon, the other a phoenix—was a story everyone wanted to cover. There was no shortage of companies eager to sign Jin Xin and Wu Tong for endorsements. But the family wanted to spare the children any trouble; both were headed for careers in research, and Jin Xin, especially, was set on joining the military.

Jin Yongqing felt the weight of responsibility and took up his old role, giving the family a refresher on political awareness. From the start, they needed to stay vigilant, protect the children’s privacy, and not be swayed by fleeting gains. The dangers of imperialism, ever lurking, must not be underestimated.

That evening, Wu Tong received the news at home, her heart swelling with pride at her brother’s glorious day. From the moment the exam results came out, his fate had changed for the better. Wasn’t that wonderful? Hard work gives life greater meaning.

(End of Chapter)