Chapter 112: Becoming Old

After all, Wu Tong was still a student, so she was at a bit of a disadvantage when facing Old Cheng. If Old Cheng went too far, someone would step in to help Wu Tong seek justice. She was a treasured asset of the School of Mathematics—no matter that it was Old Cheng, the distinguished academician, even he couldn’t bully her indiscriminately.

...

“Academician Cheng Huanan is the top figure in our country’s materials science field. He has contributed to many of our nation’s special steels and other outstanding materials. He played a leading role in the development of materials for major projects like the J-8, J-10, and H-6. Usually, he’s busy with various project teams and rarely at the university. You’re lucky to catch him on campus right at the start of the semester!”

On the way, Li Yisheng briefly introduced Academician Cheng Huanan’s impressive background to Wu Tong.

What a remarkable person—this was Wu Tong’s overwhelming impression. Compared to such true giants, she was just a fledgling seedling taking her first steps.

When they arrived at the entrance of the materials laboratory, they saw the elderly man whose hair had turned white, a figure who had weathered the country’s most challenging times. Wearing a white lab coat, he was still vigorous despite his age—tall and robust, a typical Northerner, with a dark complexion and a stern, imposing countenance.

He had come early to personally oversee a set of experimental data, ensuring its precision with meticulous care.

Such dedication earned Wu Tong’s deep respect.

“Old Cheng, long time no see. This is Wu Tong,” Li Yisheng greeted respectfully.

“Hello, Old Cheng!” Wu Tong greeted sincerely in her capacity as a student.

“No need for formalities. Wu Tong, huh? No matter how impressive you are in the School of Mathematics, this is the School of Materials Science. Before entering my lab, I need to lay down some blunt truths. First: obey all laboratory safety rules. You must memorize and heed the safety regulations posted on the wall in the main hall and, more importantly, put them into practice!”

“Second, the lab equipment was purchased with significant national funding. Damage is unacceptable, especially the directional forming die-casting machine you might use. There is only one in the entire university, and if it breaks, we won’t even be able to find replacement parts. All operations must be carried out under my instruction or supervision!”

...

Materials science involves many toxic molecular materials and equipment that can pose great dangers if mishandled. While everyone must start as a novice and gain experience to grow, this newcomer before him was already a world-renowned top scholar in mathematics, a prodigy cherished and protected by the School of Mathematics. Naturally, some arrogance was inevitable, so he had to emphasize these points.

If the other party thought he was making things difficult, then let him play the villain—that’s what making things difficult is! He had to be responsible for their mutual safety. Such a national top talent getting injured in his lab would be unforgivable.

“All right, Old Cheng, I’ve already read and noted the safety rules. You can quiz me anytime!” At the lab entrance, Wu Tong had immediately taken in the posted safety instructions and memorized them while waiting for Old Cheng to appear.

“Let’s test you then—what about rules three and four?”

“Samples must be properly treated before experiments…”

“Fifth: flammable and oxidizing gas cylinders must not be stored together! Gas cylinders must be kept away from heat sources…”

“Photographic memory?” Old Cheng raised an eyebrow at Wu Tong’s effortless recall. Such talent was rare in materials science—why was she studying mathematics instead?

He was certain Wu Tong had never been in this lab before. The folks in the School of Mathematics probably only pampered such a genius, not drilling them on such details. From the moment he got the notice to the moment he arrived, had five minutes passed? Only someone with photographic memory could so quickly master these safety rules.

“Good memory. Usually, one or two quick reads are enough to remember everything,” Wu Tong said shyly. It was a small skill, hardly worth boasting about.

“Wu Tong, come with me. Li, you can get on with your work—I’m not going to eat your School of Mathematics prodigy!” Old Cheng swiped his card and led Wu Tong into the lab, dismissing Li Yisheng.

The School of Mathematics had always spoiled their prodigies, assigning handlers to follow them everywhere—a full-time nanny, it seemed! Like a tender seedling carefully nurtured in a garden, unable to endure storms. How could such a fragile approach handle the nation’s great responsibilities?

Old Cheng was always straightforward and sharp-tongued. This had been a source of friction between him and Pan Wenhua before.

“Well then, Wu Tong, I’m off. Call me if you need anything!” Li Yisheng said with some concern. Old Cheng’s national materials lab was a serious place, not one to be entered casually. Before this elder, he was just a junior with no say.

Wu Tong waved off the concern. She was here to learn, seek guidance, and borrow the lab for her project—there would be no problems.

“You have a good temper,” Old Cheng remarked casually as he led Wu Tong inside.

...

He was straightforward and realistic—if something was good, it’s good; if not, it’s not. Despite his strict demands, Wu Tong remained calm and humble, a true student eager to learn.

“A little temper when it counts is necessary! This kid has great talent. Someday she will carry national projects. Being just nice won’t hold the field!”

“All right, Old Cheng, thank you for your guidance. I understand!” Wu Tong nodded. She didn’t feel troubled—Old Cheng was simply enforcing rules for safety, a responsible attitude worthy of respect. What was there to complain about?

Moreover, it was she who troubled Old Cheng—a distinguished academician, yet patient enough to mentor a newbie who had only attended a few materials classes and never handled any experimental apparatus beyond simple high school experiments. She could only be grateful.

“Teacher, this is the School of Mathematics’ precious prodigy, Wu Tong, right?” Upon entering, Old Cheng took Wu Tong to his office, where a warm-smiling young man came out to greet them.

Beneath his bulky blue-gray protective suit, the young man was tall and upright, with a rounded, somewhat baby-faced charm that made him seem about twenty.

“This is my current PhD student, Ruan Chengxu,” Old Cheng introduced. Aside from school duties, he preferred quality over quantity when mentoring disciples. Ruan was his only enrolled student at present and showed satisfactory talent.

“Hello, ‘My God’! I’m one of your biggest fans!” Ruan greeted Wu Tong cheerfully. Having such a formidable expert come from their university brought pride not only to the School of Mathematics but to the entire university. Unexpectedly, the master would come to take an interest in materials science—they even had the chance to interact closely.

“Just call me Wu Tong. Hello, Senior Ruan!” The nickname ‘My God’—coined during IMO training—felt a bit embarrassing to use face-to-face.

(End of chapter)