Chapter Forty: Satellite

The gathering point was the sports and arts hall at Qiongya High School. Teachers leading delegations from various provinces and cities were waiting there, occasionally exchanging words about the anticipated difficulty of this year’s test, their students’ abilities, and who might win an award.

Among them, Coach Zhang from Central Plains Province and Teacher Xiao Zhang were quietly discussing. "Teacher Zhang, I’ve heard that the child often submits her papers early. Do you think she’ll keep up that tradition at this CMO?"

Teacher Xiao Zhang had once been coached by Zhang Ping himself and still held him in high regard, treating him as a mentor.

“It’s hard to say. This time, our Central Plains Province might launch a big satellite!” Zhang Ping glanced toward the exam room, thinking he saw someone emerging. Looking closer, the figure was clear—it was indeed the child they were discussing.

Whether it was a high score or a show of flamboyance, both would be a 'big satellite.'

As someone walked straight toward the Central Plains delegation, teachers from other provinces exchanged bewildered glances. Had the Central Plains team given up this year? To select a student with such fragile nerves, surrendering the paper right as the exam began?

None of the teachers could fathom that she had finished the test early. CMO may only have three questions, but it’s common to spend an hour or two pondering each one. Only the truly exceptional can complete the exam within the allotted time.

"Coach, Teacher Zhang!" Wu Tong approached and nodded in greeting.

Coach Zhang Ping wiped his face. Despite the December chill, the climate in Qiong Province allowed for single-layer clothing, but he felt sweat trickling down his back.

“Did you finish all the questions?” This was the first thing the two teachers needed to confirm. It wasn’t that they doubted Wu Tong’s ability, but leaving the exam after an hour and a half was astonishing—even in the entire history of CMO, such speed was unprecedented.

“Finished and checked!” Wu Tong nodded in confirmation. She wasn’t arrogant enough to leave the exam unfinished.

“How did it feel?” Was this year’s test especially easy? Is that why she finished so quickly? Though this child solved IMO classics with ease, it was rumored that this year’s CMO would not be simple.

Wu Tong thought for a moment. “It was alright. I solved everything, and there shouldn’t be any mistakes.” She was confident about the accuracy of her answers, but the final score depended on the graders; before the results came in, she couldn’t be certain it would be a perfect score.

“Do you need me to write down the questions from memory?” Since the test had begun, there was no need for silence.

“Of course, do you still remember the original questions?” Zhang Ping immediately handed her a notebook and pen; it was best if she could write them down.

Others leaned in, eager to hear about the exam. Teachers who initially paid little attention now moved closer, hoping to see this year’s test and better assess their own students’ performance.

They had forgotten their original purpose—just to surreptitiously overhear what the first student out of the exam room said to her teachers. Forgotten too were their earlier doubts about Wu Tong’s answers; students who finish early all believe their answers are correct!

“This year’s questions aren’t very wordy!” Wu Tong’s own derivations would not be overlooked; writing them down was no trouble. Taking the pen and paper, she quickly jotted down the three questions.

“The first is a geometry proof—classic CMO formula!” The coach from FJ Province, who had quietly moved to Wu Tong’s side, reached over and swiftly snatched the notebook to read the questions.

“Old Zhang, share it, let’s all take a look!” His familiar tone made it clear he had dealt with Coach Zhang before.

Zhang Ping shook his head helplessly. It was that unruly Old Wu again.

The gathered teachers crowded around Wu to study the notebook, discussing as they read: “The first question is normal, the second is as tough as previous finals, and the third goes even further. Sigh... this year’s difficulty is explosive—I wouldn’t be surprised if some kids score single digits!”

Seeing Coach Zhang’s helpless expression, Wu Tong simply took the paper and pen from Teacher Xiao Zhang’s hand and quickly wrote out the questions again, this time including her solutions.

“These are the questions and my answers—please take a look, teachers!” Wu Tong handed over the notebook and went to find a seat, continuing her study of elementary number theory. The sports hall at Qiongya High School, beside the basketball court, had plenty of seating.

“Here, Wu Tong, eat something to keep your energy up!” Teacher Xiao Zhang, before joining Coach Zhang in studying Wu Tong’s answers, took several chocolate bars from his bag and handed them to her. They were meant as an emergency energy boost for students during intense mental effort, and now were perfect for Wu Tong.

“Thank you, Teacher Zhang!” Wu Tong unwrapped a white chocolate and popped it in her mouth. That silky smooth taste of Dove—such a refined texture. In the small county town of New City in 2009, no one cared about luxury handmade brands; this was already one of the best things available in supermarkets.

Coach Zhang Ping and Teacher Xiao Zhang reviewed Wu Tong’s solutions and results repeatedly, unable to conceal their disbelief. They could not find a single error or deduction point. This meant Wu Tong’s answers were flawless, the full score of 63 points was hers for the taking!

Another perfect score—both Zhangs could barely hide their joy, smiles flooding their faces. The gold medal threshold for CMO was usually around sixty points; this was no small feat! It was almost a guaranteed gold medal, and with Wu Tong’s ability, who could say she wouldn’t score even higher tomorrow? The training team was surely hers.

They had seen the questions, and from the furrowed brows of other teachers, it was clear the difficulty exceeded all provincial expectations.

Looking at Wu Tong, calm and focused, the two teachers’ eyes brimmed with admiration. Teacher Xiao Zhang quietly slipped his notebook back into his bag while the other provincial teachers weren’t looking—they couldn’t let others see their secret delight.

Better to savor their happiness in private; once the results came out, they would celebrate openly.

“With this year’s difficulty, I just hope the kids don’t crack under pressure. If they perform normally, I’ll be satisfied!” This sentiment echoed among all the teachers present. After seeing Wu Tong’s written questions, they no longer dared hope their students would surpass themselves.

The scene was tense with anticipation. Only Wu Tong, quietly shielded by the two Zhangs, enjoyed her own serenity and peace.