Chapter Forty-Four: Sparks

Everyone moved in the same circles—who didn’t know whom? The fox paying New Year’s respects to the chicken, clearly up to no good!

The teachers from both universities fell silent. A crowd of faculty brought up the rear, arriving almost simultaneously at Coach Zhang Ping’s door. Representatives from both Capital University and Huaxing knocked together, sparks flying between them even in the act.

Li Zihan, closest to the door, opened it and was stunned to see so many people gathered outside. Who were they? Why were they blocking their room? What was happening?

The others in the room followed Li Zihan’s gaze, and in that instant, everyone inside and outside the door met each other’s eyes. Years later, those present would recall this moment and laugh heartily from the depths of their hearts, for they had witnessed a miracle.

“I believe your school’s teachers have arrived!” Zhang Ping and Wu Tong had just hung up their calls. Young Teacher Zhang and Zhang Ping quickly stepped forward, shaking hands with familiar faces from the universities.

“Professor Li, Professor Feng! Professor Shu,…” Coach Zhang Ping had led the provincial team to the CMO many times. Though he hadn’t dealt directly with the teachers from Capital and Huaxing, their faces were familiar, and he knew of Professor Shu from Jinling University as well.

Those he didn’t know introduced themselves cheerfully when shaking his hand. Lecturers and professors who could stand their ground at these top universities, besides their solid academic credentials, possessed an admirable degree of emotional intelligence.

Zhang Ping might not know them, but they had all learned a bit about this coach from Central Plains Province before coming. After all, he had produced a student who achieved a full score and ranked first in the CMO—they nurtured hopes of recruiting such a talent.

After polite exchanges, the teachers coordinated with the hotel to borrow a meeting room. Coach Zhang’s standard room was already crowded with the provincial team members; it couldn’t possibly fit all these teachers.

Young Teacher Zhang continued guiding the rest of the provincial team in their studies while Coach Zhang accompanied Wu Tong to the meeting room to greet the university faculty. The hotel was more than happy to assist; this office would soon become a point of pride, having hosted a gathering where Capital University, Huaxing, and other top schools vied for the CMO champion.

Suddenly confronted by these university professors, all eagerly eyeing his diligent student, Coach Zhang Ping suppressed his excitement and maintained composure.

A perfect score, first place in the CMO—he knew exactly what that meant. It was the best result he had ever achieved with the Central Plains Provincial Olympiad team! For a province weak in competitions to produce a CMO national champion, a national first prize, and finally a member of the national team with direct admission to a top university… The child truly brought glory to Central Plains!

“The results haven’t been officially released yet. We’re helping the student rehearse the query system. Your visit truly brings honor to our provincial team!” Ever since the phone call, Coach Zhang’s heart had been pounding, his blood pressure soaring. Even his usually dark complexion was flushed with excitement.

Now, he was truly restraining his exhilaration, barely managing a polite opening. That he hadn’t had a spike in blood pressure on the spot was a testament to his strong nerves.

“Wu Tong’s excellence is plain for all to see and has been unanimously judged. The results will be updated on the official website shortly!” Glancing at the outspoken Professor Feng across the table, Associate Professor Li Yisheng from Capital University seized the opportunity to speak first. If he didn’t, he’d be a step behind, and that could mean losing a promising student to the other side—a fate he wouldn’t wish on anyone!

He especially had his eye on the neighboring rival!

“Wu Tong, have you considered your university options? Your mathematical talent is remarkable and deserves further exploration. Our country needs talents like you,” Li Yisheng said with a warm, cultured smile to Wu Tong.

Negotiating with students was usually the task of admissions officers, and Li Yisheng knew his role well. Before the admissions staff arrived, he had to ensure the rival university didn’t poach the student and deepen Wu Tong’s impression of Capital University.

In previous years, the competition for top students was so fierce that rival teams had even whisked away students during a bathroom break—such tactics served as a cautionary tale!

“Capital University is surely familiar to Wu Tong and Teacher Zhang. As a member of Capital University, let me give you a detailed introduction. Our school has a long history, predating some universities by a decade. Our mathematics department ranks first nationally and should be considered your top choice. We offer the best mathematics education and the most favorable environment for nurturing talent. If Wu Tong hasn’t decided on a direction yet, our Yuanpei College…”

“Allow me to introduce Huaxing. We have a campus twice the size of Capital University—both Capital campuses are named after Huaxing Gardens, after all! Wu Tong must have heard of the Qiu Chengdong Mathematics Center? And the prestigious Yao Class, Qian Class… The so-called ‘money tree trio’ Wu Tong surely knows! These concentrate Huaxing’s most elite resources, attracting top scorers and high-ranking competitors from every province each year…”

The C9 university professors watched the spectacle with crossed arms, enjoying the lively competition between the two giants. Let them make mistakes; the others would learn from their experience. Their goal was to pick up any leftovers—until a student chose either of these two, their own chances remained slim.

…

Inside the meeting room, the battle was fierce; outside, more fronts had opened.

Thousands of miles away in Xincheng County, at the Agricultural Bureau.

As the workday drew to a close, Wu Jingzhong was wrapping up. With a moment free, he couldn’t help but worry about his precious daughter, so far away. Though they’d spoken that morning, she was traveling alone for the first time, and he couldn’t rest easy.

When his phone rang, he answered instantly. Ever since his daughter left, he’d never dared set his phone to silent, always ready to catch any important call from her.

“Hello?” He was about to call for Tongtong when the voice on the other end introduced themselves.

“Hello, is this Mr. Wu Jingzhong, father of Wu Tong?” The caller continued without pause: “I am a teacher from the admissions office at Capital University. My surname is Wang. Sorry to disturb you—may I take up a bit of your valuable time?”

“Capital University admissions office?” Wu Jingzhong was perplexed. Was this a scam? Did they know his daughter would be taking the college entrance exam next year and were preparing in advance?

“First, let me congratulate you. Your daughter, Wu Tong, has achieved a perfect score and first place in this year’s Chinese Mathematical Olympiad. You and your wife have raised a truly outstanding child!”

“Isn’t the results ceremony tomorrow?” Wu Jingzhong grew cautious, recalling the schedule Tongtong had told him. She’d said the earliest the results could be checked online was six o’clock today, thanks to the new digital system.

“Hehe… Comrade Wu, you work in a government office. You can verify my number and identity. Our university has ways of learning about outstanding results in advance. We’re calling especially to share this good news, and to invite Wu Tong to study at Capital University—she would be admitted directly. What do you think?”