Chapter Forty-Seven: Choices

“Thank you, teachers, for your kindness. Before participating in the competition, I had already decided on my main research goal for the next stage. I want to continue my studies in theoretical mathematics and, if I have the energy, consider minoring in physics. Therefore, I have already made my choice regarding the university!”

As Wu Tong spoke of her determination to pursue mathematics, all those present from the admissions office of Jing University, led by Professors Zhou and Li, could not help but focus their attention, as if a gentle breeze had soothed their agitation, softening their brows and eyes.

This young student is decisive and knows her path!

Unmoved by money, unfazed by cunning overtures from Hua Qing, and steadfast in her own ambitions—Jing University would never neglect such an outstanding student!

“So, Professor Zhou, may we have a private conversation?” Wu Tong’s gaze was clear as she looked toward the admission officers from Jing University.

Although the representatives from Hua Qing and the other universities, headed by Hua Qing, felt a pang of regret at losing such a promising student, they were not angry.

The mathematics and physics departments at Jing University are both flagship programs, and the Yuanpei College is a cross-disciplinary hub for the sciences—the very core of scientific excellence, the nation’s finest. On this point, they had to concede; their loss was not undeserved.

Competing for students is one thing, but once a student has made up their mind, they have the generosity to accept it. No matter where such a student studies, as long as their talents are not wasted, in the future they will still serve the country and contribute to the academic world. That alone is a worthy outcome.

They could not help but admire her—a child so young with such a clear sense of direction, who, in the face of intense competition and substantial temptation, could remain true to herself and recognize her own calling. With such character and talent, her future achievements would be limitless!

It seemed that Jing University might soon have another luminary in their midst—how could they not be envious!

“Of course, no problem. Let’s all have a meal first, and afterward, I’ll give you and your family, as well as Coach Zhang, a detailed explanation!” With their minds set at ease, the admissions staff from Jing University exuded warmth and magnanimity, embodying the university’s great spirit.

“Hmph… Do they really think we’re just here for the food?”

Still, since they hadn’t succeeded in recruiting the top scorer, they fully intended to make Jing University foot the bill for a lavish dinner to ease their own disappointment!

Their frustration was not directed at the student, but at the group from Jing University across the table! As if they couldn’t see the pride hiding behind their cordial smiles.

It made them grit their teeth in frustration, wishing they could fling a worn shoe right at those smug faces!

Before signing any agreement, nothing was set in stone. The dinner arranged by Jing University was held nearby, with a few tables set up in the hotel. Since there was a young student present, the adults refrained from ordering alcohol, but made sure the dishes were plentiful and sumptuous.

After the meal, with smiles all around, they bid farewell to their reluctant guests—the admissions officers from Hua Qing and the other universities. The group from Jing University then escorted Wu Tong and Coach Zhang Ping back to the conference room.

At exactly six o’clock, the results of this year’s CMO were updated on the official website. Wu Tong’s perfect score shone at the top of the list, astonishing teachers and contestants across the country who saw it.

Where did this dark horse come from? It was simply stunning!

The second place went to a student from Jing University Affiliated High School with 117 points. Frankly, that was already an extraordinary achievement given the difficulty this year. In any other year, it would have easily taken first place.

But this year, with a dazzling perfect score—handed in ahead of time, no less—the outstanding achievements of those below were overshadowed.

For the others, their so-called high scores were the result of exhausting their abilities, yet that top scorer seemed to treat the test's 126 points as a given.

“Come, Wu Tong, Coach Zhang, have a seat. We’re all among friends now, so let’s talk things through,” Professor Zhou from the admissions office grinned broadly, inviting Wu Tong and Coach Zhang to take seats at the center of the conference table, with Professor Li and himself on either side, and the other teachers and student representatives seated in turn.

“Professors, before we begin, may I make a video call to my family? At such a moment, I want them to witness and participate,” Wu Tong asked.

In truth, she was in no great rush. If she could, she would have preferred to settle everything after the award ceremony, back at home. But clearly, given the eager expressions on the faces of the Jing University teachers, they wouldn’t rest easy until the agreement was signed!

Fortunately, the conditions Jing University offered were generous, and it was already her chosen goal. Sooner or later, she would have to sign; it might as well be tonight. Luckily, QQ now supported video calls, so her family could witness the moment firsthand, even from afar.

“Of course, that’s no problem. The phone’s camera is limited—here, use my laptop. Log in to your chat account, and I’ll have your senior help connect your phone to the conference room’s big screen for easier communication.” The hotel’s conference room was equipped for remote connections.

“Alright!” Wu Tong first called her parents to let them know.

As it happened, Wu Jingzhong and Jin Yu had received the call and, after work, had gone together to the Jin family home. The entire family was gathered; even Jin Xin had been excused from evening study to wait at home for Wu Tong to get in touch.

The Jin family had a computer, so both sides logged into the chat software simultaneously. In the conference room, a senior assisting the admissions office helped adjust the settings, projecting the video onto the large screen.

“Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mom, Uncle, Aunt, Big Brother!” Wu Tong smiled and waved gently to each of them in turn. Seeing her family gathered together, she felt a twinge of homesickness.

“Tongtong!” The family, already excited, grew even more so upon seeing the teachers clustered around Wu Tong.

“Comrade Wu, Teacher Jin, Mr. and Mrs. Jin, it’s a pleasure to meet you!” Professor Zhou, hearing Wu Tong’s greetings, quickly adjusted his own to address the family appropriately.

From a social perspective, it was clear that Wu Tong’s family was very close to the Jin family.

“Thank you to all the professors at Jing University. We’re grateful you value Tongtong. All of us support her decision!” Wu Jingzhong spoke as the family’s representative, confirming their stance.

Professor Zhou replied heartily, “And we thank Comrade Wu and Teacher Jin for raising such an outstanding child. We are truly delighted to invite Wu Tong to join Jing University!”

“A great school and a great student—a perfect match! While we’re all here tonight, with emotions running high, Wu Tong, with your family and Coach Zhang as witnesses, let’s go over the agreement and sign it together.” They dared not relax until the agreement was signed.

“I’ll now explain Jing University’s offer in detail for Wu Tong and everyone present. As for educational resources, everything is clear: full tuition waiver, your choice of three professors as mentors—whichever you choose, the university will arrange it, and I trust no professor at Jing University would turn down a student as talented as you.

You’ll have top priority for annual scholarships and guaranteed graduate admission…”

To transplant a phoenix tree, they had to display all their best conditions for the parents and teachers to see. After all, as educators, their foremost focus was always on educational resources.