Chapter Fifty: Radiance

At Xincheng No. 1 High School, Luo Zhenping kept a close eye on the progress of the competition. As soon as he received Wu Tong’s results, he could hardly contain his excitement and immediately reported upwards.

The school leadership erupted with joy upon receiving the news. Principal Xiao Mingwei at once ordered banners to be made and messages to be displayed on the electronic scrolling screens: Warm congratulations to Wu Tong from Grade 12 Science Class 1 for winning the 24th China Mathematical Olympiad with a perfect score, ranking first in the nation and being directly admitted to Jing University.

The moment the gold medal was awarded, banners were promptly strung across the main streets from the school to the county center, and the scrolling screens played the news on repeat. Since the founding of Xincheng No. 1 High School, this was the greatest breakthrough, the most joyous event, worthy of celebration throughout the entire county!

The banner celebrating Wu Tong’s previous perfect score in the Mathematics League had not yet faded, and now she had gone even further, clinching first place nationwide and gaining direct admission to Jing University, the best university in the country.

Everyone in the county who saw the banner could not help but marvel, stopping to take a closer look. How did their family raise such an outstanding child? What made her so excellent?

To come from the same place as such an exceptional student made everyone stand a little taller with pride.

Every student at Xincheng No. 1 High School who saw the banners and screens felt their eyes widen in disbelief. A perfect score in the Mathematics League was already beyond their imagination, and now the study goddess had topped the national competition as well—they were all on the verge of losing their minds!

While they were still struggling to meet the cut-off for ordinary universities, with 211 or 985 elite schools a distant dream, the study goddess had already secured a place at Jing University, one of the TOP2 in the country, turning the childhood fancy of every incoming student into reality—she had made it to Jing University!

“Full marks, again! For her, perfect scores have become standard practice!” They were all in awe.

Should the news ever come that she had swept the international stage, perhaps they would only calmly remark, “Oh, really? That’s just her usual performance.”

Wu Tong’s study notes had become treasured relics among the students, each hoping to absorb a little of her brilliance.

For them, Jing University or Huazhong University were out of reach. Even brushing the minimum admission line was cause for the whole family, even the entire village, to celebrate! One could only imagine the treatment Wu Tong received at home, being so accomplished.

Yet none of these speculations reached Wu Tong’s heart.

With the gold medal around her neck and the certificate in hand, she was certainly happy—these were a testament to her efforts. As for excitement, if she really had to dig for it, it was perhaps only that first moment when she stepped onto the stage to receive her award.

When the ceremony ended, Wu Tong, like all the other contestants from across the provinces and cities, followed her team leader on the return journey. For her, the CMO was already in the past—it was just another step on her road forward.

After a smooth landing at Shangdu Airport, the Provincial Mathematics Society arranged for transportation to the hotel, where the president of the society and the director of the Provincial Department of Education personally attended a celebration for the Central Plains team.

It was the first time in the history of the CMO that the Central Plains team had won first place nationwide, and this year two of its members had made the national team—potentially breaking the years-long drought and producing a national team member. Naturally, the provincial education system was deeply honored.

After the celebrations, it was time for everyone to return home. Wu Jingzhong and Jin Yuan were already waiting at the hotel entrance. Even though they had kept in touch through video and phone calls, seeing their child in person was different—Tongtong had been away for a week, to a faraway place, and the family had missed her dearly.

Though next year Wu Tong and Jin Xin would inevitably leave home for further studies, they cherished every moment of reunion, treasuring the time while their children were still at home.

“Dad! Uncle!” Wu Tong beamed as she threw herself into the arms of the two brothers waiting at the hotel door.

“Oh, my big girl is truly amazing!” Unlike Wu Jingzhong’s restraint, Jin Yuan’s emotions were exuberant. He picked Wu Tong up and spun her around several times before putting her down.

The two brothers shook hands with Coach Zhang, thanking him profusely: “Forgive us for our excitement, we’re just so happy!”

“Thank you, Coach Zhang, for all the care and effort you’ve given Tongtong, and sorry for any trouble we’ve caused!”

“It’s all understood, truly. We’re just as happy as you are! Taking care of students is our duty. In fact, Wu Tong’s performance this time was nothing short of outstanding,” Coach Zhang replied warmly.

Everyone is a parent at heart, and they all share the same feelings for their children. If his own child were this excellent, he would be just as excited as these two brothers.

“Wu Tong, we wish you continued success in the national team, to join the country’s delegation, to compete at the IMO, and to attain even greater glory!” Since Wu Tong would be going to Jing University early and would not join the provincial team gathering, Coach Zhang gave her his blessings before parting.

Perhaps, the next time they heard news of Wu Tong, it would be another stirring, brilliant achievement.

“To honor Central Plains, to honor China—I will not fail those who trust in me!” Lowering the car window, Wu Tong clenched her fist and made her promise earnestly.

Carrying an irrepressible joy, the three of them returned home. Naturally, there was another round of celebration, for only such joy and congratulations could express the pride the whole family felt.

On the way back, Luo Zhenping, representing the school, spoke with Wu Tong, asking her to rest at home for a few days before returning to school. She could attend classes or study at home as she wished—Wu Tong was given absolute freedom.

After all, she had already secured admission to Jing University, guaranteeing Xincheng No. 1 High School a spot at a top institution and exceeding all educational targets. What more could they ask of such a student?

Any important arrangements would be communicated to her in advance.

On Monday, at the flag-raising ceremony, the familiar school leaders were all present. When Wu Tong was once again called to the podium, it was, of course, no surprise.

School leaders never gathered in such full force unless something significant was happening!

Principal Xiao Mingwei, beaming, gave a speech: “With tears of joy, we celebrate Wu Tong from Grade 12 Science Class 1, who has once again achieved a perfect score and taken first place nationwide at the just-concluded China High School Mathematics Olympiad, securing direct entry to Jing University.

“For this, both the Provincial and Municipal Education Departments have sent congratulatory messages. Xincheng No. 1 High is proud to have such an outstanding student as Wu Tong!

“To encourage Wu Tong’s exceptional performance, the school, together with the Education Bureau, has prepared a special reward of fifty thousand yuan. Students, we hope you will learn from Wu Tong’s example. The school and the Education Bureau will never be stingy with rewards for outstanding students—the rewards are there, waiting for you to claim!

“Today, you take pride in the school; tomorrow, the school will be proud of you!”

Wu Tong’s outstanding achievement had placed Xincheng No. 1 High on the radar of provincial leaders, ensuring a boost in educational resources and subsidies. The school leaders could bask in the reflected glory of such excellent academic results. The Education Bureau’s award came from the Provincial Department’s special allocation, while the school’s own award was funded by the County Education Bureau and community donations.

This time, even several wealthy and influential figures from the county, proud that their hometown had produced such a talent, made generous donations to the scholarship fund.

He was truly overjoyed!