Chapter Fifty-Two: No Regrets

Although it was hard to part with Tongtong, for the sake of the child, it was best to send her away from this noisy environment first. People are creatures of forgetfulness; after some time, when Tongtong finishes her work and returns, everything will have changed, and what needed to fade away would likely have faded. If it weren’t for the fact that the New Year was approaching, Wu Jingzhong would almost have wanted to send Wu Tong away immediately, far from trouble. As parents, one always wants to provide the safest environment for their children, to spread their wings and shelter them.

In school, the monthly exams and the end-of-term finals, the endless series of tests—Wu Tong’s nearly perfect scores had become the norm for the students of Xincheng No.1 High School. Now, they no longer looked at the top spot; everyone started their gaze with second place. With that prodigy around, the first place in the senior grade group was never in question. They could proudly say that they were no strangers to perfect scores.

On the sixth day after returning home, Wu Tong received a batch of textbooks sent by Professor Li, covering a range of university mathematics materials she had not been able to borrow, including even more advanced content—essentially internal resources from Beijing University, unavailable for purchase elsewhere. Clearly, the university greatly supported Wu Tong’s attitude toward learning; no school or teacher disliked students who were passionate about learning.

No matter how talented one is, failing to study diligently is nothing but the tragedy of wasted potential. The textbooks in hand greatly made up for Wu Tong’s lack of resources. As she delved into these materials, she filled out the gaps in her university-level mathematics knowledge tree.

Wu Tong’s thirst for knowledge was immensely satisfied. She hardly wasted any time on senior year review materials now; when teachers assigned homework, it was understood that it was for everyone except Wu Tong—she was exempt. After all, she had already secured admission to Beijing University, with an invitation to study ahead after the New Year. There was no need for her to waste time on repetitive high school review content.

High school content was limited, and for Wu Tong, who had mastered it to perfection, exams were all the same: invincible and unstoppable! Apart from monitoring Jin Xin’s academic progress and spending time with her family, Wu Tong devoted all her remaining time to studying her new materials.

As her knowledge system grew richer, Wu Tong’s understanding of mathematics deepened. She felt increasingly the vastness of the field—the language of fundamental truth. Even if she spent her whole life, she might only uncover the tip of the iceberg, yet she was willing to pursue it tirelessly, to explore its mysteries without regret.

Her engrossed, earnest learning state further inspired the atmosphere in her science class, reaching unprecedented heights and gradually spreading throughout the senior grade. That prodigy had already secured admission to Beijing University, yet her attitude remained as serious as ever; how could the others not strive harder?

Teachers and school leaders alike were extremely pleased with this positive cycle. This graduating class held great promise!

As the finals ended and the New Year approached, the first and second-year students began their winter holidays. For the beleaguered seniors, however, this meant little—they would attend classes until the twenty-eighth day of the lunar month, and after the New Year, return by the fifth day. Save for the days of the New Year itself, the rest of their break was filled with make-up lessons. Even during the holiday, stacks of exercise books from every subject awaited them, leaving little leisure time. In today’s educational climate, this was perfectly normal.

Endless rounds of practice, review, and digging into the gaps of knowledge—though Chinese education had been attacked by countless foreign critics, Wu Tong believed that this traditional approach meant the country had not abandoned any ordinary person. For those who wished to climb higher, diligent study was the only path; there were no shortcuts to success.

Wu Tong didn’t have to follow the remedial class schedule, nor was she bound by the holiday or school attendance rules. Yet, to immerse herself fully in her studies, she continued to follow the senior year timetable, attending normal classes and make-up lessons. However, while others reviewed high school content, she independently researched advanced mathematics, and occasionally delved into university-level physics—mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity...

Her focus remained on mathematics, the foundation of all science and the pillar supporting modern technology. She had exchanged contact information with Professor Li; now, when faced with challenging difficulties, Wu Tong no longer had to painstakingly search for clues. She could consult Professor Li directly.

Each inquiry left Li Yisheng exclaiming in delight at the thrill of teaching a prodigy. There was no need to repeat explanations; a brief hint, and she immediately grasped the point, able even to extrapolate and understand it in depth.

Wu Tong’s progress amazed him further. She could finish a book in just a few days, and as her knowledge system matured, her understanding of concepts grew easier. There were few obstacles that could hinder her; naturally, her research pace accelerated.

Li Yisheng had thought that the batch of textbooks he sent would suffice for Wu Tong until the university officially started, but judging by her current rate, it would barely last until she began her studies at Beijing University after the New Year.

Her talent was admirable, but what truly impressed him was her attitude: earnest and passionate, as if born for mathematics, never once slacking off despite her achievements far beyond ordinary students. By rights, she could relax and enjoy half a year of holiday before starting university, yet she remained steadfast in her studies.

With such a work ethic paired with her extraordinary talent... As Edison said, success is ninety-nine percent perspiration and one percent inspiration; even the greatest talent must begin with effort. Beijing University had truly found a treasure! He looked forward more than ever to Wu Tong’s arrival after the New Year, wondering just how much she would astonish the university.

On New Year’s Eve, the anticipated festival arrived for the family of three. This year, Wu Jingye was the chef, with Jin Yu assisting, preparing a feast so Wu Tong could taste all her favorite dishes.

In just a few days, their child would travel far, uncertain when she might return—it could be months. They had never been separated for so long. Despite mentally preparing themselves, their reluctance to part was still palpable.

The two parents cherished their time together with their child all the more. They finished their work at the office as quickly as possible, came home early whenever they could, and did everything to accommodate Wu Tong.