On the day the results of the Special Talent Training Program were announced, Xia Yaojin’s name appeared at the very top of the list, as expected.
However, what caused an even bigger stir at Beijing University (A-U) was another piece of news: in the evaluation panel’s comments, three professors had simultaneously written: “The student’s academic level has already reached graduate standards, it is recommended to break convention and allow early entry into the Master’s stage of cultivation.”
This meant that Xia Yaojin could potentially skip the upper-level undergraduate courses and enter graduate school directly at the end of her freshman year.
As the news spread, it didn’t just cause a sensation on campus; even other universities began to pay attention to this legendary “Hexagonal Warrior.”
On Monday morning, while Xia Yaojin was self-studying in the library as usual, a strange girl sat down across from her.
The girl wore the uniform of the neighboring Beijing University (B-U). She had slightly curly long hair, wore gold rimmed glasses, and possessed an aura that was gentle yet intellectual.
“Xia Yaojin?” The girl spoke softly, her voice light. “I am Lin Shuyu, a first year graduate student in the Physics Department at B-U. I’ve read your evaluation paper and have a few questions I’d like to ask. Is that okay?”
Xia Yaojin looked up from her book, somewhat surprised, but nodded politely. “Please, go ahead.”
Lin Shuyu pushed up her glasses and took a stack of papers from her bag, it was a photocopy of Xia Yaojin’s exam, covered in dense annotations.
“On page three, question five, you used Quantum Field Theory to solve this economic model. This approach is very innovative.” Lin Shuyu pointed to a line. “But I don’t quite understand the logic of the transformation from path integrals to Feynman diagrams here…”
Xia Yaojin’s eyes lit up.
This was the problem she was most proud of. After the exam, even Professor Chen said he needed time to digest it. She hadn’t expected a senior from another school to spot the key point at a glance.
“This actually borrows the idea of the partition function from statistical physics.” She took a pen and began to explain.
The two quickly delved into a deep academic discussion, completely oblivious to the complicated gazes from those around them, especially Zhu Yawen, who had just walked through the door.
Zhu Yawen, carrying breakfast she had prepared for Xia Yaojin, paused in her tracks.
She knew Lin Shuyu.
Or rather, she had heard the name in her past life, the genius girl of B-U’s Physics Department who went straight to a PhD at twenty, published a paper in Nature at twenty-three, and later became a leading figure in the domestic quantum computing field.
In her past life, Lin Shuyu and Xia Yaojin had no intersection.
But in this life… why was she appearing here?
Zhu Yawen walked to the table and set the breakfast by Xia Yaojin’s hand. “Yaojin, eat something first.”
Xia Yaojin didn’t even look up. “Just leave it there, I’ll eat in a bit.”
She was at a critical point in the discussion with Lin Shuyu, both were completely immersed in their academic world.
Lin Shuyu finally noticed Zhu Yawen and looked up with a smile. “You must be… Zhu Yawen? I’ve heard much about you. I am Lin Shuyu from B-U.”
“Likewise.” Zhu Yawen’s response was polite but cold. “I didn’t know B-U students could freely enter and exit our university library.”
“Oh, I applied for an exchange study through the proper procedures,” Lin Shuyu’s smile remained unchanged. “Student Xia’s exam paper caused quite a stir at our school as well. Our professor specifically asked me to come and consult her.”
Her gaze returned to Xia Yaojin, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration. “Student Xia, have you really considered coming to B-U? Our quantum physics lab is top-tier in the country. If you come, I can be your senior sister and personally guide you.”
Zhu Yawen’s hand tightened slightly.
Xia Yaojin finally pulled herself away from the discussion and thought seriously. “Thank you for the invitation, but I’m doing quite well at A-U.”
“That’s a pity.” Lin Shuyu sighed and took a business card from her bag. “This is my contact information. If you change your mind, find me anytime. Also…” She paused. “This weekend, our lab is hosting a seminar on ‘Quantum Economic Models,’ which you mentioned in your paper. Would you be interested in attending? I can send you an invitation.”
Xia Yaojin’s eyes lit up again. “A seminar? Which scholars will be attending?”
“Academician Wang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Li from Tsinghua, and several doctoral supervisors from B-U.” Lin Shuyu listed a string of names, all titans in the academic world.
Xia Yaojin was clearly tempted.
She took the card. “I need to discuss it with my mentor, but… I’m very interested.”
“I look forward to your arrival.” Lin Shuyu stood up and gave Zhu Yawen a polite nod. “Then I won’t disturb you further. Student Xia, let’s keep in touch.”
After she left, the library fell into a brief silence.
Zhu Yawen looked at the business card in Xia Yaojin’s hand, her tone calm. “Are you going?”
“If my mentor agrees, I’d like to see it,” Xia Yaojin said honestly. “I’ve been following the research directions of those scholars for a long time.”
She finally noticed the breakfast, opened the box, and found her favorite matcha cake and hot milk inside.
“Thank you,” she whispered, taking a bite of the cake, her eyes already drifting back to the stack of annotations Lin Shuyu had left behind.
Zhu Yawen sat across from her and remained silent for a long time.
“Yaojin,” she finally spoke, “what kind of person do you like?”
Xia Yaojin looked up blankly. “What?”
“I mean… what kind of person makes you want to… know more about them? Spend more time with them?”
Xia Yaojin thought for a moment and answered seriously: “Smart people. People with depth of thought. People who can discuss academics with me.”
Zhu Yawen’s heart sank.
Lin Shuyu fit all those criteria perfectly.
On the campus forum, a new storm was brewing.
【EMERGENCY ALERT! FOREIGN INVADER APPEARS! B-U SENIOR DIGGING AT OUR FOUNDATION FACE TO FACE!】
OP (Library Sentry): Sisters! Enemy attack! Lin Shuyu from B-U Physics just invited Jinjin to B-U right in front of everyone! She even invited her to a seminar! Jinjin is clearly tempted! Wenwen was right there! The atmosphere… I could feel the killing intent from three rows of bookshelves away!
1L (CP Fan A): What?! Someone dares to steal our Jinjin?!
2L (Physics Dept. Chen Mo): Lin Shuyu… I know her. The genius of B-U Physics. Pretty, strong academic ability, and a good personality. In last year’s national physics competition, she took three first place prizes by herself.
3L (Arts Dept. Intelligence Officer): Just checked. Lin Shuyu is single with no relationship history. They say she isn’t interested in romance and throws herself entirely into academics… Isn’t she just a replica of Jinjin?!
4L (Psychology Dept. Observer): Analyzing personality compatibility: Lin Shuyu and Xia Yaojin have a similarity rating of 87%, much higher than the 35% between Zhu Yawen and Xia Yaojin. If we only consider academic attraction, Lin Shuyu indeed has a huge advantage.
5L (CP Die-hard): No! Our Wen Jin is the official pairing! Out with the outsider!
6L (Foreign Language Dept. Fanfic Writer): New inspiration is here! “Battle of the Love Rivals: The Academic Heaven Sent vs. The Artistic Childhood Friend”! Starting the update tonight!
7L (Frontline Reporter): Latest news! Lin Shuyu hasn’t left A-U! She’s currently in the Physics Department office talking to Professor Chen!
8L (Physics Dept. Insider): I heard it from outside the office! Lin Shuyu is asking Professor Chen to let her be Jinjin’s academic guide! She’s talking about joint cross school cultivation!
9L (All CP Fans): WHAT?! This offensive is too fierce!
“Student Lin, I have long heard of your academic prowess,” Professor Chen said. “But Xia Yaojin is a student of our A-U. Cross school cultivation… the procedures are very complex.”
“Procedures can be handled,” Lin Shuyu replied with a smile. “And this is what’s best for Student Xia’s development. B-U’s quantum physics lab is at least five years ahead of A-U’s. I can provide her with resources and guidance that A-U simply cannot offer at this time.”
She was speaking the truth. Professor Chen fell silent.
“More importantly,” Lin Shuyu continued, “Student Xia and I are the same kind of person. We both put academics first, we both understand the underlying thirst and pursuit for knowledge. The half-hour I spent communicating with her was the most pleasant academic discussion I’ve had in years.”
Her gaze was sincere. “Professor Chen, you should know how difficult it is to find an academic partner who is on the same wavelength. I don’t want to miss this opportunity.”
Professor Chen sighed. “This matter… I need to consult with Student Xia herself, as well as the university administration.”
“I understand.” Lin Shuyu stood up. “Additionally, I have already sent you the invitation for this weekend’s seminar. I hope both you and Student Xia can attend.”
After she left, Professor Chen sat in his chair and rubbed his temples. The phone on his desk rang, it was Zhu Yawen.
“Professor Chen, regarding Lin Shuyu…”
“I was just about to look for you,” Chen said. “Come to my office for a moment.”
In the library, Xia Yaojin finished her breakfast and resumed her studies. But today, she was unusually distracted.
The questions Lin Shuyu had raised were indeed profound, and her way of thinking… was very similar to her own. They were both the type who could synthesize knowledge from different disciplines to find hidden connections.
Her phone vibrated. It was a message from Lin Shuyu: “Student Xia, regarding the problem we discussed earlier, I thought of a new approach. If you’re interested, we can continue the discussion.”
Xia Yaojin replied immediately: “Please, tell me.”
The two began discussing via messages. Xia Yaojin didn’t even notice that Zhu Yawen had already left the library.
In Professor Chen’s office, Zhu Yawen listened to the situation with a calm expression.
“So, Lin Shuyu wants to be Yaojin’s academic mentor?”
“That’s what she said,” Professor Chen nodded. “And from a professional standpoint, she is indeed qualified.”
“But Yaojin doesn’t need more academic guidance,” Zhu Yawen said. “What she needs is… understanding.”
“Understanding?”
“Understanding why she studies, what knowledge means to her, and the light within her world.” Zhu Yawen’s voice was soft. “Lin Shuyu can give her academic resonance, but she can’t give her that.”
Professor Chen looked at her. “And you? Can you give it to her?”
“I’m learning.” Zhu Yawen smiled, a mix of bitterness and determination in her expression. “Learning math, learning physics, learning programming. Though it’s hard, I’m willing to learn. Because I want to walk into her world, not as a bystander but as a companion.”
She paused. “Besides, I don’t think Yaojin needs another version of herself. She needs… someone who can show her different scenery.”
Professor Chen was silent for a long time.
“You’re right,” he finally said. “But Student Zhu, in matters of the heart, effort doesn’t always yield results. Xia Yaojin… she might never ‘get it.'”
“I know,” Zhu Yawen nodded. “But that is her business. Persisting is mine.”
She stood up. “Will Yaojin be going to the seminar this weekend?”
“She wants to go.”
“Then I will go with her.”
“You…”
“I’m not going to spy on her or cause trouble,” Zhu Yawen said. “I’m going to learn. The academic resources Lin Shuyu can provide, I can strive for as well. And…” Her eyes turned resolute. “I want Yaojin to know that I am willing to enter her world by any means necessary. Not just as a suitor, but as a… qualified companion.”
Professor Chen watched her back as she left and suddenly laughed. Being young is wonderful. To challenge a field you’ve never stepped into for the sake of one person to become braver than you ever imagined.
On the forum, the battle escalated.
OP (Strategic Analysis Dept.): LATEST INTEL! Wenwen went to Professor Chen’s office! After coming out, she went straight to the Computer Science department! She’s signing up for an intensive programming class! Comrades! Our CP is actively meeting the challenge! Wenwen is going to use magic to defeat magic!
1L (CS Dept. Zhang Ming): I can be Wenwen’s programming tutor! Guaranteed fast track success!
2L (Math Dept. Wang Zhe): I can provide math support! From calculus to topology, I’ll make sure she learns it all!
3L (Physics Dept. Chen Mo): I’ve got the physics! Isn’t it just quantum mechanics? We’ll give Wenwen private lessons!
4L (Arts Dept. Cheer Squad): We provide spiritual support! Go Wenwen!
5L (Foreign Language Dept. Fanfic Writer): New chapter title: “Studying for Love: The Counterattack of the Department Belle”!
6L (Psychology Dept. Observer): Analyzing from motivation theory, the emergence of external competition actually strengthens Zhu Yawen’s pursuit. This is a classic “Romeo and Juliet Effect.”
7L (Frontline Reporter): LATEST! Jinjin is currently discussing online with Lin Shuyu! It’s been going on for an hour!
8L (Anxious CP Fan): What do we do?! Will Jinjin be snatched away?!
9L (Strategic Command): Stay calm! We must believe in Jinjin! And believe in Wenwen! Besides… isn’t this exactly the time to test true love?
In the dormitory, Xia Yaojin finished her discussion with Lin Shuyu in a great mood. She had learned a new way of thinking and solved a problem that had plagued her for a long time.
Zhou Xiaoyu leaned over. “Jinjin, that Senior Lin… what do you think of her?”
“She’s very impressive,” Xia Yaojin said truthfully. “Quick thinker, broad knowledge, and… very much like me.”
“Like you?”
“Yes, we both put academics first,” Xia Yaojin said. “Discussing things with her is comfortable. I don’t have to explain too many basic concepts, we can go straight into deep thinking.”
Zhou Xiaoyu asked cautiously, “Then… do you think she’s better, or Zhu Yawen is better?”
Xia Yaojin froze. She had never thought about this question.
Lin Shuyu and Zhu Yawen were two completely different people. One was like a fish in water in the academic world, the other was working hard to swim toward the deep sea where she lived. One could give her immediate intellectual resonance, the other gave her… she couldn’t quite explain it, but it was just a different feeling.
“They’re different,” she finally said. “You can’t compare them.”
Her phone vibrated again. This time it was a message from Zhu Yawen: “Yaojin, can I go to that seminar with you this weekend? I want to learn.”
Xia Yaojin looked at the message and suddenly smiled. She replied: “Okay. But you have to read the conference materials in advance, otherwise, you won’t understand.”
“I will,” Zhu Yawen replied instantly. “Send me some literature recommendations. I’ll start reading tonight.”
Xia Yaojin sent over a reading list and added: “If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask me.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
Putting down her phone, Xia Yaojin’s mood inexplicably brightened. She reopened her book, but this time, the corners of her mouth remained slightly upturned.
Outside the window, the sun was setting. A war without gunpowder had only just begun. And the protagonists were all preparing for the challenge in their own ways.
On the forum, the fanfiction was already being serialized. But the story in reality was far more exciting than any novel. Because this was a game played by three brilliant people:
A “straight” academic overachiever who only had eyes for research. An Arts Department belle studying hard for love. A genius senior sister who appeared out of nowhere.
Who will win? Time will give the answer.