Math Olympiad Training Course
As the test papers were handed out, Zhou Xiu listened intently to Teacher Wang’s explanations.
At first, Zhou Xiu struggled to keep up, her eyes filled with questions and the full impact of the material hitting her. She recalled Einstein’s words: “The process of being constantly ‘surprised’ and then overcoming that ‘surprise’ is the process of advancing in thought.”
The more she listened, the more she discovered the profound beauty in mathematics. The numbers arranged on the blackboard formed a strange and incredible pattern that Zhou Xiu found mesmerizing, leaving her in a state of awe.
In the county high school Zhou Xiu used to attend, teachers never taught this kind of content. She had worn out a textbook from cover to cover. Olympiad math was like a maverick swordsman, sharp and clean.
It didn’t follow the usual path, not like ordinary people who first descended a mountain and then climbed the peak opposite. Instead, it attempted to bridge the narrowest part of the chasm, leaping directly to the opposite peak.
This clever beauty, like a current of electricity coursing through her pores, gave Zhou Xiu a shiver.
As she stared at the dense numbers on the blackboard, she felt an extraordinary thrill.
This force drove her to copy down the problem-solving steps word for word onto her test paper, even transcribing Teacher Wang’s thought process into the margins.
Next to her, other students easily understood the material, not even needing to take notes.
Xu Haobo from the rocket class saw Zhou Xiu clumsily copying down her dense notes and sneered, “Cramming is useless.”
“Mathematics relies on flexible thinking.”
Xu Haobo had seen many students like Zhou Xiu—those who seemed strong and impressive but showed their true colours when it came to exams.
Zhou Xiu ignored his mockery and continued taking notes happily.
After the two-hour class ended, Zhou Xiu packed her bag and left the classroom.
The students from the adjacent chemistry and physics competition classes also gradually finished their sessions. Zhou Xiu walked over to the next classroom and couldn’t resist peeking through the glass window.
The teacher was manipulating a microscope, observing cells, while the students below the podium gathered in small groups around an electrophoresis tank, carefully adding reagents. Zhou Xiu stared, entranced.
It wasn’t until the experiment ended and the students began filing out that Zhou Xiu snapped out of her daze.
The system chimed in: [Young one, do you really like biology?]
Zhou Xiu answered honestly, “Yes, I do. Biology is fascinating. The knowledge in textbooks is always the most up-to-date and cutting-edge.”
“No other subject is as vibrant as biology.”
[You might want to consider this major in the future.]
Zhou Xiu shook her head, remaining silent for a long time before slowly saying, “No, there’s no money in that field.”
“I’ll study computer science or finance.”
Both of these majors were related to mathematics. A few days ago, the biology teacher had asked Zhou Xiu to fill out an application for the biology competition class. Although Zhou Xiu was tempted, she decided against it.
In high school, the math competition was indeed more influential than the biology competition. Zhou Xiu had not only scored full marks in biology on this exam but also in math. The biology teacher understood her choice and didn’t pressure her further.
Biology had to make way for mathematics.
The system: […]
It hadn’t expected its underprivileged student to have such a detailed and specific plan in such a short amount of time.
Zhou Xiu, carrying her backpack, took the subway back to the Xi family home. For the first time, she felt a sense of disorientation on the crowded subway. Even the English listening exercise playing in her earphones couldn’t hold her attention.
Her mind was filled with thoughts of test tubes and pipettes, like a movie reel rewinding, replaying the steps of the lab experiment where acetate membranes were ionized, stained, and washed.
The system offered: [Participating in the biology competition comes with a 500 RMB reward.]
Zhou Xiu: “…”
Xi Family Home
Zhou Xiu’s family called again, and this time, it was her uncle on the phone.
He spoke in heavily accented Mandarin, “Zhaodi, are you doing well in that rich family’s home?”
The call was answered by Xi’s mother, who disdainfully hung up the phone with a “snap.”
Her face was frosty.
The Xi family’s housekeeper quickly explained, “These calls don’t come often. Zhou Xiu is usually very well-behaved…”
Because Zhou Xiu often helped with household chores, the housekeeper had gradually changed her opinion of her. Worried that the mistress might take out her frustration on Zhou Xiu because of her relatives, the housekeeper hastened to explain.
Madam Xi coldly instructed the housekeeper to change the landline number.
The housekeeper hesitated, showing a look of reluctance.
So it seemed that Madam Xi despised Zhou Xiu’s family this much. But aren’t people from the countryside like that?
When Madam Xi saw the housekeeper’s sympathetic expression, she remembered her best friend Hao Yuemiao mentioning Zhou Xiu’s family situation. For the first time, she shared Zhou Xiu’s story with the housekeeper.
She talked about how Zhou Xiu had been forced to drop out of school and was exchanged for her cousin’s bride price.
After hearing this, the housekeeper gritted her teeth and said, “It’s better if she cuts ties with such a family! It would be such a pity if Xiu Xiu couldn’t go to school—she’s a natural student. She scored full marks in two subjects this time!”
Xi Shaoyuan, who was nearby, listened to his mother’s casual mention of this and showed no surprise. He calmly took a sip of water.
Madam Xi, unlike the housekeeper, didn’t show much emotion. She finished her dinner with a cold expression.
Zhou Xiu returned to the Xi family home just before nine o’clock.
She faced the housekeeper and the maids’ complex gazes with her usual calm, eating her dinner and doing her homework. Even when she was preparing her lunchbox, the housekeeper continued to watch her, prompting Zhou Xiu to ask:
“Is something wrong?”
“Xiu Xiu, your family called today. If it weren’t for Madam Xi mentioning your background, we wouldn’t have known. You’ve had such a hard life.”
Zhou Xiu just smiled and lowered her head, continuing to prepare the meal she’d bring to school the next day.
The warm sticky rice was steaming, releasing a rich fragrance that evoked a sense of homely comfort. The smell of the food alone brought a sense of satisfaction, as if merely filling one’s stomach was a great joy.
Zhou Xiu didn’t think of herself as unfortunate. The real misfortune was reserved for those who would never have the chance to study again.
Compared to the girls from her village, who were around her age but had either dropped out of high school or gotten married early, Zhou Xiu considered herself lucky to have the opportunity to study in a big city, while her cousins would never escape the mountains.
All Zhou Xiu needed to do was ensure she studied well, and everything would go smoothly.
She formed a rice ball and said contentedly, “No, Auntie, I feel very fortunate.”
Zhou Xiu’s lips curved slightly as she continued shaping the rice balls she had prepared.
The School Sports Festival
After the monthly exams, Yude High School quickly ushered in its annual sports festival.
The sports festival meant liberation. After enduring more than a week of hard work, the students, like birds released from their cages, burst into excitement as soon as the teachers announced the festival arrangements.
After class, the class arts representative finalized the design for the class uniforms and the parade entry plans for the sports festival.
When it came to the parade, Hua Xu, who had always been the flag bearer, said, “It’s the same every year. It’s getting boring.”
The arts representative, after making the rounds, directly suggested, “Why not let Yuan Ruoyi do it?”
This suggestion was worse than none at all. As soon as it was mentioned, the whole class sighed in unison.
Yuan Ruoyi’s public reprimand for cheating on the exams hadn’t yet faded from memory. Pushing her to be the flag bearer would be like handing her over to be humiliated.
Yuan Ruoyi’s face flushed red, and she crossed her arms angrily, wearing an “I don’t care” expression, as if she was above the suggestion.
The arts representative glared back at her and said, “Then who do you suggest?”
“Zhou Xiu?”
As soon as this offhand suggestion was made, Hua Xu immediately raised both hands in agreement and decisively said, “Fine, let Xiu Xiu do it.”
Zhou Xiu had no idea how this task had suddenly fallen on her. Just as she was about to refuse, the arts representative had already written her name down.
Seeing her name already written, Zhou Xiu decided not to be overly modest and didn’t refuse.
In her impression, being the flag bearer was just a matter of holding a sign. She didn’t understand why the class needed to discuss it at such length.
The flag bearers were usually one male and one female. In previous years, Tan Ming had always been the male flag bearer.
There were quite a few good-looking boys in Class 24, but Tan Ming’s looks were widely accepted. Every year, during the sports festival, he would receive WeChat requests from numerous senior and junior girls.
But when he saw Zhou Xiu’s name written down, he immediately said, “This year, let someone else do it. I’ve been doing it every year since middle school—boring.”
When Hua Xu said it was boring, she genuinely meant it. Every year, no matter what she wore, her figure would be scrutinized on the school forum after the sports festival, filled with malice.
When Tan Ming said it was boring, it was insincere. He was the one who dressed the flashiest at every sports festival and received girls’ contact details with a big smile on his face.
Many classmates were well aware that he liked Lu Lingshan and was deeply bothered by Zhou Xiu.
“Fine—if you don’t want to do it, I will!” Du Feiyang volunteered enthusiastically.
“If no one else wants to, I think I can do it too,” said the sports representative.
“Me, me, me—choose me! I’m super handsome!”
At the same time, Xu Qing casually said, “Write my name.”
As soon as Xu Qing spoke, not only the arts representative but also the other class officers widened their eyes in surprise—wow.
Xu Qing usually refused to participate in such things, preferring to keep a low profile. If he hadn’t had so few opportunities to stand out, Tan Ming wouldn’t have been voted as the class heartthrob.
Come to think of it, it was quite embarrassing—both the class heartthrob and class beauty of Class 24 were voted in by outsiders.
“Alright, the class president is stepping up.”
“Give the class president a chance—his name goes on the list!”
“We’d love to see what the class president looks like leading the parade!”
The Sports Festival Begins
In mid-December, the sports festival kicked off.
Early Monday morning, Hua Xu dragged Zhou Xiu to help her put on the flag bearer uniform and apply makeup.
“Hurry up, Xiu Xiu. Don’t be nervous later. We’ve got your back!”
The students of Class 24 had spent a lot of time rehearsing for the opening ceremony. Zhou Xiu finally realized that being a flag bearer was not as simple as just holding a sign.
Class 24 had prepared a rather flashy opening ceremony, forcing Zhou Xiu to practice for a long time. Her steps and posture were repeatedly corrected.
As she slowly put on the only normal outfit, Zhou Xiu couldn’t help but feel relieved that she was the flag bearer.
Hua Xu applied makeup to Zhou Xiu, using some powder to set it. “Xiu Xiu, you should pay more attention to sun protection. Your features are beautiful, and you look gorgeous with makeup.”
She took out a mirror and showed it to Zhou Xiu.
Zhou Xiu glanced at it quickly. Not bad.
The students participating in the opening ceremony waited outside the sports field for a long time. When other classes saw the outfits of Class 24, they couldn’t help but scream with envy:
“Wow, that’s amazing! I want to take a picture with them!”
“I wish I could walk in with them—this class is so cool!”
Many students couldn’t resist taking out their phones and snapping pictures.
Zhou Xiu couldn’t help but turn her head. Xu Qing stood straight and calmly said, “Don’t worry. Walk confidently.”
“Leave the rest to them.”
The announcer had already reached the introduction for Class 23 of the second year. Zhou Xiu picked up the sign and walked into the sports field alongside Xu Qing.
“And now, approaching us are the students of Class 24, Year 2…”
Zhou Xiu wore a pure white little dress and walked in high heels, side by side with Xu Qing as they entered the sports field.
On the grass, students from other classes who had already completed their entrances turned to look toward the entrance, buzzing with excitement:
“Who’s that girl leading the parade for Class 24? I don’t recognize her. I was hoping to see Hua Xu again—tsk…”
“She’s here, she’s here! Look closely, the flag bearer is so cute.”
“This junior? I like her! So many pretty girls in Class 24!”
As they got closer, the students could see that the flag bearer had legs as straight as pencils, well-proportioned. Her hair flowed over her shoulders, and her bright eyes were full of spirit. With a cool and solemn expression, she looked like the most dignified little fairy.
The team of students suddenly parted in unison, and several students emerged from the group. Three remote-controlled planes carrying colourful balls buzzed along behind them.
The crowd suddenly erupted in excitement:
“Whoa!”
“Is this class cosplaying Honor of Kings?”
**Nomad: Honor of Kings (known as Arena of Valor in some regions) is a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Tencent. It’s one of the highest-grossing games in the world and has a huge player base, especially in China.**
“They must have a big budget for activities—this is so cool!”
Yu Qingyan, dressed as Angela, bounced out, her cute voice ringing out across the field, “Knowledge is power.”
A girl dressed as Xiao Qiao waved her ribbons and fan, spinning the ribbons like a wreath that dazzled the entire crowd.
She sweetly said, “You have to work hard to get stronger.”
“You’re not alone.”
A general in a dark red robe, cosplaying as Han Xin, twirled his spear, exuding a heroic and handsome aura, “Before reaching victory, there’s no turning back!”
“Don’t chase impossible dreams!”
Finally, Hua Xu, cosplaying as Diao Chan, held a lotus flower and performed a dance. Her robes fluttered in the cold wind, and with a delicate touch, she released the remote-controlled plane carrying the lotus into the air:
“Go, bloom, the flowers have opened—”
At that moment, the three remote-controlled planes released the colourful balls above them, which spread out, unfurling a banner overhead that resembled a recall effect:
“Don’t back down when the wind’s against you.”
“Don’t get cocky when the wind’s with you.”
“Study hard, and make progress every day!”
The boys and girls handpicked from Class 24 had strong dancing skills. Their movements were fluid and skilful, as if they were performing a martial arts routine. Their costumes were exquisitely designed, dazzling everyone.
The entire crowd was instantly energized.
“Hahaha, I’m dying of laughter—‘study hard and make progress every day,’ such a hardcore message!”
“They’re so cute… and so cool!”
“This class is full of talented people—I’m totally impressed!”
“My idol is in Class 24! Ugh, General Han Xin is so handsome, I’m totally into him! The girls in their class are so lucky.”
What a truth bomb—obviously, the boys in their class are the lucky ones, the male students thought to themselves.
The girls screamed as they watched Han Xin, while the boys’ eyes were glued to Diao Chan, Xiao Qiao, Angela, and the flag bearer.
Those other classes that had worn traditional costumes, Republic of China outfits, or suits paled in comparison to Class 24, getting completely overshadowed.
There’s no harm without comparison.
Du Feiyang and a few others, who had been working diligently behind the scenes controlling the planes, were surrounded by the roaring cheers. He watched as Tan Ming and the others basked in the limelight, grinding his teeth as he summoned his beloved plane back.
Tech nerds don’t get a chance to shine.
But the students of the rocket class watched, questioning their sanity: Was this Class 24’s unique way of declaring war?
**Nomad: Leave it to class 24 to show everyone up. They have the time and the money. I have included pictures of the Honor of King’s characters mentioned below**
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