“What happened?” asked Zhao Lian when he heard the Principal saying that someone handed in their answer script early.
After the Principal gathered his thoughts, he turned to Zhao Lian and exclaimed. “Huo Yao, a student from my school turned in her answer sheet an hour early.”
Zhao Lian raised his brow in surprise before he checked the time. “The questions are much tougher this time. Did she really finish them in two hours?”
The Principal placed his phone back in his pocket and sat down in the chair. Then he replied calmly. “Yup. Is she insane or what?”
Zhao Lian glanced at him. The Principal was clearly showing off.
“Why don’t you get her to swing by the research institute for a tour after the nationals tomorrow?” asked Zhao Lian, stroking his chin.
Since he had been following Huo Yao’s progress throughout the contest, he knew what a genius she was. He did not think even momentarily that she submitted her script early due to incompetence.
The Principal raised his chin rather smugly. “I have to see what she feels about that. I’m sure all the other Tsing University faculties will try to snap her up once the contest results are released.”
He was implying that Zhao Lian should not hold back this Physics genius by inviting her to join the Biology faculty.
A look of shock swept across Zhao Lian’s face. “Did she solve ‘that’ question in one night?”
It was hard even to figure out the scope of the past years’ online Olympiad exams, let alone obtain the answers.
“Of course. Why would I lie? On Monday, I will get the teacher to take a pic and let you have a look at the solution.” The Principal picked up his teacup and drank slowly.
Zhao Lian saw the Principal’s attitude and said angrily, “Look at how cocky you are.”
He took a calming breath before continuing. “The Biology faculty is just as good as the Physics department. I don’t care. We have been friends for so long, you must convince her to come by.”
How could he let such an all-rounded talent join some other faculty?
What if the young lady was actually interested in biology?
The Principal waved his hand. “We can talk about it some other time.”
It sure felt good to have such a highly sought after student.
**
Huo Yao took her phone from the Dean and left Tsing University with the Principal’s approval.
She sent Lei Xiao a text.
[Are you free now?]
Perhaps Lei Xiao was keeping an eye out for her text since he replied quickly: [Yes, I am. Where are you? Shall I come to pick you up?]
Huo Yao glanced at the huge plaque behind her with the university name on it and contemplated for two seconds before she replied: [How far away are you from Tsing University?]
[Not too far. Wait for me at the main entrance. I’ll be there in about 20 minutes.]
Huo Yao replied: [Okay.]
Huo Yao pulled the hoodie on her sweatshirt over her head before walking to stand on the roadside.
Twenty minutes later.
Lei Xiao drove over to Tsing University and pulled up at the entrance. After he killed the engine and got off the car, he walked over to its gates with complicated emotions surging through his heart.
Since Medicine Pill was a senior, he was seventeen to eighteen years old at best. He scrutinised the young men around that age who were standing there.
