They're already in university, and the primary school system is only just starting out?

The atmosphere at the dinner table was warm and cozy in the evening.

The brand-new air conditioner in the living room quietly delivers coolness.

Lin Xiaoqi's smile never stopped as she kept putting food on her son's plate, muttering, "My son is so successful."

Although Chen Xian didn't say much, the undisguised satisfaction and pride between his brows was more genuine than any words.

After a satisfying meal, and as the complex emotions of shock, relief, and pride gradually subsided, Chen Xian's usual caution began to prevail.

He put down his chopsticks, adjusted his glasses, and looked calmly at Chen Lin, asking, "What exactly is going on with your math tutoring? I still don't quite understand."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiaoqi immediately became displeased and nudged her husband with her elbow: "Hey, why are you taking this so seriously? Our son already said that even big companies recognize him, which proves that our son has the ability!"

Chen Xian ignored his wife's interruption and continued looking at Chen Lin: "It's not that I don't believe you, Dad is just worried. You're a liberal arts student; your math skills might be passable for tutoring middle school students, but engineering design institutes handle projects worth tens or hundreds of millions. How could they possibly find a Chinese language and literature major like you to solve the math problems involved?"

coming.

Chen Lin had already anticipated this. His mother, being an emotional person, wouldn't think too much, but his knowledgeable and cautious father wasn't so easily fooled.

He quickly went over his story in his mind, omitting the fact that he had borrowed the admission notice and transcript from Shen Yan and posted them on the salted fish to increase credibility.

"Dad, actually, it's quite a coincidence. Last semester, I don't know why, but I suddenly became very interested in math. Whenever I had free time, I would go to the library and read through all the undergraduate math curriculum, as well as some more advanced academic books."

"After reading a lot, I found that I actually have some talent. I gradually became able to understand many things that I used to think were like gibberish, and I could even apply what I learned to other situations."

He shrugged, a perfectly timed "I don't know why either" expression on his face: "As for the design institute, I initially just posted a consulting service ad on Xianyu (a Chinese online marketplace) on a 'let's see what happens' attitude. They contacted me first. The two consultations I gave them were very effective; otherwise, they wouldn't have wanted to have a long-term partnership with me."

This half-truthful explanation delighted Lin Xiaoqi, who slapped her thigh with glee: "I knew it! My son is a genius!"

Chen Xian was not as agitated as his wife. He looked at his son deeply, nodded thoughtfully, and did not press for further details.

In his view, while the process is important, the result speaks volumes. Regardless of how his son achieved it, the fact that a professional engineering design institute recognized his abilities is proof enough.

"Okay, as long as you know what you're doing." Chen Xian pondered for a moment, then changed the subject, "However, this consultation can only be a part-time job. You'll be a junior next year, so you should seriously consider your future career path. The major of Chinese Language and Literature doesn't offer many career options."

That's exactly what I wanted!

Chen Lin had been waiting for these words. He immediately put down his chopsticks, sat up straight, and his expression became serious.

"Dad, Mom, I was just about to tell you about this."

"I've made up my mind. Next semester, I'll apply to switch my major to mathematics."

Lin Xiaoqi's smile froze instantly, replaced by astonishment and worry.

"Change your major? Go to the math department? Son, are you kidding me?" Her words came out quickly and urgently, like a machine gun. "Would the school agree to a humanities student switching to science? Besides, math is so hard! You haven't attended a single class; you've been self-studying it all. What if you can't keep up?"

"Sit down first!" Chen Xian said in a low voice, gesturing for his wife to calm down, then turned his gaze back to his son, his eyes sharp.

Do you have a clear assessment of your current math skills?

"Have you considered what to do if you can't keep up with your studies after changing your major? No matter what you study, graduating smoothly is always the most important thing."

How confident are you? What are your specific plans?

"Dad, you don't need to worry about my level," Chen Lin said calmly and confidently. "I dare say I'm much better than the vast majority of undergraduate math majors."

He took out his phone, scrolled through his previous chat history with Shen Yan, and showed it to his parents.

Shen Yan had previously contacted him by voice call to inform him of his trip to the capital, but a month ago she sent him a text message to thank him for his modeling guidance.

"A while ago, I helped a modeling competition team from our school's math department optimize their algorithm. With this solution, they've already won first prize in the regional competition, and they're basically guaranteed a national first prize. Next month, they'll be representing the school in an offline exchange in Beijing, aiming for the national championship. They've already registered my name with the school, and I'll be going to Beijing with them in the middle of next month."

"They promised me half of the prize money from the competition. If I win, I'll get six thousand."

The doubts in Chen Xian's eyes dissipated considerably. Chen Lin had no reason to lie to them; if all else failed, they could go to the capital with Chen Lin to verify it.

"As for the regulations for switching from arts to sciences," Chen Lin continued, "rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Top universities like Yannan University always leave room for personal connections and exceptions under the rules. As long as I can demonstrate enough value, such as helping the school win honors in national competitions, it is possible to impress the school leaders and get them to make an exception for me."

Looking at his father's face, which was already beginning to be persuaded, he revealed the future development path he had previously determined.

"Dad, the reason I'm so determined to switch to the math department isn't just because of my interest, but also because of my plans for the future."

He took a deep breath and slowly said, "As you know, what is the fastest-growing field of technology in the world right now? It's artificial intelligence, it's AI. And the core, the underlying logic of all AI technologies, is mathematics. Whether it's algorithms, models, or data, they all rely on it."

"In my own judgment, the next ten years will be the era of AI. This field will create countless opportunities. Our Chinese language and literature majors already have limited career paths, and they will be even more vulnerable in the face of this wave of the times. Only by switching to the mathematics department can I have more opportunities."

"I'm working hard to earn money now so I can save up my first sum of money to start a business. I hope that in the future, I will have the opportunity to truly enter the field of AI."

After he finished speaking, the entire restaurant fell silent.

Lin Xiaoqi was completely confused, but she could sense a light in her son's eyes that she had never seen before when he said these words.

Chen Xian was completely stunned by his son's clear logic and far-sighted vision.

He stared blankly at his son, as if he were looking at a stranger.

He never imagined that his son, who was usually a bit talkative and liked to do part-time jobs to earn a little extra money, would have such a grand plan in his heart.

After a long while, Chen Xian let out a heavy sigh, his scrutiny and doubt completely replaced by relief and approval.

He raised his hand, patted Chen Lin's shoulder heavily, and said only four words.

I support you.

With her husband's approval, Lin Xiaoqi's worries gradually subsided.

……

It was late at night.

Chen Lin lay on his bed in his bedroom.

With his eyes closed, his enhanced hearing, a hallucination of a "little champion," allowed him to clearly hear his parents' hushed conversation in the master bedroom next door.

"Old Chen, don't you think our son is a little different this time he came back?" It was his mother, Lin Xiaoqi's voice, tinged with emotion.

"Yes," Chen Xian's voice was as steady as ever, "He seems much stronger and more energetic."

"That's not all," Lin Xiaoqi said, a hint of surprise in her voice. "I feel like he's suddenly found his own backbone, his own goals and pursuits. Have you noticed? Before, although he was sensible, he mostly just did what we told him to do, maybe complaining a little. But today, he planned everything out clearly and presented it to us logically and with evidence. He's never done anything like this before."

In the darkness, Chen Lin could imagine his father nodding.

"Children always have to grow up, and we should support him to go out and explore," Chen Xian said with a smile. "Besides, isn't this a good thing? Don't you think he's become more sensible? He knows how to care for us now, and he even thinks about getting a new air conditioner for the house."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiaoqi's tone immediately revealed barely suppressed joy and pride.

"Yeah! You have no idea how happy I was when I saw that new air conditioner this afternoon. This kid has really grown up; he's practically the pillar of the family now."

……

Listening to his parents' conversation, Chen Lin closed his eyes and a warm smile slowly appeared on his lips.

.....

June 23, Monday, 6 PM.

A key middle school in a water town in Jiangsu Province.

On a hot summer afternoon, the air seemed to solidify, and the cicadas outside the window chirped louder and louder, making people feel irritable.

Inside the classroom, the atmosphere was completely different from the anxiety outside the window, exuding a unique laziness and relaxation that comes with final exams.

On the podium, the math teacher was diligently explaining several challenging problems from the final exam, but only half the students were paying attention. The rest were either secretly playing on their phones or whispering with their deskmates, discussing where to go for summer vacation.

Liang Xiaodong is one of them.

He was slumped on the table like a lump of mud, half his face buried in his arms, holding his phone and texting a WeChat friend named "Neck".

[Liang Xiaodong]: [Play ball! Play ball! Play badminton!]

[Liang Xiaodong]: [After two days of gaming, I'm feeling really overwhelmed and desperately need a good, sweaty physical workout!]

I sent two messages, but there was no response from the other side for a long time.

Liang Xiaodong pursed his lips and had just put his phone away when he felt a light tap on his back.

He turned around and saw his good brother, Han Sibo, looking at him with a helpless expression.

Han Sibo wears black-rimmed glasses, has a refined appearance and a calm demeanor. He is a model student in the eyes of teachers and the "other people's child" in the eyes of parents.

"Dongzi, stop playing around, Lao Ding is watching from behind," Han Sibo reminded him in a low voice.

Liang Xiaodong subconsciously shrank his neck and glanced at the back door out of the corner of his eye. Sure enough, he saw the familiar face of his homeroom teacher, Ding Shujun.

He quickly stuffed his phone into the desk drawer, sat up straight, and pretended to be a well-behaved student listening attentively.

Finally, the bell rang, and the teacher had just left the classroom when Liang Xiaodong jumped up and grabbed Han Sibo.

"Let's get moving, my neck! Let's play some ball! If I don't move around, I feel like I'm going to get moldy."

"I can't go," Han Sibo shook his head, pulling out a stack of printed math lecture notes from the mountain of review materials on the table. "I have to study."

Liang Xiaodong froze, staring at his good brother with disbelief.

"What are you studying for? Didn't you just finish your final exams?" He leaned closer and grinned mischievously. "What, did you bomb the exams? Starting to prepare for senior year early?"

"No," Han Sibo pushed up his glasses, his expression serious, "I'm preparing for the Strong Foundation Program selection in my senior year of high school."

"The Strong Foundation Program?" A big question mark appeared on Liang Xiaodong's forehead. "What's that?"

"It's hard to explain in a sentence or two," Han Sibao said succinctly. "You can look it up online yourself. To put it simply, you can think of it as a pathway that could give me a chance to get into Tsinghua or Peking University through special admissions."

"Holy crap!" Liang Xiaodong's eyes widened instantly, and he tightened his grip on the other man's body. "Your neck's got some nerve! Don't forget me when you're rich and powerful!"

Liang Xiaodong was well aware of Han Sibo's grades. He consistently ranked in the top fifty of his grade, and when he was in good form, he could break into the top thirty.

Even in a top-tier provincial high school like theirs, this score would place them among the top students. But to say they're guaranteed admission to Tsinghua or Peking University is still a long way off.

Liang Xiaodong had heard his homeroom teacher mention that in the past two years, only about twenty students from their school had been admitted to Tsinghua and Peking Universities each year.

This was the first time Liang Xiaodong had heard of the "Strong Foundation Program," and it seemed that the number of people who got in based solely on their college entrance exam scores was even smaller than that.

"Stop it, stop it," Han Sibo said, waving his hands hurriedly as he was being squeezed so tightly he could hardly breathe. "They call it an opportunity, but it's really just bringing together the top test-takers from all over the country to compete for a tiny number of admission spots. It's much harder than the college entrance exam."

He paused, then added, "The school has set up a special training class for this, and classes started the day before yesterday. I'm currently working on the homework assignments the teacher gave yesterday. There's another class after school on Wednesday afternoon, where the teacher will explain them."

"There's still tomorrow," Liang Xiaodong persisted, trying to persuade him. "Go play ball today. It's good to balance work and rest; you'll be more efficient that way. Maybe after you exercise, your mind will suddenly clear up?"

"Forget it," Han Sibo shook his head, "If I can't figure out the problem, I won't be able to enjoy myself when I go out to play."

"..."

Liang Xiaodong released his grip speechlessly. He still couldn't understand the world of academic geniuses.