Chapter 56

The students, who had originally lowered their heads and averted their eyes for fear of being called on by Professor Angus, now looked up simultaneously, their gazes fixed on Qin Rui on the stage.
Many thought to themselves, "Qin Rui really lives up to being the student council president. He can keep up with such incomprehensible content and even compete with Tao Shushu for the chance to answer. He’s amazing."
The principal’s face beamed with a smile. Tao Shushu had already been acknowledged by Professor Angus for answering correctly, and now the student representative Qin Rui was not holding back either. When this recording was released later, it would become Huiwen’s flagship recruitment advertisement. Parents hoping their sons would become dragons and their daughters phoenixes would definitely prioritize Huiwen.
Tao Shushu glanced at the diagram in confusion. Shouldn’t Diagram Two be the wrong one? Why did Professor Angus say not to choose Diagram One? Had she miscalculated? Tao Shushu flipped to a new page in her notebook and began redrawing the reference diagram.
All eyes in the room were on Qin Rui.
Qin Rui’s physics wasn’t poor. In fact, he had won last year’s National High School Physics Competition gold medal, and his knowledge of physics far surpassed that of the other high school students present. But in the field of theoretical astrophysics, his understanding was, at best, introductory.
Unfortunately, today Professor Angus had spotted Tao Shushu and, delighted by her genius, couldn’t resist delving deeper into the topic. The difficulty level of the lecture had skyrocketed beyond the intended popular science talk, and his question had left Qin Rui completely stumped.
Qin Rui tried to judge based on the paper he had read yesterday and the physics knowledge he had learned before. After calmly thinking for a while, he still couldn’t find any problem with Figure 1. With his current theoretical level, he genuinely couldn’t identify where Figure 1 went wrong.
The auditorium fell silent for half a minute.
"If you need help, I can assist you," the Academic Genius System spoke up. "If your classmates’ impression of you worsens, your protagonist aura will be affected."
Qin Rui scanned the audience. Every student was looking up at him expectantly, and the teachers and principal were also watching him. In the past, he had always been able to deliver the best answers at moments like this.
Qin Rui glanced at Tao Shushu. Professor Angus had just pulled her to sit beside him, a spot that originally belonged to the principal, yet the principal didn’t seem to mind. In the entire auditorium, only Tao Shushu was engrossed in her calculations, completely oblivious to her surroundings. Well, let her bear the brunt of this, he thought. He didn’t believe Tao Shushu could truly keep up with Professor Angus’s train of thought.
Under Professor Angus’s slightly urging gaze, Qin Rui spoke humbly, "Professor, I’d like to pass the opportunity to my classmate, Tao Shushu." He deliberately crafted the image of someone who actually understood but didn’t want to steal Tao Shushu’s spotlight.
Sure enough, a group of students in the audience was moved. "Is Senior Qin Rui letting Tao Shushu take the stage because he heard she solved it?"
"Senior Qin Rui has already secured a spot for further studies. I heard it’s really hard to get into Professor Angus’s school. Gaining his favor might even lead to a recommendation letter, so he specifically gave the chance to Shushu?"
"A man who doesn’t chase the spotlight is so cool," a small group of students whispered among themselves.
"Is there any other student willing to share their thoughts?" Professor Angus continued from the stage.
Qin Rui frowned, feeling that things were once again deviating from his expectations.
Below the stage, several students from the physics competition training class huddled together, murmuring quietly. They glanced at the stage, aware that the session was being recorded, and the thought of making a mistake and embarrassing themselves made them hesitant. In the end, their lack of confidence prevailed, and no one raised their hand.
"Then let’s have Tao Shushu speak. We shouldn’t waste any more time," Professor Angus said, turning to Tao Shushu with an encouraging and expectant look.
Tao Shushu picked up her draft paper. "Actually, my judgment is that the model in Figure 1 is correct. Based on the theory you just explained, Professor, same spatial plane, coordinate distribution, uniform celestial bodies, all these conditions are accurate. However, the three celestial bodies in Figure 2 happen to form a gravitational field, so this model can no longer be applied."
"Excellent," Professor Angus applauded, his smile returning. "Figure 1 is indeed correct. Some of you might have subconsciously believed Figure 1 was wrong simply because I said so, and you didn’t trust your own judgment. In scientific research, it’s not enough to blindly follow others; you also need to question and evaluate things for yourselves."
No one had expected Professor Angus to slip in a little motivational speech.
In the audience, a few students from the physics competition class collectively sighed in regret. They, too, had felt that Figure 1 was fine, but because Professor Angus had stated it was incorrect, they had subconsciously double-checked it over and over. A couple of them had even noticed issues with Figure 2, but they assumed "if Figure 2 is wrong, Figure 1 must be wrong too." It never crossed their minds that Professor Angus had been testing them all along.
Professor Angus was generous with his praise for Tao Shushu. "Student Tao Shushu already possesses the qualities of a theoretical physics researcher. Every time I publish a paper, the old-school scholars come to criticize it. If I hadn't persisted, I wouldn't be standing here today to share with all of you."
The more Professor Angus looked at Tao Shushu, the more pleased he became.
The students in the audience also had their eyes on Tao Shushu. Though she had just been praised by an internationally renowned top figure in the field of physics, she remained neither arrogant nor humble, sitting on the stage as gracefully as a painting.
The two competition students who had earlier felt regretful were also unsettled. They usually competed alongside Tao Shushu and often heard Teacher Li Xin praising her. As talented competitors themselves, they occasionally felt a bit resentful after hearing Li Xin’s frequent commendations.
It was only now that they realized there truly was a difference between them and Tao Shushu. While they were still mechanically preparing for exams and following authority, Tao Shushu had already developed her own way of thinking, and she was always thinking independently.
The two resolved to learn more from Tao Shushu’s strengths in the future.
At this moment, they also came to a realization: if Figure 1 really had a problem and Tao Shushu had answered it, they wouldn’t have thought much of it, after all, Angus had already said that Tao Shushu had solved it first. But when the issue turned into questioning authority, Qin Rui’s seemingly generous gesture of giving Tao Shushu a chance to shine appeared less honorable.
Tao Shushu was bound to answer the question. Fortunately, she was someone who stuck to her own judgment. If she hadn’t been confident enough, she would have been the one unable to answer in front of everyone.
Qin Rui not only gained a good reputation but also avoided the awkwardness of having to answer an uncertain question.
The two students whispered to each other, "So, Qin Rui couldn’t make an accurate judgment either, and he just passed the buck to Shushu?"
"Probably."
Their idealized view of Qin Rui shattered.
Li Xin often said that if Tao Shushu and Qin Rui competed together, it was hard to say who would score higher. But judging by today’s performance, Qin Rui was definitely no match for Tao Shushu.
Qin Rui had shifted the responsibility to someone else, passing the risk of embarrassment along with it. He was too slick, so slick it was almost frightening.
The two exchanged a glance and decided to keep their distance from Qin Rui in the future to avoid being unwittingly manipulated by him.
They weren’t the only ones who thought this way. Some quick-witted individuals also wondered whether Qin Rui simply didn’t know the answer himself.
The principal nodded thoughtfully. He thought to himself, "Qin Rui really is the student council president, he already knows how to handle situations. When faced with a difficult question, he quickly passed it to Tao Shushu. After all, they’re both students from our school, so whoever answers doesn’t bring shame. But academically, it seems Tao Shushu is more capable."
If not for being on stage, Qin Rui’s face would have darkened. He barely managed to maintain a composed expression, pretending as if nothing had happened.
But the system’s continuous notifications made it clear that he had once again shot himself in the foot, not only giving Tao Shushu a chance to shine but also causing many students to lower their support for him.
Many students realized that Qin Rui wasn't an all-around academic god, campus heartthrob, and student council president, he was just like them, equally hesitant to question the renowned Professor Angus.
As the lecture finally drew to a close, Qin Rui found it increasingly difficult to maintain his composure. Electric currents seemed to dart through his mind; the punishment was far from easy.
Tao Shushu noticed Qin Rui's unpleasant expression and let out a soft chuckle. With his constipated look, was he feeling unwell? If he left in a hurry later, she could seize the opportunity to ask the professor about the "dimensional resonance" theory.
After enduring until the end of the lecture, the recording director turned off the camera, and Qin Rui could finally rub his aching head.
The voice of the Academic Genius System was devoid of emotion. "Please remember to maintain your image, Host."
Qin Rui glanced at Tao Shushu. It seemed ordinary methods wouldn't work against her; he needed to be more cautious.
Tao Shushu touched the piece of paper in her pocket, on which she had written the questions she wanted to ask Professor Angus.
But with Qin Rui still watching her like a hawk, she had to wait for the right moment.
Tao Shushu patiently waited as Professor Angus exchanged pleasantries with the department leaders.
Just then, she caught sight of Wang Tianba approaching from the corner of her eye.
Tao Shushu asked bluntly, "What do you want?"
"Shushu," Wang Tianba sounded somewhat hurt, "we're friends, aren't we? I mean no harm. I came to warn you, Qin Rui was giving you dirty looks earlier. He set you up to make you look bad. Don't be fooled by him."
Tao Shushu asked, "Is that all?"
Her intention was to ask if Wang Tianba had any other motives. After all, Wang Tianba was Su Momo's number one backup admirer, yet here he was trying to cozy up to her. No matter how she looked at it, Tao Shushu couldn't let her guard down.
But Wang Tianba misunderstood. "I'll also protect you with actions."
"Huh?" Tao Shushu was baffled. "Alright then. If you're talking about actions, I'm going to ask Professor Angus a few questions. Don't disturb me."
Tao Shushu turned and walked away, hoping Wang Tianba would take the hint and keep his distance.
She didn't see Wang Tianba clenching his fists secretly before heading straight toward Qin Rui.
Just then, Angus finished his conversation.
He was extremely eager to recruit such a talented student under his wing. "I hold a prestigious position in the physics community and have ample funding. As long as you come to our university, you can start working in my lab from the moment you enroll."
The assistant behind Professor Angus looked at Tao Shushu with envy. That was Professor Angus's lab, countless top-performing students at the university couldn't even get in.
Tao Shushu politely declined, "Actually, I haven't considered studying abroad. Thank you for your kindness."
Professor Angus tried to persuade her a few more times and even gave her his personal contact information.
When it became clear he couldn't change her mind, Angus said regretfully, "Alright, I hope you'll reconsider one day. My door is always open. But I also believe that even without my lab, you'll achieve something that will astonish the theoretical physics community."
After exchanging a few more words, Tao Shushu finally pulled out her small note. "Professor Angus, I have a few questions I'd like to ask you about dimensional resonance."
"Dimensional Resonance?" Professor Angus took the note. "Actually, that was a concept that suddenly popped into my head after I’d been drinking. I’ve never verified it, and over the past two years, I’ve come to feel it’s simply unattainable. But I can send you the entire thought process I had back then."
Professor Angus agreed to have his assistant send all his notes to Tao Shushu immediately. "To be honest, I’m really looking forward to the day you make this concept a reality."
With a faint regret of not having recruited a talented student, Professor Angus got into his car and left.
Though Tao Shushu hadn’t gained any concrete insights into dimensional resonance, she had still benefited immensely.
This time, she finally began to ponder what major she would study and what career she would pursue in the future.
Tao Shushu quietly asked the system, [Is my talent in physics really that high?]
Professor Angus’s praise had made her almost embarrassed.
[You didn’t secretly give me a protagonist’s halo, did you?] Tao Shushu asked warily.
The system cried injustice, [I’m a proper system, I don’t play those tricks.]
[Alright then.] Tao Shushu said.
Just as Tao Shushu was about to leave, the director of the Science Education Channel called out to her. Standing beside him was the principal, beaming with joy.
"Tao Shushu, we, at the Science Education Channel are planning to film a promotional video for the college entrance exams. Would you be interested in participating?"
-
After discussing the promotional video, Tao Shushu remembered she had forgotten her schoolbag and returned to the auditorium.
As she pushed the door open a crack, she heard Wang Tianba and Qin Rui attacking each other.
Wang Tianba, with his brute strength, punched Qin Rui in the stomach. "Stop playing dirty tricks, you hypocrite. I look down on you."
"I look down on you too," Qin Rui retorted, fighting back. "Weren’t you chasing after Su Momo before? Switching targets so quickly now?"
Tao Shushu quietly closed the door and hurried to the security office. "Uncle, I lost something in the auditorium. Can I check the surveillance footage?"
She kept her involvement under wraps, there was no way she could mediate a fight. Better to leave it to the security guards.

Strolling leisurely back to the classroom, Tao Shushu was immediately treated to snacks by Li Anyu.
Li Anyu fumed indignantly, "Shushu, it’s a good thing you’re so sharp and answered the question today. How could Qin Rui shift the blame onto you? He has no gentlemanly manners at all."
Tao Shushu nibbled on the dessert Li Anyu had carefully prepared. "It’s fine, I’m not afraid of answering questions."
Sooner or later, someone would see through Qin Rui’s manipulative tactics. She wasn’t in a hurry.
It was just a bit strange, why was Qin Rui following in Su Momo’s footsteps? He was already the student council president, with excellent grades, family background, and looks. Why was he resorting to such methods?
Was the Academic Genius System really cultivating academic prodigies? Tao Shushu pondered.
Lost in thought, Li Anyu gossiped, "Shushu, the forum says Qin Rui and Wang Tianba got into a fight, and both had their parents called in. I wonder how badly Qin Rui got beaten up."
Tao Shushu opened the campus forum and found that the situation had blown up quite a bit.
There were surveillance cameras in the auditorium, and as soon as the security guards noticed a fight breaking out, they rushed to the scene and even called the dean of students.
The dean had already been planning to crack down on school bullies, and with solid evidence this time, he immediately declared that the matter would be dealt with severely.
Wang Tianba’s parents were called in.
Qin Rui, as a first-time offender, was someone the dean had always held in high regard as the student council president. However, Wang Tianba insisted on equal treatment, so Qin Rui’s parents were also summoned.
No one could clearly explain why the two had started fighting.
On the forum, speculation gradually emerged that Wang Tianba had challenged Qin Rui over Su Momo.
Surprisingly, Wang Tianba replied in real time, saying, "Don’t insult me by bringing Su Momo into this."
Tao Shushu shook her head. Wang Tianba’s affection for Su Momo had shifted too easily.
Her cub was still more reliable.
After school, Tao Shushu opened the game.
Nan Yuan was just directing everyone in transporting supplies.
He stood at the front of the group, personally carrying two baskets of ore. His lips were pressed into a slight line, but his expression wasn’t strained. Amid a crowd of people panting heavily from carrying just one basket, he seemed exceptionally at ease.
Tao Shushu glanced at Nan Yuan and reached out to lend him a hand.
Nan Yuan paused for a moment, then immediately broke into a smile. He set down the two baskets and told everyone to take a break.
Seizing the opportunity, Tao Shushu observed the survivors in their original art style. Cheng Feimao’s legs were indeed long, but not as exaggerated as in the chibi version. The others also had distinct features.
Tao Shushu looked at Nan Yuan again, he was the best-looking person in the base.
By now, she had somewhat built up immunity to the devastating effect of Nan Yuan’s appearance. Tao Shushu cleared her throat softly and said, "Nan Yuan, let’s go find some Bloodsucking Grass."
"Alright," Nan Yuan agreed.
Tao Shushu followed Nan Yuan out of the base. In the original art style, the mother cluster of Bloodsucking Grass looked especially eerie and deep.
It was no wonder they were considered the most troublesome mutated plants on the barren planet.
Fortunately, the Bloodsucking Grass colony was now their cooperative partner.
The Bloodsucking Grass had handed over some weapons.
Just then, a system prompt appeared: [Obtained Memory Fragment X1. View now?]
Memory fragments were hidden tasks related to Nan Yuan’s past, and Tao Shushu was very curious. She clicked to view immediately.