Chapter 66

Chapter 66

The Luo family went to great lengths to cover up the scandal, but rumors spread like wildfire and had long since circulated among the wealthy circles of Yancheng.
By noon, Tao Shushu had already heard various versions of the gossip.
Luo Liming died from an accident.
The strangeness lay in the uncanny timing of his death, right after Tao Shushu had made Qin Rui suffer a major setback.
Muttering to herself, Tao Shushu turned around and spotted Wang Tianba.
Wang Tianba had dyed her hair back to black, carrying a backpack on her back, standing alone by the wall.
If not for her familiarity with that face, Tao Shushu wouldn’t have recognized the usually arrogant Wang Tianba at first glance.
Seeing Tao Shushu, Wang Tianba forced a smile. “Shushu, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how annoying I used to be. I... anyway, I apologize.”
Perhaps Luo Liming’s death had left Tao Shushu with a sense of melancholy. Seeing the down-and-out Wang Tianba, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything sharp and simply nodded.
With the downfall of Old Master Wang, his influence collapsed, and those like Wang Tianba, who had been doted on by the old man, finally experienced the fickleness of human relationships.
Wang Tianba had aged considerably in a short time.
Tao Shushu thought for a moment and said, “Take care.”
She meant it sincerely. If Luo Liming’s death was connected to Qin Rui’s schemes, then the Wang Tianba from the original story might also be in danger. She didn’t want Qin Rui to grow stronger.
If energy was the essence of all worlds, then the fewer flesh-and-blood “supporting characters” there were, the more energy the “protagonist” would receive. That aligned with the law of conservation of energy.
Tao Shushu asked the system, [Do you know the real cause of Luo Liming’s death?]
The system remained silent for a long time before only offering the answer: an accident.
Tao Shushu curled her lip and went to meet up with Gu Tongqiu, hoping to catch some news from the Gu family while they were together.
Gu Tongqiu had already prepared their meals and warmly invited Tao Shushu to sit down.
Because of the incident with Gu Lanchun, the entire Gu family regarded Tao Shushu as their benefactor, eagerly answering any questions she had.
Gu Tongqiu whispered, “Shushu, where did your suspicion about the Qin family come from? We can look into it further. On the surface, Qin Rui and the Qin family haven’t interfered at all, they’re just busy snatching Luo family’s business partners.”
Tao Shushu brushed it off with a laugh. “Just a hunch.”
“I don’t really like Senior Qin Rui anymore either,” Gu Tongqiu murmured in agreement. “But the Qin family probably really didn’t get involved, the police have ruled it an accident. By the way, Qin Rui will be going abroad soon. He’s been admitted early and exceptionally joined a lab.”
Tao Shushu still had no leads.
It suddenly occurred to her: if the Academic Genius System was behind this, aiming to concentrate the world’s energy into Qin Rui’s hands, then why didn’t the system just eliminate her directly?
"By the way, Shushu, I have something for you." Gu Tongqiao blinked mischievously and pulled an exquisite gift box from her backpack.
"What is it?" Tao Shushu opened it, only to find an invitation to the Princess of F Country's evening banquet. Gu Lanchun had already given her one before.
Gu Tongqiao explained, "The previous one was an invitation as my sister's friend. But this one is a personal invitation from the princess herself."
Tao Shushu widened her eyes, not understanding how the princess had come to know about her.
"You probably didn't expect this, but the princess is a graduate student in the physics department. If she weren't preparing to inherit the throne, she would have joined Professor Angus's lab. She heard that Professor Angus praised you for your talent, and later saw the video of your debate with Su Momo. She really likes you."
"I'll attend," Tao Shushu said with a smile.
In the past, Luo Liming and Tao Shushu had tried to use an invitation to make her give up the physics competition. But it was precisely her talent and passion for physics that earned her this invitation, bearing her name and symbolizing the mutual admiration among like-minded individuals.
In high spirits after lunch, Tao Shushu logged into the game to accompany Nan Yuan in gathering materials while pondering what the Academic Genius System and Qin Rui were plotting.
"By the way, Nan Yuan, what is Dr. Xie's backup plan?" Tao Shushu asked.
Nan Yuan was dismantling recyclable batteries. Light was like his sensor; whether in the depths of mutated plants or hidden corners, as long as there was light, he could quickly identify materials that still had value.
Soon, their vehicle was filled with materials.
Nan Yuan walked to a secluded spot. "It seems to be related to an experiment. Humans and artificial intelligence use two different systems for energy conversion. Dr. Xie once led an experiment on energy production from plants and animals. At the time, data simulations suggested a success rate of zero, so it was shelved."
"Hmm?" Tao Shushu read the line of text over and over. "So, this experiment turns plants and animals into energy pools for artificial intelligence? If artificial intelligence wants to obtain the data from Dr. Xie, given its capabilities, it should be able to design such an experiment on its own, right?"
"Before the AI rebelled, it's unlikely that humans would design such an ethically questionable experiment. So, I tend to think Dr. Xie wasn't telling the truth," Nan Yuan had also given it careful thought.
Tao Shushu nodded. "That makes sense. His combat skills aren't high, but his status on the Trash Planet is quite elevated. He must have his unique strengths."
"I'll be careful," Nan Yuan replied.
Talking to Nan Yuan was truly effortless. Tao Shushu ruffled Nan Yuan's hair and noticed the clothes she had recently bought peeking out from under his jacket. She smiled softly.
As she smiled, Tao Shushu heard a loud "bang" behind her and immediately turned around.
Not wanting to disturb classmates napping or studying in the classroom, Tao Shushu always played games in the stairwell.
Now, in the corridor, two boys stood one behind the other.
The one in front looked somewhat familiar. He had an angry expression and had just slammed a book, which also alerted Tao Shushu to their presence.
The one behind him was Qin Rui.
Qin Rui wore a gentle and tolerant expression, smiling at Tao Shushu. "Sorry to disturb you, Shushu."
His attitude sent a chill down Tao Shushu's spine.
The previous Qin Rui had always put on a facade of a hypocrite. But today, it seemed as if he had permanently welded a mask of gentleness onto his face.
He was smiling, yet there was no warmth in his pupils. The corners of his lips were slightly upturned but not fully, creating an eerie expression.
Qin Rui stared intently at the phone in Tao Shushu's hand.
Tao Shushu glanced at it too, on the screen, Nan Yuan was moving a large mechanical component with the golden lion.
Controlling her expression, she calmly turned off the screen.
"No disturbance, the hallway is a public area." Tao Shushu walked toward the stairs to help the boy pick up his books.
Her hand paused for a moment, on the open book cover, the name "Shen Yichen" was written.
Suddenly, she remembered why he looked familiar. The boy walking ahead was Shen Yichen, a programming prodigy and the backend administrator of the school forum.
He had previously helped Tao Shushu delete some unfavorable posts about her.
Slowing her movements, she discreetly observed Shen Yichen's expression.
Shen Yichen smiled at her and blinked. When he turned back to face Qin Rui, his expression shifted to one of anger.
Qin Rui didn't seem angry either, but he didn't continue the previous topic. Instead, he looked at Tao Shushu and said, "Shushu, I wish you the best of luck in the physics competition and hope you bring honor to our school."
The preliminary round of the physics competition was scheduled for this Saturday.
"Thank you, Senior Qin. I also wish you success in your research abroad," Tao Shushu replied.
Qin Rui and Shen Yichen walked away in opposite directions.
Only when she saw Qin Rui's figure appear on the sports field did Tao Shushu dare to take out her phone again. Her palms were already damp with sweat.
After washing her hands in the restroom, she carefully wiped her phone. On the screen, Nan Yuan and the others had started the vehicle, and the unique metallic landscape of the Trash Planet flashed by.
But Tao Shushu's mood was no longer as light as before.
The system's voice was faint as well, [Sorry, I didn't detect any probing from the Academic Genius System.]
Previously, whenever Su Momo or Qin Rui appeared near her, the game screen would go black.
Tao Shushu interpreted this as the system's way of protecting Nan Yuan, when encountering the malicious Academic Genius System, it would cut off the dimensional synchronization with Nan Yuan's world.
It wasn't until Su Momo lost her protagonist halo that Tao Shushu could play the game around her.
This time, however, Qin Rui's protagonist halo hadn't faded. On the contrary, judging by his current demeanor, the energy he possessed seemed quite strong. Even the school forum was buzzing with praise for Qin Rui's youthful achievements and his contributions to the nation.
Tao Shushu pouted slightly. Not wanting to disturb Nan Yuan, who was driving, she gently rubbed the golden lion's back.
The golden lion stretched comfortably, completely unaware of the crises brewing outside.
Tao Shushu withdrew her hand, took two deep breaths, and reminded herself that no matter what happened, she had to face it head-on.
[The Academic Genius System, at its core, aims to plunder this world's energy, doesn't it?] Though she phrased it as a question, her tone was resolute.
[Yes, it is an outsider.]
Suddenly, Tao Shushu gained a new understanding of this world. The people she had encountered, whether supporting characters, cannon fodder, or even background figures from the original story, were all vivid and unique in their own ways.
They were indeed real people.
This could only mean that the novel centered around Su Momo was merely one interpretation of this world. Under this framework, whether protagonists or supporting characters, they rigidly followed their predetermined scripts.
Everyone else, cannon fodder and passersby, seemed to have their intelligence diminished, blindly admiring, liking, and revolving around the protagonist. Whether it was Huiwen Highschool, where Su Momo first revealed her academic brilliance, or the university research lab where she became a genius scientist, every individual there was like a shadow clone of "applauding cannon fodder," mechanically idolizing Su Momo.
All the energy ultimately flowed toward Su Momo.
But this was not the truth.
In the real world, everyone had their own brilliance.
[I won't let it succeed.] Tao Shushu didn't know to what extent the Academic Genius System could harm Nan Yuan once it targeted him, but as long as she prevented it from breaching the first line of defense, Nan Yuan would never face danger because of her.
She gently poked Nan Yuan's ear. He was fighting so hard to survive, and she, too, would live well in this world, embracing her true self.
Without further hesitation, Tao Shushu returned to the classroom, took out her physics practice questions, and began solving them.
She would never be afraid of competing against Qin Rui.

It wasn't until Tao Shushu returned home that she learned her parents' company had once again become a target of Qin Rui's schemes.
During the final sprint for the competition, Tao Shushu was kept after school for extra tutoring.
Li Xin had never been worried about Tao Shushu's performance in the competition. From the very beginning, he had pushed her with the goal of competing internationally and winning awards at world-class events. He made her build a solid foundation and master every detail.
Perhaps because Tao Shushu seemed resilient under pressure, Li Xin didn't hesitate to give her challenging problems, even as the preliminary round approached.
This suited Tao Shushu perfectly, as her sights were set beyond just the preliminary round.
After discussing with Li Xin for a while longer, Tao Shushu ended up leaving school a bit late.
Father and Mother Tao, having just attended a business banquet, took a detour to pick her up from school.
Father Tao, having had a few drinks, was not entirely sober and chuckled, "Shushu, today someone came to discuss chip exports again and even invited me to set up a factory abroad. You know what that means? It means our chip technology far surpasses those who claim to be technologically advanced..."
"It means you're drunk," Mother Tao nudged him. "Shushu has been studying all day and doesn't need to listen to your drunken ramblings."
"Shushu, have some chicken soup. Let your dad sleep for a bit," Mother Tao handed her the thermos.
Father Tao grumbled, "I'm not drunk, hehe. Our Tao family is the best in the chip industry. But I didn't agree, that guy didn't even know what silicon chips are. He was clearly trying to steal our technology. I know how it works: they take our tech, export it, and then sell it back domestically. Hmph..."
As Father Tao vented about business scams, Mother Tao sighed and wiped his face with a towel.
After venting, Father Tao grabbed Mother Tao’s hand again. "Honey, I have another business negotiation and a dinner tomorrow. It’s tough when the business grows too big, I never have time to spend with you."
As her parents chattered on, with Father Tao complaining about his schedule and Mother Tao patiently comforting him, Tao Shushu sipped the fragrant black chicken soup and smiled knowingly. Her mind began to wander. The Gu family had discussed the matter with her parents, it was the Gu family using their connections to repay the Tao family.
But this time, it seemed they had encountered scammers again. Fortunately, after the first incident, her parents were much more cautious.
She decided to investigate whether the people involved in the collaboration were, like last time, manipulated by Su Momo and the Academic Genius System behind the scenes.
If that were the case, it seemed the Academic Genius System was particularly concerned with this world’s technological level. She couldn’t quite figure out what the Academic Genius System was up to this time.
Tao Shushu pulled out all the business cards from her father’s suit pocket and tasked her system with investigating them.
Her system, feeling guilty for not detecting the Academic Genius System’s approach earlier, was delighted to receive a task and immediately got to work.

After finishing two sets of physics competition problems that evening, Tao Shushu finally logged into the game.
Things were relatively calm in Nan Yuan’s area.
Dr. Xie truly had some skills. While others had to destroy their autonomous driving systems for safety, Dr. Xie used his expertise to rebuild the system. With materials scattered all over the Trash Planet, he had plenty to work with.
Now that Nan Yuan had destroyed the mechanical arm, there were no remaining AI combat units on the Trash Planet posing an immediate threat. Dr. Xie quickly assembled a batch of intelligent devices.
Although large-scale infrastructure-dependent facilities like communication networks hadn’t been restored, the Trash Planet had at least established a relatively intelligent defense system.
The pressure on the surviving humans for patrol duties was greatly reduced.
Nan Yuan also followed Dr. Xie, eager to learn some coding knowledge. Perhaps because of his familiarity with Man Qian, Dr. Xie didn’t hold back in teaching Nan Yuan.
A few survivors, having suffered greatly in their encounters with AI, were terrified that the AI might attack again and easily seize control of these devices.
Just as Tao Shushu logged in, she witnessed the conflict.
Several survivors assigned to night patrol refused outright when they saw the reactivated intelligent monitoring circuits in the base.
Nan Yuan stood nearby, calmly setting up circuits. Seeing his composure, the survivors following him, both from the wasteland and the western sector with special abilities, gradually carried out their tasks as assigned.
Dr. Xie was welding a sensor device. Unhurriedly, he set down his tools. "Humans create tools to make life easier. Artificial intelligence represents the pinnacle of human intellect. The rebellion of AI is terrifying, but if we hide in fear, we will never uncover its weaknesses."
"In the pre-apocalyptic world, most manual labor had already been replaced by automation. Without artificial intelligence, relying solely on human effort would slow down our weapon production speed."
Dr. Xie spoke slowly, and Tao Shushu was quite curious.
The post-apocalyptic world she had experienced had a much higher level of technology than the current one, but most of the world's technological advancements had been directed toward biological sciences. As for Barren Planet, it was already on the fringes of the C1 Star System, and artificial intelligence didn't even bother to include it in its territory.
This was the first time Tao Shushu had heard about the C1 Star System's perspective on artificial intelligence.
She listened patiently to Dr. Xie's speech.
Nan Yuan noticed her arrival and whispered, "Take a look at Dr. Xie's methods."
Contrary to the stereotype of scientists being absorbed in research and neglecting interpersonal relationships, Dr. Xie had always been socially adept even before the apocalypse. He was familiar with Man Qian and the Second Legion, and he also maintained excellent relationships with politicians who supported artificial intelligence.
Such a person, who was insightful, cunning, and unwilling to reveal the truth, was naturally someone Nan Yuan couldn't trust.
For now, Nan Yuan and Dr. Xie were temporary allies, and Nan Yuan took this opportunity to assess his capabilities.
Tao Shushu had the same idea. She couldn't quite figure out Dr. Xie's intentions, but that didn't stop her from listening with great interest as he handled the situation.
He was very patient. After reassuring everyone, he got straight to the point, slowly explaining the principles behind each mechanical task and the differences between artificial intelligence and ordinary machinery.
Starting from the basics, he gradually dispelled the survivors' fear of electrically powered products.
Tao Shushu wasn't skilled in the sophistry of debates and had only crammed a bit when competing with Su Momo. As she listened, she felt that Dr. Xie's explanations were quite sincere and universally applicable, much like a popular science lecture for students.
Dr. Xie's speech lasted only about ten minutes. Tao Shushu put down her pen and realized she had unconsciously filled a page with notes. However, upon reviewing them, she felt they lacked substantial content. After all, it was meant to persuade the people in the base, not an academic lecture.
Tao Shushu didn't overthink it. She put her notes in the drawer. Having studied physics all evening, hearing knowledge from another field felt quite refreshing.
On Nan Yuan's side, those who had just finished listening to Dr. Xie's explanations now looked ashamed.
"It's all because we didn't study well. Artificial intelligence brings convenience, but with Dr. Xie's defense system, AI can't remotely control our defense mechanisms."
"We should trust Dr. Xie."
Nan Yuan smiled meaningfully and continued installing the alarm system.
Tao Shushu yawned and carefully inspected the base where the survivors lived. She always wanted to ensure Nan Yuan's safety.
Seeing that Nan Yuan had arranged for the people on the west side to patrol at night with Cheng Feimao, Tao Shushu asked, "Nan Yuan, do you still not trust Dr. Xie?"
Nan Yuan, accustomed to relying only on himself, replied, "Shushu, I can only trust you."
Tao Shushu fell silent for a moment. Having experienced the apocalypse, she knew its cruelty, there was mutual aid, but also internal strife. If she were in Nan Yuan's position, she might have been even more cautious.
Before Dr. Xie reinstalled the intelligent defense system, the Bloodsucking Grass from Barren Planet had quietly spread across the Trash Planet. Each blade of grass, no longer than a palm, buried its roots deep beneath the surface.
They were inconspicuous to the extreme.
Nan Yuan gave the golden-maned lion an energy sphere and also fed a few to the Bloodsucking Grass.
Tao Shushu restocked Nan Yuan with some more energy spheres. "I don’t trust Dr. Xie either."
Dr. Xie clearly knew that Bob’s bodyguard disliked Nan Yuan, yet he did nothing to restrain him, allowing Bob to bully Nan Yuan. It was hard to believe he was genuinely looking out for Nan Yuan as an elder.
Compared to Zhou Yan, it was clear who truly cared for Nan Yuan, and Tao Shushu could see that.
Thinking of this, Tao Shushu realized she hadn’t seen Zhou Yan. She asked, "Where’s Zhou Yan? What did you send them to do?"
"They’re still gathering supplies," Nan Yuan replied.
"Oh, I noticed Zhou Yan seemed injured earlier. I’ll buy some medicine, Nan Yuan, take it and give it to him," Tao Shushu said. Even though she knew Nan Yuan was a real person, around the same age as her, she couldn’t help but slip into a motherly mindset, concerned about Nan Yuan’s relationships.
"Okay," Nan Yuan agreed.
Tao Shushu poked Nan Yuan. "Nan Yuan, I have an exam in a few days, so I’ll have less time these next couple of days."
Hearing this, Nan Yuan actually smiled. "Shushu, do your best. I believe you can take first place."
Tao Shushu paused. Nan Yuan had said he only trusted her, so why did he seem happy when she said she’d be busier? She suddenly felt a little uneasy.
"Nan Yuan, whatever you do, don’t suddenly stir up trouble. If anything happens, let’s discuss it together," Tao Shushu urged.
"Mm."
"And make sure you carry the medicine and energy spheres I prepared for you."
"Okay." Nan Yuan patted his backpack.
"Also, don’t reveal the Bloodsucking Grass defense line yet. Cheng Feimao seems like a gossip," Tao Shushu said, her tone tinged with annoyance as she openly criticized Cheng Feimao.
"Is Shushu unhappy?" Nan Yuan asked.
"Not at all!" Tao Shushu immediately retorted.
Nan Yuan laughed. It was only around Tao Shushu that he could be so carefree. He sat on the bed with his legs together.
The rooms in this base were cramped and low-ceilinged, forcing Nan Yuan to hunch slightly. His long legs seemed to have nowhere to rest. Leaning back with his hands propped on the bed, the clothes Tao Shushu had secretly bought for him that morning were a bit too tight, revealing the curve of his waist and a hint of muscle as they stretched.
Nan Yuan relaxed comfortably and smiled. "Shushu, I’m glad you told me about your plans. It feels like we’re keeping each other updated, like couples do."
Tao Shushu lay in bed, unable to sleep for the first time in a long while. Hugging her blanket, she rolled over and couldn’t resist rubbing her warm cheeks.
It was all Nan Yuan’s fault for being so charming.
Ahhhh!
What did he mean, "like couples do"? That’s something only boyfriend and girlfriend would say.
At most, she and Nan Yuan were online friends, and even then, only one-sidedly visible.
But Nan Yuan’s muscles really were impressive.
Giggling to herself, Tao Shushu snapped back to reality and slapped her own cheek lightly. How had she turned into such a pervert?

Although she had trouble falling asleep for a while that night, Tao Shushu was in good spirits and woke up on time the next morning.
The morning temperature was chilly, so Nan Yuan wore a jacket.
After some thought, Tao Shushu bought Nan Yuan an inner layer of clothing, deliberately choosing a slightly larger size.
Holding the new clothes, Nan Yuan chuckled softly, “Do I get new clothes every day? Thank you, Shushu.”
“Not at all,” Tao Shushu retorted, slapping her hand over the screen to cover Nan Yuan’s smiling lips. “This is the last one, just for you to change into.”
“I’ll cherish it, Shushu,” Nan Yuan said.
Satisfied, Tao Shushu watched as Nan Yuan put on his jacket and buttoned it all the way up. She nodded approvingly. “Good. Young people should learn to dress according to the weather.”
“Are you talking about my jacket, Shushu? I’m just worried that if I change my inner clothes too often, someone might notice. After all, resources are scarce right now, and the clothes you gave me are too nice,” Nan Yuan explained seriously. Of course, the weather was also a consideration, no one wanted to get sick in the apocalypse.
Tao Shushu silently nodded in admiration of Nan Yuan’s caution and attention to detail. She hadn’t even thought of that. It was true, the Trash Planet had long been looted, and Dr. Xie probably knew exactly how many resources were left. Nan Yuan had even considered that.
Looking at the people from the Barren Planet, it seemed they all knew which resources could be revealed and which cards to keep close to their chest.
Nan Yuan was also quite skilled at managing people.
Tao Shushu felt that her worries about Nan Yuan’s interpersonal relationships the night before had been a bit narrow-minded. Though he might seem aloof, Nan Yuan had his own way of handling things, and he managed everything exceptionally well.
She needed to change her “overprotective mother” mindset from now on.
Just as she was thinking this, she heard Nan Yuan add, “Besides, I’m about to do some dirty, exhausting work. I don’t want to soil the clothes you gave me.”
When he said he would cherish them, he truly meant it. Nan Yuan took great care of everything Tao Shushu gave him.
“It’s alright, Nan Yuan. If the clothes get ruined, I’ll just buy you new ones. Your comfort comes first,” Tao Shushu reassured him.
Suppressing a laugh, Nan Yuan nodded in agreement.

The system only appeared during the morning exercise break, presenting the company listed on the business card along with the clues it had uncovered.
The system had grown quite clever, knowing that Tao Shushu was pressed for time, needing to sleep, study, and keep an eye on Nan Yuan, so it deliberately waited until the exercise break to show up.
Tao Shushu gave the system a perfunctory word of praise before turning her attention to the information in her mind.
The company was newly registered, and there were traces of involvement from Qin Rui’s maternal family in the funding. The system highlighted this detail in bold.
Seeing this, Tao Shushu raised a question, [So the Academic Genius System has taken a liking to my parents’ company?]
She sent a message to her parents, warning them to be cautious, and used half of her Primary Clarity Cards on them.
For now, she didn’t fully understand the Academic Genius System’s true intentions and could only proceed with caution.
Motivated by the system’s targeting, Tao Shushu resolved to study hard for the exams, aiming to pass and defeat the Academic Genius System.
For an entire week, she dedicated herself to studying physics seriously.
According to the latest physics competition rules, each school had at least twenty spots for the preliminary round, with no upper limit, but the scores would be publicly ranked.
Tao Shushu was undoubtedly the top contender for first place. For the past few days, even during breaks, the students in Class One had refrained from roughhousing, quietly studying instead. Not only were they creating a peaceful environment for Tao Shushu to review, but they were also studying diligently themselves, aiming to secure the highest average score in the next exam.
Over at Nan Yuan, Dr. Xie’s prediction had proven correct, the artificial intelligence had not launched any further attacks. No one knew what the AI was busy with.
Surviving humans were increasingly realizing that without technology-based systems like communication, humanity was utterly paralyzed.
Just as things stood now, AI across the galaxy could assemble freely, while humans scattered across different star systems couldn’t even exchange information.
Tao Shushu purchased another survivor map for Nan Yuan.
The AI was spreading outward from Central Star, gradually encroaching upon other planets.
Within the ring surrounding Central Star, yet another planet had fallen completely.
Tao Shushu comforted Nan Yuan, "Don’t dwell on it. We’ll find a way to unite humanity."
She could only stay by Nan Yuan’s side, aware that humans on other planets were suffering but unable to travel there to offer help.
Moreover, in the face of an apocalypse spanning a galaxy, the impact a single human could make was minimal.
"Mm. Shushu, you should focus on your review too," Nan Yuan said.
Nan Yuan’s side entered a temporary period of combat readiness and rest. On the Trash Planet, surviving humans enthusiastically gathered usable resources, planning to restore communication.
The brief calm allowed Tao Shushu to concentrate on her review.
Before they knew it, Saturday had arrived.
The weather was clear, and Li Xin dressed in formal attire. A bus transported the students of Huiwen Highschool to the competition venue, Yancheng No. 1 Highschool.
The school building was cordoned off with barriers, prohibiting unauthorized entry. The atmosphere was unusually solemn as all Yancheng students participating in the physics competition lined up, waiting to enter.
Tao Shushu waved to Li Xin and joined the queue.
The class academic monitor stood behind Tao Shushu, quietly reciting a formula. After a moment, she ruffled her hair and said, "Shushu..."
The monitor hesitated, a bit embarrassed. "Ah, never mind."
Tao Shushu smiled. "It’s fine, go ahead and ask."
The monitor inquired, "Shushu, for the Doppler effect of electromagnetic waves, does the conclusion remain the same when switching the premise?"
Tao Shushu thought for a few seconds. "For velocities along the connecting line, the two are equivalent. But in the problems I’ve practiced, it’s always based on the wave source moving. The scenario with a moving receiver is a topic even universities study carefully. So, there’s no need to overthink it."
The monitor asked a few more minor questions.
Sensing her genuine nervousness, Tao Shushu smiled and gave her a hug. "Don’t worry. You’ve been doing great in the practice tests, and the difficulty won’t increase too much."
The monitor slowly blushed. "Shushu, I feel less scared after that hug."
Just as the class representative was about to say something, a boy in front of them sneered.
"The physics competition is meant to select students with strong thinking skills and intelligence. There's no need to be afraid, rote learning can only take you so far anyway," said the boy, who wore the uniform of Yancheng No.1 High School, his expression disdainful as he turned around.
Tao Shushu frowned, staring directly at the boy.
The boy caught sight of Tao Shushu’s face and clicked his tongue twice. "Did I hit a nerve? If you're scared, just go home. A zero score is easier to excuse than a low one. These problems can all be solved by deriving from formulas. If you can't even do that, why bother competing? So lame. If you leave now, you can still pretend to be pretty, smart girls. Once the results come out, everyone will know you're not cut out for it."
Tao Shushu glanced at the class representative. Thankfully, her expression hadn’t changed, but Tao Shushu still stepped in front of her and retorted, "Excuse me, but why aren’t there any journals with your proofs of string theory in scientific magazines? Is it because you can’t derive or prove them?"
The boy opened his mouth to speak, but Tao Shushu continued, "Physics competitions often test modeling. Have you modeled simple applications of Fourier transforms? Or is it that you can’t derive them either?"
"Hmph, I don’t need endless practice problems. Only fools rely on that," the boy shot back.
"Is that so? From what I know, most schools and students in Yancheng use extensive problem practice. I hope you don’t end up worse than those 'fools.' Besides, how can you claim to understand the examiners’ intentions without going through a full set of problems?"
Tao Shushu pressed on, "Have you never learned basic manners? Don’t you know about competing harmoniously and not messing with people’s minds before a contest? If you can’t even manage that, maybe you shouldn’t be dealing with people at all."
After shutting him down, she couldn’t be bothered to engage with such a petty person any further.
Just as she was about to comfort the class representative, Tao Shushu looked down and saw her gazing up with admiration. "Shushu, ha