Chapter 117: The Two Professors

Zhong Yuxiu casually picked up a fountain pen and followed behind Professor Ding, taking a seat on the stool to the left of Professor Zheng. Each of them took a set of exam papers and opened them; the papers were already bound, so there was no worry about misplacing any pages.

“I have the answer keys here, one for each of you,” Professor Zheng said, handing each of them a copy of the standard answers.

“Thank you, Professor Zheng,” Zhong Yuxiu replied, setting the answer sheet aside.

Professor Ding also accepted his copy. Since they were familiar with the questions, the answer key was more a formality than a necessity.

Although Zhong Yuxiu hadn’t participated in writing the exam, her mind was sharp and she was remarkably adept at handling all kinds of physics formulas. As she graded the papers, her eyes would sweep over a question and she could solve it in her head. She glanced at the answer key only once, then compared the results she had worked out in her mind with the provided answers.

Still young, quick of eye and hand, and with a nimble mind, Zhong Yuxiu graded papers much faster than the two older professors. By the time they finished one, she had already completed three. Occasionally, when she encountered a particularly insightful approach or answer, she would jot down comments or suggestions beneath the question.

When Professor Zheng looked up and happened to catch sight of the stack of papers Zhong Yuxiu had already marked, he nudged Professor Ding.

Professor Ding, not fully understanding but sensing something impressive, glanced over. Professor Zheng gestured subtly in Zhong Yuxiu’s direction. Following his gaze, Professor Ding was startled as well; glancing at the time, they realized only a little over twenty minutes had passed, yet Zhong Yuxiu had already graded at least half the set.

They exchanged a look, each seeing the other’s astonishment.

“Tell her to slow down; there’s no need to push herself so hard,” Professor Zheng murmured, lowering his voice.

Professor Ding nodded, about to say something when Zhong Yuxiu, overhearing their conversation, spoke up. “Professors, there’s no need to worry. This is my normal speed.”

“Normal?” That hardly seemed normal.

Professor Ding looked at Zhong Yuxiu and suddenly understood. He spoke in a calm, measured tone to ease the situation. “Yuxiu is very bright, and she’s young—her eyes are better than ours. It’s natural she can read a bit faster.”

Zhong Yuxiu smiled gratefully at Professor Ding and bent her head to continue grading.

Professor Zheng watched her for a while, still unsure, but seeing her maintain the same pace, he was mostly convinced by Professor Ding’s explanation. Leaning closer, he whispered, “Is Comrade Zhong exceptionally gifted?”

Professor Ding nodded without any change in expression. He was always so composed, so devoid of visible emotion. Professor Zheng suspected that Zhong Yuxiu was more than just “bright”—she must be truly exceptional to perform at this level.

He himself hadn’t been able to do this when he was young; on the contrary, his cautiousness had sometimes slowed him down.

Zhong Yuxiu’s speed was simply abnormal.

“Hurry up, there’s a lot to get through, and who knows when the others will arrive,” Professor Ding urged.

“Alright,” Professor Zheng replied, tearing his attention away from Zhong Yuxiu and returning to his work, though she remained on his mind.

After more than half an hour of work, Zhong Yuxiu finished one stack and set it aside, reaching for another. Just then, two more professors arrived, both smiling—one tall, one short, one elderly, one middle-aged, but both sharing a similar build and bearing.

“Professor Ding, Professor Zheng, you’re here so early!” the taller, middle-aged professor greeted them.

Zhong Yuxiu turned to look at the newcomers and put down her pen. The middle-aged professor stood about 1.73 meters tall, thin and even taller for it, with bright, clear features.

The older professor had graying hair, clouded eyes, and a pale, frail complexion. At a glance, it was clear his health was greatly diminished with many hidden ailments, and he seemed even thinner than the middle-aged man.

“Old Ding, Old Zheng, you arrived before us. Have you finished arranging things for your class?” the older professor asked.

“I left it to the class monitor,” Professor Ding replied with a smile.

“I did the same,” Professor Zheng agreed. “Sit down, let’s grade the papers together.”

“Alright,” the older professor and the middle-aged professor each fetched a pen and took seats opposite Professor Ding and Zhong Yuxiu. Then, the elder turned to her and asked, “This must be Comrade Zhong Yuxiu? We met briefly once before.”

Zhong Yuxiu understood; this must have been during her first accelerated placement exam.

“Hello, Professors. My name is Zhong Yuxiu. You are my seniors in the field—I hope to learn much from you in the future.”

“As we should. Your name is famous, and your invention is selling very well these days. Even my family bought one—it’s expensive, yes, but truly excellent,” the elderly professor praised her enthusiastically, his eyes full of admiration. “Even an old fellow like me can operate it. Just set the route and keep your balance, and off you go. The little electric scooter detects dangers and avoids pedestrians automatically. It’s useful for everyone, young and old.”

Professor Zheng chuckled. “Old Ding, aren’t you going to introduce her?”

Since Zhong Yuxiu was essentially Professor Ding’s protégé, Professor Zheng refrained from stepping in.

Professor Ding set down his pen, interlaced his fingers, and smiled. “Comrade Zhong, let me introduce you. This is Professor Tian, whom you may address as such, and beside him is Professor Jiang. Both have studied abroad and are scholars of great learning.”

“Old Ding, you’re making me blush,” Professor Tian chuckled, then turned to Zhong Yuxiu. “It’s not about being erudite—I’ve just seen a lot, lived through a lot. Age brings its own kind of gravity, even if it’s only skin-deep.”

Zhong Yuxiu smiled at his humor; this old professor was quite the character.

Professor Jiang shook his head. “I’d never call myself a learned scholar—just someone who’s read a few more books. How are you finding life at Huada, Comrade Zhong? I heard you transferred to the medical school, and we all regretted losing such talent.”

“You’ve heard too?” Zhong Yuxiu looked at Professor Ding.

“Why look at me?” Professor Ding replied with a twinkle. “It wasn’t me who spread the word, but your decision left many puzzled. They’re just a few among many.”

Professors Tian and Jiang both nodded in agreement.

“Comrade Zhong, your talent in physics is extraordinary. Why did you choose to study medicine instead?” Professor Jiang asked directly. “Medicine can save lives, yes, but what our country needs most right now is science and technological advancement.”

At this time, science and technology were still novel concepts, not as widespread as they would become.

Zhong Yuxiu felt uncomfortable, especially since she wasn’t close to him. “I wanted to study it, so I did. Must there be a specific reason?”

“Comrade Zhong, Professor Jiang meant no offense,” Professor Tian said gently. “We are simply curious about your determination to study medicine. Please don’t take it amiss. Professor Jiang’s manner is straightforward—so much so that it’s often gotten him into trouble.”

Professor Jiang paused, then apologized. “I’m sorry.”

“Comrade Zhong has her reasons for studying medicine. We’re not in her shoes, and it’s not our place to question her choices,” Professor Ding interjected. “She’s free to choose her own path in life. Even if we can’t offer support, let’s not presume to judge or speculate about others.”