Chapter 31

After Zhang Yuan finished his explanation, Wang Lili could only swallow the words she prepared beforehand as her mouth opened and closed like a goldfish.

She rolled her eyes deep down and said in response, “This student here… your answer is very good. You can sit down.”

As it turned out, he was one of those god of studies who understood the lecture without having to listen in. This type of student was the most annoying kind as they contribute to the bad atmosphere in the lecture room.

Ye Kaifu solidified his admiration for Zhang Yuan once again. He was no longer surprised as he was numbed by Zhang Yuan’s abilities.

‘As expected of a genius. His studies won’t even be affected by sleep….’

The strong were entitled to sleep, and Ye Kaifu felt ashamed of his jealousy.

The remaining of the lecture went on in peace and Zhang Yuan no longer dozed off. He minded his own business and went on a mental journey. The focus of his pupils seemed to be somewhere far away.

The teacher did not do anymore roll calls. She just continued with reciting scriptures throughout the remaining lecture before it ended.

*Ding-ding-ding*

After the bell rang, Wang Lili assigned a few after-class questions and indicated that everyone could leave.

When the crowd heard that the class finally ended, the students were suddenly all full of vitality. The sight was a real blow to her.

“Let’s go, we should return too.”

After taking a short nap, Zhang Yuan was in good spirits, and he wanted to return to the dorm to continue rushing his thesis.

Ye Kaifu reluctantly organized the materials and asked Zhang Yuan. “Equations of mathematical physics are too difficult. Is there any general framework that is easier to understand?”

Zhang Yuan thought about it for a moment and said, “Framework? Do you mean a method to solve the question? Actually, this topic isn’t very complex.”

“Solving homogeneous partial differential equations is actually simple, as it only requires the separation of variables. You can solve the equation in four steps…”

“Following which, the method of solving a nonhomogeneous universal equation is to introduce a new function or to use the method similar to the parameter variation, to treat non-homogeneous equations as a homogeneous equation. Then, you use the Fourier series expansion to form a new definite solution condition and you can solve the equation…”

“Lastly, for inhomogeneous boundary conditions, the method is to transform it into homogeneous boundary conditions, then into a non-homogeneous universal equation…”

“Stop!” Ye Kaifu felt like weeping but no tears came out as he could not help but call for a stop.

After he realized that there was no shortcut in the whole learning process, he could only recite two words in his heart. ‘So scary!’

…

After the two of them packed their belongings, they were just about to leave.

“Zhang Yuan, don’t leave yet!”

Just then, Zhang Yuan suddenly heard a female calling out his name behind him. When he turned around, he saw that it was the student Professor Wang was mentoring, Xu Yunjing.

“Hi senior, you are also here to listen to the lecture?” Zhang Yuan asked.

Xu Yunjing said in response, “That’s right… I planned to switch to mechanical engineering when I take my doctorate. So, I came to learn some relevant knowledge so that it’ll be easier to switch my major in the future.”

Zhang Yuan curiously asked, “Switch to engineering? You’re studying mathematics now, am I right? Won’t Professor Wang be angry about your decision?”

“No, no he won’t… I believe he would respect my opinion.”

Xu Yunjing thought to herself, ‘I’m not one of those gifted students so why should I go down the difficult road of pure math? It’s difficult and doesn’t pay well. Why would I make life difficult for myself?’

“He’s that… junior of yours? The way you call each other is pretty strange.” Another pair of large, round eyes looked over. It was the substitute teacher, Wang Lili.

“That’s right. Let me introduce the both of you.” Xu Yunjing said with a smile. “Her name is Wang Lili, a good friend of mine. She’s currently studying for a master’s under Professor Lin from the school of mechanical engineering.”

“Nice to meet you!” Zhang Yuan said.

“This junior of yours seems pretty ‘shy’. He was absentminded and sleeping in the lecture. I had even caught him in the act,” Wang Lili said while smiling.

She slightly lowered her tone and continued, “Even though that question had been immediately solved by him.”

Zhang Yuan felt rather embarrassed. “Senior, I’m sorry for my behavior. I was tired due to writing my thesis and accidentally fell asleep. It wasn’t on purpose.”

“You’re writing a thesis at such a young age? What direction are you researching?”

“Analyzing robot motion with geometric group theory and topology…”

When she heard the title, Wang Lili was speechless. “Are students nowadays so abnormal? You’re researching group theory and topology for your thesis paper whereas I’m still worried about releasing my paper.”

Seeing them turning into seniors and juniors in the blink of an eye from exchanging conventional greetings, Ye Kaifu who was standing on the side rolled his eyes. He lost interest in being a lightbulb.

He said angrily. “Hey Zhang Yuan, I’m heading to the library. Bye!”

“Goodbye!”

Ye Kaifu turned around coolly with a smile on his face as he roasted deep down. ‘His statement that humans live to learn is a total lie.’

A good-looking senior was immediately hooked in the blink of an eye. Zhang Yuan’s skills were simply a prime model of our generation.

Since Zhang Yuan was busy picking up girls, then he shall pick up girls too. Perhaps he could have an encounter with one in the library?

There were only a few days left in his vacation. He could not go on like this any longer.

…

After chatting for a while, Zhang Yuan asked, “Senior, do you have something you need from me?”

Xu Yunjing slapped her head and said, “Oh I nearly forgot about it, but I have something for you.”

At that moment, only the three of them remained in the lecture room. Xu Yunjing flipped through her little bag in search of something.

Soon, she took out an invitation letter and handed it to Zhang Yuan. “In another week’s time, Xisha University will be holding the Galaxy Award ceremony to commemorate the successful construction of Earth Age. You have an important award to receive. Don’t forget about it.”

‘Award?’

Zhang Yuan was baffled. He had not done anything and his thesis had yet to be written. He was only an ordinary spaceship worker so what award was he to receive? And on what basis?

“How could I have possibly received an award?”

“It’s your father’s award! You can dream on if you think it’s yours.”

“Oh!”

Zhang Yuan’s came to a sudden realization. It was his father’s award. Well, it seemed like he had no right to refuse it.

Xu Yunjing made an exaggerated gesture. “It’s the first prize of the Galaxy Award that we are talking about! It’s a monetary reward of 10 million yuan! As your father’s only immediate family member, I believe it won’t be inappropriate for you to receive an award on his behalf.”

“Earth Age is about to set off so all these ceremonies for maintaining reputation have to be dealt with. Moreover, there will be a fund-raising ceremony after the main event. In reality, the most important aspect of the ceremony is to get the donations of those wealthy people.”

“The foundation is currently short of money. They are not short of hundreds of millions, but hundreds of billions! It’s a pretty good idea to get some money out of those entrepreneurs.”

“Alright, I understand,” Zhang Yuan said in response.

He then thought, ‘However, it shouldn’t be completely regarded as an event to ‘maintain reputation’. After all, this is an honor my father deserves! I have also donated my entire assets so there’s not much psychological burden on my side. I’ll just make the trip and show my face.’

Zhang Yuan asked, “Do I need to say a speech or something?”

Xu Yunjing said with a laugh, “You will just have to receive the award on stage. Who would pay attention to a primary school student? You’re not even the award recipient and you’re only receiving the award on behalf of your father. The reporters would not make things difficult for you.”

“They might make you say a few words of thanks such as thanking the government, the foundation, the jury, and so on. It’s very simple and you don’t have to pay attention to the following donation event. We will be responsible for that.”

“Ah, that’s good.” Zhang Yuan hated those troublesome ceremonies. If he had to say a long speech, he would then have to set time aside to specially prepare a script. He would rather use that time on his thesis.

“You better not forget about this. I will inform you again nearer to the date.”

“Ok, ok, I understand~”

After they ended their conversation, Zhang Yuan bid farewell to the two giggling seniors, who wanted to tease him more, and made his way back to think about his thesis.

…