"Let me introduce myself first."
"My name is Yun Xiaoyuan, a professor at Tsinghua University, currently invited to serve as the vice president of Haicheng University."
"At the same time, I am an academician of the Mathematics Division at the Central Research Institute and the deputy director of the National Mathematics Research Institute..."
Yun Xiaoyuan's self-introduction left the young teacher standing beside her utterly stunned.
Why did it feel like the professor was promoting herself?
This was the renowned Professor Yun, a towering figure in the domestic mathematics world, whose mentorship countless prodigious students had begged for—only to be ruthlessly rejected.
Yet now, she was actively inviting a high school girl to become her direct disciple.
If this news got out, the entire mathematics community would be shaken.
After a conversation with Professor Yun, Rong Yu felt incredibly at ease. Having such a mentor was undoubtedly a blessing.
She thought for a moment and asked, "What would being your student require me to do?"
Yun Xiaoyuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Just follow my guidance in your studies. No extra obligations. The future of mathematics depends on young talents like you to achieve new heights."
"I still have school every day," Rong Yu said honestly. "I might not have much time to accompany you."
"You won’t need to follow me immediately," Yun Xiaoyuan replied. "Your thinking is somewhat conservative, almost as if stuck in the last century—likely a side effect of exam-oriented education. Your senior brother will help broaden your horizons."
With that, she made a call. "Lin Rang, come to the exhibition hall. I’ve taken on a student—your direct junior sister. Bring her a welcome gift, and get me a coffee while you’re at it."
About five minutes later, Rong Yu met Lin Rang.
To her surprise, he was in a wheelchair.
Around thirty years old, he held a coffee in one hand and a potted plant in his lap, struggling to maneuver the wheelchair with his free hand.
Yet, Lin Rang showed no trace of discomfort. His eyes lit up when he saw Rong Yu. "Only heaven knows how long I’ve waited for a junior sibling. The professor finally took on a student—now I’ll have someone to share the workload. Here, take the plant."
Yun Xiaoyuan smacked the back of his hand. "She’s your junior sister—you’re supposed to protect and cherish her. Who said you could boss her around?"
"Isn’t the welcome gift meant for her to hold?" Lin Rang handed it to Rong Yu. "I was in a hurry, so I grabbed the first thing I saw. I’ll get you a proper gift later."
Rong Yu accepted it with a smile. "This is perfect. Thank you, Senior Brother."
"I have matters to attend to," Yun Xiaoyuan said, taking a sip of her coffee. "You two get acquainted. We’ll have a meal together when time permits."
She left swiftly with the young teacher in tow.
No sooner had she left than Pei Yaru arrived, looking frantic. "Rong Yu, there you are! I was worried sick—I almost thought you’d gone missing. How was the exam? Do you think you did well—"
Mid-sentence, she froze, her gaze landing on the man in the wheelchair. Her expression turned to disbelief. "P-Professor Lin?"
Lin Rang, the mathematics professor Haicheng University had hired at great expense.
Rumor had it that Lin Rang had displayed extraordinary mathematical talent by the age of twelve, earning admission to Tsinghua University before studying abroad. But fate had been cruel—a car accident at twenty left him paralyzed.
Had it not been for the accident, his achievements would have been even more remarkable.
Lin Rang had already looked into Rong Yu’s background on the way over. He spoke calmly. "Teacher Pei, Rong Yu has been accepted as a direct disciple by Professor Yun. She’s now my junior sister and may frequently leave campus for research. I’m informing you in advance."
Pei Yaru’s mind went blank.
Her thoughts spun in circles.
After a long pause, she stammered, "But she’s in her final year of high school. Frequent absences might not be feasible..."
Lin Rang smiled. "Her mathematical talent is exceptional. Once she produces research results, Professor Yun will write her a recommendation letter for Peking or Tsinghua—effectively guaranteeing her admission."
Pei Yaru swayed on her feet.
Peking or Tsinghua?
Guaranteed admission?
Good heavens, was she hallucinating?
Could a single recommendation letter really achieve that?
Wait—
She swallowed hard. "Professor Yun… as in Yun Xiaoyuan?"
Lin Rang nodded.
Pei Yaru was stunned. That was the legendary figure whose name appeared in textbooks.
She stumbled over her words. "But Rong Yu only shows promise in physics. Her math might not—"
Lin Rang cut in. "Actually, her mathematical talent is what makes physics effortless for her. She’s young—this is the perfect time to nurture her."
He added, "Also, Professor Yun’s research involves state secrets. To prevent Rong Yu from being exploited by unknown parties, please keep this matter confidential. Only necessary individuals should know."
"Teacher Pei, you may go now. I’d like to speak with my junior sister."
Pei Yaru nodded hastily.
Professor Lin alone was someone she revered.
Professor Yun was beyond her wildest dreams.
If Rong Yu had become her student, monumental achievements were surely on the horizon…
After Pei Yaru left, Lin Rang discussed ongoing research projects with Rong Yu in detail. Their conversation flowed effortlessly.
It wasn’t until Ji Zhiyuan called, saying he was coming to take her home, that she bid Lin Rang farewell.
Lin Rang walked her to the school gate. "Then it’s settled. I’ll arrange for you to visit the research lab in a few days."
At the gate, they ran into Ji Zhiyuan. Lin Rang blinked in surprise. "CEO Ji?"
"Professor Lin." Ji Zhiyuan stepped forward. "Miss Rong and you…?"
The Ji Group was currently developing an AI system requiring advanced mathematical models, which was how he knew Lin Rang.
"We’re family," Rong Yu said with a smile. "This is my senior brother, Lin Rang. And this is Ji Zhiyuan, a member of my household."
Lin Rang was taken aback.
Family?
Boyfriend?
His junior sister was this young—was she already dating?
Wealthy men, especially handsome ones, were notorious playboys. Had she been deceived?
Ji Zhiyuan was equally surprised.
Lin Rang was his great-grandmother’s senior brother?
Meaning she had become a disciple of Professor Yun Xiaoyuan?
Then again, it made sense. In her time, his great-grandmother had been a nationally protected researcher, instrumental in founding the country’s mathematics institute.
Had she lived longer, her achievements might have surpassed even Professor Yun’s.
He extended a hand. "Then I’ll entrust Miss Rong to your care, Professor Lin."
Lin Rang smiled. "Of course."
Calling her "Miss Rong" in front of family? How modern.
Ji Zhiyuan opened the car door, shielding the top with his hand as he respectfully ushered Rong Yu inside.
Song Huai had just stepped out of the university when he saw Rong Yu entering a luxury car worth tens of millions.
His brow furrowed imperceptibly.
Wasn’t Rong Yu dating Ji Zhouye?
Who was this man?
Then again, it wasn’t his concern whom she associated with.
As the car pulled away, Ji Zhiyuan received a call from his assistant. "CEO, the chairman of Hai Corporation has arrived unannounced. Should you return to the office?"
Ji Zhiyuan planned to drop Rong Yu off first, but she spoke up. "I’d like to visit the chairman’s office for a while."
Regarding the Ji family's network firewall, the work in this area requires further improvements...
