When Cen Huai'an got off the train, he was covered in the various smells of the train, which were not pleasant.
He was also very tired, and the Luo family no longer meant much to him.
He had grown up, gained close family members, found the love he desired, and developed the ability to protect himself.
The scars from the past no longer hurt when he saw the Luo family; they could no longer harm him.
Even when he wished the Luo family would go too far, it would only give him a more reasonable excuse to fight back.
But at the moment, Cen Huai'an had no thoughts of the Luo family. After sitting on the hard-seat train for so long, he just wanted to hurry home, take a shower, and rest.
As Cen Huai'an stepped out of the train station, he looked up and saw Chu Xia and Cen Zhengnian waiting at the exit.
They each wore thick wine-red scarves and matching hats, covering everything but their eyes, making it impossible to discern their appearances.
One person wore a black coat, draped with a gray scarf, hands casually in pockets, gaze scanning the emerging crowd.
Locking eyes with Cen Huai'an, Cen Zhengnian revealed a faint smile, and the coldness brought by the chilly wind disappeared at that moment.
Chu Xia also spotted Cen Huai'an, and her eyes, visible through the crescent-shaped opening, smiled broadly. She took her hands out of her pockets and waved vigorously at him.
At that moment, Cen Huai'an's heart suddenly became very calm, like a fledgling bird that had flown for a long time, returning to its parents' nest.
His steps quickened until he reached Cen Zhengnian and Chu Xia. He stopped, and his breath remained steady.
"Dad, Mom."
Suddenly, Chu Xia reached out and grabbed his arm, carefully inspecting him from top to bottom.
"Did the Luo family trouble you again?"
Cen Huai'an shook his head, "I haven't seen them since. But their days ahead probably won't be easy."
Chu Xia wasn't concerned about that; she only cared if Cen Huai'an was okay. Her worry over the past few days finally lifted.
"Let's go home. What do you want to eat?"
Cen Zhengnian stepped forward to take Cen Huai'an's suitcase, but he evaded.
"I'll carry it myself. Mom, I want sweet and sour spare ribs."
Cen Huai'an's voice still carried the clear tone of youth, with his characteristic maturity. However, Chu Xia could detect a hint of intimacy and playfulness in his tone.
"Alright, we'll buy spare ribs for you when we get home."
Walking on the outer edge of the road, Cen Zhengnian continued to protect them, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.
He responded with a nod and began mentally planning what else to buy besides spare ribs.
As Cen Huai'an approached the car, he suddenly remembered that he forgot to inform his teacher. They were supposed to travel back together.
With Chu Xia and Cen Zhengnian in his sight, he couldn't think of anyone else.
Turning around, Cen Huai'an spotted Teacher Jiang still at the station exit, checking the names of students.
He called out loudly, and Teacher Jiang turned, waving to acknowledge that she understood.
Only then did Cen Huai'an board the car.
Chu Xia originally wanted to sit in the back with Cen Huai'an, but Cen Zhengnian, standing outside the car, opened the front passenger door and smiled at Chu Xia, making a gesture as if inviting her, "I don't want to be just the driver."
Chu Xia chuckled, "An'an, your dad can't bear to be separated from your mom for even a moment."
Cen Huai'an, understanding and considerate, said, "It's okay, Mom, you can sit in the front."
Following Cen Zhengnian's suggestion, Chu Xia took a seat in the front passenger seat, and the car left the train station.
"Dad, Mom, I ranked in the top three in the national math competition, so I've earned the opportunity to attend the winter camp of the International Mathematical Olympiad."
Chu Xia immediately turned her head backward, her face unable to hide the joy that was purely for Cen Huai'an.
"Congratulations, An'an!""
The corners of Cen Huai'an's mouth lifted, and much of the fatigue from the train journey seemed to vanish.
Cen Zhengnian didn't look back, but he was also genuinely happy for Cen Huai'an. The joy in his eyes seemed ready to overflow.
"Congratulations, An'an," he echoed the same words as Chu Xia, adding even more pleasure to Cen Huai'an's heart.
Chu Xia knew that traveling by train could be tiring, so she didn't press Cen Huai'an for details about the competition or what happened in Liangzhou.
In the tranquil car, Cen Huai'an slowly rested his head against the window, closing his eyes.
Looking through the rearview mirror, Chu Xia saw Cen Huai'an asleep. Cen Zhengnian noticed too. They exchanged a glance, and the car slowed down, driving more steadily.
Cen Huai'an didn't sleep deeply. As soon as the car stopped, he opened his eyes and saw the familiar house and courtyard. He relaxed even more.
"Dad, Mom, I'll go take a shower first."
Chu Xia and Cen Zhengnian left a note for him and went out to buy groceries.
At this moment, except for the family members taking care of the children, there was no one at home in the residential compound.
Seeing Chu Xia and Cen Zhengnian walking out together, many people enthusiastically greeted and chatted with them, asking what they were up to.
Chu Xia mentioned buying groceries, quickening her pace to leave this group of gossip-prone relatives in the compound.
As for what they would say about her after she left, there wasn't a single person not subject to the scrutiny of others' comments.
At the market, the selection of vegetables wasn't extensive, but they managed to buy ribs and chicken. They carefully picked out some good ones and added a few cabbages to their haul.
Winter vegetables were scarce at this time, with radishes, potatoes, and cabbage being the common choices.
Occasionally, if they were lucky, some elderly farmers would sell homegrown greens, and Chu Xia would always make sure to buy them.
Cen Zhengnian carried the ribs and a bunch of vegetables, while Chu Xia only had her own bag, appearing light and relaxed, forming a sharp contrast with Cen Zhengnian.
When they returned, Cen Huai'an had already gone back to his room to rest. Chu Xia and Cen Zhengnian busied themselves in the kitchen preparing lunch for the day.
"Zhengnian, help me wash the ribs."
Cen Zhengnian's cooking style had remained the same; as long as it was edible after being cooked, that was enough.
Consequently, Chu Xia rarely let him back into the kitchen unless it was for making dumplings or noodles.
Cen Zhengnian's fingers, as polished as jade, worked diligently in the water, cleaning the ribs as if conducting a meticulous experiment.
Chu Xia chopped the green onions and ginger, prepared ingredients like rock sugar and star anise, then turned to look at Cen Zhengnian by the sink, her gaze captivated by his fingers being washed by the flowing water.
"I always feel that these hands of yours are meant for holding pens, for calculations, for research. It's a waste to use them for washing ribs."
"Not a waste." Cen Zhengnian brought out the washed ribs, droplets of water dripping from his fingers.
"If there's no food to eat, all those things you mentioned can't be done. So, food is the most basic necessity; after all, I am human."
He explained, lowering his gaze to meet Chu Xia's eyes. The ribs were placed next to the cutting board, and a smile played on his lips. His voice was like a gentle breeze in early spring, unhurried and slow, yet carrying the scent of fireworks.
"Don't look at me like that."
Chu Xia blushed gradually under his gaze. The atmosphere between them suddenly turned enchanting, and warmth filled the winter kitchen.
Cen Zhengnian paid no heed to her request, leaning in closer. His lips lightly brushed against hers, startling Chu Xia, who quickly looked towards the living room.
"An'an is at home."
"No problem," Cen Zhengnian dismissed it nonchalantly. "He's sleeping in his room and won't wake up now."
Having said that, he once again enveloped Chu Xia, not stopping at a mere touch but proceeding with the determination of a predator breaching the gates, seizing every inch.
Surrounded by Cen Zhengnian's fiery presence, Chu Xia's heart raced, a forbidden excitement brewing deep within. Her face blushed even redder than usual.
The tingling sensation overwhelmed her spine, making her legs go weak. Cen Zhengnian, with his skilled touch, explored her back, kneading her waist.
After a passionate encounter, Chu Xia leaned on Cen Zhengnian's chest, breathing heavily.
"No... no more."
She refused, not letting Cen Zhengnian kiss her again, fearing things might get out of control, and lunch would be the last thing on their minds.
Cen Zhengnian sighed with regret in his heart, waiting for Chu Xia to steady her breathing. He slowly released her, his fingertips lingering on the delicate touch around her waist.
Chu Xia directed Cen Zhengnian to various tasks, preventing any further close encounters between them. The recent intimate moment left her heart pounding, and now she saw Cen Huai'an's door with a hint of shock.
With their son at home, she felt a bit embarrassed witnessing such closeness between parents.
As the family gathered at the dining table for a meal, Chu Xia adjusted her expression. Facing Cen Huai'an, she asked about the competition.
"The competition wasn't particularly difficult."
Although the question types were new and often intricate, they didn't pose a significant challenge to Cen Huai'an.
However, he found it somewhat challenging to answer using high school knowledge. If he had known, he wouldn't have started studying university-level mathematics so early. Now, he had to be careful not to include advanced content in his solutions.
Chu Xia then inquired about the Luo family.
Cen Huai'an briefly summarized the situation, and not much of the ribs remained after he and Cen Zhengnian finished eating.
Cen Zhengnian picked up the last piece of rib and handed it to Chu Xia. She looked at the plate, her expression speechless.
"Do you two want to eat only this dish?"
Cen Zhengnian handed over other dishes to Chu Xia, saying, "This one is delicious."
Cen Huai'an nodded in agreement.
Chu Xia: ...
This father-son duo with a sweet tooth was truly a chip off the old block.
***
Cen Huai'an's winter camp was scheduled for the next month, lasting for five days and still taking place in Liangzhou, organized by the Liangzhou Mathematical Society.
During these five days, there were three days of exams. From the 400 outstanding high school students nationwide participating in the winter camp, 60 students would be selected as preparatory IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad) participants, entering the national training team. Finally, from the training team, six participants would be chosen to compete in the IMO.
Cen Huai'an's first goal was to emerge from the winter camp and join the national training team.
Of course, this was a challenging endeavor.
Despite not securing the first position in the national competition, he hadn't relaxed after returning home.
A month later, he returned to Liangzhou, but this time, he didn't take the train. The Capital CIty Mathematics Society arranged a plane to transport the students joining the winter camp to Liangzhou.
It wasn't Cen Huai'an's first time flying, and unlike some excited classmates, he appeared overly composed.
Li Shilai leaned against the airplane window, wide-eyed, "Cen Huai'an! It's a plane!"
Turning to see Cen Huai'an maintaining his usual calm, he couldn't understand, "Aren't you excited? We're actually flying to Liangzhou!"
Cen Huai'an glanced at the window; the plane hadn't taken off yet. He couldn't see the clouds floating around, only the passengers boarding below.
He nodded, "Excited."
There were only eleven students from the capital attending the winter camp, considered a relatively high number. In some provinces or cities, there might be only a few participants.
Li Shilai didn't know if Cen Huai'an's excitement was genuine, but since others were thrilled, he engaged in conversation with them.
Cen Huai'an took out a math practice booklet that Teacher Jiang had obtained from somewhere and focused on solving problems.
Teacher Jiang, having experienced flying, had already briefed the students on various precautions, including how to alleviate discomfort during takeoff and landing.
After listening to Teacher Jiang, Cen Huai'an swallowed the words he had intended to say and remained silent.
As the plane ascended, discomfort appeared on the faces of the surrounding students, even though Teacher Jiang had administered preventive shots in advance.
Cen Huai'an noticed Li Shilai, sitting beside him, trembling, and he reached out to grip Li Shilai's arm.
When the discomfort subsided, he released Li Shilai's hand and continued solving problems as if nothing had happened.
Li Shilai looked at Cen Huai'an with deep appreciation, "Cen Huai'an, you're really great!"
Cen Huai'an didn't pause in his problem-solving, "It's nothing."
However, Li Shilai cherished his gesture and, upon arriving in Liangzhou, stuck by Cen Huai'an, considering himself a good friend.
On the first day, everyone rested and adjusted.
The second day marked the opening ceremony of the winter camp. Cen Huai'an sat among many high school students, while prominent figures in the field of Chinese mathematics and professors from various universities occupied the front stage.
Outstanding high school students who performed well during this winter camp would attract the attention of admission committees from various universities, earning them opportunities for direct admission.
However, the majors available for direct admission were relatively fixed, mostly related to mathematics. Those without the intention of a lifelong involvement with mathematics needed to reconsider if they wanted to accept such offers.
Cen Huai'an didn't think too much about it. He was earnestly listening to the names of scholars he had only seen in math textbooks, as they spoke about their latest research and the future of Chinese mathematics.
His gaze was unwavering, and like his peers, he focused entirely. Yet, only in Cen Huai'an's eyes did a flame slowly kindle.
It seemed as if he was entering the wonderful realm of mathematics alongside these teachers and professors. Inside, various formulas, numbers, and many unsolved mathematical problems floated around.
The light in Cen Huai'an's eyes burned even brighter.
The opening ceremony was very splendid, and Cen Huai'an gained a lot. His notebook was filled with copious notes, including the names of the journals where various professors had published their papers.
Cen Huai'an decided that after the winter camp, he would buy each journal one by one and read them at home.
The second and third days of the winter camp were dedicated to exams, with different types of questions in each session.
After the exams, some were joyous, and some were worried, but Cen Huai'an remained the most stable.
His stability drew the attention of many.
"That kid is good."
"Cen Huai'an, third in the national league, impressive results."
"I just checked the paper he wrote; he's very steady."
These mathematical heavyweights serving as invigilators strolled around the exam hall. They always liked to stop by Cen Huai'an's side, observing his solutions.
Cen Huai'an seemed oblivious, completely focused on his own paper. Though he didn't write much on the scratch paper, the steps on the answer sheet were clear and detailed.
Flipping to the next page, Cen Huai'an continued writing. The surrounding students were not significantly influenced by him.
Most had experienced various competitions and had improved their mental attitudes.
However, there were also those whose mental states were not stable enough. When the questions were too difficult and invigilators kept watching, some students became increasingly anxious.
Xin Yang was one such candidate. An invigilator strolled over to his side just as he struggled with the second question, and his hands were trembling.
He raised his hand directly, "Teacher, could you not come over to my side? I get nervous when you watch."
All the invigilators turned their attention to him. The invigilator beside him paused, nodded, and said, "Sure."
However, all the invigilators had mentally crossed out Xin Yang. A poor mindset was the most disadvantageous in major exams; even if a student had exceptional skills, it wouldn't be reflected.
No more invigilators strolled through the middle of the exam hall, but everyone now had a rough understanding of the students' abilities.
After two days of exams, all the students breathed a sigh of relief. Regardless of their performance, they were just glad to be done with it.
Li Shilai happily ran out of the exam room, laughing at Cen Huai'an, "I finally finished the exam! If it continued, those questions would have tortured my brain to death! Who set those questions? They're too perverted!"
A student nearby whispered, "I heard it was Professor Hang from Jinghua University."
Li Shilai exclaimed, "Oh my god! Isn't he the most formidable figure in our math community?"
Anyone familiar with the math community knew Hang Ling. He could be considered the leader of the mathematics field in the country. Many cutting-edge research in mathematics in China came from his work.
"Exactly!"
Li Shilai covered his forehead, "What have I done to deserve a paper set by Professor Hang!"
"Same here. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been this difficult."
It was the first time Cen Huai'an had heard the name of the person who set the paper. He blamed himself for not paying attention to such minor details and getting too absorbed in his own world.
Walking beside Li Shilai, he listened to the discussions about Professor Hang Ling and why he had set the questions.
"They say he set the questions last year as well. Since our country couldn't secure first place in the previous International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) competitions, he personally set the questions to select talents. Our country won first place in this year's IMO in July, so he came again to set the questions."
Li Shilai nodded, "No wonder the questions were so challenging but also innovative. It's impossible to solve them without a quick-thinking mind."
His companion sighed, "Yes, Professor Hang likes people with flexible mathematical thinking. But the way he challenges us is painful for our brains!"
Someone with more insider information chimed in, "They say Professor Hang leads and guides the National Training Team. I really want to get in there, I want to be guided and learn from Professor Hang! Just hearing one of his classes would satisfy me."
Cen Huai'an knew about Hang Ling, but what he didn't know were the inner workings of competitions and the training team.
Now, after hearing his classmates talk about it, his desire to enter the training team became even more steadfast.
At this moment, Hang Ling, with all the teachers and professors who had come over, was working overtime to grade the papers.
The more he graded, the deeper the frown on his face, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
Hang Ling paused with the red pen in his hand, looked around at the teachers engrossed in grading, and suddenly asked a nearby teacher, "Is the paper I set too difficult?"
The teacher immediately shook his head, "No... it does have some difficulty."
A professor, similar in age to Hang Ling but with completely white hair, heard this and burst into laughter. Pointing at Hang Ling, he said, "When did you ever set an easy paper?"
Hang Ling's brow furrowed even more, "I don't make it so difficult that everyone gets zero."
The professor with white hair laughed even louder, "Be content. There are still people who get everything right."
Hang Ling's brow relaxed for a moment, "Who?"
He stood up from his chair and walked directly towards the professor with white hair.
"Here, it's this paper I just graded. Whether it's the steps or the results, it's perfect, like a standard answer. Not only a full score, but I also want to give him an extra five points for presentation."
Hang Ling recognized the handwriting at a glance—it was from the student he had been keeping an eye on in the exam hall, Cen Huai'an.
These papers were sealed now, and Hang Ling couldn't open them. After carefully looking at Cen Huai'an's paper, he was even more impressed with this child and developed a sense of cherishing talent.
When he went back to grade the papers, he wasn't as agitated as before. Top mathematicians don't indulge in quantity grading; even with so many outstanding students, only a few will emerge as truly excellent.
However, most of them often choose other majors in the future. The path of mathematics is too arduous and tedious, and those lacking patience cannot persevere. Hang Ling has been searching for someone who can carry the future of mathematics in China.
These individuals are getting old, and even if they have research aspirations, they have to consider their health, with fewer and fewer days left.
On the fourth day of the winter camp, the organizers prepared an academic presentation event, not the sightseeing many students were anticipating.
However, Cen Huai'an actually preferred academic presentations, where he could hear various viewpoints from mathematical elites.
He was most eager to hear from Hang Ling, who also had a speech during this presentation.
When Hang Ling stepped onto the stage, thunderous applause erupted from below, and many people looked at him with the gaze reserved for an idol! Cen Huai'an was no exception; the excitement in his eyes was radiant enough to illuminate himself.
Hang Ling didn't start with a speech; instead, he wrote a problem on the front blackboard and turned to address the now quiet audience, saying, "I would like to invite a student to come down and solve this problem for me."
Countless students raised their hands, eager and vying to take the stage.
Hang Ling smiled kindly, "It seems everyone is enthusiastic! Alright, the boy in the ninth row of the fifth column is wearing a black shirt."
Cen Huai'an was sensitive to numbers; as soon as Hang Ling finished speaking, he knew it was him. He stood up from his seat, his eyes filled with both nervousness and joy, yet his face remained calm and composed, revealing none of his excitement.
As he finally approached Hang Ling, his heart was pounding intensely; he could even hear the "thump-thump" sound.
"Professor Hang."
Cen Huai'an's attitude was very respectful. Before him stood the towering mountain he had looked up to in the past, and now it was so close that the emotions in his heart couldn't calm down.
"First, introduce yourself to everyone."
Hang Ling seemed to sense his nervousness, and his smile was very gentle. He didn't exude any dominance, unlike a leader in a discipline.
"I am Cen Huai'an, from the capital city."
After saying this, Cen Huai'an continued to look at Hang Ling, as if asking him whether he could start answering the question.
Hang Ling also paused for a moment, then smiled, "Very well, go ahead and write your answers."
Cen Huai'an nodded and stood in front of the blackboard. Hang Ling took a step back, like the other students, observing how Cen Huai'an would solve the problem.
The problem itself wasn't difficult, but the challenge was to come up with five different solution methods, all using the mathematics knowledge learned in primary and high school.
Cen Huai'an didn't even furrow his brows. He wrote down each solution method one by one. When he completed the first solution, the students below didn't react much; they could also write the first one.
As Cen Huai'an presented the second and third solution methods, some students below began to discuss quietly or even calculate.
"I didn't think of the third solution at all. Cen Huai'an, who is solving the problem, is really amazing!"
With the fourth and fifth solutions, the students' mouths opened even wider.
"Do you know the fifth one?"
"I can't figure it out."
"Me neither. How did he think of it?"
"I don't know. I've never heard of a student like him before."
After completing all five solutions, Cen Huai'an turned to Hang Ling, "Professor Hang, do you want me to continue?"
Hang Ling was genuinely surprised, "You can still write more?"
Cen Huai'an nodded.
Hang Ling let him continue, and the admiration in his eyes couldn't be suppressed, "Write as many as you can."
"Didn't he already write five?"
"Why is he continuing?"
"The sixth one, he's writing the sixth solution."
"Are our candidates here all so talented? Randomly picking someone, and they're all this brilliant!"
"I don't think so. Even if I go up, I can write at most four."
"I can only write three."
The discussion became lively, and notes were taken quickly.
The sixth, seventh, and eighth solutions, Cen Huai'an paused.
"Teacher, I've completed the solutions using high school knowledge. If you want more, I'll need to use college-level mathematics."
"You also know college-level mathematics?" When Hang Ling said this, his tone was genuinely appreciative. "Then use college-level knowledge."
Cen Huai'an turned around and wrote three more solutions, then stopped, saying, "Teacher, I'm done."
Hang Ling had just looked at each solution, and the more he looked, the more he liked Cen Huai'an. This was the ideal talent he envisioned for the future of learning mathematics!
Hang Ling wished he could enroll Cen Huai'an in his university right now and start teaching him mathematics.
However, he suppressed the excitement in his heart for the moment and asked Cen Huai'an step by step how he came up with so many solutions, requiring him to explain the thought process behind each one.
Cen Huai'an nodded, took the microphone, and elaborated on each solution one by one. His voice was steady, with a youthful sharpness.
The students below listened attentively. The ability to solve problems using college-level mathematics was beyond their current capabilities, and the gap seemed quite significant.
Li Shilai was particularly proud, incessantly telling students from other provinces that Cen Huai'an was his friend, a high school student!
Xin Yang sat not far from Li Shilai, listening to his voice and watching Cen Huai'an on the stage emitting a radiant glow. His eyebrows furrowed tightly, and there was a hint of unwillingness in his eyes.
He believed that if Professor Hang had called him to the stage, he could also come up with five solutions.
Xin Yang ignored Cen Huai'an's university-level solutions and acted as if he hadn't seen them.
But someone like Xin Yang dared only to think this in his heart. He knew that if he said it out loud, he would face the judgmental gazes of others.
On the stage, Hang Ling asked Cen Huai'an why he was studying college-level calculus and seemed to be doing well at it.
Cen Huai'an replied, "Because I've finished studying high school calculus."
A flawless answer. Hang Ling admired Cen Huai'an even more.
However, due to time constraints during the academic presentation, Hang Ling didn't engage with Cen Huai'an on stage for too long. Instead, he continued his speech, following the approach Cen Huai'an had taken in solving the problem.
Returning to his seat, Cen Huai'an received numerous admiring glances, as if he were a returning king.
"Cen Huai'an, you're just too amazing! Some of those solutions, I couldn't come up with them in my entire life."
"Practice more, and you'll get it."
Li Shilai said, "No... we're different. No matter how much I practice, my brain doesn't work as well as yours."
Being both outstanding individuals, it's indeed challenging for them to admit that they might not be as good as someone else in a particular area.
However, Li Shilai easily moved past that hurdle. He had a clear understanding of his capabilities and acknowledged that many people were better than him. His openness about his own shortcomings made him more likable.
Cen Huai'an appreciated Li Shilai's attitude and was willing to be friends with someone like him.
After Hang Ling finished his lecture, during the Q&A session, Cen Huai'an was the first to stand up and ask the questions that had been lingering in his mind.
Hang Ling attentively listened to Cen Huai'an's inquiries.
Cen Huai'an continued to raise his hand to ask questions during the following opportunities, but after two questions, he stopped, leaving the chance for others.
Other participants asked questions that Cen Huai'an also had in mind. He listened attentively, taking notes in his notebook.
On the fourth day, the academic presentations, much like the opening ceremony on the first day, were enriching for Cen Huai'an.
On the fifth day of the winter camp, the results were announced, and medals were awarded. The top sixty participants with gold medals would have the chance to enter the training camp.
Those with gold medals had the opportunity to receive offers from prestigious universities. As long as they signed contracts with these universities, they would be guaranteed admission.
During the announcement of the results, Cen Huai'an looked nervously at the stage. Despite his usual confidence in his performance, at that moment, he seemed unable to muster the same self-assurance.
The tension in the air during the result announcement made everyone nervous. Cen Huai'an couldn't help but mutter.
"Gold medal, gold medal, please bless me with a gold medal!"
Li Shilai raised his hands, constantly bowing in all directions.
"All the gods, ancestors of the Li family, whether our Li family can shine or not depends on you this time."
Cen Huai'an, who heard everything, was initially nervous but then lost his tension.
"Is it useful to pray to gods and Buddhas?" Cen Huai'an asked.
Li Shilai responded, "Whether it's useful or not, you should pray. What if it works?"
Cen Huai'an remained speechless.
At this moment, the announcement of the results began.
First, they announced the winners of the bronze medals, reading out one name after another. Some were delighted to receive the bronze medal, feeling that the trip was worthwhile, while others felt disheartened.
When Xin Yang heard his name among the bronze medalists, his face turned pale. "How is this possible? Why would I get a bronze medal? This shouldn't..."
But he didn't have time to contemplate further. Once your name was called, you had to go to the front of the stage to receive the award. Regardless of how many people received bronze medals, everyone got a medal.
Xin Yang returned with his bronze medal, his face still in shock.
Li Shilai and he were in the same math class. Seeing his current state, Li Shilai, who was familiar with him, asked concernedly, "Xin Yang, what's wrong?"
Xin Yang held Li Shilai's hand, "How could I get a bronze medal? Could the teacher have marked the papers incorrectly?"
Li Shilai widened his eyes abruptly. As he winced from the grip, he stopped struggling, "Xin Yang, is there something wrong with your brain? This is the Olympic competition. The papers are marked by big shots like Professor Hang. Do you think they would make a mistake in marking?"
They were in a math exam, and how could those math experts make mistakes in marking the simplest math papers? It would be a colossal joke!
"Xin Yang, don't talk nonsense, or I won't be able to help you."
If Xin Yang truly questioned the correctness of the results and it turned out there was no mistake, he would lose the favor of the university.
Xin Yang didn't know whether he had taken Li Shilai's warning to heart. He just looked down at his bronze medal, feeling a myriad of emotions.
He thought he would be the most outstanding contestant from High School Four, but now, only a bronze medal in the Olympiad, he felt he had no face to return to school.
After the bronze medals were announced, the silver medal winners were announced, and there was still no mention of Cen Huai'an and Li Shilai.
Li Shilai's eyes were as wide as they could be, and his heart was pounding like a drum.
"Cen Huai'an..." He licked his lips, trembling nervously. "Will the next ones announced be the gold medal winners?"
Cen Huai'an replied, "Yes."
Even though Li Shilai expected the outcome, when he heard his name among the gold medalists, he couldn't help but jump and dance in joy.
"I'm really amazing!" Li Shilai reached out and hugged Cen Huai'an tightly, then hugged Xin Yang next to him. "In the Li family for generations, enjoy watching me bring glory to our ancestors!"
Saying that, he ran to the front stage, eagerly waiting to see if the medal was indeed gold.
Cen Huai'an, now completely composed, focused on listening to the host announcing the names of the gold medalists.
"Cen Huai'an."
Cen Huai'an also stood up and walked towards the front.
He wasn't the last one called, and Cen Huai'an didn't feel any disappointment. He had the gold medal, and a spot in the training camp was secured.
When the gold medals were awarded, Hang Ling, Cen Huai'an, and a girl standing beside him, along with a tall and thin boy, said, "Actually, the three of you have the same score."
The gaze of Cen Huai'an and the others immediately turned towards Hang Ling, who had a mischievous smile on his face. "But, Cen Huai'an, your name comes first in the alphabet, so you suffered a bit. That's why I announced you first."
Cen Huai'an responded, "It's okay."
In fact, he felt that the ordering was a bit problematic. If based on the alphabet, he should have been the first to be announced, and in reverse order, he should have been the last.
However, it didn't matter much to him. He had the gold medal, secured a spot in the training camp, and the order of announcement was a trivial matter.
After the award ceremony, the host announced the names of those who would participate in the training camp. Along with Cen Huai'an, there were three students from the capital city who made it into the training camp.
Li Shilai wasn't among them, but he wasn't discouraged. Holding his gold medal, he was happily expressing, "I never thought I would get a gold medal."
Xin Yang, who had been listening all along, looked at the gold medal in his hand, and his eyes turned red.
In the afternoon, it was the time for free activities at the winter camp. Professors from various universities began to talk to the students they had in mind, extending olive branches.
Some accepted the offers, and some declined.
Most students who could be recommended were gold medalists. A few silver medalists who proactively showcased their abilities also succeeded in securing recommendations, but there were also some failures.
Hang Ling found Cen Huai'an among the students he wanted to talk to.