On the third day of the school year, Jiang Fuyue’s direct admission letters arrived at the high school’s administrative office.
“H-How many?” The headmaster thought he must have misheard.
The director of administration repeated with a smile, “Nine letters, from B University, Q University, G University, F University, Z University, S University, the National University of Science and Technology, the University of Science and Technology of China, and the University of Huake.”
“S-So many?” The headmaster gulped.
The director added, “Judging from the calls we’ve received these past two days, there are likely a few more letters on the way. They should arrive by the day after tomorrow at the latest.”
The headmaster blinked in disbelief.
The director continued, “If we opened up a channel for foreign universities, there’d probably be even more. Ivy League schools might send offers too.”
The headmaster: “….”
In previous years, students had won international academic awards, but Jiang Fuyue was the first to be eligible for direct admission to all the top universities in the country. The attention was…. overwhelming.
The director explained, “There are two main reasons for the hype. First, Jiang Fuyue achieved first place with perfect scores in both competitions—a record never before seen in the 100-year history of the IPhO and IOI. It’s likely never to happen again….”
Online, people dubbed her “the competition ceiling” for good reason.
“Second, the popularity of her viral videos has spread her fame widely, which led these schools to act quickly.”
Ordinarily, students who won in the IPhO or IOI would be directly admitted to the host universities. This year, IPhO winners would typically go to Q University, and IOI winners to B University.
But this year, Jiang Fuyue’s popularity soared, even trending several times, giving her the kind of exposure that major celebrities enjoy—so other schools also took notice.
The headmaster reflected for a moment. “This isn’t something the school can decide for her. It’s up to Jiang Fuyue herself. Let’s have Xu Jing bring her here to discuss her thoughts in person.”
“Understood.”
Shortly, Xu Jing and Jiang Fuyue were invited to the headmaster’s office.
The headmaster greeted them warmly, explaining the situation carefully, then asked Jiang Fuyue, “….What’s on your mind? I want to assure you there’s no pressure from us. Choosing a school is entirely up to you. We’re here to offer guidance and advice.”
“Just speak freely; there’s no need to feel pressured.”
With a kind and gentle demeanor, the elderly headmaster embodied wisdom with each word.
Jiang Fuyue replied honestly, “I don’t plan to attend university through a direct admission.”
Xu Jing froze.
The director was stunned.
The headmaster, Hu Yongwei, was completely taken aback. “What did you say?”
“I’m going to take the college entrance exams,” Jiang Fuyue said firmly.
“No… Jiang Fuyue, listen to me,” Xu Jing immediately grew restless, jumping up. “Although you’re highly capable and your grades are stable, exams carry risks. Have you considered the 50/50 chance of success or failure?”
Jiang Fuyue nodded. “No need to consider. That’s basic probability.”
Xu Jing: “…”
The director was baffled as well. “The goal of the college entrance exams is to get into a good university. Now, the two best universities in the country are open to you, with all their top programs available. I don’t see any reason to refuse.”
Jiang Fuyue replied, “That’s your perspective, not mine.”
The director was at a loss.
The kids these days, so bold with their teachers!
Xu Jing took a deep breath and asked carefully, “You keep mentioning your intentions. Can you tell us what those are?”
Jiang Fuyue paused. “For most students, the college entrance exams serve solely to get into a university, but that’s not the case for me.”
Xu Jing asked, “Then what does the college entrance exam mean to you?”
“It’s just an exam,” Jiang Fuyue replied. “No different in essence from monthly tests or weekly quizzes. And university is not the end of the road—it’s just one phase of life.”
“I enjoy my current pace, and I don’t plan to disrupt it. So, let’s skip the direct admission.”
Skip the direct admission…
Skip it…
it…
Her casual words weighed heavily on the other three.
Xu Jing, especially as her homeroom teacher, found it hard to accept that his student would turn down such an excellent opportunity.
But he couldn’t be angry, as the headmaster had stated—they could only offer advice, while the decision lay with the student.
The director looked at her like she was a rare sight.
He had worked at No. 1 High School for decades, and it wasn’t unheard of for students to give up guaranteed admission, but usually, it was because they were dissatisfied with the school or major, and after much deliberation, they chose to take the entrance exam instead.
Of course, some succeeded, while others failed.
But Jiang Fuyue had no such concerns. Both Q University and B University had extended invitations to her for their most competitive and prestigious programs.
Initially, when he received the call, they had only mentioned guaranteed admission offers from the Physics and Computer Science departments. But when the official notice arrived, it turned out that other departments—such as Economics and Management, Materials Science, Life Sciences, and Astrophysics—had all sent invitations as well.
Concerns about choosing a major? Nonexistent.
Beyond that, what amazed him the most was that while most students agonized over whether to give up their guaranteed admission and take the college entrance exam, Jiang Fuyue?
Forget hesitation—she didn’t even waver for a second. She rejected the offer outright, as casually as if she were passing up a store-bought strawberry cake, simply because she “didn’t feel like eating it.”
In the end, even the old headmaster couldn’t stay quiet and said, “How about this? Don’t rush to reject it. Go home and discuss it with your parents first. Just give me an answer by the end of the week.”
“Alright.” Jiang Fuyue left the headmaster’s office.
Xu Jing followed behind her in complete silence.
He was sulking. Completely shut down. Not talking!
Luckily, Jiang Fuyue had no intention of speaking to him either. The two walked back in silence, and she headed straight to the classroom.
Xu Jing: “?” That’s it?!
I’m not even talking, and you don’t even try to coax me? D*mn!
By the time Xu Jing returned to the grade office, still wearing a face full of resentment, Meng Zhijian happened to look up—
“Whoa! Who ticked you off? Your face is longer than a noodle.”
“Jiang Fuyue!”
“…Who?” Meng Zhijian choked on his water. “That can’t be right.”
That girl was famous for being low-maintenance. How could she have pissed Xu Jing off this badly?
Unbelievable!
Absolutely unbelievable!
Xu Jing rolled his eyes. “Believe it or not, I don’t care!”
Meng Zhijian quickly scooted over. “What happened? Spill it.”
“No way! Just thinking about it makes me mad.”
“Well, you can’t just bottle it up. Maybe I can help.”
Xu Jing gave him a long, meaningful look. “I’m afraid if I tell you, you’ll be even angrier than I am.”
“That’s impossible!” Meng Zhijian wiggled a finger smugly.
He was patient! Even dealing with the spoiled rich kids from Class 7 didn’t faze him. How could this possibly make him mad?
Xu Jing sneered. “Fine, I’ll tell you. After all, you’re involved in this too.”
“…I am? Involved in what? Tell me!” Meng Zhijian was dying of curiosity.
“Jiang Fuyue’s guaranteed admission offers arrived…”
Meng Zhijian’s eyes lit up. “That’s great! Q University or B University?”
“Both. And also G University, F University, Z University, S University, National Science University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Huake University.”
“Hiss—!” Meng Zhijian sucked in a sharp breath. “That many?! What about her major choices? Does she have many options?”
Xu Jing: “Any major she wants.”
“Incredible! No surprise, though—she’s my student! The first in No. 1 High School’s history! Unprecedented!”
“Oh, but there’s something even crazier. Want to hear it?”
“Hm?” Meng Zhijian paused. “What’s crazier than that?”
Xu Jing’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Jiang Fuyue turned them all down.”
“…Turned what down?” Meng Zhijian hadn’t processed it yet.
“She rejected all the offers.”
Five seconds of dead silence. Then—
“She rejected them?! Why did she reject them?! How could she reject them?!” Meng Zhijian lost it, pacing frantically. “You’re joking, right? Xu Jing, this isn’t funny at all!”
Xu Jing’s tone was ice-cold. “Do I look like I’m joking?”
Meng Zhijian: “…She really rejected them? But… why?!”
“Old Meng, weren’t you just saying you wouldn’t lose your temper?”
Meng Zhijian: “…” D*mn it!
Old Meng: Oh no. My face hurts.
