Chapter 118

Chapter 118

Professor Zhu Guangya was the first to learn the news—Feng Xia had taken the college entrance examination under the banner of the 101 Institute. Her registered household registration remained in Feng’s family of Daba Village, meaning she should have sat for the exam in Wufu Town, Antai City. However, a directive from higher authorities had transferred her registration to the 101 Institute.

The moment he received the news, he rushed over to share the joy.

When Jiang Long heard Professor Zhu Guangya’s booming voice, he dashed out of the kitchen clutching a spatula, his face alight with excitement and exhilaration, and eagerly asked, “Did Feng Xia really top the national exam? We must celebrate properly!”

Professor Zhu Guangya proudly stroked his beard, his tone resolute: “Of course! This morning, both Tsinghua University and Peking University called me directly, extending formal invitations for Xia to enroll. The score is confirmed—she’s Beijing’s top scorer, no doubt about it.” Having long regarded Feng Xia as a cherished junior family member, Professor Zhu always made sure to set aside something special for her whenever he purchased anything. In essence, this felt like his own granddaughter clinching first place—wasn’t pride only natural?

Jiang Long held scholars in deep reverence, and at that very moment, Feng Xia seemed to him nothing less than the reincarnated God of Literature. He vigorously waved his spatula and hurried back into the kitchen. Such an extraordinary occasion demanded a proper celebratory feast.

“Professor Zhu, I’ll prepare lunch—you and Professor Chen must stay for a meal. Let’s raise a toast to celebrate!” Jiang Long’s resonant voice carried through the air, and Professor Zhu beamed in response: “Excellent! Excellent! After all, she’s the nation’s top scorer!”

Upon hearing the good news, Zhang Ying quickly dashed upstairs to rouse Feng Xia from bed. While Feng Xia washed up, Zhang Ying gently combed her hair; once she was neatly dressed, Zhang Ying led her downstairs.

Professor Zhu Guangya enthusiastically patted Feng Xia on the shoulder and declared, “Feng Xia, do you know you’ve topped the exam in Beijing? Truly remarkable!”

Feng Xia smiled warmly alongside him, her dimples irresistibly charming. With a playful wink, she replied, “I didn’t know until just now—thank you, Professor, for bringing me the wonderful news.”

Professor Zhu wasn’t the least bit annoyed. Instead, he continued, “Have you decided which university to attend? Tsinghua or Peking University? Now you can choose any university in the country. What field will you study—materials science, ferrous metallurgy and mechanical manufacturing, fluid mechanics, or computer science?”

Zhu Guangya fired off questions like a machine gun—rapid, relentless, leaving Feng Xia no time to respond. His eyes remained locked on her, scrutinizing every flicker of expression across her face.

A faint twitch tugged at Feng Xia’s lips. Only after Professor Zhu Guangya paused did she reply, “I’m still undecided. And Professor—I’ll likely choose Peking University, but I won’t be able to attend classes. A new project is underway, so I’ll be occupied with it for a while.”

“What? Another new project? Fantastic! Fantastic! Don’t worry—your lab at the 101 Institute remains reserved exclusively for you. Draft the project proposal promptly, and once approved, we’ll launch immediately.” Professor Zhu Guangya was elated. Though Feng Xia’s recent software developments—including the printer, already in mass production—were impressive, there was never such a thing as too much excellence.

Moreover, the composite ceramic material she developed had been widely adopted across numerous sectors. Without advanced equipment for raw-material extraction, foreign countries had no choice but to import it from China. Senior leadership had stood firm, choosing—for now—to sell only the Blue-and-White Porcelain Watch.

This watch was stunning. From Beijing to every corner of the nation, people were clamoring for it. Among its models, the flagship “Feng Xia” (“Meeting Summer”) stood out most prominently. Its vibrant green hue evoked the vitality of summer, each timepiece hand-drawn by master artisans—exquisitely beautiful, available in both men’s and women’s versions, with only fifteen pieces released. It had been specially commissioned by senior leadership to honor Feng Xia’s contributions.

Now, trend-conscious youth across Beijing were fiercely competing to acquire either a “Feng Xia” watch or a Blue-and-White Porcelain Watch—a symbol of prestige and status.

On Feng Xia’s wrist rested the very first “Feng Xia” watch, personally delivered by senior leadership. Her slender, snow-white wrist paired with the vivid green timepiece was breathtakingly elegant.

Furthermore, this watch had been presented as a national gift to Bear Country—the Flower Kingdom’s close ally—and was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. The version gifted to Bear Country belonged to the “Flower Summer” series. Feng Xia’s original objective had been perfectly realized: her watch rendered imported watches from Beautiful Country instantly obsolete. Though comparable in quality, the price difference was staggering—delivering a decisive blow to the imported watch industry. Delegates from Beautiful Country had strutted in confidently—only to slink away humiliated.

The watch’s raw materials were inexpensive and fully state-controlled. Several state-owned watch factories had been established accordingly. A standard Blue-and-White Porcelain Watch sold for approximately 40 yuan in 1976, while premium models ranged from 70 to 80 yuan. At that price point—just as the college entrance exams had been reinstated and the economy poised for takeoff—this was undeniably cost-effective.

Especially compared to imported watches costing hundreds of yuan, it was an unqualified triumph.

As the developer of this composite ceramic material, Feng Xia was renowned throughout domestic industries utilizing such ceramics—particularly within the military sector. Her name had become legendary. Military factories had repeatedly attempted to invite the young prodigy for visits, only to be blocked each time by Zhu Guangya—who knew full well that once she stepped onto a military base, retrieving her would be impossible.

Senior leadership valued Feng Xia even more highly. Zhang Ying was required to submit a weekly progress report, and Jiang Long was even preparing to obtain a nutritionist certification!

So naturally, upon learning Feng Xia was launching yet another project, Zhu Guangya was thrilled beyond measure. He half-wished he could seize her on the spot and begin immediately. As for whether the project would gain approval—he never entertained the possibility of rejection. Feng Xia’s past record of extraordinary achievements was the strongest guarantee imaginable. To block her would be sheer madness.

Eagerly gazing at Feng Xia like a child awaiting a treat, Zhu Guangya pressed, “What field does this new project involve? Give me a rough idea—I’ll assemble the team for you right away.”

Feng Xia responded with an enigmatic smile—and said nothing. As for personnel, the same team from last time would suffice.

Zhu Guangya pouted in disappointment. Well, he’d see the official proposal soon enough—sooner or later, he’d find out.

By noon, a lavish banquet was laid out. Professor Chen Yue had also returned, her face crinkling into a joyful smile as she looked upon Feng Xia. The president of Peking University, having vaguely heard of Feng Xia’s reputation, had rushed straight to Professor Chen’s office the moment the top-scorer news broke—begging her to intercede on behalf of Peking University, hoping to recruit this genius girl. With such an outstanding “granddaughter,” the elderly professor was overjoyed—grinning so broadly her cheeks ached.

This family—bound not by blood but by shared experience—had now gathered together, celebrating Feng Xia’s historic achievement as the nation’s top scorer. Indeed, life brims with uncertainty.

Live fully in the present—embrace tomorrow.