Chapter 11: Unveiling the Tech Tree—An Unexpected Journey

As the clock struck six in the evening, Chen Xiao returned home, only to find that Chen Qiang hadn't arrived yet. Lin Huixiang had closed their stall early, engrossed in her kitchen duties.

"Mom, where's Dad?" Chen Xiao inquired.

Lin Huixiang hesitated for a moment before replying, "Your dad hasn't come back from the factory yet. Hurry up and have your meal."

Chen Qiang had been suspended by the factory, and if he didn't repair the machine tool within a few days, he could face termination and even legal consequences. It seemed unlikely that he would still be at the factory at this hour.

Chen Qiang was probably searching for odd jobs outside to make ends meet.

Understanding the situation, Chen Xiao didn't press for more details. He finished his meal quickly and retreated to his bedroom, eager to light up the technology tree.

[Cumulative influence: 22.]

[Would you like to light up the technology tree?]

Chen Xiao chose "Yes."

[Consumes 20 influence points, leaving 2 remaining.]

[Congratulations! The technology tree has been illuminated.]

Chen Xiao: "???"

There was no choice at all, and the technology tree was illuminated? It felt like opening a blind box. What was the difference?

Chen Xiao quickly checked what had been illuminated. If it turned out to be an academic-centric technology that lacked practicality, it would delay his plans to make money.

[Technology tree: Medical Biology (unlit); Physical and Chemical Machinery (unlit); Computer Information (lit)...]

The system description made it clear that the illuminated technology tree was highly suitable for Chen Xiao's current situation.

It was computer information!

Chen Xiao decided to expand the computer information technology tree further.

However, his enthusiasm quickly turned into disappointment.

[Computer Information: 1. C Language, Proficient.]

C language... the fundamental programming language and the basis for many programs.

It was relatively simple to use but required extensive syntax to express intentions, making it cumbersome in practice.

Before his rebirth, Chen Xiao had some knowledge of the C language and even used it to program small applications. However, he was far from being proficient.

Moreover, Chen Xiao wasn't naturally inclined toward software and couldn't claim proficiency in the C language before his rebirth.

What could one achieve with proficiency in the C language?

Programming.

Although the syntax was cumbersome, it was better than having no programming skills at all.

C language was process-oriented, focusing on pointers and memory, while C++ was object-oriented, focusing on objects and algorithms. However, C language served as the foundation for C++.

After some self-study, Chen Xiao could also write programs in C++, which was much easier than using C language.

But there was a problem—Chen Xiao didn't have a computer to work on.

He pondered if he could borrow Shen Wei's computer. Her family was well-off, so she most likely had one.

Lost in his thoughts, Chen Xiao eventually fell into a deep sleep.

The following Sunday, Chen Xiao visited the library to borrow books on C language and C++. He immersed himself in a thorough study of C++.

As expected, being proficient in the C language helped him grasp C++ more easily. With C++ programming skills, he had a greater advantage than with just the C language.

...

Monday morning arrived, and it was time for the diagnostic test.

The students gathered in the classroom early, anticipation evident in their expressions. The diagnostic test was their first taste of the upcoming college entrance examination—a pivotal moment to identify weaknesses and fill knowledge gaps.

For many students, the diagnostic test results would serve as a reflection of their performance in the actual college entrance examination.

After the self-study period, their homeroom teacher, Mr. Liao, entered the classroom, carrying the test results. His face was devoid of any expression, leaving everyone to wonder whether the third class had performed well or poorly.

Teacher Liao's gaze landed first on Shen Wei and Su Qiao, before finally settling on Chen Xiao.

"Now that the first diagnostic test is over, you've all had a taste of the exam atmosphere and difficulty," Teacher Liao began, his tone serious. "While the college entrance examination atmosphere is even more intense and strict, the questions tend to be simpler than those found in the diagnostic test."

"If any of you found the questions challenging this time, then it's crucial to work harder in the upcoming six months to fill in the gaps."

Teacher Liao glanced at some students, remarking, "Our class's results this time have brought some small surprises and pleasant developments. Many students have shown significant improvement compared to the previous monthly test. I hope that subject teachers will distribute the test papers, allowing students to analyze their performance and promptly transition into the mindset of a third-year high school student."

"I will now announce the results."

The classroom fell silent as everyone held their breath.

Teacher Liao had a habit of announcing the results starting from the last-ranked student. However, he only disclosed the rankings for the top 20 students, omitting those with poorer scores.

Jiang Wei and Deng Chao grew increasingly nervous.

"Zhang Yi, with a total score of 294, ranking 303rd overall."

Jiangcheng No. 1 Middle School had a total of 330 students, so Zhang Yi's ranking was essentially last.

Zhang Yi stood up, his expression filled with disbelief.

"I'm last!??" He looked at Jiang Wei and Deng Chao, utterly shocked!

It didn't make sense! Jiang Wei had always ranked last among the Iron Triangle, followed by Deng Chao, while Zhang Yi consistently placed ahead of them by 20 to 30 points. This time should have been no different!

Laughter erupted throughout the class at Zhang Yi's bewildered and comical expression.

Teacher Liao chimed in, exasperated, "Why shouldn't it be glorious!?"

The whole class burst into laughter.

"Wang Qian, with a total score of 305, 76 in Chinese..."

Jiang Wei's ranking was fifth from the bottom, followed by Deng Chao in sixth place. They scored 324 and 331 respectively.

This outcome excited the two of them. They weren't ranked last or second to last but had improved their positions by several places.

Jiang Wei and Deng Chao looked at Chen Xiao gratefully. It was clear to everyone that this progress was due to Chen Xiao's help.

[Influence +2, cumulative influence 4.]

Zhang Yi's disbelief deepened as he repeatedly muttered, "It can't be! Jiang Wei and Deng Chao scored over 300 in the test!"

The subsequent results were fairly satisfactory, with performances matching the previous monthly test rankings.

The class eagerly awaited the top five rankings.

Generally, Shen Wei was first, Su Qiao second, while Chen Xiao, despite being the prince of science, would typically settle for fourth or fifth place, occasionally reaching third.

"Fourth place, Zhu Yingjie, with a total score of 601, ranking 17th."

Finally, someone exceeded the 600-point mark.

Shen Wei fidgeted with her fingernails nervously, while Su Qiao held her head high, fixing her gaze on Teacher Liao. She believed that this time she had the opportunity to surpass Shen Wei and claim the top spot.

Thus far, Chen Xiao's name hadn't been called. The entire class, including Shen Wei, focused their attention on him. If everything went as expected, he should secure third place.

"Third place, Su Qiao, with a total score of 604, 134 in Chinese, 110 in mathematics, 137 in English, ranking 11th."

"Ah!" Su Qiao was stunned. She had unexpectedly placed third in the class. This was a step back from being among the top ten in the grade—it was regression!

Teacher Liao kindly advised, "Su Qiao, you need to work harder on mathematics!"

Su Qiao glanced reluctantly at Chen Xiao. How did he manage to surpass her?

Shen Wei breathed a sigh of relief. Her biggest competitor, Su Qiao, had secured third place. It seemed that her position at the top was safe, for now.