Chapter 20: Embracing Shen Wei's Arrival

At the Jiangzhou Daily headquarters in Jiangzhou City, reporter Li Feng worked tirelessly to complete an article about a talented high school student in Jiangcheng who self-learned integrated circuit knowledge and successfully designed and improved the mainboard of a German Demag CNC machine tool. The article focused on the collaboration between a company and the student to produce and install the motherboard.

Li Feng, an experienced reporter of nearly 20 years, understood the professional sensitivity and ethics of his profession. He knew what could be reported and what should be withheld.

Therefore, his special report highlighted the achievements of the high school student in designing the integrated circuit motherboard, intentionally omitting any mention of the incident involving the burned CNC machine tool at Jiangcheng State Machinery Factory.

"Why not mention it?" Li Feng pondered. "The machinery factory is a state-owned unit, and such exposure could tarnish its reputation."

The following morning at 8 a.m., Li Feng eagerly submitted the manuscript and accompanying news photos, anticipating praise from the editor-in-chief.

He believed that his nearly 5,000-word special report, emphasizing how young individuals in the new era could contribute to the realization of the four modernizations by expanding their knowledge beyond the classroom, would be well received and published immediately.

However, after reading the report in detail, editor-in-chief Zhu Bin set it aside and addressed Li Feng with a smile. "Li Feng, your report is well-written, but we don't need to publish it. Let's keep it within the newspaper for internal learning and communication."

Li Feng couldn't believe his ears. He had poured all his energy into the report overnight, and now it wouldn't see the light of day?

Li Feng asked anxiously, "But... But Chen Xiao is an extraordinary young man, and his story is worth reporting. Moreover, he's currently in his third year of high school and will face the college entrance examination next July. If our report catches the attention of colleges and universities, it could potentially change his future. He could become an excellent scientific researcher for our country in ten or twenty years."

Zhu Bin took a long breath and replied, "Alright, let's leave it at that. Don't bring it up again."

Li Feng was frustrated. "Couldn't we at least publish it on a less prominent page?"

Zhu Bin, growing impatient, retorted, "Are you the editor-in-chief or am I? Drop the subject."

With that, Zhu Bin discarded Li Feng's special report into the trash can.

The newspaper office was like a small imperial court, with the editor-in-chief wielding absolute authority.

Li Feng dared not argue further and left the editor's office with his head down.

...

After the initial meeting, the third class of Jiangcheng No. 1 Middle School returned to their monotonous and tense exam preparations.

Chen Xiao's study group was officially formed, with members including Deng Chao, Jiang Wei, Zhang Yi, and others—students who had slightly lower grades but were determined not to be left behind.

Chen Xiao wasn't bluffing; he genuinely did his best to help his classmates during recess and self-study periods. He even held tutorial sessions during lunch breaks and after school, focusing on improving performance in subjects like mathematics, biology, and chemistry.

For the students, especially those struggling academically, Chen Xiao's influence was significant. He patiently answered their questions and taught them the necessary formulas and techniques to tackle math problems. By mastering just two key question types, they could boost their scores by 15 points or more, which would have a positive impact on the overall exam results.

This allowed Chen Xiao to earn around 3 to 4 influence points each day.

[Influence +3, cumulative influence 26.]

Furthermore, Chen Xiao's teaching methods were clear and easy to understand, so the students didn't need to spend excessive time memorizing complicated concepts. Instead, they only needed to memorize a few formulas and patterns.

During a break at 10 a.m., Chen Xiao continued to explain topics to the struggling students seated around him. Su Qiao, who was sitting in front, grew irritated and scolded him, "Chen Xiao, can't you take your discussion outside? You're disturbing everyone's study."

Chen Xiao had gained considerable influence among the struggling students.

Upon hearing Su Qiao's remark, Deng Chao quickly stepped forward and glared at her. "Su Qiao, what's your problem? You're allowed to recite your lessons out loud, but no one else can talk? It's a break time, not a class. We're not breaking any school rules by having a conversation. If you don't like it, you can leave."

Zhang Yi chimed in, "That's right, Su Qiao. When we asked you for help before, you refused. But now, when someone else offers help, you complain. This is a classroom, not your private domain. You can't act so arrogantly!"

"You!" Su Qiao stood up abruptly but, seeing the tall and imposing figures of Deng Chao and Zhang Yi, she quickly sat back down before storming off.

Under her breath, Su Qiao muttered, "Do you really think you're the savior of the world? Just because you did well on one test, you act all high and mighty every day."

Shen Wei, who was quietly working on math problems, spoke up. "If anyone has questions, feel free to ask me. I'm also a member of the study group."

Chen Xiao assumed Shen Wei was merely announcing her participation in the study group and didn't take it too seriously. Little did he know that Shen Wei would make it a point to mention it.

Witnessing the top-performing student, Shen Wei, actively joining the study group, the struggling students, especially the boys, became excited. They eagerly approached Shen Wei with their test papers and homework, seeking her guidance.

The pressure on Chen Xiao suddenly eased.

He scolded with a smile, "Those of you who are interested can ask one or two questions, but don't disturb Shen Wei's study."

The boys cheered in unison, casting Shen Wei and Chen Xiao knowing looks.

Shen Wei blushed deeply.

As Su Qiao observed this scene, she grew even more resentful.

How could Shen Wei join the study group? Su Qiao was determined to put a stop to this foolishness!