Chapter 54: The Jester Within

Director Shao remains in a state of shock, struggling to regain his composure.

No sooner had Yenching University ended the call than Shuimu University was on the line.

Both calls centered on the same matter – recruiting Chen Xiao.

Director Shao, wary of neglect, promptly dialed Principal Wang again.

Amidst the Spring Festival holiday, had it not been for the festivities, Principal Wang would have already convened a meeting with the teachers. He would have summoned Chen Xiao and sought his opinion.

Furthermore, being favored by both Shuimu University and Yenching University, receiving early admissions offers from both institutions, this marked a first in the history of Jiangcheng No.1 Middle School.

If news of this spread, come the July entrance exam, applicants for Jiangcheng No. 1 Middle School would likely be in endless queues.

Wang Kangzhen also hastily contacted Teacher Liao and advised, "The deadline for special admissions is in March, right as the semester commences. Prompt Chen Xiao to contemplate his options – whether to choose Shuimu University or Yenching University. Both schools offer full scholarships. Mr. Liao, your class and students are truly bringing honor to our school!"

Teacher Liao swallowed hard, realizing that even happiness could bring its own share of troubles.

It was unbelievable that such an exceptional student had emerged from his tutelage.

...

Zhou Hongbing remarked, "Lin Hui, could you have been tricked? Nowadays, there are numerous phone scammers, and considering the proximity to the college entrance exams, you need to exercise caution!"

Sun Yan chimed in, "Indeed! Sister-in-law, as the college entrance exams approach, scammers are on the rise. We can't believe such phone calls in our household."

Sun Yan, a teacher in her own right, viewed herself as a sophisticated urbanite, thinking that Lin Hui might have encountered a con artist.

"Ding ding ding..."

The landline rang once more.

Sun Yan volunteered to answer, "Hello, hello, who are you looking for?"

With an air of authority, Sun Yan adopted a detective-like demeanor, even opting to use the speakerphone.

Teacher Liao: "Hello, is this Chen Xiao's mother? I'm Chen Xiao's homeroom teacher, Teacher Liao."

Sun Yan cast a glance at Chen Xiao, who nodded in agreement along with Lin Hui.

"This is indeed Teacher Liao's voice."

Sun Yan said, "Ah, Teacher Liao, greetings. I'm Chen Xiao's aunt. If there's something you need to discuss, I can convey it to him later."

After a brief pause, Mr. Liao conveyed, "The principal called and confirmed with the city's admissions office. Shuimu University intends to enroll Chen Xiao as well. Please inform Chen Xiao that he has a choice between Shuimu University and Yenching University. Both institutions offer full scholarships. Please urge Chen Xiao to contemplate his decision in the coming days. He should provide his response at the start of the semester. Feel free to contact me if you have any inquiries."

Sun Yan's jaw dropped, and she remained stunned for a considerable time before uttering, "Thank you, teacher..."

And so, the call concluded.

At this point, the entire room fell silent, with the TV playing the Spring Festival Gala as the sole background noise.

Sister Song Dan: "I've categorized seniors into three types: those who suffer emotional loss, those with hormonal imbalances, and those with Alzheimer's."

Uncle Benshan: "Which type do I fall under?"

Big Sister Song Dan: "You don't belong to any of those three. You belong to the type that's trapped indoors."

Sun Yan sensed an unusual mix of emotions. Why had Chen Xiao, a student at a modest high school in a small city, been offered early admissions by both Yenching University and Shuimu University simultaneously?

Chen Qiang was elated, aware of the reason for Chen Xiao's early acceptance to both institutions. "Is this about the motherboard patent?"

Chen Xiao nodded, replying, "It seems likely."

"Terrific! Terrific! Terrific!" Chen Qiang repeated the word "terrific" thrice, taking another swig of wine. The struggles he had endured over the past decade suddenly seemed worthwhile!

"Chen Qiang, what exactly happened?"

"Indeed, brother!"

Having regained his place in the conversation, Chen Qiang provided a brief account of the entire journey, from Chen Xiao's inception of the CNC machine tool concept to its fruition. "Who would've thought that Yanjing University and Shuimu University would both favor this invention?"

Chen Jian: "Xiaozi has a promising future!"

Sun Yan's unease intensified as she uttered, "Really? It's astounding! Chen Xiao's performance in science has always been impressive."

Chen Mei: "Chen Xiao is truly amazing! Our Chen family has produced a champion!"

Chen Ping reflected on her morning encounter with C language and integrated circuit books in Chen Xiao's room. She had berated him for not applying himself, but little did she expect him to receive early admission offers from two of the most prestigious universities in Xia. She had been criticizing Chen Xiao's lackluster final exam score, considering it a lost cause. Now, she felt deeply embarrassed!

Chen Ping: "So, are you considering Yenching University or Shuimu University?"

Chen Xiao replied, "I might not attend either."

The room erupted in disbelief.

"Why wouldn't you go? Are you joking?"

Chen Xiao simply smiled and said no more.

Everyone assumed Chen Xiao was jesting, but he soon cleared up the confusion.

Chen Qiang was still eager to toast, yet Zhou Hongbing had already finished the bottle of wine he'd brought.

Chen Xiao fetched a bottle of Maotai from his room, cleverly concealing it in a mineral water bottle. "Dad, try this! It's the wine I've been making."

Serving bottled Maotai disguised as mineral water to guests was a strategy Chen Xiao often employed during project discussions prior to his death.

Jumping straight to Maotai might arouse suspicions, hence the mineral water bottle ruse!

Once the bottle was refilled, Chen Qiang raised his glass jubilantly. "Hey! My son has grown up and become filial! Here, let's raise our glasses – Happy New Year!"

A medley of emotions filled the room.

"Happy New Year."

Zhou Hongbing and Chen Jian toasted and drank, though the atmosphere felt somewhat off.

Was this truly Maotai wine?

Chen Qiang also took a sip and pondered aloud, "Why does this wine taste so exquisite? Xiaozi, where did you find it? How much does it cost per jin? I'll buy more next time! Get some for your uncles and aunts too. On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, when we head to the countryside to visit relatives, we can take some along."

Chen Xiao coughed...

The New Year's Eve dinner concluded on a harmonious note. After Chen Mei and Chen Jian departed, they left behind a room in disarray.

Chen Qiang and Lin Hui continued to revel in the marvel of Chen Xiao's dual acceptance into Yenching University and Shuimu University.

As the clock struck midnight, Chen Xiao phoned Shen Wei to convey his New Year's wishes. Amidst the backdrop of crackling firecrackers, he eventually drifted into a peaceful slumber.

Holidays always held a special allure.

Chen Xiao finally had the opportunity to tinker with his 11181 website.

Plugins and navigation bars remained the most sought-after features in the present era.

11181 was presently attracting tens of thousands of unique IPs daily, generating hundreds of thousands of pageviews. Its peak even reached 500,000 views in a single day.

These metrics were impressive in this era!

This indicated that 11181 users spanned Jiangcheng and extended to Jiangzhou and other cities.

Downloads were most prolific for Red Alert and Half-Life, each registering tens of thousands of times.

At this pace, 11181 could potentially become a phenomenon within months.

Just as Chen Xiao logged into OICQ (QQ), unfamiliar individuals began adding him as a friend.

Flying Bird: "Hello, I found your contact information through 11181's collaboration details. Can we discuss a business proposition?"