The Temper of a Genius

Fifteen minutes later, a middle-aged man wearing black-rimmed glasses burst into the principal's office.

"Where is she? Where did she go?"

The principal gave a dismissive shrug. "She's already gone."

He picked up the test paper and showed it to Teacher Ouyang. "Look here—just in those few seconds when you didn't answer your phone, she not only finished solving the problem but also completed all the answers for the fill-in-the-blank questions."

The principal then stumbled through a recount of what Ji Chuxing had said earlier.

Teacher Ouyang was a distinguished mathematics instructor at Nan High School. The test he brought back was from an international math conference, featuring problems newly crafted by global experts that hadn't yet been made public. Some of these questions were so challenging that even mathematical prodigies might struggle to solve them quickly. On his journey back home, Teacher Ouyang had managed to crack only two multiple-choice questions and one major problem. But as soon as Ji Chuxing arrived, the solutions flowed effortlessly.

In just a few words, she opened up new lines of reasoning for him, clearing away the fog that had clouded his mind. Suddenly, everything clicked into place.

Teacher Ouyang's hands trembled with excitement as he held the test paper. "A genius! She's absolutely brilliant!"

"The champion of the International Mathematical Olympiad takes at least five minutes to solve a single question! And Ji solved this in seconds—she's extraordinary!"

The principal, having moved past his initial shock, now thought about her abysmal exam scores and muttered under his breath, "If she's this talented, why does she pretend to be a poor student?"

Every time she took an exam, she failed every subject. Was there something about Nan High School that displeased her enough to silently protest like this?

The principal was overthinking things. Ji Chuxing had simply undergone a transformation.

"What?" Teacher Ouyang looked utterly bewildered.

The principal pulled up Ji Chuxing's academic records on his computer. "Take a look."

Unfazed, Teacher Ouyang patted the principal on the shoulder and smiled knowingly. "You don't understand how geniuses operate. Take her 17 points in chemistry, for example. Do you really think that's the best she could do? No—it's because none of the questions interested her."

The principal nodded, enlightened. "Ah, I see."

Excitedly, Teacher Ouyang said, "I'll gather more challenging problems right away. By the way, registration for this year's International Mathematical Olympiad hasn't closed yet. A challenge like this is exactly what Ji would enjoy. Make sure to sign her up!"

Meanwhile, Ji Chuxing remained oblivious to the conversation happening in the principal's office. Her thoughts were focused on Bo Yanchen's leg injury.

Bo Yanchen had pulled her hand several times, and she'd instinctively checked his pulse during those moments. She was certain his condition stemmed from a toxin.

There was poison in his body, suppressed but wreaking havoc on his legs. To stand again, the toxins needed to be cleared—or at least alleviated and controlled. Acupuncture would also be necessary.

With a plan forming in her mind, Ji Chuxing decided to visit Master Shen Daozhang at Xihua Hall after school.

"The herbs you mentioned aren't commonly found in traditional Chinese medicine," Master Shen remarked. "Little Doctor, are you sure you didn't make a mistake?"

Ji Chuxing's eyelashes fluttered slightly. "I see."

"Where else might they be found?"

Master Shen shook his head. "Traditional Chinese medicine has evolved, producing new herbs, but most are ancient. Some 'herbs' aren't true plants—they're unnamed species cultivated in labs or special facilities, accessible only through specific channels."

Ji Chuxing paused. "The Resource Network?"

Master Shen looked surprised. "You know about the Resource Network?"

Ji Chuxing nodded. "A little."

Master Shen sighed. "Currently, the Resource Network is the only option, but be cautious. Searching for rare medicines will attract attention."

"What kind of attention?"

"Attention from covert forces around the world. The more complex the illness, the more mysterious its origins—and the more dangerous the people involved."

Like the toxin in Bo Yanchen's body? Or the organization that administered it?

Ji Chuxing nodded, signaling her understanding. As she turned to leave, Master Shen called out, "Wait, Little Doctor!"

"Is there something else?"

"That… offer to work at Xihua Hall. Have you considered it?"

Ji Chuxing gave him a sidelong glance. "Aren't you Shen Daozhang, the legendary healer of Nancheng? Does Xihua Hall really need me?"

Shen Daozhang looked sheepish. "But I don't know your acupuncture techniques."

Ji Chuxing blinked. "I'm quite busy."

"Little Doctor, if you join Xihua Hall, I'll give you access to a top-tier account on the Resource Network!" Master Shen declared resolutely.

Ji Chuxing's eyes lit up. "Deal."

Overjoyed, Master Shen exclaimed, "For difficult cases, come find me. Otherwise, don't bother. I'll send the account details to your phone."

With that, Ji Chuxing left without another word.

Master Shen, elated like a child, was watched by the nurses in the pharmacy, who exchanged knowing glances. "You've been duped, old man!"

Later, Ji Chuxing decided to try her luck at the underground casino once more.

It was the same young stall owner. He rummaged through his bag and handed her a package upon seeing her. "The parts you asked for—I thought you'd come tomorrow!"

Ji Chuxing paused, accepted the package, and inspected it briefly. "The quality is decent, though slightly lacking. It'll suffice for now."

The young man stared blankly. "..."

A master truly is a master. Even her casual remarks carried weight.

Ji Chuxing sat down cross-legged and began assembling the parts while asking the young man about the medication.

The young man hesitated. "The International Medical Alliance might have what you're looking for."

Another unfamiliar organization. Ji Chuxing's interest was piqued.

"The International Medical Alliance, or IMA," the young man explained, "is an independent entity unaffiliated with any government. Their medical achievements are unparalleled, but no one knows who they are. Medicine is their weapon."

"And the International Security Agency?"

"These two can't be compared—they operate in entirely different fields, like two kings ruling separate mountains. The ISA relies on military strength, unparalleled information-gathering capabilities, and economic power to maintain global security. The IMA, however, depends solely on medical prowess. Rumor has it they can alter human limits through genetic research, creating perfect humans."

Ji Chuxing hummed thoughtfully.

Perfect humans?

Interesting. It reminded her of her lab in another world. No matter where she went, someone always sought to create the ideal human.

After a brief exchange, Ji Chuxing gained insight into many secretive forces operating behind the scenes.

So, beyond nations, there existed powerful, enigmatic organizations.

As she finished assembling the parts and prepared to leave, the young man suddenly exclaimed, "Master, my live stream broke a record! I'm rich!"

Ji Chuxing raised an eyebrow. "?"

The young man was ecstatic, his face flushed with excitement.

Ji Chuxing quickly noticed the computer screen nearby. While they talked, the young man had been live streaming. When he realized, the number of viewers had skyrocketed.

The chat was flooded with comments:

"Wow, who's the newcomer? So fast and cool!"

"If I'm not mistaken, this looks like a new gadget on the Resource Network. Assembled by a top-tier account holder. Didn't expect to see it here!"

"Beautiful! I bet it's a girl's hands!"

"A girl? Impossible! Girls don't excel in mechanical assembly!"

"I've never seen anyone assemble a machine like this. So smart!"

...

Ji Chuxing blinked, amused.

The young man grinned. "Master, I forgot to tell you—I was live streaming. I made a fortune tonight! Since you appeared, I'll split half with you!"

A minute later, Ji Chuxing received a transfer of 2.8 million yuan.

Wow!

Ji Chuxing added a new item to her list of ways to make money.

She would start live streaming too—to earn some extra cash!