Chapter 10: Miss Herta's Sudden Visit

After spending about half a month with Jiang Mo, Herta had come to understand him better.

Compared to the previous eight tutors, Jiang Mo got along with her very well.

Others always seemed bothered the moment they met her. After two or three days of teaching, they'd become flustered when faced with her questions.

But Jiang Mo was different. He not only answered her fluently but also left a special question at the end of every lesson.

That question always went one step beyond what she'd just learned. Even if she answered it on the spot, he would delay revealing the answer until the next day.

That made Herta feel like a fish, and Jiang Mo was the one fishing.

He used questions as bait, constantly drawing her in and keeping her curious about the next day's lesson.

Still, she didn't hate this kind of relationship. In fact, she felt it was the most natural way to interact.

Thinking of this, Herta tilted her head as if recalling those who once gathered around her and then scattered, and continued writing in her diary.

[He seems to be the only "kindred spirit" I've ever met]

[Maybe... I should just go and ask him why he trusts me so much]

Having written that, Herta set down her pen, returned the notebook to the drawer, and stood up to leave the room.

For someone like Herta, who always approached things with reason, Jiang Mo's trust was completely unprovoked.

But given their time together so far, he was her kindred spirit. If he could understand something, she believed she should be able to understand it too.

She was never the type to postpone what she wanted to do. If she thought of something, she did it immediately without hesitation.

Not only was Herta analyzing Jiang Mo's behavior, but Jiang Mo was also analyzing Herta's.

Leaning back in his chair, hands behind his head, rocking slightly while watching the dimming sky, he reviewed his memories.

After that fast-forward in time, the memories of those skipped fifteen days had returned to him.

"So far, my fishing-like strategy is working. At least Herta is showing some emotional response..."

"And I even unlocked a new feature: time acceleration."

"Judging by this, it seems like repeated events get skipped automatically, leaving only key nodes. Aha actually did something useful for once."

Jiang Mo muttered, for once giving Aha a rare bit of praise.

You want to have your fun, sure, but you can't expect the horse to run without feeding it. That's just unreasonable.

"But seriously, the time for Herta's first major achievement, the Solitary Wave Algorithm, is here. So why does she still act like a doll?"

"If things go on like this, slowly boiling her like a frog in warm water, I might grow old before her absolute rationality collapses..."

"What should I do next?"

*Knock knock knock*

Just as Jiang Mo was pondering how to adjust his strategy, a knock came from the door, followed by the familiar clear voice of a girl.

"Are you there? I have some questions."

"Huh? The door's not-"

Before Jiang Mo could finish, Herta opened the door and walked in by herself, then calmly sat on his bed.

Looking at the doll-like girl before him, completely lacking any sense of propriety, Jiang Mo's lips twitched.

Seriously? After I jokingly asked for your stockings, you still walk in like that? That bold?

Seemingly noticing Jiang Mo's startled gaze, Herta tilted her head in confusion and pointed at the door.

"Want me to go back out and come in again?"

"No, no need. Miss Herta, what did you want to ask? If I remember right, there shouldn't have been any leftover questions from today's lesson?"

"It's not about academics. It's about... you."

Her voice remained cool, but now there was a rare hint of curiosity in her tone, like she had stumbled upon a massive riddle.

"About me?"

This time, it was Jiang Mo's turn to be surprised. Had he revealed something strange without realizing it?

"You... why do you have such baseless trust?"

Herta tilted her head cutely, a slight hint of confusion rising in her crimson-violet eyes.

"Logically speaking, no matter how much of a genius someone is, they shouldn't be trying to tackle the 'Solitary Wave Algorithm' right after just learning the basics."

"If my own assessment of success is 99%, then the way you're speaking about it suggests 100%."

"I want to know why."

Upon hearing this question, Jiang Mo let out a breath of relief, then pursed his lips and only spoke after a brief pause.

"Humans are emotional creatures. There's not a single person in this world who can think from a purely rational perspective. That's unquestionable."

"To put it in a way that's easier for you to understand... no one can completely avoid 'irrational variables' when they're thinking."

"You are the most talented person I've ever met, without exception. And after spending some time together, I genuinely think you can do it."

He paused slightly before continuing with a gentle smile.

"Besides, accomplishing anything takes courage and support. Since it's just the two of us here, I'll provide that support."

"As your private tutor, of course I'm going to back you up."

Upon hearing Jiang Mo's words, a thoughtful expression appeared on Herta's young face. She slowly stood up and silently walked over to Jiang Mo.

Seemingly feeling that this wasn't close enough, she lowered her head slightly until she could clearly see the fine fuzz on Jiang Mo's face.

The warmth of her breath gently brushed against his cheek, and the sudden closeness left Jiang Mo momentarily flustered.

Fortunately, this state didn't last long. Soon, Herta seemed to finish her observation and slowly straightened up. Looking at Jiang Mo, who was still sitting, she spoke softly.

"You... are different from anyone I've ever met."

"Compared to those flattering words or the way people look at me like I'm some kind of monster, your support and gaze feel... more comforting."

"Perhaps... this is what it feels like to meet a 'kindred spirit.'"

Kindred spirit? Could it be...

Jiang Mo furrowed his brows slightly upon hearing this, as if he'd just realized the core issue behind Herta's current demeanor.

"Miss Herta, would you mind telling me more about this idea of a kindred spirit?"