When Mobius heard the school dismissal bell ring, she calmly and elegantly packed her books, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and walked out of the classroom.
The high school students inside watched the petite Mobius leave with composure, envy written all over their faces, especially since the teacher was currently keeping the class late.
"What are you looking at?! She's a genius who could skip grades straight into high school! Are you mediocre talents comparable to her? You're not even on the same level! If you were as smart as Mobius, able to learn so much knowledge effortlessly, would I need to keep you after class? This is all for your own good! It's so you can score even one extra point on the college entrance exam!"
The students, scolded by the teacher, couldn't lift their heads, merely lowering them and murmuring assent.
Yes, in this country, which wasn't Shenzhou, the college entrance exam was equally important.
Mobius carried her backpack to the school gate. She saw some parents waiting for their children, her gaze slowly sweeping across them. Then, she spotted the seemingly very nonchalant youth standing not far away, holding two cups of bubble tea.
Mobius smiled and walked up to the youth.
"You must be tired after a day of studying. Want a cup of bubble tea?"
Xin Yu smiled and offered the cup of lemon tea in his hand.
"You already bought it for me, so how could I possibly refuse?"
"It's okay. Even if you refuse, I can just drink both cups. Wouldn't want to waste food."
Xin Yu's completely straightforward, clueless remark made Mobius pause for a moment. Annoyed, she snatched the cup of tea from his hand.
On the way home, Xin Yu watched Mobius biting her straw and dredged up another strange piece of knowledge from his scattered memories.
People who bite straws have strong desires.
...Seriously, where did I even learn all this random stuff?!
Mobius watched Xin Yu inexplicably shake his head, her expression turning somewhat helpless.
"Mobius, you might not believe this, but while you were at school, I actually saved a city and even defeated a giant monster!" Xin Yu said in a joking tone.
"Does this great hero need a reward then?" Mobius asked with a smile.
"...You believe me?"
"As long as you're willing to tell it, I'm willing to believe it."
"Wow, the way you said that is so charming, it almost made my heart flutter. Too bad I like 'em bigger."
"...Go die!"
Pedestrians on the street watched the laughing youth run ahead, pursued by a flushed, annoyed girl. It truly made one sigh感慨 about their youth and vitality.
...
For the following month, Xin Yu lived an ordinary life with Mobius. Even during her breaks on Saturdays and Sundays, she would still spend her daytime hours at the nearby library or visiting highly renowned professors to study.
As for why those professors could spare time from their busy schedules to guide this genius girl, it was naturally because a certain youth had opened a suitcase in front of them, filled to the brim with sincerity. That gentleman's sincerity was enough to move them.
Don't assume these doctors and scientists are all so noble and aloof. Often, these types would readily escalate from reasoned debate to physical arguments just to compete for research funding.
Moreover, Mobius herself was extremely talented. Many concepts only needed to be explained once for her to grasp them. This was far easier than supervising their own batches of utterly foolish graduate students. Perhaps it could even enhance their reputation in the academic world.
It got to the point where whenever these old professors' blood pressure rose due to anger at their own students, they couldn't help but compare them to Mobius, which, uh, ultimately made their blood pressure even higher.
As for Xin Yu, over the past month, he had visited many places, sought out numerous martial arts schools, and specifically observed and learned for a while. In the end, he discovered...
Technique-wise, there wasn't much left worth refining. What remained was more importantly about forging his own path.
After all, no matter how flashy any style of swordsmanship became, it was ultimately just an evolution of basic techniques.
Rather than pursuing flashy moves and displays in swordsmanship, it was far easier and more irresistibly effective to simply stack raw power directly.
After another peaceful day passed, Xin Yu went to a certain research institute to pick up Mobius after her session. However, it seemed she was participating in some kind of experiment and didn't come out immediately. Instead, the old professor who had been teaching Mobius found Xin Yu.
"Mr. Xin, little Mobius's talent is truly astounding, far surpassing my own disappointing students. I heard she's still studying in high school? I feel her talent shouldn't be wasted there. If you're willing, I have a letter of recommendation here. This letter is sufficient to allow Mobius to study everything she desires at the highest-level university."
"This child's future potential is absolutely limitless. She is a treasure bestowed upon humanity by heaven!"
"However, I've also heard about your situation. You are Mobius's guardian. Much of the research at that university is classified, so students generally don't leave campus after enrolling, and parental visits are infrequent. Of course, it's not some excessive military base; mobile phone communication and video calls are not prohibited there, you don't need to worry about that. Furthermore, the university is open during holidays and specific occasions, so you needn't worry about not seeing each other for long periods."
"I hope you will consider this. After all, in this city, her pace of growth will be hindered."
Xin Yu nodded but didn't give an immediate answer. The old professor wasn't impatient either. He handed the recommendation letter to Xin Yu and then turned to leave.
Xin Yu continued waiting at the entrance for a while longer. Mobius emerged from the research institute and saw Xin Yu waiting for her. Although she had expected it, a smile still bloomed on her face.
On their way back, Xin Yu repeated what the old professor had told him and took the recommendation letter out of his pocket. He looked at Mobius and said:
"Mobius, the professor is right. If you want a better environment and channels for growth, going to that university is indeed a good choice. To achieve your own dreams, you really should go there. Of course, if you don't want to go, that's fine too."
Mobius didn't answer immediately. The smile vanished from her face, replaced by a long silence.
This silence lasted until they returned home. Only then did Mobius finally speak.
"I'll go."
Mobius made her choice.
"Xin Yu, I know you probably see me as a child right now, so you don't pay attention to many of my hints. So, come find me after I become an adult... I will show you a different me."
During their time together, Mobius had already figured out that Xin Yu wasn't completely dense. He mostly skirted around the topic whenever she made certain straightforward implications. It was clear he was very concerned about her current age and physique.
Even if she stayed by his side constantly, their relationship probably wouldn't develop much further. Perhaps continuing to spend time together might even lead him to firmly place her in the role of a little sister, which wasn't what she wanted.
Therefore, making a promise to meet again after a long time would allow the accumulated longing and emotions to overwhelm all the defenses in his heart.
"Okay."
...
The very next day, Xin Yu accompanied Mobius on a plane to that university. Using the recommendation letter, he personally saw Mobius admitted into the institution. Afterward, he stood at the entrance, watching the girl's departing figure.
Xin Yu silently gazed at that back. He didn't know what he was looking at. The girl had already said her goodbyes. Was he waiting for her to turn back one more time?
Mobius turned around. She looked at the youth standing outside the gate watching her, smiled, and waved.
Then, the girl lowered her head, looking at the snake-shaped pendant hanging around her neck. It was a gift from the youth, a protective treasure he had given her.
...
Xin Yu returned home. He silently stared at the small, once somewhat cozy home. For some reason, he suddenly felt the place was completely empty. Nothing had changed, yet only one person had left.
But why did the absence of just one person make the house feel so vast and empty?
"...So, am I the one who can't let go? How troublesome. Once you get used to companionship, you can no longer get used to solitude..."
Xin Yu shook his head. He didn't go inside but left the small house. After locking the door, he walked towards the crowd. Once his figure was completely swallowed by the sea of people, the youth utterly vanished from this world.