I'm A Math Idiot, So What? - Chapter 42

She politely asked, “Can I try playing for a bit? Since it’s my first time, remember to remind me not to hit any traps, senior.”

“No problem.” Finally, the day has come when I can guide an academic powerhouse. I placed my hands on my hips and seriously began my motivational instructions: “When playing this game, you need to have a broader perspective; you can’t just eliminate what’s in front of you. This vine will restrict your actions, so you also have to manage your time wisely. Since it’s your first time, you might end up in a deadlock quite quickly. First, just experience the features; I’ll teach you the tricks later.”

In fact, it didn’t take long for that round to end. On my phone, the yellow chick was celebrating my highest score with confetti. As Tong Xiao had said, the items really did nothing for her. Tong Xiao handed the phone back to me and said gently, a bit awkwardly, “You got lucky for a newcomer.”

That wasn’t impressive. So what if she was smart! Feeling somewhat awkward, I scratched my head, unsure of what to say next, which made the atmosphere even more uncomfortable. But since Tong Xiao didn’t leave, I had to make small talk: “Tong Xiao, I have a friend who really likes you. He asked me to ask if he could pursue you?”

I had become a seasoned audience member, capable of advancing the plot on my own. Tong Xiao was momentarily stunned; perhaps my question was too direct for her. She smiled and replied, “Thank you.” I thought to myself, what does that mean? Is it a yes or a no? She didn’t delve further into the topic but instead asked, “Are you close with the senior?”

I assumed she meant Fang Congxin, so I nodded, “We’re alright; he’s from my hometown. You seem close to him too?” Tong Xiao nodded in return, “We’re alright.” Then she mysteriously blinked and added, “He knows many of my secrets.” She’s truly beautiful; when she blinked, my heart skipped a beat. After regaining my composure, I thought that secrets inherently suggest exclusivity, a key ingredient for developing feelings. Fang Congxin must have been moved by knowing secrets she couldn’t reveal.

“He helped me selflessly during my toughest times.” When the helpless crush struggles in front of you, how could you just stand by watching? He must wish he could shield her from all the pricks of life!

“He was my teacher for a while. I remember once I used Simpson’s Formula to approach a proof problem in a roundabout way, probably because I wanted to show off in front of him. However, the senior didn’t call me out on it; instead, he told me I did very well and suggested that I could try using other simpler methods. His voice was particularly gentle when he spoke, like a breeze in spring.” After saying this, she looked down and smiled, “He truly is a kind and accommodating person.” Ah, that unique gentleness! He never said “you did well, you might want to try simpler methods” to me, of course! Objectively speaking, I didn’t even give him the chance to say such things.

I licked my lips and nodded in agreement, “Haha, he is indeed like, um, a breeze.” I silently swallowed the words “tornado” and also held back questions like what Simpson’s Formula is and its connection to “The Simpsons,” fearing she might not understand that I was joking. Plus, I was very anxious about how awkward it would be if she took me seriously and explained the formula’s algorithm to me in detail, and I didn’t understand it.

Then, Tong Xiao propped her head up and looked at me, “But he seems to treat you differently.” No, no, no! It’s because he treats you differently from how he treats others that you think he treats me and you differently. I certainly couldn’t be the stumbling block affecting the development of your storyline.

I hurriedly waved my hands, “It’s pretty much the same, hahaha. He’s my math teacher.” Tong Xiao let out a meaningful “Ah.” After contemplating the implications behind this “Ah,” I realized it might clash with the idea that “he doesn’t take students.” I quickly corrected myself, “Aren’t we from the same hometown? Well, mainly my mom asked him to be my tutor. He’s reluctantly teaching me.” Tong Xiao smiled gently, “It seems like he’s a bit strict with you.” I pointed to the game on my phone, “After all, I’m not as good as previous students.” Tong Xiao shook her head, stroking her chin, “Something is off about that.” I thought you two are the ones being off; why are you only talking about me?

I had the antennae out on my head, ready for the gossip, and I had even taken out some sunflower seeds, just as I was about to ask Tong Xiao what those two were up to in the previous episodes, Brother Sun suddenly leaned against the conference room door and called out slickly, “Xiao Xiao!” That overly dramatic call of “Xiao Xiao” stirred up long-buried old rice in my stomach, causing me to immediately grab a trash bin and show it to Brother Sun.

He said, “Hey, Lin Meng, what’s wrong? I was going to order work meals for you together at noon; if your stomach isn’t feeling well—” I kicked the trash bin under my seat and wiped my mouth, “Brother Sun, I want two meat dishes, two vegetable ones, and a bowl of soup. Xiao Xiao, hurry up, Brother Sun is calling for you.”

Tong Xiao: “…”

Memo from Fang Congxin: Achievement today: Successfully obtaining a couple’s accessory. Too childish; I better not wear it. On second thought, it wouldn’t be weird to hang it on my car key.