I'm A Math Idiot, So What? - Chapter 53

Chapter 53: Nostalgia Forbidden (4)

As she vanished from sight, I glared at Fang Congxin. “Look how furious we made her, yet she still maintained her composure. It makes me feel terrible.

Honestly, you’re being way too harsh on someone you supposedly like. You’re digging your own grave, you know?

Each shovelful you dig is a coffin-sized hole. Planning a ghost marriage or something?”

Fang Congxin shot me a disdainful glance, his confidence unwavering. “You wouldn’t understand. This is called ‘backing someone into a corner to force a breakthrough.'”

“Most people who back themselves into a corner end up reaching the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss,” I retorted. “Good luck with that.”

After parting ways with Fang Congxin, I headed to Sister Xu’s office, dog food in hand. Zhao Xianhu had told me she was back, supposedly calm after her vacation. He suggested I pay my respects and casually probe her about things.

Sister Xu had just finished eating and was playing Minesweeper behind her glasses. I watched her intently for five minutes, silently pointing out several mine locations. After she completed the game, she jumped back as if she’d seen a ghost. “What are you doing here?!”

“I’m here to work overtime,” I replied.

“…the unpaid kind.”

Sister Xu took a sip of water and said, “Did you come about your part-time job? Let’s cut to the chase. The company is currently undergoing a self-audit, and I’m under pressure. Starting this month, your workload will be reduced by a quarter, and your salary will be halved. Can you accept that?”

I jumped up and exclaimed, “Sister Xu, I’m not afraid of hard work! I personally request that the organization increase my workload by a quarter and double my salary!”

Sister Xu narrowed her eyes. “Increase your time playing Candy Crush by a quarter? Are you planning to start a Candy Crush training center here? Would you rather I cut your workload in half and reduce your salary to a quarter?”

“Sister Xu, paying me a high salary before was a generous act on your part. Now that you’re bringing my salary back to its normal value, you’re acting justly. No matter what you do, I’ll always be grateful and admire you.”

“Look at that silver tongue of yours, yakking away all day.”

“It’s not just my words that are quick—my actions are just as efficient.”

I quickly offered the dog food I had bought. “This is a gift for Little Poodle, just a small token of appreciation.”

“I’ve heard about what happened to Little Poodle. Please accept my deepest condolences and try to move forward.”

Sister Xu sighed heavily. “Oh, my poor Xiao Mei… such a beautiful Poodle, and now she’s been… sigh…”

I rubbed my thigh. “What’s done is done. Don’t dwell on it too much—we need to look ahead.

“Even though Xiao Mei’s pregnant with a stray’s pups, those puppies still have a right to life, don’t they? Why not let her give birth?

“If the thought of them bothers you, you can give the puppies to me. I’ll find a loving home for them.

“What do you think—ow! Don’t hit me! I’m telling you, my dog-loving friend cried over his last dog. It’s not easy for a grown man to… ai ai ai! I’m leaving, I’m leaving!

“Hey, everyone! Come see! The tyrannical boss is beating her subordinates!”

Though I didn’t lose my job, my salary was slashed, dealing a devastating blow to my already fragile finances. As I hummed my “Broke Bells” variations at home, Ge Chunchun informed me that they had rented Classroom 404 at the Litop Training Center for tutoring sessions. For the first three days, we’d meet for two hours daily, followed by four hours per week afterward.

Fang Congxin had already piled on a mountain of homework for me.

After I received the email confirming my graduate school recommendation, my advisor piled on even more reading material.

Tong Xiao’s course load seemed overwhelming, and I wasn’t confident I could keep up.

I was mainly paying for her exam tips, so I planned to attend a few classes and play it by ear. I decided not to mention this to Fang Congxin for now, to avoid his usual sarcastic jabs.

The Litop Training Center was near Changning High School, a half-hour bus ride away.

The place was easy to spot: a glass-walled building plastered with portraits of famous teachers.

I arrived early and, as a compulsive reader, found myself poring over the promotional materials, reading through the teacher bios. Just as I reached the line about “Yuan Chongfeng,” someone tapped me on the shoulder.

I turned around and saw Xu Zheng—”Well, look who it is,” I thought. “The gaunt, sallow-faced brother himself. What brings you here?”

“What are you doing here?” Xu Zheng asked.

“I’m here for math tutoring,” I replied. “Are you still taking English classes here?”

Xu Zheng sighed dramatically. “Lin Meng, don’t you think we look like a married couple? I was just checking myself out in the bathroom mirror, and it’s uncanny—”

“Ugh, spit that out,” I interrupted.

Xu Zheng continued, “Look, since we look so alike, it’d be a waste not to take advantage of it. Why don’t you cut your hair and bind your chest—” He glanced “casually” at my chest as he spoke. “Or not, it wouldn’t be noticeable anyway. Go take the English exam for me?”

“If you hadn’t mentioned binding my chest, I might have considered it,” I retorted. “But bringing that up? That’s like your school’s pineapple fried corn—yellow flagged!”

Xu Zheng slung an arm around my shoulder. “Come on, buddy, don’t be like that! *Tsk, fine, sis, let’s make it happen?”

Just then, Tong Xiao, her heels clicking rhythmically, approached us. She deliberately glanced at Xu Zheng’s arm around my shoulder before coolly saying, “Lin Meng-jie, what a coincidence.”

I waved my hand dismissively. “No coincidence here—I’m here for your class.”

Tong Xiao froze. “I’m a real bookworm,” I continued, “I love taking classes everywhere. I’m looking forward to your guidance later.”

Tong Xiao gave Xu Zheng a thorough once-over before walking away with practiced grace.

Xu Zheng, naturally, bombarded me with questions.

I ignored his questions and countered, “Is Tong Xiao particularly popular here?”

Xu Zheng shook his head. “Most people taking classes here are aiming to study abroad. She’s only a sophomore and hasn’t studied abroad herself. No matter how smart or pretty she is, most people won’t buy in.”

This was quite different from what I’d expected.

Xu Zheng asked, “By the way, do you have her WeChat?”

“Hey, who’s that? Doesn’t she look just like Zhang Hui?” I muttered, seizing the opportunity while Xu Zheng’s back was turned to dash upstairs.

As it turned out, during the tutoring session, Tong Xiao publicly humiliated me in front of everyone.

No sooner had I sat down than she called me to the board to solve a math problem.

There are three things in this world that cannot be concealed: poverty, a cough, and a hopeless aptitude for mathematics.

Naturally, I couldn’t solve it, but there was nothing to be ashamed of.

If I knew everything, why would I need a teacher like you?

Returning to my seat, Tong Xiao deliberately gave me a long, meaningful look.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that her gaze was unfriendly, carrying a hint of intimidation.

She’s probably still stung by Fang Congxin and me from the past few days, belatedly trying to crush my intellect.

Midway through class, Wang Ziqi called me. I hung up and texted her on WeChat: “What’s wrong?”

“Come home immediately,” she replied, and asked for my address.

“What’s going on?” I asked, confused.

Su Xu suspects my ‘image’ is fake and is insisting on taking me home, Wang Ziqi replied.

But I haven’t found a place to live yet—I’ve been staying at a hotel! Where am I supposed to take him? I’m just circling the school right now.

Go find Zhang Ziqin, I suggested.

Zhang Ziqin hates how Zhao Xiaoxiao’s shadow lingers in their old place and moved out in a rage. They’ve been crashing in my room for days, Wang Ziqi explained.

Then why not just tell Su Xu the truth? I replied.

“Are you afraid he doesn’t like you, just your money?”

“No way! Why would he only like your money? That just proves he likes you!”

“Think about it logically—doesn’t that make perfect sense?”

Wang Ziqi: I’m giving you ten minutes. If you’re not here, I’m self-destructing.

So, to save my friend’s dog’s life, I grabbed my bag and skipped Tong Xiao’s class for the first time, right in front of her.

Sigh. Honestly, Tong Xiao’s classes aren’t even half as good as Fang Congxin’s. Here I was, going out of my way just to humiliate myself—I’m furious! I’m not showing up and I’m skipping class!

Glare all you want—I’m not backing down! Next time, next time I’ll apologize to your face!

I rushed home, and as I reached the neighborhood gate, Wang Ziqi came running to meet me, acting terribly. “Oh, you’re finally here! I lost my keys—hurry and open the door for me!”

Then she turned to Su Xu and said, “Alright, I’m home now. You can head back to school.”

Su Xu replied, “I’d like a glass of water.”

“I’ll buy you one at the convenience store.”

“I want boiled water that’s cooled to a warm temperature.”

Tsk, Eason Chan was right—those who are loved truly take advantage. They can act as outrageous as they want, and…

Wang Ziqi roared, “You’re really pushing it!”

Then she glanced at me and added, “Heh, heh, I wonder if that’s okay with you?”

Like a faceless specter, I led them upstairs.

Standing outside the door, the Dumbass System asked me, “Did you study math today?”

“Yes,” I replied stiffly.

The door clicked open.

True to form, Wang Ziqi, the Dumbass Heiress, showed no hint of noble composure. She stood outside, shrieking, “Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit! What kind of high-tech sorcery is this, Lin Meng?”

Su Xu, trailing behind, asked, “Is this your first time seeing it too?”

Wang Ziqi nodded then shook her head. “No, no, I’ve seen it plenty of times. I’m just marveling for your benefit.”

Once inside, Wang Ziqi excitedly grabbed the kettle from the dining table and ran to the bathroom to boil water for Su Xu. Three seconds later, she sheepishly retreated to my room to boil it there, finally stumbling upon the kitchen.

Su Xu and I exchanged a glance, feigning nonchalance. “Wang Ziqi just got back from the countryside,” I explained. “She’s not very familiar with my place yet.”

Su Xu scanned the room, then pointed to the camera on the dining table. “What’s this?”

To me, Su Xu and Wang Ziqi were like two grade-school kids playing house, insisting on dragging me into their game. Too lazy to wade into their messy romantic drama, I casually replied, “It’s a prop my boyfriend uses to spy on me.”

Wang Ziqi’s expression brightened noticeably, though she swallowed a string of retorts given the setting, her eyes gleaming as she fixed them on me.

You’ve misunderstood this worldly-wise young lady. We country folk aren’t exactly familiar with you city slickers’ games.

Su Xu interjected, “Living together like this—doesn’t that violate the other person’s privacy?”

His gaze shifted to Lin Meng. “Lin Meng-jie, your boyfriend’s behavior is utterly disrespectful. You shouldn’t be with someone like that.”

Turning to me, Su Xu said earnestly, “You’re Wang Ziqi’s friend. I’ll do everything I can to help you. Do you need my help?”

I felt like Su Xu was either completely silent or speaking in terms that evoked the “Yes” or “No” prompts on a computer interface.

Curious, I asked, “How would you help?”

He shrugged. “I’ll dismantle it for you.”

“This camera looks pretty expensive,” I said. “What if they make me pay for it?”

He shook his head. “Not physical dismantling. I’ll hack into its system and corrupt the software. That’ll do the trick.”

He paused, then added, “It won’t be noticed immediately. I’ll make it continuously loop old video clips for now.”

Su Xu then asked to borrow my laptop. I watched helplessly as the screen went black, and lines of code began flashing across it.

Su Xu seemed like a different person altogether, his expression blank as his ten fingers flew across my keyboard.

I quietly turned to Wang Ziqi. “Before you brought him back to Changning, did you check if he had a chip hidden in his body? Is his real identity actually an artificial intelligence?”

Soon enough, Su Xu finished his whirlwind hacking session on my laptop and stopped. “Done,” he said. “Want me to disable your door access too?”

I nodded eagerly, like a chicken pecking at grain. “Yes, please!”

Then Su Xu immersed himself again in hacking into the world of Fang Congxin’s Barrier.

Just when I thought everything was going smoothly, Su Xu’s robotic face flickered.

“What’s wrong?” I asked him.

“Your boyfriend’s here.”

I stood up and opened the door, peering out. “Where?”

Su Xu said calmly, “Right here. He’s intercepting me.”

I then saw lines of code scrolling across the screen, being remotely written without Su Xu’s input.

As a humanities major, my usual approach to machines was something like “turn on – turn off – if it breaks, tap it – if tapping doesn’t work, restart.” In this alternate dimension, I felt like a complete idiot.

Fortunately, I wasn’t the only idiot around. Wang Ziqi stood beside me, her mouth agape as she stared at the screen with a look of utter bewilderment.

After a moment, she bowed her head and played the Matrix OST, then asked me excitedly, “Don’t you think we look like those helpless Earthlings in sci-fi movies, just waiting to be rescued?”

A while later, Su Xu closed his laptop. “I’ve lost. Your boyfriend wants me to pass on a message: ‘If you have time for all this nonsense, you’d better focus on studying.'”

I stared at the screen filled with code. “Is this telegraph or Morse code? How can it transmit such a long message?”

Su Xu shook his head. “No, that’s not it. He just added my contact information and said he was hiring me as a full-time employee of Mumu Tech. He’ll be paying me.”

“…?”

Wang Ziqi and I were stunned by this unexpected turn of events. “Wait,” I said, “does that make you the youngest employee in their history?”

Su Xu shook his head again. “No, your boyfriend said he was slightly younger than me when he founded the company. He told me not to get too cocky.”

I: ……

Su Xu continued, “He also told me to apologize to you. He said I was too focused on myself at the KTV and let you get hurt. It was my fault.”

He paused, then turned to Wang Ziqi. “But I still don’t regret it.”

This straightforward confession from the loyal puppy was truly disarming. Confess all you want, but why drag me into it? I thought.

Su Xu, still on a roll, added, “Oh, right, Chief Fang also instructed me to turn on the microphone for the camera. I still despise him for this, but as an employee now, I have to follow orders.”

I: ……

Su Xu lowered his head and pulled out his phone. “Ah, he wants me to retract my statement that I find his behavior despicable.”

You spineless toady, I thought, already sucking up to Chief Fang before you’ve even officially started! I shouted at him with all the bravado I could muster, “You can’t enable this villainy! Wang Ziqi and I live together. I don’t mind losing my privacy, but what about her?”

“It can be turned off with a single click,” Su Xu replied. “Chief Fang said to turn it on while studying and off when you’re not.” After guiding me through the software settings, he said, “Alright, Sister Lin Meng, you should get back to studying. Wang Ziqi, let’s go—we shouldn’t interrupt her.”

Wang Ziqi leaned against the wall. “Where am I supposed to go? Ha ha, isn’t this my home?”

Su Xu’s eyelids drooped. “I’ll take you to a hotel. I work as a cleaner there.” He reached out to stop Wang Ziqi from exploding. “Don’t be angry. I’ll quit all my part-time jobs right away.”

“Is that what I’m mad about?”

“Then are you mad that I didn’t call out your lie immediately?”

“……” I stroked my chin, thinking, This Su Xu—this little wolf-dog pretending to be a pig—is quite interesting.

Wang Ziqi reluctantly followed Su Xu out. I stood by the door, politely seeing them off until they disappeared down the hallway. As soon as the door closed, I swiftly sat down at the dining table, positioned myself in front of the camera, and began studying math with intense focus. Only the magical power of mathematics could now fend off Fang Congxin’s impending barrage of criticism.

What’s the meaning of “living long enough to see everything”? It means that one day, I, Lin Meng, would actually prefer studying math!

MEMO from Fang Congxin:

Retrieved a naive freshman photo of Sister Mei from her restaurant. Compensating her with a membership card. If only he could compensate me for all the time I spent without her company.