Chapter 10: A Math Genius? No, I Just Want to Start a Business

Lin Qianfan was too lazy to listen to her nonsense any longer and turned to leave.

Xu Qian stomped her feet in frustration behind him, muttering curses as she shouted a few words. Seeing that Lin Qianfan didn’t even glance back, she furiously stomped once more and then turned away.

In the afternoon class, the homeroom teacher, Fang Zhengyang, called Lin Qianfan into the office.

“Lin Qianfan, your progress in math recently has been quite rapid,” Fang Zhengyang said, sitting behind his desk and flipping through a stack of test papers.

Lin Qianfan gave him a faint, knowing smile, suddenly catching on to something.

“Teacher, just say it directly. Why did you call me here?”

Fang Zhengyang glanced up, casually picked up a pen, and wrote a few problems on one of the papers.

“Solve these questions.”

Lin Qianfan looked at the test paper on the desk, picked up the pen, and quickly began writing.

Fifteen minutes later, he pushed the paper back to Fang Zhengyang.

Fang lowered his eyes to check, and his expression instantly changed.

After a moment of silence, as if weighing something carefully, he said, “These problems aren’t easy.”

He placed the paper aside and pressed his palm lightly on the desk.

“You should know the school is preparing for the city’s math competition.”

He paused, pushing the cup on the desk slightly so the water rippled, as if reflecting the unease in the room.

Hearing this, Lin Qianfan looked at Fang Zhengyang calmly and asked, “The city math competition? What does that have to do with me?”

Fang tapped the desk. “Your ability to solve these problems already surpasses most of the top students.”

“The school hopes you can represent us in the competition.”

Lin Qianfan’s brow twitched slightly.

He wasn’t interested in these contests, especially ones that mostly served to boost the school’s reputation.

Besides, his mind was full of plans to make money; he had no time to bother with a math competition.

After a brief pause, he declined, “Teacher, sorry, I probably don’t have the time.”

Just then, the office door was gently pushed open.

“Mr. Fang, what’s going on?”

A calm voice with undeniable authority came from the doorway.

Lin Qianfan turned and saw the principal entering, walking slowly with a file in hand.

The principal glanced at the papers on the desk, then at Lin Qianfan standing nearby.

“Good timing, Principal,” Fang said, standing up and gesturing to Lin Qianfan.

“This kid has great potential. He solved the problems very well just now. I was talking to him about representing our school in the city math competition.”

The principal nodded, set the file down, and looked at Lin Qianfan.

“Qianfan, I heard your math has improved a lot recently?”

Lin Qianfan shrugged, neither denying nor confirming.

Without waiting for him to speak, the principal continued, “Do you know how poorly our school has performed in the city’s math competitions?”

He sat down, took out a chart from the folder, and pushed it toward Lin Qianfan.

“This is the record of the past three years.”

Lin Qianfan glanced down and saw the results were truly dismal.

They were last every year, even eliminated in the preliminary round one year.

The principal sighed heavily. “This competition is very important for our school.”

“We’ve been at the bottom for three years straight. If we don’t get a good result this year, the school’s allocation of educational resources will suffer greatly.”

Lin Qianfan felt a bit speechless. What did this have to do with him?

He was about to refuse when the principal, seeming to see through his thoughts, added, “Of course, we won’t force you.”

“But if you represent the school and perform well, not only will you bring honor to the school, but there will also be rewards.”

“Rewards?” Lin Qianfan raised an eyebrow, finally showing some interest.

The principal nodded, his tone lightening a bit. “Yes. The school’s reward policy is flexible — it could be prize money, credits, or even other forms of support.”

At this, a thought flashed through Lin Qianfan’s mind.

He’d been mulling over starting a business recently, but the school was a place full of rules.

If he could use this opportunity to gain support from the school, it might make future endeavors much easier.

With this in mind, he looked up at the principal. “Principal, what exactly do you mean by ‘other forms of support’?”

The principal was momentarily taken aback, then smiled. “Anything within the school’s capabilities can be discussed.”

Lin Qianfan nodded, calculating inside.

After a moment’s thought, he said, “I want to start a business.”

Fang Zhengyang was surprised, frowning. “Start a business? You’re still a student; you should focus on your studies first.”

Lin Qianfan ignored him and continued looking at the principal.

“Principal, you know the school has many rules.”

“But if I represent the school in the competition and do well, I hope the school can offer some support when I start my business.”

“Maybe the school won’t support it, but at least I hope they won’t obstruct me.”

The principal was silent for a moment, digesting his words.

After a pause, he nodded. “As long as it doesn’t affect your studies, the school won’t make things difficult for you.”

Hearing this, Lin Qianfan felt a slight relief.

Though the principal might not truly support him, at least there was now a promise.

He looked up and smiled faintly. “Alright, I’ll agree to participate.”

Fang Zhengyang’s expression softened somewhat upon hearing this.

The principal also smiled with satisfaction. “Good. The school places great hopes on you.”

“However, since you’re competing, you must give it your all.”

He took a folder and handed Lin Qianfan some materials. “These are past competition problems. You can start by reviewing them.”

Lin Qianfan took the materials and flipped through them, noting the problems were indeed challenging.

He looked at the principal. “I will do my best.”

The principal nodded approvingly, then turned to Fang. “Mr. Fang, please provide extra guidance to Qianfan from now on.”

Fang responded and looked at Lin Qianfan. “Starting tomorrow, come to the office after school every day. I will arrange specialized training for you.”

Lin Qianfan didn’t refuse, nodding. “Okay, teacher.”

After the discussion, Lin Qianfan left the office.

Walking back to the classroom, his mind was already racing with plans for his business.

Soon it was Friday after school.

Lin Qianfan packed his bag as usual and looked toward Xia Ruo.

“Xia Ruo, since it’s the holiday, let me walk you home.”

Xia Ruo glanced at him hesitantly. “It’s still early. It’s bright outside. If you walk me home, you’ll get back too late. No need.”

“I’d still rather walk you home. You never know what bad people might be on the road.”

“Besides, how can I, a gentleman, let a girl walk home alone?” Lin Qianfan scratched his head and smiled.

Xia Ruo laughed, realizing there was no use resisting, and finally nodded. “Alright.”