Chapter 51: Why Do We Need Both Einstein and Feynman?
Professor John Harper nodded repeatedly, then turned and walked away.
Seeing her husband finally leave, Professor Alicia Harper collected herself and gestured for Chuck and little Sheldon to return to their seats. Facing countless curious stares from her students, she smiled slightly, "Alright, let's begin class."
"He was the first to solve it. That's incredible!"
Blonde beauty Cheryl whispered to her best friend Justine.
"Absolutely!"
Justine, the academic overachiever, exclaimed in complete admiration.
The advanced Fourier transformation on the bulletin board in the hallway was like an intriguing puzzle. Everyone who considered themselves mathematically capable went to examine it, attempting to solve it to prove themselves and earn recognition.
As a top student, she naturally tried as well.
However, her motivation was more practical: the benefits that came with academic glory—a more secure scholarship, and perhaps even a better or larger one.
But after just one glance, she gave up.
This type of problem was simply beyond her reach as a freshman; pursuing it further would be a waste of time.
She was acutely aware of the harsh reality: no matter how exceptionally gifted someone is, if they get lost in a mathematical rabbit hole and attempt to focus solely on it, the likelihood is that when they finally emerge, most of their life will have passed. Their youth, their physical prime, their sharp mind—all gone with the passage of time, leaving them with the same result as when they first encountered this mathematical challenge years ago: nothing.
A genius who could have made groundbreaking contributions and earned their place in history might, due to pride, make the wrong choice and fade into obscurity.
This was absolutely not what she wanted!
She was more pragmatic.
Therefore, while her best friend would swoon over Chuck, the first to solve such a difficult math problem, she was more concerned about Sheldon.
She knew Chuck's achievements and accolades wouldn't affect her scholarship prospects, and he remained quiet in class.
But Sheldon, arrogant and eager to show off, craving all the attention, was the biggest obstacle to her own academic recognition and self-promotion.
This time, she was pleasantly surprised to find that little Sheldon had finally stopped monopolizing class discussions. When Professor Alicia Harper asked a question, little Sheldon, usually the first to raise his hand, seemed somewhat overwhelmed.
"Mr. Cooper?"
Professor Alicia Harper asked, seeing little Sheldon's lack of response and apparent discomfort, so she couldn't help but prompt him.
This was the power of routine.
Seeing little Sheldon still distracted, she called again, "Sheldon?"
"Huh?"
Little Sheldon snapped back to attention and looked at her blankly. "Sorry, I was spacing out."
"Would you like to go back to your room and rest?"
Professor Alicia Harper asked with concern.
"No, I can handle it!"
Little Sheldon had wanted to leave. After wrestling with the question of who had solved the math problem on the hallway bulletin board before him, although the outcome wasn't ideal, he had finally managed to fall asleep the night before. But he glanced back at Chuck, seeing him remain calm and composed. The words on his lips changed, and he gritted his teeth, determined to persevere.
He couldn't lose to this guy again!
"Okay."
Professor Alicia Harper followed Sheldon's gaze, glancing at Chuck, then at Sheldon, who sat upright despite his drooping eyelids. She couldn't help but sigh, "You're going to have such a difficult time now that you've met him."
Although she'd only known Chuck and Sheldon for a short time, it was clear Sheldon had once been supremely confident and self-assured.
Yet, only a few days into college, Chuck had repeatedly humbled him, leaving him deflated. With a girl his own age who seemed even more brilliant competing with him, his confidence—no, his arrogance—had been reduced to mere self-assurance.
An adult facing such a drastic change would likely be overwhelmed, easily breaking down, or even developing psychological issues.
Fortunately, little Sheldon was still a child, a child with strong adaptive abilities and resilience.
"Justine!"
After feeling sorry for little Sheldon for a few moments, Professor Alicia Harper quickly adjusted her mood, remembering how insufferable and unapproachable he could be. She turned her attention away from little Sheldon, looked around the classroom, and called Justine's name.
Justine was thrilled, composed herself, and answered the questions calmly and accurately.
The class became much more engaging because little Sheldon, who usually dominated discussions, had essentially "disappeared." Everyone participated enthusiastically, and the classroom atmosphere was particularly positive.
Little Sheldon endured until the end of class in a dejected mood, packed up his things, and walked out weakly.
"Sheldon, remember to invite Paige, and Dr. Hofstadter and Paige's guardian Monica are also welcome to join us,"
Professor Alicia Harper reminded him.
"Got it."
Little Sheldon agreed and left.
Columbia University.
The president's office.
"President Williams, is there something wrong?"
Monica had arrived with Paige, but after their meeting, the president had asked her to stay behind, leaving her feeling somewhat anxious.
"Don't worry, everything's fine,"
President Williams said with a warm smile. "You've been doing an excellent job. I'm very pleased."
"It's all part of my responsibility,"
Monica said cheerfully, appreciating the praise.
"Indeed,"
President Williams said with a smile. "As you heard, there's a dinner party in a few days that requires Paige's attendance. The university's operations always need substantial funding, and it's my job to secure donations. Paige is a true genius, Columbia's crown jewel. With her presence, my job will be much easier. So I need you to provide psychological support and help her not resist participating."
"I understand. I'll do my best,"
Monica agreed.
She understood the president's concern. Paige's outward agreement didn't necessarily mean she genuinely agreed. For Paige, who had a tendency to be rebellious, the chances of her pretending to agree or using the situation to cause problems were quite high.
"Perfect, I'm confident you can handle it,"
President Williams said with a satisfied smile, signaling for Monica to leave.
When Monica returned to the dorm, she found Paige on the phone. She knew Paige was talking to little Sheldon, but she didn't pay much attention. She glanced around the room and her hands automatically began tidying up the already spotless dormitory.
"I need to ask Monica."
Paige covered the phone's mouthpiece and looked at Monica: "Monica, Sheldon's professor invited us to her house for dinner. Do you want to come?"
"Is it Professor Alicia Harper?"
Monica paused in her cleaning, hesitating with some reluctance: "Paige, you forgot that the president is taking you to an important donor dinner in a few days. You spent your entire weekend on that math problem, and you have a pile of assignments to catch up on. Maybe..."
"He's going too."
Paige interrupted with a mischievous look.
(End of chapter)
join patreon for update and advance 40+ chapters
https://www.p-atreon.com/c/Soulforger
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)
"If you're enjoying this story, don't forget to drop a Power Stone! Your support keeps me motivated and helps the novel reach more readers."
"100 Power Stones this week = 1 extra chapter release!"
"500 Power Stones = 2 extra chapter release ."