Chapter 97

The training camp had almost stopped holding classes.0

During the day, they began conducting competition simulations, writing essays, and conducting experiments every day. If they encountered something they didn't understand, they would seek help from coaches or classmates in the afternoon or study on their own. Experts had come to give several lectures, and the once-every-ten-days break was now being used to take everyone to the biology museum for performances. Although the overall schedule hadn't changed much, the atmosphere in the training camp had become noticeably more tense.0

One day, Chu Tingwu noticed that a few people were missing from class.0

"Did they go home early for the New Year?" she asked.0

Zhou Qiang didn't even look up, flipping through a book in her hand. "They dropped out. Probably planning to find private coaches on their own."0

Some could adapt to the rhythm of the training camp, improving together under the pressure from others, while others simply couldn't handle it and chose to leave before breaking down.0

Chu Tingwu remained seated on the armrest of the sofa, not moving, but her head bobbed slightly, her fingers tapping unconsciously in the air. "Hmm... when do we get a break?"0

It had been almost a month since she left Three-Five-Five, and if she didn't go back soon, her cat might really be drafted into service as a police cat.0

Zhou Qiang placed her hand on Chu Tingwu's hand and patted it.0

Chu Tingwu pulled her hand away and pressed it back onto Zhou Qiang's.0

Zhou Qiang noticed that Chu Tingwu's eyes had already closed. She silently withdrew her hand, hovering it about ten centimeters above Chu Tingwu's hand.0

Chu Tingwu suddenly opened her eyes, giving Zhou Qiang a puzzled look before pulling her hand back. "Huh?"0

Zhou Qiang averted her gaze. "Some people don't seem to be planning to go home. They'll stay here during the New Year."0

And their parents were very understanding—there were only a few months left before the competition, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A simple New Year's celebration wasn't worth disrupting the kids' preparations.0

Zhou Qiang was one of those not planning to leave.0

It didn't matter much where she was; going home for the New Year would only be more boring.0

Shao Lingwu and Chu Xiao, on the other hand, would be going home. Chu Xiao was acting normally, but Shao Lingwu had been receiving a lot of calls lately, even busier than Chu Tingwu, who had recently become a brand ambassador.0

Shao Lingwu explained, "It's our school's coaches..."0

With fewer people in the training camp, he had given up on maintaining his appearance, letting his hair grow wild and unkempt, his naturally light lashes and eyebrows now standing out even more.0

Because of how noticeable he was, every time he tried to ride his scooter, Eight-One-Nine, out for a spin, he was caught by the teachers.0

The calls were from coaches of different subjects, asking him which competition he intended to participate in.0

Other coaches were saying: Don't waste your time in the biology training camp!0

Zhou Qiang flipped a page in her book. "You'll do well no matter which path you choose, so pick one you like."0

Shao Lingwu hesitated.0

Chu Tingwu understood. "Do you like them all, or none of them?"0

Shao Lingwu blushed. "Um... none."0

He felt a bit disrespectful saying he didn't like competitive biology while in the biology training camp.0

Zhou Qiang: "?"0

Zhou Qiang: "Do I look like someone who likes biology?"0

Shao Lingwu: "But you can't keep doing something you don't like for so long, right?"0

Chu Xiao, passing by to return a book, chimed in. "Then every student in nine-year compulsory education must really love studying."0

Zhou Qiang saw that Shao Lingwu was still struggling and explained, "I study this subject because I'm better at it, and I don't have the talent for other subjects. I know my limits."0

She was very self-aware. She couldn't go far in physics, chemistry, or mathematics, so continuing to specialize in biology was a good choice for her future.0

Zhou Qiang believed she might become an entrepreneur or work in a pharmaceutical company. Her plans weren't entirely clear yet, but she could at least see the general direction.0

Chu Tingwu raised her hand. "I continued studying biology because I'm interested in animals, but I don't know if I'll keep working in the field. Maybe not?"0

The three of them turned to look at Chu Xiao.0

Chu Xiao: "?"0

Chu Xiao: "I initially thought information technology was a beautiful and orderly subject."0

He liked things that were orderly, neat, and clear, whether they were objects or academic subjects. But the more he studied, the more confused he became, because the essence of information technology seemed to be about using the known to create the unknown. When he visited the super AI at the International State University in the U.S., watching AI-controlled robots perform simple tasks, he suddenly realized he didn't take pride in "creation."0

What he enjoyed was the order. Exploring and confirming what was already known brought him more happiness than discovering the unknown. After thinking about it for a few days, he decided to quit and start over.0

Chu Xiao: "My parents didn't understand, but they supported me. They've never interfered with my studies since I was young. They believe I can decide my own future."0

—And that I would plan it more clearly than two adults.0

Finally, it seemed to be Shao Lingwu's turn.0

Shao Lingwu: "I—"0

He took a deep breath. "I don't understand why everyone assumes I'll like what I'm good at, including my parents."0

This was something he had been thinking about for a long time.0

Everyone at the table, except for Chu Tingwu, had grown up hearing the label "genius." Chu Tingwu, on the other hand, had only recently been recognized as a sports prodigy in the past two years.0

Shao Lingwu's words didn't come off as boastful, because they all shared similar experiences—which was why he could only say this here:0

"I did like it when I was little, and I was good at it. Everyone would praise me whenever I solved a problem."0

"But my hands-on skills are a bit lacking, and I'm not good at running a company. My parents assume I'll go the academic route... it's like everyone says Shao Lingwu, you're going to be a mathematician, a scientist, and you don't need to do the things you're not good at, because it's inefficient and you might not get any results."0

"And if I continue with the competitions, make the national team, get into the final list, and secure a top university, it seems easy, but then what?"0

He watched time flow past him, his life narrowing into a straight line, a path that was narrow but lined with flowers, where everyone he met would smile at him.0

But he didn't really like it.0

Under normal circumstances, Shao Lingwu wouldn't have said this until the end of the winter camp—0

Just ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‍as he said, he was "here on vacation and also attending classes," with no particular goals. He came to the winter camp out of curiosity about the sea.0

After seeing the sea, he would return to his usual life, possibly being selected for the final list of the mathematics national team, fulfilling everyone's expectations.0

But he didn't just see the sea here.0

Chu Tingwu tilted her head. "If you can't find joy in what you're good at, then doing something you like, even if you're not good at it, would be more fulfilling... or are you unable to accept leading a relatively ordinary life?"0

As Chu Tingwu finished speaking, Zhou Qiang chimed in, "If your family doesn't support you and cuts off your living expenses, you can still skip a grade and go to college, finding a school far from home that offers a full scholarship. You wouldn't even need to apply for a student loan. By the way, you're not the type to skip college entirely and chase your dreams while studying, are you?"0

At the very least, you'd need to earn your living expenses through scholarships.0

Chu Xiao added, "If you plan to study abroad, you could use a vacation as an excuse to visit your target school and then apply. Use your strong subject to support your pursuit of your less-favored dream... if all else fails, we can lend you some money. Just don't get scammed into doing illegal labor."0

Shao Lingwu: "?"0

Why did they all assume his parents would cut him off, leaving him struggling financially and possibly working illegal jobs abroad?0

Shao Lingwu meekly said, "Actually, I'm not bad at what I like... it's just that the general public thinks it's useless, with no social contribution?"0

Chu Tingwu straightened her head and asked puzzledly, "What contribution have I made to society?"0

To most people, extreme sports were just a waste of time, and not only had she not done anything, but she had also wasted social resources by calling the police to "rescue" her a while ago.0

Zhou Qiang comforted her, "You've founded a foundation and your company provides jobs for many people."0

Chu Xiao looked at Shao Lingwu and said, "If you want to make a contribution, you can donate to the Hope Project and pay more taxes."0

Shao Lingwu: "……"0

The teenager glared at his three mischievous friends, but his eyes quickly curved into a smile, and everyone couldn't help but laugh as they exchanged glances.0

He huffed twice, then suddenly slapped Chu Xiao on the shoulder, "I'll go back and activate the voice prompt for the paid plugin just for you."0

Back when they decided to write this supplementary plugin related to fees, although they had mostly completed the framework and just needed to test it before going live, Shao Lingwu seemed to be dissatisfied with the AI voice part and added many voices, but hadn't officially released any.0

Although it was just a small matter, since he cared so much about it, everyone didn't mind waiting a bit longer.0

That evening, Shao Lingwu uploaded the finalized voice. Zhou Qiang played it once in her bedroom and was a bit surprised:0

"It doesn't seem much different from before... but it sounds clearer?"0

It was a voice that, although it had dissipated in the air, somehow kept echoing in one's mind.0

But what's so special about the phrase "You have received one yuan"? It's downright brainwashing!0

The system spoke in Chu Tingwu's ear, "Oh! He discovered this frequency!"0

The range of sound waves that human ears can detect is shorter than that of animals. Like animals, humans also have "genetic inheritance," and different sounds, such as shrill cries or tearing sounds, can trigger different instinctive reactions—so, in the eyes of some researchers, sound also possesses special "magic."0

There are certain sounds that, when heard, can evoke different feelings.0

Like the speaking frequency of this AI.0

The system could actually tune into this, but it required human ears to constantly test certain frequencies to achieve the perfect effect.0

Chu Tingwu climbed into bed, and Zhou Qiang turned off the bedside lamp. Before Chu Tingwu closed her eyes, Zhou Qiang asked, "Do you know what Shao Lingwu likes more?"0

Chu Tingwu: "Music, I guess."0

Zhou Qiang nodded in the darkness, "Yeah, I think so too."0

When someone hums different tunes whenever they're bored, they either like music or are just really bored. And when every tune they hum is pleasant, that person not only likes music but is also quite reserved, never saying much.0

However, Chu Tingwu had actually noticed it a long time ago...0

When Shao Lingwu was riding the Three-Five-Five, and she was dozing off on the back seat, she heard a rather familiar sound—0

It was a piece of pure music that Lian had shared with Chu Tingwu during their time at the Red Stone Reserve. It was from an unknown music blogger.0

Back then, the two of them sat side by side in the car, with the distant white wolf resting with its front paws crossed on the top of a hill. The wolf's offspring were rolling around in front of her, and the family that could still be called the Michel Pack was having a dinner that humans couldn't join.0

Lian nudged Chu Tingwu's waist, indicating she should listen to the wind in the headphones.0

That wind had blown from North Sea Province to Xingdesikezhou, then from Xingdesikezhou to Sang City... and because it didn't know left from right, it had twisted all the way from the training camp gate to the underwater world.0

Some people, even at sixteen, can't tell left from right, but that's okay, time is long, and even if you take the wrong path, you'll still encounter beautiful scenery.0

Chu Tingwu: "Do you want to spend the New Year with me?"0

Zhou Qiang: "……You're still awake?"0

Usually, you fall asleep instantly.0

After a long while, hearing the person next to her breathing steadily, she replied, "Alright."0

Chu Tingwu: "I'll let my family know."0

She could bring friends home for the New Year, and Teacher Zhang was overjoyed.0

Zhou Qiang: "?"0

You're pretending to sleep!0

-0

Probably realizing they had been too strict lately, the training camp gave them a day off before the New Year holiday.0

The four of them discussed it and unanimously decided—0

To go to a barbecue place near the previous sailing training base, because Zhou Qiang had mentioned that the barbecue there was delicious.0

Teacher Fu, who had been quietly listening to their plans for a while: "……"0

It seemed fine, but the mention of "sailing training base" always made him think of some unpleasant experiences.0

Like being reprimanded, getting phone calls, and going to the police station to pick someone up.0

Teacher Fu decided to observe further and confirm the situation:0

Chu Tingwu and Zhou Qiang had already packed up and were waiting in the lobby. After a while, Chu Xiao came out with a backpack.0n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Teacher Fu, hiding half his face behind a computer: "?"0

Was there climbing shoes, ropes, and other tools in the bag?0

Chu Tingwu: "What did you bring?"0

Chu Xiao: "A jacket. I'll change after eating; otherwise, it'll smell like barbecue. And I brought my own gloves. They're from the lab, cleaner than the ones at the barbecue place."0

Teacher Fu: "=="0

After waiting a bit longer, Shao Lingwu also came down with a backpack.0

Teacher Fu, peeking out from behind the computer: "?"0

What now, was this part of the plan too?0

Zhou Qiang: "Are you going to put that bag on Three-Five-Five?" It's too big.0

Shao Lingwu: "But how can a beach barbecue be complete without music! So I had my family send over my usual speaker yesterday!"0

Alright, we'll pretend not to know you if you get confiscated for disturbing the peace.0

Teacher Fu lowered his head, pretending to be engrossed in his documents.0

The four of them got on their familiar electric tricycle, but instead of heading to the sailing base, they first waited by the roadside for the chef auntie to bring over the equipment and spare clothes.0

The auntie had also made some small bread to feed them.0

Chu Tingwu took her drone from the auntie's car.0

The drone she had agreed to assemble for the system had been worked on intermittently. Because there were many materials, including some custom parts, the packages had first been sent to the auntie's neighborhood, where she had helped with the receipt and organization.0

Chu Tingwu had occasionally brought back some parts to assemble when she went out, as the difficulty had exceeded her familiarity with the drone flying ball and was now a true mimic drone—so Shao Lingwu and the others had all helped.0

The four of them had worked hard until now, finally completing the assembly, but none of them had seen the finished product in action.0

Chu Tingwu brought it out, and although everyone had seen the design drawings, they now examined the "drone" for the first time—0

It was a mechanical seagull, partly made of metal and partly of a new lightweight material, assembled into a precise and unified whole.0

At this moment, "Seagull One" hadn't opened its eyes, but the three naming-challenged individuals unanimously agreed, "We can call it not a drone, but a seagull machine."0

The only one hesitating was Shao Lingwu: Well... fine.0

Chu Tingwu lowered her arm, and the seagull machine in her palm flapped its wings, showing a sense of regularity and precision, with each feather unfolding in the same arc, the light refracting into diminishing spots, and then the "wings" spread open, revealing green "eyes."0

It "flew" up.0

Its movements weren't stiff from the start, as it circled and flew, surveying the surroundings in mid-air, and finally landed steadily on Chu Tingwu's shoulder. When the "eye," which was actually a camera but looked like a pupil, captured them, everyone felt a strange sense of being "watched."0

Shao Lingwu reached out to touch the seagull machine's wings.0

The system: "=_="0

The system unceremoniously pushed him away, rose up, creating a small gust of wind, and then landed on the other side of Chu Tingwu's shoulder.0

The others realized: "Right... it's being controlled by your friend."0

Not some AI intelligent control, there's someone behind it.0

Chu Tingwu had to say, "Well, this friend is quite intelligent."0

The others: "……"0

It sounds a bit off, doesn't it?0

The seagull drone quickly began performing some simple flight and speed tests, followed by takeoff, wind resistance, and emergency obstacle avoidance, all of which were completed flawlessly.0

Chu Xiao and the others were a bit puzzled because the technology seemed too mature, and they were all first-timers. Even though Chu Tingwu had checked everything at the end and was prepared for many mistakes, none occurred.0

Considering this might be Chu Tingwu's company's "trade secret," like they had already started developing this new machine, they didn't ask… But in reality, Chu Tingwu had done this kind of manual work many times in the dream classroom, and this wasn't her first test.0

Zhou Qiang and the others assumed this would be a new drone mass-produced later, so although they were surprised, they didn't show it—and since they had built it themselves, it didn't seem that shocking.0

But as they made their way to the beach, they received far too many curious and astonished glances. Someone even stopped them to ask if they could film the seagull drone.0

The system firmly refused.0

Because it was filming Chu Tingwu and didn't want to cooperate with others.0

Chu Tingwu relayed the system's words, but to her surprise, the person filming became even more excited:0

"Is it 'alive'? Oh, what I mean is, its program must be priceless!"0

The seagull drone took off, immediately capturing the attention of others.0

Chu Tingwu and the three others quickly boarded a sailboat.0

—They had prepared clothes in advance, of course, because they were going to sail.0

The system, at the request of the little one, circled the area once, then again, and then realized something was off:0

It, it seemed like it was being used as a decoy to distract others from the little one!0

After all, the little one had been trending again recently, and even made the local news in Sang City. They might encounter unexpected fans, like—0

"Mom, isn't that the sister from the TV?"0

That wasn't a big deal.0

"Ah… yes, but don't try to imitate the sister climbing cliffs. You can learn from her by reporting those bad rental companies, so there will be fewer agencies ripping off tourists."0

Shao Lingwu: "Achoo!"0

Chu Tingwu: "Must be the strong sea breeze. Maybe you should get off?"0

Shao Lingwu: Do you think I'm extra? =_=0

This time, the four rented a keelboat. According to regulations, a professional captain must be on board to go out to sea. They wanted to take the sailboat to see farther places—of course, still within the nearshore range, not venturing too far.0

But once on board, the captain found her job being taken over.0

At first, she thought these kids were here for an experience, but then she noticed that one of the girls, Chu Tingwu, seemed very skilled. Whether it was steering or raising the sails, she could almost handle it all by herself.0

Soon, she began directing her friends to divide the work, often finishing the assignments before the captain could even speak.0

The boat swayed on the sea, and the captain, standing at the bow, couldn't help but turn back to look:0

If not for her obvious young age, she would have asked Chu Tingwu if she wanted to become a professional sailor. By the way, where did she learn—0

Zhou Qiang: "When did you learn all this?"0

Chu Tingwu: "In my dreams."0

The captain: Hey.0

Zhou Qiang suddenly understood: "No wonder you sleep so early every day and fall asleep instantly."0

The captain: You actually believe that!0

Regardless of these strange kids, she initially didn't intend to agree to their request, as going farther from the shore increased the danger, not because the boat would be at risk, but because some guests simply wouldn't listen to instructions.0

But now, it seemed these four were much more reliable than those kinds of guests.0

So, the boat gradually moved away from the starting point, and the captain began introducing:0

"The area next to us is also one of the venues for the recent Shao Tree Cup sailing competition. It's actually a rectangle, and the contestants and their boats must race within this rectangular area without leaving it."0

This knowledge was unfamiliar to the group, but they listened attentively.0

Except for Chu Tingwu, the others thought: If Chu Tingwu participates in the competition in the future, at least they would understand the rules when watching the race.0

Sailboat racing isn't just like a running race, where you have a straight path from start to finish—0

Because on the sea, maintaining a straight course for a long time is almost impossible, so there are "rounding marks" requirements.0

Most of the time, the race route is a zigzag, starting from one point, completing various requirements, rounding the marks, and then returning to the starting point, which is also the finish line.0

During this process, collisions between boats and under-the-rules competition for the lead all affect the final result.0

The captain, in high spirits, even called over a nearby boat to help demonstrate—0

Most of the sailors here were acquaintances.0

The other boat didn't hold back, pressing against them with the wind, gaining an advantageous position downwind, using the wind direction to speed up and get a better entry angle at the rounding mark area.0

"Can't pass their stern?"0

Many rules have a yielding mechanism, like in some situations, if the other party enters first, you can't pass their stern… But wouldn't that mean being suppressed the entire time?0

Of course, you can regain the advantage through other maneuvers later.0

But the captain didn't explain, instead smiling and asking them: "So, what do you think we should do?"0

The nearby sailboat was very close, and half a step ahead. Chu Tingwu pondered:0

"Even in professional competitions, there are often capsizes, right?"0

Accidents at sea are too unpredictable; sometimes it's just bad luck with the wind direction.0

The captain nodded: "Yes…"0

Ah.0

Ah?0

Ah!?0

Because the next second, this guest on her boat suddenly leaped onto the other boat's deck, then, under the other crew's bewildered gaze, grabbed the sail rope. At that moment, a gust of wind just happened to blow, changing the angle, causing the other boat to start violently swaying.0

At the maximum swaying angle, Chu Tingwu effortlessly passed the sailor and the helmsman, as if flying, and landed on the stern of their boat.0

The seagull drone dove down from above, swept past Chu Tingwu's head, and then circled, as if affirming her.0

…Affirming what?0

The boat behind them used its mast to slap the water, creating waves.0

The captain: "……"0

Chu Tingwu: "Now we're in front."0

Shao Lingwu clenched his fist: "Great!"0

The captain: "…………"0

Indeed, reliable guests, reliably helping her win a meaningless small race… just like other guests, even more disobedient.