Genius Club

Lin Xian heard the phrase again: “completely wrong.”

In six hundred years, math experts would label The Introduction to Universal Constants the same way Professor Qi Yan had dismissed Liu Feng’s work: as a “completely wrong.”

Those words could devastate any scholar.

But then, Lin Xian thought, perhaps because everyone believed The Introduction to Universal Constants was incorrect and worthless, it survived for 600 years, even avoiding the Genius Club’s attention. Had the Genius Club deemed it significant, Liu Feng’s drafts wouldn’t have endured.

From this angle, maybe even the Genius Club didn’t fully grasp the Universal Constant or the significance of the number 42. It wasn’t until the year 2624 that Big Cat Face’s father solved the mystery of 42, finally understanding its truth and power.

It’s intriguing that something deemed incorrect could actually be the most accurate.

The result, being 42, wasn’t the crucial part. The real questions were why 42 and what it represented.

Undoubtedly, the one who could unravel this mystery was Big Cat Face’s father, the only one in history who truly understood. The next best source might be the original author, Liu Feng.

Since Professor Qi Yan also regarded The Introduction to Universal Constants as flawed, Lin Xian saw no point in arguing. He got Liu Feng’s address and departed. He also discovered that Liu Feng and Li Qi Qi, both from underprivileged backgrounds similar to orphans, met and fell in love while working part-time during their studies at Shanxi University.

After graduating, Liu Feng pursued further education while Li Qi Qi worked to support him. Tragically, just as Liu Feng completed his master’s and they were planning their wedding, Li Qi Qi was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, often called the king of cancers due to its bleak survival rates.

No wonder, Lin Xian thought, recalling the small note in The Introduction to Universal Constants 600 years later—it must have been Li Qi Qi’s farewell message.

“I hope I can still meet a living Li Qi Qi,” Lin Xian mused, clutching Liu Feng’s address.

…

Liu Feng’s home was in a remote part of the county, indicative of his modest means. It was dark by the time Lin Xian arrived.

Navigating through a maze of makeshift homes, Lin Xian struggled to locate Liu Feng’s place. Then, an iron gate creaked open, revealing a man in a yellow helmet and vest, pushing a motorbike with a large delivery box.

The uniform was unmistakably that of a food delivery worker.

As the man adjusted his helmet, Lin Xian recognized him.

“Liu Feng?” Lin Xian called out, surprised to find a master’s degree holder in a delivery outfit.

Liu Feng, looking puzzled, responded, “Who are you?”

Lin Xian stepped forward, extending his hand. “Hi Liu Feng, I’m Lin Xian.”

After a brief handshake, Liu Feng’s confusion lingered. “Do I know you?”

Lin Xian explained his visit, “I met your professor, Qi Yan. I’m interested in your research and want to help fund it.”

“Which project?” Liu Feng inquired, his interest piqued.

“The Universal Constant,” Lin Xian clarified. “Despite many saying your theory is incorrect, I believe it holds potential. I’d like to offer you a lab and funding to continue your work.”

Liu Feng laughed softly, then glanced at his phone. “Thanks, but… sorry, the Universal Constant doesn’t matter to me anymore.”

“Is it because of Li Qi Qi?” Lin Xian asked bluntly. “I can cover all her medical expenses too. Don’t underestimate me because I’m young; I’m quite wealthy.”

“Did Professor Qi tell you all this?” Liu Feng scrolled through his phone. Lin Xian nodded. “You’re delivering food to make ends meet, right?”

“Yes,” Liu Feng sighed. “Qi Qi’s treatment is costly—special medications, regular treatments. I tutor and deliver food in my spare time. A regular job just doesn’t cover it.”

“So,” Lin Xian placed a hand on Liu Feng’s shoulder, “think about my offer? I can support your research and take care of Qi Qi’s medical needs. It’s beneficial for both of you.”

“Thank you, but I’ve moved on from the Universal Constant,” Liu Feng said as his phone alerted him to a new order.

He added, “Professor Qi told you quite a bit, but not everything. Qi Qi sacrificed a lot for my education. Her health suffered because of it. In hindsight, Professor Qi was right. Kids like us should focus on survival first. My stubbornness has cost us dearly.”

Looking solemn, Liu Feng continued, “Qi Qi is in the late stages of her illness. She doesn’t have much time left. I want to spend these final moments with her.”

Lin Xian noted the despair in Liu Feng’s eyes. “Don’t you want to find out if your Introduction to Universal Constants is correct?”

“It’s not,” Liu Feng replied firmly. “Both in theory and in practice, it’s flawed.”

“Sorry, I have to go,” he said, hopping onto his motorbike and disappearing into the night, leaving Lin Xian alone with his thoughts.

Lin Xian considered that Liu Feng once harbored hopes and ambitions, but life’s harsh realities had shattered his dreams. Not every struggling artist becomes celebrated like Van Gogh after death; Van Gogh himself wasn’t recognized during his lifetime.

Perhaps Liu Feng’s work was too pioneering, misunderstood even 600 years later, deemed a sentimental relic rather than a piece of scholarly work.

.

Lin Xian remembered a quote about the genetic pioneer Mendel: “A genius beyond time often faces loneliness and disdain.”

In this world, it seemed Lin Xian was the sole believer in The Introduction to Universal Constants. Even Liu Feng had lost faith after facing continuous rejection.

The clouds parted, and moonlight shone over the desolate suburb. Most of its inhabitants were laborers, and the area was quiet at this usually bustling hour.

Then, from Liu Feng’s humble home, a door creaked open, and moments later, a wheelchair emerged. A frail girl in a white beret and coat, wrapped in a blanket, struggled to wheel herself to the courtyard’s center, her gaze lifting to the night.

When she noticed Lin Xian, she smiled weakly and nodded.

This fragile figure, barely more substantial than a shadow, had to be Liu Feng’s partner, Li Qi Qi.

Lin Xian smiled back, standing by the low wall, maintaining distance. “Hello, Qi Qi. Can we talk?”

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