Chapter 20: Once a Struggling Student, Now Disdaining Simple Problems

Grandfather Qi listened and pondered briefly, “Where’s your textbook?”

Xie Yihuang opened her backpack, took out the textbook, and handed it to Grandfather Qi. He flipped it open and casually asked, “What’s 5 plus 3?”

“Eight,” Xie Yihuang answered immediately, without hesitation. There was no need to think about such a question—it slipped off her tongue, since it was just elementary school material.

“And thirteen minus seven?”

“Six.” Xie Yihuang sighed, “Grandpa, make it a bit harder, please. This is really too easy.” The former underachiever now found herself complaining that the questions were too simple—indeed, this world was different.

Grandfather Qi nodded, “Tomorrow I’ll borrow all the elementary school textbooks for you. If you can memorize them after reading, I’ll speak to your parents and ask them to contact the principal about letting you skip a grade. If you skip, do you want to jump to junior high?”

Xie Yihuang shook her head, “No, no, I’m only eight years old. Even if my talent is a bit better, I can’t jump straight to junior high. If you ask me, just give me a spot in second or third grade, and leave me be for the rest. I just want to learn as much as I can.”

A vague idea was forming in Xie Yihuang’s mind, though it wasn’t clear yet. What she wanted most was to use her youth and free time to learn as much as possible.

Grandfather Qi’s heart was set. He had to admit, Xie Yihuang’s words sparked a new idea. “Then you study first. Once you’ve learned, if it’s possible, I’ll personally speak with your principal. You’ll only need to attend exams, and the rest of the time you’ll learn with me.”

Grandfather Qi was a scholar, his abilities far beyond the ordinary. Xie Yihuang didn’t yet fully understand her grandfather’s capabilities, but she knew he was renowned in Tianhua County. People often came to him for advice on various matters.

“Alright.” Having made her decision, Xie Yihuang never intended to back down.

The next day, Grandfather Qi indeed borrowed all the elementary school textbooks. When Xie Yihuang arrived in the evening, he had her practice her calligraphy first, then read the textbooks. In a single night, she finished all the elementary school books—not just the main subjects of math and language, but also the second-grade ethics, third-grade essay writing, fourth-grade science, and fifth-grade history. She read them all in one evening.

She had to admit, having a photographic memory was truly a blessing—Xie Yihuang remembered everything she read.

Grandfather Qi always knew she was gifted, but he hadn’t expected her talent to be quite so extraordinary. He immediately discussed Xie Yihuang’s future with her parents.

“A-Yi’s talent is too great. If she learns like other children, it will be wasted.” Grandfather Qi was straightforward: “I plan to personally negotiate with the principal of Hongqi Elementary. A-Yi will only need to take the midterm and final exams each semester; the rest of the time she’ll study with me. Time in youth is worth its weight in gold. If you have no objections, I’ll visit the principal tomorrow, and you prepare A-Yi to move into the Qi household.”

Mother Xie replied, “We’re about to build a house. We were originally planning to have father and mother help take care of the three siblings. Now, sending them over early is no problem.”

Grandfather Qi said calmly, “A-Man and A-Sheng will stay for a short time, but I want A-Yi to live here long-term. Even after your house is built and she has her own room, she’ll only go home for holidays like New Year. The rest of the time, she’ll be learning with me until she’s admitted to high school and goes out to study. Even then, I’ll leave her coursework.”

Mother Xie was startled, “Father, what are you planning? A-Yi is only eight.” For some reason, she sensed her father had something larger in mind.

Grandfather Qi replied directly, “The Qi family needs a suitable successor. While I’m still young, I want to teach for a few more years.”

Mother Xie was stunned. She didn’t know how deep the Qi family’s foundation ran, but she knew that, for so many years, the Qi family had stood firm. Even when storms raged outside, the Qi household remained unaffected, perhaps lowering the standard of daily meals a bit, but suffering no real problems. That alone meant the family was formidable.

Mother Xie had always believed the future heir would be either Qi Jianhua or Qi Jianshe.

“Father, shouldn’t the successor be a Qi? A-Yi’s surname is Xie,” she said seriously.

Grandfather Qi glanced at her, “I’m not concerned with surnames—why are you? The reason our family has endured isn’t because of the Qi name, but because of our family character. The greatest legacy isn’t the surname, but the Qi spirit. So what does it matter if A-Yi is a Xie? Isn’t she still my granddaughter? Yuhua, have you learned nothing in all these years?”

Clearly, he hadn’t taught his daughter well enough; otherwise, she wouldn’t have such patriarchal notions.

Grandfather Qi’s words left Mother Xie momentarily speechless. “Father, do Jianhua and Jianshe know?”

Grandfather Qi answered calmly, “Once I begin teaching A-Yi, they’ll know. I understand my sons—a Jianhua is fit to maintain, Jianshe is fit to venture, but neither is suitable as family head. They aren’t the right choice for our successor. I originally planned to wait until Jianshe married and had children, then assess the next generation. But now, with A-Yi, there’s no need to worry about them.”

He looked deeply at Mother Xie, “I know what you want to say, Yuhua. Society is evolving, and the future generations won’t stay rooted in one place. A prosperous clan depends on a bold and decisive successor.”

“And with A-Yi’s abilities, she could never remain in Tianhua County or Xiezhang Village. She’ll inevitably venture out one day. If she goes alone, it will be hard. As a successor, it won’t be easy either, but she’ll have confidence.”

Without a foundation, society will crush you; with backing and ability, you can reshape society. The outcomes are worlds apart.

Grandfather Qi turned to Xie’s father, “Weimin, do you agree with A-Yi studying with me?”

Xie’s father glanced at Mother Xie, but Grandfather Qi said, “Don’t look at Yuhua. Tell me your own thoughts.”

He hastened to reply, “A-Yi learning from you is her good fortune. I have no objections. I just worry, will she disappoint you?”