Chapter Seven: The Widespread Discussion of "The Devotion of Suspect X"
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The campus was eerily quiet at noon, with only the rustling of leaves stirred by the wind breaking the silence. However, stepping into the senior high school building shattered this tranquility; standing in the hallway, one could clearly hear the murmurs and whispers all around. Unlike the third-year students who chose to nap after a morning of classes, the freshmen were full of energy.
“This type of question, I’ve told you about it before. This is one of its variants. Let me explain it to you again,” Li Jie said gently to Geng Geng.
“Sorry, am I too slow? I keep forgetting what you’ve taught me,” Geng Geng timidly asked Li Jie in a low voice.
“No, you’re doing very well. Look at your last monthly exam—you ranked 25th in the class. That’s a big improvement compared to before. Teacher Zhang Ping has been praising you a lot lately,” Li Jie comforted her affectionately, patting her head.
“Xu Yanliang, look! I’ve recently collected all these reports about ‘The Devotion of Suspect X,’” the chubby boy said excitedly. As a devoted fan of the novel, he frequently recommended it to the whole class, painstakingly gathering every piece of news about it.
“Showing me these? I’d rather just reread the novel from the beginning. What a waste of time.” But Xu Yanliang’s eyes betrayed him; he was staring intently at the reports in the chubby boy’s hands.
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“If a novel leaves you wanting to cry your heart out after finishing it, then it has already succeeded halfway. ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’ achieves exactly that.” — Xinmin Evening News
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“A genius writer’s masterpiece, a brilliant showdown between two prodigies.” — Yangcheng Evening News
“This is the best novel of the year.” — Literary Review
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“Out of creative ideas? The genius writer Tomorrow has stopped updating for two issues.” — Southern Weekend
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“This is truly amazing, the best novel I’ve ever read so far,” the chubby boy boasted, as if he had written it himself.
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“I couldn’t agree more. But Tomorrow hasn’t updated for two issues recently. I wonder if, like the reports say, the inspiration has dried up,” Xu Yanliang said nonchalantly, glancing somewhat guiltily at the chubby boy.
“Nonsense!!! How could that be!!! Tomorrow must be delayed because something came up. Just wait and see, those unscrupulous media will soon be slapped down!” The chubby boy’s voice suddenly rose by eight tones as he argued passionately, as if ready to fight at any moment.
Sure enough, I shouldn’t have said that in front of him—he’s obviously Tomorrow’s die-hard fan. Xu Yanliang gave an awkward smile as he watched the excited chubby boy. “Yes, yes, a genius writer like him definitely wouldn’t lose his muse. These media can’t be trusted! Can’t be trusted!”
Scenes like this were no longer uncommon, not just on campus but across society as the serialization of ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’ grew ever more popular, sparking praise and discussion everywhere—comparable to the buzz when ‘My Fair Princess’ was aired in the main world.
At the start of the serialization, Li Jie expected the novel to be a hit, since it had already been rigorously tested and praised in the main world. Still, he never imagined it would become so popular in the story’s world.
Recently, Li Jie had been busy tutoring Geng Geng, which caused a delay in updating the novel—two issues missed. Editor-in-chief Liang had repeatedly called to urge him to submit. If Li Jie weren’t still in high school, Liang might have come knocking with a knife. Letters demanding updates flooded the magazine like snowflakes, the phone lines were almost constantly busy, and two receptionists had collapsed from exhaustion.
Li Jie paid no mind to Liang’s threats and simply replied, “Updating isn’t as important as having a girlfriend.” This infuriated Liang, who went from threats to pleas, trying every tactic short of showing up in person. Eventually, Li Jie relented and hurriedly submitted a draft, finally appeasing the editor.
Through this time spent together, Li Jie had genuinely grown fond of the young girl before him. He no longer approached their relationship as a mere task but rather with the mindset of nurturing her, helping her grow better and more outstanding step by step. Like a diligent gardener pruning and watering, or like tending flowers, eagerly awaiting their bloom.
Recently, Geng Geng’s grades had noticeably improved. She walked home with a straighter back, and her standing at home had soared. Her father and stepmother paid her more attention, which made her half-brother jealous, as their care for him clearly diminished.
The gossip about her and Li Jie circulating on campus no longer bothered her much. Geng Geng felt comfortable around Li Jie, and besides, there was nothing between them—they were just deskmates. The rumors had started mildly but grew more absurd over time, though she no longer cared much.
*****
Another exam week had arrived. Geng Geng could now face tests calmly, no longer trembling with fear as she had during her first midterm. After all, she had the Star River Beast, she proudly thought. Perhaps she hadn’t even realized how often she mentioned it lately.
When the math test papers were handed out, it was a small exam, so classes weren’t rearranged as they were for major tests. Li Jie nudged Geng Geng’s arm, who was still daydreaming. “Exam’s started, what are you spacing out for?”
Feeling caught, Geng Geng blushed, thinking about how she had just been criticizing Li Jie—like a thief caught red-handed.
Li Jie quickly skimmed through the paper. “The questions aren’t hard this time. I’ve already taught you many of these types. Let’s aim for a high score. Cheer up!”
“You too! Although I know you’ll probably get full marks again.”
“Geng Geng! No whispering! Keep quiet during the exam!” Math teacher Zhang Feng shouted from the podium.
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Geng Geng silently protested that the teacher was unfair—giving so much leniency to the good students while treating the weaker ones harshly. She picked up her paper and began working seriously. Li Jie smiled faintly and finished his paper swiftly in no time.
Zhang Feng paced back and forth, inspecting the exam hall. When he reached Li Jie, he saw the boy had already stopped writing. Taking the paper to the podium, Zhang Feng quickly reviewed it and found it nearly perfect—another full score. What a genius! Most students hadn’t even finished the multiple-choice questions yet, but Li Jie had already completed the whole paper. Such terrifying efficiency.
Could they send Li Jie to participate in the math olympiad? If he was this brilliant in competitions, Zhenhua might win another CMO gold medal, or even an IMO gold medal could be within reach, Zhang Feng thought silently on the podium.
Being proactive, he immediately grabbed his phone and asked Zhang Ping to bring a set of past math olympiad papers from his desk.
“Li Jie, try this set of problems,” Zhang Feng said, handing the papers to him.
“Okay,” Li Jie replied.
This set was interesting; was this the normal difficulty? Li Jie wondered while working through the problems. After an hour, he approached the podium and handed the completed paper to Zhang Feng. “Teacher, I’m done.”
Zhang Feng quickly checked the answers and was shocked!
How was this possible? Finished so quickly again, with 100% accuracy. Incredible!
The school bell rang, interrupting Zhang Feng’s thoughts. Regaining his composure, he gave Li Jie a deep look.
“Alright, everyone hand in your papers. Those who haven’t finished, stop writing. Although this exam was a bit challenging, it’s nothing for you prodigies. Class monitors, collect the papers and bring them to my office.”
Watching Zhang Feng’s slightly stooped figure as he left, Li Jie wondered if he had overdone it and scared the teacher.
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P.S.: Zhang Feng’s baffled expression said it all: “???? Don’t you have any self-awareness?”