Mr. CEO, Spoil me 100 Percent! - Chapter 190

Chapter 190: Stolen Information

 

Luo Jun was slightly astounded, “What does Miss Xia mean by that?”

“Go tell Yun Ruobing that Mubai wants everyone to aid me in completing this technology. Ask her what her intention is by withholding the information I need? Is she meaning to stall my progress?” Xinghe said directly, not even a bit afraid of crossing the other woman.

She would not hesitate to mow down all that stood in her path!

Luo Jun was taken aback by the tension that he felt suffused the air.

However, this was none of his concern. He was only required to fulfill his orders.

Luo Jun returned very soon after he was sent away by Xinghe.

He still didn’t return with the papers and there was an even more troubled expression on his face when he said, “Miss Xia, Leader Yun still refused to give up the information… She said that if you want them, you need to go talk to her yourself…”

“Okay, thank you. You may go now.” That was Xinghe’s only reply. There was no major change in her expression.

Xinghe wasn’t angry even though Ruobing was purposely making this difficult for her.

Luo Jun couldn’t figure out Xinghe’s thoughts so he left her lab obediently.

After he closed the door, Xinghe clicked open her computer…

Since Ruobing was unwilling to give the information, she was going to take them herself. Want her to negotiate with Ruobing in person? Impossible!

Xinghe would not waste her time doing fruitless things.

Ruobing obviously wasn’t going to part with the design papers no matter what. Requiring Xinghe to meet her in person was just a hoop for Xinghe to jump through of which there would be plenty more.

It was necessary not only to work hard but also work smart!

It took Xinghe 30 seconds to enter the laboratory’s localized area network.

It took her another 5 minutes to hack into Yun Ruobing’s personal work computer.

Finally, she used up another 2 minutes to copy everything in Ruobing’s computer to her own computer.

Ruobing who was waiting for Xinghe to come beg her had no idea her computer had been hacked.

She only knew when a large row of letters appeared on her computer screen:

I’ve taken the information I need. If Leader Yun wants to play the game this way, I’m more than willing to entertain you.

“Who did this‽” Ruobing shrieked in shock.

Who hacked into my computer and stole the information in it‽

Ruobing was truly shocked. After all, the internet security of the lab hadn’t been breached before. However, this time, the other party not only managed to hack through it but also was daring enough to leave such a calling card.

Ruobing was certain this person was Xia Xinghe!

Ruobing was honestly surprised Xinghe was so capable.

No wonder she was brave enough to make such a boastful promise, she had some backing…

However, good hacking skills didn’t translate to the ability to design an artificial limb. After all, hacking and mechanical engineering were two distinct fields.

Ruobing studied mechanical engineering since she was young and, even after partnering with the best of the best, couldn’t design a human-emulated artificial limb, much less an outsider like Xia Xinghe!

She was doomed to fail!

Regardless, she refused to let Xinghe challenge her at her own court.

The laboratory was her territory and she would not show kindness towards those that threaten her position.

The fact that Ruobing was willing to learn medical computer science that she had absolutely no interest just to please Old Madam Xi showed the size of her ambitions.

Her ambition was simple, which was to own half of the Xi family’s estate.

She wanted to be above everyone else, to own limitless wealth and power.

Xinghe’s appearance threatened her ambition. Even though she felt Xinghe didn’t have the ability to pull this off but she refused to let Xinghe taunt her with the crazy promise.

Furthermore, she had the guts to steal the design papers from right under her nose.

How can I take this offense quietly‽

“Xia Xinghe, if you want to die, then I shall comply.” Ruobing smirked and moved to locate Xinghe. It was time to settle some things.

Chapter 191: Your Name Has Been Removed

 

The lab’s door was rudely shoved open.

Ruobing waltzed in with authority, followed by two engineers.

“Xia Xinghe, it was your doing, wasn’t it?” she asked as she leaned in to look at Xinghe’s computer screen. Naturally, information regarding the design paper was on it.

Ruobing smirked as satisfaction flashed in her eyes. “So, it was you, Xia Xinghe. You stole the lab’s important information and have now been caught red-handed; explain yourself!”

“Stole?” Xinghe raised her eyes from her task to ask.

Even though she was being suddenly interrogated by Ruobing, Xinghe maintained her usual composure and grace.

“Taking without permission is stealing. This is the information you stole from my computer, isn’t it?” Ruobing asked pointedly.

Xinghe didn’t care to deny, she nodded. “That’s right, this was from your computer.”

“Very good, since you’ve admitted to the theft then we have nothing more to say. According to the rules of this lab, those that violate this rule will be kicked out of the team. Pack up and leave, you’re removed from the team!” Ruobing said authoritatively, not unlike an unfeeling judge.

She didn’t care what Xinghe’s background was.

In the lab, she was the queen.

Since Xinghe readily admitted to violating the rules, no one would have a say if she was to throw the woman out.

Xinghe’s rash and stupid way of doing things made Ruobing look down on her.

She felt dumb for thinking Xinghe could ever threaten her position and wasting the energy that went into drafting the long-term plan for dealing with Xia Xinghe.

Who would have thought this woman was dumb enough to commit such a giant mistake on her first day? I was able to chase her out without even using a single one of my plots!

Ruobing smiled triumphantly.

Of course, she didn’t care about what happened to Xinghe after she left the lab.

The point was, no one could threaten her at her territory.

Anyone that came close to doing so must be removed!

“Removed? You removed my name from the team?” Xinghe asked calmly, as if in complete control of the situation.

Ruobing smirked, “Of course, I make and enforce all the rules here.”

“On what grounds?” Xinghe continued asking.

Before Ruobing could answer, a tall male engineer that followed her in jumped in with a patronizing reply, “Are you deaf? Didn’t Leader Yun give you the reason? Theft of classified information, is that not enough?”

“Theft is illegal; I say we hand her over to the police,” the smaller of the two added to scare Xinghe.

The three of them hadn’t stopped threatening and scaring Xinghe the moment they stepped into her lab. Even the calmest of individuals would lose their footing.

But Xinghe continued the conversation like it was normal office chatter, “You three keep saying I committed perjury but where’s your proof? You can’t go around simply accusing people of a crime they didn’t commit.”

“Then, I shall repeat myself, taking without permission is stealing. That constitutes theft and thus is a crime, is it not?” Ruobing said with a cocksure smile, hoping to make Xinghe sweat.

“It is,” Xinghe answered with a nod. The ease with which she admitted to the crime made the three of them make a double-take.

However, the next second, she stood up, stared directly at Ruobing and inquired, “Then, what rule does ‘not cooperating with me’ and ‘purposely not complying with my orders’ violate?”

Chapter 192: I’m the Boss Here

 

The air in the room froze with Xinghe’s inquiry.

But the next moment…

The two men Ruobing brought along started laughing uncontrollably.

They were mocking Xinghe.

“What did she say? Comply with her orders? She wants us to follow her orders?”

“She really thinks all of us, Leader Yun included, need to follow her orders,” The man then turned to Xinghe while laughing. “You must be crazy because everyone here must follow Leader Yun’s orders and that includes you!”

Even Ruobing herself started chuckling, she questioned Xinghe patronizingly, “Don’t tell me you seriously think you’re the boss of this lab simply because Mubai assigned you here.”

Xinghe replied matter-of-factly, “Of course, that was what he said.”

Mubai literally told her that, she was free to use any and all resource there.

He even repeated himself saying that more than once.

Since he was being so generous, Xinghe saw no reason not to take him up on the offer.

Ruobing chuckled, her tone laced with unadulterated condescension. “You sure do think highly of yourself. Do you think you’re still Xi Family’s daughter-in-law? That ended three years ago when you opted for the divorce. No one in the Xi family considers you a part of them anymore so you better check yourself. Stop prancing around like you own the place! Now that you’ve violated the rules, you must suffer the consequences and get out. If you still shamelessly stay, I’ll get the guards to throw you out!”

“Luo Jun—” Xinghe suddenly called at the door.

Luo Jun who was hesitating whether to enter, rushed into the room when he heard his name called.

“Miss Xia, how I can help you?” he enquired politely.

Xinghe said, “Tell them who I am and what role I have here.”

“Yes!” Luo Jun turned to Ruobing and said truthfully, “Leader Yun, Miss Xia is here on CEO Xi’s personal request and he specifically mentioned that Miss Xia will have total control over this lab throughout this period. Everyone has to obey her orders. Miss Xia is allowed free access to all resources and information. There will be no objection.”

Ruobing’s triumphant smile froze on her face. “What did you say‽”

The two male engineers were equally stunned.

Luo Jun repeated his words, adding for emphasis, “Those were the exact words CEO Xi told me.”

“Impossible, I am the leader here!” Ruobing argued disbelievingly.

She knew Mubai arranged to have Xinghe work at the lab and asked them to lend her their cooperation.

She didn’t know what he meant was to have all of them follow Xia Xinghe’s orders.

Not only that, she would have access to their all their resources!

What was the meaning of all resources?

It included technical resources, funding resources and, of course, human resources.

She might be the leader of the lab but she was also part of the human resources. Therefore, Xinghe was allowed free reign on how to make use of her as well!

Luo Jun nodded, “Leader Yun, you’re still the leader here but according to CEO Xi’s decree, in the next month, Miss Xia will make all the rules here. If you have any questions, you can refer to CEO Xi.”

Ruobing’s face turned frighteningly ugly.

“Now, you understand?” Xinghe demanded regally, “I make all the rules now. Everything here belongs to me and I can use them as I see fit so tell me, how can I steal something that belongs to me‽”

Chapter 193: Trouble Brewing

 

Xinghe added emphasis to her question.

Ruobing and her two lackeys were temporarily stunned by her majestic presence.

However, it was naturally impossible for Ruobing, who was used to be honored at the top, to bow down to Xinghe.

“But you did steal,” she glared at Xinghe and insisted stubbornly.

“You took the design papers away without giving any of us any head-ups so that constitutes stealing! You could have come to me in person to ask for it but you didn’t. Instead you snatched it from me without giving me any notice, so that is stealing, there is no way around it. Furthermore, this is a display of utter disrespect towards me and the rules upheld by this community. You might be leading the lab but you are not above the rules here!”

Xinghe smiled slightly. She was losing her patience with this kind of person who refused to argue using logic.

“I didn’t give you any notice? I disrespected you?” Xinghe leveled her a laser-sharp gaze. “Yun Ruobing, have you not heard about the saying that respect is earned and not given? Since you’ve done nothing that deserves my respect, why should I respect you?”

“You…” Ruobing was way beyond her threshold of anger.

She really didn’t expect Xinghe to be so forceful and aggressive.

This was completely different from the image she had of Xinghe.

They didn’t have much contact before this, but Ruobing had heard that Xinghe was a taciturn and mellow person.

However, the Xinghe before her had a sharp tongue and resoluteness in her stance… She had to suspect the truth behind what she heard.

Regardless of its validity, Xia Xinghe had definitely stepped way over the line!

The lab was Ruobing’s court, how could she allow someone to be more powerful than her?

“Fine, I’ll let the stealing slip this time but why should we listen to you? Even with Mubai’s orders, you have to show us your ability first for us to submit to you. If not, this place will not welcome you. After all, nobody will follow the orders of a good-for-nothing person.”

The two engineers echoed Ruobing’s sentiments.

“Leader Yun is right. The people working here are the best of the best, we will not submit to you even if it is CEO Xi’s orders.”

“That’s right, I’m certain you’re here only because you begged CEO Xi. We will not receive orders from such a fake. We would rather quit than work for you.”

Luo Jun didn’t expect they would go to such lengths to purposely make things difficult for Xinghe.

He tried coming to her rescue, “If CEO Xi was willing to give such an order, it means that he has faith in Miss Xia’s ability. Do you not have trust in CEO Xi’s eye for talent?”

The taller engineer replied, “It is not impossible for CEO Xi to be wrong. Furthermore, trusting her is CEO Xi’s business so it has nothing to do with us.”

“That’s right. If she is as talented as you claim, then show it to us.”

There was a gleam in Ruobing’s eyes as an interesting idea appeared in her mind.

She stared coldly at Xinghe and asked, “You heard the guys, right? Everyone here has their unique temperament. You need to impress us before you can lead us so how about this… Care for a friendly competition?”

For some reasons, Luo Jun started to feel nervous. He tried to defuse the tension, “There’s no reason to get worked up over this. Miss Xia will only be here for a month. Let’s just work along together and not harm the workplace harmony.”

“If she has no skill, we will not allow her to lead us for even a day!” Ruobing turned her nose up at Xinghe like a queen residing over her court.

Chapter 194: Challenge Accepted!

 

Xinghe knew this was all a charade.

Her instincts told her, underneath all the vitriol, there was only one goal for Yun Ruobing – to chase her out.

This was her first time having such close contact with Ruobing but she knew from the moment they met she was an ambitious woman.

If not, she wouldn’t have wasted away her youth working in a lab like this, slowly working her way up to be the leader and gain control of everything here.

Her desire for power spoke volumes of her giant ambitions.

This type of personality would not allow anyone to threaten her authority.

The fact that Xinghe promised that she could create a perfect artificial human limb in a month must have set off alarms in her mind.

If Xinghe achieved success in this endeavor, it would completely undermine her years of hard work.

She was afraid. This was a bet that she was unwilling to take, therefore, no matter what, she had to chase Xinghe out.

Even if Xinghe somehow found her way to stay, Ruobing would continuously impede her progress.

To save her the trouble, it would be easier to just send Xinghe packing.

Of course, Xinghe wasn’t naïve enough to think Ruobing would cooperate with her to complete the project. A woman like Ruobing wouldn’t change overnight and suddenly lose all her desire for power.

She had spent years climbing her way to the top. Would she be willing to situate herself beneath Xinghe simply because of an order? Of course not!

Furthermore, Xinghe’s presence was her biggest threat because Xinghe’s success meant her failure.

Her hard work, plans, and goal which she had nurtured over the years would disintegrate just like that.

Xinghe was not privy to Ruobing’s ultimate goal but it must have something to do with the effort she had poured into the lab.

Therefore, no matter what Xinghe did, Ruobing would find a way to expel Xinghe from the lab.

However, Xinghe wasn’t saintly enough to sacrifice herself to fulfill Ruobing’s desire.

So what if she’s spent years slaving away at the lab? One not only has to work hard but also work smart. After all, it’s a dog eat dog world out there.

Xinghe knew a showdown with Ruobing was inevitable.

Both women had too many things on the line.

If Xinghe lost, it would mean the loss of her wager to Xi Family, and her son.

If Ruobing lost, it would mean the loss of her ambitions.

Neither of them wanted to lose the things that were dear to their heart. Therefore, they had to take their opponent down!

Unless Ruobing dropped her ambitions, there could only be one winner!

However, Xinghe understood perfectly; Ruobing will not do that. The woman was driven by her ambitions, without them, there would be nothing left.

Furthermore, Xinghe knew she had to be swift in dealing with Ruobing, she couldn’t let the other woman block her at every turn.

She didn’t have much time left. This would have to be finished quickly.

Therefore, since Ruobing also wanted to get this over with expediently, she decided to play along.

“Fine–” Xinghe announced, “I accept your challenge. If I win, all of you must listen to my orders without complaints!”

Ruobing’s eyes glinted slightly because she didn’t expect that Xinghe would be stupid enough to fall for her goading and accept her challenge.

Luo Jun fidgeted anxiously.

“Miss Xia, you can’t…” He was interrupted by Xinghe before he could continue, “Thank you for looking out for me but you can’t dissuade me from taking this challenge. I’ve made up my mind.

“But…” What if you lose?

“No buts, she took the challenge, we all heard it,” Ruobing rudely interrupted Luo Jun, not giving them any chance of backing out.

Chapter 195: Me or Her

 

“That’s right, all of us heard her!” The smaller engineer echoed and continued to speak what was on Ruobing’s mind, “If she loses, it means that she has no right to be here!”

“You heard that, Xia Xinghe? If you lose, it means that you are not good enough to be here. Be prepared to pack up and leave,” Ruobing reminded her with a smirk.

Xinghe nodded affirmatively, “Don’t you worry. If I lose, I will leave this place without hesitation.”

“Good, we’ll be sure to take you for your words! Then…”

“Wait,” Xinghe cut her off, she stared at Ruobing and asked, “What if I’m the victor?”

Ruobing didn’t think Xinghe had even a shred of possibility of winning so she replied perfunctorily, “You said it before, didn’t you? If you win, we’ll all submit to your orders.”

“Other than you, you must leave this place!”

“What did you say‽” Ruobing stared at her with bulging eyes.

Everyone within earshot was equally shocked.

They didn’t see this coming. They didn’t think Xinghe would be assertive enough to ask for Ruobing’s removal.

Xinghe repeated herself slowly, “If I win, you leave. I don’t want to see you while I’m here.”

“Xia Xinghe, do you have any idea who you’re talking to‽” Ruobing could no longer suppress the fury in her heart.

This woman is too much. She dares to have me vacate this place! Who does she think she is!

Xinghe didn’t care to entertain her outburst. She raised her brow slightly and taunted, “Why, afraid of a little friendly competition? Stay away from the kitchen if you’re afraid of the heat.”

“You…”

“Miss Xia, I don’t think this is a good idea.” Even Luo Jun thought she has gone a bit too far.

“Do you think Leader Yun is someone you can force away? No matter if you win or lose, Leader Yun will always be our leader. No one can ever chase her away!” The taller among the two engineers said furiously.

Even the crowd that had gathered outside her lab from the earlier commotion thought she is being too brassy with her demands.

She was their guest there. Where did she get the audacity to make such a demand?

Xinghe scanned the lot of them and said with a sly smile, “Why the long faces? At most, it will last a month. If I’m here, she can’t be here.”

“But why must you make such an arrangement?” Someone from outside the door piped up.

“Because that’s the wager your leader proposed for this challenge!” Xinghe said with authority, silencing all discontent.

Xinghe was right. It was only fair that both parties had to face equal punishment.

Or else, why should she accept something that is heavily slanted against her favor?

Regardless, the request was still a little bit hard to stomach.

This hit Ruobing’s sore spot, her pride.

Xinghe gave her a provoking side-eye. “The decision is in your hands, either you accept the challenge added with my terms or you quietly follow Mubai’s arrangements!”

“Fine, it’s a deal!” Ruobing finally accepted, “Whoever loses has to go, there shall be no regrets!”

“I’m glad you finally agreed, very good,” Xinghe said with a slightly nod. Her expression was one of ease and confidence.

It seemed like she had great confidence in winning this challenge.

Ruobing jeered at Xinghe’s vanity in her heart.

Not only her, almost everyone thought Xinghe was going to lose!

This was because everyone there was a top talent in their field. Xinghe might be book smart but it wouldn’t be enough to rival their encyclopedic knowledge.

Even Ruobing relied on not only her knowledge, but also her administrative talent to reach the level she was at.

Xinghe had no idea she wasn’t going just challenging Ruobing but the whole institution of science.

“Let’s get down to business. The challenge is you have to pass the tests of the few esteemed professors employed here.

Chapter 196: Not So Simple

 

“In the interest of fairness, name the subject you’re good at and we’ll test you on that. Of course, that subject has to do with the research conducted here. But don’t you worry. We are not going to expect you to know everything so as long as you can pass the test in your proficient field then we’ll consider you victorious,” Ruobing said magnanimously. This time she could afford to be more honest.

However, the fact that she only revealed this information after Xinghe had accepted the challenge was indeed a bit below the belt. She should have told Xinghe beforehand it was not her she would be challenging but the experts there.

Luo Jun predicted this was the trick she was playing so he regretted not stopping Xinghe when he had the chance.

After all, the most difficult challenge wasn’t going to come from Yun Ruobing but the scientists and professors there.

No matter how talented Xinghe might be, she was still young, how could she compete with decades of experience?

Not to mention the other restriction laid down by Ruobing. The subject she named must be related to the research done at the lab.

That would mean subjects like mathematics, physics, biology, or computer science.

None of these subjects were easy to pick up. How was it possible that Xinghe master any one of these subjects at her young age?

In any case, no one was on her side, there was no reason to.

All but one…

Standing outside the door, a large man studied Xinghe closely, his pair of eyes lighting up with excitement.

He believed Xinghe is capable of surprising everyone there.

Of course, other than this mysterious man, the biggest supporter for Xinghe was herself!

She had been climbing her way back with no one’s help but her own after all.

She wasn’t at all affected by Ruobing’s little trick. She didn’t care who her opponent was.

“Well, at least you still know your limits and let someone else compete in your place. And here I was being afraid that the challenge would be over way too fast,” She even managed to sneak in a zinger.

“You…” Ruobing gritted her teeth in anger but soon realized Xinghe’s arrogance might work in her favor. This way she could openly get the best professor to deal with Xinghe.

“Enough talk. Tell me what your desired subjects are.”

“I’m quite familiar with computer science and mathematics.” Xinghe also knew a thing or two about biology, physics, and other hard sciences but there was no need to tip her hand.

“Fine, then the test shall be on mathematics and computer science!” Ruobing could barely suppress the smile that threatened to appear on her lips.

She thought Xinghe will only say computer science since the little hacking incident did showcase her prowess in it, but mathematics?

The subject was a complicated and hard to master field of study.

Even if she was lucky enough to pass the test on computer science, she was bound to fail when it came to the mathematics test.

A complex mathematical equation was more than enough to drive her away!

Ruobing couldn’t wait to see this woman, that challenged her authority, leave.

Perhaps it was jealousy between women, but the more confidently Xinghe presented herself, the more Ruobing felt like subduing her.

She would not allow a second woman to steal her spotlight.

The test was to be held inside a lab.

It was home to the latest super computer so the room was spacious enough to fit many people.

Normally, the lab was used during group experiments but for that day, it was to be a testing ground.

The crowd followed them into the lab, hoping to watch the spectacle.

Work in the lab was rather mundane and tedious so whenever a challenge like this occurred, it was quite a welcome distraction.

It took their minds off the humdrum of work and offered an opportunity for them to improve their knowledge through an amusing manner.

However, they probably wouldn’t be able to learn anything from the challenge that day.

Chapter 197: The Rigorous Competition

 

No one believed Xinghe would come out victorious…

Even Luo Jun started to have his doubts.

Before the test began, he sidled stealthily to Xinghe’s side and whispered, “Miss Xia, you can’t go on with this challenge. There are a handful of top experts employed here. Leader Yun will surely get them to conduct these tests.”

Xinghe nodded as if she knew this from the very beginning, “Thank you, I know.”

“Then why did you accept her challenge?” Luo Jun was bewildered.

“Why not? It’s the perfect chance to convince everyone of my ability.”

“But those scientists will surely make this difficult for you. They may each have their own temperament but at the end of the day, Leader Yun is still their superior. You’ll leave after a month but they’ll need to face Leader Yun as long as they still work here. There is no way they are not going to back Leader Yun up.”

In other words, even with Mubai’s support, they were going to put up a unified front against Xinghe.

“I know,” Xinghe repeated her response in the same uninterested tone. It frustrated Luo Jun to no end.

However, he couldn’t stand there and do nothing because his livelihood depended on Xinghe staying. If Xinghe was chased out, Mubai would definitely make sure he joined her.

“Miss Xia, how about we inform CEO Xi. I’m sure he can make them listen to reason.”

“There’s no need to bother him because I can handle this just fine,” Xinghe replied and stopped him from continuing, “Don’t worry, I assure you, I’ll leave you out of this no matter how this thing ends.”

“That, that is not what I meant…” Luo Jun stuttered as his face started to blush. He was too embarrassed to dissuade Xinghe anymore.

At that moment, Ruobing finally arrived.

She’d left to arrange the candidates for Xinghe’s tests, and probably to discuss how to make this extra hard for her.

“Can we get started?” Xinghe asked coolly.

“Sure,” Ruobing nodded and ushered in three elderly gentlemen. “Before we start the test, let me make some introductions. I have with me Professor Chen, Professor Wong, and Professor Qian. All of the esteemed professors’ fields of research are in mathematics so they’ll be the ones testing you on that.”

The crowd started to murmur after Ruobing finished her introduction.

Luo Jun couldn’t help himself and blurted out, “Leader Yun, all the three professors are the best mathematicians we have on our payroll. Isn’t it a bit too rigorous to have them formulate the test for Miss Xia?”

Rigorous was putting it lightly.

Ruobing was purposely making this as hard as possible for Xinghe. There won’t be one expert testing Xinghe but three!

Ruobing shrugged and retorted unashamedly, “Since Xia Xinghe has such confidence not getting our best to face her would just be an insult to her. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“…” Luo Jun was too pissed to mount a response.

He finally realized how thick-skinned Yun Ruobing can be…

“I thank Leader Yun for thinking so highly of me,” Xinghe offered with a smile.

“It’s only appropriate,” Ruobing also responded with a smile, “As I’ve said, the three professors will be testing you, but don’t worry. I’ve asked them to go easy on you since you’re our guest.”

“Only three?” Xinghe posed a verbal jab.

Ruobing’s smile turned into a condescending sneer. “Three is more than enough for the likes of you.”

“What about the computer science test?”

“You can worry about that later.” Ruobing didn’t plan to test Xinghe on computer science to begin with.

Chapter 198: A Lesson in Humility

 

She was confident that the mathematics test alone was enough to make quick work of Xinghe. Therefore, she didn’t waste time to prepare the test for computer science.

Actually, she only needed to get one professor because one would be more than enough!

She called three because she wanted to utterly humiliate Xinghe!

“What is the test going to be?” Xinghe asked suddenly.

Ruobing smiled. “Very simple, each of the professors will pose you a question. If you answer all of them correctly, you pass.”

“Alright, let’s begin.” Xinghe uttered softly, without a care in the world.

Ruobing once again derided Xinghe’s insolence in her heart.

She turned to the three professors. “Professors, please don’t hold back for the sake of Miss Xia. She was, after all, once a student from Academy S’ Mathematics Faculty.”

This was news to the three professors. They didn’t expect Xinghe to be from the famed Academy S and the Mathematics Faculty at that.

Then, her knowledge of mathematics must be at least at a certain level.

The three academics initially felt a bit iffy inconveniencing such a young lady but after hearing Ruobing’s introduction, they dropped their hesitation.

What they failed to realize was Ruobing purposely omitted the fact that Xinghe hadn’t graduated.

Xinghe dropped out of Academy S in her second year so logically speaking, she didn’t have the chance to learn much during her time there.

However, Ruobing planned to omit this detail and she believed, based on Xinghe’s arrogant attitude, Xinghe wouldn’t bring it up either.

Naturally, Xinghe didn’t show any inclination of clearing the air.

Ruobing’s smile grew wider. It spoke of her disdain for Xinghe, for her stupidity and hubris!

“Professors, please go ahead. One question each will suffice,” Ruobing ordered.

Professor Chen was the first to step forward.

He studied Xinghe and said, “Since you are an Academy S Mathematics Faculty graduate, I’m sure the question I will ask is something you’ve learnt in class before. So, I hope you’ve retained most of your academic knowledge.”

“Please,” Xinghe opened her mouth to say, as if she didn’t care what kind of question he was going to pose.

Professor Chen was rather irked by Xinghe’s braggadocio so he thought to teach her a lesson in humility.

Young lady, pride is the greatest sin. Some modesty might do you some good.

Professor Chen moved to the blackboard that was almost half the size of the wall and wrote down his question.

Two of the lesser-experienced engineers in the crowd were already confused by the question.

They couldn’t understand what kind of mathematics question was this!

They could recognize the individual numbers and signs but in that combination? They might as well be looking at a foreign language.

Luo Jun, who was familiar with mathematics, also felt the question was too difficult.

He couldn’t help but sneak a look at Xinghe and was shocked to realize her expression remain unmoved.

Is it a calm façade or she has actual confidence?

“Go on, answer this for us!” Professor Chen turned back from the blackboard to address Xinghe.

Ruobing’s grin almost reached her ears. She too turned to Xinghe and said, “This question might have some difficulties but I’m sure you can solve it just fine. It’s just a matter of time…”

“Not solvable within two hours,” Professor Wong said suddenly. There was a bitter taste in his mouth from having been dragged away from his work to attend a frivolity like this. He grunted impatiently, “That is if she doesn’t give up first. I’m heading back to my lab, come and get me if and when she’s done with this!”

Chapter 199: All At Once

 

He turned to leave.

Professor Qian followed behind him. “Ditto.”

Both of them didn’t think Xinghe can solve that math problem.

They couldn’t understand why Ruobing wanted to make such a fuss and called the three of them. She herself was more than qualified to come up with the test question.

“I too shall take my leave, come and get me when the problem’s solved.” Professor Chen moved to follow his colleagues.

Even the crowd started to disperse.

The moment the math question was written on the blackboard, they knew it was over.

There was nothing worth seeing about the image of Xinghe gawking at the blackboard.

She would probably stand there for a whole day without making any progress.

“That’s it? Where’s the other two?” Xinghe said suddenly when the crowd turned to leave.

Her voice had a clear quality to it so it cut through the cacophony in the crowded lab like a knife, sharp and bright.

Those who heard her stopped in their tracks.

Xinghe addressed Professor Wong and Professor Qian, “Each professor will pose one question, right? So, get on with it, I’ll answer them at the same time.”

What did she say?

She wants them to pose their questions all at once‽

“You know the solution to this problem?” Professor Wong pointed at the blackboard and asked.

Xinghe shrugged without providing a direct answer. “You’ll know once all three questions are up there.”

“I bet it’s because she can’t answer this question that she wants to try her luck with the other two. Professor Wong and Professor Qian, why not humor her? Who knows, she might happen to know one of them,” Ruobing ‘kindly’ explained to the crowd.

Then, she ‘kindly’ explained to Xinghe, “However, that is not the rules of the challenge. You have to answer all three of them to pass the test. Of course, you have one whole day to solve them, so I guess… we’d better get comfortable.”

“She’ll probably stand there the whole day…” Someone in the crowd murmured.

“Or she might solve them all before our eyes,” Someone else whispered.

The first person turned back in shock. “You believe her? Isn’t this obvious, that’s question none of us here could solve, much less her.”

The mysterious man curved his lips into a smile. “Well, I hear she’s scarily good at computer science. The two fields are related so her mathematics skill might surprise us.”

“Still, that’s a bit of a stretch…”

The man stopped replying but the confidence he had for Xinghe didn’t dim.

At the same time, he was laughing internally at the crowd around him.

Bunch of short-sighted plebeians, can’t even identify the talent that is right in front of them.

He couldn’t wait to see their dumbfounded expression…

“Of course, I will solve all three of them.” Xinghe nodded mildly. “So, give me all three questions at once, I’d hate to waste any more time.”

“The pride of youth these days,” Professor Qian huffed. “Fine, since you’ve asked for it, let’s get this over with!”

He grabbed a chalk and started writing on the blackboard.

His question quickly covered the half of the blackboard!

When he dropped the chalk, the crowd was stunned…

The question was even more difficult than the previous one. There were even more confused looks in the crowd.

The number of people who could solve the math question dwindled significantly and even if they did know the solution, it would require a long time to work it out.