Chapter 173: Self-Introduction

“Professor Zhong...” A tall female student called out loudly.

Zhong Yuxiu looked toward the voice and nodded, “Please, go ahead.”

“Are you really twenty-two years old?” the girl asked.

“Not quite twenty-two yet, but soon,” Zhong replied.

The girl continued, “Are you really our homeroom teacher? You look so young! You’re even younger than me—I’m twenty-six.”

Zhong Yuxiu couldn’t help but smile at the question, and the whole class burst into laughter.

“I am indeed your homeroom teacher, the homeroom teacher for Physics Class One, Zhong Yuxiu. I may be a bit young, and many of you here are older than me. There’s really nothing to be proud of about age,” she said.

“Hahaha.”

Zhong’s humor had everyone laughing heartily. Being older wasn’t necessarily something to boast about—after all, here stood a young woman not yet twenty-two, who was their homeroom teacher. Those older ought to feel a bit embarrassed.

“All right, quiet down,” Zhong raised her hand, silencing the chatter, then continued, “Since you’re all curious, I’ll share a bit about my journey at Hua University. I enrolled last year and, through hard work, skipped ahead to complete the fifth-year curriculum within one year. Before last New Year, I received my professorship and became your homeroom teacher. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will guide you for the next five years.”

“Five years—that’s neither too long nor too short. I hope that over these five years, we can be understanding and cooperative. I wish you success in your studies and that after entering society, you will contribute to your families and country, fulfilling your life’s ambitions.”

The classroom fell silent once again. From her words, one could tell she was extraordinary. Earning a professorship within a year was no small feat. Such a person was neither mediocre nor a beneficiary of nepotism—her abilities must be formidable.

Hua University would never tarnish its reputation.

With that, the students no longer questioned her. Their trust was founded on Hua University’s esteemed academic atmosphere.

“Now, does anyone still have questions?” Zhong Yuxiu’s smile remained gentle.

“Professor,” a male student raised his hand. “I want to ask how you managed to complete five years’ worth of coursework in just one year and earn a professorship at the same time.”

Zhong chuckled softly. “Well...”

The students all waited expectantly, but Zhong paused briefly before continuing, “That’s a secret.”

Laughter erupted from the room. They had been teased, but instead of anger, they laughed heartily. Secrets were nothing to worry about—her growth involved confidential matters. They would have plenty of time to uncover the truth in the future.

Being at Hua University, they refused to believe the truth could remain hidden forever.

“All right, enough about me. Focus on your efforts; the day of your achievements may not be far off.” Zhong interrupted the endless questions. “If you have more, ask after class. For now, let’s do some introductions. Get to know each other and let me get to know you as well. Who wants to start?”

“Professor, I’ll go first,” a boy in the first row on the left raised his hand. He was rather short.

“Good. Come up to the podium and introduce yourself: your name, hometown, hobbies, talents, and hopes for the future. Try to make an impression on the whole class.” Zhong stepped down from the podium, making space.

The boy came forward—a slender figure barely over five feet tall, dressed in patched clothes. He was thin, dark-skinned, and short, with ordinary features except for bright, lively eyes.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Chen Yuzhu—‘Yu’ as in ‘surplus every year,’ and ‘Zhu’ as in ‘pillar.’ I’m twenty-eight years old and come from Fumin Village, Dafeng Township, Longtian County, Y Province.” Chen smiled brightly. “As for hobbies and talents, I enjoy catching fish in the river. I can’t guarantee I catch fish every time, but eight out of ten times is pretty good, right?”

He looked at Zhong silently, seeking her judgment.

Zhong smiled warmly, “I’m not the one to decide; you have to ask your classmates.”

“All right.” Chen cheerfully turned to the class. “Classmates, do you think that counts? If not, I’ll have to think of something else. We country folks are good at chores and digging weeds, so I’d say that’s a talent too.”

“Hahaha.”

“It counts.”

The students said in unison, and Chen’s eyes crinkled with happiness. “Thanks for your support—I won’t have to think of anything else. As for my hopes, I want to succeed in my studies over the next five years and aim to stay on as faculty, just like Professor Zhong.”

“Well said.” Applause erupted vigorously.

Whether or not he could achieve that goal was uncertain, but having the courage to voice it was commendable. At least he had the determination to try.

“All right, next student,” Zhong raised her hand to calm the uproar.

The classroom quieted, and Chen returned to his seat. The boy sitting beside him stepped forward. His clothes were also patched, but he was spirited, slender-faced, and fairly handsome with refined features.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Fang Zhongqiang. I’m twenty-nine years old, from Yujia Village, Ningguang Township, Xuxian County, D Province. Most people there share the surname Yu, hence my name. I don’t have any particular hobbies or talents. If I had to pick something, it’d be reading.” He bowed and stepped down.

“Clap, clap, clap.”

The applause was thunderous and inspiring.

From then on, each student who introduced themselves received warm applause. When the bell rang signaling the end of class, all had finished their introductions, and Zhong Yuxiu had memorized them all.

“All right, quiet down,” Zhong said as the room settled. “Today, you’ve gotten to know each other. Next class, we’ll elect class officers. If anyone wants to be a class officer, take the time before class ends to write a speech of one to five hundred words. After your speech, if the class agrees, you can take the position.”

“That’s all for today. Work hard, everyone.” Smiling softly, she gathered the roster and left the podium, exiting the classroom.

The room erupted once more—questions about how to write speeches, who wanted to be class officers, all lively chatter.

Walking down the hallway, Zhong Yuxiu shook her head with a light laugh, listening to the youthful noise behind her. Young people were wonderful—so full of spirit and energy.

Passing by Professor Ding’s office, she saw that he had returned before her. Smiling, she knocked gently on the door, “Professor Ding.”

“Ah, Professor Zhong! Come in and have a seat. How’s your class going?” Ding gestured toward the guest chair.

Zhong nodded as she entered. “Quite well. They’re obedient for now, though who knows what the future holds. We’ll take it as it comes.”