Chapter 40: Rapid Progress in Learning Mathematics (Part One)

Among the fifteen exercise books, nine have no special attributes, while six possess unique properties. Those with attributes are generally single-attribute; four are of premium quality, and two are exceptional. The four premium books have the "High Difficulty" attribute, similar to the "Challenging" ones seen earlier, but with a lowered usage threshold—requiring only a basic pass in the first tier of foundational mathematics, a reduced deceleration level set to "Excellent," and the speed boost further increased to 20%.

The two exceptional exercise books both possess the "Challenging" attribute. One is titled "Ultimate Practice of Arithmetic Operations," and the other, "Young Genius Development—Mathematics Foundation Handbook." Both offer a total cultivation acceleration of 60%.

Sixty percent! This is twice as high as the most legendary supplementary manuals Stone Ironheart had ever heard of.

Though each book boasts only a single attribute, its effect is straightforward and powerful: acceleration upon acceleration, overwhelming all obstacles.

Stone Ironheart gazed at the "Young Genius" booklet. Despite its comical cartoon cover, such a booklet would be a treasure of enormous value if brought back to Tumubao. If traded for a vitality-boosting meal package offering a 30% speed increase, a single booklet would be enough to eat that package for half a month.

Turning the booklet over, he wondered about the price of "Young Genius."

Five yuan and eighty cents.

For five yuan and eighty cents, you could acquire an exceptional supplementary manual with a 60% acceleration boost. Wait, what was his scholarship amount again? After searching through another strand of consciousness, Stone Ironheart found the answer: eight hundred yuan per semester.

Eight hundred yuan—how many "Young Genius" booklets could that buy?

Off the top of his head—an overwhelming number!

Unable to calculate, truly unable to, and yes, it's a little embarrassing… But Ironheart's foundational math is only at a passing level now, so it's perfectly normal not to work it out. Still, there's no doubt that it would be more than a hundred booklets. Compared to Tumubao's prices, a semester's scholarship is astronomical.

Wow! Suddenly, a surge of heroic enthusiasm and motivation exploded within him—the drive to return to the elite class at the end of term was instantly full.

For the scholarship, for eight hundred yuan, for over a hundred copies of "Young Genius," he was determined to reclaim his place in the elite class!

A conviction of certain victory rose in Stone Ironheart's heart. In his mental domain, the clump of consciousness began to hum softly, shedding and releasing fragments. Although Ironheart didn't fully understand, he felt a refreshing clarity.

It seemed his other self was lending a helping hand. What was there to wait for? He immediately grabbed his book and began cultivating his mind technique.

With wide eyes, Stone Ironheart focused intently, starting to study the elementary math book during his high school self-study period.

At the same time, on the eighth floor of the Phoenix Song No. 1 High School administration building, in what appeared to be an ordinary principal's office, Zheng Kaiming spoke earnestly: "Principal Liu, today's surprise inspection has been successfully completed, and the findings have been consolidated here. However, the issues uncovered demand serious attention."

Phoenix Song No. 1 High had been unsettled these past few days.

Last night, a student from Key Class Seven roared in class and assaulted a teacher. This afternoon, someone fabricated accusations to slander another student. Coupled with clues Zheng Kaiming gathered and various rumors from informants, he believed discipline had indeed deteriorated recently and that strong measures were necessary.

Thus, Zheng Kaiming organized a surprise inspection involving all teachers from the academic affairs office and every student in the student council's discipline committee. The harsh treatment of Stone Ironheart served as a warning to uphold discipline. Likewise, this surprise inspection was intended to further reinforce order.

Lax discipline leads to a lax academic atmosphere. A poor academic atmosphere results in poor grades. Phoenix Song No. 1 High has always built its reputation on academic performance; if grades slip, the school's very foundation is threatened. Zheng Kaiming, therefore, wore a grave expression, determined to request decisive actions from Principal Liu.

For instance, expelling certain troublemakers entirely, to cleanse the institution and renew its spirit.

Principal Liu flipped through the inspection report, page by page, until his finger paused and his brow arched: "Climbing over the wall to buy elementary textbooks and exercise books? Our school really does have every kind of talent."

"Ah, well…" Zheng Kaiming couldn't help but cough twice, his stern face turning peculiar. "There is indeed such a student. After thorough questioning, we discovered he only purchased elementary books and exercise books, nothing prohibited. Our teachers reprimanded him, then let him go—no disciplinary action was recorded."

Principal Liu smiled ambiguously and looked at Zheng Kaiming. "Director Zheng, I know what you want to say. But you must understand—the existence of the 'scrap class' is necessary. Former Principal Wang deliberately set up the scrap class, and I believe it was a wise decision."

Zheng Kaiming frowned. "Principal, the scrap class harbors all sorts of bad elements; delinquent students even form gangs. Extortion, assault, and abuse are hard to prove, but they do occur. The scrap class has become its own faction, even reveling in its status. They have some nonsense title like 'Four Heavenly Kings' among themselves—it’s laughable. Why not disband and expel them? It would improve our school's university admission rate."

Principal Liu smiled lightly and replied, "Director Zheng, we are educators. We cannot focus solely on admission rates. Our duty is to teach and nurture, to help students realize their potential. Every student has their own shining qualities; scrap class students are sure to possess unique talents. Expelling them outright would betray the teachings of the great sage."

Zheng Kaiming fell silent. Principal Liu's words were lofty and politically correct, leaving no room for rebuttal. Zheng's mind was not only square in shape, but his temperament was uncompromising. His silence did not signify agreement.

Principal Liu was unconcerned. "Even aside from these points, the scrap class itself helps cultivate the academic atmosphere of Phoenix Song No. 1 High. Pushing and pressuring students is never as effective as letting them learn on their own. It sounds simple, but students at this age hardly encounter society; their understanding of the world is purely theoretical."

"They have no concept of the difference between a top scholar at Jinghua University and a skilled excavator operator from a vocational school. They do not know the price of rice and oil, nor do they appreciate the value of education. Their lives are carefree, so they never grasp the pressures of survival. They might expound grand theories, but have no true experience."

"They do not understand how much opportunity, a better future, or how many changes learning can bring them. They might recite 'study for oneself' ten thousand times, but in their hearts, it's still 'study for their parents' pride,' 'study for teachers' bonuses,' or 'study for the school's reputation.'"

"We find this laughable; we know exactly why one should study, but they do not, nor have they experienced it. So, no matter how much we say, learning remains passive. The reason Phoenix Song No. 1 High achieves outstanding results is because we do our utmost to turn passivity into initiative."