389 - I Don’t Want to Be Turned Into the Female Protagonist by the System
Chapter 389: A Talented Gem – Xiao Xiao After scrutinizing Su Qi, Lin Yuandong quickly shifted his focus to the true protagonist of the day, who was currently hiding behind Su Qi—Xiao Xiao. When he noticed the young girl had already changed into the uniform mailed to her in advance by Su University, Lin Yuandong, as the headmaster of Su University, couldn't help but develop an increased fondness for this already charming and adorable girl. Instinctively, a gentle smile spread across his face. Seeing the friendly smile from Lin Yuandong, the headmaster, Xiao Xiao relaxed slightly and nodded at him. However, she quickly retreated behind Su Qi again, secretly observing Lin Yuandong. Lin Yuandong found Xiao Xiao's timid demeanor somewhat amusing, thinking to himself how it seemed she was treating him like a villain. However, he didn't say anything about it. After all, during his earlier conversation with Xiao Jinyu and Chu Qin, Lin Yuandong had learned that Xiao Xiao was somewhat shy around strangers. When it came to helping students break out of their shells, Lin Yuandong had ample experience—Su Qi herself was a living example. As the headmaster, he was more concerned about whether Xiao Xiao possessed true talent and potential. After directing Su Qi and Xiao Xiao to their seats, Lin Yuandong handed Su Qi a test paper he had prepared in advance. Since Su Qi was Xiao Xiao's teacher, he wanted her to review the questions to ensure they were not beyond the standard level. Taking the test paper, Su Qi noted that there were only seven short multiple-choice questions, which indeed fell within the acceptable range for high school students. She quickly passed the paper to Xiao Xiao. Xiao Xiao wasn't surprised to see the test paper; it was the entrance exam she had agreed upon with this uncle headmaster over their phone conversation. However, after receiving the paper, she noticed a problem—Headmaster Lin forgot to give her a pen. As Lin Yuandong continued to watch her, Xiao Xiao felt it might be inappropriate to trouble the headmaster she had just met by asking for a pen. Considering her options, she decided to read the questions and choices aloud, without missing a beat. When Lin Yuandong heard all seven answers recited without error, he took back the paper and was astonished to find it blank. He asked, surprised, "Did you solve these in your head?" Hearing the slight rise in Lin Yuandong's tone, Xiao Xiao, a bit embarrassed, edged closer to her beloved Su Jie and shyly replied, "Headmaster Lin, you didn't give me a pen." Su Qi couldn't help but chuckle at the little girl's honest response when she saw the somewhat blank expression on the headmaster's face. Indeed, Xiao Xiao's mental agility was really impressive—she took just ten seconds to read and understand the questions, and immediately knew the answers. Such quick thinking! On the sofa, Xiao Jinyu and Chu Qin beamed with pride at their daughter's display of brilliance. As Lin Yuandong, it was the first time he had encountered such a genius—this wasn't merely a 'scholarly student' but more aptly a 'prodigy'. Looking at Xiao Xiao, Lin Yuandong's eyes were filled with admiration. For a university, talents like Xiao Xiao were rare treasures. What they lacked were high-end talents capable of significant achievements—it wasn't just about winning a Nobel Prize, but leaving a mark significant enough for people to remember your name. By cultivating such talents, Su University could rise along with them. However, becoming a high-end talent wasn't solely achieved through hard work; talent played a crucial role as well. This was why universities sought out promising students for preparatory programs, recognizing the potential in them. Suddenly, Lin Yuandong realized that this timid little girl in front of him might indeed rival the best candidates even from top-tier institutions like Tsinghua or Peking University, given her quick-wittedness. Excited, Lin Yuandong looked at Xiao Xiao now as if she were a treasure and asked, "Xiao Xiao, is there a particular field you wish to study?" Startled by the question, Xiao Xiao paused to think; she hadn't considered this before, as she came to Su University solely to be with her dear Su Jie. After some thought, she turned to Su Jie and inquired, "What major are you in, Su Jie?" Su Qi knew Xiao Xiao's intent by her tone, guessing she wanted to choose the same major as her. But Su Qi's major was 'Computer Science and Programming'—though popular, it might not be the best fit for a girl due to the industry's demands, like the potential for hair loss from working long hours. Lin Yuandong, aware of Su Qi's major, felt it would be a shame if Xiao Xiao were to join that field. Fortunately, Xiao Jinyu, sitting nearby, suggested, "My daughter has some interest in medical research; I was hoping she could study medicine." Lin Yuandong was pleased with this; medicine offered more opportunities than programming, though he didn't agree immediately to Xiao Jinyu's request. It wasn't about Xiao Xiao not qualifying for the medical school but understanding as the headmaster the importance of interest in one's pursuits. Reflecting on this, Lin Yuandong believed he should respect Xiao Xiao's preferences and asked, "Xiao Xiao, what field do you truly wish to study, or what do you like?" Once again puzzled by the question, Xiao Xiao scratched her head. Her arrival at Su University was fueled by her attachment to Su Jie, not academic or career aspirations. Before meeting Su Jie, in her unwell state, she never even dreamt of attending university! When it came to liking something, the only clear answer she had was her fondness for Su Jie. Lin Yuandong, observing the little girl glance hesitantly at Su Qi, suggested to Su Qi, "Why don't you take Xiao Xiao for a tour around the university? See what she truly likes—we don't need to rush this decision." Su Qi was momentarily taken aback by this unexpected task but soon nodded in agreement. Choosing a major was crucial and should align with one's interests, even though she herself hadn't fully explored all the disciplines at Su University. Yet, seeing the admiration in Xiao Xiao's eyes, how could she refuse? Of course, she accepted. After Su Qi agreed, Lin Yuandong asked Xiao Xiao a few more simple questions, finding her sharp mind astonishing despite her timid demeanor. Wanting to nurture such talent, he inquired, "Xiao Xiao, do you have any specific needs from our university?" After a period of silence, Xiao Xiao glanced at Su Jie and made a proposal that surprised everyone!