Chapter 6: Craving Mom’s Pork Dumplings

Page 1/3

Xu Ming casually opened his exercise book and prepared a scrap sheet for calculations, then lowered his gaze to the first problem.

“Given a_n = (2n - 1)·3^(n-1), find the sum of the first n terms, S_n.”

Had this been two days ago, he might have felt overwhelmed.

But now, there was only calm confidence.

After carefully reading the problem, the solution approach quickly formed in his mind, his thoughts clearer than ever.

“An arithmetic sequence multiplied by a geometric sequence—sum problem. I can use the method of shifting and subtracting.”

Muttering softly, his pen already began to move.

“S_n = 1·3⁰ + 3·3¹ + 5·3² + … + (2n - 1)·3^(n-1).”

“Multiply by the common ratio q and perform the shifted subtraction.”

“Simplify…”

“S_n = 1 + (n - 1)·3^n.”

From reading the question to writing the answer took just over a minute. Especially when setting up the formula, subtracting, and simplifying, it required almost no conscious effort; the steps flowed naturally.

His confidence surged. He suppressed his excitement and immediately switched into problem-solving mode.

As time passed, he tackled each blank problem in the exercise book one by one, not even pausing during the long break.

Only after filling in nearly every space did he compare his work to the answers.

“All correct.” He pulled out the torn answer sheet, his face beaming with joy at a perfect score.

He had solved dozens of problems in just a few classes—such results were truly worth pride.

Besides reviewing, his formula derivation skills had improved significantly, which tremendously helped deepen his understanding of various formulas and theorems, allowing him to apply them flexibly across different problem types.

Avoiding rote formula application.

Moreover, some theorems he had learned in college also resurfaced in his memory.

“Given the current situation, if I keep practicing, there’s hope I can score full marks in the math section of the college entrance exam.”

Xu Ming thought to himself, already looking forward to the exam.

Just as he indulged in visions of proving conjectures, becoming a renowned professor, and entering the highest echelons of mathematics, his arm was suddenly bumped by Qian Hong.

“Xu Ming, are you going to the internet café this afternoon? Let’s play on the computers for two hours.”

Qian Hong turned his head, inviting him to team up while tidying up the desk.

Xu Ming glanced at the clock on the back wall and was surprised to see it was nearly noon—time had flown while he was solving problems.

Snapping back to reality, he shook his head.

“You go ahead. I’m going home for a bit.”

He barely remembered the last time he’d been to an internet café; it held little appeal now.

Page 2/3

Besides, this afternoon’s plans were already set.

In his previous life, whenever Xu Ming faced difficult hurdles after graduation, he would recall the warm scenes of living with his parents during childhood. Those memories fueled his motivation and gave him the strength to persevere.

Yet, the images of his parents in youth grew more and more blurred, as if erased from memory.

Now, being able to see them again in person was his greatest fortune.

Qian Hong was unsurprised by Xu Ming’s refusal; he pursed his lips and began recounting something that happened at the internet café.

“Last time I ran into a guy who plays World of Warcraft seriously. He told me how to increase DPS during raids. I’m planning to try it out and see if it really works.”

Xu Ming listened carefully but remained skeptical.

Though Qian Hong claimed it was about gaming, it was more likely he was chatting with his online girlfriend. Xu Ming knew his desk mate all too well.

Sure enough, Qian Hong soon added, “Want me to help you log into QQ?”

“I don’t need it. You log in yourself,” Xu Ming smiled knowingly, not exposing his friend’s true intent.

Come to think of it, his eight-digit QQ number was originally applied for with Qian Hong’s help.

Unfortunately, after entering society, people gradually stopped using it, so it just hung on his computer like a little desktop pet.

Before the bell rang, younger students from the first and second years upstairs left the classroom early.

A bustling crowd descended the stairs, far livelier than usual.

In their classroom, Li Wenhui sat on the podium but only moved his stool back to his seat after the bell.

As everyone hurried out, he called out once:

“Roll call at 6:30 tonight.”

But no one responded.

Xu Ming had his own plans and didn’t go with Qian Hong. After leaving the classroom, he headed back to the dormitory to get some things.

With a backpack full of dirty clothes, he followed the flow of students out the school gate.

Looking ahead, he saw small groups of students either heading to restaurants to improve their meals or, like Qian Hong, going straight to nearby internet cafés. However, the main patrons at the cafés were students from other high schools in the county.

After all, those admitted to Dongping No.1 High School mostly had solid academic foundations.

They were motivated to study actively.

They were not completely disengaged.

Walking through the streets of Dongping County town, Xu Ming’s eyes scanned left and right, recalling the various shops lining the way.

An elderly man on a tricycle waved at him, but he shook his head and declined.

He still insisted on walking.

Page 3/3

After making two turns and entering a new street, Xu Ming finally stopped in front of a small handmade wonton shop.

He breathed in deeply, a look of pure delight on his face.

“Smells amazing!”

Before graduating from middle school, Xu Ming had been a typical left-behind child; both parents worked in big cities.

When he returned home on weekends, he would eat at his uncle’s or aunt’s house.

The year he excelled in the high school entrance exam and was admitted to No.1 High School, becoming the pride of neighbors and relatives, his parents resolved to come back to stay by his side.

They rented a house and opened this handmade wonton breakfast shop in the county town.

Mainly, No.1 High School was regarded as the best in the county, and in everyone’s mind, being admitted was like having one foot already inside a university.

With effort, admission to a key university was possible.

By contrast, the student quality at No.2 and No.3 High Schools lagged far behind.

As for the relatively obscure Dongping No.4 High School, it was known as the “Hope High School.”

Those who understood knew what that meant.

Unfortunately, after entering No.1 High School, Xu Ming found his once-proud grades only placed him in the middle of the class.

He took many blows at the time.

Plus, his relationship with Zhang Yingxin didn’t help; not only did he fail to get into the advanced class, but his scores also couldn’t be maintained.

In the end, wanting to attend the same school as Zhang Yingxin, he foolishly chose an expensive private tertiary college against his parents’ wishes—a decision he regretted bitterly every time he thought about it.

For now, he pushed those messy thoughts aside, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

Xu Jianguo and Wu Xiulan, his parents, were wearing aprons and making wontons.

Seeing their son, their faces instantly brightened with happiness, and their hands moved more swiftly.

Xu Jianguo, not good at expressing emotion, was the first to speak.

“You’re back?”

Though just three simple words, Xu Ming clearly felt the deep paternal love behind them.

“Yeah.”

He nodded firmly, and immediately his mother’s caring voice followed.

“Haven’t eaten lunch yet, right?”

“I didn’t eat at school. I wanted to eat mom’s wontons.” Xu Ming met his mother’s gaze and smiled broadly, a simple happiness in his expression.