Absolute Protagonist C11

The Genius Deduction Method 11

In Base 03 of Xia Country, Pei Zhen’s first impression upon seeing Chu Si was his unshakable composure. It wasn’t the arrogant self-confidence that disregarded everything else, but rather a deep-seated assurance that whatever he sought to achieve, he could certainly accomplish.

This overpowering aura overshadowed his youthful appearance, making his tender age and strikingly handsome looks hardly noticeable.

“Very nice to meet you, Chen Mo,” Pei Zhen proactively stepped forward, warmly shaking his hand. “Had I not met you in person, it would be hard to imagine that a 17-year-old could independently create a system surpassing Macroshield. It’s akin to one mind outsmarting the collective wisdom of nearly 100 predecessors.”

He gestured for Chu Si to sit opposite and personally poured him a cup of tea.

Without any hesitation, Chu Si sat down and took a sip. Upon hearing Pei Zhen’s words, he raised an eyebrow, “Well, you’re seeing it now, aren’t you?”

In that moment, his smile was cheerful and buoyant, yet not conceited; he resembled an ordinary teenager gloating over a successful prank.

However, the fact that he could enter a national base and maintain such a naturally relaxed demeanor was already beyond the capabilities of an ordinary teenager.

Pei Zhen’s hand momentarily paused as he set down the teapot, then he looked back at Chu Si. “To be honest, your performance was truly unexpected and has exceeded our prior impressions.”

He didn’t shy away from mentioning the investigation of Chu Si, due to the national stakes involved. After all, the situation called for caution and thoroughness.

Their investigation revealed that this young man had lived under the shadow of domestic violence for over a decade, with a police report filed just a year and a half ago clearly documented in his records. It was hard to fathom what kind of experiences could lead to such a drastic transformation.

“Quite simple. In this world, power or wealth can transform one’s mental state in no time, even changing their temperament, yet they can never alter the shallowness of thought and poverty of spirit.”

Unfazed by the probing gaze, Chu Si was unconcerned. He believed his transformation was reasonable; the only unreasonable aspect being his innate talent, but there are geniuses in this world who defy conventional norms.

The teenager drank his tea with poise, speaking eloquently,

“True transformation can only be achieved through the acquisition of fundamental knowledge—philosophically or metaphysically speaking, reaching enlightenment.”

“So, the me swimming in the sea of truth now is no longer the me of the past.”

His words were leisurely, prompting Pei Zhen to unconsciously lean in, his face displaying a newfound respect.

An old saying goes, “With books in the belly, the demeanor is illustrious.” Being armed with knowledge indeed makes one unknowingly powerful.

At this point, Pei Zhen had no doubts about the boy’s capabilities. It was clear that researching a system surpassing Macroshield wasn’t due to luck or coincidence.

This understanding deepened Pei Zhen’s disdain for Father Chen. Had it not been for him delaying this genius for over a decade, the boy might have shone brightly long ago.

“Your insights are quite profound,” he replied, with warmth and respect in his voice. “I nearly forgot to introduce myself; I’m Pei Zhen, currently the Chief Executive at Base 03. Everything here, including Xia Country’s most powerful computers, falls under my jurisdiction.”

“Let’s not beat around the bush, Chen Mo.” Under Chu Si’s seemingly all-knowing gaze, he solemnly stated, “Your independently developed next-generation network security system has indeed outperformed Macroshield. Are you willing to hand over the core technology to the nation? Of course, we will reciprocate sincerely…”

“Of course, I can.”

Chu Si smiled lightly and nodded, agreeing without hesitation.

He casually took a portable hard drive out of his pocket and handed it over, “What I showcased at school was merely a simple version. Inside this is all the data regarding the new system. Once you figure it out, you can reconstruct it exactly.”

Valuable data stored casually in his pocket? Pei Zhen nearly lost his composure, quickly reaching out to take it, treating it as a precious gem.

Such straightforward decisiveness greatly increased Pei Zhen’s favorable impression of Chu Si, prompting him to say, “Rest assured, the nation always rewards those who contribute. You will receive your due rewards, without exception. Moreover, I wish to extend an invitation to you to join the research institute at Base 03.”

“Join the research institute?” Chu Si raised an eyebrow in surprise. Seeing Pei Zhen’s earnest expression, he promptly declined, “That’s unnecessary. I still have much to learn and improve upon.”

Pei Zhen couldn’t argue with that, “Very well. But we will need you to stay at the base for a while longer to help guide the installation and operation of the new system. Do let us know if you need anything.”

Chu Si’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the suggestion.

“Would it be possible to grant me access to the base’s classified knowledge and latest research outcomes that are not related to national secrets? That’s my only request.”

Chu Si’s request was quickly granted, with nearly the entire knowledge base of Base 03 opened to him, regardless of classification.

This was not because he was supremely trustworthy, but rather the top researchers had unanimously determined that his level of expertise in computing far surpassed the norm. If he desired, hacking into the national intelligence database wouldn’t pose much of a problem. Hence, rather than conceal, it was deemed better to lay everything before him openly.

In the following half month, Base 03 became especially lively.

Many researchers tirelessly worked overtime to study the newly arrived data, growing more and more impressed with its author as they delved deeper.

In addition, as Chu Si roamed around the base, visiting various projects, he occasionally provided crucial insights into some researchers’ work. Consequently, within a short period, he gained a following keen to consult him frequently.

Even the seasoned professors constructing the new system would often seek his humble advice.

Remarkably, this 17-year-old teenager attained a significant, special status at Base 03, and no one disputed it.

When the time came for Chu Si to leave, everyone was reluctant, with a few elderly professors behaving like children, feigning small tantrums, trying to persuade this rare genius junior to stay.

Had Chu Si not promised frequent visits, he might not have made it out of the institute’s gates. His departure drew mixed feelings of amusement and envy from others.

Back at school after more than half a month, Chu Si’s degree had been approved. Professor Wu, seeing this promising student from his academy, was more satisfied by the day.

With a hearty laugh, he asked, “Chen Mo, I heard you’re not planning to join any institute just yet, and wish to continue learning at school. Have you thought about which professor to study under for further expertise?”

While speaking, he subtly prepared to casually boast about his own series of accolades, ensuring this rare talent recognized him as the ideal mentor. But the boy shook his head, and calmly replied:

“I’m afraid not, Professor. I don’t intend to stay in the computer science department…”

A bolt from the blue!

Had this been a comic, Professor Wu would have turned to stone, as his surroundings drained of color at an observable pace.

Desperately, he asked, “Why is that? Do you have any dissatisfaction with our department? You possess immense talent in this field; don’t let a fleeting impulse squander it!”

“It’s not that at all. I quite enjoy the atmosphere of our department.” The boy lowered his eyes, seemingly embarrassed, smiling lightly, “However, I do have a tendency to lose interest once something’s conquered.”

With a nonchalant air, he added:

“——For conquered fields, I lose interest in pursuing them.”

Professor Wu: “…”

…Suddenly feeling the urge to punch something, how should he deal with this?

However, he had indeed witnessed this level of mastery firsthand, and the friends at Base 03 had nothing but praises in their recent calls. Professor Wu really couldn’t muster a counterargument.

Swallowing the internal thunderstorm, Professor Wu inquired with a forced smile, “What are your plans then?”

Chu Si hadn’t observed this seemingly venerable professor’s internal theatrics. He simply stated, “I’m planning to switch to the Biology department.”

As various biology faculty lists flitted through his mind, he hesitated, “As for mentors… perhaps I might choose Professor Liu.”

Another shock from the sky!

Professor Wu suddenly recalled inviting Liu from the Biology department enthusiastically to the prior graduation defense.

—It must be post-defense; Liu must have said something in private to Chen Mo. Perhaps this was all calculated; Liu knew about our computer science prodigy and planned to poach him! Otherwise, why would a Biology professor visit the computer science department? The sheer cunning and craftiness of old Liu was unexpected, indeed!

Now ignoring his own initial invitation, he mentally vilified Liu’s image.

—Wow, you sly old Liu! Deceptive with those thick brows and innocent looks, secretly luring our computer science gem away! This is war!

Meanwhile, Professor Liu, teaching in the Biology department, sneezed unexpectedly. After class, he found a slew of text messages from Professor Wu, brimming with rage: ???

…Emmmm, didn’t Old Wu take his meds today? Why is he so irritable?