A Fated Encounter (Part 1)

Han Li's appearance was like timely rain for Little Ox, not only solving the simplified expansion form when m/n were in non-integer situations but also opening a brand new door for him.

Therefore, over the next two days, Little Ox barely left his room, constantly optimizing the relevant formulas.

Indeed.

This amount of time was not enough for Little Ox to systematically define infinitesimals—after all, historically, this concept wouldn't be formally proposed in writing until 1704. The acceleration wouldn't break through overnight.

However, besides that, Little Ox had also optimized some other notational forms:

For example, using a^1/2 instead of √a, and a^-1 instead of 1/a.

These notational changes were commonplace for later generations, but in this era where exponents were still quite unfamiliar, such notational shifts were extremely bold operations.

Once Little Ox generalized the analysis of finite-term equations to infinite expressions, it wouldn't be long before he formally derived the formula for Universal Gravitation.

Meanwhile, during these few days, Xu Yun took on the role of a delivery person—Little Ox was so engrossed when he got into his zone that he practically forgot to eat or sleep. Once, if Xu Yun hadn't been watching, Little Ox would have actually drunk ink thinking it was water.

However, on the other hand, Xu Yun's efforts were not in vain:

Although there was no quest completion notification, Little Ox was gradually beginning to acknowledge Xu Yun's abilities:

He would occasionally chat with Xu Yun, discussing matters of mathematics and physics.

One had to remember that Little Ox's full name was Isaac "Petty" "Complainer" Newton.

In his eyes, humans were basically divided into two categories: idiots and slightly less idiotic.

Besides delivering food, Xu Yun spent his remaining free time wandering around outside, pondering his next move.

Although the lack of a mobile phone felt inconvenient, Xu Yun wasn't unaccustomed to such days—he had earned his biology doctorate in this lifetime through sheer effort, and spending time in the library was something he was very used to.

Additionally, Xu Yun found a good fishing spot by the small river not far from Little Ox's house and, with his decent practical skills, fashioned a lure rod.

When he was bored, he would come out and cast a few lines, and time slowly passed.

In these two days, Xu Yun had caught a worn-out boot, a rotten squirrel carcass, a sparrow, a snake, and a pair of clandestine lovers, but not a single fish.

Fishermen know, you know.

Just like that, two days flashed by.

On the morning of the third day, Xu Yun woke up on time and, as usual, walked out of his bedroom.

As soon as he opened the door, he saw Little Ox sitting at the round table, rather ostentatiously grooming his hair in front of a mirror, dressed in the formal uniform of a Cambridge college.

Xu Yun blinked upon seeing this:

"Mr. Newton, what's this?" (After reader feedback, Little Ox's title should indeed be Mr. Newton; Newton is his surname, and he shares the same name as his father. English address terms are indeed my weak point, but I won't change William, orz)

Little Ox first picked up a hairpin from the table, used it to fix his wig in front of the mirror, then raised his eyelids and glanced at him:

"It's Sunday today. Did you forget Uncle William's invitation?"

Xu Yun was stunned for a moment, then slapped his forehead in realization:

"Oh, I remember now. We're going to church, right?"

Little Ox nodded, putting on a solemn expression:

"You should tidy up your demeanor as well. Worship should be conducted with neatness; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Xu Yun muttered under his breath, Then why aren't you showering? but outwardly, he obediently followed suit.

After all, faith was a fatal weakness for Little Ox and his core spiritual sustenance; there was no need to argue in the realm of idealism.

Modern mirrors wouldn't be invented by Liebig until 1835. At this time, mirrors were primarily made by coating the back of glass with tin foil and mercury, and they reflected just as clearly.

Three days had passed (including the day Xu Yun first transmigrated). Xu Yun's complexion had visibly become much sallow. It was unclear whether this was a physical or spiritual transmigration—the latter was easier to deal with; if it was the former, Xu Yun would probably have to consider gaining weight when he returned to reality.

He then used a comb to briefly style his hair and, following Little Ox, picked up the copy of the Holy Bible and left the house.

Woolsthorpe was just a very ordinary small village, so to attend a service, they had to walk to Grantham, seven miles away.

Grantham in the 21st century had long since become a city, but at this time, Grantham was merely a small town with a population of over 3,000. However, this town would become a sort of blessed land in the future:

Besides Little Ox, Iron Lady Thatcher also hailed from here.

In 1665, Grantham had only one church, located in the southwestern part of the town. The church was named St. Titus Didymus.

In 1866, it would be replaced by another church, St. Wulfram's Church, which remains a famous attraction to this day.

Seven miles is approximately a little over 11 kilometers. In later times, most people might choose the subway or bus, or if they had the means, drive or take a taxi.

Alas, at this time, William's family and Little Ox were so poor that they couldn't afford a carriage. Therefore, after the group met at the village entrance, they could only opt for the "11-kilometer bus" to get there.

"Mr. Fat Fish, catch."

As they set off together, William Aiscough walked and tossed something wrapped in broad leaves to Xu Yun, explaining:

"This is your lunch and dinner—the gathering starts at one in the afternoon and ends at half-past three. It will take us about seven hours round trip, so we'll have to eat dinner on the way.

There's bread and water in the leaves. You can discard the leaves after you're done, but you must bring the water skin back."

Xu Yun nodded, feeling the shape of the leaf-wrapped package with his hand.

Hmm, four loaves of bread and a hard water skin. William was indeed a generous fellow.

Then, the group of eight officially set off:

William carried Lilani on his back, Mrs. William held Elula and Andrea's hands, while Little Ox continued to chatter with Lisa.

Xu Yun looked around blankly, feeling that something was off:

How could I still be single after transmigrating to another world?

There was no intense heat in the English winter, but due to a lack of nutrition, the William family wasn't in great physical condition. After walking for over an hour, visible sweat broke out on their foreheads.

As the group reached a large tree, Mrs. William let out a tired sigh and pointed to the shade.

"Dear, let's rest there for a bit."

William glanced at the sky and estimated the time.

"There are still a few hours until the worship service. Alright, let's rest for a while."

The group then stopped.

"Gulp, gulp--"

William leaned against the tree and took a large swig of water. Just as he was about to speak, a carriage slowly appeared from a nearby fork in the road.

It was a four-wheeled carriage pulled by two glossy, reddish-brown horses. The carriage was draped in luxurious, high-quality fabric on all sides, and its windows were covered by a curtain of light blue crepe. Intricate patterns were carved into the edges.

It was clear that whoever was inside was wealthy and noble.

Elula, the most timid, instinctively flinched and moved behind William, a little fearful.

The two reddish-brown horses slowly trotted down the road, their breath misting as they passed the group.

However, after only a few steps, with a whistle, the carriage suddenly stopped.