Federico's taunts made both Einstein and Grossman furious.
Only Li Qiwei looked at him disdainfully and said coolly, "You don't need to find anyone else. Just see if you can beat me."
Federico seemed to hear the funniest joke in the world. He raised his voice, hoping to draw the attention of the students around them.
"Ha ha ha! This is hilarious! An Oriental dares to challenge me? You probably don't even know the Pythagorean theorem, do you?"
"Everyone, come look! There's an Oriental monkey putting on a show."
There were still plenty of students on campus, and many people were relaxing by the lake.
Drawn by Federico's booming voice, more and more people gathered to watch.
Grossman wanted to step forward and argue, but Einstein grabbed him and signaled with his eyes for him to stay out of it and leave everything to Li Qiwei.
Grossman was surprised. He looked at Li Qiwei, puzzled. Was the other man some kind of hidden big shot?
Otherwise, why was Einstein so calm—even blindly confident?
But whatever the reason, all he could do now was trust him. If they admitted defeat at this point, they'd really lose face.
Li Qiwei paid no attention to the crowd. His icy eyes held a hint of mockery as he asked, "What do you want to compete in?"
"Tsk, tsk, tsk." Federico circled Li Qiwei once, then said arrogantly, "Weren't you and that stupid Jew just talking about physics?"
"Then I'll compete with you in physics problems. Three questions each. Whoever solves more correctly wins. How about it?"
The onlookers immediately burst into a flurry of discussion.
"Oh my God, Federico's the top student in our physics department. Even a lot of professors call him a genius. Can this Oriental really do it?"
"He looks a bit like someone from the Qing Dynasty. They're still a feudal monarchy, aren't they? I heard they don't even have universities."
"This is going to be good. I bet that Qing man gets crushed. But is he even a student here?"
"I don't think I've seen him before. He must be from another school."
"I hope he beats Federico. I've been sick of that guy for ages."
As the surrounding crowd whispered among themselves, Li Qiwei remained calm and composed. His elegant confidence told him this was another perfect chance to show off.
He gave a soft snort and said, "If we're competing, there has to be a winner and a loser. So first, we need to agree on the punishment."
Boom!
Li Qiwei's words stunned everyone around him.
"What's with this Qing man? He's so arrogant. Is he that confident he can beat Federico? Maybe he's just trying to scare him off."
"Oh, my God! He's got guts!"
"This is so exciting! I can't wait to find out what the punishment is."
Even the arrogant Federico was taken aback. He wondered if he'd heard wrong. Where did this guy get the nerve to agree on a punishment?
He'd only meant to humiliate Li Qiwei with the questions. He hadn't expected him to push his luck.
Federico sneered. "All right. Let's see what you've got. You can decide the punishment."
Li Qiwei had learned from his previous experience with Raymond and was ready to try a different approach. "The loser has to strip naked and apologize to the winner."
"Wow!"
Such a sensational wager got the students watching all worked up.
All they ever did at school was study, day in and day out. When had they ever seen anything this thrilling?
Quite a few were already so excited they could hardly wait, afraid the two might suddenly call off the contest.
Federico burst out laughing. "This is too funny. You really are a lowlife who doesn't know your place."
"Fine, I accept. Just wait and see how you embarrass yourself."
Even Grossman tried to talk Li Qiwei out of it. Wasn't he being a bit impulsive? Maybe he should just let it go.
Li Qiwei smiled at him. "He's just a clown. Sit back and wait for the show."
Then he turned to Federico. "Who's going to come up with the physics questions?"
Federico replied, "We'll go find Professor Stern. He's a professor in the physics department, so his questions definitely won't be easy. That way, you won't get an advantage."
Li Qiwei shrugged, indicating that he didn't mind.
So the group made their way to the physics department in a grand procession and found Professor Stern.
The professor saw the crowd and had no idea what was going on. Federico stepped forward and explained.
Stern looked at Li Qiwei, then at Federico, and finally at everyone else. He was at a loss for words.
These energetic young people were such a headache.
And then there was the name Bruce. Why did it sound so familiar? Had he seen it somewhere before?
He didn't give it much thought, though. He simply felt sorry for Li Qiwei. He knew Federico's academic record: the young man was a genuine physics prodigy.
He scored almost perfect marks on every exam. He was a promising student.
By contrast, this Oriental stranger didn't look particularly clever.
But it wasn't his problem, so Stern thought for a while, then came up with three questions. "First, let me make this clear: these three questions are beyond the undergraduate curriculum. It doesn't matter if you can't solve them."
"Now, come with me to the classroom. I'll write the questions on the blackboard, and everyone can have a try."
"If you can solve all three, you'll qualify to continue on to graduate studies."
Stern led the students to an empty classroom and began writing the questions on the blackboard.
Quite a few young instructors were drawn by the commotion too, and came over to see what was happening.
"Question one: Using the Law of Universal Gravitation, derive the parameters and orbital equation of a hypothetical new planet in the Solar System."
"Question two: Using Maxwell's Equations, derive the distribution of the electric field produced by the following wire. (See attached diagram.)"
"Question three: Based on the latest physical theory, Quantum Mechanics, and the Li–Planck radiation formula, derive the law of Blackbody Radiation in the short-wavelength range."
When Professor Stern finished writing the three questions, every student was dumbfounded.
"Oh, my God! What are these questions? Have I been studying fake physics all this time?"
"Someone tell me this is doctoral-level material."
"Is this the difference between geniuses and ordinary people? I can't even imagine who could get all three of these right."
"Sunshine beach!"
Seeing the crowd's reaction, Professor Stern smiled at Li Qiwei and Federico. "If you really can't solve the questions, you can give us your approach instead."
"I guarantee, in my capacity as a professor, that I'll judge your results fairly and impartially."
"All right, boys. Do your best. Come find me when one of you has solved them."
With that, he left the classroom, leaving everyone behind with stunned looks on their faces.
By now, Federico's expression had turned grave. The questions were brief, but they were extraordinarily difficult.
The last one in particular was said to be based on a theory devised by a genius student. It was astonishingly brilliant.
The physics professors at the university all praised it without reservation.
Federico no longer felt entirely confident. All he could do was try to work through the problems.
Then he looked at Li Qiwei, hoping to gauge his reaction.
To his surprise, Li Qiwei was smiling, wearing an inscrutable expression.
Federico snorted. "Quit acting mysterious and putting on airs."
Li Qiwei really couldn't help laughing. His paper had only just been published, and now it had been turned into a test question.
And the person who had to solve it was none other than him. He never would have imagined things could take such a dramatic turn.
He smiled at Federico, cursing him inwardly. You ignorant fool. Just wait until it's time to take your clothes off.
Thanks to all my new and longtime readers for your recommendation votes. Lao Xu bows in gratitude. As always, please keep reading and add the book to your favorites! The numbers aren't looking good right now.
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