Is the Problem That Hard?

To test Li Qiwei's abilities, Wilson continued:

"During your undergraduate years, don't get caught up in these theories. They're far beyond your reach."

"You only need to learn Newton's classical mechanics well."

"If you have the opportunity to pursue further studies later, or if you're interested in physics, then you can consider studying them in depth."

In the classroom, some students looked determined, while others seemed indifferent.

Classical Newtonian physics was an elective, so many students who weren't physics majors had come to listen as well.

Wilson studied the expressions on their faces, then abruptly changed tack and said:

"However, since everyone's ability to grasp knowledge differs, and to uphold Cambridge University's reputation as a world-class institution..."

"Today, I'll give you all a challenge. You're welcome to put your intelligence to the test."

"I'm going to give you a problem. If anyone can solve it within a month, I'll give them full marks in this course."

"And they won't have to attend class anymore."

Boom!

As soon as he finished speaking, the classroom erupted into heated discussion.

"Oh, my goodness! Is he serious?"

"Dr. Wilson is so young, yet he's already teaching at Cambridge. He really is extraordinary."

"I definitely chose the right course."

"Sunshine and beaches!"

Everyone looked delighted, praying they'd be clever enough to solve the problem.

Once the crowd had gradually quieted down, Wilson continued:

"The problem comes from a research project I worked on for the British military."

"Of course, I've modified the problem, so there's no risk of leaking any secrets."

"I can tell you this much: it took me a whole week to solve it." Wilson held up one finger, looking immensely pleased with himself.

Sigh!

A chorus of sighs rose through the classroom.

As expected, full marks wouldn't come easily. Even the physics doctor standing before them had needed a week to crack the problem.

How could a bunch of rookies who hadn't even graduated from university hope to solve it in a month?

Then Wilson picked up a piece of chalk and, with a few quick strokes, wrote the problem on the board:

"Launch a rocket from Earth, send it around Mars, and bring it back to Earth. Set up the equations and solve them!"

The problem was only one sentence long, yet the whole classroom fell utterly silent. Then the students began chattering among themselves.

"Dr. Wilson, are you sure that's the problem?"

"What exactly is a rocket?"

"This is way too difficult. I've never seen a problem like this before."

"Looks like full marks are out of the question."

"Sunshine and beaches!"

Wilson looked at them with a smile. "Don't lose heart. This problem is indeed a little difficult for you."

"And it also requires some very advanced mathematics."

"During this time, you can consult any books you like and discuss it with one another."

"Let's see who can surprise us in a month." As he spoke, he glanced at Li Qiwei.

He thought that if Li Qiwei could solve this problem, it would prove he had an excellent grounding in physics.

Perhaps he really could go far in the future.

Meanwhile, after hearing Wilson's problem, Li Qiwei had to stop himself from laughing.

The problem was just too familiar.

Pretty much every physics student in later generations back in China had heard of it.

And Li Qiwei hadn't merely seen it—he'd once stayed up all night proving the solution from beginning to end.

That problem also involved launching a rocket, but it flew to the sun and back.

By comparison, Wilson's problem only sent it as far as Mars, making it considerably easier.

Besides, his brain had been enhanced by his transmigration. Solving a problem like this would be a piece of cake.

But it was a different story for everyone else.

British students at the time didn't have anything like the endless drill-based practice of later generations.

A problem in classical mechanics this difficult would be a serious challenge even for students at a world-class school like Cambridge.

And the concept of a rocket was still unfamiliar then. Most people had no idea what one even was.

This also showed just how ambitious the British military was: they were already setting their sights on space.

Indeed, the foundations of any powerful nation were not to be underestimated.

Raymond, sitting nearby, saw Li Qiwei smiling and grew very annoyed. So he spoke up loudly again:

"Dr. Wilson, I don't think this problem will be difficult for Bruce."

"Why not give him three days?"

"After all, he's the genius who dared to challenge Lord Kelvin!" He then led the others in jeering, his undisguised scorn plain to see.

Wilson looked troubled. Testing Li Qiwei had been his intention all along.

But openly singling him out like this still made Wilson uncomfortable.

However, before he could figure out how to respond, the composed Li Qiwei spoke directly to Raymond:

"Raymond, want to make a bet with me?"

Everyone was startled. What was going on? This guy had just bet with a giant of physics, and now he wanted to bet with Raymond too.

Did Easterners just love gambling that much?

Raymond was left completely dumbfounded. Wasn't Bruce supposed to be scared?

Then he should apologize to everyone and admit he was just an arrogant fool.

And yet he still wanted to bet with Raymond. What was he going to wager?

But Raymond wasn't afraid. He was convinced Li Qiwei was just bluffing to scare him.

"What's the bet?"

Li Qiwei suddenly rose to his feet. His gaze sharpened as he stared straight at Raymond and said, each word distinct:

"If I solve this problem, you'll strip naked and bark like a dog in front of Trinity College."

"Do you dare?"

Wow!

The shocking wager stunned everyone in the classroom. They all turned to look at the two men at the center of the commotion.

Li Qiwei's calm words made Raymond begin to tremble despite himself.

Fuck!

Raymond forced himself to calm down. He absolutely couldn't lose the battle of nerves now. He'd learned that from watching his father.

So he countered, "What if you can't solve it?"

"Then I'll strip naked and bark like a dog instead," Li Qiwei replied without hesitation, as if victory were already in his hands.

Raymond's mind raced. Then he gritted his teeth and said:

"Fine. I accept the bet."

"But you only get three days, and you have to solve it by yourself." Raymond wanted to stop Li Qiwei from asking anyone for help.

The crowd below the stage murmured. It seemed even the formidable Raymond was feeling the pressure; the conditions he'd set were extremely harsh.

Still, few people felt sorry for Li Qiwei. They were all happy to see a man from the Qing Dynasty make a fool of himself.

Li Qiwei smiled slightly, calm and unruffled, and watched Raymond's little tricks.

Then he said lightly:

"Fine. I accept your conditions."

"But I don't need three days. I can solve it right now."

Then, looking at Raymond as if he were a clown, he taunted him:

"Is the problem that hard?"

Boom!

The moment he finished speaking, it was as if time had stopped in the classroom.

Everyone stared blankly at Li Qiwei, standing amid the crowd, arrogant and utterly unshakable.

Even Wilson couldn't help looking at Li Qiwei, his face full of disbelief. He absolutely didn't believe Li Qiwei could solve it on the spot!

More than ten seconds passed before the students finally came to their senses. Then they went completely wild!

The uproar was so loud that even people outside the college were startled.

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