The Strongest Brain in the Interstellar

The patient’s condition didn’t allow for too much conversation. The visit was truly just a quick meet-and-greet, and they didn’t discuss anything substantial before being sent on their way.

In the end, Lieutenant Colonel Mace graciously saw them off, informing Jiang Hui and Xierman that a token of appreciation for their assistance had already been sent to their home—just a small gift as a sign of respect.

This was the first time Jiang Hui had heard the person rumored to be Instructor Mace’ brother speak since she arrived at the hospital. His tone and manner were not as cold as she had imagined; instead, there was a weighty sense of calmness, conveying a strong and determined presence.

Before the two of them could react, Stark had already spoken on their behalf, showing no intention of keeping them there. He left without looking back, as if it were just another task to complete.

It should have been the three of them returning together, but the Xierman family likely received news and had picked Xierman up right at the hospital entrance. Stark clearly did not intervene, so Xierman, who was supposed to return for training the next day, went home instead.

This left only Stark and Jiang Hui as they returned to the city. Jiang Hui figured that the ride back would be much like the journey there, and since she was feeling quite tired, she obediently sat in the back seat, feeling a bit drowsy as they approached their destination.

But unexpectedly, the person operating at the front suddenly asked, “Why did Brad Mace suddenly say that to you?”

Jiang Hui was caught off guard for a moment but quickly realized which comment they were referring to, as it had indeed seemed quite abrupt.

After thinking for a moment, she replied, “I guess it was… a lesson from reality.” She felt that her answer made her sound a bit full of herself, so she couldn’t help but laugh a little.

Meanwhile, after Jiang Hui and the others left, a similar conversation was taking place on the other side—about the same topic.

Watching his eldest son return to the ward after seeing the guests off, Lieutenant General Mace waited until he was sure the guests had gone far before looking inquisitively at his youngest son and raising an eyebrow. “What were you doing earlier? Now you need to apologize to them; you weren’t bullying their child, were you?”

If the other party had said something else, he wouldn’t have minded. His son had always been one to know proper etiquette and repay any kindness he received; he understood that without needing reminders.

But what did they see? His son actually lowered his head, apologizing with that proud head that wouldn’t bow even to his father or brothers. It was hard for them to watch and not feel uneasy.

Curiosity followed: what had made their proud son willing to admit his mistake?

“It was probably a lesson,” Brad said with a bitter smile, then, under the puzzled gazes of his parents, he clearly stated, “Father, I want to officially join the Third Corps, so please help me.”

The people who were originally waiting for Brad to continue explaining were taken aback by such a sudden request. Lieutenant General Mace thought he had misheard: “What?!”

“I want to go back to the Third Corps,” Brad stated firmly. “To reclaim the year that was stolen from me.”

—

The next day was no different; after returning to school, Jiang Hui naturally went about her usual activities.

In the following days, everything seemed normal again. She immersed herself back into the rigorous training of military exercises, continually enhancing her physical fitness and various skills through sweat and perseverance.

However, recently, Jiang Hui had a new focus of study. During the rescue of Brad Mace, she had her first encounter with animal-type mechas.

These mechas are much more complex to design than humanoid mechas and are also a product of the recent mecha revolution, similar to combinable mechas. Interestingly, the initial inspiration for animal-type mechas came from star beasts, and many are modeled after these creatures to create specialized mechas.

Additionally, this type of mecha involves biological research, requiring the manufacturers to be very familiar with the habits and characteristics of various animals in order to mimic and apply them. As a result, they are challenging to mass-produce and are typically custom-made or tailored.

Animal-type mechas are difficult to find even as models on the market; they are almost exclusively special editions, with prices that are exorbitantly high.

Jiang Hui thought about how her first encounter with mechas had been a genuine one, and she even had the chance to dismantle a part of it—albeit just a small piece from the front, but it was the real deal!

Not to mention, the actual mecha felt much better to handle than a model. Although the situation had been tense and somewhat chaotic at the time, Jiang Hui found it hard to describe the sensation of truly touching those intricate mecha parts.

To her, these cold, complex, and solid panels seemed to resonate with her very soul the moment she made contact, eliciting a silent sigh from her body and mind.

It was at this moment that Jiang Hui had to admit that mechas indeed held an unparalleled attraction for her. Even though she didn’t know much about them yet, she was certain of this—because it came from the depths of her heart.

So, should she consider transferring to the mecha program a year later? Or should she just give up on studying Ancient Languages and Literature altogether…

Never mind; there was no point in overthinking it now. Besides, she hadn’t even gotten through the military training for her combat unit yet, so she didn’t have time to ponder these things.

With this in mind, she opened a book titled Complete Guide to Mecha Models in the library. One hand flipped through the pages rapidly, while her eyes seemed to dart over the text as if she was prepared to flip the page at a moment’s notice. Anyone who didn’t know better might think she was just flipping through for fun.

What Jiang Hui didn’t know was that nearby, a second-year student wearing glasses was watching her from a distance. After glancing at her, the student placed the book they intended to borrow on the front desk.

Seeing that the librarian was also looking over in that direction, he couldn’t help but comment, “I really don’t know which major this new student is from. It’s been four or five days, and every day she comes here and doesn’t even bother to read properly. If you didn’t know any better, you might think she’s reading really seriously. Even if she wants to pretend, she could at least try to make it look convincing; who would believe her like this?”

If it weren’t for her way of flipping through the pages, he might have believed she was actually studying.

Besides, does this reading speed even exist? Rather than believe that such an inhumane speed of flipping pages is real, he would prefer to think that she wasn’t actually reading at all or that she was just pretending to be studious out of some peculiar habit.

Thus, he had moved from surprise to suspicion and now to disdain. After all, there aren’t many people who just hang out in the library as soon as the semester starts, and among the people he knows, there wasn’t anyone he could share his thoughts with. Seeing that the librarian also seemed intrigued by the girl’s unusual behavior, he couldn’t help but bring it up.

To his surprise, the young librarian had a different opinion.

She glanced at him lightly and said, “Regardless of whether she’s really reading or not, to be honest, that girl’s taste in book selection is much better than yours.”