Genius Club Chapter 560
Chapter 560: Arithmetic Sequence
In a hidden underground hibernation base in Donghai City, a man and a woman holding electronic tablets stood before a hibernation chamber.
“Director Wang, it’s this one,” the nurse said, pointing at the aluminum alloy plaque bearing the engraved name.
“Yang Mai Mai… Yes, this is one of the individuals scheduled for awakening in this batch.”
The man, addressed as Director Wang, nodded. “Start the awakening procedure.”
A faint hiss marked the beginning of the process. The cover of the hibernation chamber slowly lifted, revealing a slim girl who sat up, looking around in confusion.
“Where is this? I… Who am I?”
Before she could orient herself, an octopus-like mechanical helmet locked onto her head with a click.
“What are you doing?!” she shouted, struggling.
Without hesitation, the nurse pressed a red button.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Yang Mai Mai’s scream echoed as vivid, flickering images flooded her mind: rejection letters, mockery, rage, tearing pages, enlightenment, publication, failure, more ridicule…
“WAHHHHHHHHH!” she burst into uncontrollable tears. Large drops fell onto the floor as she collapsed, overwhelmed.
“Nobody reads my novels!” she sobbed, her pain spilling into her voice. Kneeling, she pressed her hands to the cold floor, unable to catch her breath.
“Alright, alright,” the nurse said gently, helping her up. “Mai Mai, pull yourself together! This is a new era—a far-off, wonderful era! Whatever regrets or dreams you had, you can realize them here! You’re young and fearless; the future is full of hope!”
“Hic.” Mai Mai hiccupped, her crying halting abruptly. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, her expression changed.
“What time is it now?” she asked urgently. “What year is it?”
“2624,” Director Wang replied calmly.
“Yes!” Mai Mai punched the air triumphantly. “Yes! Hundreds of years have passed—this must be the golden age of the web novel renaissance!”
“The novels I wrote back then were considered outdated, formulaic, and behind the times… But now, they’ll be precious antiques! Artifacts! Classics!”
“Rarity brings value. My novels will catch the editors’ eyes for sure—then signed contracts, listings, promotions—one path to glory!”
Watching her ecstatic monologue, Director Wang finally understood. “Oh~~ So you’re a web novelist.”
“You read web novels?” Mai Mai’s eyes lit up with hope.
“A little,” he replied. “I enjoy them in my spare time. But in recent years, good ones have been hard to find. Too much repetition.”
“That’s exactly why I went into hibernation!” Mai Mai leapt out of the hibernation chamber, slapping the aluminum alloy.
Miraculously regaining her energy, she dashed to a storage cabinet, pulling out a drawer to retrieve a manuscript.
“It’s time… to shake the future of the novel world!” she declared dramatically. With a flourish, she handed the manuscript to Director Wang.
“Please, you must take a look! Even though you’re not an editor, as a seasoned reader, you’ll know if it has the potential to be a hit!”
“Sure,” Wang agreed, taking the manuscript and glancing at its bold title:
“Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor”
“…”
His lips tightened. “Interesting.”
“Really?!” Mai Mai’s eyes sparkled with hope.
“But not much.”
“Huh?” Her face froze in disbelief.
Director Wang remained patient. Although he could guess the outline and ending of the story from the title alone, he carefully read through the setting—a detailed list of 576 levels of power hierarchies.
“Hiss…” He drew in a sharp breath. “Terrifying.”
As he trudged through the initial chapters of tragedy—complete with family destruction and a vow for revenge—he could bear it no longer.
Snap.
He closed the manuscript and returned it to Mai Mai.
“Will it be a hit?!” she asked eagerly.
“Unlikely,” he said honestly.
“Then… at least it’ll get signed, right?” Mai Mai’s confidence remained unwavering.
“I don’t think it’ll be easy either,” Director Wang admitted honestly.
“Your writing isn’t bad, but the tropes are just so outdated. For years, web novels have been recycling the same stuff—tragic backstories, lucky encounters, wise old mentors in rings, monster grinding, and leveling up. Readers are tired of it! Why not try something new?”
Mai Mai pouted and lowered her head. “But… this is all I know how to write. Could it be… that even in this era, I can’t fulfill my dream of becoming a novelist?”
The nurse smiled faintly and pulled a **letter of acceptance** from a folder behind her.
“Look, hope has arrived!” she said, handing it to Mai Mai. “Congratulations! You’ve been accepted to Rhine University, one of the world’s top institutions. If your dream is to write novels, why not further your education there, learn creative writing techniques, and reimagine your stories?”
“What?!” Mai Mai snatched the letter, her disbelief palpable.
Rhine University was legendary, and she knew it well. But with her abysmal high school exam score of 300, she never thought she’d have a chance to set foot in its hallowed halls.
And yet…
Here it was—a dream come true the moment she awakened from **hibernation**!
“Is this real?” she asked, still in shock. “Why would Rhine University accept me? I didn’t even take an exam!”
“No idea,” Director Wang shrugged. “Rhine University often grants special admission to students with unique talents. Maybe they saw something in you.”
“Anyway, Mai Mai,” he continued, “welcome to the wonderful world of 2624. Enjoy your new life, and I hope one day you’ll graduate and create a true masterpiece.”
…
Leaving the **hibernation base**, Mai Mai headed straight for Rhine University.
Her **acceptance letter** was unlike any she’d ever seen. It congratulated her by name but didn’t specify a major. Instead, it included a single line:
“You are free to choose any program at Rhine University.”
Below it was the signature of the **Rotational Principal**, **Du Yao**.
“Any program?” Mai Mai blinked in astonishment. This kind of privilege was reserved for top scorers in national exams.
But who gave her such special treatment? She didn’t know Principal Du Yao and couldn’t recall any connection.
“This is so strange,” she murmured. Then, shaking her head, she dismissed the thought.
It didn’t matter—this was an opportunity she couldn’t waste. She resolved to excel in both her studies and her writing.
…
Entering the university campus, Mai Mai found it bustling with activity. Though freshman orientation had ended weeks ago, the roads were lined with stalls as various student organizations recruited new members.
“Maybe I can join the Literature Club!” she thought.
At the club’s booth, Mai Mai eagerly handed over her manuscript, **“Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor.”**
“Uh…” The club president skimmed the contents, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “Are you writing novels from 600 years ago?”
“Wow, you’re good at guessing!” Mai Mai gave him a thumbs-up.
“Goodbye.” The president returned the manuscript and turned away.
…
Undeterred, Mai Mai tried the university newspaper.
“Flop,” said the editor-in-chief, adjusting his glasses. “Absolute flop. But your writing isn’t bad. How about joining us to learn how to write news articles?”
“Don’t insult my masterpiece!” Mai Mai huffed, snatching back her manuscript and storming off.
…
She visited several creative-writing-related clubs, but all her efforts ended in rejection. Dejected, she wandered the campus aimlessly, her head hanging low like a defeated zombie.
Her heart felt hollow.
It was over. Completely over. She had hoped that awakening in a future era might revive her dream during the **web novel renaissance**.
But who could have guessed?
The industry had grown ever more competitive, evolving from the era of golden three chapters to golden one chapter, golden three lines, and even golden titles.
The real battle now started with the book’s name!
“This new era… has no place for me…” Mai Mai whispered, feeling like a lost ghost as she drifted across the Rhine University campus.
…
“Hmm?”
When she finally looked up, she realized she had wandered to a remote part of the campus. Far from the teaching and residential areas, the place was desolate and unmarked.
“Oh no,” she muttered, glancing around. “I’m lost.”
She retraced her steps for some time before spotting an old, weathered laboratory building.
Relieved, she decided to go inside and ask for directions.
Stepping into the dim hallway, Mai Mai heard voices—a man and a woman engaged in a lively conversation.
It didn’t sound like an argument; rather, it seemed like playful banter between a couple.
“Feng Feng… Although I’ve always unconditionally supported you, even believing in the correctness of the Universal Constant, this time, your arithmetic sequence… It just seems too ridiculous. I think you should give up,” said the woman, her voice filled with exasperation.
“Sigh.” A man let out a deep sigh. “Who would’ve thought? We’ve managed to uncover the Universal Truth of 42, yet a simple arithmetic sequence has stumped me for years!”
“No…” The woman’s voice carried resignation. “This arithmetic sequence of yours is too absurd. I don’t even think it’s a math problem anymore. It’s not even mysticism—it’s pure luck.”
“Sigh, forget it. I have a lecture to give. This lab is so remote; if I don’t leave now, I’ll be late.”
“Bye-bye, Feng Feng. Don’t stay in the lab too late today. I’ll make dinner and wait for you at home,” she said, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.
…
Outside the lab, Mai Mai, who had been eavesdropping, stiffened in surprise. She quickly ducked behind a fire extinguisher, hiding herself.
Two seconds later, the lab door swung open. A graceful woman wearing a beret walked out, holding a teaching plan. She hurried away, completely unaware of Mai Mai’s presence.
“Arithmetic sequence?” Mai Mai blinked. “Isn’t that just middle school math? What could be so hard about it?”
Curious and confused, she tiptoed into the lab through the slightly ajar door. Inside, a man stood in front of a blackboard, looking utterly dejected.
“Sigh.” He sighed again. “Am I destined to never solve the mystery of this arithmetic sequence in my lifetime? What a regret… Such a shame…”
“Just one more 17-year-old girl! Only one more 17-year-old girl!” he suddenly exclaimed.
Mai Mai’s hair practically stood on end.
A 17-year-old girl?! What kind of evil experiment required 17-year-old girls as material?
This was bad! She had to escape!
She turned to leave quietly but accidentally stepped on a pencil on the floor. With a squeak, she slipped and fell into the scattered mess.
The man, Liu Feng, stood up from his chair, his eyes widening as he looked at the startled girl lying on the ground.
“Hmm?”
“Don’t kill me!” Mai Mai screamed in desperation. “Please don’t kill me!”
…
After a while, the misunderstanding was cleared up.
Mai Mai sat on a chair with her pant leg rolled up while Liu Feng disinfected her wound, applied medication, and carefully placed a bandage on it using the lab’s first-aid kit.
“So that’s what happened,” Liu Feng said, nodding. “You’re a freshman at Rhine University, and you got lost. That’s understandable. Rhine University is huge, and some areas aren’t fully developed yet. It’s normal for newcomers to lose their way.”
“All done. Your wound is bandaged. I don’t know which college you’re from, but if you want to reach the teaching area, just follow the stone path north after you leave.”
Mai Mai looked up, her gaze drifting toward the blackboard where Liu Feng had been lamenting earlier.
On it were several names, each with an age written underneath:
Yan Qiao Qiao (14 years old)
Chu An Qing (20 years old)
Su Su (23 years old)
Nangong Meng Jie (26 years old)
Yellow Finch (29 years old)
Mai Mai quickly realized the so-called arithmetic sequence was related to these seemingly random names.
No wonder the woman with the beret had said this wasn’t a math problem—it was utterly nonsensical!
Wait a second!
She was 17 years old!
“Hold on!” Mai Mai pointed to herself, exclaiming excitedly. “Teacher! I’m 17 years old! If you add my name, won’t that complete your arithmetic sequence?”
However…
Liu Feng chuckled helplessly and waved his hand. “The arithmetic sequence has puzzled me for 600 years. It’s not that simple. If any random 17-year-old girl could solve it, Rhine University is full of them. It would’ve been done long ago.”
“You don’t understand. This sequence is extremely precise. Only women who meet two essential conditions can have their names added.”
Raising a finger, he continued, “First, the girl must come to my lab in person.”
“Well, here I am!” Mai Mai interjected eagerly.
“Patience,” Liu Feng interrupted. “You’re quick to jump in. Let me finish. I said there are two conditions. You’ve met the first one, as have many others. But the second condition is the hardest to fulfill.”
He paused dramatically before revealing the second requirement:
“The second condition is that the girl must be someone known to Lin Xian, at least someone who has met or spoken with him.”
“Huh?”
Mai Mai froze, stunned by the absurdly strict rules for something as seemingly simple as an arithmetic sequence.
“Who is Lin Xian? I’ve never heard of him,” she said, shaking her head in confusion. “I’ve never met him, either.”
“Exactly!” Liu Feng spread his hands in resignation. “See? While I appreciate your good intentions and willingness to help, I’m afraid you don’t qualify for the arithmetic sequence. So… in the end, it remains incomplete.”
Suddenly, Mai Mai felt a pang of disappointment.
She had thought her bleak life had finally encountered a turning point, that she had found a purpose only she could fulfill.
But no.
It was nothing more than an illusion, a daydream.
“Sigh…” She let out a deep sigh, weakly tossing her “Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor” manuscript onto the desk before leaning back in her chair.
“I thought… I had finally found my life’s worth,” she muttered.
“Take it slow,” Liu Feng said, attempting to comfort her as his gaze fell upon the manuscript on the desk.
“You’re still young; you have plenty of—wait a second!!!”
Liu Feng’s eyes locked onto the manuscript’s cover.
The bold characters “Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor” sent a jolt through him as he sprang to his feet.
In that moment, memories flooded his mind—memories of countless conversations with Lin Xian from centuries ago. Gauss, the Anti-Hibernation Virus, the Ninth Dreamscape, the extinction of humanity, the hibernating girl, the failed novelist, the Brain Neural Electric Helmet, and the Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor, wrapped in the Mist of the Demon God.
Everything suddenly connected.
Every puzzle piece fell into place!
“Stop right there!” Liu Feng shouted.
“Ahhhhhh!”
Mai Mai sat up straight in a panic, her legs pressed tightly together, her hands on her knees. “I-I-I wasn’t moving!”
Liu Feng approached her, his breathing heavy and his heartbeat racing. “What’s your name? I never asked—what’s your full name?”
“M-Mai Mai… Yang Mai Mai,” she stammered.
At that instant, it was as if a lightning bolt struck the room.
Liu Feng’s hands trembled with excitement.
Mai Mai…
Mai Mai!
She was the original author of “Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor”, the sole survivor of Donghai’s apocalypse in the Ninth Dreamscape, and the girl who had unwittingly divulged the secret of Gauss’s viral attack during her countless dream encounters with Lin Xian.
It was because of her that their salvation plan hadn’t failed in the 21st century!
A 17-year-old girl.
Someone Lin Xian knew.
Who arrived at his lab today.
She perfectly fit the criteria!
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
Liu Feng threw his head back in laughter, overwhelmed with exhilaration.
“It’s done! It’s done! The arithmetic sequence is finally complete!”
He whirled around and dashed toward the blackboard like a whirlwind, grabbing a piece of chalk.
In the blank space between Yan Qiao Qiao (14) and Chu An Qing (20), he carefully wrote:
Yang Mai Mai (17).
The sequence was now complete:
Yan Qiao Qiao (14), Yang Mai Mai (17), Chu An Qing (20), Su Su (23), Nangong Meng Jie (26), Yellow Finch (29).
At last—
[Arithmetic Sequence: Achieved!]
…
Liu Feng turned around and rushed to Mai Mai, gripping her hands tightly.
“You are the chosen one!”
“Eh?”
“You are a true genius!”
“Eh? Eh? Eh?”
“You are the real savior!”
“Ahhhhhh!?”
The more Liu Feng spoke, the more enthusiastic he became. The more he looked at Mai Mai, the more perfect she seemed.
“I must introduce you to Lin Xian! I’ll recommend you as the final member of the Genius Club—No. 9, Yang Mai Mai!”
“Stop!” Mai Mai yanked her hands free and took a step back. “What are you rambling about?! I’m just here to attend university! I don’t want to join some bizarre club!”
Liu Feng, still looking at her with a mix of admiration and pity, said, “You are a gifted chosen one, a [Blind Cat Meets Dead Rat] prodigy—”
“Say that again and see what happens!” Mai Mai shot him a glare.
“Ahem.” Liu Feng coughed, reigning in his excitement. “Don’t misunderstand. I got carried away, but I genuinely admire your talent.”
“How about this? Why don’t you join me in studying mathematics? Don’t worry about your academic status. Although I may seem young, I, like Principal Gao Wen and Principal Du Yao, am one of the Rotational Principals. I can secure you a full scholarship!”
“You’re insane!” Mai Mai crossed her arms in an X, her rejection clear. “I have zero interest in math! All I want to do is write novels!”
“If you can teach me how to write novels, I might consider it. But math? Forget it! I’d rather set up a street stall outside the school gate selling grilled gluten and stinky tofu than study math!”
Liu Feng clenched his fists, his reluctance palpable.
This was the miracle girl, the sole survivor of apocalyptic Donghai,
the ultimate solution to the 600-year-old arithmetic sequence mystery,
the savior who revealed the date of the Gauss Virus outbreak to Lin Xian.
No matter how he looked at it, she was an unparalleled genius—the very key to the continuation of human civilization.
The arithmetic sequence was never wrong!
How could he possibly let this chosen girl walk away?
But he had no choice. Suppressing his disappointment, Liu Feng opened “Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor” to see if he could persuade Mai Mai through some other means—to have her willingly accept him as her mentor and collaborate on solving mathematical mysteries.
…
Despite his discomfort, Liu Feng forced himself to read the manuscript from start to finish. When he finally closed it, he let out a long sigh.
“I think… the main issue lies with the theme.”
“Is it boring?” Mai Mai asked hesitantly.
“Yeah,” Liu Feng nodded. “The plot is so predictable. After reading the first page, I already know what’s going to happen in the next thousand chapters.”
Mai Mai’s face fell, her frustration clear.
“What should I do, Professor Liu? Help me think of a solution!”
Feigning a mysterious air, Liu Feng rubbed his chin and said, “I don’t claim to be an expert in writing novels, but… the core of any good story is a great concept. No matter the genre, a story must be interesting and engaging.”
“So, I think you should give up on this ancient concept of ‘Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor.’ Why not explore a fresher theme, something more imaginative and fun?”
“Pfft.”
Mai Mai rolled her eyes at him. “Do you think I don’t want to? Who wouldn’t want to write exciting, mind-blowing stories? But I can’t think of anything! It’s easy for you to say, standing there all smug.”
Liu Feng smirked, his expression suddenly turning sly. Straightening his posture and crossing his arms, he said, “Well, it just so happens that I know of a very intriguing story… Would you like to hear it?”