Rebirth 08: Equipment God

Chapter 240 Unique Yet Similar
Two hours before 09, the entire city of Harbin was immersed in various celebrations, and even the auditorium of Harbin Institute of Technology was hosting a New Year's Eve gala.

Principal Wang Chunguo listened to the students singing "I Will Love You Till I Die" on stage with a slight frown. He finally understood how his parents, who only listened to traditional opera, felt when he was obsessed with "Night at the Military Port" back then.

wanna die.

Occasionally, when I'm lost in thought, I still think of my family's top scholar, although writers don't seem to be suited for performing.
"Didn't Xiao Zhai come? Not even as a spectator?"

A subordinate standing nearby said, "When the party was being prepared, Zhai had already gone to northern Beijing."

Principal Wang nodded, saying that special talents always need special training methods, and there is no need to force them to participate in the school's daily operations.

I imagine Xiao Zhai has her own way of celebrating the New Year.

On a quiet, unnamed road behind Harbin Institute of Technology, a unique gathering is taking place at the Misty Tavern.

After the introductions, the tavern fell into a brief silence, with only the sound of Han Qi clearing away the glasses. The geniuses, meeting for the first time, seemed unsure how to interact with the others in the club.

A moment later, the first to speak was not Ge Qiaoqiao, but the computer genius Cheng Mo.

The well-dressed young man gently swirled the beer glass in his hand, seemingly admiring the foam clinging to the sides, and said leisurely, "By the way, president, does the club hold academic exchanges? Actually, I recently wrote a paper and would like to find someone to discuss it with."

Zhai Da:
Starting with zero frames per second to talk about this? Are you trying to show off?
At this moment, Ge Qiaoqiao took over the conversation, exclaiming in surprise, "You're already working on a thesis in your second year of university? You're quite something, junior."

Seeing that someone had taken the bait, Cheng Mo immediately feigned regret and said, "I've organized what I've learned so far, but it's really too early for a sophomore. I can't find anyone to talk to... so I can only work on it in isolation."

Unexpectedly, Sun Ting immediately said, "What's so special about that? My Qi Lin also wrote a thesis in his sophomore year and even participated in an international design competition!"

Cheng Mo was surprised that someone would be vying for his attention when it came to showing off: "What competition?"

Qi Lin patted his girlfriend's hand: "It's nothing too amazing. It was the FAI International Model Aircraft Design Competition, but I only got second place. There were probably thirty second-place winners worldwide."

Lu Tao, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up: "FAI? The International Aeronautical Federation? They have a future airport design competition. I participated in it when I was in high school, but I didn't win."

Qi Lin: "Then you're better than me. You participated in the competition in high school. I only had time to study in high school. Tingting is better than me. She participated in the National Chemistry Competition in high school, won first place, and was recommended to Shanghai Jiaotong University, but she didn't go. She took the entrance exam for Harbin Institute of Technology on her own."

Sun Ting giggled and said, "I just didn't want to go to Shanghai. It's a good thing I didn't, otherwise I wouldn't have run into you~"

Ge Qiaoqiao's eyes lit up: "You were also admitted through the recommendation program? I participated in the physics competition. At that time, both Nanjing University and Harbin Institute of Technology were willing to admit me through the recommendation program, but I chose one that was far from home."

Cheng Mo hesitated for a moment, unable to get a word in edgewise. No one seemed to care about his "trivial matter" of writing his thesis.

What's going on with all these people in this room?
Can't a person even show off in a normal way?

With Cheng Mo taking the lead, the conversation flowed much more smoothly, and everyone chatted about all sorts of things.

Of course, Lu Tao is an exception; his mouth will probably be 90% new even when he gets old.

Everyone vaguely realized that each person here had their own unique strengths.

How did the "president" select such a group of people? Even the new members who submitted their work later weren't asked to send resumes. How could a single manuscript be enough to determine that everyone was different?
Was this a discerning eye of a talent scout? Or was a background check conducted?
Zhai Da did not join the conversation, but instead observed with a smile.

It's not surprising that the system recognizes their talent and they achieve various accomplishments that surpass their peers. Even if we exclude talent, their overall intelligence alone is definitely not bad.

Of course, from his perspective, this is "reversing cause and effect" and "following the clues blindly".

Zhai Da has his own plans for these geniuses, including potential new members of the group in the future.

Excluding Lu Wei and Wu Yue, who are already on the same side, the reason for gathering the others together is ultimately because they hope these people can become their help in the future.

Subordinates, employees, or even collaborators—any title is acceptable.

Unlike his friends in Utopia, I forgive his utilitarian motives.

But reality isn't a movie. Not to mention geniuses, even idiots won't blindly worship you. Besides, these people are all very individualistic, even "problematic".

So we need to use our brains.

Sorry, I've recently become a bit fascinated by the way Brother Yi, Er, and San speak.

First: Ensure that these people's talents can be realized, and as quickly as possible.

Not everyone can discover their talents, and even if they do, they may not be able to reach their full potential due to many external factors.

Take Xiao Mutou for example. If she hadn't met the reborn Zhai Da in this life, she might not even have been able to afford a decent meal, let alone achieve anything in mathematics.

In addition, time is also very precious. Although they are already among the best of their peers, they are only considered "relatively successful" students in society, which is far from enough for Zhai Da.

Before they can truly succeed, they still have to go through a series of experiences, including graduating and job hunting, experiencing the harsh realities of life, having to compromise their principles for a living, and the fact that the flower language of steel wool represents forbearance and wealth.

If left to develop freely, it might take ten years, until these people are twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old. For Zhai Da, the uncertainty is too great and it will come too late.

Ten years from now, I might be sailing a submarine through the Mariana Trench.

Therefore, some external intervention is needed to accelerate the process and support these people.

Zhai Da is willing to invest a certain amount of money in talent.

Second: While ensuring these people succeed, they should have a sense of belonging.

During their growth, these people will also have their own life trajectories and crossroads. In today's social climate, it is not uncommon for someone to go through a lot of trouble and investment to help others succeed, only to suddenly tell Zhai Da that they are going abroad and will not come back, and then refuse to return to China after receiving the "cursing card".

They treated him like a loan shark and took advantage of him.

Even though Zhai Da can use the effect of the [Pure Gold Secret Staff] to talk his way out of things, it is ultimately only effective in face-to-face situations. It can be used to deal with special circumstances, but it cannot be the only means of communication.

Therefore, although building a sense of belonging is more troublesome, it is indispensable.

Third: Within the scope of their respective talents, they should lean towards the areas that Zhai Da desires.

For example, Sun Ting's talent in chemistry could be used to propel her development into the battery field.

Cheng Mo is a computer genius, so the terminal system in the future "Palamera" will need his help, and can be guided in advance.

In terms of development, we need to create a trend where they align themselves with Zhai Da's needs. It's impossible to match everyone so precisely; for example, the most abstract case is Ge Qiaoqiao. We can only guide her according to the direction of applied physics for now, and physiognomy...we'll talk about that another time.

In summary, "π" should be an organization that helps its members succeed, fosters a sense of belonging and cohesion, and guides the direction of their development.

It may have been just an on-campus club before, but when everyone gathered at "Mist Tavern," it transcended the campus and became a community.
The "Genius Club" with Zhai Da at its core.

Zhai Da gently tapped his wine glass: "First of all, congratulations to the new members for standing out in the event. You are all talented individuals, including the veteran members. I am very certain of that."

This statement really resonates with young people; who doesn't want to be special?
Especially when it comes from someone who has already achieved more than them.

"The existence of π may be a little different from that of ordinary school clubs. Here are a few points I would like to share with you."

"This tavern is run by Wu Yue and me. It's not open to the public. It will be used as a base for 'π' members in the future. Currently, it's open from 6 PM to midnight. Everything is free, provided that Han Qi can provide it."

The female bartender, Han Qi, bowed with her hands hanging down in front of her hips to indicate that she had accepted the order. In addition to beer and cocktails, the bartender was also considering adding some snacks, which she thought would be very popular with college students.

Feel free to grab a French fry anytime.

Cheng Mo felt that the taste was just right. It was a space for a small group, and it was a high-class place like a bar. It gave him a sense of déjà vu, like a "mysterious organization" in a movie.

Sun Ting thought it was a good place for a date, although she might get tired of it if she went too often.
Qi Lin was thinking, "This top scholar must be really rich to open a bar just for this purpose?"

A sense of belonging is often established by the "similarities" within a small group and the "differences" from the majority.

For example: they are unique, yet each is the same.

Zhai Da continued, "Regarding the rewards for the submission event, please leave your bank account numbers, and I will cash them out soon. Qi Lin will receive double the rewards because two of his manuscripts were selected."

In the corner, Qi Lin's eyes subtly lit up, clearly showing that he cared about this.

"Our club's ultimate goal is for everyone to have full development and shine in their respective fields. Therefore, mutual assistance within the club is very important. If you encounter difficulties, whether in life or in your studies, don't forget that 'π' can provide help."

Zhai Da won't explain now how he will help or whether it's worthwhile, because things that come too easily are never truly appreciated.

"In addition, 'π' will not set a time for gatherings, but I suggest that we make sure there is one per month, and we will notify everyone in advance."

It's not wise to make too many promises at a first gathering. Zhai Da kept it brief, and for now, just the right to use the Misty Tavern was enough to win over these college students.

After he finished speaking, applause rang out in the tavern; he always seemed to get applause more easily.

The new members felt it was a wonderful "club trip", and Ge Qiaoqiao and Lu Tao felt that Zhai Da had done what he promised, and even better.

As for Lu Wei
Just clap your hands, nothing else matters.

With such an honorable, famous, and accomplished president presiding over the event, the basic sense of belonging among "π" members is already quite good.

It's like in a music academy, Jay Chou, a musical genius, patting a few young guys on the shoulder and saying, "Hey, not bad."

"I can't be the only one speaking. If you have any thoughts or questions about 'π', please feel free to raise them. The rules will be improved in the future."

At this moment, Cheng Mo, who couldn't resist showing off, raised his hand and said, "President, since everyone has their own special talents, I suggest that everyone in the club take a unique code name or nickname, okay?"

"Code name? Purpose?"

Cheng Mo chuckled: "To make it easier and faster to shorten the distance between everyone?"

Of course, the most important thing is that it has a higher level of sophistication.

Ge Qiaoqiao praised, "This is interesting! I agree!"

Sun Ting also raised her hand and asked, "Can I get it myself?"

After a brief consideration, Zhai Da felt that it did indeed fit the tone of the "Genius Club" and, from an organizational perspective, was more conducive to identity recognition.

It might be a bit childish for elementary school students, but it's just right for college students.

Furthermore, they could even produce a batch of more exquisite membership cards, adding codes to make each one unique.

"If everyone is interested, please let us know. There are only eight of us in total, so there shouldn't be any duplicates."

Ge Qiaoqiao was the first to speak: "I want to call him 'fortune teller'."

The others were somewhat surprised, as they were unaware of Ge Qiaoqiao's hobbies.

Cheng Mo, who had offered the suggestion, downed his beer in one gulp, already having a plan in mind: "My codename will be 'Turing'."

Sun Ting looked at her boyfriend, pouted, and said, "I want to call it 'Strawberry Candy'!"

This is something she likes to eat, and she hopes that others will find it sweet too.
Qi Lin touched his nose and said shyly, "Then I'll go with the 'airship'."

It stemmed from his favorite band and was also related to his hobby of model airplane design.

Wu Yue raised his wine glass, his words concise and to the point: "Hunter."

Lu Tao only uttered two words: "Artist"

Lu Wei didn't say anything, so Zhai Da gave her a cute nickname: "Wooden Person".

Finally, everyone looked at Zhai Da, wondering what nickname the president would use.

Zhai Da smiled and shrugged: "Isn't it obvious? I am the 'writer'."

A cross-university organization that had just gotten on track, but would become a coveted destination for geniuses from all over Harbin Institute of Technology and even the whole country, held its first gathering in a small bar.

Years later, a legend circulated: When you receive an invitation from 'π'.

Your past and future have already been recognized.

The past represents talent and achievements, the future represents infinite possibilities.

(End of this chapter)