Otaku Translation: Literary Genius: This Kid Was Born Smart C77

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Chapter 77: Lu Xun Meets Sci-Fi?

The one who couldn’t resist chiming in was Zeng Jie, the same classmate Lü Ping teasingly nicknamed "Zeng Ha'er" (Zeng the Fool), a culinary genius who had brought an electric pot to military training and attempted to cook hot pot in the hallway.

His comment drew light laughter from the entire class. Encouraged by the reaction but still slightly nervous, Zeng glanced at their homeroom teacher.

Teacher Gao didn’t say anything—just gave him a brief, piercing look. That single glance hit Zeng like a mental strike, leaving him momentarily frozen.

“The school library has plenty of books, and I enjoy reading too,” Teacher Gao remarked casually. “After everyone’s introductions, I’ll share my reading list with you.” She inwardly marveled at how deceptive appearances could be. Two major literary magazines had signed Gu Lu as a writer, yet he claimed not to excel at writing?

These students truly were full of surprises.

“Next student,” Teacher Gao said, moving on without further questions. Her gaze fell on the boy seated behind Gu Lu.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Tian Xiao—‘Tian’ as in ‘field,’ and ‘Xiao’ as in ‘smiling often.’ I’m pretty good at pen spinning, and I’ve even competed in pen-spinning contests. My hobbies are reading manga and practicing pen spins.”

Through this introduction, Teacher Gao gleaned some insight into the student’s personality. Frequent use of filler words like “then,” “um,” and “that” suggested weaker communication skills. Students with such traits tended to be introverted and quiet.

“Pen spinning can create quite a disturbance and distract classmates, so teachers generally discourage it,” she said diplomatically, avoiding outright prohibition since it was only the first day of school.

Gu Lu’s mind immediately flashed back to his former desk-mate Zhou Lin’s incessant pen spinning—a memory that left him momentarily dazed.

“Teacher Gao, it’s different!” Tian Xiao quickly explained. “We compete in official pen-spinning tournaments, and we follow three strict rules: First, no spinning in public spaces; second, never demonstrate moves unless fully proficient; and third, aim to participate in competitions.”

Gu Lu was genuinely astonished. Pen spinning had competitions now?

Even Teacher Gao seemed perplexed but responded graciously. “That sounds impressive. Any activity developed into a competitive sport must require significant skill. Best of luck balancing your studies while pursuing success in this field.”

The subsequent introductions proceeded rather mundanely for the most part. But then came the outliers.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Qi Caiwei, inspired by the line from The Book of Songs: ‘Pick cress, pick cress, where cress grows.’” Qi Caiwei stood tall, her high ponytail swaying confidently. “I specialize in dancing—I started learning under my mother at age seven. I also enjoy reading and occasionally write things. If our school has a newspaper, I’d love to submit something.”

With poise honed by years of dance competitions and public appearances, Qi Caiwei returned to her seat gracefully.

Next up was Li Guyuan, a tall, bespectacled boy who made a lasting impression.

“My name is Li Guyuan—‘Li’ as in ‘wood,’ ‘Gu’ as in ‘ancient,’ and ‘Yuan’ as in ‘rolling circle.’”

“Though my science scores are solid, I consider myself more skilled at writing. In fact, I published an article in Sprout magazine this past March issue.”

“I also enjoy reading. That’s all.”

What struck the class wasn’t just the mention of publishing in Sprout, but the deliberate use of the word “also” and the pointed glance toward Qi Caiwei during his introduction.

Young people these days sure played bold moves! On the very first day of school, right in front of the teacher! Gu Lu leaned back, content to observe silently, munching metaphorical popcorn alongside the other curious spectators.

He had noticed earlier the kneeling student whose introduction had been brief and unremarkable, revealing little about their personality.

“Well then,” Teacher Gao interjected, “if you all enjoy reading so much, make sure to raise your hands when it’s time to select the Literature representative.” Her gaze lingered meaningfully on Li Guyuan. “Having someone publish in Sprout shows just how talented Class 10 is.”

After all fifty students completed their introductions, it became clear that introverted and reserved personalities dominated the group. Having spent over a week together during military training, most students already knew each other’s names, though Gu Lu still found himself struggling slightly with memorization.

“All right, let me share my recommended reading list,” Teacher Gao announced, turning toward the blackboard. The rhythmic sound of chalk scraping against the board filled the room, almost melodious.

She wrote:

- Ordinary World

- Chuci (Songs of Chu)

- Fortress Besieged

- Lu Xun

Three books, one author.

“Ordinary World and Fortress Besieged are, in my opinion, the two greatest Chinese novels—no contest. This is subjective, of course, but both works offer profound depth in thought, style, and literary merit.”

Teacher Gao was a Literature teacher, but homeroom teachers weren’t always required to teach Literature—it just so happened that for Gu Lu, his homeroom teachers throughout elementary, middle, and high school had all been Literature teachers.

“Chuci is an ancient poetry anthology, familiar to most of you. Why do I recommend it? Because the beauty of Chinese characters begins with oracle bone script, but their romance originates with Chuci.”

“It embodies resolve: ‘For what my heart holds dear, I’d face death nine times without regret.’ It conveys subtlety: ‘By Yuan River grows sweet-flag, by Li River blooms orchid; I yearn for thee yet dare not speak.’ And playfulness: ‘With a glance and a smile, you admire me, graceful and charming.’” Her voice rose dramatically. “A simple scene—bathing in fragrant water, wearing colorful robes—becomes poetry: ‘Bathe in fragrant waters, don garments bright as flowers.’ How beautiful!”

“This work laid the foundation for the romantic essence of Chinese characters,” she continued, visibly enraptured.

Regardless of her teaching prowess, it was evident that Teacher Gao deeply loved the Chinese language. Unfortunately, under her impassioned recommendation, ninety percent of the class appeared utterly bewildered, while others drifted off entirely.

Lü Ping silently dubbed their homeroom teacher “Mystic Auntie,” finding her lecture somewhat cryptic.

It wasn’t entirely the students’ fault. Without visual aids, listening alone made it difficult to grasp certain terms and phrases from Chuci.

Noticing the awkward atmosphere, Teacher Gao regained her composure, her tone growing cooler.

“As for Lu Xun, there’s no need for me to elaborate. Every Chinese person should read him—he’s a monumental writer. His works may seem like mere comprehension exercises now, but their significance will resonate later in life, especially Diary of a Madman and Panghuang.”

Gu Lu nodded in agreement, silently appreciating her point.

Ding—

[Eight consecutive Galaxy Awards][Fusion of classical and sci-fi][The world-renowned sci-fi author]

Hmm? A new synthesis sequence triggered.

World-renowned sci-fi authors… Earlier, the teacher mentioned Lu Xun, Diary of a Madman, and Panghuang. Surely no foreign sci-fi writer connects to those keywords?

So it must be domestic. But among Chinese authors, who qualifies as a world-renowned sci-fi writer?

Only one name came to Gu Lu’s mind: Liu Cixin!

Which led to a perplexing question: What sci-fi work by Liu Cixin relates to Lu Xun?

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