Chapter 16: The Beginning of the School Year

Li Yifei’s life was fulfilling and disciplined, with time quietly slipping by between books and the gym. Immersed daily in the ocean of knowledge while maintaining rigorous physical training, each day held profound meaning for him.

Particularly in physical training, he displayed remarkable talent and perseverance. Running five kilometers was effortless for him; by the end, scarcely a drop of sweat dotted his forehead. This not only prepared him thoroughly for the upcoming university military training but also forged his robust physique.

Thanks to long-standing healthy habits and attentive care for his eyesight, Li Yifei’s vision remained excellent, untouched by myopia. Standing 185 centimeters tall and weighing around 75 kilograms, his figure was well-proportioned and upright.

His sharply defined facial features paired with resolute eyes radiated an innate masculinity. Meanwhile, extensive reading endowed him with a unique scholarly elegance. These seemingly contradictory traits harmonized perfectly within him, creating a distinctive personal charm.

As August 31 approached, Li Yifei’s heart brimmed with anticipation, for this day marked the crucial conclusion of his stock investment plan. Months ago, he had meticulously arranged his strategy and was now poised to reap the rewards.

At precisely 9:30 a.m., when the stock market opened, he began selling stocks in an orderly manner. Though professional analysis suggested the stock could still rise that day, he decisively followed through to mitigate potential risks. The entire trading process spanned most of the day, culminating in a successful cash-out of over 500 million yuan—far exceeding expectations.

This investment success deepened his understanding of the importance of capital management. He resolved to diversify his investments in the future, avoiding the concentration of all funds in a single stock.

After cashing out, Li Yifei promptly devised a new investment strategy. He boldly allocated 200 million yuan to purchase shares in Maotai and Penguin, intending to hold them long-term and sell when their prices soared, yielding another substantial profit.

Another 300 million yuan was invested in stocks with strong recent growth, anticipated to remain stable for the next two months. With precise judgment and sound planning, he projected his assets could grow to 800 million yuan by November.

Looking further ahead, he had already noted the potential for a significant global market downturn next year. His plan was to short the U.S. stock market at that time, aiming for a colossal leap in wealth, targeting a net worth of 10 billion yuan.

September 1, 2007, was another pivotal day in Li Yifei’s life. Holding his acceptance letter, he arrived at the university to complete enrollment procedures.

Because he had chosen to major in economics and take multiple elective courses, his homeroom teacher, Mr. Wang, personally escorted him to the office of Professor Lu Guocai, the economics professor.

Professor Lu had already been informed by the school about this exceptional student and was filled with curiosity and eager anticipation to meet him.

Upon their first encounter, Li Yifei introduced himself politely and confidently: “Hello, Professor Lu. I am Li Yifei, 17 years old, from Anyin City, Jiang Province.”

Professor Lu was struck by Li Yifei’s tall and upright presence, as well as his composed and poised manner of speaking, leaving a deep first impression.

Curious, Professor Lu asked, “Hello, Yifei. I’ve seen your college entrance exam results—your performance in mathematics, physics, and chemistry is outstanding. Why, then, have you chosen to study economics instead of the physical sciences?”

Li Yifei considered carefully before responding clearly and logically: “Professor Lu, I believe that in today’s society, economics is the driving force behind social development. In the fierce international competition ahead, economic strength will directly determine the trajectory of all industries. Mastering economics is vital to understanding and grasping the direction of societal progress.”

Li Yifei’s answer astonished Professor Lu. Such profound insight and broad vision from someone so young was rare. The professor pressed further, “Yifei, have you studied economics on your own in advance?”

Li Yifei candidly replied, “Professor, I have completed most of the undergraduate economics curriculum and am currently reading some world economic classics.”

To verify Li Yifei’s true level, Professor Lu presented four pre-prepared exam papers covering key undergraduate economics topics, asking him to answer on the spot.

Li Yifei accepted the papers calmly and focused intently. After an hour and a half, he handed the completed exams back to Professor Lu. Upon careful review, the professor was shocked to find that Li Yifei not only mastered the entire undergraduate content but also demonstrated deep understanding of some graduate-level material. His knowledge was on par with that of a graduate.

Composing himself, Professor Lu solemnly said, “Yifei, you should take the undergraduate and graduate graduation exams directly next June. There’s no need to spend time at both levels. While you have the time now, write your undergraduate and graduate theses well. I will coordinate with the school regarding other formalities.”

Gratefully, Li Yifei responded, “Thank you, Professor Lu. I will bring my thesis to you for review as soon as it’s finished.”

After bidding farewell to Professor Lu, under Mr. Wang’s guidance, Li Yifei visited Professor Zong Yin in law and Professor Xia Yeyu of the medical school.

In law, Li Yifei’s solid foundation and unique insights earned Professor Zong’s recognition, granting him permission to pursue combined undergraduate and graduate studies next year with early thesis preparation.

In traditional Chinese medicine, despite the high demands of practical skills, Li Yifei’s proficiency in acupuncture and pharmacology, along with his experience apprenticing under an old Chinese medicine doctor, impressed Professor Xia greatly, who also agreed to his combined graduation next year.

Within a single day, Li Yifei passed assessments by three professors consecutively, smoothly opening the path for accelerated multidisciplinary study. Yet, he was not content to stop there.

Considering a major event looming next year, he decided to add physics and geology to his studies. With Mr. Wang’s help, he visited the professors in these fields and, relying on his own strength, passed their assessments, earning the opportunity to study under them. Unlike with the first three professors, he did not yet qualify for direct graduation exams in these subjects, but Li Yifei was not disappointed—he only sought the qualification to learn.

As the busy day ended and night fell, Li Yifei went to the economics department to find his counselor, Zhang Qiang. Zhang had already learned from Professor Lu about Li Yifei’s exceptional situation. He knew Li Yifei was temporarily transitioning within the economics department, mainly participating in military training. Afterward, he would devote himself fully to multidisciplinary academic research according to Professor Lu’s plan.

Standing at this new starting point, Li Yifei was filled with confidence about the future. Though he faced the daunting challenge of writing multiple theses and engaging in interdisciplinary study and research, with his intelligence, perseverance, and thirst for knowledge, he believed his path would grow ever broader and farther.

On his journey toward his dreams, Li Yifei took firm steps toward higher goals, destined to leave a mark on history.