Chapter 1050: Chapter 3 Questions_2

“In time, you will slowly understand that it is rare to have an occasion like today with everyone present… There are many reasons, but the most important reason, you’ll be able to figure it out in a moment.”

“However, you don’t need to concern yourself with others, because the content of the meeting and the discussions have nothing to do with them, but are–”

“[In order, each genius gets one opportunity to ask me a question.]”

There was a pause.

The stooped and authoritative old man continued:

“The manner of asking questions will be like we’re doing now, openly, and the question you pose will receive my exact answer. But at the same time… all other attendees will also hear the answer. This is a form of fairness and also a form of candor.”

“So, inevitably, if your question is too straightforward, too purpose-driven, it may bring you unnecessary trouble, to the point where other members might guess your future plans, or… guess your identity.”

To the left, [Gauss] slowly nodded his head:

“That’s right… Jask’s first participation in the meeting, he asked…”

“Shut up, Gauss!”

The man on the stage was already showing some impatience:

“Not interrupting when someone else is speaking is the most basic etiquette. Gauss… I’ve already mentioned this bad habit of yours many times. If you really wish to speak, you can raise your hand.”

Lin Xian snorted softly.

Indeed.

Gauss’ habit of interjecting was truly annoying. It’s been barely a few minutes since their first encounter, and Lin Xian had already completely lost sympathy for him, feeling perhaps he too might become the person to cut him off in the future.

Some people are naturally prone to interjecting.

The one Lin Xian remembers most distinctly was a college roommate, from Tianjin.

Perhaps it was because he was born in the city of cross-talk, influenced from childhood.

During every class…

Regardless of the subject…

It was the teacher lecturing on the podium, and him lecturing below, thoroughly enjoying himself.

Once during an elective course on economics.

The teacher was expounding:

“We talked about…”

“What’s that?” he interjected.

“In the concepts of economics, there is an invisible hand.”

“Exactly.” he interjected.

“This invisible hand, also known as the market mechanism, regulates the market.”

“Indeed.” he interjected.

“Moreover, the theory of modern economics is built upon a certain premise…”

“Hey! I’ve never heard of that!” he interjected.

“That is, assuming every market actor is profit-oriented.”

“Oh my, is that reasonable?” he interjected.

Bang!

The teacher slapped the desk:

“That student, get out!”

…

Lin Xian once tried to advise him:

“This habit of yours to butt in…”

“Yeesh.”

“Can’t you change it?”

“Of course not.”

“You know, with this habit, no teacher can stand it.”

“That’s harsh!”

“…Goodbye.”

“See you, sir.”

…

Anyway, let’s assume Gauss is from Tianjin for now.

No, that’s not right.

With his snail-slow way of speaking, he’s unfit to have grown up in Tianjin. Better… keep observing.

After scolding Gauss, [Einstein] continued the narrative:

“No.9 Rhein, being the last to ask, you have ample time to learn and understand. I trust that as a genius, your thinking ability will help you realize the opportunities and risks of this manner of questioning.”

Lin Xian remained silent.

In his heart, he had already figured it out.

This…

It’s essentially a werewolf game mode.

Each genius’ identity is hidden, their future plans are not public, and the actions they are setting up are carried out in secret.

This means that when you ask [Einstein] a question, you must think carefully before doing so.

Because this kind of questioning is not a one-on-one exchange.

Rather, it takes place in front of everyone’s ears–you ask, and get an answer.

If your question is too detailed, others can immediately guess your plans and thoughts, or even… pinpoint your identity.

If your question is too vague, then the answer you get might not be of any use to you, but instead, it might help someone else.

Asking a question to an omniscient being and getting an answer sounds very tempting, but amidst the listening of this group of geniuses, you might accidentally fall into a trap and a passive position.

For example.

The two thoughts that flashed through Lin Xian’s mind just now.

He wanted to ask “Where is Du Yao?” and also wanted to know “What exactly is the Millennium Stakes?”.

But now, he dares not ask.

If he asks where Du Yao is and specifies which Du Yao in detail, making it about personal achievements… Einstein can definitely provide an answer.

And then what?

Will Copernicus sitting next to him let Du Yao continue to roam freely?

Or, will the other geniuses not beat him to Du Yao?

And once they get to Du Yao before he does.

They will most likely analyze the purpose of Lin Xian’s search for Du Yao, and further deduce other clues detrimental to him.

Thus, such a foolish question is definitely not to be asked.

Asking, would be tantamount to exposing oneself, and never being able to meet Du Yao.

Similarly.

The question about the Millennium Stakes.

Huang Que once said that although the term Millennium Stakes was her own creation, those who know its original meaning could tell right away upon hearing it.

Lin Xian intuitively felt.

The Millennium Stakes is a concept of utmost importance, perhaps not known to, unclear to, or unheard of by the members of the Genius Club.

After all…

The Millennium Stakes was too well hidden, dispersing only once in 24 years–it’s as hard to witness as finding a needle in the ocean.

Lin Xian wasn’t sure whether [Einstein] knew about it or not.