Chapter 35 (1/2)

Chapter 35 – Day 8, Fis.h.i.+ng

I was mistaken about one thing. As soon as I entered the study room, I realized it immediately.

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Immediately after Hee-chul's remark, the atmosphere froze. Surprised and suspicious gazes turned towards Hee-chul. “Did you solve it?”

”Ah… Yes.”

”Can you please explain it?” Ha Jae-hak asked, causing Hee-chul to reply with a surprised expression.

“Um…” Hee-chul scratched his head and looked around the room before nodding. Unlike the att.i.tude that hesitated before speaking, the voice that emerged for his explanation was soft and smooth. “When I first saw it, I thought it was a non-polynomial, time-consuming problem. If so, the number of test cases will exceed 10 and it would be impossible to solve them in time.”

“Exactly.” As Ha Jae-hak focused on him, Hee-chul went on to explain it to everyone.

“But the problem has unnecessary information that are traps.”

“Condition two?”

”Yes. Except for that, there are exceptions that can solve the problem, for example…” The atmosphere changed as the exchange with Ha Jae-hak continued. Suspicion and doubts. Their mouths were wide open as their irritation gradually changed.

”…Wah… This…”

”Really…”

It wasn't because Hee-chul had solved a difficult problem that cries of admiration burst from their mouths. Actually, if it was just that, it would be annoying. This was the computer engineering department and someone had solved a problem that they had been thinking about for a while.

It might be because he was a genius, the problem was similar to one he already solved, or even just that he was in the best condition today. The main point was something else. It appeared to be a one-on-one conversation with Ha Jae-hak, but Hee-chul was actually explaining to everyone in the room.

It was never easy to understand everything through listening alone. Everyone should have experienced it in the past. They would get '??' while listening to the teacher and would have to review the lesson. Students wouldn't hear 100% of the lecture, even if the teacher had good technique.

But everyone in this place experienced it. The conversation between Hee-chul and Ha Jae-hak wasn't something that geniuses could interrupt. The process of solving the problem became engraved in their minds just from listening. It was far more impressive than someone solving the problem first.

Why? Was it due to Hee-chul's changed atmosphere? They couldn't say it, but was it because his voice and aura made them listen? Maybe even Hee-chul didn't know the reason.

It was often said that geniuses couldn't be good leaders. That saying wasn't 100% wrong. Those born with talent often wouldn't be able to understand the perspective of those born without it. Their ways of thinking were so different that they needed to put effort into understanding each other. A person who did it would be called a great educator or leader.

But regarding this point, Hee-chul didn't have to try. He wasn't a genius. Therefore, he knew the perspectives of those at a lower level. This was one of the most prestigious universities for computer engineering. Perhaps Hee-chul's original material was slightly below average before now. No, it might be lower.

”… So using a heuristic algorithm will allow you to pa.s.s through all the test cases. That is what I thought. To be honest, it was tough to get to this fact.” Hee-chul ended his explanation.

Everyone's irritation had already disappeared. Only perfect understanding remained. It was a problem that had made them suffer for dozens of minutes. But after Hee-chul's explanation, it wasn't that 'hard.' They could sympathize with math teachers or geniuses who say 'isn't it easy?' and would then have to explain for 20 minutes.

Hee-chul's image also played a part. His head was excellent but he also worked hard.

‘Hyung.’ ‘Oppa.’

The students all called him that in their heads. In fact, they understood the problem perfectly, but wasn't it solved due to Hee-chul? His efforts made it clear that they were duped by the traps. Everybody thought so. People were much fonder of a result that was due to effort rather than genius.

Clap clap.

Someone started applauding. Of course, it was half-hearted applause, but this brought fun into everyone's hearts, so they started clapping and whistling. “Hey, genius!”

”So cool!”

Ha Jae-hak knocked against Hee-chul's shoulder. “I heard it well. How is it? Would you like to try out this code?”

“Aish. It will be embarra.s.sing if I am wrong, Sunbae-nim.” But both Ha Jae-hak and Hee-chul knew. The thing that would emerge from the coding was the answer that Hee-chul said.

Dong-wook, who was sitting next to Hee-chul, slapped his b.u.t.t. ”Ya, this brat. You are always studying when you're actually a genius.”

“What are you talking about, Hyung?” Hee-chul replied playfully. “I am originally a genius.”

”Puhaha!” There was a burst of laughter in the room.

Hee-chul adjusted his bag and bowed towards Ha Jae-hak. ”Then, I'll be going. Sunbae-nim. Tomorrow is an exam and there is still a book I haven't read.”

“Ah, shall we go together? I need to go to the bathroom.” All the people in the room had already opened their notebooks and were coding the solution explained by Hee-chul.

In the central hallway, Ha Jae-hak talked while walking along the path towards the bathroom and entrance. “Speaking of which, I still don’t know how to contact Hee-chul. I've only seen you in that study room. Can you tell me?”

“Of course.”

“Did you hear? There was a reason we were solving the problem in the first place.”

“I heard it was to join the team.”