The semi-finals were brutal, with 15 participants per group, and only the top 3 qualifying for the finals.
Shuo Shuo, having learned from the preliminary round, reacted swiftly this time. He kept his eyes glued to the host, and as soon as the words "Ready, go!" were uttered, he grabbed the Rubik's Cube, examined it for a few moments, and then began to manipulate it.
The different colored blocks on the cube moved like a rapidly flashing image in his hands, a dazzling spectacle. In less than two minutes, the scrambled cube was solved, resembling a beautiful flower unfolding. Shuo Shuo advanced to the finals, topping his group. His performance genuinely astonished everyone present. Many took out their phones to capture his handsome and adorable little face.
Geng Han, however, was too nervous and ended up in fourth place in his group, narrowly missing qualification for the finals. Surprisingly, Geng Han's mother didn't get angry this time; instead, she comforted him a few times. She didn't leave immediately either but stayed with him until the end of the finals.
The finals were even more intense, featuring young elites who had all advanced through two rounds of selection. Everyone was eager, their sights set on the championship trophy, with an air of determination. There were a total of 15 finalists, all under 12 years old, competing on the same stage. Some children who didn't qualify had already left, but many stayed to witness who would win the ultimate prize.
Before the competition began, the 15 contestants were already on stage, ready to perform. Murmurs rippled through the audience as people started predicting the outcome. "I think that tall boy has a strong presence; he clearly has experience in such major competitions. I reckon he'll be today's champion." "That's not necessarily true. Although he's older and looks more composed, I'm rooting for the youngest child. Look how unafraid he is, so calm." "Yes, yes, I think so too. His name seems to be Shen Zi Shuo, and he advanced to the finals as the top of his group. He must be very capable."
Shen Xi stood beside them, her face beaming with pride. Just then, the host's voice echoed, and the venue fell silent as the finals officially commenced. At the host's signal, the children on stage quickly picked up the Rubik's Cubes before them, observed them closely, and began to twist. The competition among these masters was truly spectacular. The speed and the composed, focused demeanor of each young contestant left the audience mesmerized and in awe. Yet, everyone understood the unspoken rule; not a soul spoke, not daring to even breathe too loudly for fear of distracting the children on stage.
As everyone was still captivated by the brilliant and breathtaking competition, Shen Zi Shuo, seated in the first row on the far right, was the first to complete his task. A wave of enthusiastic applause spontaneously erupted from the audience, all impressed by the handsome and intelligent young boy. Shen Xi covered her mouth in disbelief. As her gaze met the composed, faintly smiling little figure on stage, tears welled up in her eyes. "Shen Zi Shuo is amazing!" Geng Han's mother's admiring voice was heard as the competition officially concluded.
The host announced the results for the top three, with Shuo Shuo being a full five seconds faster than the second-place finisher. The final segment was the awards ceremony. Shuo Shuo, dressed in formal attire, stood on the podium with a calm and composed demeanor, like a little adult. What's more, his good looks were undeniable, prompting many to reach for their phones and capture this memorable moment. Someone from the audience suddenly called out, "This child is so outstanding; how was he raised? Could the parents please come up and share some of their experience?"
The suggestion was met with widespread agreement, as everyone was eager to hear Shen Zi Shuo's parents share their parenting insights. After obtaining permission from the organizers, the host invited Shen Xi onto the stage. Shen Xi was hesitant to go on stage, fearing it would draw too much attention and cause unnecessary trouble. However, she couldn't resist the repeated, enthusiastic applause from the parents in the audience. She slowly walked onto the stage, put an arm around Shen Zi Shuo, and said with elegance and humility, "Thank you all for your admiration and encouragement for my child. To be honest, I don't have much experience in educating children. I might disappoint you all. Shen Zi Shuo's achievements today are entirely due to his own efforts. He plays with Rubik's Cubes out of pure interest and taught himself. If I played any role in this, it was by respecting his interests and buying him some books related to Rubik's Cubes."
At this moment, someone from the audience loudly asked, "Excuse me, parent, did your child learn completely on his own, without any teacher's guidance?" "Yes," Shen Xi replied with a gentle smile, proudly stroking Shuo Shuo's little head. Her words caused disbelief to ripple through the audience, with people whispering to each other, and the hall was once again filled with discussion. Instantly, several teachers from training institutions flocked to the front, recommending their institutions to Shen Xi, vying to recruit Shen Zi Shuo.