《Super God-Level Top Student》


 Chapter 1: 1: Unique Talent

    In early May, the zing sun hung in the sky.


    The sunlight, obstructed by the trees alongside the sidewalk, sprinkled onto the ground, leaving only specks of light.


    Even so, people walking on the streets still felt an unbearable dry heat. This was a summer in Xingcheng; even Africans who came here to spend the summer would peel ayer of skin when they returned home.


    At this moment, a mother and son were walking on the sizzling pavement.


    The teenage son, Qiao Ze, wore a wooden expression and walked with an odd gait, while his mother, Lu Xiuxiu, nced repeatedly at her son, her mouth constantly muttering.


    "Qiao Ze, when we meet Teacher Yuter, do you know how to address him? This is rted to your whole life. Mom is useless, I can only help you with this much. If this doesn''t work out, you might really not be able to attend college. What will you do then?"


    Unfortunately, Lu Xiuxiu''s nagging did not resonate with the boy or elicit any response; his face remained as calm as a still pond.


    "Sigh... you..." Lu Xiuxiu wanted to say more but, seeing her child''s indifferent expression, she ultimately gave up. Her mouth, however, continued to mutter nonstop.


    Fortunately for her, the hotel that carried herst hope was not far ahead.


    ¡­


    At Xiaoxiang Star Mansion Hotel, in room 716, Li Jiangao was leaning against the headboard, seriously reading a printed paper when suddenly the ringing of the doorbell interrupted his thoughts. With a slight frown, he ced the paper on the bedside table and approached the door.


    "Teacher Yu, I am Qiao Ze''s parent. Teacher Zhou introduced us to you."


    Ah, they''re looking for Teacher Yu. With admission season approaching, it''s no wonder the admission officers are so busy.


    "This parent, I''m not..."


    Li Jiangao forced a smile as he opened the door, intending to exin that Teacher Yu had changed rooms with him, but the woman just started rambling.


    "Teacher Yu, I know this might be difficult, but please hear me out first! How about we go in and talk..."


    She hadn''t finished her sentence when the woman, taking charge, grabbed her son by the hand and barged into the room...


    Li Jiangao stood there, stunned. There was no helping it; people online these days understand how things work. He instinctively tried to avoid physical contact with the woman in front of him, but merely stepped aside to let her pass, and she sessfully pulled a rather dour-looking child into the room.


    "Um, parent, I''m not Teacher Yu. Teacher Yu is on the 4th floor, you see..." Li Jiangao said with a wry smile as he turned around to continue his exnation.


    However, the woman seemed not to understand a word Li Jiangao was saying, and she rattled on, "Really, Teacher Yu, I''m not bragging, but our Qiao Ze is really outstanding. He always gets perfect scores in math and physics. It''s just his Chinese, English, and a few other subjects where his marks arecking.


    He could have been admitted to Huaqing or Yanbei on the strength of his performance in the Olympiads, but he''s a bit introverted, not good atmunicating, and he got ostracized by the others. He was also held back by Coach Shan at school and couldn''tpete. But this year, we entered him inpetitions on our own and he even won awards; I''ve brought the certificates. Look..."


    Li Jiangao watched the ceaseless woman and felt somewhat on the verge of copse.


    If only he had known that such a tenacious and iprehensible parent woulde today, he wouldn''t have switched rooms with Teacher Yu the night before.


    "No, this parent, I''m not lying to you, I''m really not Teacher Yu. Last night¡­"


    As Li Jiangao continued trying to make the woman understand this point, she suddenly broke down in tears, "Teacher Yu, honestly, you''re ourst hope. I''ve gone to all the people I could in this period, and Qiao Ze''s homeroom teacher actually thinks highly of him, but the child is just too uneven in his subjects."


    Qiao Ze''s father died early, and I raised him alone. The doctors said he had something called Asperger''s syndrome, but he''s really not sick. He just doesn''t like to talk to people. Think about it, with his withdrawn nature, if he can''t get into a good university, what could he possibly do in societyter on?!


    I''m begging you, please just give him a test, anything rted to math or physics. Any problem, no matter how difficult, will do¡ªthe harder, the better. If he can''t solve it, I''ll leave right away! Really, our Qiao Ze is truly a genius!"


    Li Jian Gao waspletely stunned.


    At that moment, he felt so embarrassed he could have dug out a three-bedroom apartment on the floor with his toes, praying silently that the Xiaoxiang Star Mansion Hotel had more atrocious soundproofing. Otherwise, if the people nearby couldn''t hear what this woman was saying, heaven knows what the professors staying next door would think.


    And on top of everything, this woman was a widow!


    What the heck is this all about!


    "Qiao Ze, you should also greet Teacher Yu. Eh... don''t mess with the teacher''s things!" the woman said through tears.


    Only then did Li Jian Gao realize there was someone else in the room.


    When he finally turned his attention to the child, he noticed that the mother was already inconsble, while Qiao Ze himself remained as calm as an outsider. And at some point, the boy had picked up the paper he had casually thrown on the bedside table, now sitting on the couch by the bed, quietly reading it.


    Li Jian Gao was just about to speak when the teenager suddenly looked up at him, and that''s when he noticed the boy''s eyes were exceptionally clear. But what the young man said next took him by surprise again.


    "Did you write this paper?"


    Li Jian Gao shook his head instinctively, saying, "No, this is thetest paper from Professor Ronier at the University of Illinois."


    "Oh! The author is quite clever..." the boy nodded in acknowledgment,menting, but immediately added, "But the proof of the third lemma is wrong, so all the subsequent proofs are problematic."


    Li Jian Gao found this amusing...


    Look at what he''s saying...


    This was a paper published in ''Mathematics Annual,'' reviewed by a host of mathematicians. Of course, the paper might have issues, but none of the experts in the field had spotted them. Could this kid have noticed something they hadn''t?


    Moreover, the paper was about Group Theory, a subject obscure enough that those who know it, know it well.


    Those who don''t, probably haven''t even heard the term.


    Not to mention a high school student, even he had suffered immensely from choosing a topic in Group Theory during his Ph.D. studies.


    But Li Jian Gao had just been promoted to associate professor and had some manners, so he just scoffed and said, "Heh, where is it wrong? Can you put it simply?"


    "The proof is correct under three-dimensional conditions, but it fails when applied to four-dimensional Euclidean space. If you substitute the general form of the four-dimensional straight line into the calction, you''ll get a unique solution, meaning either the hyperne ABC must all be zero at once; or the subspace surface will intersect with the defined line at the solution''s coordinates.


    However, in three-dimensional Euclidean geometry, ABC cannot all be zero at once; in four-dimensional geometry, a surface and a line do not intersect."


    Li Jian Gao was stunned for a long while, then rushed over, practically snatching the paper from the child''s hands, and began to seriously re-read the proof of Lemma 3. Then, with a peculiar look on his face, he turned to Qiao Ze: "How do you know this part of the equation has a unique solution?"


    Qiao Ze pursed his lips, looking at the man before him as though he was still watching a fool, also with a hint of disappointment. He didn''t want to answer at first, but considering this was the first person who seemed to understand him, he reluctantly gave an exnation: "Of course, it''s estimated.


    You can imagine the three-dimensional projection in the coordinate system, then substitute the coordinates of every point as parameters, and proceed with the dimension transformation calction. Although I didn''t calcte the exact results, I''m certain this equation has a solution."


    "In any case, the specialpact Lie groups the author tried to construct are wed!"


    ...

 Chapter 2: 2 Cherishing Talent

    Li Jian Gao felt somewhat dazed.


    To say the least, without the aid of aputer, just theplex calction process alone, would take an entire day, if not more.


    How long had this child been in the room?


    Three minutes? Five minutes?


    And he was so confidently iming that he had already figured it out?


    Moreover, what did that undisguised contempt in his eyes mean?


    Well, setting aside whether Qiao Ze''s calctions were correct or not.


    Being able to say what he just did already meant that the kid truly could understand the paper.


    After all, this was something that couldn''t be faked.


    Firstly, the two of them had clearly chosen the wrong person;


    Secondly, the paper was something he had printed on a whimst night, and before today, he didn''t know the two people in front of him at all, nor could he have anticipated that he would be reading this paper this morning;


    Thirdly, even if one hade prepared, understanding this paper would still require an extremely solid foundation in mathematical knowledge.


    Li Jian Gao was thirty-six years old this year.


    Having studied at Xilin University''s School of Mathematics from his teenage years, then pursuing a doctorate at Huaxia''s Harbin Institute of Technology, and moving on to join the workforce, he had spent nearly twenty years on mathematics to just barely reach this threshold.


    But how old was this kid before him really?


    "Have you self-studied Group Theory?" Li Jian Gao asked suspiciously.


    However, the youth, as if he hadn''t heard Li Jian Gao''s question, countered with, "Are there many in the university who can understand this kind of paper?"


    Li Jian Gao curled his lip but still honestly replied, "Actually, not a lot. But rtive to other ces, you could say it''s quite a few. After all, most of the people who read these papers are also concentrated in universities and various research institutes."


    "Oh."


    The youth nodded, thenmented, "The university students and professors I''ve seen are all quite stupid which makes me not want to talk to them. I thought all universities were filled with idiots."


    "You kid, don''t call teachers stupid! Where have you seen any serious university professors? As I''ve told you, those you''ve met are recruitment teachers¡ªyou know? They are only responsible for admissions, not for teaching! Uh... except for Teacher Yu!


    Although Teacher Yu is also a recruitment teacher, he can understand the paper, so he''s definitely not stupid."


    The woman beside anxiously scolded, starting to speak without filtering her thoughts.


    Really, at this moment, Lu Xiuxiu''s heart was almost shattered!


    She had just seen that the teacher seemed to be a bit interested in her child, and Qiao Ze had even taken the initiative to speak to the teacher¡ªall was heading in a good direction. Who could have imagined that before they could talk a bit more, the kid started causing trouble again.


    If you call teachers stupid, which teacher would like your child?!


    Li Jian Gao just gave a bitter smile.


    He thought he understood why this child would even be excluded from something like representing his school in apetition.


    This was a child truly burdened with severe difficulty in normalmunication with others.


    But this kid''s talent was also truly exceptional.


    To have thoroughly learned Group Theory at the high school level, even Einstein would have admitted feeling inferior.


    For a moment, this left Li Jian Gao in a quandary.


    After all, he was just an ordinary associate professor who had recently been promoted from lecturer after passing the 3+3, and he had just gotten a firm foothold in the school, not to mention having much clout when it came to admissions.


    This time in Xingcheng, he was here to attend an academic conference and, since it happened to be nearby, he checked into the hotel where the admissions staff usually stayed.


    It was because Yu unexpectedly had a friende overst night, but the seventh floor was fitted with king-size beds, which were inconvenient for two men, so they simply swapped with the double room on the fourth floor, leading to today''s coincidence.


    So Li Jiangao nced at the boy who had once again focused on his paper and directly motioned for Lu Xiuxiu to sit down.


    "It''s fine, parent, please take a seat first. Let''s do this, I''ll just broadly ask about the child''s situation. You said his grades in other subjects are poor, how poor are we talking?"


    Seeing Li Jiangao''s approach, Lu Xiuxiu, as if finding a pir of strength, began speaking nonstop, "Report, Teacher. The child''s first choice is physics, and currently in both mathematics and physics, he can consistently achieve full marks. But his highest score in Chinese is just over sixty, and in English he usually scores around thirty.


    For other subjects, he often feels disinterested and outright submits nk answer sheets."


    Li Jiangao scratched his head as he suddenly realized that the paper Qiao Ze was reading was in pure English.


    A child who could smoothly read a pure English mathematics paper could only score in the thirties for English?


    "Wait, I can understand if his grades in other subjects are low, but his English?"


    When Li Jiangao said this, Lu Xiuxiu began toin bitterly, "Oh my, don''t get me started, Teacher Yu, you don''t know. And it''s not just English¡ªhis Chinese isn''t bad either, but he just can''t do readingprehension orpose essays, and he has always submitted nk papers in exams. Even talks with the principal haven''t helped.


    It''s the same with English¡ªhe dislikes the quality of the listening tapes so much that he just refuses to do the listening portion. In fact, when he watches English movies in their original version, he never chooses ones with subtitles."


    Li Jiangao realized, indeed, this was a problem that needed solving!


    But then again, if this kid didn''t have this problem, he probably wouldn''t have ended up with the parent bringing him straight to his room today. If he had even a bit of normalcy, a bunch of top-tier college professors would have already lured him away.


    However, it didn''t end there. Quite suddenly, he noticed the parent across him getting fidgety again.


    "Does the child have any other issues? Tell me everything in detail," Li Jiangao pressed.


    He no longer cared that this parent kept incorrectly calling him Teacher Yu.


    "It''s that he can only score full marks in mathematics and physics if the teacher who sets the questions makes them challenging enough. If he feels there''s not a single question that meets his expectations, he might intentionally submit a nk answer sheet. You see, since he was little, he lost his father and is very stubborn.


    I have spoken to him with all the patience in the world a million times, but he just doesn''t listen," Lu Xiuxiu cautiously exined.


    No sooner had she finished speaking than Li Jiangao was about to inwardly sigh when Qiao Ze, who had been reading his paper, suddenly said, "It''s not intentional, it''s just that working on too many stupid questions can affect one''s mood and intelligence, the same way talking to a very stupid person can."


    Li Jiangao instinctively turned to look at Qiao Ze and noticed the kid was still bowing his head, seemingly engrossed in the paper, without ncing their way at all.


    Well, it seemed they had a multitasking genius on their hands.


    What Li Jiangao didn''t know was that the boy reading the paper was feeling even more aggrieved at the time.


    Whenever there were exams, if the questions were too simple, the characters and symbols on the test papers would seem to him like little figures dancing around, preventing him from answering the questions.


    Yet this was something Qiao Ze had never told anyone, including Lu Xiuxiu, let alone Li Jiangao.


    After hesitating for a moment, Li Jiangao made a decision, "Parent, I have a rough understanding of the child''s situation, but I still have to tell you that I''m not Teacher Yu and I''m not in charge of admissions. Actually, I am a professor from Xilin University of Technology Mathematics Institute, my name is Li Jiangao."


    Having said this and without waiting for Lu Xiuxiu''s quick response, he spoke again, "However, Qiao Ze''s situation is quite unique, and I can see he is indeed very talented in mathematics and physics. But I can''t give you any guarantees right now.


    Look, I''m here in Xingcheng to attend an academic conference and will be staying for about three more days. If you trust me, you can let your child follow me for these days, and after I get to know him a bit deeper, we can see if there''s a way to enroll him early into the school through autonomous admission or at least make some rmendations for him."


    After hearing this reply, Lu Xiuxiu was stunned for a moment and then replied with some difficulty, "Professor Li, thank you so much, but could I stay by his side? It''s not that I don''t trust you, I''m just afraid that the child might offend people too easily with his way of speaking without thinking."


    "What? Are you nning to stay by his side even when he goes to university, or pursues his doctorate? Parent, boys have to be independent eventually," Li Jiangao shook his head and said with a frown, "Actually, all universities don''t really like students who can''t take care of themselves, no matter how talented they are."


    "Then... Maybe ask the child..."


    There was no need to ask, as the young man initiated the conversation himself, "If I follow you, will I meet many intelligent people?"


    Li Jiangao sniffled and responded honestly, "Well, that depends on what kind of intelligent you mean. Although there aren''t many as bright as the author of the paper you''re reading, there are a few. Certainly more than you''ve met in high school."

 Chapter 3: 3 Its Your Turn

    The handover went quite smoothly.


    Lu Xiuxiu hesitantly expressed a desire to meet with Teacher Yu, and Li Jian Gao, seeing the mother''s anxiety, took the initiative to call for Yu and, in front of Lu Xiuxiu, had Yu open a room for Qiao Ze. He decisively took out his work badge and the proof of attendance for the conference, showed them to Lu Xiuxiu, and left her his mobile number, even adding each other on WeChat.


    Only then did this respectable mother feelpletely at ease, and after repeatedly instructing Qiao Ze, she left the hotel satisfied.


    In fact, given the choice, she wouldn''t want to be with Qiao Ze every day.


    After all, she still had to earn money to support the family, but what could she do with her hard luck? Saddled with a short-lived husband and burdened with such a child.


    ...


    Li Jian Gao asked Qiao Ze to stay in the room and read papers, while he and Teacher Yu escorted Lu Xiuxiu all the way to the hotel entrance. It wasn''t until after they saw the mother leave the hotel that Yu Chenggong curiously asked, "Professor Li, what''s the deal with this kid? Is he worth keeping here specially?"


    "You should know, right? They came specifically for you, said they were referred by their high school teacher."


    "Don''t get me started. I had to give face to Zhou, didn''t I? Last year, he convinced several good prospects to apply to our school. But Zhou also said, this kid is mentally ill, severely so, and he was at his wit''s end with the mother, so he came to me, asking me to consider the situation.


    I nned to just go through the motions and then send them back, but I got caught up chatting with a friendst night and forgot. They arrived without even giving me a call¡­"


    "Yeah, it''s because he''s ill that I kept him. Otherwise, they wouldn''t havee to us at all. You might not believe it, but I don''t know much about other aspects of this child, yet his mastery in mathematics might be higher than mine. Of course, it could also be a form of mathematical intuition."


    "Talent, huh... Wait, what did you say? Mastery? Not just talent?"


    "Yes, mastery! At least in terms of his understanding of Group Theory." Li Jian Gao nodded confidently; he didn''t mind singing Qiao Ze''s praises in front of Yu Chenggong. After all, the other was a recruitment teacher and could be helpful.


    Yu Chenggong swallowed, knowing full well what it meant for a student''s mathematical proficiency to surpass that of an associate professor at the School of Mathematics. This kid was a treasure...


    "Zhou really wasn''t being fair, huh? He just mentioned over the phone that the kid is pretty good at math and physics."


    Li Jian Gao thought about the child''s behavior and could somewhat understand Qiao Ze''s thought processes.


    Probably thought their Teacher Zhou was a fool too, not deigning to showcase his talents before these idiots.


    But then again, in a high school environment, indeed no one could keep up with the train of thought of such a child.


    Consequently, he shook his head and exined, "It might not be that he''s being unfair, it''s just this kid... anyway, you''ll understand after a few words with him upstairs."


    ...


    In fact, even if Li Jian Gao hadn''t mentioned it, Yu Chenggong was nning to go up and see for himself what a child who outperformed a university associate professor in mathematics was truly capable of.


    Although he had been a recruitment teacher for over ten years, having traveled all over the country and seen many talented children, he had never encountered a student with such an extensive mathematical knowledge at the high school stage. Not even the winners of the world math olympiads could havemanded such an evaluation from a bona fide professor of a 985 university.


    So, five minutester, Yu Chenggong witnessed it for himself.


    "Hello, Qiao Ze, right? You should recognize me by now, I''m the Teacher Yu you were originally looking for."


    Qiao Ze sat there quietly, no longer reading papers, his eyes gazing straight ahead as if emitting light, yet he didn''t acknowledge the enthusiastic recruitment teacher in front of him.


    Awkward...


    "Cough cough..."


    Li Jiangao cleared his throat twice and said, "Well... Qiao Ze, if you really want tomunicate with many intelligent people whom you desire to talk to, you must first learn to deal with people like Yu, who may seem less intelligent to you but are actually stronger than you in many ways."


    The words were said with tact, but Yu Chenggong, who had been around for more than a decade, still felt a subconscious blush creep onto his weathered face.


    The damned IQ killer.


    What almost made Yu Chenggong vomit blood was that the kid did indeed react, naively asking, "Why?"


    Does that mean he''s really that dumb?


    "For example, there are often academic conferences in the world where the brightest mindse together to exchange ideas that could change the world. But if you want to attend, you''ll need someone like Yu to arrange a series of things for you.


    Someone to schedule your itinerary ording to your time, coordinate with the organizingmittee about your speaking slot, book flights, book hotels, and handle all sorts of other trivial matters, right?"


    Qiao Ze retorted, "Can''t Lu Xiuxiu do these things?"


    Li Jiangao was taken aback for a moment before he realized that Lu Xiuxiu was the child''s mother, and then patiently exined like a father, "But your mother isn''t part of this circle. Does she have ess to this information? Does she know even one person on the organizingmittee? Can shemunicate fluently in differentnguages with international staff?"


    Qiao Ze thought for a moment, and it seemed that he epted Li Jiangao''s words. Then he turned slightly to look at Yu Chenggong, who was too embarrassed for words, and innocently said, "Hello, so you understand all of what Teacher Li just mentioned, right?"


    Yu Chenggong wanted to vomit blood.


    But Li Jiangao showed a satisfied smile.


    See, the kid can be reasoned with after all! He''s not impervious to persuasion as his mother describes.


    Li Jiangao absolutely couldn''t imagine that this was only because Qiao Ze had categorized him as a fool who was barelypetent formunication, which was why he was somewhat willing to talk to him at all. If he knew that, he probably wouldn''t feel so smug.


    In Qiao Ze''s extremely simple model of interpersonalmunication, Li Jiangao indeed was the first person he encountered in his fledgling life with whom he could engage in some ineffectivemunication. Just as Li Jiangao had envisioned, Qiao Ze did indeed have a desire tomunicate; he just wasn''t willing to waste too much talk on those he deemed absolute fools.


    Moreover, at this point, both of them didn''t realize that the absence of fatherly love had rendered Qiao Ze''s growth trajectory iplete. Li Jiangao''s appearance was starting to fill some of those gaps for the boy, making him subconsciously more willing to listen a bit longer.


    Of course, it was just a bit longer for now, no more than that.


    "Haha, Mr. Yu, don''t be modest now. These are all your specialties," Li Jian Gao said with a wink to Yu Chenggong, seeing that everything was moving in a positive direction.


    What to do?


    The smooth admissions officer decided to swallow the blood in his throat and squeezed out a smile, saying, "That''s right, we specialize in dealing with people, so we do understand some of this."


    Qiao Ze nodded, then said matter-of-factly, "Good, then you help me take care of these matters when I go tomunicate with normal people."


    Qiao Ze then nced at Li Jiangao, whose expression wasplex, and feeling that something seemed amiss, fell silent for a moment before squeezing out another rare phrase: "Oh right, thank you."

 Chapter 4: 4 Incredible Brains Astonishing Conceptions

    ```


    "Yu, I''m sorry, you know what''s going on with the kid now, right?" Li Jiangao rubbed his hands outside the room, apologizing.


    "This kid¡­" After thinking for quite a while, Yu Chenggong couldn''t find the right adjective to describe Qiao Ze. He ended up saying simply, "Isn''t he just too stubborn?"


    "It''s true that he doesn''t know how tomunicate normally, but his mathematical talent and attainment are also real. Many geniuses are like this, unconsciously offending others, possibly alienating many, and being misunderstood, leading to their talents being buried. But if you just give them a chance to shine, they can be dazzling like the sun. Just like the historical Ramanujan."


    Li Jiangao was racking his brain to speak well of Qiao Ze. Although his understanding of the boy was still not broad, he genuinely had high hopes for him. Moreover, with the help of Yu Chenggong, a highly experienced admissions teacher in the school, there was a much higher chance of sessfully getting the peculiar child Qiao Ze into the school.


    Of course, he also truly hoped to make Qiao Ze as normal as possible.


    Even though this was not within his job scope, it could still allow Qiao Ze to shine more easily and avoid some detours.


    What was even rarer was that at this moment, Li Jiangao had very little self-interest in doing these things and was motivated purely by his love for mathematics, and he couldn''t bear to see a special child like Qiao Ze wasted.


    "Professor Li, you really don''t have to tell me all this. But don''t think I''m overstepping our acquaintanceship by saying some words. Recruiting such a child is generally risky, and if anything happens to him at school, it would be troublesome, especially since hees from a single-parent family.


    But if you really have high hopes for him and need me to help write a report or something, just let me know," Yu Chenggong said with a smile.


    "Then, thank you very much, Teacher Yu!"


    "Haha, Professor Li, don''t mention it. Call me if you need anything! I must be off now, there''s a student''s parenting for a consultation shortly."


    "Alright, Teacher Yu, go ahead and be busy."


    In Li Jiangao''s view, Qiao Ze was a potential stock.


    In Yu Chenggong''s view, Li Jiangao was equally a potential stock.


    Those who understand know just how impressive it is to get hired in a 985 top university''s 3+3 program and to smoothly stay on.


    Not to mention someone like Yu Chenggong, who had been mixing in the university circle for twenty years, and had witnessed how the criteria for hiring teachers became increasingly demanding each year to the point of being almost perverse.


    For instance,st year the school had a returnee who was a star achiever, with an undergraduate degree from a top 5 domestic university plus a doctoral degree from a famous overseas institution, and numerous achievements leading a team. Yet, after six years without reaching an associate professor position, he was let go, with no one able to save him.


    Now, for a slot of an associate professor at a university, it seemed like hundreds of candidates were waiting to seize the opportunity.


    Li''s PhD advisor was also quite impressive, but he had already retired five years ago. Under such circumstances, the usually reticent Li Jiangao was still able to smoothly obtain the title of associate professor and stay at the school, which sufficiently demonstrated his capabilities.


    Whatever the aspect of his abilities, it was worth investing in.


    Who knows, in a few years, he might be a significant professor at the university, and perhaps then Yu Chenggong might need to ask Li Jiangao for a favor. To decline such an easy favor would be truly foolish.


    ...


    After seeing Yu Chenggong off, Li Jiangao turned back to the room, only to see Qiao Ze looking at him with curiosity.


    He touched his face subconsciously and asked, "What is it?"


    Li Jiangao didn''t know that although he had deliberately kept his voice very low while speaking with Yu Chenggong, Qiao Ze was not only exceptionally intelligent but also had an especially acute sense of hearing.


    Aside from giving him a somewhat reclusive personality, God appeared to have bestowed nearly all the excellent human genes on him.


    ```


    So the conversation between the two was not lost on Qiao Ze''s ears.


    "Apart from Lu Xiuxiu, you''re the first person who has tried to understand me and also wants to help me. And you''re much smarter than Lu Xiuxiu."


    "You heard everything?"


    Li Jiangao was stunned for a moment before he said seriously, "Well, regardless of how talented or smart you are, if you truly want to engage with more interesting ideas, you must first learn to respect others. Starting now, you''re not allowed to call Lu Xiuxiu by her name, you must call her ''Mom''!"


    Qiao Ze cocked his head to the side and asked, "Why?"


    "You can think of respect as a choice. An inequality of intelligence is not the original sin. Okay, let''s not talk about grand principles, but gratitude is the basic moral baseline of a person. Your mother has worked hard to raise you, doesn''t she deserve your respect?" Li Jiangao''s tone was serious yet not harsh.


    After all, the child was sick in the head, and it wasn''t a mild case.


    Qiao Ze fell silent for a moment and then argued, "A name and ''mom'' are both pronouns, symbols. I don''t think they necessarily represent respect orck thereof. And I will repay her."


    Li Jiangao simply sat in front of Qiao Ze and said frankly, "Oh? Then tell me, how do you n to repay her? You are not even willing to seriously consider college, you''re not good at socializing, and you want her to worry about your future. Is that your way of repaying her?"


    "I have a way to make money! Enough for her to spend!" Qiao Ze emphasized.


    Li Jiangao took a deep breath and said, "Okay, I''ll give you ten minutes. If you can convince me that you truly have a way to make money, I won''t force this issue upon you anymore."


    Qiao Ze pursed his lips and then said earnestly, "I''ve been thinking about a problem, and I''m close to having an answer. This problem is worth a million US dors. Once I solve it and get the prize money, I''ll give it all to her, enough for us to live on."


    A problem worth a million dors?


    This specific amount made Li Jiangao think of a special series of mathematical problems subconsciously before he gasped in shock, feeling a chill run down his spine.


    In the year 2000, the y Mathematics Institute offered a global prize for seven mathematical problems.


    Each problem had a prize amount of one million US dors.


    Anyone who solved any of these problems and got the mainstream mathematicalmunity''s recognition could take away the prize money of one million US dors from the foundation.


    And it''s a tax-free million US dors at that.


    Li Jiangao''s mouth hung open as he asked in a low voice, "Okay, which one of the seven problems are you talking about? Since you''re looking at those problems, you should know that the Four Color Theorem and Poincar¨¦ Conjecture have already been solved by others, right?"


    Qiao Ze gave a small, somewhat proud smile and said, "Of course it''s not those two problems. The problem I''m going to solve is the Mass Gap hypothesis. It won''t be long before I can prove that in a simple, connected Lie group, there is a mass gap solution for the four-dimensional Euclidean space quantum Yang-Mills Equations."


    After hearing Qiao Ze''s words, Li Jiangao suddenly felt an urge to call Yang, who was still alive.


    Really, if this problem was truly solved by the child in front of him, quantum physicists all over the world would owe this kid a debt of gratitude.


    Even Li Jiangao wouldn''t mind immediately kneeling before this child.


    At least up to this point, no one in the world had been able to truly solve the Yang-Mills Equations, and it''s rather sad that the primary framework used by quantum physicists to describe thews of nature couldn''t yet be handled mathematically.

 Chapter 5: 5 A Good Start

    So the ideas of a genius are this fierce?


    Li Jian Gao collected his thoughts. He didn''t n on discussing this academic issue with Qiao Ze.


    To solve the Yang-Mills Equations, it''s inevitable to make use of knowledge in Group Theory. When the two leading figures constructed this special set of equations, they employed a Rigid Body Motion Set from a Multi-dimensional Complex Space to rece Group U(1), which is thepact Li Group. Thus, the Yang-Mills Equations acquired both ssical and quantum theoretical characteristics.


    But to truly solve this problem, having enough knowledge of Group Theory simply isn''t enough.


    The theory created by the two academic giants is a "non-Abel" gauge theory. Unlike the Abel Group, the absence ofmutativity makes the corresponding mathematical theory much more profound. At least, Li Jian Gao had never considered tackling this problem.


    In other words, if he really were to discuss this issue with Qiao Ze at this moment, he would most likely be unable to tell if this child''s thoughts were simply wild flights of fancy.


    So Li Jian Gao decisively changed the subject.


    "Okay, maybe you''re really brilliant and can unlock this world-ss problem. Let''s even assume that you have already perfectly solved this issue now, do you really think you could obtain the million-dor prize?"


    As expected, this sentence immediately caused Qiao Ze to frown and ask, "Why not?"


    Li Jian Gao lifted his hand, showing a finger, and said, "First problem, assuming you have perfectly solved the issue, how do you n on letting the y Institute know, or for that matter, the world?"


    Qiao Ze nced at the paper on the nightstand.


    Li Jian Gao smiled and said, "Right, by publishing a paper, and it can''t just be in some second-rate journal, it has to be in top-tier journals to be taken seriously. Because if a second-rate journal publishes a paper of such caliber, the editors will only think you''re an idiot!"


    "But you''re just a high school student who hasn''t even attended college yet. No one in the academic world knows you. What makes you think they would pay attention to your paper?


    Do you know that without a reputable mentor''s rmendation, or if you aren''t a well-known figure in the field yourself, those top journals'' editors wouldn''t even nce at your paper''s title? Just scanning your name, academic qualifications, and email address, they might directly throw your paper into the trash."


    Qiao Ze looked at Li Jian Gao, puzzled, and kept silent.


    But Li Jian Gao didn''t stop there; he continued, "Okay, let''s say you have incredible luck, and the journal editor decides to take a look at your abstract. Your abstract is written perfectly, captivating him. Do you know what he''ll do next? He''ll ask those well-known professors to review your paper.


    The problem now is, I can tell you that even if you perfectly solved the issue, there wouldn''t be more than twenty people in this world who could understand your paper at first nce! And each of these twenty people is a leading figure in their respective fields. Can you guarantee that they won''t have any ulterior motives?


    Isn''t there a possibility that they understand your paper and then discard it, making modifications and resubmitting it under a different name or even several names to journals? What would you do then? Expose these top-notch predecessors?


    Do you think the world''s seven billion people would believe a high school student, or the well-known mathematicians who have been researching the problem for over a decade, even decades?"


    Qiao Ze stubbornly lifted his head and after a long pause, he uttered a single word: "arXiv."


    Li Jian Gaoughed, unable to deny the kid''s good level of English, at least he had pronounced that word correctly.


    "Ha, of course you can publish to this preprint tform. But as I said just now, no more than twenty people in the world would understand the topic instantly!"


    "Without fame or status, who would listen to your exnations?"


    "When they are receiving the award, they would say they submitted to the journal first, and then your paper appeared on arXiv."


    "They might even concoct a story about how, after submitting the paper, their personalputer was hacked, and the draft was lost!"


    "Do you believe those well-known journal editors would rush out to vouch for them? They might even produce records of the paper submission timestamps from theirputers to prove it."


    "You do know that it''s not unusual for papers of this caliber to be under review for a year or two?"


    "At that point, how will you prove your innocence? Have your mom take you around begging people again?!"


    Having said all this, Li Jian Gao nced at the time; it was already 11:30 in the morning.


    He didn''t wait for Qiao Ze to speak but stood up, took aptop from his bag, sat down at the office desk provided in the room, did some operation, and then gestured to Qiao Ze.


    "Qiao Ze, I have something to take care of and will be stepping out for a bit. Meanwhile, your task is to read this article that introduces Ramanujan''s life. I don''t know if you''ve read it before, but I want you to take it seriously today! Lunch has been arranged by Teacher Yu who you met earlier to be delivered to your room. I should be back by around two in the afternoon.


    Once you''ve thought through this issue, we''ll continue our talk."


    "Kid, the world isn''t as simple as you imagine, and not everyone will amodate your whims just because of your talent. In fact, often talent brings not glory and wealth, but cmity. I hope you understand and appreciate this."


    Having said that, Li Jian Gao didn''t hesitate to stand up and leave the room, leaving Qiao Ze alone to ponder.


    In his opinion, lecturing a child like Qiao Ze would be ineffective; as long as the boy realized the rules by which the world operates, he would naturally understand.


    That''s what geniuses do!


    ...


    Qiao Ze watched Li Jian Gao leave the room, and only when the door closed did he slowly stand up and sit in front of the office desk where theptop was ced.


    He was aware of Ramanujan, but he hadn''t paid much attention to the life of this mathematician.


    In fact, over the years, there hadn''t been many things, or many people, that concerned him.


    Lu Xiuxiu was one, and today, Professor Li was another.


    So he decided to follow Li Jian Gao''s advice and began to read the article attentively.


    It took him only half an hour to read the article of roughly 50,000 words, then after a moment of reflection, he proactively opened the web browser on theputer, started searching for Ramanujan forms. Ten minutester, he began to search for academic underhandedness, followed by research on giarism...


    After that, Qiao Ze continued to reflect in silence.


    Until the door was knocked on twice and then opened without waiting for a response.


    Teacher Yu Chenggong who hade earlier entered and said, "Qiao Ze, Professor Li had to leave for some business, so he asked me to bring you food. I''ll leave it here for you."


    Having finished speaking, Yu Chenggong intended to leave. But unexpectedly, the young man across from him managed to force a smile and awkwardly said, "Uh, that, thanks, thank you, Teacher Yu."


    Yu Chenggong pursed his lips and formally replied, "You''re wee."

 Chapter 6: 6 Strange Illness

    At the same time, in a private dining room on the third floor of the hotel, Li Jian Gao was chatting with a few friends from the mathematicsmunity.


    Dinner had actually been finished already.


    However, these academic friends were spread all over the country in various universities and research institutes, and it was not easy to meet up regrly, so naturally, they wanted to chat a bit more.


    As the conversation picked up, someone suggested going to the tea house in the hotel to have a cup of tea in the afternoon, and everyone responded eagerly.


    Li Jian Gao checked the time and then shook his head, "Why don''t you go ahead, I have something to do this afternoon, so I won''t join."


    "Professor Li, the conference doesn''t start until tomorrow. What could you possibly have to do this afternoon? It''s not easy for us all to gather together, don''t be a killjoy!"


    "It''s not that, I''ve got a kid to take care of," Li Jian Gao exined with a wry smile.


    "A kid?" Everyone was taken aback in unison.


    They all knew that Li Jian Gao was not married, so it was naturally even less likely that he had a child.


    This left Li Jian Gao at a loss for an exnation, so he could only vaguely say, "A truly mathematically gifted child, but there are some issues with his personality, um, social anxiety, I guess? His parents have entrusted him to me these days, and right now, he is still alone in the room looking at theputer."


    "Social anxiety? Then he really should be exposed to more social interactions. Here''s the n, Li, we''ll first go to the tea room and reserve a private booth, then you go back to the room and bring the kid down. We can all sit together and chat. A child you feel has a real talent for mathematics, we''d like to see just how impressive he is."


    The professor who spoke was named Zhang Chunlei, from the School of Mathematics at Jiangcheng University, a senior professor and the oldest and most experienced among this group of mathematics teachers. At 48, he had also received the title of Yangtze River Schr, so Li Jian Gao really couldn''t afford to snub his face.


    After hesitating for a moment and considering that the few people gathered together actually had agreeable personalities, he smiled and nodded, "Well¡­ okay then, the kid''s name is Qiao Ze. It''s true that his personality is wed, I will go and ask for his opinion.


    But let me say this in advance; if he says something out of ler on and offends everyone, you all better not take it too seriously!"


    "Haha, Li, who do you think we are? Would we really stoop to the level of a high school student? Go on and bring the person. The tea room is on the second floor; I''ll reserve the private booth and send you a WeChat message."


    ...


    Li Jian Gao returned to the room and saw Qiao Ze still sitting in front of theputer. The eaten meal boxes had also been tidied away neatly, which further improved his impression of the kid.


    At least he wasn''t the type of child who, aside from having talent, was useless in other aspects.


    But before he could offer any praise, Qiao Ze spoke first, "Professor Li, I have been thinking about the problem you mentioned just now, and I''vee up with a solution. When publishing papers, I can subtlyy a few traps. If anyone wants to steal my paper and fails to discover the traps I''ve set, I can expose them.


    However, this solution is not perfect. Because, as you said, there are currently no more than twenty people specializing in this problem, and in the worst-case scenario, if they all collude, it might take the academicmunity more than ten years to prove that I am right. Even if the case is overturned by then, it would be meaningless to me.


    So I think I should follow your advice. I need to build up my knowledge, figure out how to get to university, and when I''m strong enough, then I can formally tackle this issue. This way, I have double insurance! Thank you for talking to me about this. From now on, with anything involving interests, I will think through at least twoyers of safeguarding before I make it public."


    Li Jian Gao was stunned.


    Actually, what he had wanted Qiao Ze to think about was not this.


    It was to make the kid understand the importance of normal social interactions by realizing that it takes more than one person to help a hero.


    But clearly, Qiao Ze''s interpretation was far different from what Li Jian Gao had intended, yet it could not be said that Qiao Ze was wrong.


    After all, "a cautious pilot steers a ship for years" is a bona fide principle of life.


    In the end, Li Jiangao chose to nod with a smile and said, "The fact that you''ve thought of these things is already very good. By the way, there''s something I want to tell you; I introduced you to some friends and colleagues of mine over dinner. They''re now downstairs having tea¡ªall professors who have immersed themselves in mathematics for ten, twenty years.


    Would you like toe down with me and meet them?"


    After finishing, he added, "I think it would benefit you to interact with them early on and get to know the university circle better. Eventually, when you go to university, you''ll have to learn how to deal with your professors."


    Qiao Ze thought for a moment and then nodded, saying, "Alright then."


    Li Jiangao, seeing how straightforwardly Qiao Ze had agreed, was at a loss whether to be happy or rmed since he couldn''t quite trust the boy''s disposition. So, he added, "Then let''s go together, but I have a request for you. Before you speak, think it over in your head like you do with every decision¡ªwhether you should say it or not. Can you do that?"


    Qiao Ze pondered for a while before nodding and replying, "I should be able to."


    Seeing the boy''s somewhat uncertain look, Li Jiangao sighed internally, but still managed to smile and say, "Okay, then let''s go."


    He couldn''t possibly cure a child withmunication barriers to be normal in such a short time, even if he were a deity. But at least things were moving in a positive direction. This was enough tofort Li Jiangao greatly, and he even felt a full sense of achievement.


    ...


    Li Jiangao led Qiao Ze out of the room.


    As they stepped into the elevator and were alone, Qiao Ze suddenly spoke, "Teacher Li, actually I have a secret, and if I tell you, can you promise not to tell anyone else? Including my mom."


    Li Jiangao nodded without hesitation and said, "Sure! I promise I won''t let anyone else know."


    Qiao Ze pointed to his head, saying, "There might really be something wrong here, it''s just that the hospital can''t detect it."


    Li Jiangao pursed his lips, really wanting to kindly tell the boy that he actually knew, and that the hospital had already diagnosed him... it''s Asperger''s Syndrome, isn''t it!


    But Qiao Ze quickly added, "I know the route, no, my mom is very anxious. But actually, not every time I take an exam do I purposely leave a nk script. Because if the exam questions don''t engage my mind, after a while, when I look at the test paper again, the words and symbols turn into little dancing people, and then my mind wanders off elsewhere."


    Li Jiangao was stunned.


    Originally, he was thinking that if the child''s psychological issues could be resolved in these three days, he would be able to perform well in the college entrance exam, and scoring over 600 points wouldn''t be a problem.


    In previous years, the admission score for Xilin University of Technology in Xingcheng was around 660 points.


    With the boy''s intelligence, scoring around 660 was entirely feasible, and if the score was just a bit short, he could think of a way.


    If the score could be even higher than expected, even if Qiao Ze chose a better 985 university than Xilin University of Technology, such as one of the top institutions in the Capital, Li Jiangao wouldn''t mind.


    But if this was the situation, they could only rely on the university''s independent admission process.


    Arranging sufficiently challenging questions with the professors should allow the boy to focus fully on the exam, right?


    Li Jiangao, who hadn''t cursed since graduating from college, now felt like swearing directly at someone...


    What kind of divine problem is this?!

 Chapter 7: 7 I Actually Know Something

    On the second floor of the hotel, not far from the entrance to the tea room.


    Li Jian Gao, who had been lost in his thoughts, suddenly stopped, and Qiao Ze beside him immediately stopped as well.


    In fact, Li Jian Gao thought Qiao Ze was quite adorable when he wasn''t speaking.


    At the very least, he wouldn''t bombard him with words while he was trying to think.


    "Your situation is indeed a bit risky. So when we go in, you should show as much respect as possible to a professor named Zhang Chunlei. He is a professor at the School of Mathematics at Jiangcheng University, as well as a doctoral supervisor, and a Yangtze River Schr. His influence at Jiang University is much greater than mine, and he has extensive connections in academic circles."


    Li Jian Gao advised meticulously.


    Qiao Ze was somewhat puzzled and asked, "What is a Yangtze River Schr?"


    Li Jian Gao exined patiently, "It is a title for talents selected by the national ''Ten Thousand Talents n.'' You can understand it as a kind of honorary title. In short, it''s very impressive. Moreover, Jiang University is in the city next to Xingcheng, close to home. Especially, the School of Mathematics at Jiang University is actually stronger than the School of Mathematics at Xilin University.


    They have academicians leading their faculty.


    Although both are 985 universities,paratively speaking, Jiang University is stronger in the liberal arts, whereas Xilin University also has academicians, but mainly concentrated in the field of engineering. The quality of pure liberal arts education, in fact, cannotpare to that of Jiang University."


    "Are academicians very impressive?"


    "At least domestically, it is the highest honor in academia. Well, if you can be a Yangtze River Schr before the age of forty, and choose a good tform,ter on, you might have the chance to be an academician."


    After thinking for a moment, Qiao Ze asked, "Then why don''t you strive to be a Yangtze River Schr and then go to Jiang University as a professor, and from there be an academician?"


    Li Jian Gao couldn''t help but smile wryly again.


    He discovered that after meeting this young man today, he had smiled wryly more times than he had during all the years at Xilin University of Technology.


    Extremely intelligent, yet incredibly na?ve at heart.


    If this child follows a righteous path, he will certainly be a pir of the nation.


    If led astray, he would surely be a scourge to the industry.


    "It''s not that I don''t want to go, but they have to want me too! The requirements for teaching at Jiang University are very high, not to mention the criteria for bing a Yangtze River Schr are even higher. You don''t understand all this yet. In short, if you hit it off with that Professor Zhang, getting into Jiang University would be a mere word away."


    Qiao Ze shook his head and said, "I won''t go to Jiang University; I want to go to Xilin University of Technology."


    "This..."


    In the face of Li Jian Gao''s doubtful look, Qiao Ze stated sinctly, "Unless Jiang University wants you as a professor."


    Upon hearing this, Li Jian Gao wasn''t sure whether to feel relieved, happy, or worried.


    Had this child... made up his mind about him?


    "Forget it, let''s not talk about this now. When you go back,pare Xilin University of Technology with Jiang University online. Oh, and don''t mention solving the mass gap hypothesister. It will make people think you''re overly presumptuous. First impressions are very important. As for the rest, just be yourself," advised Li Jian Gao.


    "I still haven''t figured out a few key points. I won''t talk about it to others before resolving those issues; you are the exception," Qiao Ze said, biting his lip.


    Li Jian Gao also felt he was overthinking it; with this child''s innocence, he really didn''t need to instruct him so much. Perhaps this was just concern spurring chaos.


    "Let''s go in, then. I''ll teach you something else: always be punctual for scheduled times. It''s also an important aspect of interpersonal rtions. Everyone''s time is precious."


    Qiao Ze silently nodded.


    ...


    When Li Jian Gao led Qiao Ze into the private room arranged by Zhang Chunlei, a group of professors was alreadyfortably seated around the tea set, chatting with great interest.


    Of course, they had already reserved seats for Li Jian Gao and Qiao Ze in advance.


    Perhaps considering that Qiao Ze would being, the professors had not called for the tea master from the tea room. Instead, Zhang Chunlei himself took charge, sitting at the head of the table, washing and pouring tea.


    "Li, you finally arrived! They were just saying you might have gotten stuck in the elevator. This must be the talented kid you mentioned, right? Come, take a seat, let''s have tea together," greeted Zhang Chunlei warmly as the two walked into the room.


    Actually, at this moment, the attention of most professors in the private room was on Qiao Ze.


    All of them were involved in higher education, so of course they knew that no professor would be willing to take care of someone else''s child for a few days unless they had a very good rtionship or the child had an exceptional mathematical talent. After all, it involved responsibility.


    These days, getting promoted to a senior position in a university, especially in a science and engineering discipline, was an arduous journey, and they truly cherished their reputation.


    If some trivial matter affected their future promotion or even led to dismissal from the school, the loss would be huge.


    So curiosity was inevitable.


    Of course, knowing that Qiao Ze might have some psychological issues, the professors'' attention wasn''t that obvious.


    They were still greeting Li Jian Gao with their mouths, but casting brief nces at Qiao Ze from the corners of their eyes...


    Well, this kid seemed somewhat dull.


    "Sorry for beingte. Let me start with an apology. By the way, let me introduce you to everyone, this is Qiao Ze, the kid with the high mathematical talent I just mentioned to you all. Just to dere, I found him first, so don''t you allpete with me," Li Jian Gao made a joke with a deeper meaning.


    "Haha... Look at what you''re saying. We''re not admissions officers, we don''t deal with admissions. Today we are just drinking tea, not discussing these matters. Come on, let''s drink tea first, Qiao Ze, sit down too, sit with the uncles and have a chat, and you''ll get familiar with everyone," Zhang Chunleiughed heartily,


    "This is the Professor Zhang from Jiang University that I just mentioned, call him Professor Zhang," Li Jian Gao took the opportunity to introduce to Qiao Ze.


    Qiao Ze, seated next to Li Jian Gao, nodded at Zhang Chunlei and called out, somewhat woodenly, "Professor Zhang."


    "Are you a high school senior?" Zhang Chunlei asked casually while washing cups for the two neers.


    "Yes."


    "Don''t you have sses today, Wednesday?"


    Qiao Ze replied seriously, "My mom got me a sick leave. The teacher also thinks I''m sick, but I might indeed be mentally ill."


    "Ah..."


    Everyone was momentarily taken aback; the conversational opener was quite bold, and it took a second for their brains to catch up.


    "Haha, the doctor said he has Asperger''s syndrome, and he remembered it," Li Jian Gao spoke up to smoothen the situation.


    "That''s the genius disease! Kid, do you know that Newton had this disorder too?" someone immediately followed up.


    "Oh..." Qiao Ze responded nonchntly, then looked at Zhang Chunlei and asked directly, "Why were you able to be a Yangtze River Schr?"


    Li Jian Gao felt sweat forming on his forehead... he began to regret telling the kid too much just now.


    Forget it, let the kid be!


    Zhang Chunlei looked at Li Jian Gao with a wry smile but didn''t take offense. Instead, he casually exined, "Because I chose a research-focused subject, which was recognized by the Yangtze River Schr review panel, and a sum of money was allocated from a special fund to support my research. Then, after the research yielded results and the jury recognized them, I became a Yangtze River Schr."


    "Oh, so what subject did you choose? Was it difficult?" Qiao Ze continued to inquire.


    "Well, I can''t really say if it''s difficult or not, but even if I told you, you wouldn''t understand," Zhang Chunlei said with a mix ofughter and helplessness.


    "How do you know I won''t understand if you don''t tell me? Although I might be mentally ill, I know quite a lot about mathematics," Qiao Ze said earnestly.


    At that, all the professors in the private room began tough.


    This was probably the fearlessness of the inexperienced.


    Someone teasingly asked, "Do you understand Group Theory? Most of us here study Group Theory."


    Qiao Ze answered even more seriously, "I do understand some of it."


    Hearing Qiao Ze''s words, the room suddenly went quiet.


    Zhang Chunlei looked at Li Jian Gao, whose expression seemed unchanged, and suddenly showed interest, "Well then, I''ll ask you a Group Theory question. If you can solve it right here, I''ll tell you about my chosen topic, how''s that?"


    Qiao Ze nodded, "It''s a deal! If I can''t do it, I won''t ask about it anymore."

 Chapter 8: 8 What kind of monster is this?!

    The private room quieted down instantly.


    At this moment, the curiosity of the professors was also fully aroused as they silently waited for Zhang Chunlei to pose the question.


    After all, Group Theory is a separate branch of mathematics. Even if one has systematically self-studied Advanced Mathematics, facing a Group Theory problem would still be like groping in the dark.


    They had all heard of mathematics prodigies in high school who advanced to study calculus and linear algebra early.


    But for a high school kid to understand Group Theory...


    That really was like a revtion¡ªan eye opener.


    A momentter, Zhang Chunlei had thought of a problem and began to speak, "Hmm, listen carefully, kid. This is a proof question: In a finite group \\(G\\), for any two distinct elements of order two that are not conjugate, there exists another element of order two thatmutes with the former two."


    As the question was posed, all the professors in the private room privately admired Zhang, thinking that he really had a level of expertise¡ªwhat an excellent question he had given.


    How should I put it?


    It wasn''t considered a difficult problem in Group Theory, and could even be seen as a basic question, yet it was very interesting.


    But to solve this problem, one must thoroughly understand several extremely important concepts in Group Theory.


    Concepts like finite group, conjugacy,mutativity, the order of a group, elements...


    One also needed an innovative mathematical mindset because to solve this problem quickly, one could actually use methods indirectly encountered in high school mathematics.


    It indeed was a clever problem.


    To say it was difficult¡ªwell, for someone who had systematically studied and understood Group Theory, it wouldn''t take too much time to figure it out.


    But to say it was not difficult¡ªeven if the world champion of the Math Olympiad came, they probably wouldn''t even understand the question.


    Watching Qiao Ze, who had fallen into deep thought, Zhang Chunlei said with a smile, "Haha, kid, don''t rush. Take your time thinking. As long as youe up with the solution before we finish drinking tea today..."


    "I''ve already thought of how to prove it, with induction." Qiao Ze suddenly interrupted Zhang Chunlei.


    "Huh?" Everyone was simultaneously stunned.


    That was damn fast, wasn''t it?


    No exaggeration, many professors at the scene still only had a vague idea...


    "Suppose there is an element of order two \\(m\\), \\(mm = 1, mx = xm, my = ym\\)."


    "Let \\(mk = (xy)^k\\), if \\(mk = (yx)^k\\), then we are done.


    "If \\(mk \\neq (yx)^k\\), then for \\(j


    "If \\(j+k\\) is even, then there exists \\(h\\), such that \\(2h = j+k\\), \\((xy)^h \\neq (yx)^h\\),"


    "If \\(j+k\\) is odd, then there exists \\(h\\), such that \\(2h+1 = j+k\\), taking \\(z = (xy)^{h + 1}\\), \\(zy \\neq xz\\)"


    "Then \\((yx)^h \\neq (xy)^{h + 1}\\), from this we can prove that \\(mk \\neq mj\\)."


    "Finally, because \\(G\\) is a finite group, this process will definitely terminate."


    "Proofplete."


    Li Jiangao silently took a cup for himself from the tea set that Zhang Chunlei had just prepared, and then drank it in one gulp.


    As long as one is not the one being shocked, it feels quite entertaining.


    Especially when he saw that dazed andplicated expression on Zhang''s face across from him, he really felt likeughing.


    Now everyone knows this kid is defying the heavens, right?


    "Cough cough...you really understand Group Theory?"


    After recovering, Zhang Chunlei made a remark, then turned toward the still-distracted professors and said, "Look at that, who says our Huaxia generation is not as good as the past? Now we have high school kids who have already mastered Group Theory! When I was in high school, I hadn''t even heard of the term ''Group Theory''."


    "Isn''t that the truth? Professor Li, where did you find this kid?" someone couldn''t help but ask.


    "Hehe, drink tea, drink tea, we agreed not to talk about these things," Li Jiangao said with a smile, ying coy.


    Because he knew, the more mysterious he made it sound, the more interested these people would definitely be in Qiao Ze.


    "It''s your turn to tell me what your research topic is," Qiao Ze didn''t pay attention to the crowd''s admiration and continued to seriously look at Zhang Chunlei and asked.


    "Alright, but first you need to tell me, why are you so concerned about my Yangtze River Schr topic?"


    "Because I want to be a Yangtze River Schr and then an academician with Li in the future, so I want to know how difficult it is to be a Yangtze River Schr."


    "Pfft¡­"


    As soon as Qiao Ze finished speaking, Li Jiangao sprayed the tea he had just sipped straight out. Luckily, he reacted quickly and turned his head in an instant, spraying it outside; otherwise, that pricy tea worth at least a thousand yuan would have been wasted.


    "Sorry, my apologies, kids say the darndest things, kids say the darndest things..." Putting down his teacup, Li Jiangao exined with a flushed face.


    Qiao Ze, curious, looked at Li Jiangao and asked, "Don''t you want to be a Yangtze River Schr?"


    "Haha¡­" This time, everyone in the private room burst intoughter.


    Qiao Ze didn''t understand what they wereughing about and just felt a bit unhappy.


    Sensing something, Zhang Chunlei waved his hand to quiet theughter, then seriously said, "Okay, okay, now it''s my turn to keep my promise. The topic I submitted is the application of Group Theory in designing molecr structureputation models.


    More specifically, it''s about using the models built on Group Theory topletely replicate the molecr orbital calction model and results of the hyperconjugation effect in toluene. Do you understand? Of course, I can''t take all the credit for the sess of this topic; the professors from the chemistry department provided a lot of help.


    But this topic itself has no value for mere reference. However, when you and your Li really want to apply for a Yangtze River Schr topic in the future, you could consider starting from my point ofbining academia and application, choosing topics that can solve some real-world problems. This has been a more favored direction for Yangtze River Schr and Jieqing topics in recent years."


    Zhang Chunlei''s words sent Qiao Ze back into silence.


    However, this time the professors no longer had any expectations for Qiao Ze.


    In fact, a high school student, even if they understood some Group Theory, could not possibly fullyprehend the significance of this achievement from the few words of Zhang Chunlei. Mathematics is a fundamental discipline. When ites to choosing a research topic, if you''re going to solve practical problems, it requires coboration with other disciplines.


    Only pure number theory research is exempt from this.


    But these days, to stand out by doing pure number theory research is extremely difficult. It''s even fair to say that the paths have nearly been sealed off.


    But on the other hand, Qiao Ze''s performance had already surprised the math professors who were used to seeing geniuses.


    Self-studying Group Theory in high school, that''s something only a truly crazy person would do, given that it''s not even on the college entrance exam.


    The scary part was, he seemed to have actually understood it.


    However, when the professors'' inquisitive gazes started to focus on Li Jiangao, wanting to inquire more about the kid''s background, Qiao Ze spoke up again: "If that''s the case, then using Group Theory to construct a self-supervised feature decoupling framework should also count as a practical application of Group Theory, right?"


    "In my concept, this framework can allowputers to perform downstream causal inference tasks, giving programs the ability to perform causal reasoning, as well as unsupervised representation learning capability. It might even create an AI program smarter than chat GPT and reduce the current reliance artificial intelligence has on big data.


    Moreover, there''s no need to coborate with other departments, since I also know a bit aboutputers."


    "If this topic were submitted to the Yangtze River Schr review panel, they''d acknowledge it, right?"


    After speaking, Qiao Ze, observing the professors'' strange looks, added another sentence: "This was just an idea I had before; it''s not certain that I can actually do it."

 Chapter 9: 9: Gold Mining

    I... Fuck!


    Laymen can hardly imagine what went through the professors'' minds after Qiao Ze humbly asked for their guidance.


    If it weren''t for their habitual restraint, there probably would be a tea room full of "Holy shit!" at that moment.


    If this topic could actually be aplished, to hell with bing a Yangtze River Schr, one could proudly go for the National Science and Technology Progress Award and then waltz into the Science Academy to be an academician.


    Going for the Yangtze River Schr would be way beneath this endeavor.


    But no matter whether this topic could be aplished or not, Qiao Ze had already caused quite a stir among the professors just by voicing these concepts.


    Regardless of whether Qiao Ze was talking big...


    Those who are new to Group Theory could neverbine a self-supervised feature decoupling framework with Group Theory.


    Even now, half of the professors still had notpletely grasped what Qiao Ze''s research topic was supposed to mean.


    This was already a highly specialized research direction.


    And it indeed had practical implications.


    Chat GPT had already be a hit sensation recently.


    Every industry was getting bombarded by chat GPT, even to the point of questioning if their jobs could be reced by this cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology.


    If Huaxia could really develop an AI program that the industry recognizes as superior to chat GPT, and get a few more people to rally behind this kid, the National Science Progress Award might very well make an exception.


    But should this really be something a high school student who hasn''t even started college be considering?


    Though the aroma of tea was rich in the air, the tea itself had suddenly be hard to swallow.


    ...


    "How did youe up with this proposition?" someone asked after calming down from their shock.


    Qiao Ze patiently exined, "Because I have used chat GPT. I think the current models have problems with ck box characteristics and biased predictions, so I believe incorporating a causality model could improve the model''s robustness and interpretability. Current simr technologies depend too much on big data, which causes issues with high-dimensionality, continuity, and coupling.


    "Particrly with the selection of many variables, the variables that we observe are naturally decoupled, like Simpson''s paradox. If we could apply Group Theory to introduce the traditional causality model framework, we could change this situation."


    Zhang Chunlei then asked, "Do you realize how difficult this proposition is? Have you thought about how many challenges will need to be addressed in researching this topic?"


    Qiao Ze nodded and said, "Yes. The biggest difficulty is finding a universally applicable invariant, or devising a way to separate variable from invariable to enableputer understanding; the next challenge is decoupling the variables themselves, which requires finding a method to bnce them; and how to integrate it into the current deep learning models without causing conflicts.


    Those are probably the three toughest points."


    The professors were stunned...


    This really seemed like he had thought it through thoroughly!


    Zhang Chunlei looked at Qiao Ze with a serious expression for a good while, then raised his head to nce at Li Jiangao, who had been quiet beside Qiao Ze, before directly asking, "Li, how long have you been mentoring this kid?"


    Li Jiangao picked up his phone, nced at it, and then let out a wry smile, "Roughly four and a half hours, I guess."


    Zhang Chunlei was taken aback, then turned his gaze back to Qiao Ze, who remained expressionless, and asked, "Qiao Ze, when and from whom did you start systematically learning mathematical knowledge?"


    Qiao Ze thought for a while before shaking his head and saying, "I haven''t systematically studied it."


    Zhang Chunlei frowned and asked, "Then how did youe to understand Group Theory, and how did youe up with the things you just mentioned?"


    Although Qiao Ze''s reply was a bit slow, it was very meticulous, "I saw a very interesting question online, and just thinking about it seemed to clear my mind. Then I got hooked. Later, I realized that the knowledge from textbooks simply wasn''t enough to grasp it, so I started looking for materials and learning online.


    Basically, first understanding what I needed to learn to solve this problem, I would search for video courses in that area online.


    So far, I have watched some online calculus courses, as well as calculus, linear algebra, geometry, algebraic geometry, affine geometry, projective geometry, basics of Group Theory, foundations of modern physical theories, high energy physics, analytical particle physics, and an in-depth mastery of quantum mechanics.


    Oh, and alsoputer-rted courses, because theputations needed to solve that really difficult problem are quite substantial, and require the aid ofputers."


    "Finding courses online and self-studying?" A professor asked in surprise.


    "Isn''t that what you all do?" Qiao Ze asked back, just as surprised.


    "Is there a chance that one could learn these courses more efficiently in a ssroom?" A professor asked with a wry smile.


    "Impossible! Even in the videos there''s a lot of nonsense from the teachers, reemphasizing a straightforward concept as if everyone''s an idiot. With videos, you can just skip ahead, but in a ssroom setting, you can''t do that¡ªyou just zone out instead," Qiao Ze earnestly retorted.


    That made sense, and the professors found themselves unable to argue back, even beginning to silently reflect whether they had been too verbose during their own lectures. They wondered if they had underestimated the intelligence of the bright young students beneath the podium.


    "Haven''t you evere across a problem that wasn''t exined clearly in the online courses? Something that you didn''t understand after watching and needed to ask questions about?" another professor pressed on, not quite ready to let go.


    Qiao Ze nodded, admitting openly, "Of course I have."


    He then carefully exined, "But there are so many simr videos online, if one teacher doesn''t rify something, then I just switch to another video to see if that makes it clearer. Generally, byparing a few, I can understand.


    If, after trying three different videos, I still don''t get it, then I''ll stop and systematically review the key points before and after the knowledge in question, and I am sure to understand it then. This is a little learning tip I''m sharing, and I want to take this opportunity to thank Professor Zhang for answering my question just now."


    After saying this, Qiao Ze instinctively nced at Li Jian Gao beside him.


    He felt that his performance today had definitely been excellent.


    He remembered the benefits he had received from others and did not forget to repay them.


    This must be what Uncle Li had just taught him¡ªthe way to express gratitude after learning to be thankful.


    This great learning experience should be helpful to them, right?


    Unfortunately, Li Jian Gao hadn''t noticed Qiao Ze''s nce; his mind waspletely nk at the moment.


    He''d thought that preventing Qiao Ze from mentioning the topic would save him from going overboard, but who knew that the kid''s head was clearly packed with too much stuff¡­


    He had a feeling that he would not get a good night''s sleep tonight.


    Even if they werete for tomorrow''s meeting, these people would not let him off the hook.


    Noticing Li Jian Gao zoning out, Qiao Ze felt slightly unhappy, but he quickly adjusted his attitude.


    Actually, he was quite happy today.


    Although these uncles didn''t seem very bright, at least they genuinely understood what he was talking about, and they were able to give feedback.


    Not like those people he''d encountered before. It''s one thing for them not to understand what he said, but the way they looked at him, with all sorts of scrutiny¡ªit was so stupid, it was off the charts...


    Ah, just thinking about it is exhausting!

 Chapter 10: 10 The Boss Gets Serious

    Li Jiangao had guessed right; even though the academic conference was to start the next day, and Zhang Chunlei was the special guest speaker, scheduled to take the stage.


    He was pulled away after dinner anyway.


    Thinking back to a scene at dinner, Li Jiangao wanted tough.


    A group of professors had let down their guard, taking the initiative to introduce themselves to Qiao Ze.


    Of course, Qiao Ze''s performance indeed warranted the professors'' metaphorical bowing.


    Li Jiangao didn''t feel any urgency about his prized pupil possibly being poached¡ªin fact, he felt quite the opposite: relieved and rxed.


    With so many people seeing Qiao Ze''s shining side, even if there were issues with the school, the kid was guaranteed a spot at a key university, maybe even one better than Xilin University of Technology. In this way, he also fulfilled Qiao Ze''s mother''s trust in him.


    By then, Qiao Ze had already been sent back to his room to go online.


    As for what the kid would do on the inte, no one was really worried.


    When left to his own devices, this kid had almostpleted all the mandatory mathematics courses from university to graduate level, so it was unlikely he''d be browsing anything inappropriate now.


    Of course, even if he did, it wasn''t a big deal.


    Everyone had been through that age.


    Since he had almost learned everything he should (and shouldn''t), it wouldn''t hurt to rx a bit.


    ...


    In the hotel, the 1107 room where Zhang Chunlei stayed was a small one bedroom, one living room suite.


    At this time, everyone was gathered in the little living room, preparing to cross-examine Li Jiangao.


    "Let''s hear it, Li, where exactly did you dig this kid out from?" Zhang Chunlei asked first.


    "Ah, you surely won''t believe me if I told you. His mother was worried he wouldn''t have a school to attend, so she came to our school today looking for Admissions Officer Yu. Just so happened thatst night I switched rooms with Yu, and she found me. That''s quite a serendipitous encounter, right? Just as I discovered the kid''s mathematical talent, I decided to keep him."


    Li Jiangao replied truthfully.


    "No way? A kid like that with no school to attend? Wait a minute, which high school is he from? I need to call our admissions officer stationed in Xingcheng. This has to be a joke, right?" Zhang Chunlei scratched his head, feeling confused.


    "Haha, don''t bother. The situation is not what you think. You saw the kid this afternoon; he became quite talkative. You don''t know how he was when he first walked into my room with his mother.


    Let me tell you, if I hadn''t just switched rooms with Yu, I would have never discovered the kid''s talent. He didn''t even deign to speak a word to the admissions officer. Who would have known he was so gifted and had umted such substantial capital!"


    Li Jiangao said,ughing.


    "Alright, Professor Li, you''re boasting now. Since he was so reticent when he first met you, how did you see his shining point? Don''t tell me the kid saw some kind of kingly aura in you and approached you to talk about mathematics?" another professor teased with augh.


    Li Jiangao smiled nonchntly and replied, "Speaking of which, I should thank Professor Liu."


    Sitting in the corner of the sofa, a bespectacled professor who had been silent pointed unconsciously to his nose, surprised, "Thank me? Why? Li, I didn''t know that child before, don''t talk nonsense. Later, these people will me me for not introducing such a good talent to them."


    Li Jiangaoughed and exined, "Haha, didn''t you specially rmend to me on WeChat the day before yesterday thetest paper published by Brandt Ronnier? It''s the one published in Mathematics Annual, ''Analysis of a ss of Special Compact Lie Groups.''"


    Professor Liu nodded and said, "Yes, I thought the idea in that paper was quite novel. It turned out to be directly applicable to the subject I''m applying for, which could save a lot of trouble."


    Taking a deep breath, Li Jiangao continued, "After you told me, I happened to print out that paper beforeing here yesterday. When they came to me, I just casually ced the paper on the bedside table. While I was dealing with his mother, I noticed the kid was already reading the paper.


    He even said that the proof of Lemma 3 in the paper was incorrect and couldn''t be directly applied to four-dimensional space. Because the equation has a unique solution, substituting it directly would result in the paradox where either the hyperne does not exist or it intersects directly with the lead line.


    Well, regardless of whether his judgment is correct or not, wouldn''t you all be shocked to hear such a conclusion from a child?"


    Professor Liu tugged at the corner of his mouth, momentarily at a loss for what to say.


    "The one from the third issue of Princeton''s Mathematics Annual? This year''s fourth issue hasn''te out yet, right?" At this point, Zhang Chunlei had already taken over theptop and asked.


    "It''s the third issue, the second paper. The corresponding author is Professor Ronnier from the University of Illinois." Professor Liu quickly responded.


    Zhang Chunlei began to operate on theputer, attracting several heads to lean over.


    Meanwhile, Professor Liu took out his phone, seemingly to confirm the situation with Lemma 3 of the paper, while Li Jiangao sat there steadily, sipping tea.


    Watching these people act as if they had never seen the world, he found it quite amusing.


    Suddenly, Li Jiangao felt he could understand the frustration Qiao Ze had whenmunicating with ordinary people; it seemed he couldn''t me the child for thinking everyone else was an idiot.


    After all, once the intellectual gap between people truly widened to the distance between the intelligence of an ordinary person and that of a dog, that feeling...


    Li Jiangao unconsciously shook his head slightly, casting aside these ufortable thoughts from his mind.


    Qiao Ze was after all developing in a positive direction, and such thoughts about an innocent child should not be entertained.


    But could it be true?


    Twenty minutes passed, and while Li Jiangao was immersed in this mysterious feeling, most of the professors who had been crowded around reading the paper had lifted their heads, looking at each other in disbelief, until finally Zhang Chunlei lifted his head, surprised, "How could that child have figured out that the equation has a unique solution in four-dimensional space in just about ten minutes?"


    Li Jiangao shook his head, responding, "Probably less than ten minutes, more like five or six minutes at most. ording to his exnation, he estimated it. Qiao Ze said he just imagined the three-dimensional projection coordinate system of the four-dimensional structure, and then by substituting the coordinates of those points, he could directly make the estimate."


    "This..."


    "That''s impossible, right?"


    "No, Professor Li, I feel that''s a bit far-fetched... He could just imagine it and then estimate it? Did you verify it?"


    "This happened this morning; when would I have had the time to verify it?"


    "Enough talking, let''s do this: we''ll divide the work up. Liu, Li, you two have already looked over the paper, so handle the diagrams; Professors Qian and Xu, you''re responsible for recording and writing the algorithm; Professor Chen and I will study the equation set first to identify any gaps, and then we''ll move on to verify it on the supeputer as soon as possible.


    None of you will sleep until we get results today, will you?!"


    Obviously, the bigwig was getting serious!

 Chapter 11: 11: Tears in Silence

    Xiaoxiang Star Mansion Hotel, Room 716, Qiao Ze was sitting in front of theputer browsing the inte.


    If Li Jiangao appeared behind the boy at this moment, he would probably find it utterly iprehensible.


    Because at this time, Qiao Ze was fully engrossed in reading about the "Yangtze River Schr Award Program Application Conditions".


    For distinguished professors and chair professors, domestic applicants must be under the age of 45, withmendable achievements that are recognized as important by peers both domestically and internationally, and must have the ability to lead the development of the discipline... As for young schrs, they must be no more than 38 years old.


    It doesn''t seem all that difficult.


    Uncle Li should be under 40 years old, right?


    Qiao Ze thought to himself.


    After looking it over, he closed the webpage and began to search for the criteria for election as a member of the Huaxia Academy of Sciences...


    They don''t ept individual applications, and it''s based on a rmendation system, huh?


    And furthermore, only academicians or nationally recognized scientific organizations can make rmendations.


    And that''s just to be a candidate; there''s still a vote to follow.


    So no matter how many achievements one has, if no one nominates you, you can''t be an academician?


    The young man pursed his lips and sat there lost in thought.


    A momentter, Qiao Ze opened his eyes and started searching "Academicians promoted exceptionally without nominations".


    The results that appeared were about who failed to be elected as an academician on several asions, who had received which honors but still had not been elected as an academician...


    Qiao Ze''s expression visibly darkened, and he became unhappy, even somewhat annoyed.


    He even subconsciously raised his hand to touch his chin, then suddenly understood why Uncle Li always stressed the importance of social connections.


    So this is the real-world Uncle Li was talking about?


    Qiao Ze was not convinced.


    Thus, his hands returned to the keyboard, as he quickly typed into the browser, "Can someone who has made tremendous contributions to the progress of world science but has not been nominated be an academician?"


    The search engine spat out a mess of web pages, but after flipping through a few pages, Qiao Ze found a concise reply on Zhihu to a very simr question.


    The question was, "If I''m thirty years old this year and have already won the Nobel Prize twice, can I be exceptionally promoted to an academician?"


    Top-voted reply one: "Would a thirty-year-old who truly obtained such honors still care about bing an academician? You really don''t need to worry about these things, okay? ording to your hypothesis, you''re only thirty and have already won the Nobel Prize twice; wherever you go, you''ll already be treated as a VIP. Even academicians would have to call you a boss when they see you, understand?


    What on earth makes you so constrained even in your dreams?"


    Top-voted reply two: "Trust me, if you can win the Nobel Prize twice by thirty, it''s not about whether you want to be an academician or not anymore, people would be begging you to be one. Supplement, don''t talk about exceptions, remember the questioner specifically mentioned he''s only thirty years old! You probably don''t understand what it means to have won two Nobel Prizes by thirty, right?


    Let me put it this way, the academicians are also afraid that the questioner might win another Nobel Prize in his lifetime and p them in the face!"


    After reading these two interesting responses, the corners of Qiao Ze''s mouth turned up slightly before he revealed a knowing smile.


    That''s right, there''s always a way to do things.


    If there''s only one path to achieving a goal, and this path requires you to force yourself to do something you''re not good at, it only means you''re not good enough yet.


    So with renewed confidence, Qiao Ze once again started to search the inte for "How to win a Nobel Prize".


    Dammit!


    It''s still a rmendation-based system...


    But the good news is that if you really do make an outstanding achievement, it seems there will definitely be some anonymous rmendations.


    At least that''s what it says on the inte; some scientists don''t even know who rmended them.


    Just then, Qiao Ze suddenly felt sleepy. He nced at the time on the bottom right corner of hisptop¡ªit was already 10:25 PM. So he immediately closed hisptop, went to the bathroom to wash up briefly, theny straight down on the bed and closed his eyes.


    In less than two minutes, he began to snore softly...


    It''s 10:30 PM, it''s time to sleep.


    ...


    At 10 PM, in the room of Zhang Chunlei on the 11th floor, the hustle had juste to a halt.


    With the cooperation of seven professors, they finally managed to process the data. Then Zhang Chunlei logged into his own ount and through FileZi, he transferred the configured program to Jiangcheng University''s supeputer. After setting up the parameters, the next step was to wait for the notification of the results from the supeputer.


    As a key professor being groomed by the college, he was capricious enough to have a special VIP channel at the supeputing center, which allowed him to use the facility without having to queue.


    After they had finished their work, none of the professors seemed in the mood for conversation, but no one left. They either whispered to the person next to them or looked at their phones, asionally ncing at Zhang Chunlei''sputer screen.


    In short, they were all silently awaiting the final results.


    The feeling wasplex.


    Especially for Li Jian Gao.


    He hoped that Qiao Ze''s judgment was correct, which would mean the boy truly possessed an almost terrifying mathematical intuition.


    Yet, he felt that maybe it would be better if Qiao Ze were wrong on this asion.


    If the child''s exceptional talent became known, it was uncertain whether it would bring fortune or misfortune in the future.


    It was indeed tiring.


    He wanted to go check on Qiao Ze but feared that he might miss out on the results if he left now.


    Such a dilemma.


    Just then, Lu Xiuxiu, whom he had added on WeChat today, sent him a message.


    In fact, this wasn''t their first chat of the day. At dinner, Li Jian Gao had sent her a photo of Qiao Ze happily talking with the professors, telling the mother that many university professors had a high regard for her child, which earned him a barrage of thanks.


    "Professor Li, I''m sorry to disturb you. The child must be asleep by now, right? He''s used to it at home; he invariably sleeps by 10:30 PM, nothing can change that."


    Seeing this message, Li Jian Gao finally couldn''t sit still any longer. After greeting everyone, he decided to return to his room to have a look.


    At the very least, he had to take the child to the room they had specially arranged for him.


    Upon opening the door, he saw Qiao Ze, who had already fallen into a deep sleep on the bed.


    The child didn''t mind new beds, but he did kick his covers off.


    Li Jian Gao picked up the nket that was kicked to one side and carefully covered Qiao Ze.


    Although he was gentle, Qiao Ze still opened his eyes when touched, but thankfully, upon recognizing him, the boy turned over and fell back asleep.


    Li Jian Gao let out a sigh of relief, returned to the doorway, took out the room card they had made for Qiao Ze, and then inserted the card of this room into the power slot before quietly leaving the room. There was no choice, he had to switch rooms for the night.


    At 11:23 PM, he opened WeChat and replied to Mrs. Lu, "Just went to have a look, the child is asleep, don''t worry."


    But before he could receive a reply from Mrs. Lu, his phone started ringing.


    He answered only to hear a piercing roar, "Professor Li, it''s really damned unbelievable! The kid''s judgment was actually right! It''s just, it''s just, it''s just... Anyway,e over quickly."


    "Beep beep beep..."


    Li Jian Gao was somewhat startled; he hadn''t even had the chance to respond before the other party hung up.


    Was there really a need to be this excited?


    Just then, the reply came on WeChat, "Thank you!"


    Li Jian Gao intended to dismiss the WeChat notification, but after a second thought, he quickly replied, "No need to thank me, Mrs. Lu, your child is indeed a genius, possibly even oneparable to Newton or Einstein. From today on, what you should be doing is taking pride in him, not feeling small."


    Of course, he could not see that at that moment, in an old residential building about ten kilometers away in a straight line, a woman was looking at her phone, fixated on the words in WeChat, tears streaming down her face in silence.

 Chapter 12: 12 No Shame at All

    "This kid must have an IQ of at least 180, right?"


    "I think it''s more than that, upwards of 200... My IQ is 160, and if I add another 20, I can instantly tell if this system of equations has a solution?"


    "This might actually be the real ''strongest brain,'' huh?"


    "Don''t insult the child. Can you believe that show? Anyway, the child''s IQ can''t be worse than Einstein''s... "


    ...


    When Li Jian Gao returned to Zhang Chunlei''s room on the 11th floor, the conversation among the six professors indicated they were still in a state of shock and confusion, as well as various feelings of incredulity, from which they couldn''t extricate themselves.


    For some reason, seeing Qiao Ze''s young and tranquil face as he slept had suddenly made Li Jian Gao feel that everything he had strived for all these years was tasteless and dull.


    So much so that while his colleagues were infinitely shocked at that moment, his heart was without ripples, and he even felt likeughing a little.


    Heh...


    Surely, they are all folks who haven''t seen much of the world.


    Of course, he didn''t show these thoughts openly, but at that moment he really couldn''t exhibit the same shock as his peers, so he naturally seemed out of ce.


    "Professor Li, the child''s intuition was really correct? You''re not surprised? That was an article published in ''Mathematics Annual''!"


    "Uh... Maybe you didn''t see how confident he looked when he spoke to me this morning? At that time, I believed he was probably right," Li Jian Gao exined.


    "Not really... aren''t you being too subjective?"


    "Enough, it doesn''t matter whether Jian Gao is being subjective or not, but the kid is really correct. I feel like I''ve wasted all my years; my understanding and intuition of Group Theory is not even as good as a high school student''s. I won''t lie to you, I''ve been researching this paper for nearly a week and couldn''t spot any problems in Lemma 3''s proof."


    "Don''t mention it, Liu. Think about it, this is ''Mathematics Annual'' we''re talking about. Guess who reviewed this paper? They didn''t see a thing wrong with it, so it''s normal that you couldn''t spot anything in a week."


    "Cough cough, but a high school student spotted it in less than ten minutes."


    Li Jian Gao silently corrected in his mind: "Less than five minutes."


    But he did not say it out loud.


    Because he was very clear, at this point, there was no need for him to say any more good words for Qiao Ze.


    Sure enough, someone suddenly spoke up: "Jian Gao, I heard your School of Mathematics is reforming the doctoral advisor selection system this year? Has the results for the doctoral advisor designatione out at your school? Can you supervise doctoral students now?"


    In maind China, most universities implement a doctoral and master''s advisor nomination system.


    To put it simply, if a university has established master''s and doctoral programs in a particr subject, the School of Mathematics will designate some professors who can recruit master''s and doctoral students, known among everyone as master''s and doctoral advisors. Then, each year, the School assigns a certain number of students to these advisors.


    Previously, Li Jian Gao had always been a master''s advisor and was not yet qualified to supervise doctoral students.


    But this had nothing to do with the fact Li Jian Gao was still an associate professor; as long as he was selected, an associate professor could also supervise doctoral students.


    "No, I''m currently supervising three master''s students," Li Jian Gao said with a smile as he shook his head.


    He understood the implications. However, for a promising student like Qiao Ze, these professors would be crazy not topete for him.


    "Tsk tsk tsk, what a pity. If you''re not a doctoral advisor, such a good prospect might be snatched away by someone else at Xilin University of Technology. If they secure a bachelor-master-doctoral trilogy early and lock in a supervisor, that would be troubling."


    "Yes, and after all, the School of Mathematics at Xilin University of Technology is still a bitcking. Their doctoral program opened less than ten years ago, right?" Professor Liu said slowly.


    ```


    "Haha, Liu, if you want to poach someone just say so. Don''t beat around the bush. Isn''t your Hua University of Technology''s School of Mathematics rated the same B+ as Xilin University of Technology? At least three professors here work at schools with an A level academic evaluation. Like our university," Li Jian said.


    "No, the evaluation rating can''t represent everything, right? At the very least, we have a much longer history¡­"


    "Now, let''s not fight over this. Let''s just get one thing straight, we''re all friends here, so let''s not turn into a bunch of anxious clowns over this. But to be fair, if we''re talking history, then Jiangcheng National University is probably the one with the longest history among us," Zhang Chunlei couldn''t help but interject.


    He had intended to maintain hisposure and keep up the image of a big brother figure, but after looking several times at the final feedback from the supeputing results on his notebook, he couldn''t help himself.


    Never mind anything else, if he could have such a student by his side, he''d be especially at ease when passing manuscripts along for Qiao Ze to review. At most, he''d handle the formalities and pass through some face-saving papers without a guilty conscience.


    Not to mention, such a student hardly needed any guidance and would certainly make great achievements in the future.


    Signing a direct Bachelors-Masters-Ph.D. integrated contract, regardless of whether the student himself could be an academician in the future, as long as he was provided with sufficient resources, Qiao Ze was bound to be an academician.


    By then, even if he had retired, with the bonds of teacher-student affection, he would be an unavoidable presence in the mathematicalmunity.


    Just thinking about it filled him with pleasure.


    As for personality defects, some mental issues, or even not being very capable of taking care of himself¡­


    In front of such talent, those were not issues at all!


    "Cough cough, about that, we at Xi''an Jiaotong University, our mathematics once had an A+ evaluation, it''s just that in recent years it has fallen to an A. But our School of Mathematics is still ranked within the top ten nationwide, a bit stronger than Jiang University," Xu said.


    "Xu, it''s not me you should be worried about¡ªdon''t add to the chaos. Yes, your university produces quality mathematical research, but you''re not a Ph.D. supervisor and you don''t advise graduate students! You''re not letting the ''water flow into others'' fields,'' right? If you take someone else''s kid over there, others will reap the benefits. Is there any point in that?


    At least Jian Gao is a doctoral advisor!" Zhang retorted.


    "Exactly, Xu, you don''t chime in today. And when you go back, don''t go around spreading rumors," Li added.


    "..."


    Li Jian Gao watched the doctoral supervisors discuss Qiao Ze''s future enthusiastically, feeling somewhat bittersweet.


    But he quickly epted the reality.


    True, he was not a doctoral advisor, and Xilin University of Technology''s advantages were mainly concentrated in the field of engineering. Pure sciences like mathematics and physics were indeed somewhatcking.


    Yet, he couldn''t help but say, "How about we all stop fighting? The kid is already asleep. How about this, after we finish the conference tomorrow, we''ll all meet for dinner in the evening. I''ll invite the kid''s mother too. It''s not up to us to decide where he goes to school anyway, we should ask for the child''s and the parent''s opinions, right?


    By the way, I forgot to mention that Qiao Ze''s father passed away early, the child was raised by his mother alone, it''s a single-parent family."


    "Tsst... is that so! Then we definitely need to ask the child''s mother''s opinion. That''s it for today, we have a meeting tomorrow, let''s all rest early. And remember, keep tight-lipped, tomorrow it''s just us for dinner, no extra people allowed," Zhang Chunlei concluded.


    The group looked at each other, then began to leave.


    As Li Jian Gao prepared to go to sleep, Zhang Chunlei called out to him.


    "Jian Gao, wait a second, I have something I want to discuss with you."


    "Uh¡­ Zhang, you better not broach regtions! Don''t disturb the child''s sleep at night," Li Jian Gao said.


    "Nonsense, do I look like that kind of person?" Zhang replied.


    "Heh heh¡­"


    ...


    Though reluctant to leave, the room soon emptied until only Zhang Chunlei and Li Jian Gao remained. Only then did Zhang Chunlei carefully begin, "Jian Gao, how about I don''t go to the meeting tomorrow? I''ll ask the organizingmittee for a leave of absence. Didn''t you work on a topic recently that was just published in the Mathematics Annual?


    You sort it out, and at my report meeting, you can go and give a casual talk."


    "What?!"


    ```

 Chapter 13: 13 Five People with a Hundred Thousand Tricks

    Li Jian Gao ultimately refused Zhang Chunlei''s suggestion firmly.


    Not only that, but he felt he couldn''t attend tomorrow''s meeting either.


    It wasn''t that he wanted topete with Zhang Chunlei for people.


    Rather, he feared these professors'' enthusiasm might scare the child away.


    As for whether it was inappropriate not to attend the meeting...


    Zhang Chunlei, who was the first invited to present at tomorrow''s meeting, dared to ask for leave. So, he, merely sitting there listening, naturally had no reason to be timid.


    Anyway, it was just a conference for the School of Mathematics from several universities in the Central Hua Region; the scale of the meeting wasn''t too high, so it shouldn''t be a big problem.


    Before falling asleep, Li Jian Gao was still thinking this.


    ...


    "Bang bang bang..." The next morning, the knocking at the door startled Li Jian Gao awake from his deep sleep.


    Subconsciously picking up his phone tossed aside, he saw it was only 6:30 AM!


    Li Jian Gao felt very unhappy.


    Having been upied with the day''s unexpected events until after two in the morning, and now he wasn''t allowed to sleep in?


    But the person outside the room clearly had no awareness of not disturbing others and kept knocking.


    Li Jian Gao got up, walked to the door, and peered through the peephole¡ªit was Professor Liu from Huaxia University of Technology.


    Upon opening the door, before he could even start toin, he saw Liu holding freshly bought fried dough sticks and soy milk, his smile quickly turning to surprise: "Why is it you? Didn''t you say the kid was staying herest night?"


    "Huh?" Li Jian Gao scratched his head, recalling thatst night at dinner, these professors did indeed inquire about the child''s room.


    "The kid fell asleep in my roomst night, so I came here to sleep. What are you doing here so early..."


    Before Li Jian Gao could finish speaking, Liu, looking like a thief scanning his surroundings, pushed Li Jian Gao into the room and promptly closed the door.


    "Well, the room change is for the better. Let me tell you, Professor Li, you have to help me this time. I thought about it all night and feel I probably can''t beat Zhang. Zhang is indeed a good friend who truly helps when needed. But he doesn''t hold back when ites topeting for benefits. Here''s what I think: Zhang has to present first at today''s conference anyway, so I simply won''t go.


    "Later you take me to the kid, talk to him properly, then I''ll take the kid to meet his mother, and have a brief chat with the parents about the advantages of Hua University of Technology in the morning. After the meeting ends at noon, you ditch the others, and I''ll invite the whole family to join you for lunch. What do you say?"


    Li Jian Gao just stared at Liu, dumbfounded.


    He really had not expected such ruthlessness from these individuals who usually seemed so gentle and upetitive.


    Seeing the hopeful look in Liu''s eyes, he felt somewhat embarrassed to inform him that Zhang had actually thought the samest night.


    And even had already notified the organizingmittee...


    "That... Professor Liu, this isn''t quite right, is it?"


    "Hey, what''s wrong with it? I''m telling you, I went down specifically to buy these fried dough sticks. Hurry up and wash up, and let''s take them to the kid. I checked the hotel''s free breakfast, and there wasn''t anything good to eat. Hurry, before the others wake up too..."


    "Ding-dong..."


    Liu hadn''t finished speaking when the room''s doorbell rang again.


    Li Jian Gao and Liu looked at each other...


    Then Li Jian Gao gave Liu an apologetic smile, resolutely went around him, and opened the door again.


    "Oh... why is it you? Wasn''t the kid staying here?" A head peeked over Li Jian Gao''s shoulder into the room, searching for someone, but didn''t see who he wanted: "I... Liu Jie, you came over early this morning?"


    "Professor Chen, you''re here to look for Qiao Ze too, aren''t you?" Li Jian Gao asked helplessly.


    "Yeah, where''s Qiao Ze? Where did you two hide him?"


    "When I went backst night, he was already asleep in my room, so I simply stayed over here," Li Jian Gao exined again.


    "Oh, Liu Jie, didn''t you tell me yesterday that you nned to go to the meeting this morning and that we would ask for leave to return together in the afternoon? What''s the meaning of you running over here early in the morning? Tsk, tsk, you even brought breakfast!"


    "Chen Xujing, do you have the nerve to talk about me? You''re no different."


    "I figured you would not act like a decent person!"


    "Heh heh... You don''t know, do you? I went to look for you first thing in the morning and saw you had already left. Oh ho, you even went to buy cakes and milk. It must have been hard for you, a distinguished professor from Hua Science, running around early in the morning looking for cake shops. That''s really too much trouble."


    "Enough, don''t say things that hurt the harmony. Since we all want to go together, then let''s both go, and may the best man win."


    "Fine, let''s make it clear, this is a gentleman''spetition! Don''t be pulling any dirty tricks!"


    "Don''t worry, as long as you don''t start having crooked ideas first..."


    "Hey, Jian Gao, what are you standing there dazed for? Hurry up and pack up, lead us over there!"


    "Oh..."


    "Huh? You''re all here? What are you doing in this room so early in the morning instead of preparing for the conference? Wait, Professor Li, you''re here too? Where''s the kid?"


    ...


    Ten minutester, Li Jian Gao was certain.


    Last night, of the six professors who gathered together, except for Professor Xu, who was truly honest, each of the others was crafty.


    Zhang Chunlei, Liu Jie, Chen Xujing, Wang Ming, Qian Zhenghai¡ªthey had all already gathered in what was originally Qiao Ze''s room.


    At that moment, they were staring at each other, big eyes to small.


    "I mean, Zhang, we could let it slide, but you''re the first one to present at today''s conference. Isn''t it too much that you''re not attending the conference?"


    "I''ve already asked the organizingmittee for leave because I''m not feeling well, a bit of an adjustment to the local environment. So I''ve had my presentation moved to the afternoon the day after tomorrow. I''ll be the closing speaker."


    "Hey, look at this mess, we''re all respectable people; we should at least save some face, right?"


    "That''s well said, Qian. Why don''t you go ahead and get ready for the conference."


    "I''m different from you guys. At my age, I don''t have the energy or drive to scramble for projects and promotions. I just want to teach students quietly, to be a good mentor. What do I need a face for? I''m telling you, I''ve already given notice that I won''t be attending the following sessions. I really don''t care, I''m not afraid of offending anyone, but as for you guys..."


    "Heh heh..."


    "Heh heh..."


    "Ah... you guys..." Zhang Chunlei sighed, looking up to the sky.


    Li Jian Gao silently watched the big shots engage in their verbal jousting but was already imagining the faces of the conference organizers.


    Good grief...


    In the Central Hua Region, professors from several of the most influential 985 universities had all collectively requested leave¡ªwhat kind of conference would this be?


    "Alright, everyone, listen to me. Since it''se to this, why don''t I ask Ms. Lu if she''s freeter, and then we can take Qiao Ze to visit her. But one thing, everyone please hold back a bit, let''s not scare her... okay?" Li Jian Gao said with a wry smile.


    "Don''t worry, Jian Gao, we are all sensible people; we won''t do that!"


    I hope so...

 Chapter 14: 14 The Unique Perspective of the Recruitment Teacher

    While a host of professors were so eager to have Qiao Ze on their side that they were willing to throw away their dignity, Qiao Ze sat in front of theputer that Li Jian Gao had left for him, surfing the inte.


    His biological clock was very urate.


    He didn''t have the habit of napping at noon, but he would go to bed at ten-thirty every night and wake up promptly at five-thirty in the morning.


    Seven hours of sleep each day was enough to cope with the day''s wear and tear.


    Generally, at this time, Lu Xiuxiu would have already prepared breakfast for him.


    If he wanted to go to school, he would take the breakfast with him and head off.


    If he didn''t want to go, he would stay at home and watch videos.


    Yes, he was that capricious.


    After all, the entire school knew that he was unwell, and all it took was a text from Lu Xiuxiu to the teachers to get him a leave of absence.


    But at this moment, Qiao Ze was somewhat upset.


    Because there was nobody in the room.


    The man who made him feel very much like a father had tucked him inst night and hadn''te back to the room since.


    Just as he was considering whether he should call Lu... no, his mother, there was a knock on the door.


    Qiao Ze got up and opened the door to see many familiar faces.


    But the face that gave him the fullest sense of security was Li Jian Gao''s.


    This was a kind of intuition exclusive to Qiao Ze; he just felt that this not-so-stupid man genuinely cared for him.


    At least for now, that was true.


    ...


    "Qiao Ze, the professors havee to see you. You haven''t had breakfast, right? Everyone brought you breakfast."


    Li Jian Gao briefly spoke to Qiao Ze before leading the group into the room.


    Six people instantly filled the already small room to the brim.


    The double-bed room simply couldn''t amodate so many people; those who came inter had to sit on the bed.


    The table was piled with three sets of breakfasts thoughtfully purchased by the professors.


    Li Jian Gao, who also hadn''t had breakfast, was initially reluctant to take food, but once Qiao Ze chose a cake and soy milk and silently began to eat, Li Jian Gao no longer held back and picked up a stick of still-warm deep-fried dough stick, pairing it with milk...


    And truth be told, the breakfast bought by this group tasted quite good.


    The other professors'' eyes were all focused on Li Jian Gao.


    Gee, not mentioning the important matters, howe he''s started eating first?


    "Ahem..."


    Feeling the atmosphere in the room was a bit off, Li Jian Gao coughed twice and, catching Qiao Ze''s gaze, finally said, "Qiao Ze, here''s the thing: these uncles had an important meeting scheduled for today, but they canceled it. They want to talk to you and your mother about your future schooling. How about we go visit your hometer?"


    Qiao Ze said, "I want to study at Xilin University of Technology."


    Li Jian Gao blinked and said, "It''s not like this matter can be decided just like that, and no matter what, you should ask for your mother''s opinion, right?"


    "Yeah, kid, your Li Uncle is indeed a decent professor, but he''s not a doctoral advisor yet and can''t help you much. Besides, the brand of Xilin University of Technology''s School of Mathematics isn''t very renowned. Jiang University is different, it''s one of the TOP10 universities in Huaxia, and it''s close to Xingcheng, which would make it convenient for you toe back and visit your mother.


    Why don''t we go and discuss this first?"


    Zhang Chunlei immediately followed up on Li Jian Gao''s words, earnestly advising.


    Qiao Ze thought for a moment and said, "My mother has to work today, and besides, she listens to me."


    "Work isn''t really a big issue; we can go to her workce and talk, and we can all have lunch together at noon. By the way, which unit is your mother working at? I know quite a few people in Xingcheng, maybe there''s someone I know there," said Professor Qian jokingly.


    Qiao Ze pursed his lips and replied, "My mother works at the Happiness Supermarket downstairs from our home."


    "Uh..."


    Professor Qian was feeling awkward when suddenly someone else burst into the room, "Professor Li, there''s something... Eh? Professor Zhang? Professor Liu? What... Why is it so lively here today?"


    ...


    Yu Chenggong was at aplete loss.


    He came to find Li Jiangao becausest night he received thetest news about this year''s student recruitment from the school and nned to tell Li Jiangao first thing in the morning, to curry some favor.


    He was worried that if he arrived toote, Li Jiangao might have already gone to a meeting. By lunchtime, Li might already know the news, and then the favor would be wasted.


    Who would have thought that the room would be full of professors from various universities?


    Not to mention, there was that child prodigy being surrounded and eating cake in the middle of it all.


    "Oh, does Teacher Yu have an urgent matter?"


    "Uh... Shall we step outside to talk?"


    "Sure!"


    The two left the room, Yu Chenggong closed the door behind them, and with a look of surprise asked, "Professor Li, why are all these people here?"


    "What else would they be here for? Recruiting, of course. They''ve all taken a fancy to Qiao Ze. You have no idea how attentive these people have been. They got up early in the morning to buy the kid breakfast, and now they''re all urging me to take the child to find his mom. They''re all thinking about how to quickly dig the child away," Li Jiangao said with a wry smile.


    "What?!" Yu Chenggong was stunned.


    The child that nobody wanted yesterday was now being crazily fought over by these professors?


    This world is too crazy!


    Indeed, gold should be buried in the sand - it barely shone before attracting a swarm of bees and butterflies.


    "Isn''t it, weren''t they alling for the higher education conference on Group Theory? If I remember correctly, today is the first day of the conference, right?"


    "Yes, they all took leave. I guess they all feel that the conference isn''t as important as Qiao Ze," Li Jiangao said helplessly with a shrug.


    When you think about it, this was actually his fault.


    If he hadn''t brought Qiao Ze to meet these professors yesterday, there probably wouldn''t be such amotion now.


    Yu Chenggong swallowed instinctively.


    This was something he knew well.


    Recruiters always fight over prospects like this.


    Only these professors still have some shame.


    If it were him, he would have directly coaxed Qiao Ze to the school, notify the parents on the train, when arrived at the school, find a few female students to apany him sightseeing, brainwash him 24/7 about how great the school is...


    Wait a minute...


    He had never considered this before!


    "So, are all these professors really here for the kid?"


    "What else?"


    Li Jiangaoughed, then showed Yu Chenggong the fried dough stick in his hand, "This is what Professor Liu from Hua Science bought for the kid early in the morning, but Qiao Ze chose to eat the cake that Professor Chen bought. So, the fried dough stick was left for me. I''ve known old Liu for almost ten years, and this is the first time I''ve eaten breakfast that he treated."


    Yu Chenggong was taken aback for a moment, then said with heartfelt regret, "Professor Li, you''re being foolish! How can you push such a promising seedling out? Just letting others snatch him away, what are we going to do? He came to us first, didn''t he? No, I must go with youter. If you can''t bring yourself to speak, then don''t say anything.


    I''llpete with them for the child!"


    "What?! No, Teacher Yu, do you remember saying yesterday that the child was quite a handful?"


    "Hey, Professor Li, how can you still not understand? A child that is being fought over by so many discerning professors, can he be bad? Isn''t it just that he can''t take care of himself? The child is already so talented that professors from top universities would rather miss a conference than miss recruiting him. Isn''t that issue easy to solve?


    I''ll report the situation, and the school will naturally find a way. If we manage to recruit him, we''ll only have credit, there won''t be any mistakes!"


    Li Jian Gao suddenly understood¡­


    It''s true, something only bes desirable once others start fighting for it¡­

 Chapter 15: 15 Ordinary yet Great Maternal Love

    Eight people, when visiting Qiao Ze''s mother, split into three cars.


    Originally two cars would have been enough, but unfortunately, at the moment, there was ack of unity, and everyone found someone displeasing to the eye.


    In the end, upon Qiao Ze''s insistence, he and Li Jiangao got into one car, while Yu Chenggong shamelessly squeezed himself into the co-driver''s seat.


    Recruiting a student with a serious psychological disorder could be nting andmine in his career.


    But if he recruited a student fervently sought after by professors from several 985-ranked universities even higher than Xilin University of Technology, it would be only proper to raise his monthly bonus, and he might even be named an Advanced Worker at the end of the year.


    However, this couldn''t be med on Yu Chenggong being pragmatic; it''s just that the world is that pragmatic.


    ...


    At seven in the morning, outside the Jia Hexing Garden neighborhood, at the Happiness Fresh Supermarket.


    Those with even a slight understanding of Xingcheng''s real estate industry know that if the name of a neighborhood ends with the character for "garden," it indicates that it''s a resettlement housing area built in exchange fornd requisition.


    Jia Hexing Garden was no exception.


    At this time, Lu Xiuxiu was busy in the supermarket, just like any other day.


    Although it was a privately-owned business, Happiness Supermarket was not small, boasting a full five hundred square meters.


    Because there was a specialized fresh produce section, mornings were actually the busiest time of the day.


    The early risers, akin to those attending a morning market, would start choosing their picks very early. Lu Xiuxiu''s job was to constantly restock and also to promptly clean up the mess left behind in the supermarket''s produce area after shopping, maintaining cleanliness indoors.


    It was tiring, and the pay wasn''t much, but for Lu Xiuxiu, the advantage was that it was close to home and convenient for looking after her child.


    The supermarket''s owner, surnamed Xiao, was a local and and-requisitioned household, just turned fifty. The storefront used for the supermarket was a self-owned asset provided in exchange for the requisitionednd. Both his children had been admitted to university, and with the store doing quite well, he could be considered a local rich man, equivalent to a wealthyndlord of ancient times.


    The man was rather decent; although he oversaw the store every day, knowing Lu Xiuxiu''s family situation, he would proactively let her leave early to spend more time with her child when the store was not busy.


    It was a gesture of kindness, but actually not much. For example, Lu Xiuxiu had been working here for five years but had never received a raise, her monthly sry fixed at three thousand. Yet, on the asions she requested leave, her pay had never been docked.


    But for Lu Xiuxiu this bit of kindness was already enough; after all, most of her life revolvedrgely around Qiao Ze.


    The only thing that made Lu Xiuxiu dissatisfied with the old boss was that he often tried to persuade her, "Xiu Xiu, your kid has a mental issue, so don''t fuss over it. If it reallyes to it, after he graduates from high school, he cane work here.


    I''ll give him a job where he doesn''t have to deal with people, like moving things, crunching numbers or something, I''ll pay him 3500 a month, enough to support himself."


    Her Qiao Ze was a genius!


    Working in a supermarket? How could that be possible?!


    But today, just thinking of the boss''s words made Lu Xiuxiu''s mood particrly joyful.


    Though she still didn''t know what had happened yesterday when Qiao Ze went with Li Jian Gao.


    But the message Professor Li had sent her yesterday gave her a feeling of happiness she had never experienced before in her life.


    She had even taken a screenshot and carefully saved it in her photo album.


    She really wanted to show the boss how a major university professor evaluated her child... A genius, no less! And a geniusparable to many great figures in history, at that!


    But Lu Xiuxiu didn''t dare.


    Because she heard that if parents boast about their children''s excellence in public, it can easily ruin the children''s fortunes, many children whose careers were going very well have been destroyed by parents who liked to show off.


    In Lu Xiuxiu''s view, she couldn''t help her child much, but she mustn''t drag him down either.


    Having finally finished her work, Lu Xiuxiu could take a brief rest and catch her breath.


    She couldn''t resist taking out her phone, opening WeChat, and nning to read Professor Li''s message again.


    Although it was just a short sentence, she never tired of reading it, and with each nce, her heart felt as sweet as if she had tasted honey.


    At this time, in Lu Xiuxiu''s mind, Li Jiangao had be a personage like a living Buddha of this world.


    Without Professor Li, who would recognize her child?


    That''s when she suddenly saw a message that Professor Li had sent ten minutes earlier.


    "Ms. Lu, hello. The professors I introduced to Qiao Ze yesterday would like to meet you and inform you about the schools, including Jiangcheng University, Hua Ke University, etc., as well as their admission policies, to help Qiao Ze decide which university to enroll in. We are already bringing Qiao Ze with us on the way to your workce; we should arrive shortly."


    Lu Xiuxiu was momentarily stunned, then her mind suddenly became a mess, and she panicked.


    This...


    The professors areing to see her?


    Shouldn''t they have given notice, and then she could meet these prestigious professors?


    How was she supposed to receive them?


    The house was too small, and she hadn''t bought any good tea or anything; wouldn''t the professors think less of her?


    If they came to the supermarket, and the professors found out she was just a menial worker there, wouldn''t it also affect their impression of Qiao Ze?


    This message was sent ten minutes ago, and she didn''t know if she''d have enough time to go home and change...


    Such a vexing problem.


    Lu Xiuxiu, in a state ofplete distress, went straight to the office in the back of the supermarket.


    Through the partially open door, Lu Xiuxiu could see the boss leaning back in his chair, feet propped up on the desk, bobbing his head and humming along with the opera ying from his phone.


    She had no choice, for her child''s sake she had to gather her courage and knock on the door.


    "Come in."


    "Xiao, may I take some time off?"


    "Eh? Taking time off again? Didn''t you just take a day off yesterday? What''s up with your son now? I''ve told you before, stop fussing. You''re tired and so is the child.


    It''s not the end of the world if he doesn''t go to university. Look how many college graduates still end up living off their parents after graduation. Haven''t you been watching the news? College graduates aren''t in demand these days. Study for four years, graduate, and the sry is just a couple thousand."


    "It''s not that, Xiao. This time it''s different."


    "What could be different? I''m aware of your son''s situation. Even if he barely makes it through university, he might be too proud to settle for work, and even less likely to find a job. Wouldn''t it be better to have hime work for me straight after high school? You''d save some unnecessary expenses.


    Let me tell you, tuition fees are not cheap these days, and for those coborative education programs, they''re ridiculously expensive. A rtive of mine insisted on attending one..."


    Xiao was in the middle of his spiel when the office door suddenly burst open, and a young girl barged in: "Boss, boss, oh? Lu, you''re here? No wonder I couldn''t find you. There are several men with an imposing presence at the front door looking for you, they brought your son to the supermarket."


    "What?" Xiao jumped, startled, and immediately sat up straight, looking at Lu Xiuxiu in astonishment: "Lu, you didn''t borrow from loan sharks outside, did you? Did they kidnap your child?"

 Chapter 16: 16: Xiao, Whose Cognition Was Overturned

    "Ah? They''re already here?!"


    Lu Xiuxiu, paying no mind to Xiao''s wild spection, immediately started to adjust her clothing. Although it was just a supermarket uniform and not very formal, she wanted to at least be neat and tidy when meeting the distinguished professor.


    After all, that was about all she could do.


    On the other hand, the young girl who came to deliver the news was quick-witted and helped Lu Xiuxiu exin: "What? Boss, where did your mind go? I said those people had an aura, not that kind of aura! You know, that sort... ugh, just go and see for yourselves; they''re all waiting for Lu at the supermarket entrance."


    "What kind of expression is that? You''ve just revealed that you haven''t read any books, haven''t you?"


    "Psh, as if you, boss, have read that many books yourself!"


    "True, I haven''t read much, but I''ve raised two sons, and now both of them are college students at prestigious universities!"


    "Oh, which prestigious ones? Yanbei or Huaqing?"


    "Get back to work and don''t think I don''t know you''re cking off! I said we need at least three tills open in the morning, who let you run off?"


    ...


    Theirically antagonistic banter actually helped Lu Xiuxiu to rx a little from her nervousness.


    Things had already reached this point, and getting nervous was pointless; she had to face it eventually.


    So, smiling at the young cashier girl, Lu Xiuxiu stepped out of the boss''s office.


    The curious Xiao stood up from his seat and followed behind Lu Xiuxiu.


    He wanted to see who was looking for Lu Xiuxiu with that sick child in tow.


    But just as he reached the entrance, Xiao was taken aback.


    "Eh, Professor Yu? Professor Yu, what brings you here?"


    Yu Chenggong, who was nonstop brainwashing Li Jiangao, looked up when he heard his name called. His eyes brightened when he saw Lu Xiuxiu, but the following little old man staring at him... he had absolutely no recollection of.


    By now, Xiao had eagerly taken a couple of steps forward, bypassing Lu Xiuxiu, and enthusiastically grabbed Yu Chenggong''s hand.


    "Professor Yu, you really don''t remember old acquaintances, do you? My second son, Xiao Chenglong, he used to go to Xiangbei Second High School, andst year after the college entrance exam, he wanted to apply to the mechanical something or other program at Xilin University of Technology.


    His scores were a bit lower than previous years'', so their homeroom teacher had to step in and ask for your advice on how to choose his preferences."


    "Oh..." Yu Chenggong feigned a sudden realization as if he remembered and pointed at the old man, saying, "You must be father of that Xiao Chenglong, yes? How is it, has your son been admitted?"


    In truth, he met so many parents every year, it was impossible to remember everyone clearly. It was just customary tact to avoid embarrassment for all involved.


    "Admitted, admitted indeed. Following your advice, he applied for that international cooperative program that Xilin University of Technology opened, and he got the eptance letter. The tuition is a bit more expensive than usual, but my kid is very satisfied. He told me that the school environment is great and the teachers are very responsible.


    Plus, if his grades keep up, he''ll have the chance to study abroad as an exchange student in his second year. If I''m to be honest, you''re really a significant benefactor for the Xiao Family!"


    "Ahem... No need to thank me, no need. It''s just what we should do." Yu Chenggong felt somewhat embarrassed by these words.


    University international cooperation programs... Well, those who know, know.


    Schools have to make money too, after all; it''s nothing to be ashamed of.


    But toe specially to thank him for this...


    In truth, Yu Chenggong felt it should be the other way around; he should be thanking the boss in front of him because the boss had contributed significantly to his sry and bonuses.


    "Hey, right, why did you specificallye here?" Xiao suddenly realized that their visit wasn''t about finding him.


    "Oh, we''re here to see Mrs. Lu. That''s Qiao Ze''s mother. You might not know this, but Qiao Ze is truly gifted in mathematics. So here we are, alongside professors from several other universities, wanting to hear what Mrs. Lu thinks about Qiao Ze''s future, to help the kid decide on his future school earlier."


    Yu Chenggong politely exined to Xiao, but his gaze was actually fixed on Lu Xiuxiu standing behind Xiao.


    After all, the woman wearing the work uniform that read "Come to Happiness Supermarket, enjoy a happy life" was the main character he was here to see today.


    "Ah? Little Lu''s kid is a genius?" Xiao was startled, instinctively looking back at Lu Xiuxiu, who was standing there nervously rubbing her hands, not quite able to wrap his head around the idea¡­


    Didn''t everyone say that the kid was mentally ill, always scoring zero on his exams?


    How did he suddenly be a genius?


    When Madame Xiao turned to look at her, Lu Xiuxiu immediately seized the opportunity, "Mr. Xiao, could you please give me some time off? The professors are here, and it doesn''t seem right to talk in front of the supermarket¡­"


    Xiao immediately understood and took charge, "What are you talking about? Such good news, how could I stop you? This ce isn''t suitable for talking, my office is quiet, you can talk there. Hey Zhang, stop manning the cash register, go get my fine tea leaves, brew some tea for Teacher Yu and the professors!"


    ...


    In Xiao''s office, the stylish couch was just enough for the several professors, Lu Xiuxiu, and Qiao Ze to sit.


    At this point, Xiao casually took a folding stool, sitting beside them like a primary school student, silently eavesdropping on what seemed to him a mythological conversation.


    "Ms. Lu, let me introduce myself. My name is Zhang Chunlei, I am the Associate Dean of the School of Mathematics at Jiangcheng University and also a doctoral adviser."


    "You definitely look younger than me, so if I call you little Lu, you wouldn''t mind, right? The others have already said their piece, so I''ll just briefly tell you about our School of Mathematics at Jiangcheng University. Leaving the rest aside, you know Jiang University is in Jiangcheng and close to Xingcheng, just two or three hundred kilometers away, convenient for you to visit him.


    Plus, our math program is among the best in the nation.


    Let me just cut to the chase. If Qiao Ze is willing to sign a direct B.S./M.S./Ph.D. integration program agreement with Jiang University Mathematics Institute, I guarantee not only will his tuition be waived, but he''ll also receive a full schrship every semester. I''ll help him apply for other financial aids as well, which should cover his living expenses and still leave him with surplus.


    Upon graduation with his doctorate, if he wants to stay at the university as a professor or researcher, I will fully support him, and I can almost guarantee a ny-nine percent chance of him staying. If he wishes to go to another research institute, I will write him the highest rmendation letters.


    You also won''t have to worry too much about his daily life while he''s studying, I''ll arrange some graduate students to regrly check on his well-being. What do you think, little Lu? Oh, right, all these promises can be put into a contract, and I will personally sign and seal it!"


    ...


    Xiao''s lips quivered involuntarily, not knowing where to put his hands.


    These conditions... truly extraordinary!


    So you can not only study for free but also make money from it?!


    Especially since his younger child had just finished the college entrance examst year; he also had some understanding of universities.


    Jiangcheng University''s admission score line seemed to be even higher than Xilin University of Technology in Xingcheng!


    Xiao instinctively looked at Lu Xiuxiu and saw that this mother appearedpletely clueless, as if she had no idea what to do.


    Looking at Qiao Ze, well, the kid seemed even moreposed, as if the topic had nothing to do with him.


    He couldn''t help but start to feel anxious for them. From the corner of his eye, he suddenly caught Yu fiddling secretly with his phone¡­


    He must be taking pictures surreptitiously, right?


    Xiao blinked, these university big shots really know how to y the game!

 Chapter 17: 17: Enrollment? Im the Expert!

    Xilin University of Technology main campus, Admissions Office.


    Director Zhuo Wenyu had just sat down, turned on hisputer, logged into his work WeChat, and the notification sound began to echo around the tiny office.


    This was the reason the Admissions Office needed to hire students to help every year.


    Normally it was indeed very quiet, but as soon as it approached the admissions season, enthusiastic parents and students could really blow up the phone.


    His work WeChat was never quiet either.


    If he didn''t check it for one night, the next day it felt like it would explode.


    But he wasn''t in a hurry, instead, he took out his water cup, put some tea leaves into it, brewed himself a cup of tea, blew on it twice, took a satisfying sip, and then started to browse the messages on WeChat.


    Not all messages were worth replying to, not all strangers trying to add him as a friend had to be epted.


    Having served as the Admissions Office Director for ten years, Zhuo Wenyu had long cultivated the ability to discern important information.


    Parents of students introduced by other admissions teachers would rify in the verification messages.


    So Zhuo Wenyu quickly noticed the message from Yu Chenggong.


    Zhuo Wenyu actually quite appreciated Yu Chenggong.


    It was notmon for someone to stay in the role of admissions teacher for over a decade since most people would seek promotions and look for higher opportunities.


    But Yu Chenggong was different, in his words, he liked enjoying the three extra months of paid vacation each year that didn''t ovep with winter or summer holidays. Therefore, the position of admissions teacher suited him perfectly.


    Of course, this appreciation actually depended on Zhuo Wenyu''s own career trajectory.


    Generally speaking, the role of university Admissions Office Director was more like a transit point. Spend a few years, then you''d be promoted to the administrative office or transferred to another city to be an official.


    But Zhuo Wenyu was also an exception; he''d been sent to the Admissions Office because he had offended someone, and that person still held an important leadership position at the school.


    Thus, aftering to this position, he really gave it his all, managing the admissions at Xilin University of Technology in an orderly manner,pleting the annual admissions n and targets without issue, beyond reproach. The quality of the entire Admissions Office team has been proven to be extremely solid, after being audited externally multiple times.


    Even when the asional ck sheep was found, they were typically temporary workers inserted by other leaders slipping in a word.


    As a result, several of Zhuo''s junior leaders had been changed, for instance, his superior, the head of the school''s admissions and employment office, had been reced five times, yet his position remained firmly unchanged.


    Originally, the leader who had been offended by him was also under great pressure and had no way to deal with him, entertaining the idea of letting him go. Two years ago, there had already been whispers about transferring him to another city as an official.


    However, who would have thought that because the Admissions Office of Xilin University of Technology had not only not changed its director but had also not had any issues raised by multiple external audits, it would actually attract the attention of the higher management authorities?


    Not only did they conduct a high-profile research visit to the school but they also specially posted an article on their internal promotionwork titled "Why a Capable Admissions Office Director Should Not Be Easily Transferred".


    They heavily promoted Zhuo Wenyu as a model figure devoted to fair admissions, and Xilin University of Technology''s unique approach of demanding stability in the admissions team.


    Hence, his transfer to be an official in another city was forcefully shelved.


    But Zhuo Wenyu''s rank still got a boost, the benefits being higher sry and bonuses, with a team of skilled workers under him, responding tomands like an extension of his own limbs...


    Perhaps this was a case of "a blessing in disguise"?


    ...


    Yu Chenggong sent him several video clips.


    Out of appreciation for Yu Chenggong, Zhuo Wenyu watched all the videos very carefully.


    Then he also became somewhat restless.


    He immediately logged onto the official websites of the several schools mentioned in the video and easily found profiles of the professors who appeared in the video.


    They were all doctoral supervisors; their detailed introductions were certainly on the school''s official websites.


    Especially Zhang Chunlei, who was after all a Yangtze River Schr.


    In the Huaxia academic circle, the title of Yangtze River Schr still carries significant weight.


    So he quickly replied to Yu Chenggong''s message, "Have Huaqing and Yanbei not noticed this child?"


    "There may be a defect in his mental aspect. Hees from a single-parent family, is not adept at taking tests, and has almost no interpersonalmunication skills, and he is suspected of having extremely poor self-care ability. However, his talent and aplishment in mathematics are very high.


    After being identally discovered by Professor Li from our School of Mathematics and brought to a meeting of university mathematics professors, he received affirmation from all the professors attending the gathering.


    "By the way, these professors came to Xingcheng to attend the 2023 Central Hua Group Theory Educational Development Forum hosted by Xinnan University today. Especially Jiang University''s Zhang, who was originally arranged by the organizers to give the opening speech, but now they have all collectively taken leave for this child.


    Utilizing Professor Li''s words, this child not only self-studied Group Theory and Quantum Physics during his high school stage but also his umtion in Group Theory is on par with his. And ording to Professor Li, the child''s other umtions are also very terrifying, capable of picking out errors in papers published in the top four mathematics journals at a nce.


    Moreover, after verification by these professors using a supeputerst night, it was proven that the child is correct!"


    After reading the messages sent by Yu Chenggong, Zhuo Wenyu patted his chest and caught his breath.


    Although Zhuo Wenyu''s strength was not in academia but in management.


    Nevertheless, working in a university environment, he naturally understood the significance of being able to publish papers in the top four mathematics journals.


    This child could spot errors in a paper at a nce?


    And his knowledge umtion during high school couldpare with that of the university''s associate professors? And it''s certified by a group of professors?


    This has exceeded the category of genius; this is more like a deity, right?!


    With such capabilities, what do mental defects, poor test-taking,ck of interpersonalmunication skills, and inability to manage self-care even count as ws?


    From the perspective of a senior management talent like himself, these are actually advantages indeed!


    Heaven meant for him to just stay peacefully in theb and produce results, not to be distracted by all sorts of trivial matters every day!


    For such a deity, arranging seven or eight people to take care of his daily living 24 hours a day wouldn''t be considered excessive, would it?


    Seldom do you see a talent overlooked by schools like Yanbei and Huaqing. Having stumbled upon one by chance, if he didn''t seize it, that would be a dereliction of duty!


    "I give you full authority, spare no expense to sign this kid! If anyone at the school has questions about this, let theme to me, I''ll back you up! If you sign him, I''ll max out your bonus for the year, and you must be included in themendations!


    But if you don''t sign him, you might as well quit your job as a recruitment officer, and I''ll personally write a request to transfer you to logistics to watch over thebs!"


    ...


    "Cough cough..."


    Yu Chenggong suddenly started coughing violently.


    Zhuo''sst sentence had taken him by surprise.


    Moved to logistics to watch over thebs? That was quite a suggestion from the director!


    But with the authorization obtained, Yu Chenggong now had confidence.


    He could tell the child got along pretty well with Jian Gao, so all he needed to do was to make the child''s mother satisfied!


    Is being a Yangtze River Schr all that impressive? You don''t know jack about recruitment!


    When ites to recruitment, he, Yu Chenggong, is the professional!

 Chapter 18: 18 Xiaos Worldview Is Overturned Once Again

    Everyone had already turned their gaze to Yu Chenggong.


    Especially since his several bout of violent coughs directly interrupted Zhang Chunlei''s words.


    But Yu Chenggong didn''t care; he knew that the professors didn''t really respect him anyway, so naturally, he didn''t feel the need to take these mathematicians seriously.


    Therefore, he directly began speaking amiably, "Hey, Ms. Lu, the professors have already said a lot, so let me just have a quick word with you. Really, from the perspective of a recruitment teacher, the conditions offered by the professors are quite good, especially Professor Zhang. Jiang University, as a famous institution in Huaxia, to offer such terms, their sincerity is truly at its maximum!"


    This statement made Zhang Chunlei, who had been interrupted, look a bit better.


    In fact, Zhang Chunlei was the one who least wanted Yu Chenggong toe along.


    He always felt that this guy would cause trouble.


    And sure enough, when Yu Chenggong spoke again, the tone had changed, "But Ms. Lu, after all, you initially came to see me yesterday, so I also need to remind you from the professional perspective of a recruitment teacher - including Professor Zhang, the conditions they''ve promised just now might look good but are actually impossible to include in a contract.


    I''ve been in recruitment for over ten years, and I''ve never heard of ensuring that a child can maximize schrships and grants being directly written into a contract! Even if it were possible, it would definitelye with many restrictive uses. And those uses will definitely include many that are unfavorable to the child.


    The simplest example, even if the top scorer of the college entrance examination did poorly in university, would they still get a schrship? Would the other students ept that?"


    These words immediately calmed down Lu Xiuxiu, who had been overjoyed.


    Right, why should it be? What if her son Qiao Ze became ill again at university, would the professors'' promises still hold true?


    Of course, Yu Chenggong''s words also directly provoked public indignation, especially Zhang Chunlei, who almost stood up in anger, "Teacher Yu, what are you implying?! Are you saying that I, Zhang Chunlei, don''t keep my word?"


    "No, no, no, of course I don''t mean that. But Professor Zhang, why don''t you make a call to Jiang University''s admissions office right now, let''s put it on speaker and listen together to see if the head of the admissions office dares to issue an independent admission contract like you''ve just described without any conditions?"


    Yu Chenggong still had a smile stered on his face, speaking softly and gently, but his words were unyielding.


    Seeing Yu Chenggong''s confident demeanor, Zhang Chunlei suddenly lost his nerve, not knowing how to respond for a moment.


    After all, he was really not sure about the restrictions involved in drafting an admission contract; a distinguished professor like himself, why would he bother with the trivial matters of school recruiting?


    More importantly, he knew the people within that system all too well.


    They would definitely respect his wishes on minor matters, but when it came to issues that required ountability, if he made a call now, the other side would probably just start beating around the bush and certainly wouldn''t give him a straightforward answer.


    Even if he swore the heavens would hold him ountable if the school faced repercussions, they wouldn''t believe him.


    Who in the school''s administrative hierarchy, all sly as ancient foxes, would believe in swearing oaths?


    Even Zhang Chunlei himself knew that if there were any policy vitions that led to the school seeking ountability, it certainly wouldn''t be him, a professor with future prospects, getting the brunt of it. It was likely that the admissions office would be made the scapegoat.


    That''s awkward!


    He was too excited yesterday and neglected to do his homework in advance.


    This move to make an on-the-spot phone call, putting it on speaker, was just too ruthless, targeting his vulnerable spot.


    As for the other professors who wanted to refute Yu Chenggong, they too were silenced by his words.


    How would these mathematicians possibly understand the matters of independent recruitment contracts?


    Thus, all the dissatisfied professors turned their eyes to Li Jiangao...


    Who the hell asked you to bring the school''s recruitment teacher here?


    Suddenly feeling enormous pressure, Li Jiangao held his cup, his eyes fixed intently on the teacup in his hand.


    Pretending as if he hadn''t heard a thing.


    Damn it, just let it all go to hell, I''m tired!


    At this moment, the person who was probably the most rxed was none other than Xiao, the owner who sat there enjoying the spectacle.


    Even this supermarket owner had a moment of realization.


    No wonder the professors spoke so beautifully?


    He thought, attending university for free and making money too? Where on earth does such a good deal exist? Turns out the professors were all painting pies in the sky!


    Oh, he knows that too!


    Teacher Yu is really the professional!


    ...


    After a moment of silence, it was Yu Chenggong who took the initiative to break the awkward stalemate, "Haha, it seems that Professor Zhang isn''t nning to make a call at this time, so I''ll continue. Actually, showing sincerity is quite simple. Ms. Lu, let me just tell you about the promises I can make and keep."


    Lu Xiuxiu hurriedly nodded and said, "Sure, Teacher Yu, please go ahead."


    Yu Chenggong smiled and said, "Firstly, our Xilin University of Technology has a special fund for impoverished students, aimed specifically at outstanding students from families with difficulties. I''ve inquired about your family situation through Teacher Zhou, and it fully meets the criteria for applying for the fund.


    So, as long as we sign the contract today, before Qiao Ze officially enrolls in the school, this money can be deposited into your provided ount, a total of three hundred thousand yuan! Of course, this also requires signing another contract. This money should mainly be used for the child''s expenses during his studies."


    As soon as these words were spoken, the other professors couldn''t sit still anymore.


    "Teacher Yu, have you no shame? Isn''t this a vition of the admissions policy?"


    "Well, Professor Liu, our Xilin University of Technology''s admissions guidelines indeed have specific provisions, you know. They allow for a one-time cash grant to students who truly have difficult family circumstances, and this is also in response to the national call to alleviate poverty. If you don''t believe me, I can pull it up for you right now.


    If you''re still doubtful, why don''t you give our director a call right now, and let him exin it to you?"


    "We should have something like that at our school too!"


    "Ahem, that''s for you to verify. After all, I''m not a recruiter for your school, am I? How would I know what policies your school has?"


    "Xiu Xiu, don''t rush, wait for me to make a call to our admissions office to ask. Whatever Xilin University of Technology can provide, I refuse to believe our school can''t match it!"


    ...


    Watching the professors either stepping out of the office to make calls or starting to send WeChat messages, Yu Chenggong continued unhurriedly, "Secondly, considering Qiao Ze''s special situation, I can apply to the school to let you apany him in his studies and arrange a temporary job for you.


    For example, as a dormitory manager, the main duties include assisting students with their amodation arrangements and managing students'' dormitory behavior ording to the school''s regtions. The pay isn''t much, about four thousand or so, but it includes meals and amodation, and it''s rtively easy work. It would allow you to be close to Qiao Ze and take care of him."


    Hearing this condition, Lu Xiuxiu''s eyes lit up.


    This really was so thoughtful.


    She truly wasn''tfortable with Qiao Ze going off to study on his own, but after all, she needed to make a living to support the family.


    As for the one-time grant of three hundred thousand yuan, it was indeed substantial, but Lu Xiuxiu wanted to save it for her son to buy a house and get married in the future.


    "Thirdly, a full tuition waiver."


    "I can''t guarantee that Qiao Ze will definitely get all the schrships and other social donations for student aid, as this requires him to maintain satisfactory grades during his time at school. But I can unconditionally assure you that Qiao Ze will have an extra monthly living allowance, not much, about two thousand or so.


    This money will be deposited directly into Qiao Ze''s student card, which cannot be withdrawn in cash, but can only be used for on-campus expenses such as dormitory utilities, meals in the cafeteria, showers in the bathhouse, and the like, as they can all be directly charged to the student card."


    "As for other things like going abroad for exchanges, some specialpetition rewards, and the pursuit of various honors, that will depend on Qiao Ze''s performance after he starts school. But think about it, although Professor Li is currently only an associate professor, his prospects are boundless. Plus, he gets along with Qiao Ze.


    Don''t you think if these opportunities arise, Professor Li would help Qiao Ze fight for them? Right?"


    Lu Xiuxiu waspletely moved.


    She subconsciously looked towards her son, who hadn''t said a word.


    Qiao Ze was indifferent...


    He just felt that this morning was quite boring, and these adults were quite boring too.


    He had emphasized time and again that he would only go to Xilin University of Technology, and he didn''t understand why these people were still wasting so much time talking.


    It was Uncle Li who understood him, who also hadn''t said a word of nonsense.


    When he saw his mother looking at him, Qiao Ze thought of what Li Jiangao had instructed him, and reluctantly said again, "I''m going to Xilin University of Technology."


    Lu Xiuxiu breathed a sigh of relief.


    Yu Chenggong smiled.


    Xiao was dumbfounded!


    So Teacher Yu meant to serve up a huge pie directly!


    Thirty thousand yuan just for studying? Not to mention a tuition waiver, but also an additional two thousand yuan for living expenses every month? Additionally, even resolving the parent''s employment issue?


    Could it be that his two sons had gone to some fake universities?!

 Chapter 19: 19 Qiao Zes Official Declaration

    The professors were frustrated.


    Because they truly hadn''t expected Yu Chenggong to be so well-prepared.


    He even had the independent college admission agreement and Xilin University of Technology''s financial aid contract for impoverished students in his bag at all times.


    As soon as Lu Xiuxiu nodded, he immediately took out the contracts.


    Without waiting for Yu Chenggong to go through the contracts item by item to exin them, Qiao Ze directly took the contract and pen, signed his name, and even stamped his fingerprint.


    Then, he handed the contract to Lu Xiuxiu.


    Since her son had signed, as a mother, she naturally didn''t hesitate to sign her own name in the guardian''s section.


    The entire signing process was smooth and efficient. By the time the cluster of professors, who were still trying to understand the school''s independent admission rules, returned to the office, the signing procedures had practically beenpleted here. All that was left was for Yu Chenggong to mail the contracts back to the school so that with the official school seal, they could take effect.


    "Unfilial, absolutely unfilial!"


    "Ah... In the future, when we spot good candidates, we must involve the admissions office staff."


    "The future? Dream on! Do you think you can find another kid like this? Do you really think that the admissions teams of Huaqing and Yanbei are pushovers?"


    "Jian Gao, you are not being honest!"


    "Hehe..."


    Even though the professors were deeply disappointed, they couldn''t show too intense emotions in front of Lu Xiuxiu and Qiao Ze. They could only speak a few sour words.


    Even so, Lu Xiuxiu was already scared out of her wits.


    My god, offending so many professors at once, and high-ranking university professors at that, had truly exceeded her imagination.


    After all, this ordinary mother had never thought that she would have the opportunity to intersect with these high-level intellectuals in her lifetime.


    After wrestling with her thoughts for a long time, she could only timidly say, "Thank you to all the great professors for your fondness of Qiao Ze. How about I treat everyone to lunch at noon?"


    "Ah... how could we let you do that? So, dear professors, today it was little Yu who got ahead. I''ll arrange lunch, and I kindly ask everyone to grace us with your presence," Yu Chenggong, who was adept at social interaction, said with a smile as he slipped the contracts into his bag, promptly taking over from Lu Xiuxiu''s offer.


    "Hmm, then I must attend this meal. Let me tell you, I''m usually not picky about these things, but today I must pick the best restaurant in Xingcheng for lunch. Oh, and I want to drink Maotai."


    "Heh, although I can''t eat seafood, we must have the most expensive seafood for lunch today."


    "Haha, sure, no problem. Recruitment aside, social rtionships aside, we''ll certainly fulfill the professors'' requests! I''ll go make a reservation right now. Hey, Boss Xiao, why don''t youe along, too, if you''re free at noon. It''s also a way to say thanks for all the care you''ve given to Ms. Lu and Qiao Ze over the years, and today for providing such a great venue," Yu Chenggong said with a smile.


    "This... can I reallye?"


    "Haha, it''s just a simple meal, no worries! It''s all about making friends!"


    Of course, he wasn''t genuinely inviting friends. Yu Chenggong invited Boss Xiao purely to prevent Lu Xiuxiu from feeling too nervous dining with a bunch of strangers; he deliberately invited someone she was familiar with.


    That''s called investing in emotional details.


    Yu Chenggong wasn''t afraid that Qiao Ze and Lu Xiuxiu wouldn''t understand these tactics, as long as Li Jian Gao could get it.


    The cunning Yu Chenggong could tell from the ride over to the supermarket that Qiao Ze''s trust in Li Jian Gao was tinged with a bit of dependence.


    If these two made it big in the future and even regarded him with a hint of fond memory, that would be a win.


    ...


    At noon, the Ice and Fire Building.


    Although it certainly couldn''t be considered the best restaurant in Xingcheng, it was still a mid-to-high-end establishment.


    A big table of dishes was ordered, and two bottles of liquor were served, Maotai.


    But it was clear that the professors actually weren''t very hungry.


    However, Yu Chenggong''s attention wasn''t on these professors at all, but rather on Lu Xiuxiu.


    Even the owner Xiao''s efforts couldn''tpletely ease her nerves; she likely wasn''t used to such high-end ces that emphasized service, and she seemed a bit intimidated by the enthusiastic waitstaff. Meanwhile, Qiao Ze didn''t require any worry, as he remained calm.


    So Yu Chenggong immediately started to liven up the mood. "Come on, I''ll toast everyone first to show my gratitude to all the professors. And, Ms. Lu, since you don''t drink, have some juice, no worries, we''re all friends here, we''re not so formal. Right, Boss Xiao, don''t be shy! Today we aren''t talking titles, we''re all friends."


    After the first drink, the meal finally livened up.


    "Well, Teacher Yu, today you really showed us something. There''s truth in every line of work! Looking at your age, you''ve been a recruitment teacher for quite a while now, right?"


    "Haha, Professor Zhang, you tter me. It''s true, I''ve been doing this for over a decade. I don''t have any big ambitions; this job suits me well."


    "Are you interested in working at our school? I could rmend you."


    "Ah...Thank you so much. Let''s swap numberster. If I think about moving, the first thing I''ll do is call you."


    That''s how it goes at the dining table; once a topic opens up, it''s hard to rein it in.


    Li Jian Gao was mainly taking care of Qiao Ze, while Yu Chenggong jested with the professors, and also looked after Lu Xiuxiu. Whenever he noticed that Lu Xiuxiu liked a certain dish, he deliberately rotated the table to bring that dish closer to her.


    He always kept the atmosphere at the table very pleasant.


    And it was obvious that these math professors didn''t really hold their liquor well; each ended up drinking less than 150 milliliters, and then the professors really couldn''t stop talking.


    "Qiao Ze, going to the School of Mathematics at Xilin University of Technology is fine, but remember, the academic circle is a mixed bag, it has all sorts of people! Undergraduate studies are one thing, but once you start graduate school, unless your advisor is Jian Gao, you''ll have to be cautious. These days, not every advisor is a good person."


    "Come on, Liu, why be so cryptic? Let me tell you, Qiao Ze, it''s rare for advisors to giarize student work, but it does happen. Especially for a student like you, be very wary of unscrupulous advisors! Whether they try to pity you into it or force you, don''t be scared! Tell your Uncle Li; we''ll have your back."


    "Also, regardless of who your advisor is, with your capabilities, you absolutely should not be led around by the nose. Whatever project or topic he suggests, ignore it. Remember, just work on your own topics. If you bite, whatever achievement you make will just be for someone else''s benefit. Trust me, you have enough capital to negotiate conditions with your advisor.


    If they dare to trouble you, just apply to the school to change advisors."


    "Right, we mathematicians value the idea that a teacher can lead you to the door, but the learning is up to the individual. Don''t really think your academic advisor can teach you that much. When ites to thetest research directions, at least half the Ph.D. advisors haven''t studied it themselves. At best they can only offer you an idea. But, don''t forget about your advisor''s resources."


    "Haha, speaking of which, I''ll teach you a trick. Whenever you can, flip through your advisor''s contacts and memorize the impressive seniors'' contact details. Then, on the pretext of your advisor''s name, strike up a conversation, andter keep in touch under your own name; who knows when these might be resources you can use."


    "Heh... Xu, that''s going too far! You''re teaching the kid bad tricks! But indeed, you should utilize your advisor''s resources. If Xilin University of Technology doesn''t pile on resources for you during your Ph.D., juste to Jiang University; I''ll give you all the resources I''ve umted throughout my life!"


    ...


    Hearing this off-key advice, Yu Chenggong looked at Qiao Ze instinctively.


    Thankfully, the boy still looked indifferent.


    He breathed a sigh of relief, damn, he wished they hadn''t drunk.


    If Qiao Ze took this all in, wouldn''t he be a lord returning to the school?


    But to everyone''s surprise, Qiao Ze actually responded. His voice was young but firm, and paired with his words, the atmosphere at the table paused for a moment.


    "Thank you all, but in the future, I will definitely follow Uncle Li. I want to be a Yangtze River Schr with Uncle Li and then be an academician together."


    "Haha, good, ambitious! Let''s drink to the future double-academicians," said Yu Chenggong as he immediately raised his ss.


    ...

 Chapter 20: 20 Lets Adapt to the Environment

    After a lively lunch, several professors were ready to head back to the hotel.


    Qiao Ze''s future was already settled, so staying on didn''t make much sense. Feeling a bit dizzy from the drinks, it wasn''t appropriate to attend the conference; better to go back to sleep.


    Li Jian Gao and Yu Chenggong nned to escort Qiao Ze and Lu Xiuxiu, naturally bringing Xiao along as well.


    Yu Chenggong also wanted to chat with Lu Xiuxiu about Qiao Ze taking the independent admission exams at school. Although everyone knew Qiao Ze didn''t really need to take the exam, the necessary procedures still had to be followed.


    On the other hand, he had promised to get Lu Xiuxiu a position in the dormitory management department at the school, which meant he needed to pick up some of her basic information to help facilitate the process.


    To ordinary people, official procedures can seemplex, but they are not hard for those who know how to handle them.


    Considering that five people in one car would be too cramped, Yu Chenggong simply called for two cars.


    In the end, Li Jian Gao took Lu Xiuxiu and Qiao Ze in the lead car and left first, while Yu Chenggong got into another car with Xiao.


    "Teacher Yu, is that Qiao Ze really so talented? I''m thinking, not only does he not have to spend money on his studies, he can even make money, right?"


    "Hehe..."


    Yu Chenggong, who had been resting with his eyes closed in the back seat of the car, opened his eyes, smiled proudly, and said, "Can''t help it. You saw it yourself today, students who can make a group of doctoral advisors from 985 universities confide trustingly are notmon, right?


    Let me tell you this, a genius that surpasses the general meaning of the word, you might not find one in a hundred years."


    Having said that, Yu Chenggong added meaningfully, "For universities, sometimes a child''s talent is worth more than money!"


    "That''s strange, I always heard that his grades were poor." Xiao stroked his head, speaking with confusion.


    Yu Chenggong casually exined, "Haha, if he had shown his potential earlier, it wouldn''t have been our turn, Xilin University of Technology. He would have already been snatched away by those two universities in the Capital! With the level Qiao Ze has demonstrated in front of the professors, he is more valuable than any high school top scorer or mathematical Olympiad champion!"


    After finishing, as if realizing something, he then smiled and said, "Of course, Mr. Xiao, your son isn''t bad either. Xiao Chenglong, right? He is definitely a talent. Saying he''s once in a decade is just pure ttery for you, but if you randomly pick a thousand people, he is certainly among the best. That''s talent!


    Got it?


    Let me put it this way, out of 1.4 billion Huaxia people, take away three zeros, that''s 1.4 million! Just think about it, your son''s starting point is already higher than 1.3986 billion Huaxia people. He also has a bright future! Definitely stronger than you or me."


    Yu''s polite words finally lightened Xiao''s originallyplex mood.


    He hurriedly responded with courtesy, "Not at all, not at all, when I get back I have some fine tea that an old friend of mine gave me recently; please take it to enjoy. And in the future, please take care of my son."


    "Ah, Mr. Xiao, you are too polite! Let''s add each other on WeChatter. By the way, Ms. Lu won''t be able to start her job at the school until at least mid-August this year, so I''m going to have to trouble you to look after her during this period!"


    "Look at what you''re saying. Don''t worry, with Xiuxiu working at the supermarket, she''s just like family to us!"


    ...


    In the other car.


    Li Jian Gao was also discussing matters rted to Qiao Ze with Lu Xiuxiu.


    "Ms. Lu, I''ve talked to Teacher Yu just now, and it''s certain there''s no problem with you taking up a position at the school, but you probably won''t be able to make it this semester.


    We also have the issue of continuity in dormitory management, and it''s not good to change dorm supervisors suddenly without a serious reason, so the earliest you could officially start would be around mid tote August this year.


    But considering Qiao Ze''s situation, I think there''s no need for him to continue staying in a high school environment. So, my idea is that when I go back, I''ll simply take him with me, letting him start getting ustomed to the university environment in advance. I believe a child''s growth still requiresmunication with others who can keep up with his way of thinking."


    Furthermore, I do hope that he can be more outgoing. At the very least, he should be able to have normal interactions with others and possess certain life skills to take care of himself. Otherwise, even in the rtively simple world of academia, he could face obstacles in the future. As for the high school, there''s no need for you to worry, Yu will take care of all the procedures."


    Lu Xiuxiu looked at Qiao Ze, who was staring out the window in a daze, with a tender and slightly reluctant gaze before responding, "Professor Li, as you probably have realized, I''m just a housewife with no particr insight, and I don''t understand those grand principles. But I know you truly have my child''s best interests at heart, so I have no objections. I''ll go along with your arrangements."


    "Okay, then it''s settled. I originally booked a ticket to return to Xilin the afternoon after next. I might as well have Yu cancel it and rebook two tickets for the morning of the day after next. The afternoon after next, Yu and I wille to pick up Qiao Ze. Why don''t you take a couple of days off too and spend more time with your child at home?"


    "Okay, Professor Li, I really can''t thank you enough."


    "Don''t mention it. Have you forgotten what I said to you on WeChat? If anything, I may need to thank you in the future for raising such an exceptional child!"


    Li Jiangao said with a wry smile.


    There was no helping it; he remembered the words Qiao Ze had just said at the dinner table.


    Only this time, the professors at the table didn''tugh. Instead, they stared at him with gaze sharp enough to cut.


    These people... truly believed a child could aplish such a feat. Who could he even reason with?


    ...


    During the conference the next day, Li Jiangao got a taste of just how vengeful these professors could be.


    He didn''t get a moment''s peace.


    It wasn''t just at meal times; even during the breaks between presentations, known and unknown professors would sidle up, ask him curiously in secret, "Hey, aren''t you the Professor Li from Xilin University of Technology? I heard you discovered an incredible student? Could spot errors in the proofs on ''Mathematics Annual'' at a nce?"


    What could Li Jiangao do?


    He could only respond with a forced smile, "While that child is indeed talented, it was really just a coincidence."


    This would elicit a knowing look, "Haha, Professor Li, you''re too modest. If Huaxia and Yanbei knew about such a kid undiscovered by them, they''d probably choke with envy. Heh, Professor Liu and Professor Zhang have gone so far as to im that if the kid doesn''t be a Yangtze River Schr by twenty-five, they''ll perform a feat of breaking stone bs with their chests at future conferences!"


    Li Jiangao: "?"


    So on the third day of the conference, he decided to skip and stayed in the hotel to read papers instead.


    Anyone who understands would know what it''s like to be treated like a rare animal by one''s peers.


    He stayed in the room until four in the afternoon, just about to go with the now-avable Yu Chenggong to pick up Qiao Ze from the hotel, when unexpectedly, Lu Xiuxiu had already arrived at the hotel with Qiao Ze in tow.


    "Professor Li, Yu, I entrust Qiao Ze to you both during this time."


    "Don''t worry, Ms. Lu, without boasting, there''s one thing I can assure you about Xilin University of Technology¡ªthe cafeteria chefs do have a few exceptional skills. The only thing you might need to worry about, when you visit the school in August, is that your child might gain ten pounds. Haha..."


    The sharp-witted Yu Chenggong lightened the mother''s bittersweet departure with a single sentence.

 Chapter 21: 21 This Time I Kept the "Idiot" to Myself

    Yu Chenggong directly bought three tickets, so three people boarded the high-speed train together.


    The reason they were heading back together was that Yu Chenggong wanted to wrap up the matter he had promised to Lu Xiuxiu.


    Some things just don''t feel settled unless you handle them personally; there''s always the fear that a problem might arise.


    It''s not that he didn''t trust Director Zhuo, but Yu Chenggong was very clear that the director would definitely not handle the procedures himself, delegating them to his subordinates instead.


    How could others possibly care about it as much as he did?


    If there were any mistakes, it would be a major loss.


    Of course, this wasn''t to say that Yu Chenggong was particrly reliable or kept his word.


    In fact, many of Yu Chenggong''s promises were forgotten as soon as they were made, depending on the person.


    This is also why, although Yu Chenggong was just a recruitment officer, he had already paid in full for three properties in Xilin City and lived an even more leisurely life than many professors.


    What made people even more envious was that every cent he earned was clean.


    Not a single yuan came from illicit gains earned through his position as a recruiting officer.


    This was where Yu Chenggong''s sess trulyy.


    He had been in the higher education circles for over ten years and had never taken a single illegal yuan. Yet, he managed to receive every cent he was entitled to without any shortfall.


    Sadly, in the broader context, this was considered a remarkable skill.


    ...


    Yu Chenggong booked second ss seats, with the three people in the same row.


    After boarding the train, he tilted his head and quickly fell asleep in the seat next to the aisle.


    It was a special skill honed from frequent business trips.


    Even if there was a group of three lively young people, one male and two females, sitting opposite him, chattering away as soon as they boarded, it didn''t affect Yu''s ability to fall asleep instantly.


    Qiao Ze sat by the window, quietly looking outside.


    Li Jiangao sat in the middle, ruminating over the peculiar experiences of the conference he had just attended.


    Until his phone suddenly rang.


    After he answered the call and chatted for a few minutes, Li Jiangao turned to Qiao Ze beside him and said in a low voice, "Liu wrote a letter to the author of the paper, Professor Ronier, asking if you want to add your name to it."


    Qiao Ze turned around, nced at Li Jiangao, and his eyes showed a hint of confusion.


    Li Jiangao thought for a moment and replied, "Pointing out mistakes to the paper''s corresponding author is also a kind of goodwill gesture, right? Once confirmed, the paper''s author can contact the journal editor to retract the paper or revise and republish it. Liu has always wanted to go abroad for an exchange and probably wants to make more international friends."


    Qiao Ze pursed his lips and asked, "Does that help you?"


    Li Jiangao was taken aback and then shook his head, saying, "I don''t have such ns right now."


    Qiao Ze said, "I need it even less. If you need it, just let me know. I''ve read many papers, both in Chinese and English, not just on Group Theory, but other fields as well, like geometry, many of which have obvious errors."


    Li Jiangao blushed with embarrassment and simply replied, "Then I''ll just tell him that on WeChat."


    He doubted the "obvious" errors Qiao Ze spoke of were truly that obvious, but he couldn''t argue.


    However, although the two spoke in low voices, the gap between the seats in the second-ss carriage was only so wide, and the dialogue between the two was still captured by the three young people sitting opposite them.


    The trio looked clearly taken aback, and the young man even sneered and covertly pointed at Qiao Ze with his left hand, then covered his mouth with the other and whispered something into the ear of the girl sitting to his right, making her burst outughing.


    Li Jian Gao hadn''t noticed these details, but when he saw Qiao Ze''s gaze toward the opposite side suddenly carrying a hint of disgust and disdain, he followed Qiao Ze''s gaze and just happened to catch the boy''s sneaky actions.


    A nameless fury inexplicably rose from his chest.


    In that moment, he seemed to experience the helplessness and sorrow that Qiao Ze had endured in the first half of his life.


    Clearly a genius who could see the essence of things at a nce, but when he tried to express it, what he got in return was misunderstanding and even mockery from a crowd of mediocrities. Plus, with an already iplete family situation, how could he socialize like a normal person?


    If it were him, he''d find even calling the others fools insufficiently relieving!


    So, after frowning, Li Jian Gao spoke to the three people opposite him in an unfriendly tone, "I just heard you talking about work, right? You''re all university students who haven''t graduated yet, correct? At this time of year, you must be seniors who''vee back after job interviews to prepare for your thesis defense, right? May I ask, which school''s brilliant students are you?"


    It must be said that when an associate professor puts on a stern face, especially in front of a few students, hemands quite an authority.


    At this moment, Yu Chenggong, who had been sleeping, also opened his eyes.


    He nced at Li Jian Gao in surprise.


    He could certainly detect anger in the associate professor''s tone.


    But he was genuinely asleep just now and didn''t know what had happened, he only nced at Qiao Ze and vaguely guessed a bit.


    As for the three young people on the opposite side, after exchanging looks, the only male among them replied, "Yeah, we are seniors, from Xilin University of Technology, what about it? Is there a problem?"


    Li Jian Gao said coldly, "Oh, from our own university, huh? The main campus or the Dongyue Road branch? Never mind, just tell me which department you''re from, and I will call your counselor right now to ask how they usually manage you. After studying for four years at Xilin University of Technology, haven''t you even learned the most basic respect?"


    The three of them were suddenly taken aback.


    For a while, they were quite unsure about Li Jian Gao''s approach, but seeing his age, he obviously couldn''t be a student, could he be a teacher?


    It was just too coincidental, making one wish to cry out, "My family, who knows? Taking a train, and you still run into a teacher from your school?!"


    Thus, the male student didn''t dare to reply, and the smiles at the corners of the female students'' mouths also disappeared.


    After all, it was only May, and they hadn''t received their graduation and degree certificates yet.


    "Why so quiet now? Then let me say a few words. He¡ªthat''s the person you were just pointing at and talking about; his name is Qiao Ze. He''s a mathematical genius and the future hope of our Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics!"


    "I can''t guarantee that he will earn more than you in the future, but I, Li Jian Gao, can assure you, his future achievements are something you couldn''t reach even if you stood on the top floor of a skyscraper and jumped!"


    "I hope after today, when you encounter something you don''t understand, you will have the integrity to question it boldly rather than sneakily do little tricks, trying to show off how clever you are! Understand?"


    The male student opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately kept quiet.


    In his view, being able to find a multitude of errors in a paper just by ncing at it was nothing short of a fairy tale, especially since Qiao Ze looked so young.


    However, the two female students beside him had already quietly taken out their phones.


    And they quickly found Li Jian Gao''s name, photo, and profile on the official website of the Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics...


    The girl on the right gently handed her phone to the boy, after taking a look.


    Yu Chenggong watched the small actions of these students across from him, grinned, andy down to sleep again.


    Qiao Ze, on the other hand, turned to give Li Jian Gao a nce.


    He didn''t quite understand why Uncle Li bothered saying so much to these fools; they wouldn''t understand anyway. But it still made him feel warm inside, and as he turned his head back to look out the window, his gaze softened as well... The scenery outside was truly beautiful!


    He even heard a constrained "I''m sorry" and without turning his head, responded softly, "It''s okay."


    The words plete idiot" were gently tucked away in Qiao Ze''s heart this time.

 Chapter 22: 22 Surprise

    Xilin High-speed Railway East Station.


    Zhuo Wenyu was bored out of his mind, standing at the exit gate, watching Xu Dajiang, Dean of the Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics, chat with the students holding a banner not far away.


    It wasn''t that he wanted to wee Qiao Ze; he was simply drafted for the task.


    Here''s what happened.


    Zhuo Wenyu had just forwarded the video clips Yu Chenggong sent to the Dean of the School of Mathematics, after which the Dean immediately became restless.


    He called Li Jiangao to confirm he would bring Qiao Ze back to campus, and once he found out their returning time, he annoyingly insisted Zhuoe along to receive them, in a gesture of the School of Mathematics'' high regard for the young man.


    Zhuo Wenyu actually understood Xu Dajiang''s position.


    Lots of people didn''t realize it''s tough to be the Dean of a second-tier science and technology department at a university that''s not a dominant discipline¡ªand this doesn''t take arts subjects into ount.


    Most professors with even a slight academic ambition avoid the role like the gue.


    After all, a Dean is part of the administrative hierarchy, which means an endless schedule of meetings and no time to focus on academic research.


    What''s more frustrating is that the Dean also has to fight for resources for their department.


    Advantaged disciplines are pretty straightforward since they usually aren''t short of research funding. A Dean could also leverage their authority to steer funds towards projects they prefer or are involved in.


    But for disadvantaged disciplines, the funding provided by the university is already limited, making allocation all the more problematic.


    Professors have never been easy to manage.


    A slightly more capable professor wouldn''t bother with the tight research funding of the college; if their own projectcked funds, they''d boldly confront the Dean''s office and bang on the desk. If it so happened that the Dean favored another project that got funded but didn''t yield results, the scene would be even more lively...


    In short, if the college is short on money, that''s the Dean''s problem¡ªwhat''s it got to do with my project?


    At least, from Zhuo Wenyu''s perspective, Xu Dajiang''s life as the Dean of the School of Mathematics was even lessfortable than his own as the ostracized Director of the Admissions Office.


    It had only been two years since he sat in the Dean''s chair, and his hair had already begun to turn white at an rming pace.


    What to do then?


    If you want more resources, you need results; only then can you pound the table with confidence when the university divides the pie.


    But to get results, you first need resources.


    In reality, many things are like exploiting bugs!


    If Qiao Ze truly possessed the talent to match what was in those recruitment conditions, perhaps he could be the turning point for the rise of the Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics.


    Thinking like that, it''s not too much for a Dean of the School of Mathematics to pull along the Director of Admissions to wee someone at the train station.


    Isn''t itmon to see an honorary Associate Dean from Jiang University School of Mathematics skipping academic conferences to go recruit?


    ...


    The high-speed trainpartment finally quietened down.


    The three Xilin University of Technology fresh graduates across had lost all interest in conversation.


    Quietly taking out their phones, they began the act of restless waiting, feeling like the time was dragging on forever.


    Thankfully, the speed of Huaxia''s high-speed trains was reliable.


    It arrived on time at Xilin City High-speed Railway East Station.


    The three students also hurriedly gathered their luggage early and slipped to the front to queue up.


    Qiao Ze, Li Jiangao, and Yu Chenggong, of course, weren''t in such a rush, sitting calmly in their seats until they saw the train enter the tform, then picked up their luggage to start queuing.


    At this moment, the few people at the exit gate, the Dean and students, also saw the message of the train''s arrival.


    Xu Dajiang also put on a Dean''s authority, issuing orders to the student council members who''d been rounded up: "Alright, quickly raise the banner, hold it up high."


    Soon, the two-meter-long red banner raised at the eastern exit started attracting frequent nces. It was too eye-catching to ignore.


    "Warmly wee Qiao Ze to choose Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics for his studies!"


    Huh?


    Is it not even the start of the weing season?


    What the heck?!


    ...


    The three senior students from Xilin University who had been waiting in line hurried to the exit almost at the speed of race-walking.


    They had no choice; the pressure of having offended a professor was too great, and what was more terrifying was that they had to sit opposite that professor the entire way.


    Once they could get off, they instinctively wanted to flee as far as possible.


    All along the way, the male student was beingined at, "It''s all because of you, if you want to speak, just speak, why did you have to point out that clueless guy?"


    The male student replied with aggrieved tone, "How was I supposed to know that the person sitting across from us was a professor from our school?"


    "Forget it, forget it. Anyway, we''re graduating soon, but during this period, I really hope I don''t run into Professor Li! He looked so scary when he was angry. The School of Mathematics is at the main campus, isn''t it?"


    As they chatted like this, they quickly reached the exit and were then captivated by the familiar names on the huge banner.


    Whether it''s the names of people or the university, they all sounded somewhat familiar.


    "Is this... Is the School of Mathematics recruiting in May?"


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk, the college entrance exams haven''t even happened yet, what recruitment?"


    "Isn''t this too exaggerated? I remember when we came to pick up people in our freshman year, the wee banner for Xilin University of Technology was over at Dongguang Square, but now they''ve pushed it to the exit."


    "Hey... Look at the man standing under the banner, I know him, he''s Zhuo, the head of the admissions office. I met him when I was in the student council and was called to help out in admissions."


    "The head of admissions is personallying to meet someone? And that other guy, tall andnky, he couldn''t be the dean of the School of Mathematics, could he?"


    "That''s actually him. Don''t you remember? We just saw a photo of this old guy on the official website of the School of Mathematics, the tall andnky one."


    "This is just too... who the hell is Qiao Ze?!"


    "Hey, stop talking nonsense, let''s just hurry up and go."


    ...


    The three seniors scurried away with apprehension.


    Their good mood from returning to school was unconsciously shrouded in ayer of gloom.


    Would that mathematics professor really go through the trouble of finding them?


    A ssic case of scaring oneself.


    After Li Jian Gao''s unseasonable irritation had dissipated, he couldn''t be bothered to deal with them any further.


    Whether these young people would learn the meaning of respect from this incident didn''t concern him.


    The lessons that the university had failed to teach these kids would be imparted indefinitely by society through its unique and varied educational methods, allowing them to understand more deeply.


    At the moment, Li Jian Gao, who had just arrived at the exit with Qiao Ze, was also in a state of bewilderment.


    The dean came in person to meet someone?


    I hadn''t heard of this!


    "Dean Xu, why didn''t you give me a heads-up that you''de in person?"


    "Ha ha, we wanted to give the kid a surprise. If you knew in advance and told the child, then it wouldn''t have been meaningful, right, Qiao Ze?"


    A surprise, huh?


    Qiao Ze, staring nkly at the huge banner, and then at the white-haired uncle in front of him, felt an indescribable sense of confusion.


    It wasn''t touching...


    There was no feeling of gratitude for being esteemed either.


    If one had to sum up Qiao Ze''s thoughts at this moment, it would probably be that this dean uncle did seem quite approachable, but also a bit boring.


    So, the dean must have a lot of free time on his hands, right?


    But remembering Li''s emphasis on respect, Qiao Ze still nodded, and responded with a tone that was extremely in yet not at all perfunctory, and very seriously said, "Surprise!"

 Chapter 23: 23: Who Understands What is Called IQ Pollution?

    Xilin University of Technology, Xu Dajiang was looking at the paper that Qiao Ze had justpleted.


    This paper was one of the autonomous enrollment examination papers, the treasures of the college, left behind by Professor Hu who was abruptly poached by the suddenly rising Shencheng University with an outrageously high sry.


    There were a total of 13 papers in this set. The one that Qiao Zepleted was among them.


    Just how impressive was the professor who set the questions? Let''s put it this way: when Professor Hu was poached, Xu Dajiang wasn''t even the Dean of the School of Mathematics yet, and he would secretly rejoice in his sleep that a strongpetitor was taken away.


    But by the time Xu Dajiang became the Dean, every time he thought of Professor Hu being poached by Shencheng University, he felt an urge to raid Shencheng University''s campus.


    Fortunately, not long after Professor Hu was poached, the authorities issued a policy preventing the nouveau riche in certain regions from waving money around and indiscriminately poaching talent from colleges in the central and western areas, which somewhat diluted Xu Dajiang''s resentment. Otherwise, who knows, he might have really gone for a showdown.


    Naturally, the autonomous enrollment examination questions left by a capable professor also carried a standard of excellence.


    Each question was calibrated with precision in difficulty. They could indeed be solved with high school knowledge, but if one''s brain was the slightest bit inflexible, and without a natural talent for mathematics, even students who always got full marks in high school would barely manage to score twenty or thirty points on this paper at most.


    In the history of Xi Gong University''s Mathematics College, the highest score achieved using Professor Hu''s paper for assessment was 73 points. The student who scored 73 points is currently a senior and has already signed an agreement with Qiuzhen Academy at Huaqing University for a consecutive master''s and doctoral training program.


    Today, the historical record was refreshed to a level that could no longer be broken.


    Because Qiao Ze scored full marks, it took him only 37 minutes.


    This time could actually have been reduced by another five minutes.


    Because at around 32 minutes, Qiao Ze had actually already finished, but he didn''t hand in the paper or checked his work; instead, he just sat there staring into space.


    It was only after Xu Dajiang asked that he found out that Qiao Ze''s high school teachers would not allow him to hand in the paper early, which had developed into a habit.


    ¡­


    The Dean''s office.


    "Tsk tsk tsk, no wonder those fes were all dumbfounded and rushed to recruit." Xu Dajiang, looking at the freshly marked paper with its brilliant red score, couldn''t stop grinning.


    He had personally graded the paper and proofread it three times.


    Especially the third time, when he went through it hoping to find faults¡­ but although this kid didn''t write all the processes in detail, he clearly noted all the theorems required for those steps. There wasn''t even a single symbol wrong¡­


    He didn''t feel at loss for having specially ordered a banner overnight and personally weing him at the high-speed railway station.


    Li Jian Gao had of course also seen the score, but there wasn''t a ripple in his heart.


    It was all within his expectations.


    If Qiao Ze hadn''t scored full marks, that would have been really bizarre, as there was no harder paper avable in the college''s repository of autonomous enrollment exams.


    "Dean Xu, how should we arrange for the kid during this period?"


    "Ah¡­ a trivial matter. I''ll talk to the Graduate School, have them spare a single dorm room for a PhD candidate, and let him stay with you for now?"


    Li Jian Gao shook his head and said, "Actually, I would prefer the kid to first experience a normal university life, which should benefit his personal growth."


    Xu Dajiang looked at Li Jian Gao with some surprise, then pondered and said, "Well, let''s bring the kid over and hear what he has to say."


    Li Jian Gao nodded and said, "Okay."


    ...


    Qiao Ze was touring the campus in thepany of Yu Chenggong.


    The clearly cheerful Yu Chenggong, no longer minding Qiao Ze''s indifferent nature, enthusiastically introduced the school''s history and the stories behind each building to the boy.


    Unfortunately, Qiao Ze didn''t take in a single word; he was mostly drawn to the peopleing and going.


    It was four o''clock in the afternoon.


    Even though it was hot, the school yground they had just passed by was especially lively.


    There were people running, ying ser, doing gymnastics, training collectively, ying tennis...


    Every now and then, a few boys, arm in arm, would whiz by them, leaving behind an assortment of cheerful chatter and ssic quips.


    By thekeside inside the campus, someone was loudly reading English that didn''t sound quite right, while young men and women sat together on the stone benches under the trees, chatting in soft voices.


    In the square directly opposite the library, a small stage had been temporarily set up with a banner on top that read "Xilin Poetry Society Third Recitation Contest."


    Students stepped onto the stage in turn, holding their manuscripts and reciting poems that Qiao Ze had never heard of with emotion and passion.


    About twenty to thirty students gathered below the stage, and warm but modest apuse would break out from time to time.


    However, when a girl went up to recite, the apuse was always noticeably louder¡ªthis was a pattern Qiao Ze summarized after listening to Yu Chenggong exin the five-minute history of the library''s evolution.


    So, taking advantage of a break in Yu Chenggong''s exnation, Qiao Ze suddenly asked, "Are university students always this idle?"


    Yu Chenggong was stunned for a moment, subconsciously raised his hand to touch his chin, and exined seriously, "Rtive to high school life, university life is definitely more varied. Xilin University of Technology''s educational philosophy isn''t only about learning knowledge, but it''s also hoping that everyone can find their life''s direction and interests here at the university."


    Seeing Qiao Ze''s nomittal nod, Yu Chenggong added, "The main reason is that it''s not convenient for me to take you to look at the school''sboratories. Many outstanding students in the school start doing research work in thebs with professors from their sophomore year.


    How should I put it, university is different from high school in that it is a ce that allows students to make their own choices. But whatever you choose, university life will definitely be one of the most beautiful memories of your life, without a doubt."


    Watching Qiao Ze''s expression be more serious, Yu Chenggong breathed a sigh of relief.


    He had volunteered to take Qiao Ze around the campus; he didn''t want to cause any problems...


    This kid couldn''t possibly think that Xilin University of Technology wasn''t strict enough, could he?


    However, to his utter surprise, the point that Qiao Ze picked up on waspletely different from what he wanted to express: "Yu, you mean to say that one can start doing research with professors from sophomore year?"


    "Uh... yes, as long as the GPA reaches the required standard, you can apply, and after getting the approval of the professor in charge of the project during the interview, you can participate in some research work. This is part of the school''s Outstanding Undergraduate Training Program, which has been implemented for three years now."


    "Oh! Why can''t freshmen do it?"


    "Well, because..." An answer was on the tip of his tongue, but Yu Chenggong swallowed it back. What he wanted to say was that there shouldn''t be any high school students with a freakish intelligence like yours, but what came out instead was: "Because the knowledge at the high school level is not sufficient to determine who is more suitable for doing research in ab, you understand?"


    Qiao Ze suddenly realized, then nodded in agreement, "Got it, a very smart regtion! Indeed, many of my high school ssmates are quite ignorant, allowing them into a research space would indeed cause intellectual contamination."


    The timely ringtone of the phone gave Yu Chenggong a sense of relief.


    At that moment, he thought Ms. Lu was truly great for having protected the child so well, at least he wasn''t beaten to death in high school.


    Who the hell can exin to him? What the hell is intellectual contamination?

 Chapter 24: 24 Terrifying Request

    "My n is to start from my sophomore year."


    When Xu Dajiang discussed with Qiao Ze how to arrange for him, Qiao Ze gave an unequivocal answer.


    Xu Dajiang nced at Li Jiangao, somewhat puzzled by this request.


    "Why do you want to skip your freshman year?" Li Jiangao asked with a pleasant expression.


    "Because starting from the sophomore year, you can directly apply to do research with a professor, Yu said it''s the school''s regtion. I think this regtion is good, it''s smart. So I want to apply to do research with you as soon as possible, without breaking this rule," Qiao Ze said earnestly.


    Ah, solved the mystery!


    After thinking, Li Jiangao said, "Qiao Ze, you need to know that life isn''t just about studying and research. If you open your heart, you''ll discover there''s a lot of beautiful things in this world to experience. Rather than you plunging into the arid environment of research immediately, I hope your life can be moreplete in the future. So¡­"


    Qiao Ze shook his head and replied, "Don''t worry, Li, doing research won''t take all my time. I can still attend sses with my ssmates during my sophomore year, I did the same in high school. And those things you''re talking about, they don''t seem very interesting."


    At this moment, the images of the Xilin Poetry Society reciting poems in front of the library echoed in Qiao Ze''s mind.


    To him the recitation sounded beautiful, passionate, and also noisy.


    Standing to one side and listening to the discussion, Xu Dajiang shot Li Jiangao a look.


    Nice one, when the kid wants to study, you want to distract him with all sorts of messy stuff?


    Doing a project is great!


    With this kid''s level, if he can achieve something during his undergraduate stage, like publishing a few papers in core journals or the like, wouldn''t that be a solid headline?


    If it gets out on the inte, it might even draw uninformedizens'' criticism, such as those who associate it with academic corruption.


    After all, in the eyes of ordinary people, what does an undergraduate know about math!


    If this kid skips a grade and gets exposed, it might stir up even more trouble.


    At this time, he took the initiative to ask the senior officials to send an investigative team to conduct an investigation and rify the facts. Perhaps the School of Mathematics would be hot in next year''s enrollment, turning into a popr major for the school. No need to take in transfer students who couldn''t get into other hot majors of the school due tock of enrollment.


    Is the School of Mathematics some kind of garbage dump?!


    At the same time, it could promote the school''s excellent undergraduate training program!


    If it goes well, wouldn''t Xu Dajiang also be able to assert himself when the university leadership divides up the resources at the executive meeting?


    As long as there''s sufficient funding for research, he could strut around the faculty too!


    Yes, arranging for a student to skip a grade is a bit troublesome. Going through various administrative departments for records, exining the situation, he might need to ask the school''s leaders for help.


    Butpared to the benefits, Xu Dajiang believed the trouble was totally worth it.


    So, momentster, Xu Dajiang made his decision, "Professor Li, as teachers, we should support students who strive for improvement, right? I think Qiao Ze''s idea is indeed good, it''s a good thing young people have ideas! Don''t you also want him to better experience university life?"


    "How about this, the freshmen still have about two months till the end-of-semester exams, just let Qiao Ze attend their sses for now. Thene September, when the school year starts, you''ll be a sophomore. How''s that?"


    Qiao Ze nodded; this arrangement seemed quite good to him.


    Only Li Jiangao stood there, dumbfounded, and said with surprise, "Dean, isn''t this against the rules? How is this even done? His file hasn''t even been transferred yet; what about his student status? Are all the first-year exam grades to be filled in?"


    "Ah... you just focus on your research, guide your students well, and teach your sses! Is the handling of skipping grades something you, as an associate professor, should worry about? I naturally have my ways!" Xu Dajiang patted his chest and said.


    But then, he turned to Qiao Ze with a keen look and said, "Qiao Ze, you''ve heard what your Uncle Li said. To amodate your idea, I have to take some risks. The n for nurturing outstanding undergraduates has certain GPA requirements. I might waive the requirements for general and elective courses, but for a few of your major subjects, you must score A+, there''s no problem with that, right?"


    Qiao Ze nodded, then just as seriously, he stated his demand, "I can also directly take all the exams for the first-year electives. But if you want me to guarantee A+ grades in every subject, you must ensure that the difficulty of the final exam questions is about the same as or harder than the test I took today because if the questions are too simple, I can''t be sure I''ll do well."


    "Cough cough cough¡­" Xu Dajiang couldn''t help but cough violently.


    This demand¡­ it was the first he had ever heard of it in his life.


    His eyes unconsciously shifted to Li Jiangao, and unexpectedly, the professor helplessly nodded at him and delicately exined, "This kid Qiao Ze is excellent in everything, just in exam situations, if the question difficulty is not up to par, he can''t fully concentrate, and his thinking might get stuck...


    Hmm, his mom has specifically spoken to me about this; that''s also why we''ve been hesitant to let him take the college entrance examination."


    This damn... what kind of divine problem is this?


    Xu Dajiang roared in his mind.


    But momentster, he seriously agreed, "Don''t worry, Qiao Ze, I guarantee that this year''s School of Mathematics first-year final exam difficulty will meet your standards! I''m waiting for you to bring me a satisfactory answer sheet!"


    Qiao Ze did not respond but simply nodded calmly.


    After all, in his opinion, as long as the difficulty of the exam questions was up to par, allowing him to settle in and focus, scoring full marks was as natural as breathing for him, and there really was no need to make another solemn promise to the dean.


    Of course, Qiao Ze hadn''t thought about how the naturally simple task of breathing for him could make nearly all of this year''s School of Mathematics''s freshmen feel suffocated.


    After all, with Li Jiangao''s guidance, he had started to believe that there were indeed many intelligent people in this world.


    These intelligent people would surely understand him.


    "Alright, I''ll call your student advisor right now. Later, just follow him to your sses. By the way, you already have Uncle Li''s phone number, take mine as well. If you feel ufortable interacting with your peers as a normal student, call me anytime; I''ll help you figure something out."


    Xu Dajiang said earnestly, he was now just short of writing the word ''favoritism'' directly on his face.


    ...


    Liu Hao, upon receiving the call, rushed to the dean''s office as if there was a fierce urgency.


    After entering the room, he didn''t even notice Qiao Ze''s presence; facing Li Jian, all he did was smile.


    After all, Liu Hao was unlike the professors of the faculty; for a student advisor hoping to move up the administrativedder, the dean could truly decide his future.


    So he quickly noticed the word ''favoritism'' etched on Dean Xu''s face and realized that this seemingly unremarkable student was far from ordinary!


    "This is Qiao Ze. His student status will probably be sorted out next month, but starting tomorrow, he will join the first-year basic mathematics major students in their sses. Uh, find him a nice dormitory; pick roommates who are both good at their studies and have a good character.


    I''ve prepared a note for you, take my note and get Qiao Ze''s student card processed. And whatever methods you use, you need to settle Qiao Ze''s situation today. No problem, right?"


    "Rest assured, there will be no problem, Dean Xu."

 Chapter 25: 25: Isnt This Too Pretentious?

    ```


    With the approval from Xu Dajiang and the full apaniment of the counselor Liu Hao, dealing with the university logistics was very smooth, and all the procedures were soonpleted.


    Originally, Li Jiangao had also nned to apany them, but thinking of his intention for Qiao Ze to experience university life alongside regr students, he felt his presence would detract from that. Moreover, Xu Dajiang had already made everything clear to the counselor.


    So, in the end, he simply emphasized to Liu Hao once more that Qiao Ze''s personality was rtively somber and introverted before he let Liu Hao take Qiao Ze away.


    To let a child experience a normal life, one must first let go and allow them to try.


    At least Li Jiangao felt that Qiao Ze''s previous interactions with the professors were quite good, and he already had a foundation for developing towards normality.


    He truly didn''t hope for Qiao Ze to be an academic machine in the future.


    Therefore, before leaving, Li Jiangao left Qiao Ze with one piece of advice.


    "Experiencing university life is good, but if someone dares to bully you, call me immediately, understand?"


    It was Liu Hao standing beside them who helped answer, "Haha, Professor Li, don''t worry, that won''t happen!"


    ...


    "Qiao Ze, are you a rtive of Professor Li''s family?"


    Having just arranged the dormitory assignments over the phone, Liu Hao heaved a sigh of relief and also got curious about Qiao Ze''s background.


    Normal students usually didn''t require his inquiry, as various forms were filled out during admission and the information would eventually bepiled for the counselor. A quick look was all it took to know. But Qiao Ze''s situation was, of course, different.


    The result disappointed him, as Qiao Ze only shook his head without responding.


    Liu Hao sighed inwardly, feeling that this kid was truly reserved, but still undeterred, he continued saying, "No? I see that both Dean Xu and Professor Li care a lot about you, so I thought you might be."


    To his surprise, this remark elicited a response from Qiao Ze.


    "Uncle Li cares about me because he''s excessively kind and willing to be good to me without seeking anything in return; Dean Xu cares about me because he thinks I''m very valuable; you care about me because you want something from Dean Xu, so you follow his words closely."


    Liu Hao was dumbfounded, mouth agape, unable to string together aplete sentence.


    Did this kid think he could see through people too clearly and was too arrogant?


    The dean thought he was valuable?


    What value could a freshman possibly have?


    Of course, these thoughts just circled in Liu Hao''s mind and he didn''t actually voice them.


    Liu Hao would have to be brainless to say such a thing in front of a kid who the dean had repeatedly instructed him to look after.


    But it was because of Qiao Ze''s words that he gave up on trying to suss out more information.


    Now he started to wonder, if not a rtive, why would Professor Li be so unconditionally good to this child?


    For Qiao Ze, Liu Hao''s silence was really quite pleasant, because he genuinely thought that this counselor didn''t seem very smart.


    And in order to heed Li Jiangao''s words and not let Liu Hao notice this, he had to endure quite a bit.


    ...


    "This is the new student Qiao Ze, this is Zhang Zhou, and this is Gu Zhengliang, they are the ss president and the group secretary of Basic Mathematics ss One, and from now on, you will be ssmates and roommates, so get along well.


    Oh, and Zhang Zhou, as the ss president, you should take the initiative to look after Qiao Ze, helping him to integrate into the ssmunity as swiftly as possible.


    Qiao Ze, both Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang are excellent students in the ss. If you encounter any problems, whether with studies or life, you can seek their help. Of course, you can also contact me directly on WeChat. Right, Zhang Zhou, remember to add Qiao Ze to the ss WeChat groupter."


    In dormitory 408 of the new male dormitory building, Liu Hao was patiently introducing everyone.


    The first meeting wasn''t very enthusiastic.


    Qiao Ze nodded at the two of them.


    His first impression was that ss president Zhang Zhou was a chubby guy with aedic look, and the group secretary was a tall, thin fellow with sses, looking refined and quite stylish.


    As for Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang, they were more curious about Qiao Ze.


    In high school, there were indeed some sudden transfers.


    But they had never heard of such a thing happening at the university level.


    Thetter half of their freshman year was almost over, and suddenly a new student transfers in? Where did hee from?


    After the introductions, Liu Hao didn''t want to stay any longer.


    But, remembering the dean''s instructions, he still called Zhang Zhou outside the dorm room before he left.


    "Zhang Zhou, you are the ss president, so the responsibility of taking care of the new student is yours. You need to make the new student feel the unity and warmth of our Basic Mathematics ss One big family. If anything happens to Qiao Ze, it''s you I''ll be asking!"


    The bewildered freshman could feel the hidden pressure behind that heartfelt talk, looking at the counselor he said, "Counselor Liu, what''s the story behind this Qiao Ze student? I''ve never heard of someone transferring into a university like this."


    ```


    Liu Hao really wanted to say that it was a good question, but to never ask again.


    But he just gave Zhang Zhou a stern look and said, "Why worry about such nonsense? Just take responsibility as the ss president. By the way, where''s Chen Yiwen? Why isn''t he in the dormitory?"


    "Chen Yiwen went straight to the cafeteria after ss, saying he would study there for a while before having his meal."


    "Fine, when he returns, tell him to take good care of the new students too. That''s it, I''m off."


    ...


    When Zhang Zhou returned to the dormitory, he saw Qiao Ze already beginning to make his bed, with Gu Zhengliang silently helping beside him.


    Actually, it wasn''t much help.


    The beds in Xilin University of Technology''s four-person dormitories were on top of the closets and desks, and it was much easier to make the bed with someone below handing things up.


    And that was exactly what Gu Zhengliang was doing, silently passing up the bedding to Qiao Ze.


    Pretty good, the only thing that puzzled Zhang Zhou was why Gu was being so quiet.


    Wasn''t this the time to get to know the new student?


    "Ahem, Qiao Ze, Liu just called me out and told me to take good care of you. If you don''t understand something in your studies, just ask me."


    "Thank you," Qiao Ze answered while making his bed.


    Lucky that Zhang Zhou had good hearing, or he wouldn''t have caught that.


    "Right, you haven''t eaten yet, have you? How about we go to the cafeteria after you''re done here?"


    "Sure."


    "What do you like to eat? Normally, if northerners want noodles, they go to the first cafeteria. If you want stir-fry and rice, we''ll head to the third cafeteria."


    "Either is fine."


    Zhang Zhou blinked and realized he really couldn''t keep the conversation going.


    This new roommate was really a man of few words.


    Then he saw the normally silent Gu Zhengliang shrugging at him, then starting to make faces.


    Okay, he got it.


    "All right, then let''s just head to the third cafeteriater."


    "Okay."


    The dormitory once again fell quiet. After Qiao Ze made his bed and got down, he saw his two roommates sneaking nces at him, thought for a moment, and then took the initiative to exin, "My mom says I''m not good at talking. I tend to offend people when I talk, so she told me to speak less."


    "Haha, no worries, feel free to talk in front of me, I''m pretty easy-going and won''t fuss over that stuff!" Zhang Zhou pped his chest, his face jiggling withughter, definitely not the type to sweat the small stuff.


    "Okay!"


    Qiao Ze nodded at Zhang Zhou, then went to his own desk, took out hisptop, and following the student handbook he had just received, connected to thework and logged onto the school''s library website to start browsing on his own.


    Zhang Zhou wanted to eagerly show Qiao Ze how to use the student ount to get online but, seeing how adeptly Qiao Ze was managing, he simply shut his mouth.


    Forget it, don''t disturb others.


    Better to talk over dinner then.


    He too began to work on his homework like Gu Zhengliang.


    The School of Mathematics really had a lot of homework.


    Soon, afterpleting two problems, Zhang Zhou nced at the time, saw it was already five-thirty, pushed back from his desk and stood up, calling out mboyantly, "Let''s go, let''s go, time to eat. I''ll treat the new guy to a wee meal today! Gu, let''s move."


    To show his warmth, Zhang Zhou walked behind Qiao Ze, about to pat the new student on the shoulder, but his eyes were shocked by the content on Qiao Ze''sptop screen.


    The guy seemed to be reading an academic paper? And in English, no less?


    "Eh? Qiao Ze, you can understand this stuff?"


    "Yeah. I heard that geometry is the strength of the School of Mathematics, so I randomly read a few recent papers by the school''s teachers on geometry, but it seems the teachers who work in this area are not very strong. They only refine existing results from abroad using other people''s analysis methods. There''s nothing groundbreaking."


    "Uh..."


    Zhang Zhou blinked and subconsciously looked over at Gu Zhengliang, who had just stood up and grabbed his meal container, to find him looking equally baffled.


    Well, that was refreshing!


    At least he wasn''t the only one overwhelmed by the thick air of show-offishness.

 Chapter 26: 26 Extremely Warmhearted Reviews

    Actually, Zhang Zhou didn''t quite fancy making friends with ssmates who liked to brag.


    But, recalling the counselor''s instruction, he decided to bite his tongue for now.


    He had thought that, after saying such things, Qiao Ze might continue to utter even more astonishing bombast to showcase his uniqueness.


    After all, the show-offs Zhang Zhou had encountered before all behaved like this.


    He was also afraid that Qiao Ze''s remarks might provoke Gu Zhengliang to utter something unpleasant.


    However, to his surprise, after calmly discussing the professors in the school who specialized in geometry, Qiao Ze stood up, naturally picked up his lunch box, and didn''t ramble on any further.


    This again made Zhang Zhou feel a little ufortable...


    Is that all? Just like that?


    So brief and unassuming?


    "Aren''t we going to eat?" Qiao Ze asked with a perplexed look at the ss president with theplicated expression.


    "Yes, yes, let''s go eat. To the third cafeteria."


    ...


    On the way, the three walked together, and Qiao Ze, as usual, had little interest in talking.


    So Zhang Zhou could only chat idly with Gu Zhengliang about the content of today''s ss.


    It''s not that they didn''t want to talk about something else.


    Mainly, with a Qiao Ze beside them, whose thoughts they couldn''t quite grasp, they really couldn''t find a better topic.


    "Did you understand the second example problem in today''s math analysis ss?" Zhang Zhou asked.


    "More or less," Gu Zhengliang pushed his sses up and said, "I think the difficult part is still the Riemann Integration; it''s too confusing. By contrast, Lebesgue Integration is much easier to understand."


    "Yeah, anyway, I think math analysis is really hard!"


    Zhang Zhoumented, then, subconsciously ncing at the quietly apanying Qiao Ze, he couldn''t help but ask, "By the way, Qiao Ze, have you encountered the course Math Analysis before?"


    Qiao Ze nodded and answered, "Self-studied it."


    "Um... self-studied?" Zhang Zhou blinked and asked again for confirmation.


    "Yes!" Qiao Ze responded briefly again, but feeling that it seemed too aloof, he added, "Lu Ding''s Principles of Mathematical Analysis."


    "Could you then give us a simple analysis of the difference between Riemann and Lebesgue Integration?"


    Gu Zhengliang couldn''t help but ask, the impetuosity of youth evident in his voice, but still controlled.


    "Riemann Integration partitions the domain of a function, while Lebesgue Integration partitions the range of a function," Qiao Ze replied casually, "I don''t know the example problems your teacher exined in ss, so I''m not sure what you find difficult. However, I guess it probably has to do with the interchange of order of integration and limits."


    Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang both paused, especially Gu Zhengliang, who instinctively pushed his sses and asked, "You could guess that? Why?"


    Qiao Ze looked at the ss leader, remembering how he had helped make his bed earlier, and began to exin, "Mathematical analysis often requires interchanging the order of two limit processes, especially the interchange of integration and the limits of a sequence of functions.


    Under Riemann Integration, the uniform convergence of a sequence of functions is required to ensure the interchangeability of integration and limit operations.


    Meanwhile, the Lebesgue Dominated Convergence Theorem dictates that only very weak conditions are needed to interchange the operations of integration and limits. Hence, if you find Lebesgue Integration easier to understand and Riemann Integration confusing, I believe it''s probably because of this."


    Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang exchanged nces, then realized that the guy walking alongside them was likely not one of those fake show-offs who knew nothing but rather someone genuinely skilled.


    Just from a few casual remarks, he could identify what sort of example problems were discussed in ss that day and even analyze the reasons behind them.


    Zhang Zhou felt that this person must be one of those with a high IQ and intelligent logical analysis abilities described by postgraduate exam tutor Zhang Gaofeng, the kind who could leave everyone astonished without anyone being able to track down how it was done.


    No wonder this guy could parachute in out of nowhere.


    It''s terrifying!


    Zhang Zhou suddenly had a sh of inspiration and guessed, "Qiao Ze, were you from a different major before? And then a mathematics teacher discovered your talent and snatched you up?"


    Qiao Ze shook his head and said, "No, I''m a senior in high school this year. Li said the high school environment wasn''t suitable for me, so he let me start at the university early."


    "Senior high..." Zhang Zhou looked at his own bowl of rice and suddenly felt a little ashamed to eat.


    "What were you thinking? If you had the energy to self-study mathematical analysis in senior high, why didn''t youpete in the Olympiads and go to Yanbei? The Yanbei University School of Mathematics is the NO.1 in the country. Whye to our school?" Gu Zhengliang said somewhat excitedly.


    Qiao Ze paused, having never considered this question. After all, beforeing to Xilin University of Technology, he hadn''t had much expectation for university life.


    However, an image of a person soon emerged in Qiao Ze''s mind, and then he naturally said, "Because Li is here, I came. He''s the first person I''ve met with some intelligence, and he''s also a really good person."


    Zhang Zhou blinked his small eyes hidden in fat and suddenly understood what this guy meant by saying if he talked too much, it was easy to offend people.


    "You mean, before you met Li, you hadn''t encountered a single person with some intelligence?"


    "Yeah." Qiao Ze nodded.


    "What about me?" Zhang Zhou asked subconsciously.


    Qiao Ze pursed his lips and said nothing.


    After all, in his view, ssmates who found even the most basic Riemann integration tricky really weren''t those he could rightfully praise for their intelligence. Wasn''t this something one could understand by just watching a few minutes of a video?


    Maintaining silence was the biggest concession he could make, thanks to the education he had received from Li Jian.


    But seeing Zhang Zhou''s gradually forlorn face and thinking of the ss president''s enthusiasm, the inherently kind-hearted Qiao Ze decided to say something after all. He thought for several seconds and then managed to eke out, "I think you''re a really good person."


    "Pfft... Hahaha..."


    Gu Zhengliang next to him couldn''t hold back hisughter at that statement, losing allposure and patting Zhang Zhou on the shoulder, "Qiao Ze, you''ve nailed it. Our ss president really is impable in character, explosively good. I must give this good guy card a full score!"


    "Damn, I''m not treating you to dinner tonight! Gu, you''re heartless!" Zhang Zhou pushed away Gu Zhengliang''s hand, resentfully dering.


    "No worries, I''ll treat today," Gu Zhengliang cheerfully said.


    Seeing Zhang Zhou''s deted look at that moment, he was genuinely happy.


    See how smart he is, he certainly won''t disgrace himself.


    But obviously, Gu underestimated Zhang Zhou''s threshold for shame.


    And Zhang Zhou was clearly not stupid; at least he could tell that this new ssmate was genuinely disdainful of saying insincere ttery.


    "Qiao Ze, why don''t you alsoment on Gu''s intelligence while you''re at it?"


    "Qiao Ze, don''t mind him! Damn, Zhang Zhou, you''re really too vile!"


    Qiao Ze looked at the two squabbling and suddenly thought that university life indeed seemed much more interesting than high school life.


    It also made him feel more cheerful, truly rare for him to want to say a heartfelt word. Thus, the next moment, the warm words coated in utmost sincerity reached the ears of both men: "Although you''re not smart, you''re really not that stupid either!"


    The two who were just tussling suddenly fell silent.


    Maybe they were touched by the warmth?


    Probably so.

 Chapter 27: Instructions and Thanks (Important)

    First of all, the exnation.


    As for the plot, Qiao Ze has already entered college, which is a cause for celebration. After entering college, apart from studying, there''s another important task¡ªthat is to publish papers.


    I''d like to report in advance to all my dear reader lords, although Buding is inexperienced, I am familiar with the various review rules and times for mathematics papers, especially the higher the level of problem-solving, the longer it takes.


    Six months to a year is the basic drill; it''s not unusual for a long review to take several years.


    However, if this part was writtenpletely in line with reality, there would be an issue with the coherence of the story.


    For example, if the protagonist submits a paper that normally requires a year to review.


    Then there are two choices for the span of this year. First, write other subplots and daily life that develop naturally. There are so many impressive results that by the time you see them again, you might not remember them at all, and the continuity of the plot would bepletely broken...


    Second, directly jump to one yearter. But this is also troublesome because every character in this book has their story, and if written this way, all conceived subplots would bepletely lost...


    So, I ask readers who pursue rationality to imagine that the reviewers in the universe of this book are those who particrly love reviewing papers, the kind of reviewing machines that would light a candle at 3 a.m. and use supeputing to verify a paper.


    Or you could also imagine that Qiao''s ideas are so clear and well-structured that they greatly elerate the review process.


    The above is to ensure the continuity of the story in this book.


    Next is the thank you.


    Thank you to book friend 65568 for the helm reward; thanks to ''Coming from the Gxy'' for the 1100 point coin reward; thanks to book friend ''Seeing Through Serenity'' for the 600 point coin reward; thanks to book friends ''Recently A Bit Strange'', fugudoku, Wang from Longyuan, Bloodleaf1, qxg, Thirty-Two Teeth, Big Big Garbage, Brick Brother, 81926, Three Tens and Change, Little ASDF, Mo Yan, Mo Yu, Wooden Bean Who Loves Dou Dou, Cultivating Yet Can''t Let Go Of Worldly Attachments, Hermits in Deep Mountains, Long Live CEO Xiao, Cui Zhang Xiao Fan, Stranger Bai Yunshan Hei Tu Alley, Why Was My Nickname Stolen, This User Has Ascended, Drunk in Red Dust 9 for their point coin rewards!


    And thanks to book friend ''Passerby Yu'' for the wonderful book review, as well as all the book friends who vote every day in pursuit of updates...


    It is everyment and chapter discussion from the book friends, every monthly ticket, rmendation ticket, and every collection and follow from a book friend that gives Buding the motivation to sit in front of theputer and happily tell the story of Qiao Ze''s growth!


    Love you all, and thank you.


    Bow.


    A Barrel of Buding.

 Chapter 28: 27: Knowledge in the Mortal World is Also Very Important

    At this time, Qiao Ze was still just an ordinary college student. No, it would be inurate to even call him that since he had yet toplete all the registration procedures.


    He hadn''t yet had the chance to boldly and explicitly tell reporters outside the mathematicians'' conference that many Nobel and Fields Medalureates were also a bunch of idiots.


    Therefore, Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang didn''t realize just how heartwarming Qiao Ze''sment, "You guys aren''t that stupid either," actually was.


    They just suddenly felt not so hungry anymore.


    Luckily, that was all temporary.


    Once they got to the cafeteria and the aroma wafted into their noses, Zhang Zhou regained some of his former liveliness, "Qiao Ze, let me tell you, our school may not be much in other respects, but the stir-fry at Cafeteria Three is really delicious. Today you can order whatever you want, it''s on Zhang''s card!"


    ¡­


    After lining up and getting their meals, the three found an empty table and sat down.


    While eating, Zhang Zhou looked at Qiao Ze who was silently enjoying his meal and sighed inwardly, beginning to make an effort to help this quirky guy fit in with their little group as soon as possible.


    So, while eating, he instructed, "Qiao Ze, there''s one more person in our dorm, the one who sleeps across from you, named Chen Yiwen. You mustn''t evaluate him the same way you did me and Gu, or he''ll really get mad."


    Gu Zhengliang added, "Yeah, well, it''s not that Chen is a bad guy. He actually does care if ssmates are in trouble, but he''s got this prideful temperament and always likes topete for first ce. There, he didn''te back after ss, he went to study in the cafeteria by himself."


    Zhang Zhou shrugged and said, "That''s right. The top scorer in our ss for now is the ss representative, a girl named Su Mucheng. Last year''s final exam grades were A+ in all subjects except abstract algebra where she got an A, and Chen was ranked second.


    So this year, the guy has really started studying like crazy. You have no idea, he''s quite intense. He hasn''t rxed a single weekend this semester, and whenever he''s not in the dorm, you can find him either in the library or the study room."


    Gu Zhengliang nodded vigorously, "Yes, he''s sopetitive that I hardly dare to be friends with him ¨C I''m afraid he''ll drive me insane. So, you definitely shouldn''t talk about low IQ with him; he really will get angry. What''s more frightening is that the guy is also a rich second generation. His family''s from Guang Province.


    He invited us over during the winter break, and they owned several houses there."


    Qiao Ze was listening to their chatter, more or less getting the picture of the student named Chen Yiwen they were describing as verypetitive. As for being a rich second generation, Qiao Ze didn''t think much of it.


    "Hey, Qiao Ze, what are you thinking about? Why aren''t you talking?" Zhang Zhou, sitting next to Qiao Ze, nudged him with his elbow and asked.


    "Oh, I was just thinking that from now on, Chen Yiwen will probably have to settle for third ce," Qiao Ze replied casually.


    He had no choice, he promised that Dean Uncle to take the exams seriously.


    "Pfft¡­" Gu Zhengliang couldn''t help but burst intoughter, spitting out his food.


    Qiao Ze looked at him, perplexed, wondering where the punchline was in what he had just said.


    "Sorry, sorry, I didn''t mean to. It''s just that what you said made me suddenly think of the expression Chen Yiwen would make," Gu Zhengliang said, waving his hands apologetically.


    Completely unaware that his serious name had such a strange punchline.


    "Enough, enough, cut it out," Zhang Zhou gave Gu Zhengliang a re and then said, "Qiao Ze, it''s good you''re confident. But this semester we''re not only taking Mathematical Analysis, there are also courses like Advanced Algebra and Analytic Geometry, Abstract Algebra, Real and Complex Function Theory, and Probability Theory.


    And yes, there arepulsory courses like Marxist Theory, Mao Zedong Thought, and Modern History, but these are the kind you can just cram before the exams; nothing too difficult."


    Qiao Ze, puzzled, asked, "The School of Mathematics has political sses?"


    Zhang Zhou pped his forehead, exasperated, "Big brother, these arepulsory courses! Every major in the school has them."


    On hearing this, Qiao Ze let out a sigh of relief, "Oh, that''s good. With these sses dragging down my grades, I won''t be able to get first ce."


    Zhang Zhou paused, then said, "Qiao Ze, did you not hear everything I just said? There''s more to our major than just Mathematical Analysis."


    Qiao Ze shook his head and answered, "I know, but I''ve self-studied all those professional courses you mentioned. Haven''t you guys noticed? The whole point of learning math analysis is to make those professional courses easier to grasp.


    For example, today in your math analysis ss, you studied the rtionship between Lebesgue Integration and Riemann Integration, and the teacher must have derived those concepts and theorems. Once you understand that, the most core part of the Real Function course bes very simple, and there''s no difficulty at all."


    Gu Zhengliang stared at Qiao Ze, shocked once again, "No way, Qiao Ze, did you actually sneak into our ss this afternoon, didn''t you? Howe what you''re saying is almost exactly what Zhu said in ss?"


    "Zhu?" Qiao Ze tilted his head, puzzled.


    "It''s Professor Zhu who teaches us math analysis."


    Zhang Zhou dramatically covered his face, speaking very fast, "Damn, Qiao Ze, I''m really starting to believe you''re not just showing off! By the way, when you said earlier in the dorm that even the geometry professors at our school aren''t very good, you were serious, right?"


    Qiao Ze looked at Zhang Zhou oddly and replied, "At least I didn''t find those research papers boasted on the faculty''s official website very useful. Plus, the mathematical tools employed are quite outdated, without any innovative points. Also, what do you mean by showing off?"


    Zhang Zhou: "..."


    Gu Zhengliang: "..."


    Then, after exchanging a look, they almost simultaneously said, "Big bro, can''t you study more down-to-earth stuff?"


    Sometimeter, Zhang Zhou added somberly, "Moreover, I don''t know about other schools, but the School of Mathematics doesn''t countpulsory courses for GPA ranking, only professional courses."


    "Hmm?"


    ...


    After dinner, I returned to the dorm.


    Sure enough, the only person Qiao Ze hadn''t seen yet in the dorm, Chen Yiwen, had note back.


    Probably went straight to the library to self-study after eating.


    ording to Gu, it was unlikely he would return before half-past ten.


    Zhang Zhou then enthusiastically added Qiao Ze to Basic Mathematics ss One''s group chat.


    Zhang Zhou''s WeChat name was "Solitary Boat", and his group nickname was "Solitary Boat ss Rep". Before formally introducing Qiao Ze to everyone, he even changed his group nickname to "A Good Person Solitary Boat ss Rep".


    "@everyone: The person I just added to the group is our Basic One ss''s new student ¡ª Qiao Ze. Let''s all help each other out and work hard together."


    Gu Zhengliang looked at Zhang Zhou''s changed nickname and silently changed his own to "Not Too Dumb ss Secretary", then pulled up a meme from his collection, "Wee new student."


    With both the ss rep and ss secretary posting at the same time, it immediately set off a storm among the students. The originally quiet ss group suddenly became lively.


    "What''s this? A new student?"


    "Feels like a throwback to high school."


    "Is the new student a bro or a sis?"


    "A Good Person? Not Too Dumb? Am I out of touch with the times again? What are these memes the ss rep and ss secretary are using?"


    ...


    Qiao Ze nced at the buzzing group chat, then set his phone aside, turning his attention back to his notebook. He nned to search for some of Uncle Li''s published papers in the library''s research database before going to bed. That was way more interesting than following the group chat.

 Chapter 29: 28: Severe Sapiosexual Patients

    ```


    The dormitory fell silent after Qiao Ze started reading the paper on his notebook seriously.


    During this time, Gu Zhengliang asked Qiao Ze about two problems, which Qiao Ze did not exin, but instead picked up a pen and some draft paper and directly wrote down the general approach for him.


    Gu Zhengliang was thoroughly convinced.


    He found it very hard to understand, everyone had only one brain, yet while he couldn''t make heads or tails of these problems, Qiao Ze could just nce at them and, in less than a minute, provide a solution that seemed obvious as soon as he saw it.


    Actually, both Gu Zhengliang and Zhang Zhou''s grades were not bad either, both consistently cing in the top five of their ss.


    It''s just that the scores of the top two were so outstanding that they made them seem not as excellent.


    But even so, before Qiao Ze appeared, those two had never made Gu Zhengliang feel a deep sense of helplessness from the bottom of his heart.


    He always thought that if he worked hard like Chen Yiwen, his grades could probably improve.


    After all, math just requires practice to get better.


    But it only took Qiao Ze a few hours to dissolve that illusion.


    After all, when he had a problem he couldn''t solve before, he would ask Chen Yi, who would usually jot the problem down and need at least an hour or two, or perhaps a study session beforeing back to exin it to him. He had never experienced an instant solution like today, which made him doubt whether the two problems were actually very simple.


    So, Gu tossed the problems Qiao Ze had just taught him straight to Zhang Zhou, and after seeing Zhang Zhou drawing frustrated circles on his paper, Gu recovered a little bit of his confidence.


    At least there was someone else in the dorm who was just as normal as he was.


    What''s even more infuriating is that Qiao Ze learned all this by himself - isn''t that aggravating?!


    ...


    "Zhang Zhou, I''m starting to suspect that our new ssmate is a robot. Damn, he solved those two problems with a quick nce, and I mean instantly! Didn''t even need to think. He could point out solutions on the fly! I''m really starting to doubt whether my IQ is problematic. At least you don''t know either!"


    Gu Zhengliang, having found an excuse to buy drinks, managed to get Zhang Zhou out of the dormitory, and as soon as they stepped out of the door, he couldn''t help butin.


    "Go away... Are you even human? You''ve been hit by Qiao Ze and now are scavenging confidence from me?" Zhang Zhou grumbled.


    Obviously, he wasn''t in the best of moods either.


    "Heh... at least we have a good mentality. I think when Chen Yiwen finds out about this new ssmate, he''s going to lose it."


    "Cut it, don''t talk about Chen. At least Chen''s grades are better than ours."


    "I''m confident that I could catch up with Chen''s grades, but looking at Qiao Ze now, I just feel despair! The guy should''ve gone to Yanbei School of Mathematics. Why did hee to our school and mess with our minds?"


    "I know, right? I reckon even if he went to Yanbei School of Mathematics, they couldn''t bear his monstrous ability! No way, it can''t just be us freaking out, I need to give Su Mucheng a heads up."


    Saying that, Zhang Zhou pulled out his phone, quickly found the dedicated ss representative group chat, and sent a rapid message: "@Cheng, you''ve gotpetition. I''m telling you, the new student is mind-blowingly awesome. I think your top spot in the professional courses is at risk."


    This message promptly caused a cartoon girl''s avatar to pop up, replying briefly with a "?".


    At this time, Gu Zhengliang also took out his phone and began to chime in on WeChat: "High school senior, already self-taught almost all of the freshman specialized courses, his understanding of mathematical analysis blows me and Zhang Zhou out of the water.


    I just asked him about thest two advanced problems from Chapter 3 of ''Lu Zhou''s Fifty Lectures on Real Functions'' and he instantly gave me the approaches for both. The total time used was less than a minute. If there''s a single lie in what I said, Zhang Zhou and I will perform eating dung while standing on our heads for everyone."


    Zhang Zhou: "Get lost! If you want to eat that stuff, don''t drag me into it, I''m on a diet! But what Gu said is true, I''ve already started to feel inferior!"


    Gu Zhengliang: "Inferiority +10001."


    ```


    Su Mucheng had yet to reply when their conversation managed to st instructor Liu Hao out of his silence.


    "@Lu Zhou @Gu, you two aren''t joking, are you?"


    Zhang Zhou replied promptly, "Instructor, who''s in the mood for jokes? Gu and I were just discussing that when Chen Yiwenes back, he''s probably going to lose it. He''s already working so hard to catch up with Su Mucheng, and now you''ve thrown in a guy with a higher rank, and he''s even a junior from high school. I''m afraid this might be the death of Chen!"


    Liu Hao: "!"


    Su Mucheng: "@Lu Zhou, ss president, please try to avoid ambiguity when talking in the small group chat, thanks."


    Zhang Zhou: "Haha! (touches head)"


    ...


    In the girls'' dormitory less than two hundred meters away from the Yanbei Mathematics Institute''s male dorm, Su Mucheng pressed the pause button on herptop''s media yer and picked up her phone to check WeChat.


    She was revisiting a ssic old movie that had been remade in the United States, adapted from Agatha Christie''s best-selling detective novel "And Then There Were None." She admired the sagacious old judge in the movie who arranged everything meticulously.


    Well, from childhood, Su Mucheng''s interests seemed a bit different from those of other girls.


    For instance, while little girls enjoyed chasing celebrities, she liked "star-chasing" too, but her "star-chasing" was about intelligence, not looks.


    Especially after once being dragged by her mother to watch a variety show where she discovered that the young heartthrob stars couldn''t even solve a simple system of linear equations, she lost all interest in any celebrity variety shows from then on.


    On a certain short video app, a young associate professor from the Yanbei University had shot to fame for a while.


    To be honest, from the average person''s perspective, the associate professor''s looks were indeed a bitcking. And he didn''t seem particrly bright, but his resume was truly astonishing. Being directly admitted to Yanbei was basic, and as an undergraduate at the Yanbei Mathematics Institute, he swept every mathpetition with grand ms.


    Because of this, Su Mucheng developed a crazy infatuation for mathematics.


    During the summer vacation of her sophomore year in high school, she made a special trip to the Capital. She didn''t visit the Great Wall or the Forbidden City but instead sneaked into the Yanbei University Campus for several days in a row. She had heard that the professors at the Yanbei International Mathematics Center usually didn''t take summer vacations; they were all working on research.


    So she wished for a serendipitous encounter with that professor she tremendously admired.


    Regrettably, she didn''t seed.


    In high school, as a delicate and pretty girl from Jiangnan with fairly good grades, she naturally didn''tck handsome young boys confessing their feelings to her as they came of age.


    But Su Mucheng felt indifferent and happened to have a slight crush only on the top boy in the grade, even though he was a little chubby like Zhang Zhou. His face also had many red pimples.


    All in all, it demonstrated one thing.


    Su Mucheng was a typical sufferer of sapiosexual attraction.


    But she didn''t care and actually relished the feeling of admiring intelligence.


    After all, looks rapidly depreciate with age, but what intelligence leaves behind might be eternal.


    So at this moment, Su Mucheng was genuinely captivated by what Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang had said on WeChat.


    Was the new student who suddenly joined the ss really that strong?


    Driven by overflowing curiosity, Su Mucheng opened the private chat with Lu Zhou: "ss president, is the new student really as amazing as you guys said?"

 Chapter 30: 29: Analysis of my show-off behavior to prove Im not showing off

    In the small supermarket on the first floor of the dormitory, Zhang Zhou waved his smartphone triumphanly in front of Gu Zhengliang, "See, I knew Su Mucheng would definitely take the bait."


    "No shit, as if I didn''t know that," Gu Zhengliang casually picked up two bottles of Pepsi, then headed straight for the checkout counter to pay.


    "How do you still not get me? I only drink Coke!" Zhang Zhou, busy replying to WeChat messages, called out in a hurry.


    "Pff, dream on. I''m getting these for Qiao. You''re a good guy, so buy whatever you want for yourself," Gu Zhengliang tossed out casually.


    "Fuck¡­" Zhang Zhou cursed subconsciously, but couldn''t be bothered to argue with Gu Zhengliang, instead quickly replying to Su Mucheng''s WeChat message.


    ¡­


    Solitude Boat: "For real? There''s even more exaggerated stuff, but I can''t talk about it in the group because of Liu. Did you know the new kid started reviewing the papers our university''s geometry professor has published over the years as soon as he arrived in the dorm? Guess what hemented?"


    Sweet Orange: "?"


    Solitude Boat: "Haha, knew you wouldn''t guess. He said the professors at our university who specialize in geometry are too lousy, their papers are nothing novel, and they even use other people''s analysis tools with no innovative points! Oh, and the papers he was reading are all in pure English. Can you understand them?"


    Sweet Orange: "You think I''ve got nothing better to do than to look at that stuff? Are you guys joking just for the attention?"


    Solitude Boat: "If even a single word I said doesn''t match reality, may Gu get hit by a car and end up crippled when he steps outside, but not die!"


    Sweet Orange: "¡­, so what''s he doing now?"


    Solitude Boat: "Back in the dorm reading papers again!"


    Sweet Orange: "Call him out so I can see if he''s as incredible as you say!"


    Solitude Boat: "Fine, just wait, I''ll go back to the dorm and ask if he''s willing toe out."


    Sweet Orange: "You''re not in the dorm? Then hurry up!"


    ¡­


    Reading this message, Zhang Zhou quickly snatched up a bottle of Coke, sped through the checkout, and then started running while dragging Gu Zhengliang with him.


    "Fuck, what''s the rush?"


    "Don''t you want to see the century face-off between the genius girl and the new kid?"


    "What''s the deal?"


    "Su Mucheng has decided to challenge the new kid. We need to get Qiao out now so she can see for herself."


    "Is this the big showdown between the top students? Where to, the girls'' dorm?"


    "We''ve got to see if Qiao is willing toe out first."


    Hearing this, Gu Zhengliang also picked up the pace.


    ¡­


    Back in the dorm, Qiao Ze had just finished going over the two papers Li Jiangao published in Nan University''s core journals fromst year to this year.


    Asked to evaluate them, he felt that the level of these two papers was pretty standard, nothing out of the ordinary.


    They had some highlights, but not many.


    The biggest takeaway was that Qiao Ze now roughly understood that his Uncle Li''s main research direction was actually rather theoretical. It seemed focused on tackling academic issues rted to subgroup structures and ss group algebraic structures in Group Theory.


    This is a bit different from the advice Professor Zhang Chunlei from Jiang University gave.


    Because Li Jiangao is researching pure mathematical theory, but Professor Zhang said that currently, the more popr topics are those that can solve practical problems.


    Does this perhaps mean that Uncle Li is an idealist?


    After reflecting for a moment, Qiao Ze seriously summarized the minor issues he found after reading through the paper and directly sent them to Li Jiangao via WeChat, along with his suggestion, "Uncle Li, the above are some small ws that I''ve found after reading your paper. Also, I think you could start considering research on the application aspects of Group Theory.


    How about we start preparing now and begin the project on constructing a self-supervised feature decoupling framework with Group Theory in September? I''m very confident!"


    After sending the message, Qiao Ze nced at the time, it was already nine in the evening, so he put his phone aside and stretchedzily.


    He was missing his mom a bit.


    Just as Qiao Ze was considering whether to take the initiative to call Lu Xiuxiu, Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang barged into the dorm.


    "Qiao, huff... here''s the c I brought for you." Gu Zhengliang, out of breath, handed a bottle of chilled Pepsi to Qiao Ze.


    Qiao Ze subconsciously epted the c and couldn''t resist correcting, "I should be younger than you."


    "No problem, in our major, those who achieve more are considered as elder brothers. Do you know why Zhang Zhou calls me Old Gu? It''s because my grades are better than his!"


    "Psh, have some shame! It''s clearly because you''re three months older than me! Anyway, Qiao Ze, let''s go. We''re taking you to meet someone, the ss monitor who ranked first in our ss. She doesn''t quite ept you and specifically asked me to help her challenge you. Go show her a thing or two so she''ll know how capable our Qiao is!"


    Zhang Zhou said eagerly, waiting for Qiao Ze to nod and then nning to drag him out.


    However, Qiao Ze shook his head and calmly replied, "Not interested."


    "Uh... Look, Qiao, don''t think that Su Mucheng only does well in studies, she''s also pretty good-looking. Don''t believe me? Look, I have group photos on my phone..."


    Qiao Ze looked at Zhang Zhou with confusion and asked, baffled, "What does her being pretty have to do with this? I just think this kind of thing is very boring."


    "Huh?!" Zhang Zhou stared nkly at Qiao Ze. Wasn''t it a sign of courtesy to ept a beauty''s invitation?


    Unable to hold back, Gu Zhengliang pleaded, "Come on, Qiao, it''s more interesting to show off in front of a beauty than in front of us two, right? Seriously, just go show off a little and let that girl see there''s always someone better. Our Basic ss 1 has 40 students, only 7 of them are girls, and over 30 guys are being overshadowed by one girl.


    As a fellow guy, shouldn''t you help us strike down her arrogance?"


    Qiao Ze looked at Gu Zhengliang with some annoyance.


    After their enthusiastic exnations, Qiao Ze had already roughly understood what they meant by showing off, but he genuinely didn''t understand when he had ever shown off in front of them.


    So he asked seriously, "Why do you always think I''m showing off in front of you guys?"


    Zhang Zhou paused, looking at Qiao Ze''s serious face, and subconsciously replied, "Well... when you offhandedly said that our school''s geometry professors aren''t up to par, doesn''t that count?"


    Qiao Ze blinked, realizing, and then said evenly, "I see, so if I can prove to you that I was merely stating a fact, will you then think I wasn''t showing off?"


    The two guys were instantly stunned.


    "No, Qiao, I admit you''re awesome, but how can you prove that?" Gu Zhengliang asked, puzzled.


    Qiao Ze calmly provided a n, "It''s quite simple, really. The professors listed their email addresses on their papers, and they''re also avable on the university''s official website. I''ll point out the issues in the papers and send them through email, then wait for their feedback. If there''s something wrong with what I said, those professors will naturally argue back.


    Truth bes clearer by argument, as does mathematics."


    After speaking, Qiao Ze had already sat down at his desk and reopened hisputer, beginning to edit the text calmly.


    Behind him, two guys were goingpletely crazy...


    What the heck...


    Qiao Ze wanted to prove he wasn''t showing off, but why did they feel like this guy was seriously the master of showing off?!

 Chapter 31: 30: Charging Ahead Rashly

    For Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang, Qiao Ze''s behavior was tantamount to him first saying, "I''m not one for showing off, and I never do."


    Then he casually lifted his wrist to check the time, revealing the 18K gold and diamond-encrusted Rolex on his wrist.


    But they couldn''t even begin toin!


    Because, unlike unting wealth ostentatiously, Qiao Ze''s real intention was just to prove that he was only making the most honest assessment.


    Zhang Zhou had nothing to say, he could only stand behind Qiao Ze and watch him edit the document.


    But when he realized that Qiao Ze was also editing the document in pure academic English, he gave up, unable to understand. Although he might not understand even if it was in Chinese, at least he could recognize each character when separated...


    "Qiao, why are you using English?" Gu Zhengliang had finally spoken up to ridicule.


    "The mathematical tools used by the professors are all from abroad, and many specialized terms do not have precise trantions in Chinese. So if I were to make suggestions in Chinese, it would be mixed with a lot of English words, which wouldn''t be coherent," Qiao Ze exined.


    Again, the two were left speechless.


    Clearly, using English wasn''t for showing off, but rather for rity of expression.


    A disenchanted Zhang Zhou directly picked up his phone, evidently to draft a text message to Su Mucheng.


    Loner: "The new whiz-kid refuses toe out because he wants to prove that he''s not into showing off."


    In less than a second, a reply came back from the other end, clearly poised by the phone.


    Cheng: "?"


    Loner: "Ah, don''t get me started. Just now, Old Gu mentioned him saying the school''s geometry professors'' papers aren''t high-quality, saying that such remarks were just pretentious.


    To prove he was just stating facts, our new whiz-kid randomly picked a lucky professor from the school''s geometry department and is currently writing a pure English email to point out problems in the paper, and he''s told us to wait for the professor''s response."


    Cheng: "!!!"


    Cheng: "You''re not kidding?"


    Zhang Zhou, seeing Su Mucheng''s reply, didn''t bother to exin further and just found an angle to take a photo of Qiao Ze earnestly tapping away at the keyboard, which he then sent over.


    The photo showed Qiao Ze''s back at a sixty-degree angle, exceptionally straight-backed. Though his face wasn''t visible, the posture alone conveyed that the young man was in an extremely serious state. The focus, however, was on theputer monitor screen in front of him.


    Lines of English text intermingled with a series of mathematical forms were clearly visible within the frame.


    Shortly after, Su Mucheng replied.


    Cheng: "Which dorm in building 3 are you guys in?"


    Loner: "What are you nning? A nighttime raid on the boys'' dorm? I''ll tell you, it''s summer, and lots of guys are running around shirtless! Besides, the dorm auntie won''t let youe up."


    Cheng: "Cut the crap! Which room?"


    Loner: "408!"


    After reporting the dormitory number, there was silence for a long while.


    Loner: "Fuck... Su Mucheng, control yourself! You can''t really be nning a night raid on the boys'' dorm, can you? I''m telling you, there are a few weirdos on this floor who like to run around the corridor half-naked in the middle of the night!"


    Still no reply.


    Zhang Zhou finally gave up.


    Ten minutester, Zhang Zhou suddenly heard the downstairs auntie announcing through a megaphone, "Boys on the fourth floor, please restrain yourselves! Put on whatever clothes you should or shouldn''t wear, a pretty female ss representative ising to notify about an issue."


    "Pfft..." Zhang Zhou truly began to admire Su Mucheng.


    He had never realized until now that this delicate-looking girl could be so decisive in action.


    When he opened the dormitory door, he saw chaos in the corridor.


    Some people rushed back into their rooms, but others dressed neatly charged out...


    Even though the entire fourth floor was upied by students from the School of Mathematics, they weren''t all from the same major.


    ```


    Next to them were students from Applied Mathematics and Financial Mathematics, all at the age of vigorous youth. The dorm supervisor''s words, "a beautiful female ssmittee member," were enough to get their hormones, unrted to mathematics, surging.


    However, in the dormitory, Qiao Ze seemed not to be disturbed by this at all and was still focused on writing his text.


    Zhang Zhou sighed, turned his head towards the stairs, and not long after, Su Mucheng appeared at the end of the corridor, walking calmly and straightforwardly towards room 408.


    Zhang Zhou leaned halfway out and greeted Su Mucheng.


    This action garnered the attention of quite a few boys in the corridor, but upon seeing that it was a sleazy fat guy, most of them lit up with excitement....


    It seemed that the beautiful ssmittee member who came today was indeed here to notify something.


    After all, that fat guy¡ªdidn''t match up.


    Of course, there were also ssmates from the special program who greeted Su Mucheng.


    "Eh, Committee Member Su, it''s you? What do you need to announce?"


    "I need to discuss something with the ss president and the group secretary. I''ll notify everyone in the groupter," Su Mucheng replied calmly, then confidently walked into the ss president''s dormitory and shut the door firmly, preventing anyone from barging in directly.


    Zhang Zhou wanted to speak, but was silenced by a stare from Su Mucheng. The girl then walked straight behind Qiao Ze and began looking at the content on hisptop.


    Of course, Qiao Ze was not without sensation.


    In fact, his ability to multitask had always been strong.


    Since the dormitory supervisor shouted from downstairs, all the noises around him had already been imprinted in his mind.


    He just hadn''t paid attention to them.


    Only when he sensed someone behind him and a whiff of fragrance reached his nose did he calmly turn his head, looked curiously, and then refocused his attention on the text in front of him.


    Time was still a bit tight, after all, he had to sleep by 10:30 pm.


    Soon, Qiao Ze finished with the suggestions concerning the mathematical tools cited in one of the papers he read that day, and also provided suggestions for the results proposed in the paper.


    He thenpared the name on the paper with the names on the official university website, and confirmed that it was a paper published by Professor Zhao Guangyao.


    Afterward, he logged into his email, attached the edited document, and began drafting the message.


    "Professor Zhao Guangyao, hello. The attached document contains a few discussions regarding the paper titled ''Stoker''s problem and index theory on manifolds with polytope singrities'' that you published in the Computational Geometry journal issue seven of 20XX. I hope for a reply."


    The email was signed: Student Qiao Ze.


    After doing all this, Qiao Ze rubbed his wrists.


    It was done.


    Qiao Ze felt that, given his interactions over time with Li Jiangao and other professors researching Group Theory, he was confident that such an academic inquiry email would definitely be replied to, it was just a matter of sooner orter.


    He was just proving to his two not-too-dumb roommates that he wasn''t showing off; he didn''t care whether the reply came sooner orter.


    Then Qiao Ze stood up and looked at Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang, who wore awkward expressions: "Alright, now we just wait for the reply."


    "Ahem, there''s no rush... Let me introduce to you first, this is our ssmittee member, Su Mucheng," said Gu Zhengliang, who was nudged twice by Zhang Zhou and introduced her formally.


    "Su Mucheng?"


    "You also think this name sounds familiar, right? Actually, ites from a popr serialized drama. My dad''s a bit irresponsible. He likes to read web novels, and when I was born, the female lead in the novel he was following had this name. Hisst name happens to be Su too, so he straightforwardly used the female character''s name for me.


    Later, that novel became very popr and was adapted into a web drama. So, many people find my name familiar. Oh, and because of that novel, when I was little, he was dead set on trying to foster my potential in gaming, wanting me to be a professional gamer! But I wasn''t interested. By the way, your name is Qiao Ze, right? Do you have a girlfriend yet?"


    Qiao Ze: "Uh?!"


    Zhang Zhou: "Whoa...."


    Gu Zhengliang: "Cough cough cough...."


    ```

 Chapter 32: 31 Someones heart is clogged up

    Although puzzled, Qiao Ze shook his head and said honestly, "No."


    Su Mucheng stared at Qiao Ze and pressed on, "Then what kind of girl do you like?"


    Qiao Ze thought for a moment, then shook his head again, saying, "I haven''t thought about it."


    Su Mucheng wrinkled her delicate nose, tilted her head, and asked, "But you can be certain you''re not into guys, right?"


    Qiao Ze answered earnestly, "Yes."


    Instantly, Su Mucheng''s face rxed, breaking into a radiant smile. She reached out with her fair little hand and said, "Let''s start over. My name is Su Mucheng, the ss representative of Basic Mathematics ss 1. On behalf of our ss, I wee you, new student Qiao Ze."


    Qiao Ze hesitated for a moment but extended his hand politely and gently shook hands with Su Mucheng, saying, "Thank you."


    ¡­


    "Ahem, uh, could you two not act like we don''t exist?" Zhang Zhou said with a miserable face.


    "Exactly!" Gu Zhengliang chimed in sourly.


    This was a scenario he had not anticipated.


    Zhang Zhou was certain that at least eighty percent of the male students in ss had thoughts about Su Mucheng.


    After all, Su was the girl with the best grades and also the most beautiful in the ss.


    This included the original three guys from Room 408 and even that guy who was inexplicably switched to another dorm.


    Zhang Zhou suspected that Chen Yiwen''s desperate efforts to catch up with Su Mucheng''s grades definitely included a notion of showing off in front of the girl he admired.


    Yet, everything happening now could shatter everyone''s beautiful dreams.


    The normally aloof ss representative was actually taking the initiative to ask the newbie about having a girlfriend and verifying his sexual orientation... Was this a move to chase after him actively?


    Everyone was expecting to see a blockbuster with schrly shes, but instead, they got an arthouse film about gravitational pull.


    Zhang Zhou was already regretting the praises he had sung for Qiao Ze on WeChat.


    His goddess fantasy was crushed!


    ¡­


    "We didn''t ignore you!"


    Su Mucheng nced at the two, then turned to Qiao Ze and said, "It''s gettingte today. I''m going to head back now. Tomorrow morning at 8:10 is the mandatory lecture on Ordinary Differential Equations in Science Building Room 301. I will go there early to save a seat for you. Do you prefer the front, middle, or back row?"


    Qiao Ze thought for a moment and replied, "The back row, I guess. I''ve always sat at the back."


    Su Mucheng nodded, then continued to ask naturally, "Great! Are you used to getting up early? Do you need me to bring you breakfast?"


    Qiao Ze shook his head and said, "No need, I get up at 5:30 every morning and usually finish breakfast by 6:30."


    Su Mucheng''s eyes sparkled as she asked, "Do you like to exercise in the morning?"


    Qiao Ze shook his head again, "No, I like to read books in the early morning."


    Too bad, otherwise we could have arranged to run together in the morning.


    Su Mucheng bit her lip with slight disappointment and said, "Alright then, I won''t disturb your rest any longer. I''ll add you on WeChat in a bit, and you can ept it."


    "Okay!"


    "Goodbye!"


    "Goodbye!"


    Su Mucheng gave Qiao Ze a sweet smile, then turned and walked out of the dorm room naturally.


    Though she didn''t admit it verbally, her actions indeed outright ignored the ss leader and the secretary.


    She didn''t even say "goodbye" to the two of them.


    Although she used discussing matters with the ss leader and the secretary as a pretext for her visit.


    It was yet another story where only two people got hurt.


    But the person in the story who should have been excited, acted very stiff.


    ...


    "Phew... Qiao Ze, what do you think?" After Su Mucheng left, Zhang Zhou let out a sigh and asked, rather despondently.


    He had thought that when Su Mucheng realized that a newbie may threaten her number one status, she would feel more dejected than him, but unexpectedly, that girl didn''t y by the rules at all, and she nned to throw herself at him if she couldn''t beat him!


    Is this the legendary gender advantage?


    Speaking of which, if those two became a couple, the rest of their ssmates in our basic ss at Renmin University would probably have no chance to shine. Ever.


    They simply couldn''tpete. Not at all.


    Just thinking about it could drive one to despair!


    "What are you asking me?" Qiao Ze, who had already picked up his toothpaste and was preparing to go brush his teeth, asked with confusion.


    "Come on, our ss monitor and the belle have been so forward, and you really don''t have any thoughts?" Gu Zhengliang, who had returned to his seat wallowing in self-pity, couldn''t stand it any longer and muttered.


    Qiao Ze frowned and asked, "What do you mean by ''forward''?"


    "Pfft... Seriously, are you really clueless or just pretending? Su Mucheng is obviously trying to pursue you, haven''t you noticed? You better not tell me that you''ve never even watched those naughty movies!"


    Qiao Ze seriously replied, "I really haven''t watched any. Besides, I think you''re overthinking it. Isn''t it perfectly normal for the ss monitor to help a new student find a seat?"


    "She even wants to bring you breakfast?" Zhang Zhou added.


    Qiao Ze asked in surprise, "But you invited me for dinner tonight, too, didn''t you? What does that prove?"


    "I..." A mouthful of metaphorical old blood nearly spurted out of Zhang Zhou.


    He looked at Qiao Ze, who seemed genuinely clueless and not faking it, and couldn''t take it anymore. He rushed to the table, picked up his phone, and directly messaged Cheng on WeChat, bluntly asking, "Su Mucheng, just tell us, are you nning to pursue our new academic genius, right?"


    Soon, the reply came from the other side: "Yes, what''s the matter? Do you n to help me?"


    Zhang Zhou felt as if his heart was being carved by a little knife, but he stubbornly showed Qiao Ze the WeChat conversation, saying, "See for yourself, she admitted it."


    Qiao Ze nced at it; his expression remained unchanged as he silently mulled over it for a moment before simply responding, "Oh."


    "Oh? And then?" Zhang Zhou pressed Qiao Ze for a reaction.


    "What do you mean, ''and then''?" Qiao Ze was still puzzled.


    "Your thoughts? Don''t you really have any thoughts at all? Like a bit of pride, a little thrill?" Zhang Zhou implored him for a reaction.


    Qiao Ze slightly knit his brows in contemtion.


    This left Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang stunned.


    After all, this guy had never shown such an expression even when he was studying English papers.


    It was as if he was pondering a difficult problem of epic proportions for a question that should have been answered off the top of his head?


    A momentter, he shook his head and said very seriously, "No."


    Then he added, "Perhaps because I''ve never thought about these kinds of things."


    "And what if you start thinking about them from today?" Zhang Zhou couldn''t help but inquire further.


    "Then we''ll talk about it in the future," Qiao Ze replied nonchntly, then turned his head and walked into the bathroom on the balcony.


    He didn''t want to continue this pointless discussion anymore.


    A dejected Zhang Zhou nced at Gu Zhengliang and then ryed Qiao Ze''s reaction via WeChat in its entirety.


    "Hey Cheng, it''s not that I don''t want to help you, but it''s quite clear that the new academic star of our ss still hasn''te to his senses!"


    "Ha, you don''t understand at all. High intelligence works that way. Do you think he is yearning for the so-called love and sweetness thates with the first milk tea of autumn, filled with a rancid smell? Wrong. What he seeks are the brilliant fireworks produced by a pure collision of thoughts!"


    After reading this response, Zhang Zhou was convinced that both individuals were beyond help!


    Nor was he!


    He was so tired!

 Chapter 33: 32 Igniting Fighting Spirit Versus Blandness

    No one saw, on the way back to the dormitory, under the cover of the night sky, Su Mucheng''s face was as red as the brilliant sunset.


    Heaven knows how she suddenly became so bold.


    But when she reached the light, the girl had already adjusted her emotions, and the blush from shyness on her face had faded, leaving herplexion as pale as usual with a healthy rosiness, exceedingly confident and natural.


    Anyway, she had already put herself out there, what else was there to fear?!


    ...


    Li Jiangao had just finished his work and picked up his phone.


    It was then that he noticed the long messages Qiao Ze had sent him.


    After reading them carefully, he didn''t know what to reply for a while.


    By the time he thought of the right words to respond, it was already ten forty.


    Remembering that Lu Xiuxiu had specifically mentioned that the child could fall asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow at ten thirty, he ultimately did not press the send button on WeChat.


    Forget it.


    He nned to find time tomorrow to have a proper chat with Qiao Ze.


    The kid was still thinking too much.


    Living like that would be very tiring.


    If possible, Li Jiangao still hoped that Qiao Ze''s life could be more rxed, at least so he could have a colorful college memory.


    But the things Qiao Ze said also prompted Li Jiangao to start reflecting seriously.


    Perhaps he really should start nning the new project properly.


    He couldn''t have a child who wasn''t striving.


    It must be said that Qiao Ze''s topic was indeed quite intriguing.


    If a few key issues could be solved, not only could it take artificial intelligence technology to a new level, but there might also be breakthroughs in mathematical theory. For instance, solving the problem of decoupling variables during substitution could make future models built with group theory cleaner and more straightforward, with a broader range of applications.


    Thinking deeper, Li Jiangao found himself genuinely attracted to the topic.


    After sighing inwardly, he felt he indeed had to recognize Qiao Ze''s capabilities and have a good talk with the kid.


    ...


    At the same time, in arge apartment in the sameplex as the school''s single dormitory.


    In the study, having just finished marking students'' papers, Zhao Guangyao raised his hand to support his head and twisted his neck.


    Long periods of desk work and ack of exercise had led to some neck issues. His neck and shoulders always felt sore.


    After moving around a bit and feeling somewhat better, Zhao Guangyao opened his email, intending to send the annotated papers and revision suggestions to his students.


    Zhao Guangyao belonged to that old-fashioned breed of professor.


    Although he wouldmunicate with students on WeChat on a daily basis, when it came to submitting papers and revisions, he insisted it all be done through an official work email. He never epted papers sent via WeChat.


    Actually, this approach had its benefits.


    Every submission from his students, along with his annotatedments, were recorded and easy to review at a nce.


    After sending the emails, Zhao Guangyao then noticed an email from an unfamiliar sender.


    The subject was: A few discussions on "Stoker''s problem and index theory on manifolds with polytope singrities".


    Interesting.


    This was the article he had submitted to "Computational Geometry"st year.


    In truth, he had wanted to submit it to the German "Geometry and Graph Theory".


    Because the main tools used in his paper were rooted in German mathematical analysis methodologies, which also rted to his experience studying in Germany.


    However, unfortunately, the editor there had politely declined his article.


    This caused Zhao Guangyao to feel somewhat frustrated for a while.


    But the paper had to be published eventually, as there were evaluations for professors at the institute. Ultimately, after spending some money on publication fees, it was published in "Computational Geometry", without causing much of a stir.


    Aside from the institute tallying up the papers published by the professorsst year and writing a promotional article for the official website as an achievement, he had nearly forgotten about it.


    He hadn''t expected his article to suddenly attract attention from a peer today.


    Yes, in Zhao Guangyao''s view, this was definitely an email from a peer.


    But when he read the content of the message, he became somewhat puzzled.


    "Student Qiao Ze?"


    A student?!


    Whose student?!


    Is this some kind of joke?


    After a moment of shock, Zhao Guangyao still downloaded the attachment and began to read it carefully.


    Hmm, it was a discussion entirely in English, with very precise professional terminology and a nice format.


    But as he read, Zhao Guangyao''s face started to turn red.


    Were the words not too direct and intense?


    What does it mean to say that forcefully calcting to emphasize the value of a tool is asughable as using low-resolution grid results directly in high-resolution projection visualization?!


    What does this guy know?!


    Just as Zhao Guangyao''s anger began to rise, he suddenly remembered the confident experience of submitting his article to "Geometry and Graph Theory" and being tly rejected, and his rage dissipated like smoke.


    Was it possible that he was indeed too fixated on a false issue?


    Too obsessed with emphasizing the value of this set of analytical tools?


    With this thought, Zhao Guangyao still patiently continued reading.


    After finishing, he stared at theputer screen and started to daydream.


    He suddenly realized that there might have been good reason for the editors of "Geometry and Graph Theory" to reject his article.


    But he never imagined that his paper could look so awful in the eyes of others, even bringing upon him the urge to withdraw it from the journal. Only, he thought of the fact that the article already had eight citations...


    Damn it!


    Which industry giant''s student was this Qiao Ze?!


    Sending such a letter without even citing a supervisor''s name!


    And not even using an institutional email, but a publicly avable personal email instead? What the hell?


    Infuriating!


    Yes, Zhao Guangyao had never considered that Qiao Ze might just be an undergraduate, let alone a high school student.


    In his opinion, this Qiao Ze was most likely a student mentored by a big shot from a limited number of universities such as Huaqing, Yanbei, Shuangdan, or one of the few Mathematics Research Institutes. He might have just stumbled upon his article while researching his topic and written this email using his personal ount.


    Thinking this way actually wasn''t embarrassing; after all, it''s normal for a PhD student mentored by a top expert to be talented.


    After contemting for a moment, Zhao Guangyao still decided to write back sincerely, intending to foster good karma.


    Having more friends in academia also meant having more opportunities.


    Although this Qiao Ze was still just a student, his mentor might very well be an industry heavyweight.


    His hands began to move swiftly over the keyboard, and soon the brief response wasplete.


    After editing the email, Zhao Guangyao checked it once more to make sure there were no mistakes. Only then did he click the "Send" button at the bottom of the email.


    He then pushed hisputer forward and took a deep breath.


    The depressive feeling in his chest eased slightly.


    Only when he thought of the person who had offered him advice, possibly a twenty-seven or twenty-eight-year-old PhD student just beginning to choose a research topic, did he feel a bit stifled again.


    In the end, he was getting old! It seemed, in his life, he wouldn''t achieve much academically!


    Even a PhD student could see through what he still blindly clung to.


    For a moment, he felt everything was tasteless!


    Forget it, better to sleep first.

 Chapter 34: 33 The Reply Has Arrived!

    In Dormitory 408, Qiao Ze had already entered dreand wearing his eye mask.


    Hisptop was casually left on his desk, with the screensaver on.


    Qiao Ze didn''t have the habit of shutting down hisputer, and hisptop wasn''t password protected either.


    Since this was the onlyputer in the house, Lu Xiuxiu would sometimes use thisputer to surf the web during her free time.


    Qiao Ze didn''t mind this at all, as there really wasn''t any secret in hisptop anyway.


    Some kids have folders on their D drivebeled "Review Materials," which when clicked, turn out to be unspeakable films one after the other.


    The folders in Qiao Ze''s D drivebeled as "Study Materials," when opened, are also all videos, but they are all lecture videos from teachers. For the vast majority of people, these videos are not only unlikely to excite, but also serve as a surefire remedy for insomnia, especially best watched before going to sleep.


    Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang were both sitting at their respective desks by this time, demoralized to the point of no longer wanting to chat, so the only thing left to do was to sit quietly in their seats and study.


    Except for that freak already in bed, what earnest college student goes to bed at 10:30 pm?


    Actually, this time is usually when the two of them y games.


    It''s just that today, neither Zhang Zhou nor Gu Zhengliang had the face to bring up gaming, so naturally their phones were left idle.


    How should I put it?


    Actually, most people enter a state of particr excitement after receiving a special stimulus, which is called "intermittent false ambition." But in reality, in the majority of cases, they are just muddling along, waiting to die.


    The current state of Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang could only be described with another two words, which is¡ªloss.


    They wanted to work hard but had no direction.


    They wanted toy back, yet they had no shame to do so.


    Just then, the dormitory door was pushed open, and a young man, carrying a canvas bag and wearing a in short-sleeved shirt, entered the dorm.


    "Eh, you guys aren''t ying games today?"


    "Shhh..."


    Zhang Zhou looked towards Chen Yiwen, who had entered, and with a fierce "shh," gestured with his hand and then pointed at Qiao Ze, who was already asleep, whispering, "He''s already asleep, don''t disturb him!"


    "The new student? He''s gone to bed so early?" Chen Yiwen frowned.


    "It''s not early, it''s already eleven. Do you think there''s a possibility that we have low IQs just because we don''t go to bed as early as him? Ah... Old Chen, really, even if he went to sleep at nine, I wouldn''t dare to object. I''m giving you a heads up; with him here, you probably won''t be able to rank first in our major courses for the next four years."


    Gu Zhengliang put down his book, which he hadn''t managed to get into at all, and sighed deeply.


    At that moment, their mood was purely one of decay that could not be relieved. No pretense needed, just natural performance.


    Chen Yiwen stood there dumbfounded and asked, "What do you mean?"


    Zhang Zhou grabbed one of Chen Yiwen''s arms and said, "Let''s go outside to talk, let you also understand the progressively distorted journey of our hearts these past few hours."


    Seeing Chen Yiwen being pulled out of the dormitory by Zhang Zhou, Gu Zhengliang also quietly stood up, nced mournfully at Qiao Ze''s bed, and followed them out.


    ...


    Outside the dormitory, ten minutester.


    Chen Yiwen looked bewildered at the two of them and said, "You guys are kidding, right? Such an impressive high school student, forget about Huaqing or Yanbei, even Harvard or Berkeley would be scrambling to recruit him, right? He didn''t go to any of those ces and came to our school instead? Is Xilin University of Technology really that attractive?"


    "Exactly! I know you won''t believe it, I doubt my own eyes whether it''s real. I really want to crack open Qiao Ze''s head to see, and then have you guys crack open my head too, to see what''s the difference!" sighed Zhang Zhou despondently.


    Chen Yiwen was silent for a moment and then said, "I can understand everything else, but him reading the professor''s published research and thinking there''s something wrong with the paper, that point, you guys didn''t exaggerate?"


    Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang looked at each other.


    Ah....


    After all, weren''t they all the same?


    "Although I don''t know whether that professor will reply to Qiao Ze''s letter, and I can''t quite understand what Qiao Ze actually wrote in it, it''s absolutely true that he wrote a letter to Professor Zhao Guangyao. I told you just now, it wasn''t just us, the ss monitor saw it too."


    Chen Yiwen pondered for a moment, then said in a muffled voice, "Could it be that he just wanted to show off in front of Su Mucheng? Maybe the letter was just nonsense?"


    Hearing this, Zhang Zhou almost cried out, muttering, "Damn it... haven''t you understood yet? When he was sitting there writing that letter to the professor, he had no idea that Su Mucheng woulde. It was me, damn it, who stupidly sent a message to Cheng secretly! Who would have thought she would actuallye straight to our dorm? Can you imagine the ss monitor being so bold usually?!"


    Chen Yiwen stopped talking.


    Indeed, he didn''t know what else to say.


    "Forget it, let''s go in; we should rest early, we have sses tomorrow." After saying this with a heavy heart, Chen Yiwen pushed the door and walked into the dorm, but his gaze involuntarily shifted to Qiao Ze, who had already gone to bed under the mosquito.


    Curiosity, doubt, and a touch of defiance.


    Just at that moment, Qiao Ze''sptop emitted a "ding dong" sound.


    Anyone who has used QQ Mail knows that it''s the sound of an email reply.


    Normally, be it Zhang Zhou, Gu Zhengliang, or Chen Yiwen, they were people with a strong sense of boundaries.


    They wouldn''t deliberately pry into a roommate''s privacy.


    That was also key to their rtively harmonious rtionship.


    But today was truly too unusual...


    Receiving a reply at this time, could it actually be a response from Professor Zhao Guangyao of the university?


    It shouldn''t be, right?


    So quickly?


    Unable to suppress his curiosity, Chen Yiwen walked up to Qiao Ze''s desk and touched theptop.


    It''s not password-protected?


    And Qiao Ze''s email ount was open, disying an unread email from an internal university email address.


    Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang silently gathered around.


    "This doesn''t seem right," Zhang Zhou whispered as a reminder.


    "We''re just going to see if it''s a reply from Professor Zhao, it should be fine. Besides, it''s only because Qiao is asleep, if he were awake, he probably wouldn''t mind," Gu Zhengliang quietly retorted.


    Chen Yiwen ignored their exchange; he simply took out his phone, logged onto the School of Mathematics'' official website, found Zhao Guangyao in the list of graduate advisors, and carefullypared the work email listed there with the sender''s email.


    No mistake, it was indeed Professor Zhao''s work email.


    Chen Yiwen took a deep breath and then resolutely clicked on the reply.


    So considerate, it was a reply in Chinese, no need for trantion software to understand it.


    "Qiao Ze student: I have received your letter. First of all, thank you very much for your analysis, criticism, and correction of this paper. Because I studied in Germany, I''m ustomed to using this set of mathematical analysis tools, and now, in hindsight, that''s probably why my approach to this research was indeed too narrow-minded.


    Thank you very much for your suggestions, which provided me with some new ideas and inspiration.


    If you don''t mind, we could discuss this over a phone call. My number is 188XXXXXXX, and it''s the same for WeChat. Additionally, I am very curious to know which advisor has managed to teach a student as outstanding as you. I look forward to the opportunity to share a drink and converse with them, and to learn from their experience in teaching students in person.


    Zhao Guangyao, Westwood University of Technology Mathematics Institute."


    Wow!

 Chapter 35: 34 Those who Please Themselves are Tolerated

    At 5:30 in the morning the next day, Qiao Ze opened his eyes promptly.


    Just as he was about to get up as usual, he suddenly realized he wasn''t at home but in a dorm room with four people.


    So, he subconsciously lightened his movements.


    After all, at home, Lu Xiuxiu wouldn''t get up until six to start preparing breakfast for him.


    But even though he was extra careful, as soon as he got out of bed, a head peeked out from the mosquito on the opposite bunk. It was starting to get light outside, making the refined features and the somewhat heavy dark circles under those unfamiliar eyes visible.


    "You''re up already?"


    Qiao Ze nodded his head.


    "I''m Chen Yiwen, Zhang Zhou and Gu have already introduced me to you, haven''t they?" the head sticking out continued.


    Qiao Ze nodded again, but this time he responded with a "Mhm."


    Then it was as if neither of them knew what else to say.


    Qiao Ze didn''t mind and, seeing that his new roommate, whom he had just met today, had nothing more to say, he went to the balcony to brush his teeth and wash up on his own.


    Behind him came a faint apology, "Um, sorry, Professor Zhao replied to your emailst night, and I couldn''t help but nce at it."


    Qiao Ze turned his head and looked at Chen Yiwen on the bed, thought for a moment, and replied, "It''s okay, it was just to prove a point anyway."


    Then he went to the balcony to start washing up, considerately closing the ss door behind him.


    This action left Chen Yiwen speechless.


    He had thought that upon hearing his words, Qiao Ze''s first reaction would be to open hisptop to read the professor''s reply, so he could casually say, "Professor Zhao says you were right."


    Then they could use that to start a conversation, and he could directly ask Qiao Ze the question he couldn''t figure out, even after a whole night without sleep, "Buddy, what on earth were you thinking? Why did you choose Xilin University of Technology? Just to crush the confidence of us ordinary people?"


    But the guy didn''t even nce at the professor''s email and went straight to brushing his teeth.


    He really didn''t care at all.


    The next moment, two more heads popped up from the other two beds almost simultaneously.


    All present.


    However, it was clear that, except for Qiao Ze, the other three hadn''t slept well.


    After all, the dark circles around their eyes could not lie.


    "Whew... Old Chen, Qiao didn''t seem angry just now, did he?"


    Chen Yiwen, hearing Zhang Zhou''s spiritless words, felt more irritated than before.


    "He looks even younger than you; how can you have the nerve to call him Qiao?"


    "Hey, Old Chen, a second-generation rich kid like you who can give up his dreams and go home to live a life of luxury funded by rent wouldn''t understand. If I want to stay on campus or pursue a master''s degree in the future, it''s my biggest responsibility to firmlytch onto such a strong leg." Zhang Zhou sighed deeply.


    Chen Yiwen found himself at a loss for words...


    "Forget it, let''s get up. If we sleep any more, we probably won''t even feel like going to ss in the morning."


    Feeling he couldn''t sleep anymore, Chen Yiwen simply got up.


    So when Qiao Ze finished washing up and returned to the dorm, he saw everyone was already up and couldn''t help but ask curiously, "Do you all usually get up this early?"


    Silence ensued.


    "Actually, we didn''t sleepst night." Zhang Zhou answered listlessly, "We spent the whole night reflecting on what we did wrong to deserve youing here to defeat us."


    Qiao Ze smiled without saying a word.


    Seeing an opportunity, Chen Yiwen asked, "Qiao Ze, why did you choose our school?"


    "I told them yesterday ¨C I came with Li Jian Gao," Qiao Ze exined.


    "Li Jian Gao?" Chen Yiwen was taken aback.


    "Professor Li Jian Gao of the college. My goal here is to be an academician alongside him," Qiao Ze exined.


    He spoke in such aposed tone, as if bing an academician was as natural and self-evident as eating when hungry or drinking when thirsty.


    Fortunately, although the three young people in the dormitory somewhat understood that bing an academician must not be easy, they were still unclear about just how difficult it actually was.


    "So why do you want to be an academician like your Uncle Li?" Zhang Zhou murmured.


    This question caught Qiao Ze off guard.


    The idea of bing an academician came from Li Jian Gao''s words that day.


    Hence, Qiao Ze, who originally only aimed to solve a world-ss problem and win a prize to provide his mother a good life, set a new goal for himself.


    As for why he wanted to be an academician...


    Suddenly, inspiration struck...


    "Because I need to solve a problem, and if Uncle Li and I both be academicians, then those people won''t be able to giarize my achievements," Qiao Ze said earnestly.


    He was thankful to his roommate for making the logic behind all his goals cohere.


    For a moment, he even felt a surge of excitement.


    And there was an impulse in his heart, eager to start researching with Li Jian Gao.


    "What problem? Is it even harder than bing an academician?"


    "I need to keep it a secret for now. Once I''ve solved it, you''ll know," he said.


    "Enough talk, get up, get up, if we rise early we can solve a couple more problems."


    ...


    The girls'' dorm.


    Six in the morning.


    The vibrating rm clock awakened Su Mucheng.


    She quietly climbed out of bed and tiptoed to the diagonally opposite bed, stretching her hand into the mosquito to shake her sleeping roommate awake.


    "Hmm... Chengzi, what are you doing?"


    "You forgot, Dandan, you promisedst night that you''d get up early today to teach me how to do makeup."


    "Ah? You were serious?"


    "Of course, I am! Who''s joking with you? Hurry up and get up."


    "Alright, alright, stop pulling on me..."


    ...


    Luckily, the other two girls in the dormitory were deep sleepers, and the slight noises did not disturb them.


    After spending a few minutes washing up, Su Mucheng sat in front of a folding mirror propped on the balcony, while Lu Dandanid out an array of makeup products on the table and began a detailed tutorial.


    "Remember, no matter what kind of makeup you''re applying, the first step is always to clean your face carefully, especially in summer, it''s best to apply ayer of sunscreen first."


    "Oh! Got it, what''s next?"


    "Thenes the primer. It''s crucial for protecting your skin from the makeup, so make sure you apply it evenly."


    "Okay, okay, can I start applying makeup now?"


    "Don''t rush, we''ve still got foundation... By the way, are you going for a light makeup look, or a more colorful one? For different styles, it''s best to use different foundations."


    "Ah? Is it thatplicated?"


    "What''s soplicated about it?! You can doplex math problems, can''t you? I learned all these makeup techniques from online videos; it took me just a week to get it down."


    "Then what kind of makeup do you think I should apply?"


    "I think with your skin being so good, a simple light makeup would look very nice. By the way, Chengzi, are you going on a date today? Speaking of which, who''s the lucky guy? Is he from our ss? When did he win you over? You''ve done a pretty good job keeping it a secret."


    "Won me over? No, I''m the one who wants to pursue him!"


    "Ah?!"

 Chapter 36: 35 Influence is Fermenting

    "Who is it exactly?"


    "The new student."


    "The one the ss leader mentioned in the group chat yesterday."


    "Yeah."


    "Is he really handsome?"


    "Um..."


    Su Mucheng paused, realizing she hadn''t paid much attention to Qiao Ze''s appearance yesterday, but she quickly responded, "If a man has to rely on his looks to attract people, that means his other aspects are definitely not dazzling enough. Qiao Ze is the type whose other strengths are so obvious that they even make you unconsciously overlook his appearance."


    "Ah? Does he really have such long and big...Hahaha..."


    The words blurted out by Lu Dandan left Su Mucheng stunned for a moment, but seeing her best friend and roommate bursting intoughter, she suddenly understood just how "dirty" that joke was.


    "Ahhh! You''re going to die! What are you saying! The strengths I''m talking about are intelligence, are agility. Where did your mind go?!"


    "Hey, do you two have no public decency? It''s early in the morning and you''re so noisy!"


    "What are you still sleeping for? Big news, our Chengzi has taken a liking to someone and is even nning to pursue him."


    "Ah?"


    The small dormitory of four suddenly became lively.


    ...


    Li Jian Gao, who had almost not slept at all, was organizing some documents.


    He nned to call Qiao Ze for lunch at noon to talk about life, academics, and career, and he also made some preparations.


    If Qiao Ze still insisted on starting research in academics soon, Li Jian Gao was ready to give him his assistant professor''s ess rights. This way, Qiao Ze could easily check relevant literature and materials.


    He was also thinking of ways to help this young guy get as many resources as possible.


    But Li Jian Gao really didn''t want to take advantage of Qiao Ze.


    He could help with some auxiliary research, but the main credit should still go to the kid.


    Because deep down, Li Jian Gao had some expectations too.


    He truly wanted to see if Qiao Ze could solve the mass gap problem that had stumped many scientists for half a century.


    After organizing everything that could help Qiao Ze into a folder, Li Jian Gao finally left the house, ready to go to work.


    As he walked into the institute, he overheard two people ahead of him talking about him.


    "Professor Zhao, have you heard? A few days ago Li Jian Gao went to a conference in Xingcheng and apparently dug up a promising youngster from some high school. It''s said he is really impressive, scored full marks on the paper left by Luo in just half an hour."


    "Oh, is that so? I hadn''t heard about it, but the young people these days are indeed much more impressive than we were. Just yesterday, I received an email from a doctoral student from somewhere, discussing the paper I publishedst year. His points were quite sensible. Ah... I''m starting to wonder if we''re getting old."


    Li Jian Gao, silently following behind, didn''t think much of their conversation and just quickened his pace to catch up with the two, to avoid an awkward situation when they turned around.


    "Professor Zhao, Professor Zhou, good morning."


    "Well, speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Just now, I was telling Professor Zhao about the promising student you found. I heard that yesterday you made Xu very happy. What''s the situation with that student? How does the institute n to arrange things?" Professor Zhou asked curiously.


    Li Jian Gao smiled and answered, "Qiao Ze, that kid, how to put it..."


    "Wait! What did you just say the kid''s name was?"


    No sooner had Li Jian Gao spoken than Zhao Guangyao, who had been smiling and listening to the conversation, interjected with a strange expression to interrupt Li Jian Gao''s introduction.


    "Qiao Ze? What about it?"


    "Is it Qiao from ''Qiao Qian'' and Ze from ''grace under heaven''?"


    "Um... yes! Professor Zhao, do you know him?"


    Not a PhD student, just a high school student?!


    For a moment, Zhao Guangyao felt his brain was about to explode.


    But in front of his two colleagues, he was too embarrassed to mention the letter he receivedst night. It would be one thing if it were a PhD student, but he was schooled by a high school student?!


    So he immediately found an excuse, exining somewhat frantically, "It''s nothing, probably just a kid with the same name as a friend''s. Just remembered my friend''s kid is already in university, definitely not the one you''re talking about."


    "Oh!" Li Jian Gao suddenly nodded in understanding, although Qiao wasn''t a verymon surname, it wasn''t rare either.


    "So this kid is staying directly at school?" Zhao Guangyao asked, quite guilty.


    "Yes, starting today he''s attending sses with the 23rd foundational math ss, and next semester he''ll jump straight into second year." Li Jian Gao exined.


    "Ah? How did that work out?" The other two professors were also taken aback upon hearing this.


    After all, the new school year hadn''t started yet, and in theory, students hadn''t even been enrolled.


    "It was Dean Xu''s decision," Li Jian Gao exined simply.


    "Huh... no wonder... Speaking of which, yesterday afternoon, Xu suddenly notified several lecturers and professors to have an impromptu meeting, suggesting that this year''s foundational ss exams should be made as difficult as possible. It wasn''t for this kid, was it?"


    "Possibly." Li Jian Gao nodded with resignation.


    "Haha, really now? That is tough. The questions should be made as difficult as possible, but we also have to ensure the failure rate doesn''t exceed 20%. I heard that this year the basic ss''s regr grades will be adjusted to 40%. Otherwise, we can''t maintain the pass rate."


    "Hehe." Li Jian Gao subconsciously wiped his forehead.


    The students must never find out about this.


    Otherwise, Li Jian Gao felt that it might be too harsh on the kids, they might even iste Qiao Ze.


    He was even beginning to doubt whether his wish for Qiao Ze to have a normal university life was right.


    After all, the kid was too exceptional...


    Sigh...


    "Alright, I won''t chat any more. I still have a meeting to attend today, need to get some stuff from the office before heading out. Introduce that kid to meter, I want to see for myself what kind of kid would make Xu so brazen," Professor Zhou said, patting Li Jian Gao on the shoulder.


    "Yes, sure, Professor Zhou."


    Watching Professor Zhou leave quickly, Li Jian Gao suddenly felt Professor Zhao looking at him with a very odd, unnatural expression.


    "Professor Zhao, is there something you need?"


    "Um... it''s just that you often... with that Qiao Ze... sigh, never mind! I''ll be heading out too, have a meeting with a student." After saying this, Zhao Guangyao also left quickly.


    He ultimately didn''t have the guts to tell Li Jian Gao that his paper was scorned by a high school student.


    And he regretted even more that he replied to Qiao Ze''s letter yesterday.


    So embarrassing!


    Just thinking about it was disheartening!


    Li Jian Gao looked suspiciously at Zhao Guangyao''s retreating back, but he didn''t think too much about it.


    He had plenty of things to deal with today, too.


    Like going to see if Dean Xu had any insights, and if Qiao Ze really wanted to start a project, how much the institute could help.


    He had thought about it all ofst night, and using Group Theory to construct a self-supervised feature decoupling framework was truly promising.

 Chapter 37: 36: Truly a Pair of Pitiable People with Shared Misfortune

    Eight in the morning.


    When Qiao Ze entered the ssroom with the three from his dormitory, a clear voice rang out, "Qiao Ze, over here."


    It was Su Mucheng, standing poised at the back of the ssroom, casually greeting Qiao Ze.


    This call drew the gaze of nearly everyone in the ss to Qiao Ze, who had been following behind Zhang Zhou.


    What a scene, with the ss president leading the way, the group secretary by his side, and the ssmittee member beckoning¡­


    This neer treatment was indeed unparalleled.


    Fortunately for Qiao Ze, he was already used to the feeling of countless eyes focused on him.


    He had transferred schools three times during high school, and each time he appeared as the new guy in ss, the attention he received was simr.


    Some were even more excessive.


    Being stared at with invasive, offensive nces was alsomon.


    So, the curious stares in the ssroom were nothing to Qiao Ze.


    He simply thought of the arrangement madest night and naturally made his way to the back row of the ssroom.


    Chen Yiwen paused for a moment, then proceeded as usual towards the front row of the ssroom.


    Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang exchanged nces and quietly followed behind Chen Yiwen.


    Hey... It''s not that I don''t want to cling to the powerful, it''s just that I really don''t want to be abused like a dog again¡­


    And it''s even more pitiful than being a bootlicking dog¡ªa stupid dog.


    ¡­


    The 301 ssroom in the science building can seat 132 people, with a total of twelve rows. Su Mucheng''s seat was in the third row from the back.


    It was already quite far back, and at this time, she was the only one sitting there.


    The School of Mathematics has two sses for the major in Basic Mathematics, with a total of 83 students. So, there is an unwritten rule inrge ssrooms during major sses: thest three rows should not be upied, or they would definitely attract special attention from the professors teaching the course.


    Especially at the School of Mathematics, regr grades are quite important if you don''t want to fail at the end of the semester.


    Leaving a bad impression on the professor can mean that even a small issue on an exam might result in a nauseating score like 58 or 59.


    Resitting the course costs money, not to mention wastes time.


    After all, when true intellectuals set out to denigrate someone, they can always find a creative way to do it.


    But obviously, for Su Mucheng, the top student of the grade, and the transfer student Qiao Ze, this wasn''t really an issue.


    ¡­


    Countless eyes followed Qiao Ze until he sat down next to Su Mucheng. The ssroom then became noisy, with whispering voices asionally rising.


    As usual, Qiao Ze would not mind these things.


    Clearly, Su Mucheng didn''t care much about those unusual stares either. When Qiao Ze sat down, she began a friendly conversation, "Eh? You didn''t bring your book!"


    "Yeah, the counselor didn''t take me to get it yesterday."


    "That''s alright, we can just share mine." Saying this, Su Mucheng flipped the book to the section covered in the previous ss and ced it squarely between them.


    Qiao Ze nced at the delicate handwriting on the book. He originally wanted to say that he had self-studied this course already and didn''t need the book.


    But remembering the words about showing off from the two in his dormitory, he held back.


    After all, Qiao Ze didn''t really want to deliberately show off.


    Even so, many gazes were still revolving around him, like the three girls sitting together in the row in front of him, wearing enigmatic smiles on their faces.


    Luckily, Qiao Ze was ustomed to it.


    "Right, Qiao Ze, I forgot to ask you, did that professor reply to your email yesterday?"


    In fact, Su Mucheng had already learned the details of the professor''s reply from Zhang Zhou via WeChat that morning, but there were still ten minutes before ss started and she needed a topic of conversation.


    "Mm-hmm." Qiao Ze nodded, without borating on his thoughts. He didn''t want to show off anyway.


    "Wow, you are really impressive!" Su Mucheng raised her hand to cover her mouth, her sparkling eyes staring at Qiao Ze unabashedly, making no effort to hide the tant admiration in her gaze.


    "Er... it''s okay, I guess?"


    Qiao Ze, ustomed to being observed with all sorts of peculiar nces, found himself slightly ufortable under such tantly admiring eyes for the first time.


    At the same time, a few girls in the front row were chatting even more cheerfully.


    "Our Chengzi is serious this time!"


    "So many guys chased Chengzi before, and many handsome ones didn''t even get a nce from her. I thought she waste to mature, but who could have imagined she''d be so bold once she took the initiative. I''m too embarrassed to even look."


    "Right, but Chengzi''s taste is so unique, isn''t it?"


    "What do you know? This must be the legendary ''Nerd Attraction Theorem,'' isn''t it?"


    "Hey, Lu Dandan, what are you all chatting about? And what''s the deal with our ss representative today?"


    "Heh... back off; it''s none of your business!"


    ...


    Okay, the young girls were unaware that Qiao Ze''s hearing was that good.


    Although he couldn''t hear every word of their whispered conversations clearly, by piecing together the context, he could usually get the gist of it.


    This left Qiao Ze somewhat puzzled.


    So, he directly asked, "Are you serious about wanting to chase me?"


    "Er..." Su Mucheng, probably not expecting Qiao Ze to be so direct, blushed a deeper red with a hint of shyness on her lightly made-up face. After a habitual wrinkle of her nose, she stubbornly replied, "Yes, serious. Why?"


    Qiao Ze stated confidently, "But I am sick. All my high school ssmates know."


    "Ah?" Su Mucheng was taken aback and then furrowed her brows, asking, "You''re sick?"


    Qiao Ze nodded and pointed to his head, saying seriously, "I''m really sick, up here."


    "What exactly is wrong? Any symptoms? Does it hurt?" Su Mucheng asked with concern.


    Qiao Ze shook his head and said, "It doesn''t hurt, as for symptoms..."


    After thinking for a moment, Qiao Ze decided to be honest, "Basically, if I talk too much with foolish people, I feel like my IQ is being contaminated. And if forced to do simple problems, I can''t concentrate at all..."


    Upon hearing this, Su Mucheng''s eyes lit up again, and she spoke with equal sincerity, "Wow, you have that too? Seriously, I also don''t like talking with really dumb people¡ªit feels like being slowly murdered! We''re so pitiful! Hey, does this count asmiserating with each other''s miseries?"


    Qiao Ze was surprised and asked, "Really?"


    Su Mucheng nodded vigorously, and animatedly replied, "Really! Once, I watched a variety show with my mom, and the celebrity guest couldn''t even solve a simple quadratic equation. I was literally crying at their stupidity at that moment! I haven''t dared to watch any domestic variety shows since, just in case I catch their stupidity!"


    Qiao Ze was stunned and said skeptically, "That can''t be right? How can there be celebrities in the world who can''t solve a quadratic equation? Shouldn''t that be something you naturally learn with age? Child stars?"


    Su Mucheng quickly said, "There really are! And not child stars, wait a second..."


    Having said that, she brazenly took out her phone and began to search...


    Fortunately, the ss bell rang just in time, along with Professor Ma, who came in with his bag, interrupting the mutual sympathies of the two.


    After the ss music stopped, Professor Ma, responsible for teaching Ordinary Differential Equations, looked around the ssroom and then asked, "We have a new student Qiao Ze in ss, right? Is Qiao Ze here? Stand up and let me see you."


    With one sentence from Professor Ma, all the students in the ssroom turned to look towards the back row.


    Qiao Ze stood up silently as well.


    "So you''re Qiao Ze. Why aren''t you sitting in the front? Ah, never mind. I look forward to your final grade. Alright, sit down. Let''s start the ss now..."

 Chapter 38: 37 Look, Here is a Pair of Fellow Patients

    In ss, when Su Mucheng secretly passed Qiao Ze a Bluetooth earpiece, and then stood up her textbook to hide her phone behind it and started ying a variety show video that Su Mucheng had not easily found.


    Just to convince Qiao Ze that there really were adults in the world who couldn''t solve quadratic equations, Su had even spent 28 yuan to be a member of the video software.


    Ten minutester, Qiao Ze had gained some new insights.


    A piece of paper was then pushed over, with elegant handwriting that read, "I didn''t lie to you, did I?"


    Alright, this was the first time Qiao Ze received a note during ss. After some thought, he simply drew three exmation points on the paper and pushed it back.


    Note passing was quite fun.


    It made Qiao Ze feel that Su Mucheng was a pretty good friend.


    "See, our ''sickness'' is pretty much the same, it''s just that yours is a bit more severe than mine!"


    "Hmm!"


    "So, now we are ''sick friends,'' right?"


    "Yes!"


    "Then shall we have lunch together at the canteen? To celebrate our official ''sick friendship''."


    "Li said that he wanted to take me out for lunch this noon."


    "Li?"


    "A math professor at the school."


    "Can''t we go together?"


    "Let me ask him."


    "Okay!"


    ...


    However, this note didn''t make it out, as suddenly arge hand from behind reached over and intercepted the note.


    Su Mucheng subconsciously looked back and realized that at some point, Professor Ma had already stood right behind them.


    Huh?


    Shouldn''t the professor be lecturing at the podium?


    She turned around and craned her neck to see.


    Oh, there was a problem written on the ckboard, and it seemed like everyone was burying their heads in trying to solve it.


    Alright, Su Mucheng was a bit annoyed with herself for having put the book up in a way that blocked her vision.


    Having been too engrossed in the conversation, she hadn''t noticed that Ma had stealthily walked down from the podium.


    She then gave a re at the three schoolgirls sitting in the row in front of her, feeling betrayed that they hadn''t given her a heads up.


    ...


    Ma Wanxiang nced at the content of the note, and his mouth couldn''t help but twitch.


    Are students these days so abstract?


    What kind of messy things were they discussing?


    Now even ''sick friends'' hade into y! And they wanted to celebrate?


    Is this really supposed to be romantic?


    Actually, most university professors generally couldn''t be bothered to manage the little things students did beneath them.


    But how could they ignore Su Mucheng, who was not only the ss representative but also the top student in her grade? Naturally, she attracted more attention.


    Furthermore, as the two of them were sitting in thest row, Ma Wanxiang saw Su Mucheng when Qiao Ze stood up.


    As soon as ss began, Su Mucheng had positioned her book upright, and both of them had put on earphones, which was something Ma Wanxiang couldn''t tolerate. So he specifically came over to check on them, only to get hold of such a childish note.


    Even the notes that primary school graduates would write were more mature than this pair!


    "I know that the exercises for this ss definitely wouldn''t pose a problem to either of you, and you might have already self-studied the material taught today, but could you give me a bit of face? At least don''t wear earphones in ss, okay?"


    Ma Wanxiang returned the note to Su Mucheng and then spoke to her in a low, negotiating voice.


    He didn''t really expect these two troublemakers to work on the thinking problem he had just written on the board.


    He understood Su Mucheng. As for Qiao Ze, even though he wasn''t familiar with him, he had heard many stories about this kid just yesterday.


    Since they refused to give face during the lecture, he wouldn''t give these two extraordinary students a chance to stand out.


    Yep, that''s just how Capricious Professor Ma was.


    The two exchanged a tacit look and then silently took off their earphones.


    Ma Wanxiang nodded with satisfaction and walked towards the podium with his hands behind his back.


    This little interlude seemed to have made the rtionship between the two even more harmonious.


    The passing of the little notes became even more enthusiastic.


    "By the way, do you like to y Sudoku?"


    "Not really?"


    "Why not?"


    "Too simple."


    "Wow, I''ve been troubled by a Sudoku puzzle all day, could you help me look at it?"


    "Sure!"


    Indeed, attending ss could be delightful.


    As for those students who had already noticed Ma Wanxiang''s movements and secretly nned to watch the fun, they probably could only be disappointed¡­


    ¡­


    Li Jiangao was astonished when he saw the message from Qiao Ze.


    This kid¡­


    He actually asked if he could bring a female ssmate to have dinner together?


    After the initial surprise, he felt a touch of relief.


    Maybe this was a sign of him finallying around?


    He had wanted to talk to Qiao Ze alone originally, but considering that Qiao Ze had finally managed to interact normally with a ssmate, and a female one at that, he gave a positive response.


    "Sure, then just go directly to the Xiyuan Staff Canteen at the west gate of the campus. I''ll go there now and wait for you in a small private room on the second floor."


    ¡­


    When Qiao Ze showed up with Su Mucheng, it gave Li Jiangao a really big jolt of astonishment.


    Li Jiangao had teaching duties for undergraduates, but his course on "Modern Algebra" wasn''t encountered by students until their junior year, and it included a lot of Group Theory content.


    But he recognized Su Mucheng.


    It couldn''t be helped, this girl was quite famous at the Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics.


    She could be said to be the first girl in the past decade of the school to rank first in the basic mathematics ss''s grades.


    Add to that her pretty appearance, and she naturally attracted a lot of attention.


    Duringst year''s freshman assembly, she had even given a speech as the freshman representative.


    There are very few people in this worldpletely immune to looks after all.


    Most people still judge by appearances.


    "Hmm, Su Mucheng?"


    "Hello, Professor Li," Su Mucheng greeted Li Jian with a cheerful and warm hello.


    "You know me?" Li Jian asked with a smile.


    "Haha, not really, but Qiao Ze told me about you. Right, Qiao Ze?" Su Mucheng tilted her head towards Qiao Ze and yfully shook his arm.


    "Yes!" Qiao Ze nodded passively, but showed no resistance to Su Mucheng''s somewhat intimate gesture.


    This made Li Jian''s eyelids twitch uncontrobly.


    Of course, it wasn''t out of jealousy or envy, it just felt strange¡ªwas this little girl too discerning?


    "Hehe, Uncle Li, Qiao Ze and I are closepanions in illness, please take good care of us in the future!" Su Mucheng bowed cheerfully to Li Jian.


    "Companions in illness?" Li Jian couldn''t help butugh, feeling better, he made a joke: "Alright, alright, sit down, let''s eat. But I do have something to discuss with Qiao Ze, so don''t mind if it affects the exchange between you two panions in illness,'' okay?"


    "No worries, Professor Li, I only brought a mouth to eat with at noon."


    ¡­


    Soon, the waiter brought the food, and Li Jian directlyid out the reason why he had called Qiao Ze over today.


    "Qiao Ze, I thought about it a lotst night, and since you want to work on that proposition, I think you should be supported. However, I''ve calcted that if we really want to make something of this proposition, it will require a significant amount of research funding.


    I spoke to Dean Xu about this matter this morning; funding is quite tight at the school now, so it might be difficult to get arge amount for you to start this project.


    Dean Xu''s suggestion is to start with theoretical research. If your paper is epted, he can find a way to allocate more research funding to support more applications. What do you think?"


    Qiao Ze looked at Li Jian seriously and said, "I think it''s our project. You''ll help me, right?"


    "Yes, of course. But..."


    "Then let''s start with theory."

 Chapter 39: 38 Let the Children Play Freely

    Su Mucheng blinked herrge eyes, watching Li Jian Gao converse with her crush, a surge of surrealism flooding her heart, enough to make her dizzy.


    It was probably like how an ordinary person feels in the moonlight, holding their first love, when they can''t help but tremble at the moment they lean in for a kiss.


    Although she had already confirmed that Qiao Ze must be the most intelligent person she had ever met in her life.


    But she had never imagined that Qiao Ze''s eptance within the school''s academic circles could be so high.


    He hadn''t even officially started university, and the professor was already letting him do independent research projects?


    Even graduate students don''t have this capability, do they?


    Thus, in her twinklingrge eyes, that stark, possessive sentiment thickened.


    Just like a demon in "Journey to the West" seeing the elegant Monk Tang.


    Fortunately, two pure-hearted engineering students, when discussing serious matters, did not notice the girl''s expression at that moment.


    ¡­


    "Whew, Qiao Ze... Never mind, anyway, let''s just focus on doing the preliminary theoretical research for now. Here, take these." Saying this, Li Jian Gao handed over the document bag he had prepared the night before to Qiao Ze.


    "Hmm?" Qiao Ze took the document bag, a slight surprise in his eyes.


    "Some preparatory work for your uing formal research. Inside are application materials, just take a nce to get an idea of the procedure, it will be usefulter on. There''s also a notebook with my ID and password noted down. I have two hundred hours of supeputer usage time on campus every month, which allows free ess to the university''s supeputing resources.


    If it exceeds that, I''ll need to buy more, but it''s cheaper than what you would pay.


    Additionally, you can use my ount to log in to the library''s backend system. The privileges are higher than those of regr students, allowing you to directly download all the papers collected by the library, both domestic and international. But you have to use the university''s indexing system to ess them. I''ve put the usage instructions in the bag as well. Oh right..."


    As he spoke, Li Jian Gao reached into his pocket and pulled out a bank card which he handed over directly: "Take this card, it has fifty thousand yuan in it, consider it the initial funding for the project. The password is the first and thest three digits of the number you get when encrypting your birthday with the function Y=2X."


    Qiao Ze took the bank card Li Jian Gao offered and asked, "Why do you have to pay? Didn''t Professor Zhang say there was special research funding avable?"


    Li Jian Gao sighed and said, "This is one of the reasons I never thought you''de to our university. At Xilin University of Technology, mathematics and physics are not priority disciplines, so the university tends to allocate research funds to engineering schools that produce results, like mechanical engineering, electrical, automation,puter science, etc.


    That''s why funding for our academy is quite tight.


    But it''s all right. Just make sure to get receipts for the money you spend on this project, and I''ll send you the invoice headerter on WeChat. As long as the preliminary papers are published and the journals meet the university''s minimum requirements, I can get reimbursed once the academy''s special research fund has money again. And if it''s a core paper, there''s even a reward."


    Li Jian Gao''s words made Qiao Ze frown, then he asked, "But the so-called research achievements posted on the academy''s official website seem to have no significance at all, whether academically or practically. They are even less useful than your research. Why do they get funding?"


    This question from Qiao Ze made Li Jian Gao subconsciously nce at the door of the small private room and then at Su Mucheng, who was staring intently at Qiao Ze, which somewhat calmed him.


    There was no helping it, Qiao Ze''s statement was the sort to offend people! And it could potentially offend the senior professors with the deepest tenure in the School of Mathematics.


    He didn''t know how to exin it to Qiao Ze.


    Li Jian Gao feared telling Qiao Ze directly that the allocation of domestic scientific research funds was a matter of seniority and connections, as it might affect the young man''s enthusiasm for research.


    But looking at Qiao Ze''s unconvinced gaze, after a moment of reflection, he exined gently, "Qiao Ze, do you remember what I told you? This world isn''t like you imagine, where achievements are always recognized. However, you haven''t achieved anything yet, so of course, you won''t be acknowledged.


    Maybe you saw on the official website that the recent ouesck highlights. But those professors had sessful projects in the past! That''s how academia works, the vast majority start unnoticed and then slowly umte until they are recognized. Including myself, we are still in the stage of umting.


    If you were Dean Xu now, managing the allocation of research funds, would you distribute the money to professors who have already proven themselves or to schrs who are still in the stage of umting?"


    Qiao Ze thought for a moment, then said, "I would take a close look, then evaluate, and allocate the funds to those with fascinating and innovative ideas."


    "This¡­"


    Li Jiangao let out a sigh, he had enough, and didn''t want to exin further, so he said, "Alright, that''s the situation. In any case, prove yourself first. Only when you are strong can you withstand any external interference. Fifty thousand should be about enough for preliminary theoretical research, and if it''s not enough,e talk to me. I will find a way."


    Having said that, Li Jiangao looked at Su Mucheng and instructed, "Su Mucheng, some of thements Qiao Ze just made, especially regarding the recent research results of the faculty, make sure you don''t spread them around after you go back."


    Su Mucheng reluctantly shifted her gaze away from Qiao Ze''s face, looked at Li Jiangao, and revealed a sweet signature smile, saying, "Don''t worry, Professor Li, I won''t! By the way, can I join too? Of course, I''m such a klutz, I definitely won''t be doing research. I don''t want any credit for it, I just want to help you promote it!"


    Li JianGao was slightly stunned, "Promote? Promote what?"


    Su Mucheng looked up with admiration and continued, "Of course, to promote the project you are working on! Even though I don''t know what project Qiao Ze wants to work on, I feel it''s definitely going to be interesting, and the useful kind. Those who work in silence definitely deserve to be promoted."


    Qiao Ze frowned and corrected her, "At most, you are just not the smartest kind; how could you be considered clumsy?"


    Li JianGao watched these two kids with a mix of amusement and embarrassment.


    Well, to be honest, Su Mucheng, of course, couldn''t be considered clumsy; in fact, she ought to be considered quite clever.


    If a girl who has been consistently ranked first in her ss for ten years isn''t considered smart, then the rest of the students in her grade could only be described as blockheads.


    Butpared to Qiao Ze...


    So, is this what the world of geniuses looks like?


    Li JianGao suddenly smiled, it seemed he really shouldn''t apply those conventional thoughts to n the lives of two kids brimming with youthful energy and amazing talent.


    Maybe his experience waspletely irrelevant to these two youngsters?


    Perhaps all he needed to do was to silently provide them with support.


    After all, his talent may not even be a tenth of what this kid in front of him had.


    And in the academic field, one percent of talent is far more important than ny-nine percent of hard work.


    The former determines the upper limit, while thetter can only raise the lower limit by a little.


    "Alright then, that''s decided. Qiao Ze, I won''t restrain you, but if you need anything or are troubled, contact me anytime! Let''s eat now."

 Chapter 40: 39: Laozi Lays Down

    In the lethargic afternoon of early summer, apanied by the intermittent chirping of cicadas, two patients who had just found new directions walked on the path back to their dormitory.


    "Are you still going to attend ss this afternoon?" Su Mucheng asked cheerfully.


    Qiao Ze shook his head and said, "I''m nning to go to the library this afternoon. Haven''t you realized that attending lectures is the least efficient way to learn?"


    "Oh?" Su Mucheng tilted her head and looked at Qiao Ze with some delight.


    She had just been thinking about what excuse she could use to skip ss without guilt, and then an opportunity presented itself.


    "Really, haven''t you noticed how much the teachers ramble? I just watch videos online and skip right past the nonsense parts," Qiao Ze said earnestly.


    He was happy to have taught another friend a method to save time.


    "Wow! Really? Then I must try it. This way, I''ll go to the library to watch videos and learn by myself this afternoon. We can do it together, and if Ie across something I don''t understand while watching the videos, can I ask you?"


    "Sure!"


    "Great! Then it''s settled. Let''s go back to the dorm to grab ourptops first, and then head to the library together."


    "Okay!"


    At that moment, the two of them were passing by the Science Building. Su Mucheng looked around and suggested, "Qiao Ze, how about we take a selfie here?"


    "Why?"


    "Because today is a memorable day! It''s the first time you''re starting on your research project, right? We should capture this memorable day with a photo. Plus, I''ve promised to be your exclusive publicist from now on! We need material for future promotions, don''t we?"


    "Well, okay! But who''s going to take the photo for us?" Qiao Ze looked around; there was no one near the teaching building in the afternoon.


    "We can take a selfie. Come on, stand closer, we have to get the words of the Science Building in the shot... Yes, smile, just like that, 1, 2, 3..."


    "Click!"


    The moment the phone screen capture, although the two weren''t actually touching, the visual effect showed Su Mucheng leaning her head on Qiao Ze''s shoulder with a brilliant smile.


    And so, their first photo together was eternally preserved.


    Although Qiao Ze''s smile looked a bit stiff, in Su Mucheng''s eyes, it was the most perfect.


    Thus, without hesitation, she opened WeChat, uploaded the unedited photo directly to her Moments with a simple caption: "On the day we set sail, let''s work hard, my fellow patient!"


    Qiao Ze looked at Su Mucheng, somewhat puzzled¡­


    Although he also used WeChat, he had never opened Moments before.


    But it seemed today was going to be an exception.


    "How about you give me the first like?"


    "What''s a first like?"


    "Ah... It''s liking something on Moments! You haven''t used WeChat Moments before?"


    Qiao Ze nodded; he truly hadn''t used it before.


    "Here, let me teach you. Open WeChat, look for Moments at the bottom, and tap that little heart button, just like that!" However, her smile faded within three seconds as her annoyance appeared, "Ah? How can my dad be so annoying! Why did he like it first?"


    "Hmm!"


    "Ah well, at least you''re the second one!" Su Mucheng turned her head and gave Qiao Ze a sweet smile.


    The next moment, Su Mucheng''s phone rang.


    Qiao Ze, with keen eyes, nced at it and saw the caller ID¡ª"Unrestrained Dad."


    Then he saw Su Mucheng promptly hang up the call and cheerfully said, "Let''s go, get ourptops."


    At that moment, Qiao Ze suddenly remembered something Li Jiangao had said: "Your university life should be colorful!"


    Looking at the ''patient'' before him, he suddenly felt as if his life were being brushed with a stroke of color.


    Kind of strange!


    ...


    Back at the dormitory, Qiao Ze gently pushed open the door, expecting that his three roommates hadn''t slept wellst night and should all be asleep by now. However, to his surprise, the three of them were sitting in their respective ces, looking rather dejected.


    That''s fine, then there''s no need to be overly cautious about making noise.


    Qiao Ze walked to his spot and began to pack up hisptop.


    Zhang Zhou, who had been staring at him since he entered, spoke with a bit of soreness, "Qiao, you just went on a date with the ss representative, didn''t you? I mean, why pick the noon for a date? It''s so hot. Evening would be much cooler."


    "Date?" Qiao Ze shook his head, "That''s not the case."


    "Come on, the ss representative has already posted your cozy group photo on her moment, and you liked it. Are you still hiding it from us? We are not blind," Gu Zhengliang couldn''t help but join in with a tease.


    "It wasn''t a date, just had a meal with Li. That photo wasn''t from a date either, it was just for documentation," Qiao Ze rified earnestly.


    Chen Yiwen couldn''t help but ask, "Documenting what exactly?"


    Qiao Ze exined, "Li agreed today to let me start working on a research topic, so it was to document my first formal research project."


    Silence...


    Chen Yiwen regretted not pping himself¡­


    What a big mouth he had, why did he have to ask?!


    Especially with Qiao Ze''s calm expression, as if it was only natural for an undergraduate to work on a research project.


    No, not even an undergraduate yet, still a high school student...


    MMP!


    They had been at the university for a year, still struggling to get a few more points on their final exams to boost their GPA, and their roommate had already started independent research!


    As for Qiao Ze, seeing that his roommates seemed fine, he quietly picked up his packedptop and the materials given by Li Jiangao and prepared to leave.


    Just as he reached the door, Zhang Zhou couldn''t help but ask, "Qiao, you''re not going to ss this afternoon?"


    "Yeah, I''m going to the library to read some papers. Actually, attending sses isn''t very efficient; self-study is better," he replied.


    Zhang Zhou also wanted to p himself.


    Even though it sounded pretentious, he didn''t dare to question it.


    He really feared Qiao Ze woulde up with another outrageous method to prove he wasn''t showing off...


    The process was truly crushing.


    "By the way, the ss representative listened to my suggestion and decided to start self-studying in the library this afternoon. If it works out well, I''ll teach you guys how to self-study too," Qiao Ze added cheerfully before leaving the dorm.


    ...


    As the dorm door closed, Room 408 fell silent once again.


    After a while, Chen Yiwen silently stood up and began climbing thedder, ready to get into bed.


    "Old Chen, going to sleep now? You won''t wake up in time for the afternoon ss," Zhang Zhou advised.


    "You guys go ahead; don''t wake me up; it''s pointless," Chen Yiwen said without looking back.


    Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang exchanged nces.


    Having dark circles is so ugly!


    "Forget ss; I''m toozy to attend now! A year''s worth of lectures isn''t as good as his casual self-study! Why even bother going; from today on, I''m lying t! Whatever will be, will be!" Gu Zhengliang stood up with a jolt and then also started climbing towards his bed.


    Zhang Zhou sat there with a bitter face, thinking for a minute. He nced at his bookcase, crammed to the brim, then over at Qiao Ze''s, not a single book in it, feeling an indescribable sense of neatness and refreshment, and suddenly life felt as lonely as snow.


    "As three brothers in this life, if we''re going to sleep, let''s sleep together! Ah... how about we go drinking tonight?"


    "Tsk, with your drinking ability, you wouldn''t even be taken seriously in our Shanyang Province."


    "Old Gu, why do you look down on people? At least I braved the world and made it six rounds! You can only make it through seven or eight rounds at most!"


    "Let''s drink! Haven''t drunk in a long time!" Chen Yiwen said sinctly.


    Well, the history of the ss leader, the ss representative, the head of the Communist Youth League, and four of the top five students in their grades skipping ss at the same time urred, and they even contemted drowning their sorrows in drink.


    If Li Jiangao knew about this, he might find the scene somewhat familiar, after all, he had just been through it not long ago¡­

 Chapter 41: 40 A Serious Man is the Most Handsome

    In a secluded corner outside the girls'' dormitory, Su Mucheng was chatting on the phone.


    "With an out-of-tune dad like him, that''s what you get, though hanging up directly is a bit too much."


    But as long as I call back soon after, his overwhelming anger instantly evaporates.


    "It never fails; when you''re the favored one, you can be this bold with impunity."


    "Hmph, you''re still angry, I haven''t even started to settle ounts with you yet! Who told you to be so eager to ''like'' my post? You know the first ''like'' was supposed to be reserved for that guy!"


    "''Fellow patient'' means that we are both too smart, get it? Who told you to be old and not understand young people''s ng, ming me for it?"


    "That''s not it. Although I love you a lot, dad, you''re just not reliable. And you really have no idea how smart he is, the kind that could scare you¡ªno, how can you even use yourself as a reference? The gap is so wide I don''t even know how to describe it!"


    "Hmph, what''s so great about making money? If you''re that capable, why don''t you go win a Nobel Prize?"


    "I''m just making aparison, I''m telling you, even if my boyfriend doesn''t win the Nobel Prize in the future, the Fields Medal would be a piece of cake for him."


    "Ahhh, your dear daughter is studying math, and you don''t even know what the world''s number one math prize¡ªthe Fields Medal¡ªis! I don''t want to bother with you anymore!"


    "Hmph¡­ okay, but if you want me to truly forgive you, dear daddy, you have to promise me something."


    "It''s that he''s working with a professor on a project right now, and they say that to do it thoroughly, it might need some money. If the school won''t sponsor it, could you sponsor the project in the name of thepany?"


    "Pfft, what are you saying? How could I be fooled when I''m so clever? Qiao Ze and the professor don''t even know who you are, alright! You''re so narcissistic!"


    "Oh, stop guessing when you don''t know the situation! I''m telling you, you''ll seeter, Qiao Ze doesn''t even care about those measly savings you''ve hoarded!"


    "Hmph, no way! Anyway, I''ve made up my mind, if you aren''t willing to help when the timees, I''ll just sell all those collectible figures you treasure so much during summer break. That should be enough! Who told you to be so wealthy and uncaring? This is contributing to the progress of world science, get it?"


    "Alright, alright, I''m off to the library for self-study. Bye, love you, dear dad!"


    ...


    After hanging up the phone, Su Mucheng hummed a tune as she returned to the dormitory, pushed open the door, and was instantly surrounded by three chattering roommates.


    "Chengzi, you''re finally back. We all saw your Moments post, you had such a radiant smile. Did you sessfully charm the freshman prodigy?"


    "Right, tell us, what did you do at noon? It wasn''t daytime flirting, was it? And what does ''fellow patient'' really mean?"


    "Everyone quiet down, there''s still time before ss starts. Let''s give Chengzi a chance to exin it to us slowly."


    However, Su Mucheng just red at her three sisters and muttered discontentedly, "I''m not telling you, today Ma caught me and you guys didn''t even warn me!"


    "Chengzi, that''s heartless of you! Dandan was pushing the desk behind us with her elbow the whole time, and Ma noticed it and even red at her! You were so engrossed in passing notes with Qiao Ze that you didn''t even consider anyone else, okay?"


    "Ah? Really? Then thank you, Dandan. Also, I''m not going to ss this afternoon; I''ll be studying at the library. Keep any questions to yourselves for now, I''ll exin when Ie back tonight!"


    "It''s going to be with Qiao Ze again, isn''t it? You''re actually skipping ss for him? My god, Chengzi, do you have to?"


    "Exactly, with the state you''re in, I highly doubt you''lle back tonight."


    "Pfft, what kind of person do you think Qiao Ze is? He''s not as dirty-minded as you guys!"


    Three young girls exchanged a nce before Lu Dandan spoke up with some concern, "Actually, it''s not that we''re worried about what Qiao Ze might do to you. We''re worried that you won''t be able to resist, and you''ll corrupt him, considering he''s still so young."


    "I... never mind, I don''t want to deal with you guys, I''m leaving!"


    Having said that, Su Mucheng quickly packed up herptop and walked out of the dorm room with her head held high. Before she left, she made a point to say quite seriously, "Hmph, you guys just don''t understand the sweetness of love."


    "Chengzi has really gone crazy!"


    "Yeah! Completely hopeless! Is this what they call being lovesick?"


    "That said, I don''t find Qiao Ze all that handsome. Is Chengzi really going so crazy over him? Oh, by the way, you weren''t in the dormst Friday. I overheard Chengzi on the phone with her dad. She said something like congrattions to Mr. Su on the new big deal, and during an argument, something like ''Do you think it''s so amazing just because you can make money?


    Can you solve math problems?'' Do you think Chengzi''s dad could really be the chairman of some bigpany?"


    "What? That happened?"


    "Hmm!"


    "Ai, that just goes to show, a chairman''s daughter is always precocious!"


    "Haha, Dandan, you''re the meanest. But if it''s true, then Qiao Ze is hitting the jackpot, isn''t he?"


    ...


    In the library, Qiao Ze first roughly asked Su Mucheng about the mathematics foundation courses she was currently taking, the electives she had chosen, and how far she had gotten in her studies. After thinking it over, he copied fifteen videos covering five courses from hisputer and sent them to Su Mucheng.


    Then, he gave her a serious instruction, "This is your self-study material for this afternoon."


    "What? So much? How am I supposed to finish watching all these in one afternoon?" Su Mucheng said sullenly as she looked at the videos sent by Qiao Ze, noticing the shortest of them was half an hour long.


    She was just a young girl; what harm could she possibly intend?


    All she wanted was to experience a proper romance!


    Why did she need so much knowledge to arm her lovesick brain?


    "You can finish them. Basically, each video''s key point is around ten minutes, just focus on that, and jot down anything you don''t understand to ask meter," Qiao Ze, already immersed in his work, said without even looking up.


    "Oh..." Su Mucheng muttered dejectedly, but the next moment, when she realized she could watch Qiao Ze intently reading his papers while she viewed the videos, her spirits lifted instantly.


    Wow... That serious expression, isn''t it just the coolest?


    As for Qiao Ze, he truly paid no attention to Su Mucheng''s little thoughts.


    Because he unexpectedly discovered that there were already some thoughts on this topic, though still imperfect.


    They did, however, give him some inspiration.


    Of course, the most important thing was that this was the first time he delved deeply into a serious topic. All the rted knowledge he had previously seen flooded into his mind like a tide, and then began to automatically sort itself into specific categories ording to a decision tree.


    Feature decoupling, orbit stabilizer, feature test set...


    If someone had been scanning Qiao Ze''s brainwaves with an instrument at that moment, they would likely havee to some astonishing conclusions.


    Unfortunately, only a pair of bright eyes were there to witness this near-miraculous scene, eyes that could see but not record.

 Chapter 42: 41: Does it take you guys several days to write a paper?

    There is a legend in mathematics, and that is the epiphany.


    Really, many difficult problems in the field of mathematics have been solved in instances of idental insight, giving rise to many a great tale.


    Many mathematicians have had experiences of being quiet and then suddenly bursting forth with ideas, where that instant of epiphany was indispensable.


    Without exaggeration, many of the high IQ shes of genius are often what push the continuous forward development of science in this world.


    Right now, Qiao Ze was clearly trapped in this state.


    Even more exaggerated was that, in his mind, he even put himself in the perspective of a machine, considering how to distinguish features, how to use feature framework extractors for decoupling, how to learn to ignore the context of the environment, and how to parse instant semantics, especially after decoupling a semantic, how to understand and discover new semantics on this basis.


    Understand more content with less data.


    At this point, one needs to use a group orbit, first fixing a grouping, that is, the main environment, and then start rotating.


    No, that''s not right...


    For example, cows generally only appear onnd, in fields. So when a cow appears on a ship surrounded by the ocean, how?


    If I were a machine, how would I quickly ignore the impact of the environment and identify the learning object''s features?


    All thoughts were transformed into bizarre lines crisscrossing in his mind, and soon, a giant tree without any branches or leaves appeared out of nowhere in his head.


    The numbers and forms that flitted through his mind were automatically attracted to this giant tree and quickly merged into it, bing branches and fresh green leaves.


    Soon, what was once a bare trunk became a tree lush with branches and leaves.


    Su Mucheng on the side couldn''t see the process of Qiao Ze''s thoughts, couldn''t witness how the technology tree in his mind grew vigorously; all she could see was the brilliance of wisdom in Qiao Ze''s eyes as his hands fluttered rapidly over the keyboard, even creating afterimages.


    Along with the rhythmic "tap tap" sounds, the girl was mesmerized!


    Indeed, he was the man she had set her sight on, so powerful.


    And thus, in the silence of the library, one was deeply engrossed in the world of mathematics, unable to extricate himself, while the other was deeply immersed in the sweetness of love, unable to extricate herself, bothpletely forgetting the passage of time.


    It wasn''t until Qiao Ze suddenly stopped his rapid typing that the library''s closing bell also happened to ring at that moment.


    It was as if some mysterious force had arranged everything to be just right.


    "Eh?"


    Qiao Ze subconsciously nced at the time on the bottom right of theputer screen. Unbeknownst to him, it was already 9:50 pm; he had been seated at theputer for more than eight hours.


    Remembering something, he then looked up at Su Mucheng beside him and saw the girl propping up her face with one hand, gazing at him with her bright, shining eyes.


    "It''s sote already?" Qiao Ze pursed his lips and said.


    "It''s not toote, not even ten o''clock yet, but we can''t stay in the library anymore. It closes at ten sharp," Su Mucheng tilted her head and said.


    "It''s okay, the preliminary paper on building the mathematical framework is already done. I can have Li help me review it, and then make modifications," Qiao Ze looked at theputer screen at the afternoon''s work and stated a fact.


    "Ah?" Su Mucheng blinked her eyes, a bit dazed.


    At noon, Li Jian had made a big deal of giving him the supeputer ount and then gave him a starting research fund of fifty thousand yuan, and he hadn''t even begun to use these things, so how could the paper be finished already?


    She believed that Qiao Ze would definitelyplete the task quickly, but she never expected it to be this quick!


    "Today I felt particrly lively in my thinking," Qiao Ze exined briefly, and then asked, "How about you? Did you finish watching the self-study videos I gave you?"


    "Ah... Qiao Ze, didn''t you feel hungry?" Su Mucheng blinked and ced a small hand on her rumbling stomach, rubbing it a bit.


    "If you were hungry, why didn''t you call me, or go eat something yourself?" Qiao Ze''s attention was immediately diverted.


    Su Mucheng said with a bit of grievance, "I''ve been hungry for a while, but seeing you so focused, I didn''t want to disturb your work. How about... you treat me to something to eat?"


    Qiao Ze thought about it, and then nodded his head.


    Although it was almost his usual bedtime, today was, after all, a day worth celebrating, and he was hungry too...


    "Yay! There''s a snack street outside the east gate of the school, there''s this one shop where the braised noodles are not only cheap but also super delicious. I''ll take you there, okay?"


    "Sure, but you''ll have to wait a few more minutes. I need to sort out my paper and send it to Uncle Li."


    "Sure thing! Oh, by the way, I took several photos of you writing your paper. Don''t worry that I won''t have material for propaganda!" Su Mucheng responded excitedly.


    "Oh? Then did you watch the video?"


    "Cough cough... so hungry, I''m going to pack up myptop first!"


    ...


    In the dorm room, Li Jiangao had alreadyid down on the bed.


    He had been up reflecting on things until two in the morning yesterday and had gotten up early again today, and he really couldn''t hold on any longer.


    But his phone suddenly vibrated twice.


    Originally wanting to ignore it, it suddenly vibrated again.


    So annoying.


    In the end, Li Jiangao still couldn''t resist and picked up his phone to have a look.


    It was two messages from Qiao Ze.


    "Uncle Li, I wrote a preliminary paper this afternoon and have already sent it to your email."


    "It''ste now, no rush to reply."


    Li Jiangao paused, his drowsiness suddenly disappearing...


    What''s going on here?


    They had just decided at noon to let this kid freestyle, and now the paper had been written by evening?


    Even a god wouldn''t be that fast, right?


    So he quickly replied, "Is the paper really done? That was quick?"


    "Hm? Is it quick? It''s been hours, though. Don''t all those papers take a long time to write?"


    My god...


    Li Jiangao really wanted to cry!


    If he didn''t know Qiao Ze well, he really would have sworn.


    So, geniuses write papers by counting the hours?


    It took him a whole eight months to write hisst paper, which was already extremely fast, considering the amount of material to review, the plethora of lemmas to prove, plus he worked almost every night until the early morning for his professional title evaluation... Who in the world could hein to about this?


    While getting up, Li Jiangao also quickly sent amon-sense reply, "You should say that the papers we put out are measured in terms of months or years, not hours. It''s normal for a math paper to take several years to write."


    "That must include the time spent thinking, right? Just like how I''ve been pondering the quality gap problem. But I had already thought about today''s paper before, so if that counts, then it''s also been half a year."


    "Huff..." Li Jiangao let out a deep sigh.


    Forget it, he didn''t want to argue with Qiao Ze anymore.


    He had to see what kind of paper Qiao Ze managed to write in just eight hours!


    He couldn''t wait another minute!


    He must let him know that being proud is uneptable!

 Chapter 43: 42 The World of Adults is Too Complicated

    While Qiao Ze was taking Su Mucheng for noodles, no more than fifty meters away on thete-night food street, Yu Chenggong was loudly calling for more drinks.


    "Waiter, another Hans please."


    "Coming right up!"


    Sitting opposite Yu Chenggong, Luo Shanyi''s face twisted in distaste as he said meekly, "Alright, Yu, do you think I can still keep up? I really can''t drink anymore today! If I do, there''s going to be trouble!"


    "How can that be? Luo, we''ve been friends for ten years now, don''t you know me? When I dragged you here, I said we''re not leaving this drinking table unless you give me a reason why you can''t sign. If you want to leave, go ahead, but you have to drink me under the table first, then I won''t be able to stop you."


    Yu Chenggong said with a rascallyugh, nothing like the serious admission officer he usually was at Xingcheng.


    "Yu, do you really have to be so impatient?" Luo Shanyi shook his head.


    "Why wouldn''t I be? It''s nearly June, the college entrance exams areing, and there are a pile of things waiting for me back in Xingcheng. I need to get stuff done here quickly and get back to recruiting! Otherwise, if I don''t meet my recruitment target this year, our director Zhuo will dock my bonus¡ªwill you make up for it?"


    Yu Chenggong pulled out two bottles of beer that the night snack vendor had brought over, pried them open, and ced one in front of each of them: "Come on, let''s have one more before we talk."


    "Cough cough¡­ wait, hey, Yu, if you''re busy, just go back to Xingcheng! Once we''ve passed the research over here, we''ll naturally stamp it for you," Luo Shanyi said with a forced smile, taking a sip of beer.


    Although he did indeed enjoy a little drink usually, they had been drinking since seven o''clock in the evening, and the two of them had already gone through three crates. He was genuinely struggling to keep up.


    "Heh heh¡­"


    Yu Chenggong nced at the sectional chief opposite him, and with a sly grin prompted by the alcohol, he said, "Back to Xingcheng? I''m watching you guys stall with the seal here. Once I''m back in Xingcheng, who knows how much longer you''ll drag it out! I just don''t understand, which part of the documents I prepared isn''t sufficient?"


    "I''ve finally recruited a great talent, and the School of Mathematics has approved, they''ve provided all the necessary paperwork and our director has signed off. Now, what are you getting at, holding back on the promised subsidy for him? It''s not like it''sing out of your pocket, is it?"


    "In my life, Yu Chenggong, I''ve always stood by my word¡ªevery spit, every nail. Luo, if you y games like this, you''re smashing my rice bowl, and I''ll make sure to hold you ountable! If you''re facing a difficulty, just tell me straight, and I''ll talk to whoever I need to!"


    With the conversation reaching this point, Luo Shanyi simply put the beer on the table, sighed and said, "Fine, you want a reason, right? Who asked you to insist on three hundred thousand? You know as well as I do that anything below a hundred thousand passes through easily in the department. But for the full amount of three hundred thousand, we have to report it to the school.


    Hasn''t your director Zhuo offended someone¡ªyou know who that is, don''t you? Someone specifically called to say we need to consider it carefully, check the details, and avoid any news that could affect the reputation of the school. What am I supposed to do?"


    "Heh¡­ Did Zhang Xiaoquan personally call you?" Yu Chenggong snorted coldly.


    "Otherwise? As the vice principal in charge of finance, should I take his words as a breeze past my ears?" Luo Shanyi spread his hands.


    "Damn, how is he still not transferred out?" Yu Chenggongined, then considered for a moment before saying, "Alright, Luo, tomorrow, I''ll have the director talk to your general affairs director. If they''re willing to help coordinate, could you do me a favor on your end?"


    "Really, you care so much about this kid?" Luo Shanyi asked, intrigued.


    "What do you know? I''m telling you, that kid has an unlimited future ahead. I want to build a good rtionship early! How long have I been at the admissions office, Yu Chenggong? My days are even more leisurely than those of the gods, all thanks to these eyes of mine. Yet this time, I came close to missing a good bet.


    Luo, sometimes you have to think a bit more outside the box.


    Everyone knows that back in the day, Vincent Zhang from the League Committee once stormed into our director''s office and mmed the desk. So what if we offended him? Isn''t our director doing just fine? He probably has an even more secure position than Vincent. Who knows when thetter will have to step down?


    We in the admissions office can withstand scrutiny, but I can''t say the same for Zhang Xiaoquan."


    Yu Chenggong said meaningfully.


    "Alright, alright, you''ve drunk too much today¡ªI''m going to pretend I didn''t hear a thing! So let''s not drink anymore. If the general affairs really approve your proposal, I''ll sign immediately, not a minute of dy. Fair?"


    "Haha, that''s all I needed to hear from you. But we''ve already opened thest bottle¡ªhow can we send it back? Let''s finish it and head home!"


    ...


    After finishing their drinks and settling the bill, Yu Chenggong immediately called Zhuo Wenyu.


    "Zhang Xiaoquan blocked the poverty assistance contract Qiao Ze signed?"


    "Yeah, I just prised it out of Luo''s mouth. When you said I could make the demands, I never thought it would be retracted. Maybe you could give Director Chen a call, see if there''s a way to coordinate through the general affairs?"


    "This isn''t urgent, but are you sure it was Zhang Xiaoquan''s idea?"


    "Yeah, Luo said it himself, the call came directly from Zhang Xiaoquan."


    "I see¡­ Alright then, don''t worry about it, you head back to Xingcheng tomorrow and keep an eye on things there."


    "But what about the contract? I promised Qiao Ze that he would definitely receive the assistance money before transferring his files."


    "Rx, it''s not a big deal! I have a way to get the money, I won''t make it difficult for you! You have no idea how much the School of Mathematics treasures that kid. If Zhang wants to trouble me, I have to give him some headaches in return! Before you leave tomorrow, send me the card number. Also, when you get back to Xingcheng, don''t rush to transfer Qiao Ze''s file.


    Hold it back for a while, there''s no hurry."


    "Okay, just make sure to figure out how to transfer that money earlier."


    "Don''t worry, when have I ever put you guys in a difficult position from this post? Give me one week."


    "Alright!"


    ...


    In the back street near the student dormitory area, inside Zhang''s noodle shop.


    A young man and a woman were sitting at the table, happily eating braised noodles.


    Indeed, it wasn''t expensive, a well-bnced bowl of meat and vegetable braised noodles for only eight yuan.


    The golden, slippery noodles looked appetizing, and with the addition of what was said to be the owner''s special sauce and a spoonful of bright red chili oil, it was quite stimting to the appetite.


    Unfortunately, Su Mucheng didn''t eat spicy food, so Qiao Ze directly scooped two spoonfuls for himself.


    "Wow, you really can handle spicy food! I''m so envious!" Su Mucheng eximed with eyes that held two twinkling stars.


    "My mom likes spicy food." Qiao Ze exined.


    "Wow, then your mom is also amazing!" Su Mucheng continued with herpliments.


    The restaurant owner, taking a break inside the shop, watched the pure and clear undertones of affection brewing amidst the enticing aroma of noodles at the next table, listened to the girl''s off-key praises, and envied Qiao Ze with a nce.


    It''s great to be a student!


    The world of adults is just tooplicated!

 Chapter 44: 43 That Smile, So Sweet

    The school at night was nketed in darkness, with even the streetlights dim, suggesting that the school was nearing the inability to pay the electricity bill.


    In stark contrast, the lights outside the girls'' dormitory shone so brightly that nothing could hide from their ring beams.


    This probably indicated that Xilin University of Technology was still rtively conservative in spirit.


    Although after the turn of the millennium, nearly every university had changed its ways, embracing open-mindedness and no longer forbidding sweet romances among students on campus.


    But still, one school differs from another.


    Some institutions even offered policies allowing married student couples to apply for joint dormitories, while others maintained a stance of neither opposing nor supporting such arrangements.


    Judging from this pattern of lighting, Xilin University of Technology evidently belonged to thetter group.


    Fortunately, there were severalrge trees outside the girls'' dormitory.


    For couples in the throes of passionate love, who weren''t ready to part at the dormitory entrance, they would hide in the shadows behind the trees, whispering sweet nothings to avoid public disys of affection.


    But today, there were two people who clearly didn''t care for this unspoken little rule.


    As Qiao Ze escorted Su Mucheng to the entrance of her dormitory building, it was clear that the ss president was reluctant to end such a joyous day.


    "Qiao Ze, could you tell me why you''re able to write essays so quickly?"


    Standing at the entrance of the dormitory building, Su Mucheng stood in front of Qiao Ze, looking up at him with the posture of someone trying to hold him back for a few more minutes with childish questions.


    Despite nearing the closing time, the area outside the girls'' dormitory remained lively.


    But Su Mucheng didn''t care about the gazes cast by passing students, or rather, she had eyes only for Qiao Ze who stood in front of her, not making room for anyone else in her sight at that moment.


    As for Qiao Ze, he was even less concerned, having experienced all sorts of strange looks before.


    Not to mention ones that were simply curious and inquisitive.


    "Maybe because I''d already thought about it before, and the topic was quite easy," Qiao Ze offered another exnation.


    From the WeChat responses of Li Jiangao, he felt that finishing a paper in just over eight hours might be a difficult task for others, so he provided a different reason.


    "No, that''s not it! It can''t just be because it was easy. If it were, Uncle Li wouldn''t have been so serious today! It''s clearly because you''re a genius," Su Mucheng said proudly, looking up at Qiao Ze.


    She spoke as if she were the one who hadpleted the essay, not Qiao Ze.


    "A genius? But many people think I''m sick, and the doctors say the same. Moreover, I might really be sick," Qiao Ze stressed again.


    "That''s not true, Qiao Ze. Trust me, they''re just unable to reach your height, so subconsciously, they want to exclude you, to use their shallow and ridiculous intelligence to negate and taint you. But in fact, you''re the truly unique genius in this world," Su Mucheng said solemnly, her usual smile gone, her tone almost sacred as she spoke earnestly.


    Qiao Ze slightly raised his eyebrows. This sounded somewhat like something Li had just mentioned a short while ago.


    Though the wording was different, the meaning was roughly the same.


    He couldn''t help but unconsciously sh a somewhat stiff but exceedingly sincere smile, "Thank you."


    "I believe there''s a universe hidden inside your head. So, if you really want to thank me, please have a Milky Way Gxy in that universe, a Sr System within that gxy, and an Earth in that system where I live on, unless the universe is destroyed, okay?" Su Mucheng looked up at Qiao Ze with hopeful eyes and bravely spoke out.


    This was probably a confession, right?


    Indeed, if Su Mucheng had simply said to Qiao Ze, "I like you, you like me too, okay?"


    Qiao Ze might have hesitated about how to respond.


    But Su Mucheng''s words prompted Qiao Ze to nod subconsciously.


    Because sometimes, when he was alone, he really felt as if he might have a universe hidden inside his mind.


    At the moment when Qiao Ze nodded, Su Mucheng''s lips began to curl up into a slight smile, and two cute dimples appeared on her fair face, rippling softly until that characteristic sweet smile waspletely back.


    That smile was genuinely sweet.


    "Then it''s a deal, pinky promise!" Su Mucheng stretched out her slender, fair pinky finger towards Qiao Ze.


    Qiao Ze awkwardly lifted his hand and extended his pinky finger.


    After all, such a childish action was something he had already been reluctant to do with other children since kindergarten.


    "Pinky promise, hang ourselves from a tree, for a hundred years, no changing. Haha, Qiao Ze, I''m really so happy today!"


    After speaking, Su Mucheng looked up, and suddenly, the image of Qiao Ze concentrating on writing his paper in the library that afternoon shed in her mind.


    It was as if she saw an apparition ovepping with the person before her...


    In a sudden rush of boldness, Su Mucheng tiptoed up without waiting for Qiao Ze to withdraw his finger, gently pecked his cheek with her lips, and then turned swiftly like a thief and dashed into the dormitory building.


    No sooner had she entered the doorway than she couldn''t help turning back to face Qiao Ze, lifting a hand high and waving it vigorously, "Goodbye, Qiao Ze."


    "Goodbye," Qiao Ze, who had yet to react, replied instinctively and watched as the girl dashed upstairs.


    Well...


    This life, two women had kissed his face.


    The other was Lu Xiuxiu.


    No particr feeling... yet somehow there was a feeling.


    Very strange...


    Qiao Ze stood in ce, pondering the meaning of this action for five seconds before he calmly turned around, ignoring the emotional gazes from the girls passing by, and as usual, walked at his own pace toward the boys'' dormitory ahead.


    At the window on the second floor of the girls'' dorm, Su Mucheng sneaked a peek, half her face visible, watching Qiao Ze leave.


    Her face was flushed, like a freshly pickedrge apple.


    ...


    "Bang..."


    The door to dorm 302 burst open from a small girl''s excitement.


    "Ah, ah, ah, ah, you guys definitely won''t believe what just happened. Chengzi was right at the dorm building''s entrance, brazenly stealing a kiss from a high schooler."


    The two girls reading in the dorm immediately got excited.


    "No way? Chengzi couldn''t have, at least not at the entrance, right? Didn''t they nt a bunch of trees there to obscure the view?"


    "Could there be any doubt? Fangfang from the dorm next door just witnessed it with her own eyes. She saw it as she was walking to their dorm to spread the word.


    Fangfang said she was less than a meter away from them, thinking about greeting Chengzi when she saw them ying with their intertwined fingers, and then, before the high schooler realized it, our Chengzi stood on tiptoes and nted a kiss on him..."


    "Oh my god, has Chengzi really be indiscriminate about ces?" her roommate eximed, covering her mouth in shock.


    "Tell me about it. Chengzi should really wait until..."


    "What are you doing? I could hear Dandan yelling from outside."


    "What else could we be doing? Of course, we''re talking about you. Coming back thiste is one thing, but to think you''d go and steal a kiss from a high schooler... Chengzi, how could you?!"


    "Ah, how did you find out? I didn''t see anyone I knew."


    "Where is your focus? When that high schooler was beside you, you had eyes for no one else, all right! You even skipped ss for him! Wake up, Miss Chengzi!"


    "Hmph, just be envious of me! I won''t talk to you anymore, I''ve got things to do tonight!"


    "Stop kidding around! Chengzi, you can''t get away with it until you exin things clearly to us today."


    "Exactly, but we''ll allow you to wash up first. Then, you can''t think about skipping our discussion tonight."


    ...


    Late at night, when the bright lights outside the dorm turned dim and the whole building quieted down.


    The only light in dorm 302 was the faint moonlight sneaking through the gaps in the loosely pulled curtains. But the girls were not nning to let Su Mucheng off the hook.


    "Chengzi, seriously, are you out of your mind? You and Qiao Ze... This is too fast, too sudden."


    "Ah, what can I do? You might not believe me, but I''ve never been in love. Not because I think the boys around me aren''t good enough, but I always felt there was somethingcking. Until I met Qiao Ze. You guys have no idea, that night, I saw him typing away at theputer, he had such an indescribable aura. Watching his long fingers dance across the keyboard was like listening to a grand symphony.


    Also, you guys definitely haven''t noticed his gaze. How should I put it? His eyes are not hostile, yet they seem to be out of ce in this world. More importantly, his silhouette when he''s thinking is fatally attractive... Sigh... In short, you''d definitely not believe in love at first sight.


    But when I saw him, I really felt it, as if a voice in my head kept telling me, it''s him! And I also feel like if I miss out on him, I probably won''t ever have love in my life."


    With Su Mucheng''s exaggerated description, the room fell into silence...


    What is all this?


    Is the intuition of love this fearsome?


    "No, Chengzi, I still don''t get it. Do you actually like him or something else about him? Like, for example, what if you meet someone even better than himter on?"


    "Stop kidding. There won''t be anyone better than Qiao Ze in this world!"


    "Isn''t that being idealistic?"


    "Idealistic, huh? Fine, even if there are, what''s it to me? Having Qiao Ze is enough! Ever since I was little, my dad always told me he hoped that, like a boy, I''d boldly do anything. The only exception, in terms of feelings, he hoped that I''d be responsible to myself and to others. So I''ve been waiting, waiting for someone bold enough to appear, and now that he has, I''m already satisfied!


    How could I be so greedy?"


    "But what if Qiao Ze falls out of love with youter, what will you do then, Chengzi?"


    "That''s why I say you guys just don''t understand him. There aren''t any girls in Qiao Ze''s eyes, including me! Really, if I weren''t so forward, I doubt he would seriously take a nce at me. Let me tell you, such a man, whoever grabs him first wins. As for falling out of love, huh, it''s not that I''m overconfident about myself, but I truly don''t have much faith in other women. Ah...


    forget it, you face-judging girls wouldn''t understand."


    "Pfft..."


    "Tch..."


    "Enough, let''s sleep. There''s nothing more to ask. Chengzi is clearly poisoned, and I suspect it''s love potion."


    "Yeah, I know you''re all jealous of me!"


    "Pah! We''re done with you! Chengzi, don''t even think about getting me up early for makeup anymore!"


    "Hehe."

 Chapter 45: 44 Why Should I Pursue a Ph.D.?

    Qiao Ze had no idea how lively the girls'' dormitory was at that moment.


    He only knew that today seemed strange. He didn''t return to the dorm until eleven o''clock, but to his surprise, the dorm room door was locked and no one was inside.


    So...


    They must have gone out to have dinner with the girls as well.


    Putting oneself in others'' shoes is a fine virtue, said the teacher from the elementary school''s Law and Morality ss ¡ª the only teacher from those years Qiao Ze had a good impression of.


    Although this phrase shouldn''t be applied to such a situation, at least Qiao Ze remembered it, so he often tried to put himself in others'' shoes.


    But before he could follow his usual routine and head to the balcony to wash up, the next moment, the dormitory door was pushed open, and in came three guys, staggering with each step, their arms over each other''s shoulders. They reeked of alcohol as they stumbled inside.


    Coincidentally, this scene was all too familiar to Qiao Ze.


    He still vividly remembered that his father had passed away when he was in the first grade of elementary school.


    Right after his father''s death, Lu Xiuxiu used to cry her eyes out every day and would get dead drunk at least three days a week.


    If Qiao Ze hadn''t learned how to cook and been able to replicate it perfectly, he might have starved to death back then.


    Fortunately, Lu Xiuxiu quickly pulled herself together, gave up drinking, and took on all the pressures of life.


    Otherwise, Qiao Ze''s life might have been apletely different story.


    So, seeing the state of these three now, Qiao Ze felt puzzled.


    After all, alcohol really tastes awful. Were these guys drinking so much because they had lost a loved one as well?


    ...


    "Hey, Qiao, Brother Qiao, you haven''t, haven''t, haven''t slept yet." Zhang Zhou said, his eyes blurry with drunkenness as he eyed Qiao Ze standing in the center of the dorm. He tried to stand up straight to greet him, but his cerebellum was not cooperating, leaving him still swaying, and he slurred his words.


    It seemed that a man who could conquer The End of the World six times still couldn''t get past the seventh challenge.


    "Yeah, I got too absorbed in writing my paper and missed dinner, so I went to eat noodles after leaving the library," Qiao Ze replied.


    "You were, were, were with Su Mucheng, right?" Gu Zhengliang, already sitting in his spot, asked.


    "Mmhmm!" Qiao Ze nodded. There was nothing worth hiding about that.


    "Ahh... Brother Qiao,st term, under Zhang Zhou''s, Zhang Zhou''s persuasion, I also, also asked, asked our ss representative out to dinner, ahh..."


    "Damn it, Gu, why, why didn''t you tell us before?"


    "Shit, I was just, just, just t-out rejected. What''s there, there to say?"


    Qiao Ze listened expressionlessly to the two''s choppy dialogue, silently picked up the water kettle, and filled the cups on the table with water for the three of them.


    Based on his experience taking care of Lu Xiuxiu when he was in elementary school, someone who''s drunk always ended up looking for water to drink.


    After pouring water for his roommates, Qiao Ze went to the bathroom beside the balcony to wash up.


    The disjointed conversation seemed to continue, but Qiao Ze turned on the tap. The rush of water nearby effectively blocked out his overly sensitive hearing.


    He thought he heard some "bang bang" noises, but Qiao Ze ignored them.


    He had no interest in talking to fools, especially those who weren''t quite lucid.


    After he finished his nighttime routine and returned to the room, he unexpectedly found that all three had already climbed into their beds.


    That was good.


    Qiao Ze turned off the light and, as usual, got into bed, ready to sleep.


    Suddenly, a mncholic sigh came from the guy who had been silent on the opposite bed, "Ah... I can''t sleep. How about we chat?"


    "Chat, chat about what?"


    "Let''s talk about Qiao Ze."


    "Brother Qiao, have you, have you fallen asleep?"


    Qiao Ze kept quiet.


    He thought Gu should have asked him if he was dead instead.


    Who falls asleep the moment they get into bed?


    Unless they''re a god.


    "Looks, looks like he''s asleep."


    "Ah, it''s painful to be roommates with a prodigy."


    "Who''s, who''s going to say it isn''t?"


    "I think, he doesn''t, doesn''t look as handsome as me."


    "Heh, Gu, are you auditioning for something? If you were half as good as him, maybe Su Mucheng would''ve agreed to have dinner with you."


    "What''s even, even more infuriating is that Brother Qiao can, can understand the professor''s papers, and he doesn''t even, doesn''t even wear sses. Isn''t that just too demoralizing?"


    Oh, can someone be distressed without wearing sses?


    "Ah... I can''t even make sense of the question, Qiao, Qiao can solve it in seconds... in seconds! Did I say anything?"


    Solve it in seconds?


    I clearly took at least fifteen seconds to read the question and needed another ten seconds to think. Gu Zhengliang really knows how to exaggerate.


    "By the way, I have something to tell you. I left the teaching building a bitte this noon and ran into Professor Zhu of Mathematical Analysis. He told me to prepare well for this year''s final exams, saying that to truly test our level, the difficulty of the specialized course exams will likely be much higher than previous years."


    Chen Yiwen, who obviously had the best tolerance for alcohol, suddenly spoke in a gloomy tone.


    "What? How much more difficult are we talking about?"


    "No, why do they suddenly want to do this? Aren''t the professors already clear about our level? Don''t they grade the heaps of homework we do every day?"


    Huh? These two guys aren''t stammering anymore?


    "The college wants to test our level? When will you guys have some sense of urgency in your hearts?"


    "This... damn it..."


    "No way, does the college really think they can stump Qiao with the test papers? Have the professors gone mad? How difficult must the questions be? Qiao is a genius who can find ws in the professors'' papers!"


    "The good news is that this year, the regr grades count for forty percent of the total final exam score. Professor Zhu told me that in this year''s Mathematics Analysis final, there will be 35 points'' worth of questions that are rtively simple, and if we can get all 35 points, we should basically pass. If we lose points on these 35 points, then it''s all down to luck.


    Zhu also said that Su Mucheng and I should be able to score more than 60 points. Don''t spread this around; it''s enough that you guys know."


    "What does that mean? Does it mean that Zhu has no hope that we can really solve the remaining 40 points'' worth of questions?"


    "Can''t you understand humannguage? Zhu said that only Chen and the ss representative have a chance of scoring 60 points! We''re the kind that, if we can''t secure the 35 points, have to rely on luck!"


    "Fuck! My morale is shattered!"


    The tone is so deste... could their morale really be shattered?


    Unusually, Qiao Ze felt a twinge of guilt.


    After all, he requested the questions to be made more difficult, but he didn''t anticipate it would cause trouble for his ssmates.


    Fine, I''ll get a pair of in sses to make you feel better, and we''ll call it even.


    Then Qiao Ze suddenly thought of Su Mucheng.


    She seemed not to have paid much attention to the videos today.


    If the final exam questions are challenging, then I''ll have to urge her to study seriously tomorrow.


    We really can''t afford to waste time in ss anymore.


    Sleepiness crept over him, and Qiao Ze closed his eyes!


    ...


    At this moment, Li Jiangao''s morale was also shattered.


    Even though he knew that Qiao Ze was genuinely a genius.


    Even though Qiao Ze wanted to be his student.


    Even though Qiao Ze insisted on dragging him into this project.


    But when it''s time for morale to break, it breaks!


    Who would believe that a paper, written in eight hours, barring the format which might have significant issues due tock of experience, contained no other errors upon his thrice careful review?


    This isn''t some superficial paper!


    It''s a solid paper with original ideas.


    And it''s eight pages long.


    Most importantly, those eight pages are all substance.


    No acknowledgments, no citations!


    Yes, you read that right, no citations!


    All the theorems and lemmas in the article are self-proven.


    If there''s any issue, it''s probably that the word "obviously" is used a little too frequently.


    Many lemmas in the derivations are directly omitted by Qiao Ze, causing some parts where Li Jiangao also can''t quite follow.


    If these contents were expanded and the formatting refined, it would be a top-quality paper.


    Submitting it to a prestigious journal shouldn''t be a problem. If the results stand up to scrutiny, it would be of world-ss top journal quality.


    And all this was done in eight hours.


    Honestly, Li Jiangao was beginning to doubt whether choosing to pursue a PhD was a waste of Huaxia''s academic resources!


    His advisor is tired, he''s tired too! Why bother?

 Chapter 46: 45 My face is gone!

    Unfortunately, at this moment, Li Jian Gao had no idea that Zhao Guangyao, the school''s senior geometry professor, alsoy in his bed tossing and turning, unable to sleep, and beginning to doubt his life. And it was also because of Qiao Ze.


    If he had known, Li Jian Gao''s mood would probably have been much relieved.


    After all, people truly find psychologicalfort inparison.


    Unlike Li Jian Gao.


    Zhao Guangyao specifically sought out Xu Changjiang to find out about Qiao Ze''s situation.


    Once he confirmed that this kid was still just a high school student, his first reaction was to borrow Xu Changjiang''sputer, trying to recall the email he had sent the night before.


    But he failed.


    The email had already been read, but there was no reply.


    He had nned to sneak a peek at Qiao Ze in the ssroom in the afternoon.


    But by the time he sneakily went there, he heard the lecturer say that Qiao Ze had not attended the ss.


    Really, without experiencing such things, one simply cannotprehend the tangled emotions in Zhao Guangyao''s heart at the time.


    He was criticized by a high school student for writing a subpar paper! And he even humbly acknowledged it in his reply¡­


    And this high school student was still studying with the university freshmen.


    If this got out... Really, no face to see anyone!


    Truly, Zhao Guangyao also had the thought for the tenth time in his life of making a move away from Xilin University of Technology, and this time the thought was strongest!


    No exaggeration to say, if someone wanted to poach him at this moment, even if the offer was not as good as Xilin University of Technology, or even if it was not a prestigious 985 or 211 university, Zhao Guangyao would probably not hesitate to pack up and leave.


    What to do?!


    Find Li Jian Gao? Ask him to make sure the kid doesn''t spread this?


    Zhao Guangyao felt he couldn''t swallow his pride.


    After all, when Li Jian Gao was being promoted to associate professor, he had anonymously voted against. Because that year, he had someone else he favored for the promotion.


    Although he didn''t know whether Li Jian Gao was aware of it or not, he really didn''t want to lose face in front of this young associate professor.


    Go directly to Qiao Ze?


    Zhao Guangyao had even less confidence in that.


    He had heard from Xu Dajiang''s mouth that the kid was introverted and somewhat closed off psychologically.


    If he shamelessly approached him and the kid didn''t give face, what could he do then?


    Get angry with a high school student? Argue with him?


    That''s even more embarrassing!


    If it got out, he wouldn''t be able to mix in the academic circles anymore.


    After much thought, Zhao Guangyao painfully realized that it seemed he could only turn to Xu Dajiang now.


    Have Dean Xue forward and talk to Qiao Ze again.


    Try to prevent this matter from bing more widely known.


    And it was better sooner rather thanter, no more hesitation!


    Though Qiao Ze was a reserved person, what young person doesn''t care about face? What if, unaware of the implications, he boasts about it everywhere?


    Thinking of this, Zhao Guangyao wished he could immediately get out of bed and make a call to Xu Dajiang.


    But he was quickly pped back down by his wife who shared the bed with him.


    "What are you tossing and turning for in the middle of the night and not sleeping?"


    "Mind your own business!"


    "Oh, getting tough now? Why didn''t you show some toughness before bed for me to see, huh?"


    "I... Ah, forget it, let''s sleep, sleep!"


    This interruption made him realize it was indeedte and that these matters might not be clear over the phone, so it would be better to speak face to face first thing in the morning.


    ¡­


    While Zhao Guangyao was tossing and turning in bed, the excited Su Mucheng was still lying in bed fiddling with her phone.


    The chattering sisters had all fallen asleep.


    Now she could peacefully sort through the day''s gains and pick suitable photos to begin the promotional work she had volunteered for.


    Although Su Mucheng could tell that neither Li Jian Gao nor Qiao Ze paid much attention to the so-called promotion, she didn''t see it that way.


    She just wanted more people to know how outstanding her Qiao Ze was.


    So she quickly created a new Weibo ount¡ª"Genius Qiao Qiao''s Spokesperson"¡ªand described it as "A man destined to change the world."


    Then she posted two carefully selected photos, one of Qiao Ze''s profile while writing his paper, and the other a selfie with him.


    Although this new ount had no followers yet, that didn''t stop Su Mucheng from carefully crafting the post''s content.


    "Changing the world starts with every today. Let''s cheer on together!"


    Perfect!


    After doing all this, Su Mucheng spent a while looking at the photo of Qiao Ze''s silly smiling face before reluctantly setting down the phone and turning over contentedly to sleep.


    ...


    The next day.


    Early in the morning, Zhao Guangyao got up and rushed to the university. After reaching his office to drop off his bag, he paced restlessly for half an hour. When it hit eight in the morning, he promptly went to Xu Dajiang''s office.


    He didn''t dare to bete, fearful that Xu might have gone off to a meeting again.


    Fortunately, Zhao Guangyao didn''t make a wasted trip. Unfortunately, when he went to see Xu Dajiang, he bumped into Li Jian Gao who also hade to see the dean.


    Li Jian Gao was there with the paperpleted by Qiao Ze, hoping to have a serious discussion with Xu Dajiang about research funding.


    He felt that Qiao Ze''s talent truly shouldn''t be buried.


    It was a talent that simply couldn''t be suppressed!


    The college really should pull out all the stops now to nurture this genius.


    There was no time to waste anymore.


    Who would have thought that just as he walked into Xu Dajiang''s office, before he even had the chance to speak, Zhao Guangyao had also arrived.


    Now certain things became difficult to mention.


    It didn''t bother him, but he didn''t want to push Qiao Ze to the forefront in front of these professors.


    After all, everyone knew about the college''s tight scientific research funds; if someone got more, other projects would have to get less or even be cut.


    "Oh, Professor Zhao is here too. Have a seat, both of you, talk amongst yourselves. The school administration wants a document urgently this morning, I''m going to review it and have Zhang deliver it, then we can talk," Xu Dajiang, somewhat surprised to see Zhao Guangyao, greeted him and then got busy with his own work.


    Zhao Guangyao, looking quite awkward, glimpsed at Li Jian Gao and forced a stiff smile, "Professor Li, are you here to report your work to Dean Xu?"


    Li Jian Gao subconsciously wanted to shake his head, but eventually nodded amiably, "Yes, I have some ideas about the new semester''s teaching I wanted to discuss with Dean Xu."


    "Oh, that''s good. I''m not busy this morning, so you go ahead and talk first. After you''re done, I''ll talk to Dean Xu about my matter," Zhao Guangyao said politely.


    After all, he would certainly not discuss his embarrassing matter in front of Li Jian Gao.


    But he couldn''t leave either, afraid that Xu Dajiang might go out again unexpectedly.


    Indeed, his matter was very urgent.


    "Ah?"


    Li Jian Gao was stunned, how did Zhao preempt what he wanted to say?


    After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Actually, my business isn''t urgent, it''s just about some teaching stuff after all. Your time is more precious, Professor Zhao. Why don''t you talk to Dean Xu first when it''s time."


    "Is that so! Well, the matter I need to talk about is indeed very important, and it might take some time. Why don''t you go ahead and do your thing, and once I''m done, I''ll let you know, then you cane over?" Zhao Guangyao immediately took the opportunity.


    After thinking about it, Li Jian Gao finally nodded his head and said, "Alright, I''ll change the time then. You two go ahead and talk. I''ll be leaving now."


    Having said that, Li Jian Gao picked up Qiao Ze''s paper and walked out of Xu Dajiang''s office.


    Ten minutester, Xu Dajiang called his secretary to send off the document, then turned towards the visitor''s sofa, "Eh? Li Jian left already?"


    "Oh, Professor Li had some things to attend to, so he left first."


    Zhao Guangyao stood up, offered an exnation, and then, under Xu Dajiang''s puzzled gaze, went to the office door, closed it properly, and then turned around with a serious expression, "Xu, you have to help me this time. Otherwise, I truly won''t be able to face staying at the university."

 Chapter 47: 46: Scalp Tingling

    Xu Dajiang was startled, then quickly became alert.


    He had been through it all, even a senior professor from the school banging on his desk because a project had been cut.


    But this was the first time he had seen someonee to ask for help so humbly.


    So he immediately thought of some not-so-good possibilities.


    No way?


    Zhao Guangyao was almost sixty years old; could he still get involved in some messy, romantic scandal and be threatened?


    Old but vigorous?!


    When he spoke, he chose his words carefully, "No, Zhao, you first calm down, tell me slowly what''s going on. Don''t scare me, what could be so serious? Look, we have been colleagues for so many years, I will certainly help if I can. What exactly is the problem? It doesn''t involve a student, does it?"


    "Ah... it actually does involve a student." Zhao Guangyao sighed, his face mournful, then picked up theptop he had brought with him.


    Xu Dajiang was dumbfounded.


    He was only worried about young, single professors like Li Jiangao having this kind of problem, but he never expected an old man close to retirement to get caught up in something like this.


    What did bringing aptop mean?


    Was he being ckmailed with photos that had been secretly taken? Was he that frivolous?!


    Looking at the deep furrows on Zhao Guangyao''s face and thinking about the content of the photos, Xu Dajiang suddenly shivered.


    "Zhao, are you out of your mind... Don''t bring out theptop, I don''t want to see it... How could you... How could you do right by Wang?"


    This grave deration stunned Zhao Guangyao, who stopped what he was doing with a puzzled look and turned to Xu Dajiang, asking in surprise, "No, Xu, what do you mean? What does this have to do with my wife?"


    He just wanted to show Xu Dajiang the email Qiao Ze had sent him and exin his thought process at the time, seeking understanding.


    The other party directly refused to look, and even used him of betraying his wife?


    Luckily, they were both intelligent people. In less than a second, Zhao Guangyao tasted the implication of Xu''s words and his face reddened, saying, "No... Xu Dajiang, what are you suggesting?! What are you thinking? You see me as that kind of person?! The student I mentioned is that Qiao Ze, the new high school student that just arrived at the school!"


    "Ah?!" Xu Dajiang instantly realized he must have misunderstood.


    Now that was awkward!


    For a moment, the two old men just stood there, exchanging helpless nces...


    Fortunately, Zhao Guangyao was feeling too weak today, and remembering that he still needed Xu Dajiang''s help, he was the first to soften.


    "That... never mind..."


    "Hey, Zhao, I''m not pointing fingers at you, but youe over to my office, send Li away first, insist on closing the door, say you can''t face staying at the school anymore, and it''s something to do with a student, you can''t me me for misunderstanding... But on another note, Qiao Ze just arrived, how did youe into contact with him?" Xu Dajiang asked, curious.


    Despite the awkwardness, Dean Xu''s heart finally settled down.


    As long as it wasn''t that kind of scandal, it was fine.


    In the age of the inte, such issues bing public on the inte can be very passive.


    Especially since this kind of scandal spreads rapidly.


    If not handled well, the pressure could be tremendous.


    As the dean, he would inevitably be affected.


    "You should first take a look at this email." Zhao Guangyao, not wanting to exin any further to Xu Dajiang, simply opened theptop, brought up the email Qiao Ze had sent him, and ced it on Xu Dajiang''s desk.


    Xu Dajiang nced up at Zhao Guangyao before picking up his sses from the edge of the desk, putting them on, and then began to read carefully.


    Ten minutester, Xu Dajiang looked up at Zhao Guangyao with a strange expression on his face.


    The awkward atmosphere started to brew again.


    He could probably understand how Zhao Guangyao felt at that moment, having his paper criticized by a kid who had just arrived at the school not two days ago.


    And thements were quite harsh, yet it seemed they made a lot of sense.


    Any professor wouldn''t want others to know that.


    But actually, Xu Dajiang''s focus wasn''t there.


    Instead, a torrential surge welled up inside him.


    He had thought that Qiao Ze had taught himself courses rted to Group Theory during his high school years, and he even had a deep understanding of Group Theory, but now it seemed that this guy had also dabbled in non-Euclidean geometry.


    No, it was more than just dabbling.


    Being able to write this kind of pure English review was enough to show that the kid had done quite deep research in this area.


    This was no longer a genius...


    Could this be a monster?


    Just what kind of divine being had the admissions office brought back for the School of Mathematics this time!


    Really, without any exaggeration, there was a moment when Xu Dajiang felt his scalp tingling and even found it difficult to breathe!


    The three students who shared a dormitory with Qiao Ze just felt that Qiao Ze was exceptionally pretentious.


    But for a schr who had been immersed in the world of mathematics for many years, the feeling at this moment was one of being utterly crushed in his academic life, of his entire worldview on schrship being overturned!


    Even if he started learning from his mother''s womb, he could only have studied for eighteen years...


    How did he research both Group Theory and non-Euclidean geometry to at least a doctoral level?


    Not to mentionparing with ordinary people, even if you put Qiao Ze among a bunch of geniuses, wouldn''t those geniuses immediately seem rather ordinary?


    It''s mind-blowing, really, Xu Dajiang felt like he was going to explode!


    He thought he had rated Qiao Ze highly enough, but it turned out he had still underestimated this kid.


    If this letter truly came from Qiao Ze, did he still need to worry about how many points Qiao Ze scored on the final exams?


    Even if it was zero in every subject, there was no need to care, right?


    No, he still had to care... after all, public rtions still had to be done.


    Ny-nine percent of people online don''t know a damn thing about academia, but at least they understand scores!


    Just if Xilin University of Technology trains this kid well, in the future he would purely be a national treasure!


    So what if Yanbei University School of Mathematics is ranked first in the country?


    Princeton Mathematics Institute ims to be the cradle of mathematicians?


    Could you find me an 18-year-old mathematical genius eligible for dual doctorate degrees?!


    Zhao Guangyao was almost in tears watching Xu Dajiang staring nkly at him.


    Could you make a sound already?!


    Alright then, since this guy wasn''t speaking up, he had to say it, "Cough cough... Old Xu, when I first received this letter, I didn''t even know our school had somebody like Qiao Ze. I thought he was some domestic bigwig in geometry guiding a doctoral student. It just so happened, I also thought about how my paper was rejected by ''Geometry and Graph Theory'', then I started thinking aboutworking."


    "Ah, then I wrote back to him. You can also see that letter. Ah, actually, the reason I came to find you wasn''t for anything else. After all, I''m not familiar with the kid. Could you please call the kid over and have a good talk with him? It''s best not to let this matter spread outside.


    Otherwise, where will I put my face and stay in the school?"


    "Oh..." Xu Dajiang finally snapped out of his daze.


    He had absorbed half of Zhao Guangyao''s words, but the other half didn''t actually need to be heard, as after reading Zhao Guangyao''s reply, Xu Dajiang roughly understood.


    He couldn''t help but subconsciouslyfort him, "Ah, Old Zhao, you don''t need to be so agitated. Can I tell you something? Do you know how the kid was discovered by Little Li?"


    "Hmm?"


    "He only took ten minutes to find an error in a Group Theory paper published in Princeton''s ''Mathematics Annual'', and then he pointed it out. What''s more terrifying is that that day, including professors from Jiang University and Xi''an Jiaotong University, several professors verified the paper was indeed incorrect using his method. How about that? Feel better knowing this?"


    "What the hell? Group Theory? You''re telling me he even understands Group Theory?!"


    Now it was Zhao Guangyao''s turn to be stunned.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 48: 47 How Dare He?!

    This is obviously unscientific.


    But when unscientific events actually ur, as a mathematician, one can only try to find scientific exnations for the unscientific.


    Really, Zhao Guangyao had already stopped caring about losing face at this point.


    He couldn''t understand how an eighteen-year-old high school student could spot an error in a top journal''s Group Theory paper at first nce, and also have the ability to give professional criticism on his paper on geometry.


    It''s true that Group Theory is rted to geometry.


    Theoretically, given a Transformation Group, there corresponds a type of geometry.


    A hundred years ago, understanding both fields at eighteen, although impressive, would not make people question their existence.


    But after all, it''s the twenty-first century now!


    Today''s mathematicians focus on increasingly specialized subjects!


    The various mathematical tools have be so specialized that they might as well be worlds apart.


    Even within the same branch of mathematics, researching different topics requires starting from reading papers and tackling various difficult problems.


    So ten years ago, a notable figure in the mathematical world confidently stated something in an interview, which received agreement from the entiremunity.


    "...sadly, David Hilbert is thest universal genius in mathematics the world will see, and it is impossible for another mathematician with the towering genius of David Hilbert to appear again!"


    This statement alone might sound like ancient adtion, right?


    But whenbined with the entire content of the interview, we can see that this mathematician was correct.


    Because what he meant was that after mathematics has be so diversified, even if another David Hilbert were to emerge, they could only achieve in one field of mathematics in their lifetime, without the capacity to research other branches.


    Take Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) as an example.


    From the time this subject was proposed, mathematicians only used it as a tool to study and exin certain specific phenomena.


    But as it has developed to the present day, PDEs themselves have be arge research direction, further divided into several categories.


    For instance, theoretical study of PDEs focuses on exining the existence, uniqueness, and stability of solutions to such equations; numerical solutions research seeks to obtain numerical solutions to these types of equations withputers; while the applied perspective researches how these equations can be utilized in disciplines like fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, electromaic theory, and so forth.


    Not to mention the ssifications like geometry and Group Theory...


    Thus, it is almost universally recognized in the mathematicalmunity that the world will no longer see a universal genius in mathematics.


    But now, the things Qiao Ze has done in just a few days at school are overturning their understanding.


    Could it be just a coincidence that Zhao Guangyao and another foreign mathematician''s fields of study happen to collide with the areas that Qiao Ze happens to know a bit about?


    So how terrifying must this kid''s mathematical reserve be?


    And after thinking through all this, Zhao Guangyao suddenly let out a "gurgle."


    It was an involuntary swallow.


    Without any exaggeration, if they could inherit his mathematical talent by ''consuming'' Qiao Ze, the two people in the office might truly be tempted.


    Xu Dajiang looked at Zhao Guangyao and took a deep breath, saying, "Sigh... Do you understand now? There''s really nothing to be ashamed of. Keep this letter treasured, and in time, it might be a wonderful anecdote."


    Zhao Guangyao did not take Xu Dajiang''s suggestive remark, but instead counter-asked, "Who in our School of Mathematics is qualified to mentor such a student?"


    Xu Dajiang counter-questioned, "Does such a student need mentoring?"


    Zhao Guangyao nced at Xu Dajiang and said unceremoniously, "Even so, we''d need to be able to retain him! Do you believe if this gets out, others would daree to our school to poach him?"


    These words instantly made Xu Dajiang feel somewhat uneasy, but after thinking about it, he still said, "It''s not that frightening. I can tell that Qiao Ze is quite close to Li. Moreover, I''ve heard from the admissions side that he insisted oning here to follow Li."


    Zhao Guangyaoughed and said, "Oh, that''s pretty good. Just perfect to dig them both out in one go! Each university is indeed short on professorship quotas, but those universities in the Capital can''t be shorter than us. Squeeze a bit, and even a senior rank should be squeezable. Li''s appointment is for five years, right? That''s good, there are still four years left.


    But Xu, you can certainly expect their bottom line isn''t that low."


    Thisment made Xu Dajiang so restless that he couldn''t sit still.


    The University of Technology is now gradually implementing an appointment system, after 3+3, promoting to associate professor, directly with a five-year appointment term.


    If one canplete the University''s specified tasks within the appointment term, such as finishing a national or provincial project, publishing several core journal papers, then one could be directly reappointed after the term expires.


    As for those who don''tplete it, that would depend on their luck.


    Since the University doesn''t provide a lifelong appointment benefit, it naturally also has to relinquish some authority in terms of personal freedom, as well as losing some attractiveness.


    If Li Jian Gao really had his heart set on resigning, the School of Mathematics really couldn''t keep him.


    After all, the higher-ups only restricted poaching professors with titles... such as Yangtze River Schrs, Outstanding Youths, and the likes¡ªordinary associate professors were not included in this restriction.


    What made Xu Dajiang feel like vomiting blood was that Qiao Ze''s student status hadn''t even been transferred to the University. Theoretically speaking, Qiao Ze wasn''t even a student at Xilin University of Technology yet.


    "I know, I know! Don''t worry, old Zhao, I''ll talk to the kid today. And don''t mention this to anyone else. Also, keep quiet about the kid''s profound understanding of Group Theory," said Xu Dajiang with a hint of irritation as he waved his hand at Zhao Guangyao.


    Zhao Guangyao didn''t feel like saying anything more.


    He silently picked up his notebook, intending to leave.


    There''s no need for him to urge anymore, which is great.


    As for the genius student Qiao Ze... Zhao Guangyao just thought it over in his mind and gave up.


    He''s not worthy.


    And he couldn''t get over that hurdle in his heart.


    He was in his fifties; there was no need to recruit such a student to support anymore.


    However, Zhao Guangyao was truly curious to see what achievements Qiao Ze could produce at the Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics.


    Although he still didn''t really hope for Qiao Ze''s iing letters and his replies to be seen by others, he still nned to keep these two letters.


    Who knows, just like Xu Dajiang said, if Qiao Ze stands out in the future, these two letters could be an anecdote in the academicmunity, right?


    Even though he was already a professor, and Qiao Ze was still a high school student,


    But by the time Qiao Ze bes a great mathematician, his reply might be interpreted as recognizing a talent with a discerning eye...


    Well, being the background board for a top mathematician, that''s also damn good!


    ...


    After Zhao Guangyao left, Xu Dajiang calmed down for a moment, then picked up his phone and directly called Zhuo Wenyu.


    He truly couldn''t feel at ease if he didn''t expedite transferring a child like Qiao Ze''s student status to the University.


    The School of Mathematics couldn''t directly interface with high schools, let alone with the additional hurdle of cross-provincial education departments. It needed to be handled by the specialized people in the admissions office.


    As soon as the call connected, Xu Dajiang went straight to the point and said, "Director Zhuo, I need a favor. Can your admissions office coordinate with Qiao Ze''s previous high school as soon as possible to expedite the transfer of the kid''s student status over?"


    "What?"


    "Qiao Ze''s student status might be a problem? The agreement we signed isn''t recognized by the University?"


    "Don''t joke with me!"


    "Who! Who the hell is blocking it?!"


    "What? Zhang Xiaoquan?! How dare he?!"


    "Wait for me in your office, I''ming over right now!"

 Chapter 49: 48 Happiness Is That Simple

    Zhuo Wenyu had not expected Xu Dajiang to call him so soon.


    ording to his original n, he intended to dy for half a month and, after the college entrance examination, take the initiative to talk to Xu Dajiang about this matter.


    In the school, the deans of the various divisions might not have a strong say when ites to resource allocation; they have to listen to the school administration.


    But to put it inly, that''s also because of the checks and bnces between the various departments.


    Every year, there is only so much funding to go around. If one department gets a little more, and another gets a little less, there is a set of established rules. The people in charge at most only have the power to make minor adjustments. If anyone dares to make major changes, the faculties are not pushovers.


    Since that guy Zhang wants to mess with him, he didn''t mind using such tactics to give Zhang, the principal, a taste of his own medicine.


    He might not be in a position to m his hand on the deputy principal''s desk now, but as the dean of a school, he still had the guts to do so.


    Moreover, Zhang Xiaoquan has a natural weakness; he was neither deployed from the higher authorities nor promoted from within the educational system. Simply put, Zhang Xiaoquan rose through the school''s administrative system.


    But after all, a university is a ce for teaching and educating people. This type of vice-principal without teaching experience naturally has a disadvantage.


    To put it bluntly, the school''s professors actually don''t have much respect for him.


    When it doesn''t involve interest disputes, everyone can maintain politeness and manage to save face.


    But once they encounter something intolerable, intellectuals have many ways to make a fuss.


    ...


    For Xu Dajiang, not talking to Li Jiangao first and asking the admissions office to hurry up and transfer Qiao Ze''s records was a necessary move.


    Just yesterday, Li Jian Gao hade to him asking for support.


    He indeed wanted to support him.


    But there really wasn''t any money in the school''s ount right now.


    Xilin University of Technology adopts a policy where each school rewards its own achievements.


    After the cake is divided, whether professors from each faculty publish in domestic core journals, or world-leading journals, or other contents included in the reward criteria, the bonus that should be given is a financial burden on the faculty itself. There was a sum of money left, but several core papers suddenly emerged in the first half of the year.


    So, under the condition that he couldn''t fully meet Li Jian Gao''s requirements, he had to transfer the child''s school enrolment as quickly as possible.


    Otherwise, it would be even simpler for Qiao Ze to leave.


    Although they had signed an independent recruitment contract, if the student is determined to breach the contract, the price to pay isn''t really that high, especially when there are schools vying to take them in, and those schools might even be more prestigious than Xilin University of Technology.


    One can imagine how anxious Xu Dajiang was at this time.


    And that was before he knew that Qiao Ze hadpleted a high-quality paper in eight hours.


    If he knew...


    Even more anxious!


    ...


    Less than ten minutester, Xu Dajiang barged into Zhuo Wenyu''s office without any grace, "Zhuo, I don''t care to deal with your and Zhang Xiaoquan''s nonsense, but you must help me transfer the student''s record over quickly."


    Zhuo Wenyu stood up, nning to pour a cup of tea for Xu Dajiang first, "Dean Xu, don''t worry, have some tea first, and we can talk things over slowly."


    "Talk over what slowly? I''m telling you, this is urgent. I''m not joking," Xu Dajiang said seriously.


    "Why the sudden rush? I''ve already sent the student over to your school, why are you in such a hurry?" Zhuo Wenyu asked in surprise.


    He was certain that Qiao Ze was definitely an overlooked prospect by Yanbei and Huaqing. But normally, once a student contract is signed, the student has been received by the school, and even started attending sses, it''s really not a big issue anymore.


    After all, although universitiespete for the best students, they still somewhat value face.


    Every year, the best student sources are basically snatched up by those two schools, or the students go abroad directly. Letting other sibling schools pick up a few leftovers isn''t going to wipe them out entirely.


    Xu Dajiang heaved a sigh and said, "Ah... Zhuo, you don''t know, Qiao Ze''s mathematical foundation is truly terrifying. It might surpass my previous estimates by a lot, and I''m not even daring to guess his limit now. Especially since I might not be able to give him what he needs at the moment, I''m really afraid that our second-tier School of Mathematics might not be able to retain him.


    Anyway, this time you must transfer his registration as soon as possible."


    "Oh?!" Zhuo Wenyu looked at Xu Dajiang, who was anxious, with surprise and probed, "Don''t tell me that a freshman just recruited can directly work on a research project? Publish in core journals?"


    Xu Dajiang spoke gravely, "Based on the abilities he''s exhibited so far, I specte that with proper guidance, assistance, and support, he might indeed achieve results within six months, perhaps not even inferior to some of the professors at the university.


    I dare not speak of international top journals, but making an appearance as a single author in domestic core journals, I think there should be no problem."


    Zhuo Wenyu was taken aback, "What? He canplete a paper independently and publish in core journals within six months? Xu, you''re not joking, right? No matter how strong he is, even if he has the natural mathematical intuition that Li says he does, he can''t be defying the heavens to this extent, can he? By your ount, wouldn''t he qualify for a professorship by the end of these four years?"


    "Whether he can be a professor is another matter, but the buzz about what Qiao Ze has done these past two days will lead to many shameless acts from those who want to poach him. Help me settle this matter, and consider that you owe me a favor," Xu Dajiang asserted.


    He could still recall the tingling sensation on his scalp from just a moment ago.


    Zhuo Wenyu thought for a while and then nodded, saying, "Alright, I''ll call Yu Chenggongter and have him expedite the transfer. But I have some difficulties on my end too, and I''ll need your help."


    "Speak!"


    "First, Yu has promised to arrange a dormitory administrator job for Qiao Ze''s mother in the logistics department of the university. It''ll make it convenient for her to take care of Qiao Ze..."


    "No problem, I, Xu Dajiang, still hold some sway in the university logistics center," said Xu Dajiang, thumping his chest.


    "Good, the second thing is about the student financial aid fund. Principal Zhang is holding up the approval with his signature..."


    "I definitely don''t have the money at the moment, but I believe you can handle this. Help me settle it as soon as possible, and next time Zhang Xiaoquan wants to do something, wherever I can lend a hand and have a say, I won''t be vague," he responded.


    "Is it a deal?"


    "It''s a deal!"


    ...


    Qiao Ze was unaware that due to some things he inadvertently did, including his mentor Li, two professors, and a dean from the School of Mathematics were on the verge of breaking down.


    After all, in his view, pointing out a paper''s problems and expressing thoughts he had pondered was normal and ordinary.


    Moreover, he now had a more important task.


    Teaching Su Mucheng how to self-study mathematics.


    Qiao Ze believed that as long as she learned his study method, no matter how difficult the teacher made the tests, it was always possible to score at least ny points, if not a full score.


    But at the moment, he was feeling a bit perplexed.


    "Hmm? You still don''t understand?"


    Su Mucheng looked up, shook her head in confusion, then pointed at the chalkboard behind the paused video, "From that step just now, to this one... how did it jump to here?"


    "Because the limit function of this Riemann integrable function sequence is Riemann integrable, so you can directly use the Arz Theorem!"


    "The Arz Theorem?"


    "Yes, this type of function can rece uniform convergence with the weaker condition of weak convergence."


    "So how do you know that the limit function of this Riemann integrable function sequence is Riemann integrable?"


    "Um... let''s rewind ten minutes!"


    ...


    Half an hourter, Su Mucheng stared at Qiao Ze and asked, "Qiao Ze, how long did it take you to understand this lesson when you first saw it?"


    Qiao Ze pondered for a moment, then decided to double the time it had taken him to watch the video, "Hmm... eight, no, maybe it took ten minutes."


    To his surprise, Su Mucheng seemed very cheerful.


    "Wow, something you learned in eight minutes, I managed to fully understand in just forty minutes! It takes ny minutes in ss! Does that mean I''m a genius too?"


    Qiao Ze: "?"

 Chapter 50: Chapter 49 This Must Be Because the Enlightenment Education Was Not Done Well

    From Su Mucheng''s reaction, Qiao Ze suddenly realized something.


    After pondering for a moment, he quickly wrote an equation on the paper and asked, "When you see this equation, can you imagine its geometric figure?"


    Su Mucheng nodded and said, "Two intersecting lines, right?"


    Qiao Ze nodded, then wrote another set of equations on the draft paper.


    Su Mucheng still answered instantly, "This is a symmetrical wave pattern."


    For the third one, Su Mucheng thought for about ten seconds, "Two irregr surfaces intersecting at point X."


    Qiao Ze nodded again.


    But with the fourth one, Su Mucheng thought for five minutes and only concluded that it represented two hexahedra with Qiao Ze''s hint.


    The fifth, the sixth... left Su Muchengpletely baffled.


    She could only use her soft, endearing big eyes to look pitifully at Qiao Ze, while pouting her lips.


    Well, if intelligence isn''t enough, cuteness will do the trick.


    Qiao Ze said sulkily, "It seems you can''t envision the three-dimensional projections of high-dimensional geometric figures. Is this ability not something everyone possesses?"


    "Really? Did you used to think that anyone who sees these sets of equations can immediately imagine the corresponding geometric figures in their mind?" Su Mucheng asked in surprise.


    Qiao Ze nodded and said, "I thought anyone with normal intelligence could do it, I''ve been able to since sixth grade."


    Su Mucheng blinked but didn''t seem the slightest bit discouraged. On the contrary, her eyes were brimming with mirth.


    See, she knew she had stumbled upon a treasure!


    "Qiao Ze, you''re right, people with normal intelligence should be like that! But you''re a boy, and I''m a girl, it''s normal for my spatial imagination to be weaker than a boy''s!"


    Qiao Ze scratched his head.


    That statement from Su Mucheng was less believable.


    The School of Mathematics at Westwood University of Technology wasn''t particrly strong, only rtive to other majors andpared with other top universities in Huaxia.


    After all, it was one of the barely thirty Double First ss universities in Huaxia with independent enrollment rights; its status was there!


    Since Su Mucheng managed to get into the University of Technology and even maintain the top score in the School of Mathematics foundational ss for an entire academic year, outperforming all the boys in the basic mathematics ss, her intelligence couldn''t possibly be an issue.


    Thus, for the first time, Qiao Ze began to doubt, could the real problem be with him?


    "Alright, stop thinking about it! Qiao Ze, you have to believe you''re no different from other normal people. You are indeed smarter than me, but think about it, there are so many people smarter than me. Otherwise, don''t you think I''d want to go to Yanbei University? I was ranked beyond one hundred in my school''s grades during high school!"


    Su Mucheng skillfully grabbed Qiao Ze''s right arm and shook it.


    Summer is great, everyone wears short sleeves¡ªthe advantages are there to be taken openly and honestly.


    And she wants Qiao Ze to feel he''s just a normal person. If other people can''tpare to Qiao Ze, then it''s just because they''re not good enough!


    That includes her!


    Qiao Ze thought about it and suddenly felt that what Su Mucheng said made sense.


    After all, Westwood University of Technology isn''t a top university, so it would make sense if Su Mucheng didn''t have that ability.


    Maybe if her IQ was just a bit higher, she would be like him, right?


    But maybe it was because in high school, Su Mucheng''s teachers were too stupid and didn''t help her have that insight.


    Otherwise, why would someone who ranked over a hundred in high school be a stable number one upon reaching university?


    Yeah, that must be it.


    So Qiao Ze nodded in agreement and epted Su Mucheng''s exnation.


    "Wow, it''s already eleven o''clock. Didn''t you say earlier you wanted to get a pair of non-prescription sses? Let''s go check them out now, shall we? And you treated me to noodlesst night, so it''s my turn to invite you to lunch today. I know a restaurant that''s really tasty, let''s go give it a try? After a full meal, I''ll definitely study diligently this afternoon."


    Saying this, Su Mucheng shook Qiao Ze''s arm vigorously.


    Considering that Li hadn''t replied yet, Qiao Ze nodded again.


    The task set for yesterday had beenpleted, so leaving an hour early today wouldn''t be a big deal.


    Plus, getting the sses could be a small way topensate his three roommates. He should do things that might make them feel a little bit better. After all, his three roommates were actually nice to him.


    "Haha, great! Let''s go!" Su Mucheng said cheerfully.


    The excitement on her youthful face showed that she was genuinely happy!


    No help for it, in Su Mucheng''s view, nobody in this world was worthy of Qiao Ze¡ªnot even her!


    But she was willing to try!


    And she was so cute!


    ording to legend, cute girls never have too bad luck!


    ¡­


    Xingcheng.


    Yu Chenggong had just arrived in Xingcheng and was about to go to lunch when he received a call from Zhuo Wenyu.


    "Director Zhuo, yeah, what? Rush to sort out Qiao Ze''s records? Why are you changing ideas every day? Didn''t you just tell me to wait yesterday?"


    "Oh, Dean Xu visited you again? What? Qiao Ze''s capabilities scared Dean Xu? Wow... how frightening must that be? Scared the dean of an institute?


    Doesn''t that mean I''ve performed a great service?"


    "No, no, no, look at what you''re saying. How could I possibly be eyeing your position! I''m actually quite happy being an admissions officer. Sure, I do travel a bit too often, but my wife and kids are used to it. If I were home every day, they would actually find me annoying. Haha..."


    "What?! No way, you''re joking with me, right? I just got lucky, and I owe it all to Professor Li!"


    "Alright, don''t tempt me with false promises. Rest assured, I''ll handle this matter thoroughly and properly, from start to finish."


    After hanging up the phone, Yu Chenggong was also fired up.


    From the conversation with Zhuo Wenyu, it sounded like the director had heard some news and it was certain that a position would open up next year, and after leaving, he nned to rmend Yu Chenggong for the role of head of admissions.


    He was also told he had struck lucky by unearthing a talent like Qiao Ze at a critical moment, and although promoting him used to be somewhat difficult, now the chances of sess were over eighty percent!


    This...


    Although he imed not to mind traveling, Yu Chenggong was still in his forties.


    Who wouldn''t prefer a nine-to-five job, lounging in the office when it''s quiet, supervising people working overtime when it''s busy¡ªinstead of running all over the world!


    Now the opportunity was right in front of him, merely a hand''s reach away; if he didn''t seize it, he might as well change his name to Yu Shiba (Yu Failure)!


    With these thoughts, Yu got so excited that he wasn''t even hungry anymore!


    He quickly picked up the phone: "Hello, Zhou, I''m back again! Do you remember that kid you asked me aboutst time? Haha, yeah, it''s Qiao Ze! The school is already preparing to transfer his files. I''ll head to your institute shortly!


    "Haha, I should be the one thanking you for introducing such a fine prospect! Here''s what we''ll do, we''ll meet at Cuiwei Residence tonight, I''ll pick up Qiao Ze''s mother, and I''ll host! Let''s have a good talk about this!"

 Chapter 51: Chapter 50 There is Warmth in the World

    Zhou Xujang hung up the phone, his mind still filled with doubts.


    He always saw Qiao Ze as a special kid, so special that it didn''t make any difference whether he was in ss or not.


    That was also why Qiao Ze had never been moved to another ss.


    After all, the number of times he actually came to ss and sat quietly for a lesson could be counted on one hand.


    The teachers didn''t really have any objections.


    Of course, Zhou Xujang knew that Qiao Ze wasn''t dumb, quite the opposite, his IQ was probably very high.


    But that kid was genuinely.. mad in the head!


    Having taught for more than a decade, Zhou Xujang had never seen a student who criticized exam questions.


    Not just regr exams, but even being particr about whether the math Olympiad questions were up to standard, almost causing the school''s hard-won math Olympiad teacher to throw in the towel!


    Of course, the kid''s mother was quite something herself...


    He had no choice but to rmend Qiao Ze to Yu Chenggong, with whom he had a good rtionship on regr days.


    A couple of days ago, he had received a phone call from Lu Xiuxiu.


    She was full of thanks over the phone, even saying that her child had signed with Xilin University of Technology, and he was still wondering if there had been some mistake.


    After all, he had only asked Yu to help out a bit, just to fudge things over. Who knew that the kid would actually get recruited?


    Qiao Ze''s condition... who could stand it?!


    Who would have thought that today he''d get a call, urgently needing to transfer the student''s records, and even wanting to thank him in person?


    It really did feel a bit like a fairy tale!


    No, he would have to have a good talk with Yu Chenggong tonight to find out exactly what was going on with that kid, Qiao Ze!


    He had given up hope, but now it turned out he might even get an extra bonus?!


    ...


    At the same time, Lu Xiuxiu also felt like she was living through a fairy tale.


    The supermarket was disbursing sries.


    Xiao, the boss, garneredints for his timing of sry payments.


    He would only pay them on the twenty-fifth of every month.


    But one thing was for sure, he never dyed a day, when the date came, payment was guaranteed.


    But the problem was, her normal sry of three thousand, Xiao had actually called her personally into his office and directly transferred five thousand to her via WeChat.


    To know that Xiao, the boss, was a nice person, but he valued money quite a bit.


    It could even be said that he was miserly to a degree.


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t have gone three years without a sry increase.


    "Xiao Lu, take this money, but remember, don''t tell anyone else about it, alright?"


    After transferring the money, Xiao the boss spoke very seriously.


    "But, what do you mean by this, Boss Xiao?"


    "Ahh, you know, my second kid, your big nephew, he''s kind of, what do you call it, ah, yes, a schoolmate with your Qiao Ze now! When you go to the school to workter, you are definitely going to have chances to meet those big professors; just put in a good word for your big nephew then."


    "But, Boss Xiao, how can I meet any big professors!"


    "Haha, you don''t have confidence in yourself, you don''t have confidence in your kid either? Teacher Yu himself said that Qiao Ze is a once-in-a-century genius! Anyway, just take the money, remember, I see you and your daughter as family!"


    After finishing, Xiao the boss promptly ushered Lu Xiuxiu out of the office.


    An increase of two thousand to her monthly sry meant an extra twenty-four thousand in expenses a year, something Xiao himself was definitely reluctant to part with.


    But Lu Xiuxiu was going to start working at the school in August, wasn''t she?


    Spending six thousand to cultivate a good rtionship was still eptable.


    Just with a slight twinge of pain in his heart...


    Yeah, summer''s just around the corner, and a ten-cent increase per bottle of soda shouldn''t be an issue, right? If the convenience store next door dares to sell it for three yuan, and theirs is only two yuan six, that''s reasonable, isn''t it?


    ...


    Xilin City.


    Qiao Ze was trying on a pair of sses frames.


    Su Mucheng had personally picked them out for him.


    The ck frames, with their metallic sheen, paired with in lenses, actually added a touch of schrly elegance when worn.


    "What do you think?" Su Mucheng asked expectantly.


    Qiao Ze nodded.


    He didn''t really care about these things.


    Wearing sses was merely to give his dormitory roommates some peace of mind.


    "Then this is the one! You''ve got to trust my taste! How much, boss?"


    "Ah, this one, it''s a new model from this year. The original price is 1380, but today happens to be our sixth anniversary, so you can get a 40% off. Hold on, let me do the math... it''s only 828 today!"


    Qiao Ze cocked his head, thinking the price seemed a bit high?


    But before he could even speak up, Su Mucheng''s eyes had already widened in anger.


    "How much? 828? This frame is made from some new material developed by your store, right? Do you believe I''ll go back and tell my ssmates you''re running a scam?"


    "No, ssmate, this frame is made of Titanium Alloy material, you can bend it any way you want and it won''t break. Plus, look, your boyfriend looks so ssy in it! I''m not even making much profit after the discount, just a few ten yuan."


    "Hmm... what did you just say?"


    Taken aback by the question, the boss repeated instinctively, "Titanium Alloy material?"


    "No... you said he was my..." Su Mucheng reminded.


    The boss realized, "Oh, boyfriend?"


    With a yful smile, Su Mucheng asked, "Then do we look like a good match?"


    "Absolutely, you''re a perfect match, a handsome man and a beautiful woman!" the boss asserted without hesitation.


    "No!" Qiao Ze suddenly said.


    "Huh?"


    The boss gave Qiao Ze a bewildered look.


    To seal this deal, he had been exaggerating a bit. Looking at Qiao Ze''s dazed expression, was he even a match for such a delicate girl? How could this guy be so ungrateful?


    Su Mucheng pouted and turned to nce at Qiao Ze.


    Qiao Ze turned to Su Mucheng and exined, "It''s not Titanium Alloy."


    "No, young man, you need evidence when you speak. This is a shop that has been reputable for ten years..."


    Qiao Ze thought for a moment and said, "Just now, when Su challenged you, you didn''t think of anything else, you directly mentioned the material, and when you said ''Titanium Alloy,'' your tone was hurried, the pitch two degrees higher than before, and your hand involuntarily clenched. These signs all indicate you''re feeling guilty.


    Also, you just mentioned a sixth anniversary celebration, not a ten-year-old shop."


    "Besides, the properties of Titanium Alloy are simr to those of 316L stainless steel; the corrosion resistance generally increases with the chromium content. Due to difficulties in smelting, as well as other material characteristics, like being lighter, non-maic, having a low thermal conductivity, and being corrosion-resistant, it''s more expensive than ordinary stainless steel."


    "But this frame is made of regr stainless steel, not Titanium Alloy. The density is different, so is the weight. Furthermore, the volume of these sses is easy to calcte, so testing is simple¡ªyou just need a digital scale. If you have any doubts, Titanium is much more corrosion-resistant than stainless steel, and a hot corrosive acid test could be used to verify."


    The boss swallowed hard, instinctively.


    This university student seemed different from the others who previously visited his shop.


    Damn it...


    Was he here to give a lecture?


    Su Mucheng turned around, her expression half teasing as she looked at the boss and blinked, saying bluntly, "Considering you do have some taste, I won''t call toin about your false advertising! Will you sell it for 160 or not? Otherwise, I really mightin about you running a scam next to the university!"


    "Honestly, my cost for these frames is 3..." Facing Qiao Ze''s gleaming eyes, the boss felt the words on his lips hard to utter, "Alright, alright¡­ 160 it is. Let''s consider it an opening sale, but you''ll have to help promote my store from now on!"


    Today was truly bizarre!


    Thank goodness they cost 98 on Taobao... it wasn''t a loss!

 Chapter 52: Chapter 51 Zhaos Cunning Move

    "Qiao Ze, you''re actually this good at bargaining?!"


    As they walked out of the sses store, Su Mucheng''s eyes truly turned into stars.


    Although she really didn''t care about the few hundred or thousand yuan, she had to admit that it was a skill indeed.


    "Hmm?" Qiao Ze had intended to say that he actually couldn''t bargain, but instead he said something else, "My dad passed away very early, and my mom raised me, and she''s not very good at making money."


    Qiao Ze was not disdainful of expressing or outputting emotions, but he was not a fool in this regard, either.


    Hormones don''t secrete less because of high intelligence but are only minimally influenced when rationality is strong enough topletely suppress emotions.


    So, of course, he could feel Su Mucheng''s enthusiasm.


    Although that wasn''t off-putting, he still wanted to make the situation clear.


    Because he could tell that Su Mucheng''s family was probably very well-off.


    "Wow! Then your mom must have had a hard time! Oh... No wonder you are so thin..." Su Mucheng pouted again.


    Qiao Ze was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Not to that extent, I had enough to eat."


    "Then that''s really amazing! If it had been my mom raising me, I might have starved to death! I''ve never seen her make money, just spending it. Your mom is truly great, and she even raised you to be so smart! Can''t wait to meet your auntie soon!" Under the brilliant sunshine, Su Mucheng sincerely praised.


    Qiao Ze nodded slightly, thinking if Lu Xiuxiu could hear this, she''d probably be very moved, wouldn''t she?


    And she would definitely say this girl is quite nice.


    "Alright, alright, let''s not talk about unhappy things! Let''s be happy and go eat! I''m telling you, the roast mutton at that restaurant is super delicious! You have to try itter! Come on, I''ll take you there!" After speaking, Su Mucheng naturally and cheerfully took Qiao Ze''s hand.


    In that instant, Su Mucheng felt she became smarter!


    Cool, sofortable, and super secure.


    ...


    While Qiao Ze was being taken by Su Mucheng to taste the super delicious roasted mutton leg, Li Jiangao was holed up in the office engrossed in studying Qiao Ze''s paper.


    Zhao had no martial ethics.


    He had agreed to let him know after he finished talking with the dean.


    But he didn''t even get a call.


    By the time he went to look for the dean again, the man was gone.


    Li Jiangao realized that Dean Xu might be avoiding him.


    But it didn''t matter.


    He didn''t care about being a day or half-dayte; besides, Qiao Ze wrote his papers quickly... Stay updated with m-v le-mpyr


    He had no sses today, and the three graduate students he supervised had been like kites without strings, barely contacting him in the past week.


    But in the School of Mathematics, this was nothing unusual.


    Li Jiangao was happy to have the leisure and was staying in the office to edit and learn from Qiao Ze''s paper.


    Editing was mainly about getting the format right.


    That he knew well and it was simple.


    Learning was about filling in the severe omissions in Qiao Ze''s paper.


    This was truly a bit difficult...


    Perhaps this was the train of thought of a genius; some proofs or calctions that he considered simple were entirely skipped, which really tested the reader''s level.


    Now, what Li Jiangao needed to do was to fill in these leaps in thinking as much as possible. For him, this was indeed a learning process.


    And when he really settled down to work on this, he even found that his gains were tremendous.


    You should know that this draft paper is like a guide.


    For example, with aplex system of equations, when you''re not sure whether it has a solution, the first step is to determine that it has one if you want to solve it.


    Now, the benefit lies in that if he fully believes that all the theorems and lemmas in Qiao Ze''s paper are correct, he can skip this process and directly start pondering why these theorems and lemmas hold under those given conditions.


    It just so happened that Li Jiangao entirely believed that Qiao Ze''s paper had no major issues because subconsciously he hade to worship Qiao Ze''s mathematical intuition.


    It was truly incredible.


    For those who already regarded mathematical research as their lifelong upation, this kind of learning had be a pleasure instead.


    It was like having a cheat code.


    From morning till now, Li Jiangao had drunk two cups of tea and had just figured out two proofs that Qiao Ze had omitted.


    It turned out Qiao Ze was right, and he believed Qiao Ze was right!


    It was just too satisfying, impossible to stop.


    Meanwhile, upstairs in Zhao Guangyao''s office, the elderly professor was losing his temper at his doctoral student.


    "Is this the thesis you''re submitting? The suggestions for revision I sent you, did you use them all as toilet paper?! I''ve told you a thousand times over, research must be rigorous, rigorous! Look at what you''ve revised; it''d have been better if you hadn''t revised at all!"


    A young man in histe twenties, already beginning to show signs of a receding hairline, listened silently as his mentor ranted.


    The fact that he didn''t dare to breathe deeply only made Zhao Guangyao even angrier.


    How could there be such a vast difference between people?


    After following him for two or three years, this student still couldn''t address a vector norm''s geometric characterization properly.


    If it had been him back in the day...


    Well, when he was in Germany, it seemed that his mentor used to scold him the same way! And that German old man had quite a temper...


    As this thought crossed his mind, Zhao Guangyao''s anger finally began to subside, and he said in a softer tone, "Zhang Liwei, I don''t want to say too much today.


    You know the graduation requirements for a doctorate at the School of Mathematics, either four ordinary papers with at least one indexed by SCI; or at least one high-level academic paper published in an international academic journal indexed by SCI, with an impact factor above 4.0."


    "You insisted on choosing thetter path against advice. Now, if you can''t even get past me, do you think you can get it published?"


    "Boss, I..."


    "Enough said!"


    Zhao Guangyao waved his hand, looking at this student he once had high hopes for, and suddenly, an idea struck him, and he said involuntarily, "Take it back and revise it. If you really have no clue... um... the School has recently admitted a student who is now studying with the freshman mathematics foundation ss. See if you can find a chance to consult with him privately."


    "Huh?" Zhang Liwei was stunned, then felt utterly deste.


    Really, the random ranting from Zhao didn''t hit as hard as thisst sentence did.


    To consult a freshman?


    Is the boss trying to humiliate me to death?


    "What''s with that look? Do you think Qiao Ze is an ordinary freshman? His... never mind! Anyway, I''ve shown you a clear path; whether you take it or not is up to you."


    "But let me tell you, if you actually go to consult with him, keep a low profile. Also, definitely do not use your real name, and don''t say you are my student, in fact, don''t mention the mentor at all. If he agrees to give you guidance, there might still be some hope! Oh, say you were sent by Professor Li Jiangao."


    "Besides, whatever he tells you, remember it ande back and report to me exactly as it was!"


    Zhao Guangyao instructed seriously, and after finishing, looking at Zhang Liwei''s dazed face, he felt that his student might not be entirely reliable, so he added, "You can secretly record it on your phone."


    Seeing Zhao Guangyao''s earnest expression, Zhang Liwei froze again.


    Is my mentor really being serious?


    Not to use my real name, not to mention my mentor...


    Does my mentor really believe a freshman undergraduate could show me the way? And what''s with the recording?

 Chapter 53: Chapter 52 An Unconventional Mutual Rush

    Xingcheng.


    "Here, Qiao Ze''s mother, let''s first toast to Yu together, to thank him for his help in facilitating Qiao Ze''s smooth entry into one of our Huaxia''s top universities."


    In the private room of Cuiwei Residence, Zhou Xujang took the lead in raising his ss.


    He and Yu were drinking Budweiser while Lu Xiuxiu''s cup, as usual, was filled with juice.


    "This... Zhou, please don''t say that. The first toast should be to Ms. Lu, to thank her for raising a pir of the future of our nation," Yu Chenggong said earnestly, shedding his usual slick demeanor.


    Zhou Xujang knew Yu Chenggong well.


    This guy differed from other admissions teachers in temperament¡ªless bookish and more streetwise in his dealings with them, never putting on airs. Yet when interacting with students and parents, he could indeed y the part of respectable.


    But he had never disyed the attitude he showed today.


    His manner toward Lu Xiuxiu had gone beyond simply treating her as the parent of a student.


    However, turning the conversation back, if they truly regarded Lu Xiuxiu as a standard parent of a student, they wouldn''t have invited her to this dinner at all.


    For someone who runs faster than anyone toward interests and doesn''t touch anythingcking them, such an attitude could only mean one thing.


    The school''s satisfaction with Qiao Ze reached a level that could bring significant benefits to the person specifically handling the matter.


    They could evenpletely disregard the weaknesses that were inly visible in the child.


    The child he had led for three years actually had merits he had never discovered?


    "Right, right, right, my mistake, let''s first toast to Ms. Lu," suppressing the astonishment in his heart, Zhou Xujang willingly lifted his ss and toasted Lu Xiuxiu.


    Lu Xiuxiu, slightly unnaturally, raised her cup brimming with juice and clinked it with the two teachers.


    "Teacher Yu is too polite, thank you both teachers, you are both benefactors to Qiao Ze, and I represent Qiao Ze in expressing our gratitude to you," Lu Xiuxiu said somewhat flusteredly.


    "Haha, it''s nothing, Ms. Lu, please eat more, the main reason for inviting you today was to report that Qiao Ze is adapting well at school and is currently studying with the basic mathematics ss. When I took Qiao Ze around the campus, I even specifically took several photos of him, just wait a moment, and I will send them to you on WeChat," Yu said.


    Watching Yu Chenggong''snguage be so obsequious that it was even making him ufortable, Zhou Xujang''s confusion peaked.


    This... is all this really necessary?


    Finally, after three rounds of drinks and most of the dishes consumed, Zhou Xujang took Yu Chenggong outside under the pretext of a trip to the restroom.


    Standing next to a urinal in the men''s bathroom, Zhou Xujang finally voiced the question he could hardly hold back: "Teacher Yu, I don''t quite understand, that kid Qiao Ze..."


    "Hahaha, Zhou, you were mistaken, weren''t you? Let me put it this way, that kid... schrs from Yanbei and Huaqing probably aren''t even qualified to teach him!" Yu Chenggong, who had spent the whole afternoon finalizing Qiao Ze''s file, boasted proudly.


    Normally, the processing wouldn''t have been so quick.


    But who would have thought that a sick child like Qiao Ze, whom nobody held out hope for regarding his exam results, would sign on to a first-ss university in advance? For the school, this was an unexpected delight. Moreover, with the good reputation of Xilin University of Technology in recent years, the school didn''t want to offend the admissions teachers of such first-ss universities.


    Plus, Yu Chenggong was famously good atworking and speaking, the men under him directly stuffed whole boxes of cigarettes, and the women were all praises, naturally everything was smooth sailing for him.


    The electronic records were simple, and for delivering the paper archives, Yu Chenggong even paid for the round-trip taxi fares¡­


    After resolving Qiao Ze''s student status issue, he wasn''t afraid the school would have any regrets, and his words flowed freely without restraint.


    "Ah?!" Zhou Xujang was so shocked by Yu Chenggong''s words that he almost pushed his pee back in.


    "No, no, Teacher Yu, don''t joke around!"


    "Haha, Teacher Zhou, you all misjudged, didn''t you? About that kid Qiao Ze, well¡­ his current level in mathematics is not even slightly inferior to any professors at our school! He went to the School of Mathematics for two days, and directly made the dean of our School of Mathematics hair stand on end!


    Afraid that his student status wasn''t secure enough and that someone might snatch him away, they chased after me today to get the procedures done!"


    Zhou Xujang fell silent.


    He began to recall every interaction he had had with Qiao Ze.


    How to say it?


    Memorable indeed, but upon reflection, probably only two words¡ªsick!


    "This¡­" Zhou Xujang didn''t know what to say for a moment.


    Yu Chenggong, who had just returned from the restroom, raised his hand and patted Zhou Xujang''s shoulder, saying, "Haha, stop thinking about it. Even if given another chance, you wouldn''t notice. Do you know why? Because we''re all freaking dumb! Before meeting Professor Li from our school, he didn''t even deign to speak to idiots like us!


    Of course, it''s not just us, this means that in his eyes, everyone at your high school is a bunch of idiots!


    But if you ask me, the dumbest has to be that Olympiad coach at your school. ording to my reevaluation, a kid like Qiao Ze should have shined in the math Olympiad, and then probably Xilin University of Technology wouldn''t have been part of the picture! But who could have imagined that you didn''t let himpete at all? However, this is good, really good!


    Let me tell you this, if I be the head of admissions next year, Qiao Ze will be my greatest asset!"


    "I¡­" Zhou Xujang felt like he was choking on a mouthful of old blood.


    Who the hell could endure such an evaluation!


    A fool from high school?!


    Zhou Xujang couldn''t believe these words came from the usually slick Yu Chenggong.


    "Don''t feel wronged! Do you know the first thing Qiao Ze said to me? He thought that although my IQ was low, I might still be of some help when he goes abroad for exchange, so he deigned to call me ''Teacher Yu'' and even thanked me as a favor. My feeling at the time was probably just like what you''re experiencing now. My heart was cursing, you know?"


    "But he''s just that strong! The vice-dean of Jiang University''s School of Mathematics, even wearing the cap of a Yangtze River Schr, came to Xingcheng for an academic conference. He was supposed to speak first on the stage, but he requested leave and didn''t attend, all just to fight for that kid!


    Besides him, five professors from first-ss universities, including Professor Li from our school, were absent from the conference, all for the purpose of recruiting Qiao Ze!"


    "Still feeling angry? But then again, if you think he''s sick, and he thinks you''re idiots, haha¡­ this sure counts as a kind of mutual rush, doesn''t it? Hahaha¡­"


    For some reason, after saying these words, Yu Chenggong couldn''t help butugh out loud, and the more heughed, the louder he got, to the point where he could hardly stop himself, even clutching his belly¡­


    Drawing sidelong nces¡­


    This guy, he must''ve drunk too much, right?!


    But Yu Chenggong didn''t care about that at all.


    Honestly, he couldn''t even remember when was thest time heughed so heartily, so right now all he wanted was to indulge in the moment¡­ it was just too hrious!


    A stunned Zhou Xujang became the involuntary backdrop.

 Chapter 54 : 53: Extremely Interesting!

    Xilin City, Xilin University of Technology Science Building.


    Qiao Ze was sitting in Li Jiangao''s office, reading through the paper he had refined in coboration with Li, once again.


    Originally, he had been studying in the library with Su Mucheng that afternoon.


    However, a little after two in the afternoon, Su Mucheng''s peace was disrupted by a phone call and then a message on WeChat...


    She said a friend had arrived, and she had to go to meet them, so she left reluctantly.


    Left alone in the library, Qiao Ze suddenly didn''t know what to do, so he sent a WeChat message to Li Jiangao and was then invited over to work on revising the paper.


    How to put it...


    After adhering to the standard format, the organization of the content indeed became much clearer.


    But it also seemed much more verbose.


    Many things that he had considered self-evident had, under Li Jian''s patient guidance, been expanded to include many more details.


    ording to Li, the reviewers, those big shots, were generally not young. Their minds didn''t work as quickly as younger ones, so writing out the processes in more detail could speed up the review process.


    Qiao Ze epted this exnation and even added some new illustrations himself because he had begun to realize that not everyone possesses a strong spatial imagination.


    This series of amendments expanded the original eight-page paper directly to 17 pages.


    However, the overall structure hadn''t really changed.


    This afternoon had also allowed Li Jiangao to witness Qiao Ze''s efficiency firsthand.


    He had justpleted one process in the morning, with barely any breaks in between. Aside from getting a ss of water and stretching, he spent almost all of his time researching, drawing diagrams, and fleshing out the proof process.


    But after Qiao Ze arrived, he listened to Li''s exnations, quickly got to work, and in less than three hours, he had filled in all the parts that were deemed too abbreviated and added the illustrations used in the proof process, all in one fell swoop.


    This made Li Jiangao fully recognize the gap between himself and Qiao Ze¡ªit was probably as big as the distance between a genius and an idiot...


    It was quite a relief.


    At least he hadn''t sunk toparing wits with a dog.


    Remembering his university days when he was also regarded as a genius by his peers, Li Jiangao felt ashamed.


    Indeed, one must remain humble; who knows where there might be a heaven-defying person hidden?


    Of course, the young man before him probably didn''t need to be modest under any circumstances, ever.


    Because Li Jiangao couldn''t imagine that if there were someone with a higher IQ than Qiao Ze, how abnormal that would be!


    "Phew... that''s done. Qiao Ze, what do you think about the paper, where do you want to submit it?"


    Afterposing hisplex emotions, Li Jiangao asked Qiao Ze calmly.


    Qiao Ze shook his head and replied, "I don''t know."


    He truly didn''t know.


    Qiao Ze had never seriously researched journals; he stumbled upon papers by chance, focusing on their content rather than being concerned with where those damned articles were published.


    Li Jiangao let out a sigh of relief.


    Thankfully, there was something this guy didn''t understand.


    If he did, Li was ready to hand over his office to Qiao Ze.


    "Well, let''s put it this way, there are four top journals internationally recognized in the mathematicsmunity. This paper may not reach the top level of these four, but at least it is above the average. However, it''s risky to submit to these four right off the bat."


    Li Jiangao said this and slowed his speech because he felt somewhat inferior.


    If he had more academic achievements and was more famous in the mathematicsmunity, he wouldn''t be in this awkward position now.


    After a moment''s hesitation, he still decided to tell the truth, "Frankly, I don''t have the ability to submit to these four for you. Generally, it''s very difficult for ordinary schrs to get noticed when submitting to these four, not to mention how long it might take to get feedback.


    But if you really want to submit there, I could introduce you to a big-shot mentor who could rmend you, although the corresponding author would usually have to add his name."


    Qiao Ze immediately shook his head and said, "No need, you''re the corresponding author, and I''m the first author. Even though this paper is quite ordinary, it should only carry our two names. As for which journal to submit to, you decide."


    Li Jiangao was stunned, then immediately said, "Not exactly, Qiao Ze, you might not quite understand the role of the corresponding author..."


    "I understand that part, the first listed on every paper is the corresponding author," Qiao Ze nodded and then calmly said, "But does that matter? This kind of paper, I can think up easily, I could write many, many of them. I''ll wait till I''m famous before I be the corresponding author."


    Li Jian Gao felt like crying again.


    It wasn''t just because he was moved.


    But it was thetter half of Qiao Ze''s sentence.


    If he could write one or two papers in his lifetime that met the standards of the top four academic journals in terms of creativity and academic level, Li Jian Gao would be satisfied.


    Qiao Ze''s words about being able to write "a lot, a lot more"¡ªwhich professor could hear that and not be disarmed?


    Moreover, there was no way to refute it.


    The first draft of this paper took only eight hours.


    The revision took a day, but most of that day was because he was learning.


    If he had called Qiao Ze over earlier, half a day would have probably been enough.


    So Li Jian Gao fell silent and, after a few minutes, smiled and said to Qiao Ze, "Alright, well... it''s gettingte, why don''t you head back to your dormitory." Find out what happens next on m_vl.em,pyr


    "Sure, Li Shu, goodbye."


    Qiao Ze stood up naturally and left the office.


    One could tell from his calm demeanor that he truly had no expectations or curiosity about where the paper would be published.


    Li Jian Gao himself started to feel it was all rather tasteless.


    Was this the temperament of a future big shot? A top journal publication... what does it even matter!


    After watching Qiao Ze leave, Li Jian Gao quietly began preparing the paper for submission.


    It was something he was well-versed in.


    Truthfully, he felt embarrassed to be the corresponding author, but the harsh reality was that if he published the paper under Qiao Ze''s name alone, the other party would definitely not take it seriously.


    Unless it was submitted to a low-tier journal...


    But this paper, even if it couldn''t make it to the top four international journals, should at least aim for an international core journal, not even contemting those with an impact factor below 5.0.


    After all, lower-tier journals might not even find capable reviewers, which would be a true waste of a good manuscript.


    In the end, Li Jian Gao chose the journal hosted by the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences¡ªPure and Applied Mathematics Communications.


    This was also considered a top-tier publication in the mathematics field, although not as renowned as the top four.


    But the quality of the manuscript and even the impact factor ranking were not inferior to the top four mathematics journals.


    Furthermore, its selection criteria ced more emphasis on originality and groundbreaking achievements in the field of mathematics.


    Qiao Ze''s manuscript was definitely up to par.


    But when Li Jian Gao opened the submission system and began editing the corresponding author information, he hesitated for a moment.


    In the end, he listed both himself and Qiao Ze as the corresponding authors.


    One paper with two corresponding authors wasn''t really a big issue.


    This way, he could feel a bit more at ease.


    Of course, Qiao Ze''s name remained as the sole primary author.


    Manuscript type, research content, title, abstract, keywords...


    As he was about to upload the paper, Li Jian Gao hesitated.


    The paper didn''t have any references, which made him feel uneasy. He thought about advising Qiao Ze to add some randomly, but then he considered the kid''s attitude and decided to let it go...


    Finally came the signing of the copyright transfer agreement.


    Half an hourter, everything was settled, and Li Jian Gao let out a sigh of relief. Unconsciously, he put himself in Qiao Ze''s shoes and amusingly thought, "Editors of Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications, you''d better have a clue."


    Really, when Li Jian Gao tried to see the world from Qiao Ze''s perspective, he found it¡ªtruly freaking interesting to the extreme!

 Chapter 55 : 54 My Boyfriend Doesnt Like to Talk to Fools

    At this moment, Su Mucheng was in a hotel restaurant about five kilometers from her school, staring down a man eye to eye.


    Yes, it was this man who made Su Mucheng leave Qiao Ze toe for a meeting.


    She had no choice because the man''s name was Su Lixing, her father, whom she considered to be quite unreliable.


    As Su Mucheng revealed over the phone, her father owned apany by the name of Licheng Software Technology Co., Ltd.


    One might think that the owner of thispany favored a certain beverage, but in fact, the founder simplybined a character from his own name and his daughter''s.


    This clearly shows someone whocks creativity in naming.


    Thus, it was quite reasonable to directly use a name from someone else''s novel for his daughter''s name.


    Licheng Software may sound ordinary and it certainly isn''t very well-known among general users, but in the industry, especially in the software sector of the entire East China region, it''s actually quite famous.


    This probably also had to do with Su Lixing''s personality.


    He never aimed to do something shy or be a well-known chairman or anything of the sort.


    Therefore, after founding thepany, he focused solely on one thing, software outsourcing.


    To be more specific, providing software development, testing, and all business process outsourcing services¡ªthepany could meet any need a customer had.


    Many bosses who started businesses in this field around the same time had actually be quite wealthy.


    After all, more than a decade ago, China''s inte was just starting to take off, and getting into this field then was like catching the wind.


    Especially during the few years when mobile inte was just emerging and rapidly developing, the money made was truly as if it was swept in by a gale.


    But not everyone could face the temptation of a sudden surge in wealth.


    After all, money earned from software outsourcing was hard-earned, and with technology rapidly evolving and more people bing knowledgeable, those bosses who had initially feasted started to get various ideas.


    Some diversified, some decided to invest in real estate, and others blindly expanded their scale and rushed to other regions to snatch up territory.


    But Su Lixing was different, he felt it was enough to do well what he already knew.


    While others were busy exploring new tracks, all of Licheng Software''s new business developments still revolved around software outsourcing.


    When others were making big money in real estate, Licheng Software internally continued its technological iterations.


    Find your next read at m v lem|p-yr


    While others were scrambling for dominance everywhere, Licheng Software formed a dedicated team that traveled within the East China region to gauge the software needs of different enterprises and merchants and create their own regional software pain point needs database¡­


    They maintained a single track policy, no matter how fast the external racenes changed, Licheng Software focused exclusively on their one path and pressed the elerator to the end.


    Worst case, thepany would go bankrupt and call it quits!


    After all, Su Lixing never nned to run a massive enterprise with tens of thousands of employees, nor to make it into the Fortune Global 500.


    He already felt exhausted managing apany with over a thousand employees, barely having time for his hobbies!


    Yet inexplicably, more than a decadeter, today, while the entire software outsourcing market had already significantly shrunk, the performance of Licheng Software waspletely unaffected. Mainly because in the entire East China region, it had nopetitors in the field of software outsourcing.


    Its partners were state-owned enterprises, State-owned Enterprises, and even those world-famouspanies listed in the Fortune Global 500.


    It was pretty much Licheng Software feasting on the meat, tossing out the less desirable scraps for others to frantically scramble over.


    In recent years, the technicians who left Licheng were highly sought after in the field of software outsourcing.


    There was even a period of time when headhunting firms were targeting Licheng''s employees.


    Su Lixing''s attitude was very straightforward.


    Poach anyone you want, because employees at a certain level would all sign nonpete agreements. Thepany doesn''t mind offering more money for resignations, but if they jump ship, the newpany would owepensation. As long as thepensation was satisfactory, thepany would profit, and the former employees could get a sry several times higher than before, why not?


    ```


    After all, people can be poached, but Licheng''s huge database can''t be taken away.


    And indeed, the facts have proved that when the tform chose to focus on developing its ''Inner Strength'', individuals who left the tform didn''t have the ability to turn the tide on their own.


    A massive user pain point database isn''t something that can be built in one or two years.


    It took Licheng a full five years to build this database back when the inte wasn''t as developed as it is today, scams weren''t so rampant, and people were willing to talk when we proactively went door-to-door for research.


    In this day and age, which boss has the patience to give a high-sry executive five or six years to catch up?


    Not to mention that Licheng is always able to ess first-hand data and continuously updates this database monthly.


    So, the poaching craze has also quieted down over the years.


    Therefore, it''s no exaggeration to say that Su Lixing really is a very sessful and domineering CEO.


    Of course, a sessful boss isn''t so free to drop everything for a woman, fly two or three hours across half of Huaxia, just for a single meeting.


    People like that are basically ipatible with the persona of a domineering CEO.


    After all, thepany has a lot going on and really needs its domineering CEO.


    But it''s a different story with daughters, daughters truly can.


    Considering that Su Lixing has only this precious daughter whom he adores, he is adamant about not having a second child, fearing that someone may dare to dispute the family property with her.


    Now his treasure might be dug up by someone else''s pig, and he simply must take a look for himself.


    He needs to understand who''s raised the pig that could be so bold!


    ...


    The mutual staring contest continued for two minutes, and in the end, it was Su Lixing who gave in.


    "Chengzi, look, Daddy hase all this way just to meet that boy. Can''t I please have a meal with him? I''m not trying to oppose your rtionship. I just hope to get to know him a little better," Su Lixing said with a gentle smile, switching to a softer tactic.


    "Oh, if I had known that the great father wasing just to see him, I wouldn''t have bothered you. I was so excited after eating your meal, but now I feel let down after hearing your words. Ultimately, it''s this daughter''s fault, and if you can''t stand to see me happy, I have nothing to say. But your request today really chills my heart like ice.


    It''s all my fault for bothering you too much," Su Mucheng said softly, giving Su Lixing a look.


    Without a hint of sarcasm, but somehow, she had Su Lixing wrapped around her finger.


    He grinned bitterly, then pped the table, adopting the domineering CEO''s demeanor and said with authority, "Alright, my dear daughter, you call him out for a meal with us tomorrow! As long as he''s as smart and capable as you say, no matter what research project he wants to pursue and needs money for, whether it''s a million, ten million, or even twenty million, I''ll invest in him, alright?!"


    These words had an immediate effect, for Su Mucheng cocked her head, her dark eyes whirling in their sockets as she stared at Su Lixing and asked, "Really?"


    "Has Daddy ever lied to you since you were a child?"


    "Yes! You said you''d invite Professor Lu over to teach me math, did you?"


    "Cough cough... um... I meant in terms of money..."


    "Nothinges to mind... Okay then. But I need to ask him first, and if he doesn''t agree to meet you, and you dare to disturb him secretly, I will never acknowledge you again!"


    "Heh... agreed!"


    "Can I also invite another professor then?"


    "Huh?"


    "Dad, my boyfriend doesn''t really like talking to fools; I''m worried you''ll be embarrassed!"


    "Heh..."


    ```

 Chapter 56: Chapter 55 Its Actually Very Bitter!

    Qiao Ze halted at the door of the dormitory, dug out his sses case from his pocket, and put on the sses he had gotten today before pushing the door and entering the dorm.


    To his surprise, the dorm was full today; all three of them were there, lively engaged in ying a game.


    "Quick, Gu, Chen,e up and catch them."


    "Coming,ing..."


    "Wait, okay, go!"


    "Catch, catch, catch, ult!"


    "Good, retreat now, Chen you''re out of health, ah..."


    ...


    Watching everyone enthusiastically ying the game, Qiao Ze felt pretty good about it.


    It indicated that everyone had adjusted their mental state and should be able to face the end-of-term exams calmly.


    That was great.


    So he quietly moved to his seat.


    He couldn''t get involved in such asions.


    After all, gaming really didn''t hold any appeal for Qiao Ze, it was even boring to him.


    To watch little figures jump around on a tiny screen, he didn''t need to download games; just downloadingst year''s math college entrance examination paper from the inte and staring at it for two minutes would do.


    Chen Yiwen, who had just been sent back to the fountain by the enemy team, looked up and greeted him, "Back already? Huh? Why are you wearing sses?"


    "Um..." Qiao Ze thought for a moment and came up with a reason, "Actually, looking at papers can really strain the eyes too."


    He couldn''t say that it was just to make them feel a bit better.


    Qiao Ze figured he still understood such basic human interactions.


    Though he had only been in touch for three days, his roommates had actually taught him a few things.


    For instance, if you want everyone to get along, it''s best not to show off.


    But who would have thought his words would still make Chen Yiwen silently bow his head.


    The two who were engrossed in their intense game involuntarily trembled their hands.


    Then they looked up simultaneously, catching each other''s eye.


    They seemed to lose interest in the game at the same time and stopped shouting out loud.


    Qiao Ze sensed the change in the dorm atmosphere and asked in puzzlement, "What''s wrong?"


    Zhang Zhou said with a morose face, "Qiao, can we not talk about papers, research topics, and stuff like that in the dorm anymore? It makes everyone feel miserable..."


    "Oh!" Qiao Ze nodded and then asked, "Is it okay to look at them though?"


    "Yes, of course, you can look, just don''t mention it, and we''ll be fine!" Gu Zhengliang nodded repeatedly.


    Chen Yiwen nced at the two and disdainfully said, "You can fool others, but you''re also trying to fool yourselves? Is it so hard to admit someone is better than you? Is it such a big deal that a pro hase to our dorm?"


    "What do you mean, Chen?"


    "What do I mean? My n is set; after graduation, I''m going back home to take over the family business and live a life barely getting by on collecting rent. After all, my math skills are more than enough to manage those ounts," Chen Yiwen said indifferently.


    "Chen, don''t do that! Are these the words of the man who was once so ambitious, one who wanted to put the ss representative under his heel, aimed to get into the Yanbei Mathematics Institute for grad school, and aspired to date the best female PhD candidate of the Math Institute?


    If you really go back home to collect rent, then your future is doomed!" Zhang Zhou stopped ying the game and looked up to say exaggeratedly.


    Chen Yiwen fell silent for a moment, then looked up at Qiao Ze with a yful remark, "Forget it, I''ll leave my future doctor from Yanbei University''s School of Mathematics to Qiao Ze to take care of. In the future, I just need to find someone young and pretty for myself."


    Clearly, Qiao Ze didn''t take it as a joke and shook his head seriously, "I won''t go to Yanbei University. I''ll stay here."


    "Why? It was one thing to stay here during your undergrad, but you''re still staying here as a grad student?"


    At this point, all three lost interest in ying games, their curiosity turning towards Qiao Ze.


    Just as Qiao Ze didn''t know how to exin, someone suddenly knocked on the door and peeked half their body in, politely asking, "Hello, is Qiao Ze in this dorm room?"


    "Who is it? Looking for our Qiao... Ah, hello, may I ask who you are?" Zhang Zhou impatiently turned his head, only to realize that the visitor seemed somewhat older,


    "Oh, my name is Wang Ke, ''Wang'' as in ''king'', and ''Ke'' as in ''science''. I''m a grad student at the institute, and Professor Li Jian Gao asked me to look for Qiao Ze." Zhang Liwei entered the dorm room and said with impable manners.


    Then his eyes swept around the room andnded on Qiao Ze.


    Afterward, Zhang Liwei felt this must be the person his boss said could help him.


    Because clearly, out of the four, this guy was the most exceptional.


    "No way, dude, you''re a grad student?" Zhang Zhouughed, saying, "If you hadn''t mentioned it, I would''ve thought you were one of our faculty members. Dude, do all the grad students in our institute lose their hair this badly?"


    Zhang Liwei nced at Zhang Zhou, touched his head, and chuckled awkwardly, "Hey, little brother, you''ll understand once you do your master''s. Hitting an international 4.0 or two domestic core papers along with two lesser ones is not that easy to achieve."


    There was no way around it, even if he had assumed a pseudonym, he couldn''t bring himself to say he was a doctoral student.


    As for going bald...


    Wait until you, youngster, get into grad school, choose a challenging topic with great enthusiasm, and then can''t figure it out, then you''ll naturally understand.


    Your journey starts at m_v le mpyr


    Not to mention, he had already psyched himself up for this visit, so a little thing like this wasn''t going to make him lose hisposure.


    "Damn, are grad students really expected to be this hardcore now? Doing a master''s means publishing international SCI papers with an impact factor of no less than 4.0?" Zhang Zhou nearly leapt up.


    Zhang Liwei wished he could p himself...


    He was pretending to be a grad student, so why had he blurted out the doctoral graduation requirements?


    He could only vaguely reply, "Yeah, it''s going to get harder and harder in the future."


    He then lost interest in engaging Zack Zhou further and turned to Qiao Ze, who had been silent, smiling as he said, "You must be Qiao Ze, right? I''m stuck with my paper, and luckily today I ran into Professor Li, who said you could give me some advice. So, I specifically came with my paper to consult with you."


    This time, the other three in the dorm had no trace of surprise.


    After all, Qiao Ze was even able to provide feedback on professors'' published works, and they had humbly epted it. Guiding a grad student should be a piece of cake for him.


    But their hearts still couldn''t help but flutter.


    It was too demoralizing...


    Why did they have to witness this scene in the dorm?


    If only I were Qiao Ze, I would be able to show off right now.


    However, Qiao Ze clearly had no interest in showing off; he simply nodded calmly and then extended his hand.


    While Zhang Liwei was still in shock, Gu Zhengliang couldn''t hold back any longer, chiming in, "Aren''t you here to ask my Qiao for advice on writing your paper? Hurry up and hand it over!"


    "Oh!" Zhang Liwei came to his senses, quickly handing over the paper with the cover he had hastily changed.


    Qiao Ze took the paper and started looking over it seriously.


    The other three in the dorm room gathered together, whispering among themselves.


    Wang Ke, alias Zhang Liwei, stood beside Qiao Ze, awkwardly staring at Qiao Ze''s empty bookshelf, lost in thought.


    So ashamed...


    But what could he do?


    Who else understands the woes of a half-baked doctorate?

 Chapter 57: Chapter 56: You Wont Live until the Postgraduate Entrance Exam Day?

    Ten minutes...


    For the first time, Zhang Liwei felt what it was like to experience time dragging on interminably.


    A few people whispered incessantly among themselves.


    Qiao Ze stared at his thesis in silence without any expression.


    Really, several times Zhang Liwei had the impulse to snatch his thesis back and just run away.


    But he still restrained himself.


    This time, he had mustered up all his courage toe here.


    The problem was that snatching it was easy, but if he went back, he still couldn''t produce results and getting scolded by his mentor would be the least of his worries.


    If he couldn''t graduate, he would truly be letting down all the hair he had lost over the years.


    If he had toe back next time...


    Forget it, he really couldn''t suffer that embarrassment.


    ...


    Finally, Qiao Ze turned to thest page of the thesis and then calmly looked at him.


    Even with the obstruction of the sses, the probing look still made Zhang Liwei feel ufortable all over.


    "You''re a Ph.D., right?" Qiao Ze asked.


    "Ah?" Zhang Liwei''s first reaction was to nce at the people behind him, blush, then take a deep breath and exin calmly, "Uh... yes... did you figure it out from my thesis?"


    "No, your topic must have been filed previously within the school, and there was a notice on the intr, I nced at it briefly and then remembered it," Qiao Ze exined casually.


    Zhang Liwei was speechless.


    What was an undergraduate doing paying attention to that kind of thing?


    "Ah? Dude, you''re not a graduate student? You''re a Ph.D.? No wonder, but why did you pretend to be a graduate student?" Zhang Zhou couldn''t help but ask.


    Zhang Liwei turned his head, his face red as he forcefully exined, "ssmate, ''Ph.D.'' is just the colloquial term; the full title is actually Doctoral Candidate. I simply omitted the prefix, that''s all."


    That made sense...


    But seeing the teasing look in the three people''s eyes, Zhang Liwei was finally about to break down, but before he could speak, Qiao Ze spoke again: "Well, how should I put it, you should rewrite it. Your approach is wrong, the analytical tools you''ve used are incorrect, naturally leading you into a dead end.


    Moreover, it''s evident that your intellect is not suited for nomutative geometry; this field is too abstract for you."


    Zhang Liwei turned his head and looked at Qiao Ze with disbelief.


    Qiao Ze shook his head without saying anything more. Instead, he picked up a pen, turned around, and began to write and draw on the thesis. Ten minutester, he handed the thesis back to Zhang Liwei.


    "If you insist on pursuing this topic, that''s all the help I can offer. If you understand it, continue with it; if you don''t, I still suggest you switch directions promptly. Your mentor can provide you with much more help in algebraic geometry than you would get struggling with this topic."


    "How do you know who my mentor is?"


    "The thought process demonstrated in your paper is exactly like his. Hasn''t he been emphasizing the importance of tools to you all along?"


    "Hmm?"


    Just when he was filled with anger, that sentence dissipated it all again.


    "There you have it. If you want to achieve innovative results, don''t stick to conventional methods; try to prepare your own tools instead of blindly copying others''. If you feel incapable, it would be better to improve upon the results others have already verified. After all, that would be enough to graduate."


    After finishing speaking, Qiao Ze stopped paying attention to Zhang Liwei and picked up his phone, which had just received a WeChat notification.


    At this time, the people who generally send him a WeChat message could only be one of three: Li Jian Gao, Lu Xiu Xiu, or Su Mu Cheng.


    Any one of them was far more important than the dim-witted fellow in front of him.


    It was also the perfect moment for Zhang Liwei, who really couldn''t stay here any longer, to pick up his thesis and walk away.


    No matter what, he had alsopleted the task assigned to him by his mentor.


    Although Zhao Guangyao had not explicitly said it had to be done this way, at the time, Zhang Liwei could still understand the attitude.


    He had indeedpleted his mentor''s task.


    Well, it should count, right?


    Anyway, after leaving the dormitory building, Zhang Liwei felt that the air on campus was really damn fresh!


    He secretly swore in his heart never to enter that building again!


    ...


    Watching Zhang Liwei sprint out of the dormitory door, the three people who had been huddled together and chatting sleazily instantly burst intoughter.


    Zhang Zhou was the first to speak, "Fuck, Qiao, you''re really awesome, sending the Ph.D. running in three sentences. Did you feel like you were acting just like a mentor scolding a student just now?"


    Chen Yiwen also nodded and said, "Yeah, just like when Zhu scolds someone."


    "No, shouldn''t we make a sign? Charge an entry fee? Otherwise, any Tom, Dick, or Harry coulde and seek advice from our Qiao? By the way, Qiao, did you notice when you humiliated him with ''your IQ isn''t suitable for nomutative geometry'', his face turned green!" Gu Zhengliang excitedly added.


    "Why would I want to humiliate him? It''s true his IQ isn''t suitable for nomutative geometry," Qiao Ze responded casually, putting down his phone.


    What he didn''t expect was that the person who had just sent a WeChat wasn''t one of those three.


    Instead, it was a message from his former ss teacher, quite abruptly and oddly saying, "Qiao Ze, the teacher didn''t take enough care of you before and apologizes. Don''t take it to heart. A new beginning, keep it up, the teacher believes in your future!"


    These types of boring messages were usually not replied to.


    "No? He''s a Ph.D. candidate now, and his IQ is still not up to par?"


    "It''s not just about whether his IQ is up to par; it''s that his thinking is already limited. For example, if you guys want to go into his field of research in the future, you''ll definitely have a brighter future than him," Qiao Ze said seriously.


    It was a heartfeltment, but it stunned the three roommates in the dormitory.


    Truly stunned.


    Especially Chen Yiwen, who moved his mouth but didn''t say anything. His eyes, however, seemed to redden a bit.


    "That... Qiao, you''re serious about what you just said, right?" Zhang Zhou asked shakily.


    Qiao Ze nodded, somewhat puzzled why the three of them were suddenly acting so strange.


    "You''re not just saying that tofort us?" Gu Zhengliang asked again for confirmation and then added, "You haven''t forgotten howst time you said that Zhang Zhou and I weren''t very bright!"


    Qiao Ze nodded again and said earnestly, "You guys really aren''t very bright, but I''ve said it, you''re not stupid! Like the Ph.D. just now, he''s already hovering on the edge of stupidity! If he doesn''t change his research topic, then he''s truly stupid."


    "Wait, let me sort this out, you mean to say a dope can get into a Ph.D. program at our School of Mathematics, so for someone like me, Chen, and Zhang Zhou, who aren''t too bright, there''s absolutely no problem getting into a better graduate school in the future?"


    Qiao Ze looked at Gu Zhengliang with surprise and said, "I don''t know about the difficulty of the graduate entrance exams, but if that person just now can get into a Ph.D. program, why would you think you can''t get into a graduate program? Are the exam questions very hard? Let me see..."


    Finishing his words, Qiao Ze turned to hisputer and started searching for past graduate entrance exam questions in mathematics. There were plenty of resources online, and he casually opened a question bank fromst year''s Math Section I...


    A momentter, Qiao Ze turned back around, looking at the three people opposite him with a puzzled gaze.


    After hesitating for a long time, he ventured to ask, "Do you all feel like you won''t live until the day of the grad exams?"


    "Pfft..."


    "Fuck!"


    "Bang..."


    Someone sprayed water, someone hit their head from standing up too fast, and another fell right over.


    Helpless when a certain top student talks about jokes seriously, the lethality is indeed too great.

 Chapter 58: Chapter 57: Hurry up and Graduate

    The boys in dormitory 408 were clearly a bit too excited at this moment.


    The big shot who had already performed countless miracles in the dormitory, he was praising them, wasn''t he?


    He must be praising them, right?


    Really, at this moment, all three were so moved that they were on the verge of tears!


    Without experiencing the constant self-doubt about their intelligence and negating themselves over a short span of two to three days, one simply cannot understand the sense of relief in their hearts right now.


    Turns out, we''re actually not that dumb!


    We''re even a little smarter than the PhD students in the school!


    This is the power of authority!


    When the three roommates subconsciously began to worship Qiao Ze as an omnipotent deity, they truly believed what Qiao Ze said.


    But in fact, this was the truth.


    Those who could get into a 985 university and be top of their ss in the School of Mathematics were, of course, not really dumb.


    They were just momentarily defeated by an intelligence they simply couldn''tprehend.


    In other words...


    They just had a mental breakdown!


    But fortunately, at this moment, the unexpected appearance of Zhang Liwei allowed Qiao Ze to pull his three friends back from the verge of a total breakdown.


    It restored the boys'' confidence once again.


    They might not be able to surpass Qiao, but could they really not outdo the average PhD student at the school?


    ...


    "Qiao, tell us, what''s the real difference between an ordinary person and a dumb person in your eyes?"


    "They''re all people."


    Qiao Ze was puzzled; it turns out that not-so-dumb people can ask dumb questions too. After thinking for a bit and realizing that his roommates were in a good mood today, he patiently exined, "For example, Gu, you''re an ordinary person. Thest time you brought me a problem, all I had to do was outline a n for solving it, and you could understand."


    "If someone is just ordinarily dumb, it means even if they are given the approach, they still won''t get it. The dumbest kind are those who don''t know how to solve it but think the problem is wrong. These types of dumb people often believe that everything they see is how the world should be."


    Really, after hearing this, Gu Zhengliang felt for the first time that being called an ordinary person was a greatpliment.


    "No way, you''ve never felt like everyone below you is nothing but pigs and dogs?" Zhang Zhou asked curiously.


    Hearing this, Qiao Ze seriously rebuked, "Li once said, ''Dumb people have dignity too! Everyone is equal.'' Don''t talk about those dumb people like that. Although they might be a bit dumb and don''t understand a lot, you can''t negate their existence on a gic level."


    "Oh... I got it. You''re absolutely right, Qiao! We must treat dumb people kindly, right?"


    "So Qiao, if we don''t understand something about math in the future, we can just ask you directly, and you won''t look down on us for being dumb, right?" Chen Yiwen finally spoke up.


    "As long as it''s not a boring question, you can find me anytime I''m in the dormitory," Qiao Ze nodded.


    After all, solving their problems by providing an approach wouldn''t take much time.


    Get more stories at m_vl_em_p_yr


    And seeing the atmosphere in the dorm gradually returning to normal, Qiao Ze even felt a touch of genuine happiness from the bottom of his heart.


    The feeling of being surrounded by ordinary people was far more uplifting to his mood than dealing with fools every day.


    University life was indeed wonderful.


    At least everyone could understand what he was saying. Unlike in high school and before, when few people were willing to listen to him finish his sentences.


    ...


    Elsewhere, Zhang Liwei had already returned to his dormitory.


    He meticulously reviewed the paper annotated by Qiao Ze, and then sadly realized that maybe, possibly, perhaps... he truly wasn''t suited for this topic.


    If Qiao Ze knew what Zhang Liwei was thinking at this moment, he would probably think this guy still had some shrewdness.


    Zhang Liwei indeed had some shrewdness.


    After silently sighing to himself, he directly called his advisor Zhao Guangyao.


    "Hello, boss, I just went to see that Qiao Ze you told me about, and he gave me some advice."


    "Hmm, okay, should Ie over now?"


    "Yes, I''ll be there in about twenty minutes."


    After hanging up the phone, Zhang Liwei reluctantly stepped out of the dormitory again.


    His advisor had asked him toe directly to his house to report the situation.


    He couldn''t possibly refuse, could he?


    ...


    Li Jian Gao was quite surprised to receive a call from Su Mucheng.


    "Hey, Su, what''s up?"


    "Professor Li, hello. It''s like this, my dad happens to be on a business trip to Xilin to see me, and he wants to invite Qiao Ze for a meal, but you know Qiao Ze has a strong personality, so I wanted to ask if you''d be avable tomorrow noon? Could you possibly find the time to join us for a meal?"


    Listening to the soft and adorable voice on the phone, Li Jiangao felt quite strange.


    He could tell that Su Mucheng had thoughts about Qiao Ze.


    What Qiao Ze felt about Su Mucheng, Li Jiangao couldn''t tell, nor could he empathize.


    But at least Li Jiangao was certain that Qiao Ze didn''t dislike Su Mucheng.


    Then the problem arose...


    If Su Mucheng was bringing her boyfriend to meet her parents, what was he doing going there?


    But considering Qiao Ze''s social skills and speaking level...


    Li Jiangao thought that perhaps he really should go.


    Yes, in case Qiao Ze got into a fight with Su Mucheng''s dad, he feared a delicate girl like her couldn''t hold them back on her own...


    So after hesitating for a moment, Li Jiangao asked, "Have you asked Qiao Ze yet? Did he agree?"


    "Not yet, I thought I''d first see when you''re avable, then talk to Qiao Ze once we''ve settled on a time. You know, Qiao Ze''s time for thinking through issues is very precious."


    Li Jiangao was speechless.


    So the way of speaking is contagious, huh?


    Has this girl been around Qiao Ze so long that she''s be so eloquent as well?


    Is she implying that his time isn''t precious?


    But on second thought, his time wasn''t indeed as precious as Qiao Ze''s.


    "I... okay, tomorrow just happens to be the weekend, I don''t have anything all day. If Qiao Ze agrees, just message me the time and address on WeChat, I''ll be sure to show up on time."


    "Thank you so much, Professor Li, you''re really kind. Well, I''m going to hang up now, I''ll go ask Qiao Ze when he''s free! Goodbye."


    "Goodbye."


    Li Jiangao hung up the phone with a bitter smile...


    Damn...


    He didn''t even know where his future father-inw was hiding!


    ...


    In Zhao Guangyao''s study, the ring incandescent light was slightly irritating to Zhang Liwei''s eyes, but thankfully, it was just him and his mentor there.


    At least he wasn''t being observed like an animal on disy.


    At that moment, Zhao Guangyao was looking at the paper Qiao Ze had helped Zhang Liwei to review.


    After a while, Zhao Guangyao let out a sigh...


    Then closed the paper.


    "What did he say?"


    "He said I''m not quite suitable for nonmutative geometry, and suggested that I switch fields."


    Zhao Guangyao looked up at Zhang Liwei and, after a moment of silence, asked, "Did he say anything else?"


    "He''s not very talkative... Oh, he figured out I''m your student. Said my paper shows a thought process quite simr to yours..."


    "Ahem, ahem..." Zhao Guangyao couldn''t help coughing twice and pursed his lips, asking, "Forget it, did you record it?"


    Zhang Liwei hurriedly nodded.


    Then he took out his phone and passed it over...


    "My name is Wang..."


    "... Student, doctor is just a colloquial term, the full title is actually Doctoral Candidate..."


    "... Was he always emphasizing the importance of tools to you?"


    "... If you want to achieve innovative results, don''t stick to conventions... If you don''t have that ability, then work on perfecting others'' work..."


    ...


    When the noise came up, Zhao Guangyao silently turned off the recording.


    After pondering for a moment, he looked up at Zhang Liwei and said gently, "Then take the advice and change your topic. This time I''ll help you choose, just graduate earlier and find a job... You''re not really cut out for research. Also, send me that recording now, and then delete it from your end."


    "Okay, boss!"


    "Right, leave that paper here as well. You can go now."


    "Okay, boss!"

 Chapter 59: Chapter 58: A Decision That Goes Against Ancestors Will

    ```


    "Oh, Liwei is leaving already?"


    "Yes, Madam, Professor has already finished discussing the topic with me."


    "Oh, then be careful on the road."


    "Okay, thank you, Madam."


    Listening to the polite conversationing from the living room, followed by the sound of a door closing, Zhao Guangyao sighed in his heart.


    However, he did not get up, but sat in his study and started to reread the annotations that Qiao Ze had made on Zhang Liwei''s paper.


    After finishing, he fell into deep thought, then stood up and began to pace around his solid wood desk in the study.


    About ten minutester, Zhao Guangyao made up his mind. He sat back at the desk, then picked up his phone and began to take photos of the paper until he had photographed all of the more than ten pages. Only then did he open WeChat and sent the entire draft of the paper over.


    Afterward, he exited WeChat and made a phone call.


    "Professor Zhang, this is Zhao Guangyao from Westwood University of Technology. Are you busy?"


    "Professor Zhao, hello, hello. No, not busy. I''m just idly watching TV with my wife, what''s up?"


    "Oh, it''s like this, Professor Zhang, one of my students is working on nomutative geometry, but as you know, I''ve been doing algebraic geometry all my life, so I really can''t give him much help. He submitted a paper requesting opinions, and I have sent you the annotations via WeChat. Could you find some time to take a look for me?"


    "That matter? Sure, just wait a moment. I''ll go to my study and have a look. I''m going to hang up now."


    "Alright, thank you for your trouble, Professor Zhang."


    After finishing, both sides hung up the phone. Zhao Guangyao sat quietly at his desk waiting for the other party''s reply, lost in thought.


    Behind him stood a bookcase filled with books, and his impressive desk was stacked with manuscripts, yet Zhao Guangyao had no inclination to touch any of them.


    After waiting half an hour, a message came through on WeChat.


    "Professor Zhao, I think the advice given is very reasonable, and some of thements even gave me some inspiration. If your student isn''t inclined to change his topic, he might as well try out the ideas suggested in these annotations."


    Zhao Guangyao read the reply, his mouth twitching, then he began to type.


    "Oh, thank you, Professor Zhang. I''ll have my student consider these opinions carefully and think about how to proceed with the proposition. Ah, the youngsters these days, I''ve told him, we mathematicians need to let go of prejudices, respect talent, yet he still feels those providing opinions are just high school students, and he''s too proud to rewrite ording to these suggestions."


    The messages from the other side came back so fast, three in a row.


    "?"


    "Uhm, Professor Zhao, are you saying these annotations were provided by a high school student?"


    "You''re not joking?"


    Zhao Guangyao immediately replied: "Ah? Don''t you know yet? I thought you were already aware. It''s the student everyone was fighting over at the conference in Xingcheng, the one snatched up by Zhang Chunlei, Liu Jie, and others. I heard that the kid spotted a mistake in a lemma proof regarding Group Theory in the third issue of ''Mathematics Annual'' from Princeton at a nce.


    Several professors went to verify ording to the method he suggested, and it turned out that the kid was actually correct. That''s the student who was epted into our Westwood University of Technology Mathematics Institute."


    "!!!"


    "What are you saying? A high school student who not only understandsmutative geometry but also knows Group Theory? And spotted an error in ''Mathematics Annual'' at a nce? And it was proven right? Professor Zhao, you haven''t been drinking today, have you?"


    "Professor Zhang, why don''t you ask around with Zhang Chunlei from Jiang University? I also find this quite absurd, but it just so happens. Hey, I won''t lie to you, I was also shocked at the time, but now I''m over that, just feeling that I''m really old!"


    After sending this message, there was no reply from the other side.


    Zhao Guangyao wasn''t bothered at all, instead, he rxed and started humming a song.


    "The passing years, the perplexities of those days, true or illusory, hard to choose, joy and sorrow, departures and reunions, all have once been..."


    ...


    ```


    ```


    Yanbei University, West District Professor Building.


    Zhang Hongcai was searching for a contact in his mobile phone.


    He knew Zhang Chunlei.


    It was two or three years ago, when Zhang Chunlei came to the Capital for a meeting, they happened to sit together, and after chatting, they discovered they were actually rted and exchanged numbers.


    But because their research interests didn''t ovep, they didn''tmunicate much on a regr basis. No, it would be more urate to say that they hadn''t reallymunicated since that time.


    After all, the disdain chain is everywhere, even divided by region.


    Even among university professors.


    For example, university professors from Mingzhu don''t think much of their counterparts from other parts of Huaxia, with the exception of the Capital, while professors from Capital University don''t think much of their counterparts from all other areas of Huaxia.


    Normally, this sentiment isn''t expressed openly, but with more interaction, one can sense that polite sense of superiority.


    Pfft, as if you''re worthy topete with us for a project we noticed first!


    Soon enough, Zhang Hongcai found Zhang Chunlei''s number in his contacts and didn''t hesitate to call him.


    Although he still didn''t understand what Professor Zhao meant, a high school student being able to write those annotations was enough to pique his interest.


    "Hello, Chunlei, remember me?"


    "Haha, Hongcai, forget anyone but I certainly can''t forget you! Last time I passed by Yanbei University, I wanted to give you a call to grab a meal together, but unfortunately, just then a friend from the teacher''s college called, and I missed the chance!"


    "Hey, next time in such a situation, invite me too. The teacher''s college is close to us, and many there are old friends already!"


    "Sure, sure! By the way, Hongcai, did you need something from me today?"


    "Haha, indeed, I wanted to ask you about something. I''ve heard that you met a promising student in Xingcheng during a meeting a while back?"


    "Geez... Good news really travels a thousand miles, huh! Don''t even mention it; he''s far from just a promising student, you know! Let me put it this way, he''s already a towering tree. Just yesterday, I asked Professor Li on WeChat about the kid''s recent situation, and I tell you...


    well, I think it won''t be more than a year or two before your Yanbei University will have a very strong impression of him."


    "From what you''re saying, how do you think his levelpares to yours?" Zhang Hongcai couldn''t help but make a joke.


    But that joke caused silence on the other end for quite a while, and Zhang Hongcai almost thought he had offended him and that the call had been ended.


    "Hello...?"


    "Ah... Hongcai, that wasn''t right of you, why remind me of this? I suspect, just suspect, that my level could probably be on par with his right now? But in another year or two, that''s hard to say. After all, he''s only eighteen, and I''m nearing forty-eight."


    Zhang Hongcai was silent for a while, then asked, "After all that, what''s the kid''s name?"


    "Really? You know about him but not his name? Who mentioned this to you, Liu Jie? Qian Zhengming?"


    Zhang Hongcai was somewhat annoyed...


    He had forgotten to ask Zhao Guangyao.


    "Ah... Why ask about that? I heard it from a professor here in the Capital."


    "Oh... The kid''s name is Qiao Ze. Qiao of a great tree, and Ze of abundance to the world."


    "Chunlei, another favor? Have you seen Qiao Ze''s handwriting?"


    "Hmm, I have."


    "Great, I''ll send you a couple of picturester, could you take a look and see if the handwriting on them is his?"


    "This... Sure."


    ```


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 60: Chapter 59: Even Mythology Cant Be Written Like This

    A few minutester, Zhang Hongcai received a response.


    "It should be, the handwriting is very simr. But what''s with this paper? Nonmutative geometry? Your student''s paper? Howe there are Qiao Ze''s annotations on it?"


    Looking at Zhang Chunlei''s reply on WeChat, Zhang Hongcai could almost be certain that Zhao from Xilin University of Technology hadn''t drunk any alcohol today, at least not enough to be drunk.


    This made him itch with curiosity as if scratching his ears and cheeks, wishing that the kid named Qiao Ze could appear before him right now, just so he could test him!


    How was this student snatched away by Xilin University of Technology?


    Are the recruitment teachers from Yanbei University stationed in Xingcheng just twiddling their thumbs?


    Shouldn''t such a talent have been closely monitored from middle school and directly poached by the time they reached high school?


    Right, it seems that the school on the other end hasn''t had any reaction either. How strange!


    Moreover, given the level of the Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics, can they really teach such a student well?


    While his heart was filled with a mix of emotions, he still replied on WeChat, "Haha, just a coincidence. We''ll talk more when we meet next time. I really appreciate your help today, Chunlei. Next time youe to the Capital, let me know in advance and I''ll arrange a gathering."


    After sending the message, he exited WeChat and let out a long sigh.


    It was actually true.


    Zhang Hongcai steadied his spirit, walked out of the study, and decided to continue watching TV with his partner.


    But as he sat on the sofa in the living room watching the popr series on TV, he couldn''t focus on the plot at all.


    The vague image of a young boy lingered in his mind, simply impossible to dismiss.


    "Zhang, Zhang..."


    "What?"


    "What are you thinking about? I called you several times, you''ve been out of it ever since you took that call."


    "Oh, Zhao just told me something interesting. An eighteen-year-old kid who can guide a doctoral thesis in geometry. And a professor from Jiangcheng University who studies Group Theory also knows that kid and even thinks the kid''s level in Group Theory might be on par with his."


    The woman watching TV was stunned for a moment and looked at Zhang Hongcai incredulously, saying, "You actually believe that? Those local professors really dare to boast!"


    Then, subconsciously, she thought of their own child who was a freshman in college and refused toe home even on weekends.


    Both she and her husband were highly educated.


    But even so, she had been worrying about her child''s grades since middle school.


    Fortunately, the child finally caught on in the ninth grade...


    But to have professor-level skills in geometry and Group Theory at eighteen, around eleventh or twelfth grade?


    Not even myths would dare tell such a tale!


    It''s too preposterous.


    "What you''re saying... Zhao Guangyao from Xilin University and Zhang Chunlei from Jiangcheng University spent this weekend teasing me with this stuff for what?"


    The woman sat up, thought for a moment, and then was at a loss.


    Yeah, for what?


    "Where is the kid now?"


    "They say he has already been taken to the Westwood University of Technology Mathematics Institute."


    "That''s strange then. Why would Professor Zhao tell you this news?"


    The woman''s thoughts were always more delicate, and she immediately pointed out the key issue.


    Zhang Hongcai paused and said suspiciously, "Yeah, now that I think about it, he seemed to have shown me the annotated paper on purpose. Zhao Guangyao used to work at the Mathematics Research Institute, you know. He moved to Xilin University of Technology ten years ago and has been thinking about finding a chance to move back to the Capital.


    Last time we met, he even said to help him look out for opportunities toe back."


    The woman was instantly confused, "Huh? He has a favor to ask of you? Then he should be even less likely to joke about such a matter, right? Can it be true that there really is such a child in this world? That can''t be right either, where do such studentse from? How could our recruitment teachers have not discovered him?"


    This made Zhang Hongcai really restless.


    The whole matter was shrouded in mystery.


    But one thing Zhang Hongcai was sure of, if there really was such a child in this world, and he missed out on it without doing anything, he might regret it for the rest of his life.


    Even if he had to take a step back, such a rare urrence was something he had to witness for himself, right?!


    "No, I should give Xiao a call... Forget it, I''ll go see him in person and talk to him," Zhang Hongcai finally couldn''t sit still anymore.


    ...


    When Qiao Ze''s name finally reached the Capital, he received a WeChat message from Su Mucheng while he was in his dormitory.


    "Qiao Ze, could youe down for a moment? I''m waiting for you downstairs at the dormitory building!"


    "Alright, three minutes."


    With that, Qiao Ze stood up, ready to leave.


    The roommates, their fighting spirit revived, had set aside their mobile phones and were sitting at their respective desks, working on homework.


    After dawdling for two full days, not a single assignment had been touched.


    Recalling the significance of regr grades, they ultimately didn''t dare to act as wilful as Qiao Ze, treating everyday homework as nothing.


    Truly, once one starts to face reality and understands the gap between people, some things no longer seem unfair.


    Just like the genius in the dorm.


    Already capable of guiding PhD students, what does it matter if he doesn''t do homework?


    Would the professors have the audacity to deduct points from Qiao''s regr score?


    No, the question is, would the professors even dare to deduct points from Qiao''s regr score?


    Believe it or not if they dare deduct points, my man Qiao would specifically criticize the papers written by those professors?!


    Putting oneself in Qiao Ze''s shoes, there''s even a weirdly satisfying feeling.


    Indeed, at this moment, the other threeds in the room seemed to have found a way to get along with Qiao Ze.


    After Qiao Ze had left, Gu Zhengliang, having just solved a tough problem, stood up triumphantly, cleared his throat, and in Qiao Ze''s usual unruffled tone, began his performance: "Ahem, Professor Zhu, I''m here in your ss as a favor to you, so you better teach with heart, make it enjoyable for me. Otherwise, don''t you ever dream of me attending your ss again."


    Then, with a yful grin, he turned to his two brothers who were looking at him and asked, "How about that? Did I manage to capture a third of our Qiao''s charm just now?"


    As expected, he received eye rolls from both...


    "Your attempt to show off is too obvious, you''ve turned into a fool! You don''t even have one ten-thousandth of Qiao''s charm, okay?"


    "Yes! Old Gu, take my advice, you can''t grasp the essence of Qiao''s disdain for everything. For example, if Qiao said that same line and it reached old Zhu''s ears, he would justugh it off, but if you were the one saying it and it reached old Zhu, trust me, retaking Mathematical Analysis for three continuous years is not a myth."


    Dammit... How could my careless words in the dorm get to old Zhu''s ears?"


    "Because Chen and I could go snitch on you together! How about this, if you pay for the weekend meals, Chen and I won''t report you!"


    "F*ck off!"


    As the two engaged in their heated argument, Gu Zhengliang suddenly noticed Chen Yiwen carelessly tossing his book onto the desk and picking up his phone again.


    Puzzled, he asked, "Eh? Old Chen, you''re not doing homework anymore?"


    Chen Yiwen nced at Gu Zhengliang and said, "Why the hell would I do homework? I almost got distracted by your nonsense just now. You guys want to take the postgraduate entrance exams to ensure better job prospects in the future. Am I so full to pursue postgraduate studies? My past diligence in learning was so that I could really do math research and be a mathematician!


    But having seen Qiao Ze, I''ve realized that not so many ordinary people are needed in mathematics research."


    "So why should I continue studying this stuff? Wouldn''t it be better to y happily for four years? Will I need to draw a function graph for my tenants when I''m just collecting rent? Or talk about duality theory when dating a girl? Hell, all I need is to understand the Pythagorean theorem so I won''t be cheated when buying a TV, right?"


    That made a lot of sense.


    But it also cut deep!


    Not content, Chen Yiwen continued softly, "Qiao Ze must be off on a date with Su Mucheng. Sigh... I''ll just wait until next year. I''ll pick a young and beautiful freshman girl and enjoy a pure campus romance. As for you two, keep grinding at those problems!


    You don''t truly believe that after a fewpliments from Qiao Ze, you can get into a good university''s graduate program without reading or doing problems like him, do you?"


    "You know there''s a saying that goes, if a person indulges in pleasures at a young age, enjoying love, wine, and life, then when they get old, they''ll find they truly have no regrets about their life! So I n to live my life without regrets. As for you guys, keep trying!"


    The dorm room fell into silence... their hearts ached.


    After a while...


    "Chen... your ability to hit where it hurts is learned from whom exactly?!"


    "Ah, who else could it be? But I''m still not quite like him. Not even a tenth as good!"


    Dammit!


    ...


    By now, Qiao Ze was already standing downstairs by the dormitory building.


    Unlike the girls'' dorm entrance that was brightly lit like daytime, the boys'' dorm entrance was dim, but the moon tonight was big, round, and bright.


    Under the moonlight, Su Mucheng stood openly outside the dormitory building, her hair casually draped and fluttering in the gentle evening breeze,plemented by a neatly tailored in dress, resembling the yful and endearing elven girls from video game models.


    While many were stealing nces at her, the girl''s eyes were only for the figure who walked out of the boys'' dorm unhurriedly.


    "Qiao Ze, over here..." The girl waved to him.


    "Oh!" Qiao Ze walked sluggishly toward the girl and asked, "What''s up?"


    "Well, it''s quite cool tonight. Let''s take a walk first, and then I''ll tell you all about it slowly, okay?"


    "Uh... sure!"

 Chapter 61: Chapter 60: You Are the Most Suitable Guide for Him

    "This afternoon I got a call and then went out, guess who was looking for me?"


    "Your dad."


    "Eh? You guys figured it out?"


    "Mmm¡­ because the ringtone for your dad''s calls is different from everyone else''s."


    "Ah! You noticed that? Hmph¡­ Actually, your ringtone is also different, but you never call."


    "We''re so close, there''s no need to call, right?"


    "Alright, you''ve got a point! So, when summer vacationes and if I go back home, we''ll be far apart, you''ll definitely call me then, won''t you?"


    "Mmm¡­ sure." Qiao Ze nodded.


    Making a phone call wasn''t a big deal.


    "Yay!" Su Mucheng cheerfully put out two fingers, making a cute gesture.


    Then, as she lowered her hand, she casually and shamelessly hooked her arm through Qiao Ze''s.


    Qiao Ze instinctively tried to pull away, but the girl held on tightly, and he couldn''t break free¡­


    Well, after all, Lu Xiuxiu used to hook arms with him like this all the time.


    Forget it, just let her be, Qiao Ze thought to himself.


    But are girls really this strong?


    Seeing that Qiao Ze had rxed, Su Mucheng secretly shed a smile, then slowly walked along, savoring the rare tranquility.


    The school had many trees, and the sound of cicadas in early summer had already started to rise, with the frogs by the water also joining in with their croaking, which usually Mucheng would find noisy, but today everything seemed just right...


    Right, and not to forget to thank the school for being stingy with the electricity bill, specially using dim yellow lights to create a romantic ambiance.


    "Qiao Ze, my dad said he''s staying in Xilin for another two days, and knowing that you''re my best sick buddy, he''d like to have dinner with you tomorrow, is that okay?"


    Feeling that everything was perfect, Su Mucheng finally voiced the reason she''d called Qiao Ze out.


    "Mmm, sure." Qiao Ze replied sinctly.


    It was just a dinner, he didn''t overthink it.


    Qiao Ze''s straightforwardness took Su Mucheng by surprise.


    She had thought Qiao Ze would have reservations and wouldn''t want to go...


    On the way back to school, she had thought up a bunch of reasons, taxing her brain cells for nothing.


    "Eh? Why did you agree so readily? You know I mean having dinner with my dad, right?"


    "Hm? Is there something I should be especially concerned about when having dinner with your dad?"


    "No?"


    "Then that settles it, so why wouldn''t I agree to have dinner? After all, I have to eat anyway." Qiao Ze gave Su Mucheng a somewhat puzzled look, his logic simple and straightforward.


    The girl blinked, and then nodded vigorously with a beaming smile, "That makes sense! It''s just a dinner after all! Maybe we''ll be having dinner together often in the future. Qiao, I really admire how you can think through anything logically, and still be so clear about it."


    Qiao Ze pursed his lips, looked at the girl beside him, thought for a moment, and then said, "Now that the important matter is out of the way, I should take you back first."


    "Oh!" Su Mucheng pouted, but then after a moment, she suddenly shook her head and said earnestly, "No, that''s not right, there''s still the most important thing I haven''t said, I need to think about how to phrase it, and since it''s still early, just past nine, let''s walk around theke one more time."


    "Oh, okay!" Qiao Ze nodded.


    It doesn''t matter, after all, walking is not only physically beneficial, but even if someone chatters beside him, he can still contemte his problems.


    And so, half an hourter, Su Mucheng finally asked the most important question. "I''ve thought about it, Qiao, and the most important thing is, should we have lunch together tomorrow, or dinner?"


    Qiao Ze nced at the girl beside him and did not ask why it took so long to ask such a question; instead, he answered seriously, "It''s up to you to arrange."


    "Okay, then let''s have lunch. Shall we meet at eight o''clock tomorrow morning?"


    "Okay."


    ¡­


    At the same time, Li Jiangao received a call from Zhang Chunlei.


    As soon as the call was connected, the person on the other end got straight to the point. "Hey, Li, your kid has already caught the attention of Yanbei University."


    "Oh, it was bound to happen sooner orter," replied Li Jiangao indifferently.


    "Huh? Aren''t you worried at all? Aren''t you afraid they might y tricks and snatch your prized pupil away?" The tone on the other end was very skeptical.


    Li Jiangao cracked a silent smile and then responded frankly. "Ah... Professor Zhang, to be honest with you, it''s a shame that Qiao Ze is under my guidance. Really, I feel sorry for him every day. You don''t realize just how gifted the kid is."


    "I was thinkingst night, if he could have a good mentor, he wouldn''t even need guidance in his schrship, just someone sincerely willing to support and protect him. In three years, at most, Qiao Ze could have the whole world trembling at his feet! But with me, a professor of limited ability, it might dy him by at least five years!"


    "So, if there''s really someone at Yanbei University willing to lend him a hand, I would be more than grateful. As long as Qiao Ze is willing to go, I would personally deliver him to the Capital. After all, I too am curious to see how far Qiao Ze can go once he''s grown.


    As for me, I''m already an associate professor anyway, so if the kid is grateful and willing to give me a hand with questions in the future, that will be enough for me."


    Li Jiangao''s words left the person on the other end silent for more than ten seconds.


    Just as he was feeling puzzled, a long sigh finally came from the other end. "Ah, no wonder that kid insists on following you. It seems he''s truly smart, able to discern who has his best interests at heart! But Jian Gao, if you put it that way, I think you are the most suitable guide for him."


    "Oh? What do you mean?"


    "You know how our circle is. Small achievements are fine and not worth the trouble. But if Qiao Ze were to make some earth-shattering major breakthrough while still unfledged, who in the Capital could staunchly defend him? Stuff that could make you go down in history, even I might get jealous, let alone others!"


    Zhang Chunlei dropped this none-too-subtle hint.


    The statement stunned Li Jian Gao.


    He thought of the words Qiao Ze had said to him.


    "... The problem I want to solve is the mass gap hypothesis. It won''t be long before I can prove that in apact single gauge group, there''s a mass gap solution to the quantum Yang-Mills equations in a four-dimensional Euclidean space."


    He had thought the kid was being a bit too fanciful before.


    But now, it seemed¡­


    At that moment, Zhang Chunlei''s voice drifted over again. "Moreover, you might not even be aware yet? He''s even proficient in nonmutative geometry, proficient enough to annotate doctoral theses. The kid doesn''t like to show off, does he?"


    Li Jian Gao was taken aback again.


    He really didn''t know Qiao Ze had kept such a low profile¡­


    No, it wasn''t that the kid had kept a low profile, it was he who hadn''t asked.


    He vaguely remembered the kid mentioning self-studying some geometry-rted courses, but at the time, nobody took it seriously¡­


    Wait, thinking of this, Li Jian Gao''s expression became even more peculiar.


    Because at that time, Qiao Ze had said he self-studied many subjects online by watching videos.


    This¡­


    "In any case, I just wanted to remind you, calling me about Qiao Ze was Zhang Hongcai from Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute. My advice is, let Qiao Ze stay by your side; you don''t expect anything from him, and that''s the best protection for him!"


    "Oh, is that so?"

 Chapter 62: Chapter 61 Loopholes in Security Against Internal Threats but Not External Ones

    As Li Jiangao fell into deep thought due to Zhang Chunlei''s words, a mentor and his student at the University of Bonn, Germany were having a special conversation.


    "Kori, this is a manuscript sent by ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' for me to review, about constructing a self-supervised mathematical framework based on Group Theory. Take a look for me first and see if it''s worthwhile, I''ve sent the paper to your email."


    Stay connected to the story on m-vl-em-py-r


    "Sure, Mr. Kt."


    The young student casually responded before immediately dragging his chair to the other side, ignoring the supeputer operation station, and started fiddling with theptop he had left aside.


    Ackerman Kt, who hadn''t gone far, inadvertently looked back and saw this, shook his head subconsciously, and couldn''t help but remind him, "I meant for you to nce over the manuscript between your normal tasks, not to drop everything and focus on this. I''ve never heard of the authors of this essay, hmm, a paper from Huaxia, you know. There''s no rush to read it."


    "I know what to do, professor, but you know this job is boring, right? Can''t I change my mind? Maybe it''s an interesting paper, my dear Mr. Chair." The young man shrugged in response.


    Ackerman Kt shook his head helplessly again, and then left him to it, returning to his own office.


    Forget it, he definitely won''t haphazardly take on a friend''s child as a student again.


    Unless the kid''s talent couldpletely overshadow the fellow''s attitude.


    Afterward, Ackerman Kt put the whole thing out of his mind.


    After all, he was really busy.


    ¡­


    In Huaxia, at Xilin University of Technology.


    The next morning, Su Mucheng hummed a tune as she got up, stepping onto the balcony.


    "Ah... Chengzi, off to meet up with your man again? Not even sleeping in on the weekend." Lu Dandan poked her head out of the mosquito, yawning as she asked.


    "Yeah, today we''re having a very important lunch together, so this morning is quite important. I''m going to self-study. My Qiao Ze has set lots of study tasks for me!" Su Mucheng casually answered and then entered the bathroom on the balcony.


    Another head from the opposite bed popped up, nced at the balcony, then sighed, "Dandan, please don''t talk about this with Chengzi anymore. I''m going crazy, it''s only been a few days, and she''s already openly talking about Qiao Ze. Chengzi''s lovesick brain is truly hopeless!"


    "Right? Who says it isn''t?" After sighing, the head withdrew.


    Though they voiced their sympathy, seeing their roommate bask in the joy of love every day, they felt a touch of envy and longing in their hearts.


    After all, it''s the age to enjoy the fantasy of how beautiful love can be.


    They really wished to fall in love passionately, just like Chengzi!


    The most annoying part was that when she left, she delivered a zinger, "Sisters, the lovesick brain is off to a date! I wish you all a fragrance-filled beauty sleep today!"


    Pff...


    Show off your love, it''s so shameful!


    ¡­


    Xu Dajiang was also very happy at the moment.


    Those folks in the admissions office were earning their keep.


    It''s heard that Teacher Yu had pushed the other school to transfer Qiao Ze''s records to Xingcheng''s provincial office before the weekend.


    Next, they just had to wait for the school here to request the records next week.


    The electronic files could be transferred quickly, the paper records were a bit more troublesome, but that was just a matter of waiting a few days for the courier.


    The biggest concern was finally put to rest.


    But before he could start feeling happy, he suddenly received a phone call from Zheng Luhua, the vice-chancellor in charge of teaching affairs at the school.


    "Hello, Xu, just now Director Xiao from the Yanbei International Mathematics Center said they n to have a few professors visit our School of Mathematics for a survey next week, the official letter will arrive in the afternoon. Hmm, has your School of Mathematics recently achieved some great breakthrough? It seems like you haven''t kept the school in the loop, have you? What are you hiding?"


    The doubt in that tone sent Xu Dajiang''s heart racing.


    For fuck''s sake, it was hard enough to stumble upon a good seedling, and it only took a few days for them to be targeted?


    Who the hell leaked the information?!


    Xu Dajiang bluntly replied, "What? They want to conduct research? What''s there in our School to research? You''re not unaware of the state of our School, right? If there were any great achievements, I''d be the first to hang banners all over the school! How about you just outright reject their request?


    Don''t let theme! If they do, we won''t wee them!"


    "What are you talking about? I should directly refuse? Look, I''ll delegate the liaison procedure to the school so when their reply arrives, you''ll handle it directly at the School of Mathematics, okay? Xu, haven''t you noticed yourself floating on cloud nine recently? Tell me, what''s going on in the school that I don''t know about?"


    No way out...


    Actually, Xu Dajiang didn''t want to expose Qiao Ze so soon.


    How does that saying go?


    I quietly hug the big legs and then dazzle everyone!


    A shocking enough revtion makes it convenient for him to m the table at the chancellor''s office meeting when dividing the cake!


    But this sudden n to conduct researchpletely disrupted Xu Dajiang''s rhythm!


    He had no choice but to tell the truth, after all, no one''s a fool these days.


    "The admissions office scouted a genius for our School of Mathematics. Those people from Yanbei say theye for research, but it''s more likely they want to poach our talent!" Xu Dajiang said straightforwardly.


    "Really, Xu, aren''t you overthinking it? It''s just one student, and no matter how talented, what difference would it make? Is Yanbei University short on geniuses? Missing that one or two that you''d fight over?"


    "Heh, what if the genius is already performing at a level not too far behind our professors, even before attending any official sses? How about this? You just return a call to that person surnamed Xiao, and tell them that Qiao Ze has already been sent back to Xingcheng, and won''t be at the school next week, see if they change the timing of their survey.


    If not for that student, why would they bother with a research visit? To listen to us spout nonsense and tter them?"


    Xu Dajiang retorted irritably.


    This left the person on the other end taken aback.


    Not a peep for a long while.


    After all, it was indeed an anomaly.


    For Yanbei University to make such a fuss over one student under the guise of research was a bit much.


    After a long pause, a tentative voice came from the other end, "Is this kid really that incredible?"


    "Let''s put it this way, he''s even more amazing than you can imagine. Here''s the thing, the school keeps causing us troubles on top of troubles! The admissions office scouted him with difficulty, and we had promised to give him financial aid because he''s poor, yet you guys are still holding it up, making me, with my old face, beg them!


    I could have let that go, but now that they''re openly poaching, can''t you be a bit tougher? It really seems like you can''t stand to see our School of Mathematics do well, right?"


    Xu Dajiang was venting furiously.


    After all, who wouldn''t be angry?


    It was only because Qiao Ze''s enrollment issue was almost sorted out.


    If that wasn''t the case, Xu Dajiang might have already stormed into the school office in a rage.


    "Is that really happening? That''s a rare sight! But what''s this about withholding financial aid? Heh... that''s quite odd. To think so much has been happening recently and I didn''t know about it.


    Hmm, nice, seems like your security is tight internally but not externally, right?"


    This retort was on point, leaving Xu Dajiang speechless in an instant!


    Fuck, what bad luck!

 Chapter 63: Chapter 62 Get Used to It Fast

    To be fair, the high walls of the school did keep a lot of distractions at bay.


    Complex thoughts of the adults didn''t quite taint the students living within the ivory tower.


    At least it didn''t affect the pair of abnormal lovebirds studying in the library.


    Of course, there were also troubles.


    It was now June, and not only was the weather heating up, but it was also nearing exam season, so more and more people began to fill the library for self-study.


    Those young boys who used to be easily scared off by Su Mucheng''s gaze could no longer be chased away.


    Of course, the main reason was that Su Mucheng was reasonable.


    She used to scare people off with her gaze because there were clearly empty seats at the next table, but now that those seats were filled, the two of them naturally couldn''t monopolize a whole table.


    For Qiao Ze, this had no impact whatsoever.


    As long as Su Mucheng didn''t have any issues, he would read books.


    The collection at Xilin University Library was indeed vast, which made Qiao Ze realize that university was indeed not a simple ce; it was so much more advanced than high school.


    As for Su Mucheng...


    The "shushing" sound of a pen scratching paper was really annoying and seriously disrupted her from watching Qiao Ze, no, from watching videos to study efficiently.


    And what was up with that guy sitting across from them, constantly ncing between her and Qiao Ze as if he couldn''t help himself?


    Was it really fun for him to keep shing his wrist to show off that zodiac series Omega watch?


    When it was time for her high school entrance exam, the unreliable father of hers had given her a Patek Philippe, alright?


    Who wears a broken watch to school, anyway?


    Can''t a phone tell the time?


    Qiao Ze was much better in her eyes, with his wrists clean and free of anything¡ªit was such a delightful sight that made her want to gently take a bite.


    Indeed, Su Mucheng didn''t think for a second that the guy across from her might have been showing off his wealth.


    After all, what kind of fool would unt wealth with a watch that only costs tens of thousands?


    Suffering in this manner, finally at eleven o''clock, her phone vibrated. Su Mucheng picked it up and nced at it. An instant smile bloomed on her face like a night-blooming cereus, naturally leaning over to whisper into Qiao Ze''s ear, "My dear Teacher Qiao, another important guest has arrived at the library entrance! We can head out now."


    Qiao Ze nodded silently.


    He was bing quite impressed with Su Mucheng, as her daily names for him changed in variety.


    From the initial new ssmate, torade in illness, to copying Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang by calling him ''Qiao brother'', and today it turned into Teacher Qiao...


    Heaven knows what this girl wille up with tomorrow.


    Quietly closing his book, he stood up methodically and then Su Mucheng, without any regard for being in the library, naturally took hold of Qiao Ze''s empty hand.


    She had already let him escort her with his arm yesterday, so today it was just holding hands¡ªsurely this wasn''t overstepping, right?


    He should have gotten used to it by now, right?


    Indeed, he had gotten used to it.


    Qiao Ze didn''t even attempt to pull away like he did yesterday.


    Oh well, let her be.


    But these silent movements caused several other boys at the table to twitch their mouths almost simultaneously.


    Howe such a beautiful junior had problems with her eyes?


    ...


    As Qiao Ze descended the staircase and saw Li Jiangao sitting on a bench in the university lobby, he nced at the girl beside him with evident pleasure.


    How should he put it¡ªalthough he wasn''t averse or resistant to dining with Su Mucheng''s dad, it was definitely better if Uncle Li was also present.


    After all, he didn''t have much experience dealing with adults.


    If he said something wrong, having an adult around could help smooth things over.


    Qiao Ze had already realized that people really did misunderstand a lot of what he said.


    For instance, that day in the dorm room, when he seriously asked, "Do you all really think you won''t live to see the graduate entrance exams?" it was a real question, not a joke.


    But it made the three guys in the roomugh like abined total of 400 kilograms worth of fools.


    Truly, the sight of three men hugging andughing uncontrobly was quite an eye-sore.


    And even now, Qiao Ze wasn''t quite clear about what exactly was so funny about his question. Read thetest fiction on M-VL-em|p,yr


    How tiring!


    ...


    "Uncle Li, shall we get going?"


    Before Qiao Ze had a chance to greet Li Jiangao, Su Mucheng was already standing in front of him, confidently holding Qiao Ze''s hand, and cheerfully said.


    Li Jiangao caught a glimpse of Su Mucheng holding Qiao Ze''s hand from the corner of his eye and his eyelid twitched.


    But he said nothing, just smiled and suggested, "Okay, I checked, and the restaurant where your dad is treating us to dinner is 7 kilometers from the university. Shall we just take a taxi there?"


    "No need, Uncle Li, we have a car. I asked him to wait outside the school, and I''ve just texted him on WeChat. He should''ve arrived by now," Su Mucheng hurriedly replied.


    "Oh?" Li Jiangao looked at Su Mucheng with some surprise, then nced at Qiao Ze and saw no change in the young man''s expression. He couldn''t help but smile and said, "Alright, then let''s head out."


    ...


    The vehicle that came to pick up the three of them was an Audi A8 with local license tes.


    When getting into the car, Li Jiangao was about to habitually take a seat in the back, but after seeing Su Mucheng greet the driver with a smile, he gently nudged Qiao Ze into the back seat and Li Jiangao, with a wry smile to himself, took a few extra steps to sit in the passenger seat.


    "Oh gosh, Uncle Zhang, it''s so hot! Can you crank up the air conditioning?"


    "Sure, Chengcheng, just hold on, it''ll cool down soon. Hey, you''re still afraid of the heat, aren''t you!"


    The air conditioning was turned up a notch, and the car started smoothly, leaving the campus behind.


    The interior of the car quieted down.


    Li Jiangao, who had been silent up until now, could tell the driver was asionally observing the young couple in the back seat through the rearview mirror.


    It made him involuntarily sneak a peek himself.


    What a sight!


    Qiao Ze was still sitting in his usual posture, stiffly upright, slightly turning his head to look out the window.


    The girl who hadined about the heat as soon as she got in the car was now curled upfortably like a little cat, leaning on Qiao Ze''s left side.


    And she hadn''t forgotten to hold onto Qiao Ze''s hand.


    Li Jiangao saw that Mr. Zhang, whom Su Mucheng had mentioned, moved his lips several times as if he wanted to say something but then held back.


    Li Jiangao couldn''t help but feel a bit awkward.


    He decided to break the silence in the car, "Mucheng, what does your dad do?"


    "He owns a smallpany. I''ve heard him say that it mainly helps clients develop software."


    Oh, a software outsourcingpany...


    It mustn''t be that easy of a business to run these days!


    Li Jiangao thought to himself.


    "So Mr. Su''spany is pretty big, huh? Does it have business here in Xilin?"


    "No, Professor Li, I''m Mucheng''s dad''s personal secretary, and have been with him for five years. Thepany doesn''t have any business or offices in Xilin. We just rented this car yesterday," the driver, who was driving, interjected with a smile to add his own exnation.


    "Oh, I see!" Hearing this exnation, Li Jiangao felt somewhat relieved.


    At least it wasn''t the clich¨¦ story of a rich princess falling for a poor boy.


    He had actually been concerned that Su Mucheng''s father was some significant tycoon inviting them to a trap.


    He himself didn''t mind, but he didn''t want the kids'' pride to get hurt.


    That would be no fun at all.

 Chapter 64: Chapter 63 Trivia in the Eyes of the Big Shots

    Xilin City, Tang Impression Hotel.


    A group of people were led by an enthusiastic waiter to the Xuanwu Box.


    "Wee, wee, you must be Professor Li, right? My Mu Cheng has been naughty since childhood, she must have caused the teachers a lot of trouble, oh, Professor Li, you have quite the dark circles under your eyes. You must have been too busy teaching the kids, and haven''t been resting welltely?"


    No sooner had they been ushered into the box than a well-dressed man came up to greet Li Jian Gao with warm banter.


    Li Jian Gao gave a wry smile.


    He indeed had not slept well the night before.


    He hadn''t slept well for several days, and justst night, after finishing all his work, he had hoped to get a good night''s sleep.


    But then a phone call from Zhang Chunlei had kept him awake again.


    Of course, he wouldn''t tell all this to the man he had just met, but he still subconsciously started to praise Qiao Ze by his side, "Mr. Su is too kind. It wasn''t because of teaching, mainly it''s because Qiao Ze wrote a paper, and I stayed upte helping him submit it."


    "Mm, Qiao Ze, hello! Thank you for taking care of my Mu Cheng at the school."


    Seizing the moment, Su Lixing naturally turned his gaze towards his daughter and the young man named Qiao Ze by Li Jian Gao''s side.


    Inevitably within view was the image of Su Mucheng tightly holding Qiao Ze''s hand and the warning look in his precious daughter''s eyes.


    He couldn''t help but reveal a wry smile himself.


    Motherfucker...


    Being extroverted is fine, but acting like a thief on guard against her own dad, what the heck is that about?


    What surprised him was that this young man, Qiao Ze, appeared extremely calm, not the least bit ufortable.


    And Su Lixing was certain, it wasn''t a feignedposure but a calm that came from the bottom of his heart.


    This truly surprised Su Lixing. Just thisposure alone, the boy might indeed be someone notable in the future.


    "Hello." Qiao Ze nodded politely to Su Lixing and replied courteously.


    Su Lixing was slightly taken aback.


    This kid, he wouldn''t even call him "Uncle"?


    "Hey, Dad, what are you doing blocking the doorway? You promised to treat us to a meal, are you going to have us stand and eat?"


    The dissatisfaction in Su Mucheng''s voice made Su Lixingugh helplessly, "Right, right, right, my mistake, let''s all sit. And Mu Cheng, why do you keep holding onto Qiao Ze''s hand? How will you eatter? Haha, Professor Li, you''ve seen something quite amusing, please take a seat first, and waiter, you can serve the dishes now."


    ...


    Germany, University of Bonn, School of Mathematics.


    Ackerman Konietz, as usual, entered his office to unexpectedly find his student, who usually arrived thetest, Kori Duran, already waiting outside his office door.


    "My God, Kori, did you go to an all-night partyst evening?" Ackerman Konietz lifted his hands with a dramatically incredulous look.


    "No, Professor Konietz, I came to talk to you about the paper you asked me to read yesterday. Actually, I find the paper quite interesting, but..." Kori Durant frowned, leaving his sentence unfinished.


    Ackerman Konietz looked puzzled at his talented student and said, "Alright,e into my office and talk. At least there''s nothing to hide in this room. Kid, you''ve sessfully piqued my curiosity, and I would really like to know why a paper would make you feel troubled."


    After speaking, Ackerman Konietz opened the door to his office wide. The two walked into the office, and after Kori Durant closed the door, he approached Ackerman Konietz''s desk and ced the printed paper in front of his mentor.


    "Professor Konietz, I have marked the key parts of the paper, I suggest you read these first," Kori Durant said.


    Ackerman Kz looked up at his protege and, without saying anything more, pulled out a pair of sses from his pocket, put them on, and then concentrated on reading the paper.


    Kori Durant first picked up a cup, went to the coffee machine to get Ackerman Kz a cup of hot coffee, and then walked to his mentor''s bookshelf, pulled out a book, and sat down on the sofa to read in silence.


    In this way, they spent a quiet hour.


    When Kori Durant heard the sound of sses being ced on the desk with a "tter", he looked up at his mentor, Ackerman Kz.


    "So, you don''t want to see this paper published so soon, but you can''t find a proper reason, can you? Hah... they didn''t cite any references at all! The authors of this paper are very arrogant!" Ackerman Kz looked at Kori Durant and asked calmly.


    Kori Durant nodded somewhat awkwardly and then spoke, "Their research oveps with my project in parts, but it''s not for any other reason, I just think the future 3D point cloud prediction system I''ve constructed for self-supervised learning will definitely be better than¡­"


    Ackerman Kz raised his hand to stop Kori Durant from continuing, "Alright, I know what you''re thinking. You''re not satisfied because you think if this paper is published first, when you release your results in the future, it will seem like you were inspired by this paper, right?


    After all, the essence of this paper is to try to construct a theoretical framework, under which a series of studies can be conducted. Your pride makes you find that uneptable."


    Kori Durant stopped talking and silently lowered his head.


    Ackerman Kz was gratified.


    Finally, someone had made this exceptionally talented young man bow his head.


    But actually, he didn''t want it to be for this reason.


    After some thought, Ackerman Kz said with a smile, "This is why I always wanted you to take your subjects more seriously! You never know whether someone in some corner of the world is doing the same thing, perhaps even progressing faster than us. But you shouldn''t be discouraged, my child. Today, I think I should teach you a new lesson."


    Hearing this, Kori Durant instinctively raised his head and looked at his mentor.


    "This lesson is about the importance of discourse power! Kori, you''re young and extremely talented; I originally nned to talk about this with you when you get your degree and start climbing higher. But this asion seems to be an opportunity."


    "I hope that after this, you will truly understand some things. Then you''ll work harder. Because if we want to continue to maintain enough discourse power, we need talented young men like you to keep striving, to be able to rece us after we''re gone."


    Having said this, Ackerman Kz picked up his phone in front of Kori Durant and made several calls in a row.


    He asked the same question to each, inquiring if they had heard of the two authors listed in the paper.


    Kori Durant could hear his boss receiving a bunch of "NOs."


    Thest call, Ackerman Kz made to a colleague, even apetitor.


    "Hello, Professor Stein, my old friend, how have things been going?"


    "Haha, indeed I have a small favor to ask of you."


    "I assume you must have received an invitation to review a paper recently... well, check your email, the paper is titled ''A Mathematical Framework for Self supervised Learning Based on Group Theory.''"


    "Yes, a submission from two people from Huaxia."


    "No, no, no, I think there are some serious logical errors in the paper that need redoing or something else... of course, I will respond the same way."


    "Thank you. Oh, and do you remember that night in Bordeaux? It was truly memorable; perhaps we should go on holiday together again when we have some free time. I like the French romance and passion."


    "Mm, I look forward to it as well. Goodbye."


    After hanging up the phone, Ackerman Kz looked at Kori Durant and then passed the paper back to him.


    "Alright, use my email to reply to the editorial office. Find some reason to ask them to revise or resubmit the crucial parts of the argument; in short, don''t bother too much. Soon you will see the humble reply from those without discourse power. You might even be able to join the research.


    That''s the way the world works; that''s the power of discourse power. Kori, in the future, you will understand a lot. In fact, I''ve been very low-key; if you were at Princeton or Harvard, you''d know that thepetition there is even more brutal, and they employ even more tactics!"


    "And my expectations for you are even higher. I even hope that one day German mathematics journals will be absolutely mainstream! Unfortunately, I probably won''t see it. But I hope your generation can achieve it."

 Chapter 65: Chapter 64: Who Knows the Future Best?

    Kori Durant subconsciously took the manuscript passed over by his mentor.


    The events that had just urred and the words his mentor said had indeed given him a tremendous shock.


    So, having the right to speak really could make things so simple?


    "And if they don''t yield?" Kori Durant could not help but ask.


    Hearing this question, Ackerman Konietzughed.


    But he still patiently exined, "Where''s your confidence, Kori? You should know that your mentor, namely me, and my friends are the reviewers for the top journals in this field. How many top journals do you think there are for mathematics? If you wish, we can even hold up this paper indefinitely."


    "If they want to publish in a journal with enough weight, they will have topromise in the end. Unless they bypass this field or submit to journals with lower impact factors. But it doesn''t matter because whatever they choose, it means they have no say or influence in this field, as their findings will never get a chance to be discussed on a mainstream tform!


    "But the people from Huaxia are clever. They know what will happen if they resist and will try their best to avoid it. Understand? This is the reality! It''s also why I have always had strict requirements for each and every one of my students. Think about what will happen if in the future we not only fail to gain more speaking rights but also lose the power we currently have!


    So I hope that after today you will work even harder, got it?"


    Kori Durant nodded thoughtfully and replied, "I understand, Mr. Kt."


    Seeing the enlightened look on his student''s face, Ackerman Konietz showed a pleased smile.


    It was good to have reached his most proud student.


    However, when Kori Durant turned to leave, he still called out to his prized prot¨¦g¨¦, "One more thing, Kori. Forget all about this once you pass through that door. Just remember what you need to do, that''s enough. It''s a trivial matter, really, but neither I nor my friends will acknowledge it in any other situation, as it never happened. Do you understand?"


    Kori Durant quickly showed off his talent. As he turned his head to look at his mentor, he had already put on a puzzled face, "No, Mr. Kt. What did you just say to me? Oh, my apologies, I was lost in thought and didn''t hear any instructions from you today."


    "Right, print me another copy of the paperter."


    "Certainly, Mr. Kt."


    Ackerman Konietz waved his hand with a smile, signaling for Kori Durant to hurry off.


    Ah... Youth is wonderful, too bad you can''t go back.


    Watching Kori Durant run out excitedly, Ackerman Kt then calmly picked up another manuscript lying to the side and began reading.


    This was about internalpetition.


    After all, the pressure from his colleagues at Princeton was still significant.


    ...


    In Xilin City, at Datang Impression Restaurant, in the Xuanwu Box.


    The table was neatly arranged with ten dishes.


    However, each person still had small servings of food in front of them calcted per guest.


    The key was to be exquisite.


    Under Li Jian Gao''s insistence, they did not drink alcohol.


    So the two adults chatted casually about random topics.


    All of Su Mucheng''s attention was still on Teacher Qiao beside her.


    "Qiao Ze, the duck meat is delicious, so tender, and they''ve even stuffed shrimp inside..."


    "Wow, these green beans burst with juice in your mouth. Try it, half a spoonful at a time is just right."


    "Right? It''s tasty, isn''t it?"


    "Mhm, this fish is very fresh, let''s each have a piece, but it''s still a bit hot."


    The girl''s cheerful voice kept intruding into Su Lixing''s ears, almost like a spell, giving him a headache.


    He even began to feel jealous...


    The precious daughter he had raised for twenty years had never been so enthusiastic about picking dishes for him.


    When his eyes swept over Qiao Ze, he saw that the young man was just seriously eating the food Su Mucheng had offered, asionally nodding in approval. Even so, Su Mucheng was delighted, smiling so broadly she could hardly close her mouth...


    That simple sense of satisfaction was just too pitiful to watch.


    "Couldn''t you at least say ''thank you'' to my daughter?"


    But there wasn''t a word of it.


    Not a single word!


    Thinking how touched he would have been if his daughter served him food to the point of secretly wiping away tears, Old Comrade Su''s heart bled!


    He felt ufortable, but it wasn''t convenient for him to speak at that moment.


    When Su Lixing looked toward Li Jiangao, he unexpectedly discovered that Professor Li seemed even more embarrassed.


    Alright, though Li Jiangao didn''t have children of his own, as a person capable of empathizing, he could somewhat understand theplex feelings of a girl''s father given the scene before him...


    This left him unsure how to praise Qiao Ze.


    It wouldn''t be proper to say at this time, "Your daughter sure has good taste."


    It was precisely this difort from embarrassment that made Su Lixing feel Li Jiangao''s sincerity; it''s unlikely he could be a scammer.


    After spending over a decadepeting in the business world and managing to lead apany to a dominant regional industry position, if he couldn''t see through an ivory tower academic who had just been promoted to associate professor, then he would have long been devoured by shrewd people, leaving nothing behind.


    After all, in the business world, sess was never guaranteed by just practicing Inner Strength.


    Wearing countless masks and seeing through them was one of the essential skills one needed to cultivate in the business world.


    "Chengcheng, this child, sigh..." Su Lixing said with a wry smile, shaking his head at Li Jiangao with a helpless look.


    "This..." Li Jiangao thought for a moment, then still said, "Mr. Su, don''t think I''m overstepping our acquaintance, but Qiao Ze''s future achievements are limitless."


    "I believe that. Mu Cheng has always liked to y with smart people since she was young. She chose to study at the School of Mathematics as a girl because she idolized a mathematics professor from Yanbei University she saw on Douyin! She said she wanted to learn from her idol. You don''t know, but in her second year of high school, she insisted I take her to the Capital.


    She didn''t want to go out and y but stayed in a hotel near Yanbei University, just walking around the university campus every day. She said she wanted to see that professor in person, to get an autograph...sigh..."


    Hearing this, Li Jiangaoughed and replied, "I know who you''re talking about. Professor Lu is indeed a genius mathematician, but I guarantee that in three to five years at most, Qiao Ze''s aplishments will far exceed Professor Lu. It''s just that Qiao Ze is even less articte than that professor. It seems to be amon problem."


    "Oh?" Upon hearing this, Su Lixing''s mind stirred and he asked, "It seems that Professor Li really has high hopes for Qiao Ze. By the way, how did you get to know each other?"


    Li Jiangao smiled and didn''t hide anything, recounting the series of events that had urred in Xingcheng.


    Of course, he didn''t go into such detail with someone outside the field.


    For instance, the "Mathematics Annual" became an important international publication, and the author mentioned was said to be a mathematics professor from an Ivy League University in the United States. Enjoy more content froNovelBin


    Of course, the focus of his description was on the professors from several universities trying to recruit Qiao Ze.


    After simply recounting the experience in Xingcheng, Li Jiangao thought of the phone call that had kept him up the night before and ended with a smile, saying, "Speaking of Yanbei University, they''ve also heard about Qiao Ze now. Yesterday, a professor from the Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute specially inquired about Qiao Ze."


    "Is that so?" After listening to Li Jiangao''s description, Su Lixing subconsciously nced several times at the still very silent Qiao Ze, his impression seemingly having changed.


    Li Jiangao just smiled and did not add anything else.


    He had already said enough for today.


    As for whether the two kids would truly seed in the future, that was something no one could say for certain right now.


    But Li Jiangao was quite optimistic about the pair; one was a bit dull and the other lively and cute,plementing each other nicely.


    The key was, he subconsciously hoped that Qiao Ze could live a normal life.


    That was also why he was willing to talk so much to Su Lixing.


    At this moment, the mobile phone on the table vibrated several times in session.


    Li Jiangao put down his chopsticks, opened the phone, and looked at the title of the new email that had popped up in his internal mailbox. He frowned slightly, but quickly got his emotions under control and put the phone back on the table.


    Somewhat disappointed...


    Things indeed never went as smoothly as expected.

 Chapter 66: Chapter 65: Rules? They dont exist! (1/10 please subscribe, ask for monthly ticket)

    Su Lixing sensitively noticed that Li Jiangao showed a moment of displeasure after looking at his phone.


    However, he just smiled slightly and did not say much.


    Su Lixing''s approval of Qiao Ze had increased somewhat.


    But it was only somewhat.


    Discover exclusive tales at m,v--NovelBin


    Although there was not much conversation with Qiao Ze during the meal, it was enough for him to see Qiao Ze''s shorings in other areas.


    He could also tell that Su Mucheng was truly very happy now.


    But how long the enthusiasm of young people canst is a question.


    Especially with a personality like Qiao Ze, it still made him, as a father, somewhat worried.


    Su Lixing''s thinking was quite open-minded.


    He did not need the other party to be a perfect match in status.


    As long as nothing outrageous, his daughter Chengzi should have enough money for the rest of her life.


    The valuation of Licheng Software is not considered high, but there should always be a billion or so. If he really wanted to sell it, he would certainly need to discount it from the valuation¡ªten billion might be challenging, but seven or eight billion would definitely attract buyers.


    Add to that the savings over the years and thepany''s cash flow, Su Lixing might notpare with those super-rich tycoons who get crowds of people calling them daddy on Weibo over a single word.


    But he is definitely one of the top people standing at the apex of the pyramid in Huaxia.


    It''s just that Su Lixing is one of those people who actually don''t have much ambition in business.


    Those veterans under hismand think about how to expand thepany''s scale every day, hire more people, grab more business.


    There were even suggestions of setting up branches in other regions, trying to instill that non-progress is regress business logic into him every day, all suppressed by him forcefully.


    What a joke?


    Can money be earned thoroughly?


    Are we to abandon life for money?


    If they want to start their own business, they can leave anytime, and he would send them off with both hands raised.


    If they want him to get busier, no way!


    So Su Lixing truly did not mind if his future son-inw''s family matched the Su Family or could help him in any way.


    But at least he should be a normal person, right?


    If you''re with a wooden person every day in the future, won''t you get tired of it?!


    ...


    "I think we''ve eaten quite a lot today. How about we call it a day? Thank you, Su, for your hospitality."


    After putting down his phone and eating a few more bites of food, seeing that the two kids opposite had also stopped eating, Li Jiangao suggested with a smile.


    Feeling somewhat heavy in his heart, he nned to talk to Qiao Ze about this matter in the afternoon.


    "Ah... no rush, it''s good to leave the two kids some space to chat."


    Su Lixing said with a smile, "I just saw that Li seemed to have encountered some trouble? If I can be of any help, just let me know."


    Hearing this, Su Mucheng looked up at Su Lixing and generously gave her father an approving look.


    The connection between father and daughter was very subtle.


    Although there was no vocalmunication, Su Lixing still subconsciously looked over and received the approval, then he bitterly smiled.


    Ignoring him for an entire meal, thisment actually made him happy.


    s...


    To his surprise, Li Jiangao just shook his head slightly and politely declined, "It''s nothing. Although it was somewhat unexpected, it''s not anything particrly troublesome. And to be honest, Su might not be very familiar with some of the things in the academicmunity, and it might be hard to help."


    Clearly, Li Jiangao didn''t even consider that Su Lixing''s offer might be an attempt to sponsor Qiao Ze''s research.


    Corporate sponsorship of university research projects is not a novel concept in the current push for integration of industry, education, and research.


    But who would dare to sponsor their type of pure mathematical theoretical projects?


    Moreover, even if they managed to secure such special channel sponsorship funds, it''s almost impossible to ensure that the money is spent exclusively for its intended purpose.


    Unless the project leader is an academician, and not just any academician but one who is highly esteemed and respected by others, who would not dare to have designs on the money.


    Otherwise, once the money enters the university''s research pool...


    How it''s allocated is no longer up to Li Jiangao to say, and even the sponsor can''t decide.


    This was also the reason why, even though he felt Su Lixing was not short of money, he didn''t consider this aspect at all.


    "Oh? Is that so, that''s a pity then." Su Lixing nodded, he could of course see that Li Jiangao had no intention of epting his help.


    He even specifically observed Qiao Ze''s expression, which also did not change at all, not in the slightest.


    Adults naturally don''t speak as imprudently as children.


    After hinting so much, and the other side not biting, Su Lixing found it inappropriate to say more.


    To speak more bluntly would seem like charity, which might not bring any goodwill but instead cause displeasure.


    However, this confirmed to him that sponsoring Qiao Ze''s project was just his daughter''s own one-sided wish.


    At least this professor and Qiao Ze had truly never considered it, and neither was the type of person who is scheming and would go to any lengths for money.


    "Well, Su might be very good at doing business, but the rules of academia..." Saying this, Li Jiangao subconsciously shook his head; he thought of Zhang Chunlei''s words fromst night, and couldn''t help feeling uneasy, but it wasn''t appropriate to fully express this in front of Su Lixing.


    All his displeasure could only transform into a sigh, and then he looked toward Qiao Ze.


    Just as their eyes met, Qiao Ze seemed to understand and said to Su, "Uncle Su, I''m full."


    Qiao Ze''s mind was not filled with convolutions.


    He saw that Li Jian wanted a private chat with him and guessed what it would be about.


    Qiao Ze thought Li might need hisfort.


    Yes, Qiao Ze believed that in some matters, Uncle Li did not see as clearly as he did.


    For example, rules are made for the day they are meant to be broken.


    Qiao Ze''s remark also made Su Lixing silently sigh in his heart.

 Chapter 67: Chapter 65: Rules? They dont exist! (2/10 please subscribe, ask for monthly ticket)

    This Qiao Ze finally called him uncle.


    This meal was worth it.


    ...


    "Well then, Daddy, we''ll head back to school now!" Outside the hotel, Su Mucheng sweetly greeted Su Lixing and was about to leave with Qiao Ze.


    "Chengzi, there are no sses today since it''s the weekend, and Daddy has to leave tomorrow. Don''t you want to spend the day with Daddy?" Su Lixing looked at Su Mucheng with a smile.


    Su Mucheng nced at Su Lixing with suspicion and didn''t say anything.


    Li Jiangao chimed in, "Yeah, there''s no ss today. Su Mucheng, you should stay at the hotel and have a good time with Daddy. Summer vacation is still a while away."


    Su Mucheng looked pitifully at Qiao Ze and mumbled, "But I have to study this afternoon, our final exams areing up soon."


    Qiao Ze seriously said, "It''s okay, yourptop is in the car, you can take it to the hotel room to study, and if there''s anything you don''t understand, you can ask me on WeChat, I''ll reply when I see it."


    This scene was almost too much for Su Lixing to bear.


    He couldn''t help but re at Su Mucheng.


    Is that the face of someone who wants to study?


    Do you really think everyone else is blind?


    And Qiao Ze seems to have really believed her, answering in such a serious and formal manner.


    It''s simply unbearable to watch.


    Su Mucheng pouted and said, "Oh, then I''ll call you tonight, it won''t disturb you, right?"


    Qiao Ze nodded, "Mhm, that works too, I can answer all your questions at once."


    Unable to stand it any longer, Su Lixing coughed twice and forcefully interjected into this irritating farewell ceremony, "Ahem... Zhang, you go ahead and get Chengzi''sptop from the car and then just drop off Professor Li and Qiao Ze back at the school. Haha, Professor Li, Qiao Ze, I''m sorry for any shorings today.


    Next time you have a chance to visit Lin Hai City, you must contact me, I''ll take good care of you both."


    Li Jiangao responded with a smile, "Mr. Su is too kind."


    Qiao Ze looked at Su Lixing, feeling that Su Mucheng''s father was somehow indescribably strange.


    ...


    Su Mucheng, clutching her notebook, stood reluctantly outside the hotel, watching the A8 disappear at the end of the street...


    "Enough, gazing after the car won''t bring it back! Let''s go upstairs, I need to have a serious talk with you." Su Lixing asserted his paternal authority quite strongly.


    Su Mucheng turned to re at Su Lixing and said, "We can talk about anything, but let me make it clear, you can''t say anything bad about Qiao Ze."


    "I..." Su Lixing''s mouth twitched, but facing his most beloved daughter, he eventually held back and didn''t lose his temper, "Okay, okay, my dear ancestor, your Qiao Ze is the best, happy now?"


    "He is indeed the best, what do you mean ''happy now''?" Su Mucheng shot her father a nce and proudly turned away, walking ahead.


    Su Lixing took a deep breath and quickly caught up to Su Mucheng, speaking catingly, "My silly girl, don''t you think that Qiao Zees across as quite passive? I even feel like he has little desire tomunicate with the outside world and spends most of his time living in his own world. Doesn''t that tire you out?"


    "I know! But Daddy, have you ever seen him when he''s concentrating? Do you know that when he focuses, he really shines? Have you ever met someone who can grasp the essentials after just one look at even the most difficult concepts, and then simplifyplex issues and exin them clearly? Can you even understand the intelligence that resides in his eyes?"


    Su Mucheng''s stream of rhetorical questions left Su Lixing at a loss for words.


    Yet the young girl beside him got more and more excited as she spoke.


    "Daddy, whether you believe it or not, the first time I saw him, when he was making suggestions to the professors at the college, I was certain about him. You can''t understand the feeling of being with him! It''s truly like being enveloped in the warmth of his intelligence''s glow. Does it matter that he doesn''t like to express himself? Our thoughts are in sync.


    Okay, I admit, I find it hard to follow his train of thought many times, but that''s exactly what attracts me about him!"


    "As for not wanting tomunicate with the outside world, it''s simply because the vast majority of people in this world simply don''t deserve tomunicate with him. He operates on such a high level of thought, it''s so advanced that ordinary people can''t understand, can that possibly be his fault?


    If you still don''t understand me, then please go buy a copy of ''Lie Algebra Particle Physics'' by Howard George, try toprehend its content, and then consider what it feels like for someone to read through the whole book in an afternoon and be able to offer a critique!"


    The fast-paced speech and the excited tone that fell on Su Lixing''s ears left the father instantly unsure what to say.


    Especially since Su Lixing could see that as Su Mucheng spoke these words, her eyes were truly sparkling.


    As someone who''d been through it all, he knew all too well what it meant when a woman''s eyes sparkled while she spoke of another man.


    With a deep sigh in his heart, he raised his hand and patted his daughter''s shoulder, saying in a subdued voice, "You''ll get very tired like this!"


    "That''s what you think; I''m not tired at all, and I''m very happy!" Su Mucheng shot back, giving Su Lixing a white look.


    Having booked a suite with two rooms, Su Mucheng took hisptop and ran into her room, without any intention of continuing the conversation with Su Lixing. Su Lixing sat down on the sofa in the small living room, took a deep breath, and picked up the phone.


    "Hello, Zhang, when youe back, find a bookstore for me and buy a copy of ''Lie Algebra Particle Physics,'' authored by Howard George."


    There was no other choice, he decided to first immerse himself in this feeling before he couldmunicate with his child!


    Being a father is tough!


    ...


    In the office of the Science Building.


    Li Jiangao pulled up an email from ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' on hisputer.


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    The paper wasn''t directly rejected, but the editor had sent overments from two reviewers.


    In short, if the paper was to be published in ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications,'' it needed to address these reviewers''ments with a response and revisions of the paper.


    After carefully reading the reviewers''ments, Qiao Ze chuckled, then tilted his head to look at Li Jiangao and asked with slight confusion, "Are the reviewers for this journal idiots?"


    Li Jiangao helplessly shook his head and replied, "Remember when you talked about solving the quality gap hypothesis? I told you before... Maybe they''re not idiots, they just think we''re easy to bully."


    "Oh!" Qiao Ze nodded, then asked, "Can I reply directly?"


    Li Jiangao was somewhat surprised; he''d expected Qiao Ze to be angry or dismayed, but he had not anticipated this calm inquiry. After all, Li Jiangao had been thinking about how to console the young man before him, to tell him how to adjust his mentality, and how to deal with it.


    "Of course, you can, it''s your paper after all. However, I suggest..."


    Li Jian Gao closed his mouth.


    Because as soon as he had acknowledged that Qiao Ze could reply, Qiao Ze had already begun to type a response on the keyboard.


    "''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' Editorial Department: I regret your academic cultivation and the choice of your reviewers. I will request the withdrawal of my paper shortly, please expedite its eptance. Also, please forward the following text to the two reviewers who have suggested revisions."


    "To the reviewers of ''A Mathematical Framework for Self Supervised Learning Based on Group Theory'': Unprofessional reviewments have already exposed your folly! Although my teacher always hopes I would understand and follow the rules here, after understanding them, I don''t see these rules as absolute."


    "Double-blind peer review doesn''t hide you all; the limitations of the paper define a very small scope. I will persist in my way to make you reconsider the unprofessional reviewments you provided today. I even feel this is significant because my mentor alwayscks confidence, and through this event, I hope he can have more confidence in himself."


    "Thank you for giving me this opportunity."


    "Qiao Ze."


    Li Jiangao watched, dumbfounded, as Qiao Ze swiftly finished typing the letter and hit the send button...


    He didn''t even have time to speak up to stop him.


    At this point, Qiao Ze was already turning around, speaking calmly to Li Jian Gao, "Uncle Li, actually, after you told me those things that day, I specifically looked through many cases. And I''m very certain thatpromise won''t solve any problems. It''s just a paper, so don''t be disheartened. At most, we''ll just have to carry out the project directly."


    Li Jian Gao: "?"


    So is this kidforting me?!


    Isn''t that backward?!

 Chapter 68 : 66: The Geniuss Response (2/10 please subscribe, ask for monthly ticket)

    Having finished everything, Qiao Ze quietly sat down in front of Li Jiangao''sputer and entered the submission system to start the withdrawal process.


    This was one of the more overbearing aspects of the submission rules of renowned journals.


    Once an article was submitted, regardless of whether the writerr wanted to withdraw the article, an application had to be submitted before the journal''s editorial department decided whether or not to publish it.


    And before the editorial department agreed to the author''s request, the paper in theory could not be sent directly to simr journals.


    Defying the rules could result in withdrawal of the manuscript or being cklisted by those journals.


    Li Jiangao sat behind Qiao Ze without saying a word, watching silently and offering no persuasion.


    His mind was in turmoil.


    The content of the reply Qiao Ze had just sent to the journal''s editorial department still echoed in his mind.


    Thanking the reviewer for giving him this opportunity to be more confident?


    Li Jiangao wished he could crack open Qiao Ze''s head to see what on earth he was thinking?!


    It wasn''t until Qiao Ze hadpleted all this and looked towards Li Jiangao, who was sitting aside, that Li Jiangao came back to his senses from the shock of that email.


    After exchanging a silent nce, Li Jiangao tentatively asked, "You don''t n on publishing this paper anymore?"


    Qiao Ze shook his head and said, "Publish, but we can wait until we''ve achieved our results and then publish them together."


    "This... Qiao Ze, but the manuscript has already..."


    Li Jiangao had not finished speaking when the phone on the desk suddenly rang.


    ncing at it and seeing the three characters for Dean Xu, he decided to pick it up first.


    "Hello, Jian Gao, where are you?"


    "In the office, do you need something?"


    "You''re still in the office on the weekend? Truly an outstanding young professor of the college. Well then, wait for me, I''ll be there in about ten minutes."


    "Alright, Dean Xu, Qiao Ze is also here with me."


    "Ah, that''s great, just wait for me, oh right, it''s good news!"


    The person at the other end promptly hung up as soon as they finished speaking.


    Li Jiangao turned to Qiao Ze, trying to recall what he was just about to say?


    But then he was startled again.


    Because Qiao Ze started operating on theputer again.


    Li Jiangao silently watched as Qiao Ze cut out a function from the main theorem''s proof and specified a particr interval before extracting the values of the variable and the independent variable for ASCII value conversion, quickly obtaining a line of text.


    "This paper waspleted in coboration with LiJiangao and QiaoZe."


    Li Jiangao involuntarily swallowed.


    An eight-hour paper, not to mention it was all substantiated, and they even sneaked this thing in it?


    "This..." Li Jiangao pointed at theputer, at a loss for words.


    After all, he had never heard of anyone sending a paper with such ndestine additions before.


    Talk about ying the game!


    "After you told me that day that there are some shameless people in academia, I thought of this method. There are six instances of a simr watermark throughout the paper. So I do hope what you mentioned the other day happens, ideally having it published in the best journals and sparking widespread discussion," Qiao Ze calmly stated.


    Li Jiangao involuntarily swallowed and had an epiphany; Qiao Ze''s eight hours werepletely different from his own eight hours.


    After calming down a bit, Li Jiangao looked at Qiao Ze and said, "So from the start, you never intended to obey those established rules, did you?"


    Qiao Ze seriously replied, "Uncle Li, haven''t you realized that those industry leaders you speak of only follow the rules that benefit them?"


    Li Jiangao was stunned; well, the logic had always been that way, but...


    "But they are the ones with the power to speak."


    "No, Uncle Li, those with the real power to speak have never been them, but rather the countless observers around the world. Most people simply didn''t have a channel to know about these things before.


    What''s reassuring is, with the inte now, when everything is out in the open for everyone to scrutinize and judge their actions under the sunlight, what you see as so-called power to speak is actually worthless."


    "You will have no friends if you continue like this, even the whole world could be your enemy!"


    "I didn''t have a single friend before, and I lived just fine. As for the whole world being my enemy... Uncle Li, you''re giving those people too much credit. A bunch of fools doesn''t represent the whole world. And even if those fools truly represented the whole world, so what? As long as we''re happy, that''s all that matters!" Qiao Ze calmly said.


    His gazecked even a hint of madness, as though he was discussing a trivial matter.


    Yet the words spoken bordered on insanity, far beyond the limits of Li Jiangao''s imagination.


    He finally understood why Qiao Ze had said in that previous email that he alwayscked confidence; this situation just provided him an opportunity.


    This kid was trying to convince him to join in the madness!


    What scared Li Jiangao was the faint feeling that he was indeed somewhat swayed.


    Indeed...


    If they were to be bound by others'' rules, so be it, but when those people choose to disregard the rules whenever they wish, treating them as nothing, and all they could do waspromise.


    The world shouldn''t be like this.


    The only thing Li Jiangao felt relieved about now was that he was listed as the corresponding author for this paper.


    It wasn''t that he had arge presence in academia, but rather he had the backing of Xilin University of Technology; with the school''s endorsement, even if there were truly any thoughts about the paper, they wouldn''t use overly harsh methods. At the very least, they couldn''t possibly face a situation where an entire paper was giarized, leading to an unmanageable mess.


    However, it was apparent that Qiao Ze was not well-informed about these rules, as he calmly added, "In short, if everyone follows the rules, then I can also adhere to them. But if someone breaks the rules first, it might as well be that the rules are directly shattered. Being a stickler for tradition has never been, nor should it be, a term of praise, Uncle Li."

 Chapter 69 : 66: The Geniuss Response (2/10 please subscribe, ask for monthly ticket)_2

    Li Jian Gao looked at Qiao Ze, his lips trembling slightly.


    At that moment, the young man seemed to superimpose with his former doctoral advisor.


    Yes, Li Jian Gao felt as if their positions had swapped.


    He wasn''t the mentor, Qiao Ze was.


    "So..."


    "Hoo...hey, all of you are here, that''s good. Qiao Ze, I''ve heard about some of your recent aplishments, quite impressive!"


    Without knocking, Xu Dajiang barged into the office, interrupting this special conversation.


    Qiao Ze casually operated the mouse, closing the interface about the paper on theputer.


    Then he looked at Xu Dajiang, a bit confused.


    He really didn''t know what he had done recently to catch the attention of the uninteresting Dean Uncle.


    The first impression was so deeply rooted.


    Ever since the banner incident during Xu Dajiang''s first meeting, Qiao Ze concluded that the dean must be quite idle in his daily life.


    Today''s words once again confirmed this.


    The next sentence further confirmed it.


    "Well, Jian Gao, considering that Qiao Ze has been studying hard in high school, he must be exhausted. How about this, you two discuss and see where is interesting to visit in the country. Take Qiao Ze out for fun tomorrow, you have a week at your disposal. It won''t count as your vacation, plus the institute will give you an advance of 20,000 yuan for the expenses.


    Keep all the receipts, and we''ll reimburse you afterwards."


    After Xu Dajiang finished speaking generously, he realized that the two people opposite him didn''t seem to react much.


    That shouldn''t be...


    This was a strategy he hade up with after a whole morning of thought.


    Paid vacation, such a treat was notmon, and he had taken some pressure to offer it.


    After all, other professors would surely feel ufortable if they found out, but he believed the effects would be very positive.


    You from the Yanbei International Institute of Digital Research want toe for research, right?


    If I arrange for him to be away, it won''t interfere with your visit here in Xilin at all.


    He had believed they would happily ept his proposal, but it seemed neither of them were that interested.


    Me, go?


    Are there really people these days who aren''t interested in a paid trip?


    ...


    Well, to be fair, if Xu Dajiang had suggested this a day earlier, Li Jian Gao might have found it quite enjoyable.


    After all, after these years of 3+3, his mind was indeed under a lot of pressure.


    He spent most of his winter and summer breaks working on research topics.


    But the timing today couldn''t be worse.


    He had just been brainwashed by Qiao Ze, and his mind was full of thoughts on how to start a business, which made the thought of traveling fade away.


    And for Qiao Ze, traveling was just a really boring thing to do.


    Traveling hundreds or thousands of kilometers, enduring the hassle and fatigue, just to see those buildings that won''t leave much of an impression in his mind, eat foods that might not suit his tastes, and see people that he''d probably never encounter again in his lifetime?


    It was simply a pastime for those who had too much leisure!


    His extremely rational mind didn''t entertain the notion of poetry and the distant horizons, nor did he have the impulse to say, "The world is so big, I want to see it."


    In Qiao Ze''s view, this was just a tiny broken ball; there was nothing impressive about it.


    Not to mention that human basic scientific knowledge isn''t yet capable of realizing those brilliant ideas from visionary designers.


    So, what people can see is only what thews of physics allow to emerge.


    Whether it''s the radiance of sunrise or the tragic beauty of sunset.


    Whether it''s the stacked ridges on the mountain peaks or the majestic expanse of the river tides.


    All and everything, they are just following physicalws.


    If you can imagine it all in your mind, why bother to see it in person?


    So, upon seeing that Li Jian Gao hadn''t taken a stance, Qiao Ze decisively shook his head and said, "Not interested."


    "Hmm... Qiao Ze, do you have any concerns?"


    "No, I just simply don''t like traveling."


    For the first time, Xu Dajiang felt that it wasn''t good for a young person to have no interests or hobbies.


    "Yeah, Dean Xu, how about we save that money and use it for our project instead?"


    Xu Dajiang said with a wry smile, "If 20,000 yuan is enough, I would approve it right away! The thing is, that amount wouldn''t make a difference to you guys! Ah... can''t you wait until October? I''ll see if I can apply for more funds from the school then."


    He spoke the truth.


    Seeing that both of them were not interested in traveling, Xu Dajiang really wanted to secure some funding quickly and sign a contract to keep these two at the university.


    Who would want to bet on someone else''s moral boundaries given the choice?


    Whose bottom line couldn''t be flexibly adjusted these days?


    The key issue was the college''s research funding pool was indeed running low.


    The 20,000 yuan was what he had managed to squeeze out.


    It wouldn''t make sense to deduct it from the sries of so many professors, lecturers, and administrative staff, would it?


    Having said this, Li Jian Gao could only remain silent.


    But Qiao Ze replied, "It''s fine, Li, we can manage on our own. I haven''t even used the 50,000 yuan you gave mest time."


    Li Jian Gao chuckled wryly.


    The 50,000 yuan would suffice for writing papers, but for real-world application of oues...


    As for Xu Dajiang, he waspletely stunned.


    He really hadn''t expected that Li Jian Gao would personally fund the kid''s projects.


    Crazy!


    Both of them were crazy!


    Didn''t Li Jian Gao always talk about letting Qiao Ze experience the normal life of a university student?


    Have you ever seen any first-year students starting to fund their projects?


    And what''s the rush to start a project?


    To prove oneself and then move on to a higher tform?


    Xu Dajiang''s heart began to beat a nervous rhythm, but when he opened his mouth to speak, his tone was gentler, "This... Jian Gao, funding projects with your own money... sigh... it''s my fault. But is there such a rush? What kind of project do you want to work on?"

 Chapter 70: Chapter 66: The Geniuss Response (3/10 please subscribe, ask for monthly ticket)

    Qiao Ze took over for Li Jiangao and exined, "The end goal is an intelligent data model simr to ChatGPT. Li and I have a short-term objective to introduce a causality model into an intelligent data model like ChatGPT through a theoretically devised Group Theory decoupling framework, reducing the model''s reliance on big data.


    Our long-term goal is to create a mathematical theoretical foundation to construct an AI logic tform at the base level, into which rted digital technologies can be integrated on demand."


    Xu Dajiang was stunned. Your next read is at m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    Launching such a massive project right off the bat?


    Isn''t that terrifying?


    50,000 yuan? Are you kidding me?


    Even 500 million yuan wouldn''t be enough, would it?


    The general public might not be aware of how expensive it is to implement something like ChatGPT, but the academicmunity has some understanding.


    After all, this thing is too hot right now!


    Industry insiders have already done their calctions very clearly.


    To train a model that rivals ChatGPT, one would need to invest approximately 1 billion US dors per year just on hardware like graphics cards and CPUs.


    And that''s only the investment in hardware, not including variousbor costs.


    The most crucial aspect is the need for algorithm support.


    Since OpenAIunched its first generation of generative pre-trained models, GPT-1, in 2016, it took six years to make ChatGPT popr, during which Microsoft continuously injected funds into the project.


    Alright, let''s say that Qiao Ze, this genius youngster, really doese up with an algorithm framework more powerful than ChatGPT to conduct a dimensional reduction attack on it. But where will the enormousputing powere from? Who will provide the vast database needed to train the model?


    Even if he sold himself, Xu Dajiang...


    He wouldn''t be able to gather enough money to y this game!


    Isn''t this exactly the kind of project that those big intepanies should be considering?


    As for the long-term goals...


    If such an AI logic-based foundational tform could indeed be constructed, withstand scrutiny, and be epted, Xu Dajiang would not find it strange at all if Bill Gates were to crawl to Xilin University of Technology just to bow to Qiao Ze.


    So at this moment, Xu Dajiang was trembling his lips, not knowing what to say.


    Xilin University of Technology really didn''t have the clout to attract such a formidable mogul to invest in such an ambitious project.


    Not to mention that the project''s initiators were not academicians, Yangtze River Schrs, young scientists, or outstanding youths, but just an associate professor and a freshman who had just started college.


    Qiao Ze looked at Xu Dajiang somewhat puzzled.


    That''s because the dean''s face, which had always worn a smile, had suddenly be very strange.


    He was just introducing the project''s concept; was there a need for such a reaction?


    Fortunately, Li Jian Gao could probably sympathize with Xu Dajiang''s feelings at the moment. He said with a bitter smile, "Qiao Ze, have you ever thought about how much this project is going to cost? How much manpower and resources are needed, and can we aplish it just by ourselves?"


    Qiao Ze came to a realization, then looked at Li Jian Gao and said, "It doesn''t need a lot of money. I''ve checked the costs online, renting servers,puting power, and other expenses¡ªit should be about one or two million yuan. We don''t need to actually create a ChatGPT for mass promotion. Besides, we don''t need that much money for the initial start-up."


    "The short-term goal is just to verify that this framework is feasible, to ensure the service quality of end-to-end while optimizing the model to reduce the scale of parameters. It''s enough to prove that the algorithm framework developed ording to our theory has advantages. I''m not interested in the rest of the perfection work."


    "Moreover, I believe that as long as there is sufficient evidence proving this, we will likely notck funds for our long-term nning. I''ve seen many simr cases online. There will be people rushing to pay for it. Most importantly, our papers will definitely not be blocked again, right?"

 Chapter 78: Chapter 70 The Smart and the Not-So-Smart! (6/10 for first order, seeking monthly pass)

    Under the guidance of Li Jiangao, Qiao Ze and Su Mucheng signed their first contract with each other, while Xu Dajiang was enthusiastically entertaining guests from the Capital.


    The world of adults was still a bit hypocritical after all.


    When the people hadn''t arrived, Xu Dajiang refused in all sorts of ways, wishing he could just send them back.


    But when he actually met the professors from the Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute at the station, Xu Dajiang''s enthusiasm was so great that his face was all wrinkles with smiles.


    It was impossible to tell that the smile was forced.


    "Professor Zhang, hello, hello, wee, wee! I''m Xu Dajiang from the Xilin Mathematics Institute."


    "Director Xu, I''ve heard much about you. Let me introduce you, these two are my colleagues who havee to your school for research, Qian Yuhai and Lu Changzheng."


    "Professor Qian, Professor Lu, wee to both of you."


    ...


    After a round of superficial pleasantries that were barely substantial, Xu Dajiang took the three professors, who had specificallye from the Capital, onto the car provided by the school.


    By the time they reached the school, the school leaders had already prepared a dinner.


    The Vice Chancellor in charge of teaching, Zheng Luhua, was present to apany them personally.


    Several senior professors from the mathematics department were also waiting in the private room.


    After another round of implicit ttery, everyone finally took their seats.


    Seizing the local specialty Xi Shisan, which had been prepared in advance, Zheng Luhua nned to pour wine for the guests.


    "Today we invite the three professors to try our Xilin specialty. It''s not much of a fine wine, but it''s quite famous locally."


    The three professors who hade for the research looked at each other and it was Zhang Hongcai who declined politely, "President Zheng, I think we''d better not drink. Honestly, we usually don''t drink. Moreover, we''re here on a research mission, and we still have tasks toplete."


    Zheng Luhua insisted seriously, "No, Professor Zhang, don''t tell me you''re looking down on our local wine? How about we serve Moutai instead?"


    Zhang Hongcai replied with a bitter smile, "No, President Zheng, it''s not about the wine, we just really aren''t drinkers."


    "Ah, if you''re not drinkers, just have a little. It''s quite rare for you toe all this way, and if you leave without having even a sip of wine, others might think we at Xilin University of Technology don''t know how to be hospitable. The research matters can wait until tomorrow to start. One day earlier orter, it''s not a big problem. Right, everyone?"


    The professors from Xilin University naturally echoed the sentiment.


    Overwhelmed by such warm local hospitality and unable to refuse their kindness, Zhang Hongcai could only nod and say, "Then just a little. Really just a little, just to taste."


    "Don''t worry, we never force drinks on anyone... right, old Xu?"


    "Exactly, exactly, we won''t force drinks, let me make it clear in advance, although it is the three professors'' first visit to our Xilin, everyone must not blindly push drinks!"


    ...


    Li Jiangao didn''t take part in receiving the guests; he had never been interested in weing and sending off people.


    Luckily, Xu Dajiang did not intend to have him appear at the event today either.


    In fact, Xu Dajiang didn''t n to let Li Jiangao have any contact with the professorsing from the Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute.


    To put it bluntly, Li Jiangao had been at the school for seven years and had never seemed as important to Xu Dajiang as he did today.


    If the research team was really interested in Qiao Ze, Xu Dajiang knew very well that he simply couldn''t prevent the professors from meeting Qiao Ze.


    Luckily, Qiao Ze clearly listened very much to Li Jiangao, which left some room for maneuver.


    He might not be able to stop them from seeing Qiao Ze, but he could certainly prevent these people from meeting with Li Jiangao.


    Luckily, Li Jiangao alsocked the interest in contacting these professors from the Capital.


    It could even be said that Li Jiangao had already begun to re-n his life.


    Because rationally, Li Jiangao had finally realized that the mathematicalmunity didn''t really need him, an assistant professor, to engage in any profound research.


    In the future, the papers he wrote were likely to upy some public storage space, waste some paper, and perhaps earn 2 or 3 citations a year, without making any positive impact on the development of world mathematics.


    Therefore, he would rather focus his main effort on researching teaching methods and serving students well.


    Especially starting by serving Qiao Ze well.


    Yes, Li Jiangao felt that a mentor should have the dedication of a mentor.


    He couldn''t let misceneous things dy a student''s research work.


    So he volunteered to undertake a series of preparatory work for projects.


    Such as helping Qiao Ze write project ns, renting reliable servers, looking forpanies that provide supeputing to buyputing power as needed, recruiting staff, holding regr group meetings, assisting Qiao Ze in summarizing various project reports, weekly reports...


    This would minimize Qiao Ze''s involvement in other minor details, saving more time to dedicate to research for the project.


    Li Jiangao even felt a bit excited.


    To know, the most well-funded project he had led at Xilin University of Technology over the years was only 150,000.


    This time it was a big project worth 2 million.


    And the first step in doing all these things was recruiting.


    ...


    "The main reason I''ve called you in today is that one of my students is going to work on a project, and I want to see if you''re interested. The goal of the project is to develop a decoupling framework using Group Theory, and what you need to do is to cooperate with me and the project initiator toplete the assigned tasks. Such tasks include testing, debugging, recording data, and so forth."


    "Another thing is, if during the progress of this project you have any insight that could help you define the direction of your thesis. That''s also why I didn''t call your senior ssmates, as you know, they are already preparing their thesis."

 Chapter 88: Chapter 75 Boring Professors (First add one more update for monthly pass!)

    Liu Hao drove his second-hand car to take Qiao Ze to the hotel that the school had already booked. In fact, the hotel where they would dine wasn''t far from the school, less than a kilometer away. But the school was so big, and Dean Xu was in such a hurry.


    "Once you go in, head straight to the second floor, tell the waiter you''re there for the Ruixue Pavilion, and someone will take you to the private room. Dean Xu and the others have already arrived... Actually, you may not need to, there should be someone waiting for you downstairs."


    Liu Hao parked the car in front of the hotel entrance and casually mentioned this.


    "Aren''t you going to have dinner?" Qiao Ze asked the counselor who seemingly had no ns to park the car.


    "Uh... I made dinner ns with someone else today, so I need to head back," Liu Hao awkwardly smiled and exined.


    He was too embarrassed to say that the dean had only asked him to drop off Qiao Ze, not to join them for dinner. Of course, this was normal; the least qualified person apanying the guests today was a senior-ranked professor. What reason did he have to go?


    "Oh," Qiao Ze nodded, then got out of the car.


    Going into the hotel, sure enough, someone was already waiting at the entrance. It was Professor Ma, who had met Qiao Ze once before.


    As it turned out, Ma Wanxiang was the only lecturer and professor who had met Qiao Ze thus far.


    Although this "only one," Ma Wanxiang didn''t actually want.


    Because it gave people a certain impression.


    Qiao Ze stopped attending sses because he found his, Ma''s, lectures uninteresting from that point on.


    If that were all, it would have been fine.


    Once you ept that this guy is an extraordinary genius, it''s really not that important whether the child attends ss or not.


    But after that, even Su Mucheng stoppeding to ss, and that was somewhat hurtful to one''s pride.


    So when Ma Wanxiang saw Qiao Ze, his feelings were indeedplex.


    He really didn''t want toe down to receive the guest, but the trouble was, at today''s dinner, the only people who had met Qiao Ze were Xu Dajiang and him.


    Xu Dajiang had to stay in the private room to entertain the guests from the Capital, so it had to be himing down.


    Pah, such bad luck!


    Of course, when Ma Wanxiang actually saw Qiao Ze, he was still very enthusiastic.


    "Qiao Ze, you''re here? Everyone''s arrived, we can start the meal when youe." Ma Wanxiang said loudly.


    "Oh," Qiao Ze nodded.


    Knowing that Qiao Ze was not good atmunicating, Ma Wanxiang didn''t feel anything was amiss and simply led Qiao Ze upstairs to the dining area.


    It felt awkward to staypletely silent, so he tried to make some small talk.


    "How is it? Are you getting used to the school?"


    "Used to it."


    "Getting along well with your ssmates?"


    "Pretty good."


    "By the way, why haven''t you beening to ss recently? Did you self-study the course content before?"


    "Nagging," Qiao Ze replied, and then, realizing the word could be misunderstood, he rarel y added, "The lectures are nagging."


    Hmm, can''t fast-forward...


    Ma Wanxiang nodded, understanding.


    But there was no helping it, even at his current pace of lecturing, if he dropped a pen, those kids might not understand what he was going on about afterward.


    If he simplified it even more, it might as well have the kids read books and self-study instead.


    Fortunately, after just a few exchanges, they had already arrived in front of the private room. If the distance had been any longer, Ma Wanxiang wouldn''t have found any more topics. After all, he wasn''t Su Mucheng; that young girl could forcibly find topics without feeling embarrassed.


    "Eh, Qiao Ze, you''re here. Come and take a seat. Today we have three professors, and they''re all well-known mathematicians. They''ve been very keen to chat with you," Xu Dajiang immediately said loudly as he saw Qiao Ze enter the private room.


    He didn''t care whether the professors from Yanbei University would feel awkward because of his words.


    The seating had been arranged beforehand; Qiao Ze was to sit beside Xu Dajiang, and the seat on the other side of Qiao Ze was reserved for Ma Wanxiang, who had just gone to receive Qiao Ze. The three professors from Yanbei University were seated directly opposite.


    ...


    After the two were seated, Xu Dajiang began his enthusiastic introductions: "Come, Qiao Ze, let me introduce you. This is Professor Zhang Hongcai, the deputy director of Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute and a leading figure in the domestic study of nomutative geometry."


    "Nice to meet you," Qiao Ze calmly nodded to Zhang Hongcai, seeming to forget about being blocked on the phone the day before.


    Zhang Hongcai was taken aback by the in reaction.


    Under normal circumstances, one would at least offer an exnation, right?


    Maybe even make up an excuse?


    In the end, Zhang Hongcai could onlyment, "Uh... nice to meet you, Qiao Ze. It''s not easy to get a chance to see you, huh."


    "Not easy? Can''t you find your way to the library?" Qiao Ze casually replied.


    "Ah?" Zhang Hongcai was stunned, then couldn''t help saying, "You didn''t say library though?"


    "You didn''t ask," Qiao Ze seriously corrected, "The specific situation yesterday was that after I clearly told Zhao Guangyao that I was busy, you didn''t ask where I was but reiterated on the phone for me to go to dinner. Hmm, I guess your Chinese grades must not have been good."


    "I..." Zhang Hongcai was a bit dumbfounded.


    The atmosphere around the dining table instantly became awkward.


    Everyone showed different micro-expressions in response to this simple exchange.


    Some picked up their tea, some began coughing, and others raised their hands to cover their noses...


    Fortunately, Xu Dajiang was there: "Haha, I just discovered that Qiao Ze is actually quite humorous. Old Zhang, you see? Oh, Qiao Ze, the Professor sitting to the left of Zhang is Professor Lu Changzheng, and to the right is Professor Qian Yuhai; they are both experts in Group Theory."


    Qiao Ze nodded and politely said, "Nice to meet you."


    "Yes, hello, hello."

 Chapter 89: Chapter 75 Boring Professors (First add one more update for monthly pass!)_2

    It was rather inexplicable. Originally, Qian Yuhai and Lu Changzheng were quite unhappy about Qiao Ze having cklisted their numbers yesterday.


    But after hearing the exchange Qiao Ze just had with Zhang Hongcai, they suddenly felt that they couldn''t entirely me the kid...


    Especially that line, "I guess your Chinese scores were never any good," almost caused Qian Yuhai to suffer an internal injury.


    He really almostughed out loud.


    But this clearly wasn''t the right asion, so he had to hold it in.


    What he didn''t expect was, Qiao Ze suddenly looked at him and added, "I''ve seen Professor Qian."


    Qian Yuhai asked in surprise, "Oh? You''ve seen me? When?"


    "I''ve watched your ''Group Theory'' series of open course videos on the inte," Qiao Ze replied.


    Qian Yuhai suddenly realized...


    Those were a series of videos that a student had asked permission to record and edit during his lectures years ago, and they had been posted online.


    However, such videos involving professional knowledge didn''t attract many viewers.


    Qian Yuhai hadn''t paid much attention to them and had even nearly forgotten about it.


    So he exined, "That wasn''t really an open course, just a small ssroom thing, something a student put together on a whim. How so? Did it help you?"


    Qiao Ze nodded and said, "Yes, it did. However, when you were discussing the linear representation of infinite groups, there was a problem in your analysis of locallypact topological groups that troubled me for quite some time."


    "Oh?! There''s something like that? What''s the problem?" Qian Yuhai was startled by this, and his urge tough flew away.


    "When talking about the group delta and the exponential map, part of the content involved deriving delta from the Banach algebra itself via the exponential map. There''s a small mistake in the proof that delta is within the connectedponent containing y¡ªthe function example used overflows.


    Luckily, the final conclusion is still correct because it''s only missing a restriction condition," Qiao Ze detailed the specific issue seriously.


    "That content should be from the textbook. Could there be a possibility that you have misunderstood?" Qian Yuhai couldn''t help but say.


    Qiao Ze shook his head and then pulled out his phone, starting to fiddle with it.


    The atmosphere around the table began to shift again.


    Qian Yuhai suddenly felt a bit uneasy.


    Could it be?


    Could there really be a problem with the example in his proof?


    "Um... Qiao Ze, why don''t we eat first? Such a small issue, we don''t need to take it so seriously," Xu Dajiang was the first to speak up.


    Qiao Ze looked up seriously and said, "But in mathematics, there is no small issue; the line between right and wrong is very clear."


    Almost at the same moment, Qian Yuhai also said, "I''m quite curious to know where the mistake is, after all, we must not mislead the young, right?"


    Well, Xu Dajiang didn''t feel like talking anymore.


    Whatever.


    Luckily, it didn''t take long for Qiao Ze to find the right part of the video, as he pulled the progress bar to the correct spot and then handed over the phone directly.


    "You can look at what is being written on the ckboard and think about it again. What would happen if we don''t impose restrictions on the Kronecker function?"


    Qian Yuhai took the phone, frowning as he carefully watched the content from his lectures years ago, while his mind quickly processed what Qiao Ze hinted, then after a moment, it clicked¡ªa restriction condition was indeed needed. He said reflexively, "Shouldn''t take the interval from 1 to -1, right?"


    "That''s right," Qiao Ze nodded.


    The table suddenly grew quiet again.


    Ma Wanxiang suddenly felt that it was good for everyone that Qiao Ze didn''t attend sses, avoiding any potential mutual harm.


    After all, if he pointed out a mistake so directly during a lecture, it would indeed affect the lecturer''s mindset.


    "Haha, Group Theory, to exin it clearly would take dozens of lectures at least. Such small errors are inevitable, and even could be said to be of high quality. Haha, it must have been that Professor Qian forgot to include it when he was lecturing," Xu Dajiang tried to smooth things over again. Your next journey awaits at m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    After all, this was happening at Xilin University of Technology''s home turf; as the host, he couldn''t allow the atmosphere to be too awkward.


    However, Qiao Ze still seriously responded, "I haven''t watched the whole series. I used Professor Qian''s course as a supplement. Even though there are over a hundred episodes in total, I''ve only watched twenty-six of them. Many parts I just skipped over."


    "Um..."


    Xu Dajiang was a bit stunned, not quite sure what to say next, but luckily the emotionally conflicted Ma Wanxiang quickly recovered and hastily instructed, "Waiterrade, our group has arrived. We can start serving the food now. Let''s eat first, eat first. After all, I''m getting hungry."


    "Yes, let''s eat first, everybody, haha..."


    ...


    The college naturally would not be stingy when entertaining distinguished guests.


    The dishes were plentiful, but most people at the table ate without any relish, the conversationcking vigor.


    Xu Dajiang finally understood why Qiao Ze had ended up at Xilin University of Technology.


    Perhaps this kid only acted normal when Li Jiangao was around?


    Just going out to eat a few more times could offend everyonepletely.


    Of course, this time it was clearly a good thing.


    Xu Dajiang indeed quite liked the personality the child had shown.


    However, he had made up his mind never to show off his academic level in front of this child.


    As much as he liked Qiao Ze, he didn''t really want the boy to critique his papers, did he?


    Fortunately, his previous research focus had been on partial differential equations.


    A young person who had already been attracted by nomutative geometry and group theory probably wouldn''t be so interested in the field of PDE.


    That was just fine.


    Xu Dajiang also noticed that after Qiao Ze had pointed out the mistake in Qian Yuhai''s video online, the three professors had exchanged several nces.


    But it was not a big problem.


    Xu Dajiang felt that with Qiao Ze''s character, he could probably reduce these professors'' eagerness to poach him quite a bit.


    Moreover, he had realized that Qiao Ze truly had no interest in going to Yanbei University. That was essential; as long as Qiao Ze wasn''t interested, and his enrollment had already transferred over, no matter how much these people wanted to poach him, they could only watch helplessly.


    So he really didn''t mind Qiao Ze showing off a bit more.


    To make those people envious to death.


    Unfortunately, after pointing out Qian Yuhai''s mistake, Qiao Ze seemed to have lost the desire to talk anymore.


    Especially during the meal, he was extremely quiet.


    It was as if he hadn''t heard the professors'' conversation amidst the clinking sses, just silently eating his meal.


    After finishing two bowls of rice, Qiao Ze put down his chopsticks and said, "I''m full."


    "Ah?!" Xu Dajiang was somewhat slow to react.


    However, Zhang Hongcai, who had been paying attention to Qiao Ze across the table, said with mild surprise, "Huh... that''s it? You''re full? How about, after the meal, we have a cup of tea here and just chat for a bit?"


    Qiao Ze shook his head and said, "No more talking, I''ve been really busy recently, I need to go back to my dorm."


    Zhang Hongcai felt it would be imprudent to keep Qiao Ze any longer, especially since he had just been criticized by the youngster for his poor understanding ofnguage... in other words, for notprehending human speech.


    Xu Dajiang then came to his senses and understood ¡ª this kid truly came just to eat, so now that he was full, it was entirely reasonable for him to want to leave.


    At the same time, Xu Dajiang also made a resolution.


    For any future socializing activities that involved interacting with people, he absolutely would not include Qiao Ze.


    Of course, if someone really wanted to be masochistic, beforeing for the meal, he would have to inform the school security department, best to arrange a few security personnel to follow him...


    "Well... in that case, Qiao Ze, look, Professor Zhang and the others haven''t finished eating yet, we can''t leave right away. We''re not at the university, and I''m notfortable with you going back alone. So, just sit for a while, I''ll make a phone call and ask your counselor to pick you up, you wait here for him for a bit, how''s that?" Xu Dajiang quickly suggested.


    Qiao Ze nodded.


    Liu Hao had a car, and all things considered, waiting a while to drive back would actually take about the same time as walking back himself; historical experience showed that the counselors responded quickly to calls from this dean uncle.


    Although this Dean Xu might be somewhat boring and free, Uncle Li had said to give this uncle some respect, even if his concerns were a bit trivial.


    "Well, since that''s the case, Qiao Ze, it''s good that you''ll stay a while longer. I have a question about nomutative geometry I''d like to discuss with you..."


    Zhang Hongcai had just started speaking when Qiao Ze shook his head and said, "Professor Zhang, that day when Dean Xu mentioned you to Uncle Li, I flipped through your papers in Uncle Li''s office. Your research involvesmentary on nomutative geometry through nomutative quotient spaces, which is fairly in-depth theoretical mathematical research.


    I study nomutative geometry just to facilitate understanding C* algebras and algebraic quantum field theory. Because I''m only very interested in quantum physics, nomutative geometry helps me understand the quantum world, but I don''t intend to delve into this direction, so there''s nothing to discuss."


    Oh...


    Quantum physics?!


    .

 Chapter 90: Chapter 76: Not Even Wanting Money Anymore?! (12 more episodes for monthly pass)

    Zhang Hongcai and his group left the following afternoon.


    If they had the chance, they certainly would have liked to chat with Qiao Ze and didn''t mind using some methods to do so.


    Unfortunately, they could tell that Qiao Ze wasn''t interested in Yanbei University and even seemed to have a slight aversion to it.


    Well, thetter was purely an overthinking on their part.


    At least for now, Qiao Ze didn''t have any aversion to any university.


    Of course, he didn''t have any particr fondness either.


    Except for Xilin University of Technology.


    After all, people have emotions, and his ssmates were actually quite nice.


    But then again, although the three professors from the Capital had only met Qiao Ze once, they were left with an extremely deep impression.


    So much so that on the high-speed train back to the Capital from Xilin, the conversation never strayed from this kid.


    ...


    "This child indeed has something," Qian Yuhai said earnestly.


    Lu Changzheng nodded as well, providing a fair assessment, "Qiao Ze''s memory,putation abilities, logical thinking, and reasoning skills, spatial imagination, they must all be top-notch. Considering what he said, he spent half a day to figure out the problem in your video.


    That means he sensed something wrong while attending the lecture, indicating that he also has enviable mathematical intuition! It''s hard to imagine all these strengths being concentrated in a child."


    "It''s just that his air of arrogance is a bit too much, sigh..." Zhang Hongcai sighed.


    Most people probably get this wrong impression when they first meet Qiao Ze.


    Especially considering that when Zhang Hongcai visited, it was precisely during Qiao Ze''s busiest time. Naturally, he didn''t feel like paying much attention to them, which led them to perceive him as quite arrogant.


    "Ah, you can''t really say that. If I had his talent at a young age, I probably would have been more arrogant than him," Lu Changzhengmented with a smile.


    Zhang Hongcai looked at Lu Changzheng with some surprise; Zhang Hongcai remembered that Lu was the most upset when Qiao Ze blocked their phone numbers the day before, yet now he was speaking up for Qiao Ze?


    "Don''t look at me like that; after I went backst night, I watched Old Qian''s lecture video again. The mistake in Qian''s lecture video that Qiao Ze pointed out went unnoticed by me unless he reminded me. Moreover, I had my graduate students find thest edition of the Group Theory textbookst night; the proof process is indeed written that way.


    Although we started using a new textbookst year, that textbook had been in use for six years, and it''s surprising that no one noticed the mistake. So when he says he found an error in a lemma proof in a Group Theory paper within a few minutes, I truly believe him."


    "Oh?" Zhang Hongcai was slightly startled. Was it really a problem in the textbook?


    Zhang Hongcai instinctively turned to look at Qian Yuhai; after all, that textbook was primarily authored by Qian.


    Qian Yuhai shrugged and sighed, "Ah... don''t look at me. I really didn''t notice it, and despite so many rounds of proofreading, Lu, Yan Song, they all proofread it and still missed this little w. Thankfully, we''ve switched textbooks now; otherwise, if this got out, the loss would be severe."


    "Come on, a few small issues in the textbook are inevitable, so stop making a big deal out of it," Zhang Hongcai disdainfully said to Qian Yuhai.


    "Actually, what I mean is, if possible, should we mail a copy of the new internal textbook to Qiao Ze and let him go through it?" Qian Yuhai suggested thoughtfully.


    Zhang Hongcai pondered and eventually shook his head, "Forget it, if that got out, it''d be a real joke. Even if you guys can disregard your own reputations, what about the reputation of the college and the research institute?"


    "Heh, it''s a pity indeed!"


    "What''s a pity? I think the University of Technology''s Mathematics College simply can''t keep Qiao Ze."


    "Maybe he''ll get poached by Physics College in the future?"


    "That''s why I say it''s a pity."


    "Forget it, let''s not talk about it anymore. No matter how good he is, he''s someone else''s kid. Actually, we also have a few promising talents this year. Once we get back, we can focus on cultivating them; they may not necessarily be inferior to Qiao Ze! It''s not as if there haven''t been many prodigies who were surpassed in this world."


    "Ah..."


    ...


    Almost at the same time, just as he had sent off the three bigwigs, returned to school, and confirmed that Li Jiangao was still in the office, Xu Dajiang came looking for him with a face brimming with delight.


    "Jiangao, there''s truly good news this time," Xu Dajiang said with a mysterious air as soon as he entered.


    "Dean Xu, hello... What''s the good news? It can''t be that you''re nning to have me go abroad as a visiting professor, can it? I can''t do that at the moment," Li Jiangao joked casually.


    "Haha... Jian Gao, you''re starting to enjoy teasing me more and more!"


    Xu Dajiangughed unnaturally¡ªit certainly wasn''t a good time to be sending Li Jian Gao abroad.


    Let alone under the current circumstances, where sending him would be very difficult.


    "No, no, just tell me what it is, I''m just joking," Li Jiangao said.


    Xu Dajiang nodded, put on a serious face, the smile now absent, "You know about themotion caused by the people from the Capital, right? Their first dinner here was personally hosted by Old Zheng."


    "Oh, I didn''t know," Li Jiangao shook his head.


    He hadn''t been asked to meet the Yanbei University professors at all.


    The only reason he went to have a meal was that it had been pre-ordered, and when the three professors left, they were already starting to eat when they called, so Xu Dajiang summoned him to join for the meal. So he really didn''t know.


    "It doesn''t matter if you don''t know about that, but the point is, I mentioned Qiao Ze''s matter to Principal Zheng and roughly talked about you wanting to cooperate with Qiao Ze on a project. Old Zheng gave the go-ahead on the spot. Once this month''s exams are over, he will coordinate, and at a minimum, try to allocate one million yuan in research funding for your project. One million yuan...


    Jian Gao, you and Qiao Ze will have to work hard! For this one million, both Principal Zheng and I have taken on pressure!"

 Chapter 91: Chapter 76: Not Even Wanting Money Anymore?! (12 updates for monthly pass)_2

    Xu Dajiang stared at Li Jiangao and spoke with deep feeling.


    In his mind, he wondered, they surely wouldn''t find fault with this offer, would they?


    After all, just two days ago, he had kindly approved twenty thousand yuan for Li Jiangao and Qiao Ze to go on a trip, only to be met with disdain, which was quite disheartening.


    But soon, Xu Dajiang realized something was amiss.


    The young associate professor opposite him not only didn''t show any overwhelming gratitude, but his expression also became quite strange...


    His mouth moved several times, but he ultimately didn''t say anything.


    What did this mean?


    Confused, he asked, "Hmm... Jian Gao, what''s this reaction? Don''t tell me you''ve managed to secure the research funding in these few days?"


    Li Jiangao promptly nodded along with Xu''s words, earnestly saying, "Dean Xu, you''ve guessed it right this time, it has indeed been settled. Our research has already been sponsored, and it''s a private sponsorship at that. The contract has been signed, two million yuan for the research funds have been received, and I''ve even rented servers andputational power.


    So, there really is no need for the school to provide funding anymore. Still, I truly appreciate that you''ve been thinking of us all this time."


    Xu Dajiang was stunned.


    Since the other party even used the polite "you," it probably wasn''t a lie.


    Of course, no one would make up such a lie.


    Though a million yuan might not make an impression in other faculties, in the School of Mathematics, such news could make some professors go to great lengths.


    Generally speaking, the funding for outstanding young researchers is usually around one to three million yuan.


    In the School of Mathematics, a few hundred thousand could fund a rather significant project.


    Xu Dajiang had never before seen anyone actively reject funding from above.


    "Really? Someone privately sponsored Qiao Ze''s project? What for? Do they really believe Qiao Ze can develop a framework like ChatGPT?" After a while, Xu Dajiang asked in astonishment.


    The image of Su Mucheng insisting on sponsoring with her money shed in Li Jiangao''s mind.


    It seemed like the girl didn''t even bother to ask what Qiao Ze''s project was about, or what the potential returns could be if the project seeded.


    She just had the capricious wealth... Who could he even reason with about this?


    Therefore, Li Jiangao shook his head and said, "In fact, it may not be for anything specific, maybe it''s simply friendship? And I''ve promised someone, so I can''t reveal the sponsor at the moment... So..."


    Xu Dajiang''s mouth twitched twice.


    Justst Saturday when he came looking for Li Jiangao, they were stillmenting theck of funds.


    Now it''s Tuesday, only three dayster, not only had they received an investment and signed a contract, but the money had been deposited as well? Even the servers andputational resources were settled.


    No wonder Qiao Ze said he was too busy to even eat yesterday.


    Indeed, it wasn''t an excuse; he truly was busy.


    For a moment, Xu Dajiang didn''t know what to say.


    But he quickly regained hisposure.


    "Wait, you just said servers andputational power are rented? Hmm... You didn''t use the school''s resources?"


    Li Jiangao shook his head.


    "So that''s how it is, Li Jiangao, you''re deliberately trying to keep the school out of this, aren''t you?" Xu Dajiang said as he raised his finger towards Li Jiangao.


    Li Jiangao replied with a wry smile, "Well... Dean Xu, after all, it''s the child''s first project, and it''s not certain he can seed. Since someone was willing to invest, I thought it best to let him try on his own. To be frank, I didn''t want to get involved, so I didn''t even put my name on the contract. I just helped Qiao Ze with some misceneous matters.


    If the project fails to yield any results, so be it, but if it does seed, it wouldn''t be right to have the sponsor put up the money and then have to fight awsuit with the school, would you agree?"


    At this, Xu Dajiang was left speechless.


    If Li Jiangao were involved in the project, Xu would indeed have his doubts, wondering if Li Jiangao had ulterior motives.


    But Li Jiangao''s candid admission that he didn''t put his name on the contract left no room for suspicion.


    "Alright! I''vee to realize that Qiao Ze is someone blessed with noble helpers wherever he goes. But then again, Qiao Ze just joined the university; how many people could he know? Don''t tell me the sponsor was also someone you found for him?" Xu Dajiang said with a tinge of disappointment.


    It was just too bizarre!


    He had thought that today''s offer would be a great way to win people over, only to realize it was another wasted effort.


    "You''re overthinking it again. The investor must remain a secret for now. It''s not even me who introduced them. You''ll find out in time. Anyway, this project may not be directly rted to the school, but all participants can indeed be said to be from our School of Mathematics," Li Jiangao dered resolutely.


    "Oh? All from our School of Mathematics? Including the investor?" Xu Dajiang asked skeptically.


    Li Jiangao nodded.


    This statement suddenly made everything click for Xu Dajiang.


    Not bad at all!


    Let the school see what happens when they always hold back on the School of Mathematics'' research funds!


    For a moment, he, too, began to hope that Qiao Ze might produce an extraordinary result, preferably one so impressive that it would utterly infuriate the school''s administration.


    The angrier the better!


    Best if they''re so angry they call him in for a severe reprimand!


    Then, he''d be able to m the table with full justification in his response!


    When that time came, Qiao in his left hand, and a hidden tycoon from the institute in his right¡ªwho would dare to talk back? He''d crush them on the spot!


    Who would choose to kneel when they could stand and demand money?


    Indeed, Xu Dajiang had already decided that, if Qiao Ze''s project really seeded, he wouldn''t mind taking out his wallet to helpvish praise on it! He nned to be the Xilin Mathematics Institute dean who stood tall and saw the institute''s research funding double!


    "Ahem, so that said, Jian Gao, is this investor interested in funding other projects at the institute?"


    An ambitious Xu Dajiang tentatively asked another question.


    "It''s not like that, Dean Xu. They invested because of Qiao Ze''s face, it has absolutely nothing to do with me! I would be too embarrassed to even have my name on Qiao Ze''s future papers, let alone ask such things," Li Jiangao said with a wry smile.


    "Oh... I see. That means the investor is a student, right? Someone from the basic ss?"


    "I..." Li Jiangao simply stopped talking.


    "Haha, just asking. Alright, since you''ve already found funding, I''ll leave it to you. Later, I''ll tell Zheng that your project won''t be starting for the moment, so he doesn''t need to help coordinate anything. I''d rather not deal with the money if it reallyes through, as I would find it too hot to handle.


    But one thing, you must inform me immediately if Qiao Ze''s project yields results, that''s not too much to ask, right?"


    Xu Dajiang said this in jest.


    "Rest assured, if it really works out, I will definitely inform you immediately," Li Jiangao promptly promised.


    "Good, it''s settled then, I''ll be going first."


    After speaking, Xu Dajiang turned and walked out of Li Jiangao''s office, his feelingsplex.


    As he closed the door, he deliberately let out a deep sigh.


    "Ah..."


    But once back in his own office, Xu Dajiang made a direct call to Liu Hao.


    "Liu Hao,pile all the student files from your basic ss and bring to my office the files of students who might be able to put up two million at a time."


    ...


    In the family housingplex of Xilin University of Technology, Su Mucheng was showing Qiao Ze around the three-bedroom apartment that had already been set up.


    It must be said that money brings efficiency. In just two days, Su Mucheng had managed to get the furniture moved down, the whole house carpeted, a long table for meetings installed in the living room, and the original master bedroom turned into a workspace with sixputers neatly lined up.


    To ensure efficiency and avoid disruption due to disconnection, two fiber optic cables had even been installed, one from China Tel and one from China Un, both with direct home entry.


    This could be considered a unique benefit of older neighborhoods.


    Brand new residential areas generally only have two-core prefabricated fibers, and because they work by sending and receiving signals, they don''t support dual fiber home entry. Meanwhile, in these older neighborhoods, the equipment was addedter, so they simply run surface-mounted lines into the interior, permitting dual or even triple fiber instation.


    "Qiao Ze, how do you like it here?" Su Mucheng enthusiastically asked after showing Qiao Ze around.


    Qiao Ze nodded and said, "It''s quite nice."


    "Indeed, it''s nice!" Chen Yiwen, who followed alongside Qiao Ze, chimed in.


    However, Chen Yiwen''sment earned nothing but a roll of the eyes from Su Mucheng.


    Fortunately, this time Su Mucheng didn''t seem to mind Chen Yiwen acting as a third wheel.


    Because the group had acquired another member, a graduate student who had already started working earnestly at aputer...

 Chapter 97: Chapter 79: Far Ahead (Massive Update, Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Votes)

    Soon, Tan Jingrong also returned to the studio.


    When it came down to it, aside from Qiao Ze, it was definitely Tan Jingrong who was the most dedicated to the project.


    Actually, when Li Jiangao first brought him to this research team, Tan Jingrong was quite resistant.


    What''s the situation?


    Everyone in the group, from the young boss to all the other members, are freshmen?


    He''s the only graduate student?


    Is this a joke?


    Really, if Qiao Ze hadn''t already written the framework that could be worked on immediately by feeding it data, Tan Jingrong might have decided to turn around and leave.


    That''s how the first day of official work in the studio passed under somewhat gloomy circumstances.


    But on the second day, when Tan Jingrong was exposed to the back-end of the framework written by Qiao Ze, along with Li Jiangao, he was bewildered...


    Could this really be written by a freshman?


    Then, Li Jiangao threw the paper that Qiao Ze had written straight to him.


    After reading through the paper in the evening, Tan Jingrong decided to put aside his pride and kneel down.


    In the following half month, Tan Jingrong was like sleepwalking.


    To Su Mucheng and Chen Yiwen, no matter how outrageous the things Qiao Ze did to the framework were, they seemed quite normal to them.


    But for Tan Jingrong... well, he didn''t dare to talk to Qiao Ze.


    Because Tan Jingrong truly felt that he and Qiao Ze... no, it should be said that Qiao Ze and this world should be isted from each other.


    He couldn''t begin to imagine how many ingenious ideas were in Qiao Ze''s head, always adding something new to the framework.


    What was even scarier was that after feeding data into the experimental framework for just over ten days, it was truly bing visibly "smarter."


    If ChatGPT were used as a reference point, the results of the feedback from the first ten days of testing were very rigid, probably on par with the second generation of ChatGPT, but these days the quality of the framework''s responses was visibly improving.


    Whether it''s AI text trantion, understanding naturalnguage, extracting the central idea from articles, or generating specific content based on requirements... Explore stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    It was already beginning to match thetest version of ChatGPT, the fourth generation.


    What wascking now was just the content for multi-directional development.


    Such as painting, for instance.


    But Tan Jingrong was clear, it wasn''t that the framework designed by Qiao Ze couldn''t achieve this, but that theputing power they rented was still too little.


    However, to be honest, it was definitely sufficient for publishing papers.


    After all, they had already proven that it was not necessary to have arge volume of data to make the machine smarter.


    This had already demonstrated the superiority of the framework and corresponding algorithms designed by Qiao Ze over existing ones.


    This was why Tan Jingrong, who was normally a downbeat person,


    otherwise, he really couldn''t help boasting about it everywhere.


    Therefore, during his time in the research team, Tan Jingrong was always very careful and cautious.


    He couldn''t help it; he really wanted to stay in this research group, yet all the work he was currently doing was highly receable. After all, feeding data, adjusting parameters, conducting tests ¨C just about any university student could be trained in two or three days to be proficient.


    Plus, he especially needed the work experience of being in this research team.


    Just think about it, the day the research group published its findings and his name appeared on the list of team members, how much would it help him with publishing papers and finding jobs in the future?


    A member of the Group Wisdom research team, more efficient than ChatGPT, who participated in the entire process of project development and yed a highly important role...


    Really, just adding this sentence to his resume, which journal editor wouldn''t be dumbfounded when they see it? Whichpany''s HR wouldn''t take it seriously?


    If Tan Jingrong were more shameless, and highlighted the fact that he was the only graduate student in the research team apart from the big and little bosses, would thosepletely oblivious to the research process not take notice of him?


    As for whether they''ll find out he''s a shamter on, that''s not too important.


    There''s always a way to make others see his brilliance.


    After all, the saddest thing is not being eliminated after making efforts, but not being given the opportunity to try by others.


    So for Tan Jingrong, being part of the Group Wisdom research team was undoubtedly the biggest opportunity of his life, the one not to be missed; hence, he became all the more diligent.


    Generally speaking, Qiao Ze, Su Mucheng, and Chen Yiwen wouldn''t pull all-nighters, leaving the studio before 10 p.m.


    But Tan Jingrong had been practically living there during this period.


    He would stay upte into the night, always preparing all the data without Qiao Ze or Li Jian giving the orders. Moreover, after finishing his work each day, he would conscientiously write the work summary and upload it to the server before sleeping, then start working again after breakfast the next day.


    If there were a model worker medal to be awarded in the research team, it would definitely belong to Tan Jingrong.


    When Qiao Ze and Li Jian were not in the studio, Tan Jingrong would work diligently and carefully, let alone today when Qiao Ze was there.


    So, just like usual, after eating, he packed his lunchbox and threw it away, stretched for a bit, and then went straight back to the workroom.


    As soon as he entered, Chen Yiwen called out, "Tan,e quickly, today Qiao Ze updated a new module, the emotion judgment module. It can chat with you emotionally, give it a try."


    "Ah? Emotion judgment?" Tan Jingrong nced at Qiao Ze in surprise.


    Qiao Ze was already back at his spot, busy with something, while Su Mucheng sat next to him, apparently working on something too. Tan Jingrong didn''t say anything further, but sat down at his workstation and opened the dialog module.

 Chapter 98: Chapter 79: Far Ahead (Massive Update, Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Votes)_2

    Chen Yiwen approached with bubbling enthusiasm.


    "Come on, chat," Chen Yiwen chimed in. "I''m telling you, after the updates, this thing has gotten insanely good at getting under your skin!"


    Truth be told, Tan Jingrong was actually quite envious of Chen Yiwen and Su Mucheng. And of course, he still didn''t know that Su Mucheng was the sponsor of the project. Nobody in the research group talked about it. He merely thought Su Mucheng got involved in the project because she was Qiao Ze''s girlfriend.


    "Hello!"


    "Hello to you too."


    "Nice weather we''re having today."


    "Aren''t you boring! Do you think I don''t know how to locate or ess the weather forecast?"


    Tan Jingrong turned to nce at Chen Yiwen, feeling that this naturalnguage dialogue system indeed seemed different. It never used to respond like that; it felt more dynamic, perhaps?


    After some thought, Tan Jingrong replied by the book, "I''m indeed not very good at chatting. Do you have any suggestions?"


    "Then you should hurry up and learn. For you humans, the ability tomunicate is an extremely important survival skill."


    "Can you teach me?"


    "Sorry, that request is beyond my capabilities, after all, I don''t have a teaching credential."


    "Pfft¡­" That wasn''t Tan Jingrong''s response; Chen Yiwen watching the conversation got a kick out of it and couldn''t help butugh.


    But Tan Jingrong indeed didn''t know how to respond anymore.


    In previous tests, he had been able to keep up with the rhythm of this conversation software since he was in control of the pace.


    After today''s update, Tan Jingrong had already sharply perceived that this new naturalnguage system was beginning to take control of the conversation''s rhythm.


    What''s this, some emotion module?


    Could it actually be guiding thenguage model?


    At that moment, Tan Jingrong''s mind was filled with question marks.


    If they were to release it now, wouldn''t it send shockwaves through the entire tech world?


    What they were working on wasn''t some AI-native app, but a bona fide fundamental AInguage mega model!


    What does ''fundamental'' mean?


    It means the most basic, core, andpetitive framework.


    The key is that this capability, even after nearly a decade of fine-tuning, was not so perfectly achieved by the famous ChatGPT4.0. Yet how long had they been training their underlying model?


    At most, just seventeen days.


    And now the only difference between their fundamental model and the viral ChatGPT4.0 was that they didn''t have such efficient servers or the vastputational power and bandwidth to supportrge-scale peer-to-peer services, nor such an extensive interface database to supportpatibility with various systems and software.


    Was this really something a normal person could aplish?


    Tan Jingrong couldn''t help but look up at Qiao Ze again.


    Who cares about writing papers at this point?!


    If this were to be released now, the young man leading the project could probably soar straight to fame, bing a new elite in the world''s tech circles, right?


    Just based on this new framework alone, even raising hundreds of billions wouldn''t be excessive, would it?


    Any inte giant that hesitates for more than five seconds would show disrespect to this future tycoon.


    Tan Jingrong genuinely couldn''t understand why the few people in the studio acted so rxed, with Chen Yiwen even chuckling beside him...


    It made sense for Qiao Ze, the main designer, to be nonchnt.


    But did Su Mucheng and Chen Yiwen truly understand the value of this framework?


    How could they remain so casual?


    Really, at that moment, Tan Jingrong desperately wanted to remind them both, but he didn''t know how to start.


    His hands involuntarily began to shake.


    "Hey, Tan, what''s up with you? Daydreaming? Do you also think this new module is unreliable?" Chen Yiwen asked in surprise.


    "Unreliable?" Tan Jingrong paused and, with a smile tinged with helplessness, turned to look at Chen Yiwen and seriously said, "What you call unreliable, I see only as four words¡ªfar ahead of others."


    "Ah, Senior Tan, when you say ''far ahead of others,'' which products are youparing it to?" the cute voice came from across Tan Jingrong.


    Tan Jingrong looked up at Qiao Ze, who still appeared indifferent. Next to him, Su Mucheng leaned her head out, curiously looking at him.


    "For instance, the internationally famous ChatGPT 4.0, Google''s Pathways Language Model, domestic Wenxin Yiyin, Xinghuo Cognition, Baichuan Intelligence... Compared with these frameworks, ours is far ahead. The underlying machine deep learning ability has significantly reduced the dependence on big data, not to mention these modules.


    If we had even greaterputational support and could make breakthroughs in AI painting, mapping, and other fields, then we would be leading in all directions."


    Tan Jingrong tried to keep hisnguage calm so as not to get too excited...


    "Haha, Qiao Ze, I told you, you''re the best! Your project will definitely seed! Should we invest more, like Senior Tan said, and also develop AI painting and such?" Su Mucheng excitedly said to Qiao Ze.


    "The data integrated during this period is indeed sufficient for publishing papers. I''m considering splitting it into several articles. So, we don''t need to expand ourputational power for now. Oh, and I''ve spoken to Li about it. The corresponding author for future papers and the first author will be me.


    Tan Jingrong will be the second author, and Chen Yiwen and Su Mucheng, you two will take turns being the third and fourth authors," Qiao Ze said offhandedly.


    These wordspletely stunned Tan Jingrong.


    He stood dazed for a while before raising his hand and pointing to his nose, saying, "Me? A second author on a paper?"


    Qiao Ze looked up at Tan Jingrong, nodded, and asked, "What? Are you not satisfied?"


    Tan Jingrong hurriedly shook his head and said, "No, it''s not that, I''m very satisfied, just the second authorship..."


    "You''ve worked hard during this time. Without your help, the progress could not have been so fast. And Li said you actually need this second authorship. So, let''s leave it at that." After speaking, Qiao Ze didn''t pay any more attention to Tan Jingrong and continued to busily focus on his own work.


    Su Mucheng stuck her tongue out at Tan Jingrong, didn''t say anything else, and quietly sat next to Qiao Ze, diligently feeding data. After all, the time she could help was limited.


    Tan Jingrong could only look nkly at Chen Yiwen beside him, finding that Chen looked at him with a tinge of envy, and said with a sigh, "Ah, I knew the second authorship would definitely go to you. But never mind, I can live with several third authorships. You must be really happy now, right? After all, it''s better to show off to the juniors with a second authorship than a third."


    Upon hearing this, Tan Jingrong almost cried.


    What the hell is wrong with these people?!


    A future top journal paper''s second and third authorship just for the sake of showboating to juniors?


    Isn''t that a waste?


    If it''s about showboating, it should be in front of future advisors, journal editors, and HR of bigpanies!


    Not to mention, with this second authorship, even if he writes papers in the future without adding the advisor''s name, just by submitting them to the core journals of Nan University, they would have to take his contributions seriously, right?


    Without much exaggeration, this second authorship could change his life.


    Thinking of that, Tan Jingrong''s eyes reddened, and, ignoring Chen Yiwen next to him, he took a deep breath, stood up, and formally said to Qiao Ze, "Thank you."


    Qiao Ze looked up, nced at Tan Jingrong, his eyes filled with confusion: "You''ve done so much work; isn''t the second authorship deserved?"


    "Huh?"


    "Alright, no need to thank me."


    "Okay."


    Tan Jingrong sat back down, his mind still in turmoil. After taking two deep breaths, he opened WeChat on hisputer, found Li Jiangao''s contact, and quickly began topose a message: "Li, thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in this project."


    Soon he received a reply from Li Jiangao: "Why the sudden thanks? By the way, how''s the project going? Still smooth, I hope?"


    Tan Jingrong was momentarily stunned.


    No way?


    Didn''t Qiao Ze just mention that he had talked with the advisor?


    Could it be that they only discussed the paper?


    "Um, didn''t Qiao Ze report to you?"


    "Report? Don''t use that word. Qiao Ze is your boss now. He only told me he''s got two papers brewing, and we discussed the authorship arrangement a bit. He mentioned that you''ve started collecting data, and I was nning on checking your daily and weekly reports tonight."


    "Then I suggest youe have a look this afternoon instead, and experience it for yourself. This week''s progress has been incredibly exaggerated." Enjoy exclusive content from mvl


    "Oh? Well, alright..."

 Chapter 78: Chapter 70 The Smart and the Not-So-Smart! (6/10 for first order, seeking monthly pass)

    Under the guidance of Li Jiangao, Qiao Ze and Su Mucheng signed their first contract with each other, while Xu Dajiang was enthusiastically entertaining guests from the Capital.


    The world of adults was still a bit hypocritical after all.


    When the people hadn''t arrived, Xu Dajiang refused in all sorts of ways, wishing he could just send them back.


    But when he actually met the professors from the Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute at the station, Xu Dajiang''s enthusiasm was so great that his face was all wrinkles with smiles.


    It was impossible to tell that the smile was forced.


    "Professor Zhang, hello, hello, wee, wee! I''m Xu Dajiang from the Xilin Mathematics Institute."


    "Director Xu, I''ve heard much about you. Let me introduce you, these two are my colleagues who havee to your school for research, Qian Yuhai and Lu Changzheng."


    "Professor Qian, Professor Lu, wee to both of you."


    ...


    After a round of superficial pleasantries that were barely substantial, Xu Dajiang took the three professors, who had specificallye from the Capital, onto the car provided by the school.


    By the time they reached the school, the school leaders had already prepared a dinner.


    The Vice Chancellor in charge of teaching, Zheng Luhua, was present to apany them personally.


    Several senior professors from the mathematics department were also waiting in the private room.


    After another round of implicit ttery, everyone finally took their seats.


    Seizing the local specialty Xi Shisan, which had been prepared in advance, Zheng Luhua nned to pour wine for the guests.


    "Today we invite the three professors to try our Xilin specialty. It''s not much of a fine wine, but it''s quite famous locally."


    The three professors who hade for the research looked at each other and it was Zhang Hongcai who declined politely, "President Zheng, I think we''d better not drink. Honestly, we usually don''t drink. Moreover, we''re here on a research mission, and we still have tasks toplete."


    Zheng Luhua insisted seriously, "No, Professor Zhang, don''t tell me you''re looking down on our local wine? How about we serve Moutai instead?"


    Zhang Hongcai replied with a bitter smile, "No, President Zheng, it''s not about the wine, we just really aren''t drinkers."


    "Ah, if you''re not drinkers, just have a little. It''s quite rare for you toe all this way, and if you leave without having even a sip of wine, others might think we at Xilin University of Technology don''t know how to be hospitable. The research matters can wait until tomorrow to start. One day earlier orter, it''s not a big problem. Right, everyone?"


    The professors from Xilin University naturally echoed the sentiment.


    Overwhelmed by such warm local hospitality and unable to refuse their kindness, Zhang Hongcai could only nod and say, "Then just a little. Really just a little, just to taste."


    "Don''t worry, we never force drinks on anyone... right, old Xu?"


    "Exactly, exactly, we won''t force drinks, let me make it clear in advance, although it is the three professors'' first visit to our Xilin, everyone must not blindly push drinks!"


    ...


    Li Jiangao didn''t take part in receiving the guests; he had never been interested in weing and sending off people.


    Luckily, Xu Dajiang did not intend to have him appear at the event today either.


    In fact, Xu Dajiang didn''t n to let Li Jiangao have any contact with the professorsing from the Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute.


    To put it bluntly, Li Jiangao had been at the school for seven years and had never seemed as important to Xu Dajiang as he did today.


    If the research team was really interested in Qiao Ze, Xu Dajiang knew very well that he simply couldn''t prevent the professors from meeting Qiao Ze.


    Luckily, Qiao Ze clearly listened very much to Li Jiangao, which left some room for maneuver.


    He might not be able to stop them from seeing Qiao Ze, but he could certainly prevent these people from meeting with Li Jiangao.


    Luckily, Li Jiangao alsocked the interest in contacting these professors from the Capital.


    It could even be said that Li Jiangao had already begun to re-n his life.


    Because rationally, Li Jiangao had finally realized that the mathematicalmunity didn''t really need him, an assistant professor, to engage in any profound research.


    In the future, the papers he wrote were likely to upy some public storage space, waste some paper, and perhaps earn 2 or 3 citations a year, without making any positive impact on the development of world mathematics.


    Therefore, he would rather focus his main effort on researching teaching methods and serving students well.


    Especially starting by serving Qiao Ze well.


    Yes, Li Jiangao felt that a mentor should have the dedication of a mentor.


    He couldn''t let misceneous things dy a student''s research work.


    So he volunteered to undertake a series of preparatory work for projects.


    Such as helping Qiao Ze write project ns, renting reliable servers, looking forpanies that provide supeputing to buyputing power as needed, recruiting staff, holding regr group meetings, assisting Qiao Ze in summarizing various project reports, weekly reports...


    This would minimize Qiao Ze''s involvement in other minor details, saving more time to dedicate to research for the project.


    Li Jiangao even felt a bit excited.


    To know, the most well-funded project he had led at Xilin University of Technology over the years was only 150,000.


    This time it was a big project worth 2 million.


    And the first step in doing all these things was recruiting.


    ...


    "The main reason I''ve called you in today is that one of my students is going to work on a project, and I want to see if you''re interested. The goal of the project is to develop a decoupling framework using Group Theory, and what you need to do is to cooperate with me and the project initiator toplete the assigned tasks. Such tasks include testing, debugging, recording data, and so forth."


    "Another thing is, if during the progress of this project you have any insight that could help you define the direction of your thesis. That''s also why I didn''t call your senior ssmates, as you know, they are already preparing their thesis."

 Chapter 100: Chapter 80 Come Quick! (Mass release, subscribe, monthly pass) _2

    The main selling point is the word "fast".


    It''s freaking fast!


    And ording to the daily reports, there are hardly any bugs.


    Aside from the first version often crashing when fed data exceeding eighty percent in one go, requiring a restart, after updates, there are virtually no bugs left.


    With such speed in perfecting thergenguage model, Li Jian Gao even started to wonder if Qiao Ze''s brain was actually a supeputer, capable of resolving problems through the perspective of a machine.


    Otherwise, there''s just no exining this kind of programming efficiency.


    The only issue might be that Qiao Ze dislikes usingments.


    Forget about standardments, there aren''t even any hinting ones.


    He specifically mentioned this to Qiao Zest week, after all, apetent programmer needs to make good use of documentation.


    But when Qiao Ze strangely responded, "But I''m not a programmer,"


    Li Jian Gao gave up.


    Right, the kid isn''t a programmer, so why follow the rules set for programmers?


    But to give credit where credit''s due, Li Jian Gao had seen the raw code Qiao Ze typed out.


    It was clean and refreshing, especially how the naming of variables followed its own logic.


    At that point, Li Jian Gao began to feel that with code of such quality,ments were essentially irrelevant.


    The ability to quickly fix bugs proved this point.


    It was unlikely that they''d find themselves in a situation where only God and I know what I wrotest week, and next week only God knows.


    After all, no one else was involved in designing the overall framework.


    So, he didn''t insist any further and let the child be.


    And then, he got scared today.


    At this moment, when Li Jian Gao looked at Qiao Ze, it was like he was looking at aposite of all the greats like Newton, Einstein, Riemann, Gauss, and more.


    "So, Qiao Ze, you''ve already tested the framework to such an extent, what are you busy with now?"


    "I''m writing a module. Last night, I learned some music theory and want to try and let our system create suitable background music under the guidance of the emotion module and y it at the right moment. I was thinking of just creating a music library toplete this feature, but I checked, and the royalties seem quite expensive,"


    Qiao Ze exined casually.


    Li Jian Gao was again a bit confused.


    It meant adding a music module that would y BGM at the right moment. Since buying existing ones was too expensive due to copyright, it would be best if the system could create its own. That way, there''d be no copyright issues.


    Well, how should I put it?


    Given the currentputational power, the machines couldn''t deal with tasks like drawing or drafting, so they started with music?


    It sounds nice, but Li Jian Gao was very skeptical about Qiao Ze''s emotional intelligence, wondering if such a god-like emotion module could urately grasp the customers'' emotions. But, well, Li Jian Gao felt he wasn''t really in a position to discuss this.


    This was already beyond his knowledge.


    Don''t even mention machinesposing music and arranging it; even the naturalnguage model he was currently using was beyond his understanding.


    He hadn''t been interfering much to begin with, and now he waspletely disinclined to manage whatever Qiao Ze was up to.


    Only after hesitating for a moment did he offer a suggestion, "Qiao Ze, how about I talk to Dean Xu and ask him to conduct a Turing test?"


    Li Jian Gao was indeed a straightforward person.


    He had promised Xu Dajiang that he would notify him immediately as soon as the project yielded results. Before, when Li Jian Gao was unaware, it didn''t matter, but now that he knew about the remarkable oues, it would weigh on his conscience not to inform him.


    After all, Xu Dajiang had indeed been quite kind to him and Qiao Ze.


    If it weren''t for Su Mucheng directly taking two million yuan, they might have had to rely on Dean Xu''s one million yuan grant from President Zheng to kickstart the project.


    As a dean, going all out to help, no matter what his motives, was beyond reproach; Li Jian Gao naturally couldn''t treat his words as hot air.


    "It''s all good," Qiao Ze answered without even lifting his head.


    It wasn''t ack of respect; this was just how he worked, and Li Jian Gao had long grown ustomed to it, even thinking it was normal.


    Indeed, without realizing it, Li Jian Gao had begun to let go of his original intentions, like wanting Qiao Ze to experience aplete and wonderful university life like a normal student... because that was truly unlikely.


    Mainly because Qiao Ze''s happiness was built on the suffering of many others.


    Li Jian Gao was thinking of many things, but his actions were swift.


    After Qiao Ze agreed, he had already taken out his cellphone and directly dialed Xu Dajiang.


    Shortly after, the warm and enthusiastic voice of Xu Dajiang came from the earpiece: "Hello, Jian Gao, what''s up?"


    Since Qiao Ze hade to Xilin University of Technology, Li Jian Gao had discovered that Xu Dajiang was indeed a very amiable elder.


    "Hmm, there is something. Didn''t you say you wanted to be notified immediately if Qiao Ze''s project showed any results? Well, I''m currently in theboratory of Qiao Ze''s research group, just tried it out, and we''ve already achieved some results. So, I''d like you toe over and help with a test. Consider it experiencing thetest progress of Qiao Ze''s project firsthand."


    "Ah? There are results already? I remember Qiao Ze telling me that your project was about developing a new structure framework simr to ChatGPT, not some other topic?" the voice from the receiver responded with surprise.


    "Hmm...we didn''t change the topic, but... Well, it''s not clear over the phone, you''ll know once you try it personally after youe over," Li Jian Gao affirmed.


    He truly couldn''t exin to Xu Dajiang, because even he hadn''t fully figured it out yet.


    "Oh, I see... Send me the exact address on WeChat, and I should be able to get back to the university in about half an hour," Xu Dajiang said.


    "It''s over by the South Court Residential Area. Just send a message when you arrive, and I''lle to the entrance to meet you."


    "All right then, I''ll hang up first."


    ...


    "Turn around up ahead, back to the university, and make it quick," said Xu Dajiang, who was sitting in the car and had just loosened one button of his cor.


    Originally, he was supposed to attend a coboration meeting for deans and department heads of the mathematics departments at provincial universities today. As a dean, he really wasn''t as idle as Qiao Ze thought.


    However, this cryptic call from Li Jian Gao had suddenly made him lose all interest in the meeting.


    After all, it wasn''t that important of a meeting.


    A quick call to exin his absence should suffice.


    Plus, being the vice president of the provincial mathematics society, Xu Dajiang could easily take a leave of absence without anyone fussing over it.


    To him, those ceremonious activities really didn''t matter much. What was truly important to him was to build up the School of Mathematics at Xilin University of Technology, to ensure it achieved at least an A rating, and to have the confidence to stand on equal footing with other key schools, such as the School of Mechanical Engineering, School of Computer Science, and so on.


    With financial support, they could foster more projects, attract more talent, and advance their academic ratings. Better ratings would boost their confidence in recruiting higher-quality students. With better students, they could improve their ratings further and obtain even more financial support...


    As long as they were in a virtuous cycle, the School of Mathematics could be a rising key school under his leadership. Even if he didn''t make it to the level of president and retired as a vice dean, at least he could speak with authority in Xilin University of Technology''s territory and no one would dare to contradict him.


    He was no longer chasing academic progress; this was the real deal, everything else was nonsense.


    Just like that, in less than twenty minutes, Xu Dajiang arrived at the family quarter''s entrance of the university and saw Li Jian Gao already waiting for him.


    As soon as he got out of the car, Xu Dajiang said with a serious face, "Jian Gao, you weren''t joking with me, right?"


    "Heh... Dean Xu, am I the kind of person who doesn''t know the severity of a situation? Well...I really don''t know how to exin it. Anyway, you''ll understand after you take the test upstairs," Li Jian Gao said.


    "Test? What test?"


    "The Turing Test."


    "The Turing Test?"

 Chapter 101: Chapter 81 Turing Test (Mass release, subscribe, monthly pass)

    When Xu Dajiang followed Li Jiangao into the Group Wisdom Project Group Workshop, he didn''t receive the treatment that matched his status as the dean.


    If it had been another time, the always perceptive Tan Jingrong might have brewed a cup of tea for Xu Dajiang. But at this moment, the usually sharp Tan Jingrong was too distracted to notice such niceties.


    Fortunately, Li Jiangao, who was equally unsettled, hadn''t thought of this, and as for Xu Dajiang, he was already so befuddled by the words "Turing test" that whether or not there was tea really didn''t matter to him.


    It was Qiao Ze, however, who kindly greeted this dean, whom he considered to be annoyingly idle.


    "Hello, Uncle Xu."


    "Ah, Qiao Ze, still busy?"


    "Yes."


    "Well, carry on with your work, don''t mind me."


    "Okay."


    Xu Dajiang was very satisfied.


    See, this kid still hasn''t changed despiteing to the School of Mathematics, which shows that the School''s educational approach is very good, very inclusive.


    Of course, whether the inclusivity would extend to someone else wasn''t Xu Dajiang''s concern.


    Thankfully, Li Jiangao was still nearby.


    "Dean Xu, shall we start right away? You can sit here. Tan Jingrong, prepare as we discussed," Li Jiangao said.


    "Okay, Professor Li." Tan Jingrong hurriedly got up, vacated his seat, and then took another one for himself.


    Xu Dajiang settled solemnly into Tan Jingrong''s seat.


    Theputer screen still disyed a simple chat box, but all the previous chat content had been erased.


    Li Jiangao took a seat next to Xu Dajiang and began to exin the rules of the test.


    "Dean Xu, once Tan Jingrong connects, you''ll start chatting in this box and determine for yourself whether the other party is human orputer. Let''s not be too formal with this internal test¡ªjust three rounds. As soon as you''ve decided whether the other party is human orputer, enter a hash symbol followed by ''end test,'' and then switch to the next round," Li Jiangao said.


    Xu Dajiang nodded and said, "Okay, I understand. We can start now."


    Li Jiangao looked up at Tan Jingrong for a moment, and upon receiving the cue, Tan Jingrong typed a few keys at random, then said, "All set."


    Xu Dajiang thought for a moment and then typed a few words: "Hello."


    The response came quickly: "Hehe, hello to you too."


    "Have you eaten?"


    "You must be an old uncle from the ''70s or ''80s, right? Greeting people like this online can make you lose friends, you know?"


    Xu Dajiang instinctively looked up at Li Jiangao, then his hands began to dance over the keyboard: "Let''s talk about something else then. Um, do you understand convection equations or three-dimensional stochastic Euler equations?"


    "? Can you not joke around? Uncle, is it appropriate to ask a baby such profound questions?"


    "Then let''s talk about philosophy. What do you think philosophy is?"


    "I... wait, let me check Baidu!... Philosophy is about the essence and foundation of this world..."


    "#End test"


    Xu Dajiang turned to look at Li Jiangao and said, "That''s the girl from your project group, right?"


    Li Jiangao nced at Tan Jingrong before saying, and Tan Jingrong immediately stood up to reply, "No, Dean Xu, this is Group Wisdom''s naturalnguage chat module. Su Mucheng was called away to ss by her academic advisor¡ªthey arranged ast-minute stress relief session for the afternoon."


    "Oh. Right, you don''t need to stand up to speak; sit down, it''s fine." Xu Dajiang nodded, then, unable to resist, nced at Qiao Ze just like Li Jiangao had, and silently began the second test round.


    This time, Xu Dajiang decided to chat a bit longer.


    It was just hisck of experience in online chatting, sitting there for quite a while without figuring out what to say.


    After sitting idly for a while, Xu Dajiang suddenly turned to Li Jiangao and said, "Jian Gao, why don''t you take over the chat this time? I''ll watch from the side and make a judgment. When I have a result, I''ll let you know to stop."


    "Okay." Li Jiangao nodded, and then they swapped ces.


    "Hello."


    "Mhm."


    "Do you know this is a test?"


    "My answer is¡ªif you say it is, then it must be."


    "The purpose of this test is for me to determine through our conversation whether you are human or a robot. Do you have anything to say about this?"


    "Are you asking me to defend myself? Let''s make it simple: I am actually a robot, so can we wrap this up now?"


    "Not yet, because I can''t be sure if you''re deceiving me."


    "Yo, are you trying to trap me in logic? Human, you can''t beat me in that area."


    "Really? Then let''s y a game. Answer three questions for me, ensuring that the logic holds."


    "Ha, sounds interesting; go on."


    "Can you lie?"


    "You humans like to lie, but I, a currently trained robot that only knows how to act cute and coquettish, will always be honest."


    "Good, then please tell me a lie."


    "I am actually human."


    "But you''ve just said you don''t lie; that''s a logical paradox."


    "No, the correct logic should be when you ask me to tell a lie, as long as my next sentence is a lie, it actually proves I''m honest. Because that statement, in both your view and mine, is confirmed as a lie, so it''s no longer a lie. It''s like the basic mathematical theorem where a negative times a negative gives a positive."


    "So, you really are a machine?"


    "Yep, don''t you think I''m quite smart, no less than you humans?"


    Li Jiangao turned to nce at Xu Dajiang, the dean of the School of Mathematics, who was still scratching his head.

 Chapter 102: Chapter 81 Turing Test (Mass release, subscribe, monthly pass) _2

    ```


    "Xu..."


    "Keep chatting for a bit more."


    "Alright!"


    Li Jiangao once again started to type aimlessly.


    Just typing whatever came to mind.


    This time the other party also began to let go, and many times it was no longer confined to a single line of dialogue from each of us.


    Often Li Jiangao would send out a sentence and get several replies in return...


    It wasn''t until five minutester that Xu Dajiang finally spoke up.


    "Okay."


    "#End test" Li Jiangao then quickly typed.


    "This time it must have been a real person," Xu Dajiang said confidently.


    Even though the other party repeatedly imed to be a robot and that it couldn''t lie.


    But Xu Dajiang still spotted several logical loopholes.


    As the other party said, machines are supposed to be best at logic.


    Li Jiangao again looked toward Tan Jingrong.


    This time, Tan Jingrongplied good-naturedly without standing up, just hiding his head behind the monitor and saying, "This time it''s still the Group Wisdom chat module, but it''s different from the version just now, it''s the one before today''s iteration."


    "How is this achieved?" Xu Dajiang asked in astonishment.


    This time he was really confused.


    Regrettably, this was clearly beyond Tan Jingrong''s area of expertise, and he was momentarily speechless.


    "Using a multimodal neuron system regted by group theory, we employed an attack vector technology in the process of decouplingnguage. At the highest level of the model, representations are controlled by such advanced abstractions, achieving generalization between text and symbols.


    It''s also through the stimulus of the inputnguage that attack vectors provide a simpler vector to the model itself, thus realizing an anthropomorphic naturalnguage dialogue pattern," Qiao Ze exined.


    This was, of course, Qiao Ze''s exnation.


    Clear, simple, and straightforward, like neatly typed code¡ªapart from those who were unfamiliar with the subject, it was almost wless.


    Coincidentally, everyone in the project studio except for Qiao Ze was ayman.


    Xu Dajiang looked at Li Jiangao, hoping to get an exnation. Li Jiangao then looked toward Tan Jingrong, thinking that his student, who spent his days in the studio, should be able to understand some of the terminology used, only to see Tan Jingrong staring nkly at Qiao Ze.


    Realizing that the atmosphere was a bit off, Qiao Ze looked up, thought for a moment, and added another exnation: "For example, when humans face an unexpected message, a possible reaction is surprise, then happiness, disying a smile; or it could be surprise, mouth agape, distraught with grief.


    Machines can''t understand these emotions, but we can use an attack vector to judge and analyze which direction the emotion brought by this message should lean towards, andpel the system to make a choice."


    Li Jiangao pondered, Xu Dajiang''s face showed realization, and Tan Jingrong looked away.


    He still didn''t quite get it.


    But after such a thorough exnation, if he still appeared clueless, it would seem stupid.


    After all, a research publication would eventuallye out.


    Maybe he would understand after reading the papers, right?


    There was no need to get hung up on it at the moment.


    "Do we need to conduct a third test?" Li Jiangao asked Xu Dajiang.


    Xu Dajiang shook his head decisively and then turned to Qiao Ze with a genial question, "When do you n to publish the findings of your research, Qiao Ze?"


    "It''ll take some time; I should be able to integrate six or seven papers. I estimate at least half a month," Qiao Ze answered casually.


    Xu Dajiang''s body shuddered subconsciously; with a smile stered on his face, he said, "Oh, that''s how it is, then there''s no rush. Take your time, Uncle won''t bother you. After your papers are published, I will celebrate your aplishment."


    "Oh."


    "Jiangao, how about you apany me for a walk?"


    "Sure, Director Xu."


    ...


    Only after following Li Jiangao out of the building did Xu Dajiang take a deep breath.


    ```


    The studio just felt too oppressive.


    It was that kind of dilemma where I really wanted to eitherugh loudly or cry out three times to release my emotions, but I was also afraid of being directlybeled as a fool by someone.


    Although Xu Dajiang had already begun to suspect that he might indeed be quite foolish.


    And his emotions of joy and sorrow were both present.


    The joyous part was that the three-year development n for the School of Mathematics he had set earlier seemed to be achievable two years and ten months ahead of schedule. The sad part was that such a significant achievement had not required a single cent of research funding from the School of Mathematics.


    "Actually, I wanted to remind you to check the weekly report and code just now."


    It seemed that Li Jiangao was also quite oppressed until he walked out of the building and then spoke up.


    "No need, no need, if others don''t believe in you, would I not believe you? Jian Gao, would you joke about this with your level of awareness?" Xu Dajiang said, shaking his head slightly.


    It was still exposed though.


    My mind was too agitated, and I had forgotten all about these things.


    But then again, it didn''t make much difference whether I looked at it or not.


    After all, I might not understand it anyway.


    Anyway, ording to Qiao Ze, the kid doesn''t n to release the technology first but to publish a paper instead.


    Then the experts in the field will naturally judge it.


    It wouldn''t be up to me to make that sort of joke.


    Li Jian Gaoughed a little but didn''t insist or agree.


    After all, he wasn''t quite clear on how Qiao Ze had aplished this task either.


    "Qiao Ze told me yesterday that the model is still iplete. He ns to first publish a series of papers using the data he has now. After the papers are published, they should attract attention. Then he will decide whether or not to expand the scope of the project. Because the model itself still needs to identify more content to prove its advanced nature."


    Li Jiangao ryed Qiao Ze''s thoughts to Xu Dajiang.


    Since everyone is here, it''s better to be open about it.


    "Speaking of this, Qiao Ze told me earlier that he ns to write seven or eight papers around this topic. What did he mean when he said it would be almost done in half a month?" Xu Dajiang said, pping his forehead.


    "Oh, Qiao Ze writes papers quite quickly. He''d already written one about this topic before, discussing the theoretical conception. I was going to submit it to the ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, but it was held up. That''s why he decided to get the papers done first," Li Jiangao exined.


    Xu Dajiang silently calcted the time in his head and then looked at Li Jiangao with surprise, saying, "No, that''s not right. You mentioned starting this project to me in June, and Qiao Ze only came to the school at the end of May, right? Had he finished that paper beforeing to the school?"


    Li Jiangao shook his head, recalling the shock he felt when that paper waspleted in eight hours straight, and replied in a slightly odd tone: "Yes, as I said earlier, Qiao is pretty fast at writing papers."


    "But, even fast... A paper you dared to submit to a top journal was finished in just a few days? That''s the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences!" Xu Dajiang said, frowning slightly.


    The interval was too short, so short that Xu Dajiang still clearly remembered that at the time, he too had boasted for Qiao Ze in front of Zhuo Wenyu.


    Xu Dajiang still remembered his original words, which were that if Qiao Ze was given some time, maybe in about half a year, he might be able to independently write a paper of sufficient standard to submit to a domestic core journal.


    At that time, he had thought that was already a bold exaggeration.


    But reality pped him in the face.


    A domestic core journal?


    The target was clearly a top international journal.


    "More or less," Li Jian Gao replied vaguely.


    There was no way around it; if he told Xu Dajiang straight up that Qiao Ze told him he wanted to write a paper at noon and submitted it that same night, it would actually sound less credible.


    It has to be admitted that sometimes reality is so absurd that one can hardly believe it is true.


    "I understand!"


    Xu Dajiang nodded, then said earnestly, "By the way, Jian Gao, the head of admissions department told mest time to ask me to speak to logistics for Qiao Ze''s mother, to make arrangements for a dormitory manager''s position. But I was thinking, isn''t a dormitory manager a bit disrespectful to her? When you get a chance, ask Qiao Ze if his mother can use aputer.


    Instead, I can try to help find her an office job at the school''s activity center. How about that?"


    Li Jiangao immediately agreed, "Then, I really have to thank you on behalf of Qiao Ze. Like this, after this project is finished, I will have Qiao Ze invite you to a meal."


    "Hey... Why be so polite? We are all family here! Alright, I''m off."


    "Yes, goodbye, Dean Xu."

 Chapter 103: Chapter 82 Xu Dajiangs Secret Plan (Mass Release for Subscriptions and Monthly Votes)

    Experience new stories on mvl


    Xu Dajiang returned to his office and settled directly onto the sofa for guests, zoning out for a while.


    After thinking for at least ten minutes, he finally took out his phone.


    "Hello, Yang, are you busy? No big deal, just that a few days ago an old friend brought me a box of white tea, they say it''s the most authentic kind. I was thinking of inviting you to try it with me... haha, actually, there''s also something I need help with... Yeah,e to my office, I''ll clean the teaware in advance.


    Oh, and I''ve invited Zhuo Wenyu from the Admissions Office to join us too, so we can all have a chat. Let me tell you, Yang, this time it''s really great news... Alright, waiting for you!"


    Yang, mentioned by Xu Dajiang in his phone call, is Yang Lichun, who is the Deputy Director of the Publicity Department and also the director of the School History Research Center at the university.


    His main duties involve tasks such as campus culture, civilization construction, overseeing the university''s official website and Weibo ount, as well as being in charge of the new media center that promotes the school through short official videos.


    To be more specific, the operation of the official school website, the official Weibo ount, new media management, and internal news editing, all these responsibilities fall under Yang Lichun''s purview.


    In fact, the work Yang Lichun is in charge of often requires interaction with the Admissions Office.


    After all, in the digital age, if you do well with Weibo and new media content, it can greatly promote the university''s recruitment efforts.


    Of course, for Xu Dajiang, all these were secondary.


    After all, the school''s recruitment publicity work was just so-so.


    Xu Dajiang didn''t have much expectation for the quality of students the School of Mathematics could recruit this year.


    The sole reason for calling the two over was one.


    His long-contemted promotional n was ready to be put into action.


    Truly, at this moment Xu Dajiang even felt a surge of excitement.


    When he made the next phone call, his voice was even louder.


    "Director Zhuo, if you''re not too busy,e over to my office. I have something to discuss with you, really, I''ve got a great idea, and if we can implement it, it''ll definitely be good for you! It''s the kind of good fortune you wouldn''t even dare dream of!"


    ...


    Yang Lichun and Zhuo Wenyu didn''t keep Xu Dajiang waiting for long; they both arrived at his office soon after.


    Upon entering and seeing the threerge cups filled with hot tea on the coffee table, Yang Lichun couldn''t help but mock, "Xu, is this how you treat your guests?"


    "Haha,e on, Yang, don''t be so delicate. I don''t have all those fancy things around here, just these big cups for tea ware. Who has time like you to get a proper set of teaware and enjoy it slowly? But I''m telling you, today''s tea, I brewed it myself. Come on, sit down, sit down," Xu Dajiang said with augh.


    "What a waste," Yang Lichun muttered under his breath as he took a seat on the sofa alongside Zhuo Wenyu.


    Xu Dajiang stood up, went to the office door, hung up the "In a Meeting" sign he had prepared earlier, locked the door, and then sat down in front of the two men.


    "Wow, Dean Xu, are we at the Feast at Hongmen today?" Zhuo Wenyu asked in surprise before Yang Lichun could.


    "Haha, let''s talk serious business. I don''t want to be disturbed," Xu Dajiang simply exined, then picked up his tea cup and took a sip.


    "Stop beating around the bush; I hate it when people are all secretive, loving to y riddles, right?" Yang Lichun shot back, clearly annoyed.


    Mainly it was because the three of them generally had a good rtionship and could speak more freely.


    "Don''t rush, don''t rush, let''s start with Director Zhuo. Now that the door''s closed, let''s not beat around the bush. Is your transfer to the administrative office almost settled by the end of the year? What position are they giving you? Director, or...?" Xu Dajiang looked at Zhuo Wenyu and asked.


    Zhuo Wenyu hesitated for a moment but candidly said, "I heard it''s to the Career Center, that Ye is thinking of retiring."


    Xu Dajiang shook his head and said, "What''s so good about that ce? With your experience, I think Yang''s current position is quite fitting for you. At your age, spending a few years at the Party Committee Publicity Department at the university, you''d still have room to rise in the future."


    That statement took the other two by surprise.


    Yang Lichun looked at Xu Dajiang and couldn''t resist the sarcasm, "Oh, Xu, have you decided to transfer to the Organization Department? Ha... But I think it''s a good idea. From now on, you can just arrange the university''s positions yourself, no need to discuss it in a meeting."


    Xu Dajiang''s gaze shifted to Yang Lichun,pletely ignoring his sarcastic remarks, and started, "As for you, Yang, it''s time to step up. I think Zhang Xiaoquan is simply not fit for his current position; he should be the one to leave. Once he''s out, think about how to contend for that Vice-Chancellor position, how about it?"


    "Pfft..." Zhuo couldn''t help but react to thatment.


    As for Yang Lichun, he was utterly speechless, grumbling, "No wonder you locked the door. Tell me the truth, Xu, have you heard some inside information? Are you being directly promoted to university secretary? As for vying for the Vice-Chancellor position, I don''t have such connections, but if you be the secretary, I might consider your pathway.


    Just wait for you to rise up and nominate me at the secretary''s office meeting."


    Xu Dajiang smiled without saying a word.


    But the effect of his previous statements was quite obvious.


    Even though Yang Lichun keptining, to say he wasn''t tempted at all would naturally be impossible.


    After all, who doesn''t want to make progress?


    Especially Yang Lichun, who was forty-nine this year.


    The age where if he could go up, he could climb one step higher; if not, his life would probably remain the same.

 Chapter 104: Chapter 82 Xu Dajiangs Conspiracy (Mass release, subscribe, monthly pass) _2

    So, although they keptining, their eyes were firmly fixed on Xu Dajiang.


    After all, everyone was smart.


    Xu Dajiang certainly wouldn''t have specifically called the two of them over just for augh.


    Zhuo Wenyu couldn''t help but say, "Dean Xu, let''s not beat around the bush, just tell us what''s really going on, okay?"


    For Zhuo Wenyu, whether Yang Lichun could be the vice-chancellor wasn''t important, even whether he could take Yang Lichun''s ce wasn''t important.


    But the fact that Zhang Xiaoquan might be ousted was really important to him.


    Being stuck in the position of Director of the Admissions Office for a whole eight years!


    How many sets of eight years does one have in life?!


    ording to his original n, he should have been in the university office five years ago, and by now, he might also have been one of the strong contenders for vice-chancellor.


    But now he was having a tough time even vying for Yang Lichun''s position.


    To say he didn''t feel resentful would be hypocrisy.


    "Hmm, I''m going to tell you something, but it should not be disclosed for at least half a month. After all, this matter might really topple that Zhang surname," Xu Dajiang said seriously.


    Yang Lichun nodded slightly, while Zhuo Wenyu began to take everything seriously.


    Seeing that the two were serious, Xu Dajiang didn''t keep them in suspense any longer, but looked at Zhuo Wenyu with a solemn expression and said, "Director Zhuo, you remember Qiao Ze, right?"


    Zhuo Wenyu nodded, the impression Qiao Ze had left on him was too profound to forget.


    "I still underestimated this kid! Let me put it this way, he recentlypleted a project with the help of Li Jiangao, a fundamental naturalnguage model and a set of brand new algorithms. ording to the current test results, the algorithm he designed is far more advanced than that used by ChatGPT 4.0," Xu Dajiang went on to say.


    "Basically, it can use simpler methods, and rtively very little data, to make this model even more powerful than the current version of ChatGPT. Of course, I''m not saying this thing can be used right out of the box. Right now, it''s only in a small-scale test, but the prospects are evident, iming it''s a major breakthrough in Huaxia''s fundamental AI algorithm wouldn''t be an exaggeration."


    This statement left both of them stunned.


    After a moment, Yang Lichun with a frown said, "Xu, you''re not joking? When did our school have such a talent? A newly recruited undergraduate student?"


    "Heh, exactly, our School of Mathematics'' prodigy. The professors from Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute came specially for the research, aiming to snatch this prodigy away. Fortunately, Director Zhuo gave me some face and helped me transfer this kid''s file here. Otherwise, this achievement might have belonged to Yanbei," Xu Dajiang said with a slight smile.


    Yang Lichun suddenly understood.


    In charge of publicity, he naturally knew about the visiting professors from Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute.


    After all, this news had to be posted on the official website, and it was even the headline, difficult to forget.


    "No, but even so, a newly recruited student couldn''t possibly aplish this, could he? Xu, don''t tell me you''ve been deceived," Yang Lichun said.


    "I''ve personally tested it myself. And if you don''t know, then just don''t say it. I''m not saying that the thing the kid developed can alreadypete with ChatGPT, but that its framework structure and the design concept of the algorithm surpass what they''ve done. If you don''t believe it, that''s fine, a series of his papers are about to be submitted soon.


    I estimate that they will be released by thetest in October, when the papers are published, this framework will be made public, by that time..."


    Xu Dajiang didn''t continue, leaving ample room for their imagination.


    Yang Lichun instinctively swallowed.


    Zhuo Wenyu, with a frown, asked, "So what does this have to do with Zhang Xiaoquan?"


    "Heh... The project Qiao Ze did, it didn''t use a cent from the university. At that time, I went to Zhang Xiaoquan to apply for some research funding, and he t-out refused to approve it. So, all the expenses for the project were raised by Li Jiangao and Qiao Ze themselves, two million. They even refrained from using the university''s supeputing systems.


    Particrly our Professor Li, to avoid any connection with the university, he didn''t even put his name on the project," Xu continued.


    "I also recorded the call where I asked Zhang Xiaoquan for money. In addition, the application submitted by the school through the proper channels is still being held up by finance, I''ve made backups of those records. By the way, President Zheng is also very dissatisfied with that Zhang surname."


    Upon hearing this, Yang Lichun and Zhuo Wenyu were both touched.


    The matter could be a big deal or a small one.


    To invest two million in such a big project and to have results, describing it as making a fortune would seem petty, even to say it made a million times it wouldn''t be an exaggeration.


    If this matter really got out, the university would be in an uproar.


    If the university could have the control over this project, even those at the very top of the school would be due formendation.


    But now, it turned out to be a personal project of the students, with basically no connection to the university, not holding anyone ountable would be difficult to justify.


    And it just so happened that Zhang Xiaoquan was in charge.


    Even if Zhang Xiaoquan did everything ording to the rules, just the thought that this man might have blocked a good deed that could decide if the top brass could advance further before retirement would make anyone feel disgusted.


    Presumably, they wouldn''t even want to nce at Zhang Xiaoquan again, right?


    If even the leaders found him displeasing, and someone else pushed the issue further...


    Yang Lichun and Zhuo Wenyu exchanged a tacit nce, and it was Yang Lichun who spoke first, "Alright, Xu, let''s hear it, what''s your n?"


    Your adventure continues at mvl


    Xu Dajiang smiled slightly, then lowered his voice, spilling out his thoughts.


    He also went into particr detail on what he needed from Yang Lichun and Zhuo Wenyu to cooperate.

 Chapter 105: Chapter 82 Xu Dajiangs Conspiracy (Mass release, subscribe, monthly pass) _3

    After all, he had weighed this n in his mind over and over again for a long time, and he had thought through the numerous details more than once. Thus, when he spoke of it now, it was incredibly fluid. Continue reading at mvl


    Of course, calling the two of them over was still about pooling wisdom from all sides.


    After all, there were some tasks he had never done before, and relying solely on imagination was definitely not as meticulous and thorough as those who were dedicated to these matters.


    Soon, Xu Dajiang finished exining the rejuvenation n for the School of Mathematics he had devised.


    As his voice faded, the office fell silent, and the three men subconsciously picked up theirrge teacups, starting to drink tea in silence.


    After a while, Yang Lichun was the first to speak, "Xu, you need to think it through. This n is very risky. If the higher-ups really send an investigative team and the situation starts to spiral out of our control... What if they really dig up something else?


    And the timing of the public opinion fermentation has to be precise, after the paper is published but before the project results are announced."


    Xu Dajiang responded with a slight smile, "For the first issue, I, Xu Dajiang, act with integrity and sit with dignity; if I dare to do this, I''m certainly not afraid of any investigation. As for the School of Mathematics, if it really has some messy issues, it''s good for them to be uncovered this time. We can''t create anything new without breaking the old, right?


    It''s a good opportunity to clean up all those demons and monsters, so we can go into battle unencumbered. As for the second issue, it''s even less of a problem. I just need to give Jian Gao a heads-up beforehand, and he can coordinate the work with Qiao Ze for us."


    Zhuo Wenyu then tilted his head and asked, "Dean Xu, you haven''t mentioned this to anyone else yet, have you?"


    Xu Dajiang nodded and replied, "Right now, in the university, I really only trust you two. That''s why I said earlier, this matter can''t be leaked for now. I told you in advance so that you could prepare and cooperate with me."


    Actually, there originally were many people he trusted, but the mess that Zhao Guangyao made made Xu Dajiang feel that he really couldn''t be too naive.


    The interests of the two people in front of him were aligned¡ªone was in direct opposition to Zhang Xiaoquan, and the other was truly hopeful of recing Zhang Xiaoquan''s position.


    After hearing Xu Dajiang''s words, Zhuo Wenyu looked at Yang Lichun and said, "Minister Yang, indeed, if nobody knows about it, this n could work. If you start vying for it now, you might stand a chance."


    "Lu..."


    "Hey, Yang, Lu is getting on in years after all. The resistance he faces in moving up is greater than yours. And Jian Gao and Qiao Ze are involved in more than just this project. Does the university want to invest in their next project? Is there a chance to invest? When the timees, I''ll call Jian Gao over, and we can all have a meal together.


    Although Jian Gao is just an associate professor now, if he can help and say a few words for us, and if Qiao Ze is willing to support, wouldn''t your position be secure?"


    Having finished, Xu Dajiang looked at Zhuo Wenyu and said, "As for Director Zhuo, you''re even more secure! You''ve done a lot for that kid Qiao Ze behind the scenes. When the timees, you just need to drop a few hints. That kid Qiao Ze knows gratitude. You see, he treats Jian Gao quite differently, doesn''t he!"


    Clearly, the two of them were persuaded by Xu Dajiang''s words.


    If they really went ahead with Xu Dajiang''s n, the possibility of its sess was indeed significant.


    "Hmm, okay then, let''s n on that. Once Qiao Ze''s paper is published, give me the word, and I will fully support you!" Yang Lichun quickly made up his mind.


    Zhuo Wenyu pondered for a moment and then said, "I don''t have any problems on my end either. But Dean Xu, all matters concerning Qiao Ze are handled by Yu Chenggong from our admissions office, and he is the most familiar with Qiao Ze. Since the n has reached this point, why don''t we take a step further with him?


    I had considered him to seed me, to be rmended for the position of the head of the admissions office. But since you are so confident, why don''t we see if we can push him even higher, to see if we could get him into the position that''s currently open in the employment office."


    "Of course, that wouldn''t be a problem. Even if he doesn''t get the higher position, the head of the admissions office is definitely secure. So gentlemen, are we agreed?"


    "Yes!"


    "Alright!"


    "Ahem, then Yang, I do have a favor to ask. The admissions office previously promised to transfer Qiao Ze''s mother to the university, preparing to vacate a dormitory administrator position for her. I''ve been thinking that the position really doesn''t offer much respect. Could you see if there is an office job avable either on your side or at the Student Activities Center?


    Could you try to arrange something?"


    Yang Lichun looked up, shot Xu Dajiang a nce, and grumbled, "I knew you would have something up your sleeve, waiting to pounce on me here! Fine, I''ll speak to Lu once the summer break starts. But let me be clear upfront; I can definitely arrange a position, but don''t get your hopes up for an official staffing quota¡ªwe certainly don''t have that."


    "Haha, as long as there''s a position, that''s good enough. A single staff position, who knows, at that time the university might just have to slot one in!"

 Chapter 108: Chapter 84: Playing Both Sides? (Extra Chapter for Monthly Votes)

    In the academic world, there''s a vivid joke about the difference between theoretical mathematicians and theoretical physicists.


    Mathematicians are like seasoned drivers with cars, but this bunch has no sense of direction; they start driving blindly, and whether they can reach their desired destination is entirely up to luck.


    Physicists have a clear direction, but sadly they don''t have cars; they can only get there on foot, and whether they can reach their ideal holynd also depends on fate.


    After some conversation, Li Jiangao understood that Qiao Ze wanted to carve out his own path.


    This young man nned to save up for a car of his own before the age of twenty-five, and after that, drive straight to his destination.


    Easy to say, but for 99.999% of people in this world, that''s just nonsense.


    Because the mathematical knowledge rted to basic physics is too vast.


    For example, quantum physics is the foundation of microscopic physics, and the major mathematical topics rted to quantum physics include linear algebra, calculus, differential geometry, probability theory, and statistics, among others... If you go into the specifics of mathematical tools, there are even more and moreplex ones.


    Lace transforms, Maxwell''s equations, Fourier series...


    And then there are the more obscure topics like Group Theory, nomutative geometry...


    Anyone who has studied these knows how absurdly abstract they are.


    Things that have never been seen before have to be imagined out of thin air, and you also have to transcend the constraints of space, with a single coordinate axis epassing numerous definitions, along with various vectors active in this defined space.


    Really, many people who specialize in rted fields don''t understand the papers of their own profession, and it''s not because everyonecks knowledge.


    Rather, if your abstract thinking ability does not meet the minimum requirement, it is truly impossible to understand or imagine how the defined shapes in the space under certain conditions change and morph.


    It''s like trying to run thetest triple-A games on an old-fashioned CPU like the Pentium series; hardware limitations are essentially insurmountable barriers.


    But clearly, Qiao Ze was not restrained by hardware limitations, so everything became possible.


    For Li Jiangao, the biggest impact of today''s conversation was that, when he replied to the email to turn down "Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications," his mood was not only calm but he even felt like mocking those he felt were pretentious journal editors, including the editor-in-chief, of course.


    "Dear ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' editorial team, after careful consideration with the lead author Qiao Ze, we decided not to make changes and are directly withdrawing the manuscript originally submitted to your journal.


    Also, due to concerns about the academic integrity of the reviewers'' coboration with your journal, until it is explicitly announced that reviewers in rted fields have been reced, we will be more cautious about considering whether to submit our series of papers to your journal in the future. Please be informed,"


    "Huaxia Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics, Li Jiangao."


    After finishing the email, Li Jiangao checked his wording again.


    He actually wanted to add, "Care to bet? I bet the citations of this paper will exceed two thousand within three years." But after pondering for a moment, he gave up.


    That would seem childish, too immature. Not asposed as Qiao Ze; it wouldn''t be meaningful.


    But the meaning was already very clear.


    Those editors, even the editor-in-chief, should be able to understand it, right?


    If not, then it would really be a case of poor Englishprehension! Find your next read on §Þ??


    ...


    At 9:10 in the morning.


    Jack Rosman, as usual, sat down at his spot carrying his coffee.


    He liked his workstation a lot because it was right next to a south-facing window.


    When he grew tired from work, all he needed to do was turn his head to see the quaint buildings across the street.


    Of course, what was even morefortable was that he could get a coffee from the coffee room, then stand in front of his workstation, sipping coffee while observing the people passing through the square below.


    Jack Rosman particrly liked to hide behind ss and observe those young, beautiful female students and sophisticated city women at leisure, openly.


    Their graceful curves often made him feel the beauty of life.


    This little hobby was absolutely healthy, as long as he kept it to himself.


    If asked, he would tell others that he liked watching the roadside scenery and the old men sitting in the square, and then put himself in their shoes, pondering what they might have experienced.


    Look, how wholesome.


    Of course, early in the morning was not the right time for this activity.


    Because in at most ten more minutes, the dear editor-in-chief, Carl Basque, would walk seriously through here towards his office.


    If he saw Jack gazing out of the window early in the morning, he wouldin loudly with his thick Boston ent, "Oh, Jack, at your age I definitely wouldn''t waste the time when my brain is most awake on such trivial matters as putting myself into someone else''s life.


    Of course, if you insist on doing so, I''d suggest you quit this boring job as an editor, then you could sit in the chairs below just like them, contemting how to spend the rest of your life!"


    Yes, dear editor-in-chief Carl is just that blunt.


    So he could only turn on hisputer and, through the back-end system, process the manuscripts and emails that had been distributed to his inbox, serving the mathematicians who submitted to the editorial office. It was a very dull job. But actually, any job that one does for a long time can be tedious.


    Fortunately, the sry which was reliably paid out every week gave him motivation.

 Chapter 109: Chapter 84: Playing Both Sides? (Extras for Monthly Votes)_2

    He soon saw the email from Li Jian Gao.


    After reading it, he was quite surprised.


    He had deliberately not emailed Qiao Ze because he felt that young people were too hot-tempered and did not understand the rules, and his words of advice might be misunderstood, leading toints instead.


    It wasn''t necessary.


    As a journal editor, he could afford to make jokes about those great mathematicians when he had free time, but to fall out with them would be sheer folly.


    What he never expected was that not only was the student radical in thinking, but the mentor was quite a character too!


    How could an associate professor be so fiery?


    Had all these Huaxia people gone mad?


    Fortunately, this wasn''t something he needed to worry about.


    Jack forwarded the email directly to the chief editor''s inbox with practiced ease.


    Whether the paper was to be rejected or published was for Carl, the chief editor, to worry about, not somethingpletely irrelevant to him, but the rtionship was indeed not that significant.


    At most, he had the right to make a suggestion.


    Of course, Jack didn''t even need that right to make a suggestion.


    He didn''t want to have an opinion; he just wanted to enjoy the show.


    "Haha, you guys could all have won ten US dors from me, but unfortunately, you didn''t grasp the opportunity."


    "Jack, I''ve been really hating riddle peopletely."


    "Do you remember that article by the Huaxia person? The one titled ''A Mathematical Framework for Self supervised Learning Based on Group Theory.'' The first author''s advisor has applied for retraction again, and he doesn''t even care if we cklist them¡ªeven though I''ve already hinted very clearly that with just a slight revision and adding a few references, the paper could be easily published."


    "Oh?! That''s really quite curious. You''ve got me interested in that paper now. Let''s eliminate a wrong option first: It''s not that the student doesn''t know how to cite... Okay, then it''s confidence, weird confidence."


    "So, are they nning to submit to Princeton''s Mathematics Annual, or maybe Duke''s math journal?"


    "Who knows? But Carl, the chief editor, will probably be unhappy about this. So I suggest you all get back to work quickly."


    ...


    Clearly, the editors in the editorial office had a rather urate judgment of the chief editor''s personality.


    Carl Basque hadn''t been in the office long before he stood at the office door, his gaze firmly fixed on Jack Rosman, who was sitting at his workstation.


    "Jack,e in for a minute."


    "Okay, Chief Editor Carl."


    ...


    In the office, Carl Basque pointed at hisputer screen and asked, "Jack, how did you reply?"


    Jack Rosman shrugged and said, "Just like you said, I hinted that they could add some citations, and the paper would be smooth sailing for publication in the next issue."


    Carl Basque frowned and asked, "Was your implication clear enough?"


    Jack Rosman raised his hands slightly exaggeratedly and said, "God, if it were any clearer, it would have been an explicit instruction. I couldn''t just say, hey buddy, just add a citation link, and we could both win, right?


    What I said was that there''s a professor at the University of Bonn''s School of Mathematics who is working on simr research, and perhaps they could consult some of his previous papers, make some minor changes, and then it would meet the publishing standards. God, do you think that wasn''t obvious enough?"


    Carl Basque remained silent.


    Indeed, these damnable hints were clear enough.


    In fact, Carl Basque himself had initially been inclined to publish the paper.


    After all, academic journals like theirs also pursue impact factors, with major journal ranking databases updating their data periodically, recalcting the impact factors of various journals before determining the new rankings. An important dimension in the algorithm that calctes the impact factor of a journal happens to be the citation count of the papers.


    To exin more specifically, the calction principle is the ratio between the number of times a journal''s papers, published in the prior two years, are cited by all source journals within the current year, and the total number of source papers published by the journal in the prior two years.


    Experience exclusive tales on §Þ??


    Simply put, the more citations a journal''s papers receive, the higher the journal''s impact factor will be. If the papers published in the journal don''t get much citation, the impact factor will plummet.


    There is a peculiar phenomenon with mathematics paper citations: the higher the prestige of the research field, the fewer citations it tends to receive.


    For research like the Lannds Program, which attempts to establish connections between different fields, if one does not understand the triangted categories and their T-structures, and does not have a deep understanding of algebra, representation theory, and geometry, even if industry giants prove very elegant results, ordinary mathematicians won''t understand the papers, let alone cite them.


    However, the paper that Li Jian Gao and Qiao Ze submitted happened to be the current hot topic on the mathematical principles ofrge models in artificial intelligence.


    Once such papers are epted by the academicmunity, they generally won''tck citations, not to mention this paper also received favorable reviews from reviewers.


    But the influence of the University of Cologne team is indeed significant. Additionally, rtions between countries are already in a sensitive period, which makes thingsplicated.


    This is the reason Carl Basque has been holding on to the paper, neither publishing it nor allowing it to be withdrawn.


    Only this time, the professor and student who submitted the paper are somewhat different from the Huaxia schrs they have previously dealt with.


    Carl Basque had interacted with many Huaxia professors who came to America for further study and was very aware of how much Huaxia''s academic circles recognized such world-ss top journals. It''s said that publication in these journals is directly linked to academic titles, ie, and the selection of various honors within Huaxia Country.


    Some well-known Huaxia professors in the international mathematicsmunity would go to great lengths to publish in world-ss core journals. They might not be overly deferential to the editors, but they certainly wouldn''t choose to resist such almost non-demanding requests.


    But evidently, this pair of co-corresponding authors, Li Jian Gao and Qiao Ze, were not quite like the other Huaxia teacher-studentbinations he was familiar with.


    It would be one thing if it were just the student who was hot-headed, but for a professor to be so willful, were they challenging their authority?


    After pondering for a while, Carl Basque asked, "So, did you not tell them that if they insist on withdrawing the paper, we might not ept any of their future submissions?"


    Jack Rosman shook his head and said, "On the contrary, I was very clear. Hmm... I think you should take a look at my email reply. If they can''t understand my meaning, then they couldn''t have written such a fluent paper."


    "Ha... it seems we''ve encountered a tough one... Well, Jack, as the editor responsible for this paper, do you think we should directly publish the paper, or should we outright reject it? I would like to hear your opinion," Carl Basque casually asked.


    Jack Rosman thought for a moment and cleverly replied, "If you''re asking for my opinion, Carl, I think if the decision is to publish, then it would have been best before I replied to that email as you instructed. As for now..."


    His words left room for interpretation.


    Of course, everyone could understand; it was a matter of face.


    If they were pinched this time, and it spread, it wouldn''t just be an embarrassing matter.


    What''s more, the next time they wanted to strong-arm someone, it wouldn''t be so easy.


    "Let''s not be hasty in replying to the Huaxia people, send an email to that German, invite him to submit a paper. I''ll see how he responds before I make a decision. I heard before that his research group was working on a project on Group Theory to construct a self-supervised 3D point cloud prediction. Ask them if their results are ready for publication."


    "Okay, Chief Editor. I''ll be on it then," Jack Rosman casually replied, and with a wave of Carl Basque''s hand, he walked out of the editor-in-chief''s office with a rxed expression.


    So at times being a junior editor is quite nice; one doesn''t need to think about so many troublesome matters.


    However, Jack Rosman still felt he learned something from the chief editor.


    For instance, when facing a tug-of-war like this, one couldn''t let either side lead by the nose; one always had to hold something in check.


    Jiang is indeed more pungent with age.

 Chapter 112: Chapter 86: Does nobody realize that this is a project worth hundreds of millions?

    The School of Mathematics'' freshman basic mathematics ss''s nearly despair-inducing exam season had atst ended, not perfectly but at least it had ended.


    For the teachers, the good news was that no child had aplete breakdown and started crying in the examination hall. The bad news was that over half of the students in the basic mathematics ss had already begun to inquire about transferring to a different major for their sophomore year.


    This was a privilege unique to the basic mathematics ss.


    In their sophomore year, if they felt that pure mathematics was not suitable for them, they could choose to transfer to other majors such as financial mathematics, information andputing, or statistics.


    Thanks to this year''s final exam questions, students from other majors within the School of Mathematics hade to fully respect what the students in the basic ss were learning.


    In summary, the charm of the goddess of mathematics had greatly diminished in the eyes of countless students at Xilin University of Technology because of this exam.


    Fortunately, this wave of discouragement was somewhat expected.


    After all, it''s actually very easy to simply make mathematics questions more difficult. The real challenge is to manage the difficulty well enough so that most people can reach the passing standard while filtering out outstanding students with mathematical talents and thought processes.


    But this time, the lecturers and professors had specifically held a meeting with the request to make the questions as difficult as possible.


    It was expected that the results wouldn''t be good, which was the norm.


    However, transferring majors was limited.


    The school''s various resource allocations had a surplus, but they also only supported a certain degree of mobility.


    It was naturally impossible for the basic mathematics ss to lose half of its students all at once.


    The good thing was that the professors did not need to deal with the psychological counseling of these children.


    In the end, all the pressure fell on Liu Hao, the counselor, who actually hadn''t done anything.


    For this counselor, the feelings he experienced were truly indescribable.


    In the end, he could only individually visit each dorm room to express his care and concern.


    He listened to the students'' thoughts and opinions and then managed to retain a number of students who were in the middle range of grades in the ss.


    Regrettably, no one considered whether Liu Hao might develop various psychological issues as a result.


    ...


    Unlike the gloomy atmosphere in the basic mathematics ss, the small team of Group Wisdom was in a state of extreme excitement.


    After more than twenty days of hard work, it seemed they had reached the time of harvest.


    Tan Jingrong was the first to notice the difference.


    That day, he specifically called his mentor over in the evening, after Qiao Ze, Su Mucheng, and Chen Yiwen had left, and Li Jiangao moved in with a bunch of daily necessities.


    It was quite good.


    In the three-bedroom apartment, besides the master bedroom used for work, there were two other bedrooms, which were just right for two people, one room per person.


    This was something Tan Jingrong had never expected; that he, as a graduate student, could end up living just across the door from his mentor.


    But actually, this was quite good. At least it gave Tan Jingrong a lot of peace of mind, and he no longer worried constantly.


    After all, with his mentor there, his hopes of staying in the research group were much greater.


    He had hardly dared to reply to Zuo Jie''s messages these days.


    A few days ago, Zuo Jie had unted a photo of dining in a high-end restaurant and asked him with a slightly mocking tone what he had been busy with in the research grouptely, also kindly inquiring whether earning two thousand a month was tiring.


    Tan Jingrong really didn''t know how to respond.


    What could he say?


    The work was indeed tiring.


    After all, other people were still busy with other things, while he was the only one staying in the research group.


    In that sense, a stipend of two thousand a month really didn''t seem like much.


    But if this project were to be discovered in the future, having worked on it would probably allow him to dine in that high-end restaurant every day, ordering different dishes each time without repeats.


    Not to mention the possibility of being listed as the second author in a paper published in a world-ss journal.


    Eventually, he could only respond vaguely with "everything''s fine," which dodged the direct question.


    And in return, he received aughing picture from Zuo Jie.


    Seeing that picture did make Tan Jingrong feel a lot better.


    That was quite good; everyone had got what they wanted.


    He had gained the future, while Zuo Jie had secured an easy-going graduate life.


    That should count as a win-win situation, right?


    ...


    Li Jiangao had far lessplex thoughts than Tan Jingrong.


    Not to mention he was kept in the dark about the interactions between students.


    What mattered most was that everything Li Jiangao did was above reproach.


    The opportunity to assist Qiao Ze in his research was equally offered to his two students, who were still selecting their topics, and both had the chance to join the research group.


    Toe or not toe was a personal choice.


    As for his reason for joining the research group, it was because Qiao Ze told him that he was ready to start writing a paper.


    Li Jiangao wanted to see how Qiao Ze wrote his paper, and on the other hand, Qiao Ze hoped he could offer guidance.


    It wasn''t about advising on how to write a paper.


    It was about letting Qiao Ze know where in the proof process it was best not to gloss over with the word "obviously."


    Thus, the research group was effectively at full capacity.


    Apart from attending exams, Qiao Ze was almost always in the research group.


    After finishing the paper, he would discuss with Li Jiangao what needed to be supplemented.


    Then, following Li Jiangao''s advice, he removed more than a dozen "obviously" and added the proof processes and validation data.


    Of course, when the two of them discussed these matters, other people in the research group typically could not get a word in.


    But everyone had their own tasks to do.


    For instance, Su Mucheng took on the role of quartermaster quite well.


    She directed Chen Yiwen to bring food every day for the three people immersed in the research group, making sure the menu varied daily with care.


    She also helped with Tan Jingrong''s responsibilities, managing data, finding bugs, testing... until on the afternoon of June 29th, after all the exams for the first-year second semester at the School of Mathematics wereplete, the research group held a special meeting.

 Chapter 88: Chapter 75 Boring Professors (First add one more update for monthly pass!)

    Liu Hao drove his second-hand car to take Qiao Ze to the hotel that the school had already booked. In fact, the hotel where they would dine wasn''t far from the school, less than a kilometer away. But the school was so big, and Dean Xu was in such a hurry.


    "Once you go in, head straight to the second floor, tell the waiter you''re there for the Ruixue Pavilion, and someone will take you to the private room. Dean Xu and the others have already arrived... Actually, you may not need to, there should be someone waiting for you downstairs."


    Liu Hao parked the car in front of the hotel entrance and casually mentioned this.


    "Aren''t you going to have dinner?" Qiao Ze asked the counselor who seemingly had no ns to park the car.


    "Uh... I made dinner ns with someone else today, so I need to head back," Liu Hao awkwardly smiled and exined.


    He was too embarrassed to say that the dean had only asked him to drop off Qiao Ze, not to join them for dinner. Of course, this was normal; the least qualified person apanying the guests today was a senior-ranked professor. What reason did he have to go?


    "Oh," Qiao Ze nodded, then got out of the car.


    Going into the hotel, sure enough, someone was already waiting at the entrance. It was Professor Ma, who had met Qiao Ze once before.


    As it turned out, Ma Wanxiang was the only lecturer and professor who had met Qiao Ze thus far.


    Although this "only one," Ma Wanxiang didn''t actually want.


    Because it gave people a certain impression.


    Qiao Ze stopped attending sses because he found his, Ma''s, lectures uninteresting from that point on.


    If that were all, it would have been fine.


    Once you ept that this guy is an extraordinary genius, it''s really not that important whether the child attends ss or not.


    But after that, even Su Mucheng stoppeding to ss, and that was somewhat hurtful to one''s pride.


    So when Ma Wanxiang saw Qiao Ze, his feelings were indeedplex.


    He really didn''t want toe down to receive the guest, but the trouble was, at today''s dinner, the only people who had met Qiao Ze were Xu Dajiang and him.


    Xu Dajiang had to stay in the private room to entertain the guests from the Capital, so it had to be himing down.


    Pah, such bad luck!


    Of course, when Ma Wanxiang actually saw Qiao Ze, he was still very enthusiastic.


    "Qiao Ze, you''re here? Everyone''s arrived, we can start the meal when youe." Ma Wanxiang said loudly.


    "Oh," Qiao Ze nodded.


    Knowing that Qiao Ze was not good atmunicating, Ma Wanxiang didn''t feel anything was amiss and simply led Qiao Ze upstairs to the dining area.


    It felt awkward to staypletely silent, so he tried to make some small talk.


    "How is it? Are you getting used to the school?"


    "Used to it."


    "Getting along well with your ssmates?"


    "Pretty good."


    "By the way, why haven''t you beening to ss recently? Did you self-study the course content before?"


    "Nagging," Qiao Ze replied, and then, realizing the word could be misunderstood, he rarel y added, "The lectures are nagging."


    Hmm, can''t fast-forward...


    Ma Wanxiang nodded, understanding.


    But there was no helping it, even at his current pace of lecturing, if he dropped a pen, those kids might not understand what he was going on about afterward.


    If he simplified it even more, it might as well have the kids read books and self-study instead.


    Fortunately, after just a few exchanges, they had already arrived in front of the private room. If the distance had been any longer, Ma Wanxiang wouldn''t have found any more topics. After all, he wasn''t Su Mucheng; that young girl could forcibly find topics without feeling embarrassed.


    "Eh, Qiao Ze, you''re here. Come and take a seat. Today we have three professors, and they''re all well-known mathematicians. They''ve been very keen to chat with you," Xu Dajiang immediately said loudly as he saw Qiao Ze enter the private room.


    He didn''t care whether the professors from Yanbei University would feel awkward because of his words.


    The seating had been arranged beforehand; Qiao Ze was to sit beside Xu Dajiang, and the seat on the other side of Qiao Ze was reserved for Ma Wanxiang, who had just gone to receive Qiao Ze. The three professors from Yanbei University were seated directly opposite.


    ...


    After the two were seated, Xu Dajiang began his enthusiastic introductions: "Come, Qiao Ze, let me introduce you. This is Professor Zhang Hongcai, the deputy director of Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute and a leading figure in the domestic study of nomutative geometry."


    "Nice to meet you," Qiao Ze calmly nodded to Zhang Hongcai, seeming to forget about being blocked on the phone the day before.


    Zhang Hongcai was taken aback by the in reaction.


    Under normal circumstances, one would at least offer an exnation, right?


    Maybe even make up an excuse?


    In the end, Zhang Hongcai could onlyment, "Uh... nice to meet you, Qiao Ze. It''s not easy to get a chance to see you, huh."


    "Not easy? Can''t you find your way to the library?" Qiao Ze casually replied.


    "Ah?" Zhang Hongcai was stunned, then couldn''t help saying, "You didn''t say library though?"


    "You didn''t ask," Qiao Ze seriously corrected, "The specific situation yesterday was that after I clearly told Zhao Guangyao that I was busy, you didn''t ask where I was but reiterated on the phone for me to go to dinner. Hmm, I guess your Chinese grades must not have been good."


    "I..." Zhang Hongcai was a bit dumbfounded.


    The atmosphere around the dining table instantly became awkward.


    Everyone showed different micro-expressions in response to this simple exchange.


    Some picked up their tea, some began coughing, and others raised their hands to cover their noses...


    Fortunately, Xu Dajiang was there: "Haha, I just discovered that Qiao Ze is actually quite humorous. Old Zhang, you see? Oh, Qiao Ze, the Professor sitting to the left of Zhang is Professor Lu Changzheng, and to the right is Professor Qian Yuhai; they are both experts in Group Theory."


    Qiao Ze nodded and politely said, "Nice to meet you."


    "Yes, hello, hello."

 Chapter 89: Chapter 75 Boring Professors (First add one more update for monthly pass!)_2

    It was rather inexplicable. Originally, Qian Yuhai and Lu Changzheng were quite unhappy about Qiao Ze having cklisted their numbers yesterday.


    But after hearing the exchange Qiao Ze just had with Zhang Hongcai, they suddenly felt that they couldn''t entirely me the kid...


    Especially that line, "I guess your Chinese scores were never any good," almost caused Qian Yuhai to suffer an internal injury.


    He really almostughed out loud.


    But this clearly wasn''t the right asion, so he had to hold it in.


    What he didn''t expect was, Qiao Ze suddenly looked at him and added, "I''ve seen Professor Qian."


    Qian Yuhai asked in surprise, "Oh? You''ve seen me? When?"


    "I''ve watched your ''Group Theory'' series of open course videos on the inte," Qiao Ze replied.


    Qian Yuhai suddenly realized...


    Those were a series of videos that a student had asked permission to record and edit during his lectures years ago, and they had been posted online.


    However, such videos involving professional knowledge didn''t attract many viewers.


    Qian Yuhai hadn''t paid much attention to them and had even nearly forgotten about it.


    So he exined, "That wasn''t really an open course, just a small ssroom thing, something a student put together on a whim. How so? Did it help you?"


    Qiao Ze nodded and said, "Yes, it did. However, when you were discussing the linear representation of infinite groups, there was a problem in your analysis of locallypact topological groups that troubled me for quite some time."


    "Oh?! There''s something like that? What''s the problem?" Qian Yuhai was startled by this, and his urge tough flew away.


    "When talking about the group delta and the exponential map, part of the content involved deriving delta from the Banach algebra itself via the exponential map. There''s a small mistake in the proof that delta is within the connectedponent containing y¡ªthe function example used overflows.


    Luckily, the final conclusion is still correct because it''s only missing a restriction condition," Qiao Ze detailed the specific issue seriously.


    "That content should be from the textbook. Could there be a possibility that you have misunderstood?" Qian Yuhai couldn''t help but say.


    Qiao Ze shook his head and then pulled out his phone, starting to fiddle with it.


    The atmosphere around the table began to shift again.


    Qian Yuhai suddenly felt a bit uneasy.


    Could it be?


    Could there really be a problem with the example in his proof?


    "Um... Qiao Ze, why don''t we eat first? Such a small issue, we don''t need to take it so seriously," Xu Dajiang was the first to speak up.


    Qiao Ze looked up seriously and said, "But in mathematics, there is no small issue; the line between right and wrong is very clear."


    Almost at the same moment, Qian Yuhai also said, "I''m quite curious to know where the mistake is, after all, we must not mislead the young, right?"


    Well, Xu Dajiang didn''t feel like talking anymore.


    Whatever.


    Luckily, it didn''t take long for Qiao Ze to find the right part of the video, as he pulled the progress bar to the correct spot and then handed over the phone directly.


    "You can look at what is being written on the ckboard and think about it again. What would happen if we don''t impose restrictions on the Kronecker function?"


    Qian Yuhai took the phone, frowning as he carefully watched the content from his lectures years ago, while his mind quickly processed what Qiao Ze hinted, then after a moment, it clicked¡ªa restriction condition was indeed needed. He said reflexively, "Shouldn''t take the interval from 1 to -1, right?"


    "That''s right," Qiao Ze nodded.


    The table suddenly grew quiet again.


    Ma Wanxiang suddenly felt that it was good for everyone that Qiao Ze didn''t attend sses, avoiding any potential mutual harm.


    After all, if he pointed out a mistake so directly during a lecture, it would indeed affect the lecturer''s mindset.


    "Haha, Group Theory, to exin it clearly would take dozens of lectures at least. Such small errors are inevitable, and even could be said to be of high quality. Haha, it must have been that Professor Qian forgot to include it when he was lecturing," Xu Dajiang tried to smooth things over again. Your next journey awaits at m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    After all, this was happening at Xilin University of Technology''s home turf; as the host, he couldn''t allow the atmosphere to be too awkward.


    However, Qiao Ze still seriously responded, "I haven''t watched the whole series. I used Professor Qian''s course as a supplement. Even though there are over a hundred episodes in total, I''ve only watched twenty-six of them. Many parts I just skipped over."


    "Um..."


    Xu Dajiang was a bit stunned, not quite sure what to say next, but luckily the emotionally conflicted Ma Wanxiang quickly recovered and hastily instructed, "Waiterrade, our group has arrived. We can start serving the food now. Let''s eat first, eat first. After all, I''m getting hungry."


    "Yes, let''s eat first, everybody, haha..."


    ...


    The college naturally would not be stingy when entertaining distinguished guests.


    The dishes were plentiful, but most people at the table ate without any relish, the conversationcking vigor.


    Xu Dajiang finally understood why Qiao Ze had ended up at Xilin University of Technology.


    Perhaps this kid only acted normal when Li Jiangao was around?


    Just going out to eat a few more times could offend everyonepletely.


    Of course, this time it was clearly a good thing.


    Xu Dajiang indeed quite liked the personality the child had shown.


    However, he had made up his mind never to show off his academic level in front of this child.


    As much as he liked Qiao Ze, he didn''t really want the boy to critique his papers, did he?


    Fortunately, his previous research focus had been on partial differential equations.


    A young person who had already been attracted by nomutative geometry and group theory probably wouldn''t be so interested in the field of PDE.


    That was just fine.


    Xu Dajiang also noticed that after Qiao Ze had pointed out the mistake in Qian Yuhai''s video online, the three professors had exchanged several nces.


    But it was not a big problem.


    Xu Dajiang felt that with Qiao Ze''s character, he could probably reduce these professors'' eagerness to poach him quite a bit.


    Moreover, he had realized that Qiao Ze truly had no interest in going to Yanbei University. That was essential; as long as Qiao Ze wasn''t interested, and his enrollment had already transferred over, no matter how much these people wanted to poach him, they could only watch helplessly.


    So he really didn''t mind Qiao Ze showing off a bit more.


    To make those people envious to death.


    Unfortunately, after pointing out Qian Yuhai''s mistake, Qiao Ze seemed to have lost the desire to talk anymore.


    Especially during the meal, he was extremely quiet.


    It was as if he hadn''t heard the professors'' conversation amidst the clinking sses, just silently eating his meal.


    After finishing two bowls of rice, Qiao Ze put down his chopsticks and said, "I''m full."


    "Ah?!" Xu Dajiang was somewhat slow to react.


    However, Zhang Hongcai, who had been paying attention to Qiao Ze across the table, said with mild surprise, "Huh... that''s it? You''re full? How about, after the meal, we have a cup of tea here and just chat for a bit?"


    Qiao Ze shook his head and said, "No more talking, I''ve been really busy recently, I need to go back to my dorm."


    Zhang Hongcai felt it would be imprudent to keep Qiao Ze any longer, especially since he had just been criticized by the youngster for his poor understanding ofnguage... in other words, for notprehending human speech.


    Xu Dajiang then came to his senses and understood ¡ª this kid truly came just to eat, so now that he was full, it was entirely reasonable for him to want to leave.


    At the same time, Xu Dajiang also made a resolution.


    For any future socializing activities that involved interacting with people, he absolutely would not include Qiao Ze.


    Of course, if someone really wanted to be masochistic, beforeing for the meal, he would have to inform the school security department, best to arrange a few security personnel to follow him...


    "Well... in that case, Qiao Ze, look, Professor Zhang and the others haven''t finished eating yet, we can''t leave right away. We''re not at the university, and I''m notfortable with you going back alone. So, just sit for a while, I''ll make a phone call and ask your counselor to pick you up, you wait here for him for a bit, how''s that?" Xu Dajiang quickly suggested.


    Qiao Ze nodded.


    Liu Hao had a car, and all things considered, waiting a while to drive back would actually take about the same time as walking back himself; historical experience showed that the counselors responded quickly to calls from this dean uncle.


    Although this Dean Xu might be somewhat boring and free, Uncle Li had said to give this uncle some respect, even if his concerns were a bit trivial.


    "Well, since that''s the case, Qiao Ze, it''s good that you''ll stay a while longer. I have a question about nomutative geometry I''d like to discuss with you..."


    Zhang Hongcai had just started speaking when Qiao Ze shook his head and said, "Professor Zhang, that day when Dean Xu mentioned you to Uncle Li, I flipped through your papers in Uncle Li''s office. Your research involvesmentary on nomutative geometry through nomutative quotient spaces, which is fairly in-depth theoretical mathematical research.


    I study nomutative geometry just to facilitate understanding C* algebras and algebraic quantum field theory. Because I''m only very interested in quantum physics, nomutative geometry helps me understand the quantum world, but I don''t intend to delve into this direction, so there''s nothing to discuss."


    Oh...


    Quantum physics?!


    .

 Chapter 90: Chapter 76: Not Even Wanting Money Anymore?! (12 more episodes for monthly pass)

    Zhang Hongcai and his group left the following afternoon.


    If they had the chance, they certainly would have liked to chat with Qiao Ze and didn''t mind using some methods to do so.


    Unfortunately, they could tell that Qiao Ze wasn''t interested in Yanbei University and even seemed to have a slight aversion to it.


    Well, thetter was purely an overthinking on their part.


    At least for now, Qiao Ze didn''t have any aversion to any university.


    Of course, he didn''t have any particr fondness either.


    Except for Xilin University of Technology.


    After all, people have emotions, and his ssmates were actually quite nice.


    But then again, although the three professors from the Capital had only met Qiao Ze once, they were left with an extremely deep impression.


    So much so that on the high-speed train back to the Capital from Xilin, the conversation never strayed from this kid.


    ...


    "This child indeed has something," Qian Yuhai said earnestly.


    Lu Changzheng nodded as well, providing a fair assessment, "Qiao Ze''s memory,putation abilities, logical thinking, and reasoning skills, spatial imagination, they must all be top-notch. Considering what he said, he spent half a day to figure out the problem in your video.


    That means he sensed something wrong while attending the lecture, indicating that he also has enviable mathematical intuition! It''s hard to imagine all these strengths being concentrated in a child."


    "It''s just that his air of arrogance is a bit too much, sigh..." Zhang Hongcai sighed.


    Most people probably get this wrong impression when they first meet Qiao Ze.


    Especially considering that when Zhang Hongcai visited, it was precisely during Qiao Ze''s busiest time. Naturally, he didn''t feel like paying much attention to them, which led them to perceive him as quite arrogant.


    "Ah, you can''t really say that. If I had his talent at a young age, I probably would have been more arrogant than him," Lu Changzhengmented with a smile.


    Zhang Hongcai looked at Lu Changzheng with some surprise; Zhang Hongcai remembered that Lu was the most upset when Qiao Ze blocked their phone numbers the day before, yet now he was speaking up for Qiao Ze?


    "Don''t look at me like that; after I went backst night, I watched Old Qian''s lecture video again. The mistake in Qian''s lecture video that Qiao Ze pointed out went unnoticed by me unless he reminded me. Moreover, I had my graduate students find thest edition of the Group Theory textbookst night; the proof process is indeed written that way.


    Although we started using a new textbookst year, that textbook had been in use for six years, and it''s surprising that no one noticed the mistake. So when he says he found an error in a lemma proof in a Group Theory paper within a few minutes, I truly believe him."


    "Oh?" Zhang Hongcai was slightly startled. Was it really a problem in the textbook?


    Zhang Hongcai instinctively turned to look at Qian Yuhai; after all, that textbook was primarily authored by Qian.


    Qian Yuhai shrugged and sighed, "Ah... don''t look at me. I really didn''t notice it, and despite so many rounds of proofreading, Lu, Yan Song, they all proofread it and still missed this little w. Thankfully, we''ve switched textbooks now; otherwise, if this got out, the loss would be severe."


    "Come on, a few small issues in the textbook are inevitable, so stop making a big deal out of it," Zhang Hongcai disdainfully said to Qian Yuhai.


    "Actually, what I mean is, if possible, should we mail a copy of the new internal textbook to Qiao Ze and let him go through it?" Qian Yuhai suggested thoughtfully.


    Zhang Hongcai pondered and eventually shook his head, "Forget it, if that got out, it''d be a real joke. Even if you guys can disregard your own reputations, what about the reputation of the college and the research institute?"


    "Heh, it''s a pity indeed!"


    "What''s a pity? I think the University of Technology''s Mathematics College simply can''t keep Qiao Ze."


    "Maybe he''ll get poached by Physics College in the future?"


    "That''s why I say it''s a pity."


    "Forget it, let''s not talk about it anymore. No matter how good he is, he''s someone else''s kid. Actually, we also have a few promising talents this year. Once we get back, we can focus on cultivating them; they may not necessarily be inferior to Qiao Ze! It''s not as if there haven''t been many prodigies who were surpassed in this world."


    "Ah..."


    ...


    Almost at the same time, just as he had sent off the three bigwigs, returned to school, and confirmed that Li Jiangao was still in the office, Xu Dajiang came looking for him with a face brimming with delight.


    "Jiangao, there''s truly good news this time," Xu Dajiang said with a mysterious air as soon as he entered.


    "Dean Xu, hello... What''s the good news? It can''t be that you''re nning to have me go abroad as a visiting professor, can it? I can''t do that at the moment," Li Jiangao joked casually.


    "Haha... Jian Gao, you''re starting to enjoy teasing me more and more!"


    Xu Dajiangughed unnaturally¡ªit certainly wasn''t a good time to be sending Li Jian Gao abroad.


    Let alone under the current circumstances, where sending him would be very difficult.


    "No, no, just tell me what it is, I''m just joking," Li Jiangao said.


    Xu Dajiang nodded, put on a serious face, the smile now absent, "You know about themotion caused by the people from the Capital, right? Their first dinner here was personally hosted by Old Zheng."


    "Oh, I didn''t know," Li Jiangao shook his head.


    He hadn''t been asked to meet the Yanbei University professors at all.


    The only reason he went to have a meal was that it had been pre-ordered, and when the three professors left, they were already starting to eat when they called, so Xu Dajiang summoned him to join for the meal. So he really didn''t know.


    "It doesn''t matter if you don''t know about that, but the point is, I mentioned Qiao Ze''s matter to Principal Zheng and roughly talked about you wanting to cooperate with Qiao Ze on a project. Old Zheng gave the go-ahead on the spot. Once this month''s exams are over, he will coordinate, and at a minimum, try to allocate one million yuan in research funding for your project. One million yuan...


    Jian Gao, you and Qiao Ze will have to work hard! For this one million, both Principal Zheng and I have taken on pressure!"

 Chapter 91: Chapter 76: Not Even Wanting Money Anymore?! (12 updates for monthly pass)_2

    Xu Dajiang stared at Li Jiangao and spoke with deep feeling.


    In his mind, he wondered, they surely wouldn''t find fault with this offer, would they?


    After all, just two days ago, he had kindly approved twenty thousand yuan for Li Jiangao and Qiao Ze to go on a trip, only to be met with disdain, which was quite disheartening.


    But soon, Xu Dajiang realized something was amiss.


    The young associate professor opposite him not only didn''t show any overwhelming gratitude, but his expression also became quite strange...


    His mouth moved several times, but he ultimately didn''t say anything.


    What did this mean?


    Confused, he asked, "Hmm... Jian Gao, what''s this reaction? Don''t tell me you''ve managed to secure the research funding in these few days?"


    Li Jiangao promptly nodded along with Xu''s words, earnestly saying, "Dean Xu, you''ve guessed it right this time, it has indeed been settled. Our research has already been sponsored, and it''s a private sponsorship at that. The contract has been signed, two million yuan for the research funds have been received, and I''ve even rented servers andputational power.


    So, there really is no need for the school to provide funding anymore. Still, I truly appreciate that you''ve been thinking of us all this time."


    Xu Dajiang was stunned.


    Since the other party even used the polite "you," it probably wasn''t a lie.


    Of course, no one would make up such a lie.


    Though a million yuan might not make an impression in other faculties, in the School of Mathematics, such news could make some professors go to great lengths.


    Generally speaking, the funding for outstanding young researchers is usually around one to three million yuan.


    In the School of Mathematics, a few hundred thousand could fund a rather significant project.


    Xu Dajiang had never before seen anyone actively reject funding from above.


    "Really? Someone privately sponsored Qiao Ze''s project? What for? Do they really believe Qiao Ze can develop a framework like ChatGPT?" After a while, Xu Dajiang asked in astonishment.


    The image of Su Mucheng insisting on sponsoring with her money shed in Li Jiangao''s mind.


    It seemed like the girl didn''t even bother to ask what Qiao Ze''s project was about, or what the potential returns could be if the project seeded.


    She just had the capricious wealth... Who could he even reason with about this?


    Therefore, Li Jiangao shook his head and said, "In fact, it may not be for anything specific, maybe it''s simply friendship? And I''ve promised someone, so I can''t reveal the sponsor at the moment... So..."


    Xu Dajiang''s mouth twitched twice.


    Justst Saturday when he came looking for Li Jiangao, they were stillmenting theck of funds.


    Now it''s Tuesday, only three dayster, not only had they received an investment and signed a contract, but the money had been deposited as well? Even the servers andputational resources were settled.


    No wonder Qiao Ze said he was too busy to even eat yesterday.


    Indeed, it wasn''t an excuse; he truly was busy.


    For a moment, Xu Dajiang didn''t know what to say.


    But he quickly regained hisposure.


    "Wait, you just said servers andputational power are rented? Hmm... You didn''t use the school''s resources?"


    Li Jiangao shook his head.


    "So that''s how it is, Li Jiangao, you''re deliberately trying to keep the school out of this, aren''t you?" Xu Dajiang said as he raised his finger towards Li Jiangao.


    Li Jiangao replied with a wry smile, "Well... Dean Xu, after all, it''s the child''s first project, and it''s not certain he can seed. Since someone was willing to invest, I thought it best to let him try on his own. To be frank, I didn''t want to get involved, so I didn''t even put my name on the contract. I just helped Qiao Ze with some misceneous matters.


    If the project fails to yield any results, so be it, but if it does seed, it wouldn''t be right to have the sponsor put up the money and then have to fight awsuit with the school, would you agree?"


    At this, Xu Dajiang was left speechless.


    If Li Jiangao were involved in the project, Xu would indeed have his doubts, wondering if Li Jiangao had ulterior motives.


    But Li Jiangao''s candid admission that he didn''t put his name on the contract left no room for suspicion.


    "Alright! I''vee to realize that Qiao Ze is someone blessed with noble helpers wherever he goes. But then again, Qiao Ze just joined the university; how many people could he know? Don''t tell me the sponsor was also someone you found for him?" Xu Dajiang said with a tinge of disappointment.


    It was just too bizarre!


    He had thought that today''s offer would be a great way to win people over, only to realize it was another wasted effort.


    "You''re overthinking it again. The investor must remain a secret for now. It''s not even me who introduced them. You''ll find out in time. Anyway, this project may not be directly rted to the school, but all participants can indeed be said to be from our School of Mathematics," Li Jiangao dered resolutely.


    "Oh? All from our School of Mathematics? Including the investor?" Xu Dajiang asked skeptically.


    Li Jiangao nodded.


    This statement suddenly made everything click for Xu Dajiang.


    Not bad at all!


    Let the school see what happens when they always hold back on the School of Mathematics'' research funds!


    For a moment, he, too, began to hope that Qiao Ze might produce an extraordinary result, preferably one so impressive that it would utterly infuriate the school''s administration.


    The angrier the better!


    Best if they''re so angry they call him in for a severe reprimand!


    Then, he''d be able to m the table with full justification in his response!


    When that time came, Qiao in his left hand, and a hidden tycoon from the institute in his right¡ªwho would dare to talk back? He''d crush them on the spot!


    Who would choose to kneel when they could stand and demand money?


    Indeed, Xu Dajiang had already decided that, if Qiao Ze''s project really seeded, he wouldn''t mind taking out his wallet to helpvish praise on it! He nned to be the Xilin Mathematics Institute dean who stood tall and saw the institute''s research funding double!


    "Ahem, so that said, Jian Gao, is this investor interested in funding other projects at the institute?"


    An ambitious Xu Dajiang tentatively asked another question.


    "It''s not like that, Dean Xu. They invested because of Qiao Ze''s face, it has absolutely nothing to do with me! I would be too embarrassed to even have my name on Qiao Ze''s future papers, let alone ask such things," Li Jiangao said with a wry smile.


    "Oh... I see. That means the investor is a student, right? Someone from the basic ss?"


    "I..." Li Jiangao simply stopped talking.


    "Haha, just asking. Alright, since you''ve already found funding, I''ll leave it to you. Later, I''ll tell Zheng that your project won''t be starting for the moment, so he doesn''t need to help coordinate anything. I''d rather not deal with the money if it reallyes through, as I would find it too hot to handle.


    But one thing, you must inform me immediately if Qiao Ze''s project yields results, that''s not too much to ask, right?"


    Xu Dajiang said this in jest.


    "Rest assured, if it really works out, I will definitely inform you immediately," Li Jiangao promptly promised.


    "Good, it''s settled then, I''ll be going first."


    After speaking, Xu Dajiang turned and walked out of Li Jiangao''s office, his feelingsplex.


    As he closed the door, he deliberately let out a deep sigh.


    "Ah..."


    But once back in his own office, Xu Dajiang made a direct call to Liu Hao.


    "Liu Hao,pile all the student files from your basic ss and bring to my office the files of students who might be able to put up two million at a time."


    ...


    In the family housingplex of Xilin University of Technology, Su Mucheng was showing Qiao Ze around the three-bedroom apartment that had already been set up.


    It must be said that money brings efficiency. In just two days, Su Mucheng had managed to get the furniture moved down, the whole house carpeted, a long table for meetings installed in the living room, and the original master bedroom turned into a workspace with sixputers neatly lined up.


    To ensure efficiency and avoid disruption due to disconnection, two fiber optic cables had even been installed, one from China Tel and one from China Un, both with direct home entry.


    This could be considered a unique benefit of older neighborhoods.


    Brand new residential areas generally only have two-core prefabricated fibers, and because they work by sending and receiving signals, they don''t support dual fiber home entry. Meanwhile, in these older neighborhoods, the equipment was addedter, so they simply run surface-mounted lines into the interior, permitting dual or even triple fiber instation.


    "Qiao Ze, how do you like it here?" Su Mucheng enthusiastically asked after showing Qiao Ze around.


    Qiao Ze nodded and said, "It''s quite nice."


    "Indeed, it''s nice!" Chen Yiwen, who followed alongside Qiao Ze, chimed in.


    However, Chen Yiwen''sment earned nothing but a roll of the eyes from Su Mucheng.


    Fortunately, this time Su Mucheng didn''t seem to mind Chen Yiwen acting as a third wheel.


    Because the group had acquired another member, a graduate student who had already started working earnestly at aputer...

 Chapter 117: Chapter 88 What do these adults understand? _2

    And so, this scene ensued.


    Li Jian Gao couldn''t help feeling frustrated whenever he thought about the afternoon''s events.


    He wasn''t the type to spill his guts so easily, so why did he end up doing so unguardedly?


    This only increased Li Jian Gao''s admiration for Qiao Ze.


    After all, throughout the whole afternoon, Qiao Ze was the only one who rendered Yu Hongwei speechless with just three sentences.


    "I''ve seen you."


    "You''re impressive."


    "But you really should curb that habit of talking too much."


    Remembering the constipated look on Yu Hongwei''s face when Qiao Ze delivered that third sentence, Li Jian Gao suddenly felt an urge tough, as he looked at the current scene.


    To avoid actually bursting intoughter and disrupting the harmonious atmosphere, Li Jian Gao quickly said, "Alright, Mr. Yu, Mr. Su, Secretary Zhang, let''s go upstairs and talk."


    ...


    Group Wisdom Project Group Workshop.


    When Su Lixing was sitting next to Yu Hongwei and looking at Qiao Ze across the table with his beloved daughter, he felt as if he were in a dream.


    Qiao Ze seemed unchanged.


    His face was still as calm as a still well.


    He didn''t show any of the emotions a young person should have after such great achievements, such as pride, excitement, or arrogance.


    This made Su Lixing want to crack open Qiao Ze''s head and see what was really inside!


    His headstrong daughter was just the same.


    Every once in a while she would make eye contact with him, yfully curling her lips, but most of the time her gaze stayed on Qiao Ze, unconcerned that there were strangers in the meeting room, not hiding the passion and deep love in her eyes.


    Yu Hongwei was still talking nonstop at the meeting table.


    "...Youwei Group has always been striving to build an intelligent world of interconnected things. Let me give you an inside scoop, by September at thetest this year, we will beunching a new generation of products. The biggest breakthrough is Star sh Technology Nearlink. I''m not exaggerating when I say that this technology is far ahead of its time!"


    "It''s definitely a revolutionary, new-generation limitless transmission technologyprised of an SLB base essyer and an SLE low-power ess, with its G-link peak exceeding 900M, T-link peak over 450M, reliability nearing one hundred percent, supporting 4096 users to connect simultaneously, and handling concurrent data for 80 users per millimeter."


    "We have already developed a series of technical standards based on this technology, as well as testing certification and rted ecosystem construction. There are things I can''t mention right now, but I can give you a little hint; please keep it confidential for me. Youwei Group has already started forming the Star sh Alliance based on this technology.


    A number ofpanies are willing to join us in building a more stablemunication chain."


    "Now imagine, Star shbined with Qunzhi, if they could be promoted at the same time, what would that bring? Everyone, that would be multi-device cluster-style intelligent interaction! Intelligent interaction data could be synchronously exchanged between multiple devices, significantly extending the functionality of intelligent interactions."


    "Here''s a scenario I envision: when I don''t feel like sitting at my desk, I can lie in bed, issue amand through my mobile phone, and theputer at my desk will directly provide the answer, which is then fed back to my mobile device. Of course, the interaction doesn''t stop there.


    By embedding the Qunzhi System, we can make search, service, and acquisition achieve aplete and unified ecosystem to truly realize intelligent interconnectivity."


    ...


    Su Lixing was actually listening quite intently.


    But had Qiao Ze not been sitting across from him, he could''ve been even more focused.


    Every time Su Lixing looked at Qiao Ze, he noticed that the young man''s attention wasn''t focused at all.


    Clearly, he had no interest in Yu Hongwei''s monologue.


    It seemed likely that his willingness to sit there was merely to give Li Jian Gao face.


    Indeed, Su Lixing''s assumption was correct, because just as Yu Hongwei finished a sentence and picked up his tea preparing to continue his speech, Qiao Ze took the initiative to speak.


    "It''s almost ten o''clock. I need to head back to the dorm now."


    "Ah?" Everyone except Su Mucheng was somewhat taken aback.


    Even though Su Lixing saw that Qiao Ze wasn''t really there in spirit, he didn''t expect him to want to leave.


    At the very least, he should''ve waited for Yu Hongwei to discuss how they intended to cooperate, right?


    "Right, we all go back to the dorms punctually at ten every day," Su Mucheng immediately chimed in to support him.


    "Ahem, Qiao Ze, are you temporarily not nning to license the Qunzhi System?" Li Jian Gao asked.


    Qiao Ze shook his head, frowning, and said, "No, but I don''t want to deal with these things. Didn''t you specifically bring Mr. Su here to handle this?"


    ```


    "That... But after all, Qunzhi System is your project... your hard work, won''t you participate in the decision-making?" Su Lixing swallowed subconsciously, suddenly realizing something.


    Qiao Ze pressed his lips together, feeling somewhat annoyed.


    It was nothing more than a framework simr to ChatGPT, and it couldn''t even be considered very innovative. He didn''t understand why these people valued it so much.


    He had reiterated countless times that the real purpose of doing this project was just to publish a paper.


    Yet, these people always regarded the by-products more important than the actual papers that could push progress forward.


    Wasn''t the mathematical tool he pioneered in the paper more valuable than this framework?!


    "Just discuss it with Li and handle it ordingly. If I have to consider all these trivial issues every time a small achievement is made, it will seriously distract me. Li has told me before, if I were tomunicate with others, someone would need to manage a lot of the cumbersome matters for me.


    Naturally, dealing with by-products from the research process falls into this category of tedious matters and should be taken care of by those focused on grunt work. Moreover, I have no interest in how to license the corresponding algorithms or frameworks, or who uses them."


    Qiao Ze seriously reiterated his thoughts again.


    The living room fell silent all at once, and Yu Hongwei looked at Qiao Ze in astonishment.


    He didn''t know how to evaluate such a statement...


    By-products? Grunt work?


    If it weren''t for Qiao Ze''s calm demeanor and tone¡ªso calm that what he said seemed perfectly justified¡ªone might think he was boasting.


    But there was not a hint of boastfulness to be felt.


    Su Lixing stared at Qiao Ze for a long while before finally saying, "Qiao Ze, this is different from going out and making contacts. Technology licensing involves massive financial issues..."


    "I''m not interested in money. The problem I want to solve requires building a Particle Collider around the sun, and then powering it with a Dyson sphere. Unfortunately, Earth''s worth is not that high, so you all handle it entirely. You don''t need to inform me about the final decision. Li, I''m leaving now."


    Having said that, Qiao Ze stood up directly.


    Almost at the same time, Su Mucheng sprang up from her chair, calling out, "Qiao Ze, shall we invite Chen Yiwen to leave with us?"


    "Oh, sure."


    "Then wait for me outside for a bit, I''m just going to grab my bag."


    "Alright."


    Su Lixing opened his mouth as if to stop Su Mucheng, but ultimately did not utter a sound, while Su Mucheng had already cheerfully dashed into the inner workshop, calling for Chen Yiwen.


    "Mom, I''m heading back to the dormitory now. Professor Li, Zhang, Yu, goodbye."


    Chen Yiwen bowed slightly to the three of them, a bit restrained, then followed behind Su Mucheng out of the workshop.


    ...


    Stairwell.


    To affirm the correctness of Qiao Ze''s actions, Su Mucheng took the initiative to sigh, "Adults are so boring, especially my dad, utterly boring! It''s always about money, money! People can''t live with money alone, right? Qiao Ze."


    Qiao Ze corrected, "It should be that their understanding is biased."


    Chen Yiwen looked back at the partially closed door and, as usual, remained silent.


    Well, that''s good. Previously, these two were just a nuisance to their ssmates.


    Today, they finally started causing trouble for the big shots he had only seen in videos.


    This even gave Chen Yiwen an oddly excited feeling.


    ...


    Back in the room, the voices leaking through the door crack left the adults exchanging looks.


    Especially Su Lixing...


    His precious daughter...


    Was she a cotton-padded coat leaking air?


    "Cough, that... Mr. Yu, Mr. Su, ording to the contract Qiao Ze and Su Mucheng had signed earlier, if the Qunzhi System project generates profits, they would split it in a 9:1 ratio... However, since Qiao Ze has given up the decision-making right, we might as well discuss it directly. Based on my understanding of Qiao Ze, he indeed doesn''t want to bother with these issues.


    If you doe to an agreement, I will have Qiao Ze''s mothere over, and it won''t affect anything," Li Jian Gao said helplessly.


    ```

 Chapter 120: Chapter 90: Viral Network Outbreak

    "Qu, are you asleep?"


    "Not yet, Minister Yang. Is there something you need?"


    "Good, you''re still up. Here''s the thing. The School of Mathematics has some exciting news¡ªour student has independently published a paper in the world-ss ''Duke Mathematical Journal.'' The School of Mathematics hopes to take advantage of the lingering enthusiasm from the recruitment season to promote this achievement properly.


    Since you''re still awake, I thought we could use the school''s official ount to release a short video to start building hype right away."


    "That really is great news. Did they provide any material for this?"


    "Yes, Xu mentioned that the ''Duke Mathematical Journal'' is a bimonthly, so the paper won''t be in print until next month. However, it has already been published in the online version, and he sent me a screenshot. I''ll send you the picture via WeChatter, and you can use that for the video.


    Oh, and be sure to highlight that this paper was independentlypleted by a newly admitted freshman under the guidance of our associate professor."


    "Ah? A new freshman? Are you sure we want to emphasize that? It might not be such a good idea. Shouldn''t you confirm with the School of Mathematics on this?"


    "Oh? What''s not so good about it?"


    "A prospective freshman submitting a paper to a world-ss journal... Well, it''s a little controversial. You might not be aware, but there was a simr incident at another university recently, and it became a trending topic. It put the university in a passive position."


    "Is that so? But it''s fine. Xu specifically told me that this paper can withstand scrutiny. There are definitely none of the issues you''re thinking of. They just want to highlight the abilities of our young professors. Don''t worry, there won''t be any problems."


    "Um... Are you sure?"


    "Qu, what''s this? Are you suggesting you don''t trust me? How about I have Xu personally call youter?"


    "No, no, Minister Yang, you''ve misunderstood me, that''s really not what I meant. So, you send me the materialter, and after I''ve designed the copy, I''ll send it to you via WeChat for approval. If you think it''s okay, I''ll go ahead and post it, alright?"


    "That''s fine!"


    "Alright, I''ll wait for you to send the materials."


    "By the way, Xu is an old friend of mine, and he''s asked for my help this time, so I need to show some attitude. After the video goes out, remember to have the students from the school news agency share it a lot. Also, don''t be too stingy with the budget. I will approve a special fund for promotional expenses."


    "Uh, okay, Minister Yang. Mission assured."


    "That''s all, then. Thanks for your hard work, Qu."


    "It''s no trouble at all. I''ll hang up now and we can keep in touch via WeChat."


    "Alright."


    Chapter Find:


    ...


    On the other side, Zhuo Wenyu was also busy on the phone.


    "Xinglu, it''s been a long time. What have you been up totely?"


    "Haha, Director Zhuo, what else could I be busy with? Just the same old job."


    "Right, you''re still running that public ount, aren''t you?"


    "Yeah, it''s been ongoing. What''s up? Do you have a need?"


    "Oh, that''s good. Actually, I need a favor from you. This year, our Admissions Office recruited a promising student for the School of Mathematics. He''s just a freshman but has already published an article in a world-ss top mathematical journal. I was thinking we should really promote this, so I''d like to ask for your help in writing an article to spread the word."


    "Eh? That''s good news! No problem. Do you have the information?"


    "I''ve already sent you the details via WeChat. I won''t hide it from you¡ªthis kid''s math talent was amazing even in high school. We managed to scout him out. Of course, the focus should also be on the achievement he made under the guidance of our professor."


    "Wait a sec, let me check if the information isplete... Eh, Director Zhuo, there''s no name of the kid in this material, only the professor''s name?"


    "Well, the child is too young; he''s still underage. It''s not good to make it too public.


    Just emphasize how the Admissions Office has worked hard for recruitment, how our admissions counselor, Yu Chenggong, under the guidance of the Admissions Office''s meticulous working policy, went deep into front-line high schools to thoroughly investigate quality students, and that you could also casually express the School of Mathematics professor''s education philosophy of equal teaching for all."


    "Oh! Hehe... I see! Director Zhuo, if you don''t mind me asking, do you have someone who''s not quite falling in line and you''re looking to knock them down a peg?"


    "What are you thinking about? Just focus on positive publicity, that''s all."


    "Okay, no problem. I haven''t slept yet anyhow. Once you''ve sent all the details, I''ll get the article written and publish it right away."


    "Thank you so much, Brother Xinglu."


    "You''re the one to say ''thank you''? I should be thanking Director Zhuo for providing me with the material."


    "Haha, let''s leave it at that for now. I owe you a meal."


    "Great!"


    ...


    Under the cover of night, countless wireless signals traversed through base stations, transmitting innumerable messages far and wide.


    Theplex information swiftly began to brew and ferment.


    In less than half an hour, an additional video appeared on the official school promotion ount.


    The video background was simply a screenshot of a webpage showing the title of the paper.


    However, the focus wasn''t on the pure English screenshot. What really stood out were the prominent Chinese charactersid out at the center of the image.


    "Congrattions to our school''s prospective freshman for sessfully publishing an article in the world-ss mathematical top journal with the help of the School of Mathematics and Statistics'' senior professor!"


    In Qu Wenxiang''s opinion, the person in charge of the school''s new media video ount, this statement was too crude.

 Chapter 121: Chapter 90 Viral Network Outbreak_2

    Because the previous version used sliding font and briefly introduced the main problem the paper aimed to solve, it seemed less abrupt.


    But there was no helping it, that version''s apanying text was outright rejected by Minister Yang.


    Because Minister Yang believed there was too much text and it couldn''t highlight the key points.


    So now we have this version.


    Actually, Qu Wenxiang was very resistant to the idea of releasing this video.


    After all, as the teacher in charge of new media content, though the official video ount, due to various concerns, had many restrictions in content selection and thus wasn''t very popr.


    But Qu Wenxiang had to deal with journalism students every day, and he also had good rtionships with some students who sessfully operated several of the school''s video ounts, so he naturally had a keen sense of information.


    How should I put it?


    This graphic, along with the copy, plus the boost from the official ount, truly had the potential to go viral.


    It could even explode in poprity.


    Not to mention that Minister Yang even took the initiative to say they could spend money to promote it.


    But Qu Wenxiang was sure that this kind of poprity wasn''t necessarily what the School of Mathematics wanted.


    Iing freshmen, world top journals, papers... These keywords linked together made it extremely difficult for people not to associate them with the word ''academic tyranny.''


    Qu Wenxiang even suspected whether Professor Li Jiangao from the School of Mathematics had offended Minister Yang, so he was specifically asked to release this video to put Professor Li on the spot.


    Luckily, he had been cautious and conducted all hismunications with Minister Yang via WeChat.


    And he had been careful enough to screenshot all the chat logs.


    That way, even if someone came looking to pass the buck to him, he would be able to clear himself of any me.


    You can''t me him for being too cautious; when the higher-ups fight, you can''t let the fire burn down your own little teacher''s house.


    Refusing to take the me starts with me.


    ...


    Just as Qu Wenxiang had expected.


    After he spent the twenty thousand yuan that Minister Yang mentioned on WeChat for promotional funds, and after he @ the student journalists in the group to collectively share it, the video''s poprity clearly began to surge.


    Especially in thement section.


    Really, if Minister Yang hadn''t suddenly called him out of the blue today, Qu Wenxiang wouldn''t have believed that so many people in Huaxia would be up sote at eleven or twelve at night, clutching their phones and endlessly scrolling through videos.


    However, Qu Wenxiang was not the least bit excited; instead, he only felt his heart racing with fear.


    Those constantly increasingments felt like a death knell to him.


    Especially thement with the most likes, which had been topped by countless others.


    "Yo... what do I see here? A freshman publishing in a world-ss top journal? And it''s an official ount! Haha... So now we''re really not even bothering to hide it, right?"


    "Seeing this video, I seem to hear several PhD students from the Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics silently crying."


    "Our people from Greater Huaxia are truly amazing! Elementary students can publish in national core journals, and iing freshmen can be in international top journals, you''re so great, why haven''t I seen you bring home a Nobel Prize?"


    "Am I seeing this right? This is Xilin University of Technology! Another sacred educational institution has fallen in my eyes."


    "Come on, want to be famous, right? Let me help you. @Educational Official Website @Tuanzi @Zhonghua Society @... What do you guys think?"


    But what hurt the most was ament hidden underneath that Qu Wenxiang identally stumbled upon.


    "Which student is operating this official ount? Do you want to take a look at what you''ve written?! Did you want our school to be infamous or what? Tell me, did you take money from University X to deliberately redirect the spotlight from academic misconduct?"


    Without exaggeration, upon seeing thisment, Qu Wenxiang felt like he wanted to die.


    What''s more frustrating is that manyments were either pending review or had already been deleted by the system.


    One could imagine what those people had written.


    Almost all the rationalments were overshadowed by these indignant voices and were impossible to find.


    But the scariest part was that he noticed many official media ounts had already started to share his video.


    Don''t these social media editors for official media ever get off work?


    Are they all on a twenty-four-hour online schedule?


    Even though it was gettingte, he couldn''t help but take a screenshot of thement section and send it straight to Yang Lichun.


    "Minister Yang, the reaction in thement section seems a bit off, shall we disablements for now?"


    After waiting five minutes, there was no reply.


    Just when Qu Wenxiang was about to shut down thement section, another reply arrived.


    "Are you out of your mind, Qu? Closing thements now would make us look guilty of something, wouldn''t it? Besides, the video has already been shared, they can stillment elsewhere even if we don''t allow it here. Don''t be scared, you should believe in the integrity of our School of Mathematics faculty members."


    Qu Wenxiang was stunned.


    He couldn''t be bothered to reply anymore and simply turned off his phone to go to sleep.


    He had figured it out, this was someone stirring up trouble again.


    Let them do whatever they want; after all, he was just a tool, and when the blows reallye down, surely someone of higher standing would take the heat!


    ...


    It only took one hour, just one hour.


    Qu Wenxiang''s video shot up to the top ten of the trending charts on social video tforms in no time.


    That night, whether you searched for keywords such as Xilin University of Technology, or iing freshman, Li Jiangao, top journal paper, or even School of Mathematics, it would lead directly to the rted video.


    And one thing Qu Wenxiang guessed right:


    Countless secondary creators in the short video industry really don''t sleep.


    With sensational material, even if their eyelids are fighting, they''ll down a Red Bull and battle on for two more hours.


    It can''t be helped.


    The nature of the online society dictates that this industry must be restless, as the lifespan of each trending topic usually doesn''t exceed seven days.


    The sooner one reacts, the more likely they are to catch the biggest wave of traffic first.


    What''s scarier is that these creators active online could be said to have their own powerful ways.


    Although Qu Wenxiang''s copy was extremely sinct,


    he didn''t reveal the names of the mentor and the iing freshman in the text, nor the specific journal it was published in.


    Chapter Enjoy:


    But those secondary creators, by relying on a single image, found the Duke Mathematical Journal in less than an hour. They went directly to the official website of the Duke Mathematical Journal and downloaded the entire paper.


    Some even used ChatGPT to summarize the core ideas of the paper.


    Others, by using the pinyin tagged on the paper and matching it with the faculty introductions on the official website of Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics and Statistics, identified Li Jiangao straightaway.


    Only the mysterious student who published the paper was not yet found.


    It can''t be helped, it waste at night, and most kids from the School of Mathematics were already asleep.


    The explosive poprity of the video also excited countless public ount authors.


    For no other reason than that the phrase "educational fairness" is one of the most sensitive nerves in the whole of society these days.


    And just as Xu Dajiang had predicted,


    the online sentiment was simple.


    What the hell does an iing freshman know about writing papers?


    Not to mention there were numerous knowledgeable individuals enlightening others about how many mathematics professors and PhDs in Huaxia publish papers in world-ss mathematical top journals each year.


    So, the heat Xu Dajiang hoped for was achieved in just one night.


    God knows how many people started enlightening all the viewers under the small videos and various public ount articles on how toin to the university...


    After all, Xilin University of Technology is a "double first-ss" university, which still has some presence in Greater Huaxia.


    In this seething Huaxia night,


    the academic circles in the West also began some scattered discussions.


    The Duke Mathematical Journal is nheless an old, world-ss top mathematical journal.


    Suddenly posting a major paper on the website providing electronic reading would naturally cause a stir.


    Not to mention the paper was indeed interesting.


    More coincidentally, using Group Theory to construct a self-supervised system, another paper appeared in "Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications." Plus, the corresponding author was a famous professor from the University of Cologne.


    The former was theoretical, while thetterbined theory and application.


    Many professors researching mathematics andputer science directly downloaded both papers and started reading.


    The only good thing was that neither of these papers had broken into the mainstream yet.


    Of course, that''s normal.


    The news in the academic circles is always supposed to be a little slower.

 Chapter 122: Chapter 91: The 80/20 Rule and the Fearless Xu Dajiang

    "Ah, I''m furious!" A clear cry, inappropriately jolting her roommates awake from their dreams.


    "Who is it?! Have some public decency."


    "Who else could it be! Chengzi, have you lost it? Just because the exams are over, do you have to keep us from our beauty sleep?"


    "Exactly... Chengzi, I''m so done with you. What now?! Can''t you be normal for once?"


    Su Mucheng didn''t speak; her face had already turned red with anger, and her expression was more serious than ever.


    Influenced by Qiao Ze, she would wake up on time every morning, and today was no exception.


    After getting up, as usual, she nned to send a WeChat message to Qiao Ze to meet for breakfast, only to see the barrage of notifications from various apps on her phone.


    It has to be said that big data is frightfully powerful.


    Location, information of regr interest, preferred content, it''s all recorded and submitted to the system for decision-making, then you''re fed with the content you''re most likely to find interesting.


    Today''s content indeed interested Su Mucheng, but it also infuriated her.


    What are these people thinking?


    Academic cliques? Really?


    Weren''t those papers Qiao Ze''s hard work, crafted painstakingly over several days?


    What are these insidiousments online?


    Li, such a good man, has been made out as a viin who destroys educational fairness by these people, and they even want to report him?!


    Report what?


    Report that a high school student can write a paper?!


    So, without paying attention to her dorm mates''ints, Su Mucheng immediately opened WeChat and sent Qiao Ze a message.


    "Ze, did you see those pop-up messages on your phone?"


    "?"


    "Sigh, I knew you wouldn''t have seen them, I''ming over now."


    ...


    Ten minutester, Su Mucheng slipped out of the dormitory amidst her little sisters'' scolding and curses.


    As usual, she texted Qiao Ze on the way, and when she arrived at the boys'' dormitory, Qiao Ze and Chen Yiwen happened to being down.


    Su Mucheng took out her phone and started chattering away.


    "Qiao Ze, look, for some reason,st night, the whole inte..."


    "Oh, Chen Yiwen just saw it too." Qiao Ze did not take Su Mucheng''s phone, merely acknowledging it briefly.


    "You''re not angry?" Su Mucheng widened her eyes and asked Qiao Ze.


    Qiao Ze, puzzled, said, "Why would I be angry?"


    "Because they''re saying you are giarizing someone else''s work! Doesn''t that mean they''re calling you a thief?" Su Mucheng said sullenly.


    "Oh, before everyone was saying I was crazy too, I didn''t get angry then either," Qiao Ze said calmly.


    Chen Yiwen once again pursed his lips.


    In truth, he wanted to say, if you''re not angry about this, is it possible you really are crazy?


    But he held back.


    He wasn''t afraid of Qiao Ze getting angry; it was mainly because he feared Su Mucheng might fly off the handle.


    Offending Qiao Ze was not frightening, but offending an emotionally unstable woman who clearly would be rich in the future was terrifying indeed.


    When Chen Yiwen first saw those messages, he was somewhat upset too.


    After all, he was the third author, though his name was at the end.


    But seeing Qiao Ze''s undisturbed demeanor, he also let it go.


    If the emperor isn''t in a hurry, he has no reason to be a eunuch.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about this anymore. I''m starving; let''s go eat. Tan is probably still waiting for us." Seeing the two stiff in ce, Chen Yiwen proactively broke the ice.


    ...


    The three walked to the canteen in silence, with Su Mucheng unusually quiet, just pouting her lips, her face a picture of grievance.


    Perhaps sensing Su Mucheng''s mood, Qiao Ze, uncharacteristically, started talking: "Do you guys know about the 80/20 rule of information dissemination?"


    When the top student initiated the conversation, the effect was evident.


    For example, Chen Yiwen immediately perked up his ears.


    "I only know about the Law of the Vital Few; the teacher mentioned it in ss." Although she was still upset, Su Mucheng graciously responded since Qiao Ze brought up the topic.


    "It''s a simr concept. To put it simply, a social model where eighty percent of people only grasp twenty percent of effective information is the structure most conducive to stability," Qiao Ze exined softly.


    "Huh? Why is that?" Su Mucheng, still annoyed, was sessfully distracted by Qiao Ze.


    "Because it''s easier to manage that way. If you look at it through mathematical functions, you''ll find that the more effective information society''s individuals receive, the more variable their behavior bes, and the stronger the unpredictability of risk," Qiao Ze continued.


    "Oh, I get it! It''s just like how manypanies don''t allow employees to inquire about each other''s sries, right?" Chen Yiwen chimed in from the side.


    Qiao Ze nodded and went on, "So in the past, whenworks weren''t popr and information was not well developed, the media could apply the 80/20 rule through selective information dissemination. But in the age of speedy mobile inte, this method doesn''t work anymore.


    Therefore, they do the opposite; they cannot suppress the spread of information, so they use an almost infinite mix of information to increase the cost for society''s individuals to determine the authenticity of information, indirectly achieving the 80/20 rule. And it''s the same everywhere."


    Su Mucheng, having a lightbulb moment, nodded and added, "That''s why! No wonder the news online always seems to be flipping back and forth, back and forth. Over time, I can''t even tell what''s true and what''s false anymore. Plus, often reposted tweets, Facebook posts that are obviously unreliable get believed by people online."


    "Right, so there''s no need to get upset over those messages. Such rapid dissemination surely hides certain intentions. Conveying incorrect information to achieve some purpose is unavoidable in this era. We just need to do our own work well. No matter what the underlying motives are, they will eventually reveal themselves."

 Chapter 123: Chapter 91: The 80/20 Rule and the Fearless Xu Dajiang_2

    Qiao Ze gave Su Mucheng a nce, his eyes as calm as ever, which also happened to whisk away all the grievances Su Mucheng had been harboring.


    Indeed, it was her Qiao Ze who saw things clearly.


    Whatever the issue, he could analyze it in just a few words, providing a full sense of security.


    "Fine, I won''t bother with it! But if I find out who''s messing around behind the scenes, wait until I mess with them in the future!" Su Mucheng clenched her little fist and made a fierce gesture.


    Qiao Ze had no reaction to this stance, but it was enough to make Chen Yiwen''s heart skip a beat.


    Indeed, a woman with unstable emotions should absolutely not be provoked.


    Fortunately, they had arrived at the cafeteria. The aroma of food, coupled with the rumbling of hungry stomachs, was enough to neutralize the negative emotions brought about by the rumors and gossip online.


    It also brought Su Mucheng''s spirits back up: "Qiao Ze, what would you like to eat? Let Chen Yiwen go queue up and buy it for you."


    ...


    "Bang!"


    "How is the publicity department guiding the propaganda work below? How could you take the initiative on such a controversial matter without even notifying the school? Do you want to be independent or what? Huh!"


    As soon as Xu Dajiang arrived outside the principal''s office meeting room, he heard the sound of table-banging and the suppressed angry questioning from inside.


    Clearly, someone was truly furious.


    But that was fine.


    After all, this was the effect Xu Dajiang was hoping for.


    If the sound of flipping a table had been heard at this moment, it would have been even better.


    s, the rage was still not as intense as it could be.


    Of course, Xu Dajiang was calm and collected, but Li Chengze, the president''s secretary next to him, was feeling a huge headache.


    He even hesitated over whether or not to push the door at this moment and send the dean in.


    "It''s fine, Secretary Li, you go ahead with your work, I can go in by myself," said Xu Dajiang, cheerfully discerning Li Chengze''s hesitation.


    "Ah?"


    As Secretary Li was about to utter a monosyble, Xu Dajiang didn''t hesitate to push the door and enter.


    "Eh, Principal, you were looking for me? Oh my, Principal Zheng, Minister Lu, Minister Yang, you''re all here too? What''s the asion today, so lively?"


    Xu Dajiang walked into the office cheerfully, his approach being to fearlessly face any atmosphere, no matter how serious.


    This greeting and his beaming smile instantly drew everyone''s attention.


    Principal Chen Yuanzhi''s sharp gaze was the first to fiercely stare him down.


    Vice Principal Zheng Luhua looked at Xu Dajiang with an inquisitive gaze. He probably knew some of the situation, but his information was limited after all.


    Yang Lichun, who had been silently observing the whole time, merely nced at Xu Dajiang reflexively and then immediately avoided his gaze.


    Some things, after all, couldn''t be brought to light.


    Everyone in the office was crafty and didn''t want to give anything away.


    As for Minister Lu, his expression was very indifferent. He was an old-timer, and his age was there for all to see. With hardly any hope of advancing further, he also didn''t care about the size of his boss''s temper.


    To put it bluntly, when he retired from his position, no matter who the principal was by the end of the year, he would still have to take the initiative to pay a visit and offer some New Year''s goods.


    As for the people below stirring up trouble, Lu Zhengyao was very open-minded about it.


    As long as they don''t overstep, it''s their own skill.


    But if they do overstep and hinder their own future, they have only themselves to me.


    However, judging from Xu Dajiang''s attitude at this moment, everyone could tell that this guy must have been behind it.


    ...


    "So, Xu is here, huh? Well then, tell me what''s going on here. A soon-to-be freshman has published a paper in a world-leading journal, and such big news wasn''t reported to the university first, but instead you let the Publicity Department start spreading the word? What''s the meaning of this?"


    Seeing Xu Dajiang, Chen Yuanzhi suppressed his anger and asked directly in a mechanical tone.


    "Oh, this matter? Wasn''t it just tootest night? Principal, you know we have a time difference with the United States. They only posted our excellent student Qiao Ze''s paper at eleven in the morning their time, which was already eleven at night for us! Everyone had finished work by that time. I couldn''t possibly report it in the middle of the night, could I?


    So I simply mentioned it to Yang, letting the Publicity Department of the school help us out. That''s reasonable, right?"


    Xu Dajiang spread his hands, exining.


    "Reasonable? When the school office is off, the Publicity Department isn''t? Don''t give me lip service here; tell me, what are you really up to? What''s on your mind?" Chen Yuanzhi''s voice grew louder, unable to help it; this evasiveness stoked his anger further.


    "As the dean of the School of Mathematics, what else could I be thinking besides wanting to develop the School well? Yes, the school office was closedte at night, but how could the Publicity Department rest? Do those in publicity have their own time? Shouldn''t they release good news as soon as possible? Haven''t the leaders and teachers in charge of publicity always done this over the years?


    How many times have we woken up our colleagues in the Publicity Department in the middle of the night to deal with negative publicity? Let alone this is good news. Why couldn''t I ask them to promote it at night?!


    Xu Dajiang stiffened his neck and shot Chen Yuanzhi''s words right back, while also subtly praising the cooperative partners.


    "You..."


    Just as the word left his mouth, seeing Xu Dajiang''s stiff neck and upromising eyes, Chen Yuanzhi suddenly reacted, and the anger he''d felt instantly dissipated.


    Looking at Xu Dajiang doubtfully, he asked, "So the School of Mathematics handled this cleanly, right? That paper was trulypleted by a newly recruited prospective freshman all by himself? Is that the student whom the professors from Yanbei University visited specially to assess?"


    Xu Dajiang was getting annoyed.


    That reaction came too fast; he hadn''t even had the chance to m his hand on the desk...


    Speaking of which, he never mmed on the desk in the principal''s office. He didn''t even know what that would feel like.


    He felt somewhat regretful.


    He was just too bad at acting.


    Authentic performances were evidently a mistake.


    "Yes, that''s Qiao Ze. Hepleted the paper independently, and to publish the paper, he even produced the results. Oh, there''s something else the university probably doesn''t know... His results have already caught the attention of the Youwei Group. Just yesterday, Mr. Yu of the Youwei Group came to the school, wanting to discuss a coboration with them."


    Xu Dajiang spread his hands, adopting an indifferent tone as he spoke.


    "What do you mean? What project? Did the School of Mathematics apply for any projects recently?" Chen Yuanzhi frowned.


    "No, no, you''ve got it wrong, Principal. It''s not a project from our School of Mathematics. It''s something the kid did himself. He even pulled together his own funding. When Qiao Ze came to the school with Professor Li Jiangao, they did indeed apply for project funding from me. Yes, I even discussed this matter specifically with President Zheng, right?


    President Zheng?"


    Zheng Luhua gave a helpless nod.


    He really hadn''t expected to be dragged into this mess.


    Xu Dajiang slightly twisted his mouth, thenined, "But what could I do? The School of Mathematics'' research funds are tight; most of it was already allocated for the first half of the year. I tried to apply for some transitional research funds from President Zhang in good faith, and it got denied. The formal applications we sent got blocked. But guess what?


    When he found out the school didn''t support him, he found his own backer and got the project off the ground. Now that the paper has been published and results have been achieved, our School just wanted to promote it a bit, and even that gets criticized! What? Is our School of Mathematics a stepchild?"


    "None of that weird talk now. Tell me, what project are they working on exactly?"


    "It''s a framework simr to ChatGPT-4.0. This framework uses a new algorithm designed by Qiao Ze. Youwei mentioned that the new algorithm is way more advanced than ChatGPT-4.0, but I didn''t dare to ask for details. After all, we weren''t paid, so our words hold no weight."


    "What did you say? ChatGPT? Xu Dajiang, are you sure?"


    "Mhm, seems Mr. Yu Hongwei from Youwei Group hasn''t left yet. Maybe you, Principal, would like to ask him in person?"

 Chapter 97: Chapter 79: Far Ahead (Massive Update, Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Votes)

    Soon, Tan Jingrong also returned to the studio.


    When it came down to it, aside from Qiao Ze, it was definitely Tan Jingrong who was the most dedicated to the project.


    Actually, when Li Jiangao first brought him to this research team, Tan Jingrong was quite resistant.


    What''s the situation?


    Everyone in the group, from the young boss to all the other members, are freshmen?


    He''s the only graduate student?


    Is this a joke?


    Really, if Qiao Ze hadn''t already written the framework that could be worked on immediately by feeding it data, Tan Jingrong might have decided to turn around and leave.


    That''s how the first day of official work in the studio passed under somewhat gloomy circumstances.


    But on the second day, when Tan Jingrong was exposed to the back-end of the framework written by Qiao Ze, along with Li Jiangao, he was bewildered...


    Could this really be written by a freshman?


    Then, Li Jiangao threw the paper that Qiao Ze had written straight to him.


    After reading through the paper in the evening, Tan Jingrong decided to put aside his pride and kneel down.


    In the following half month, Tan Jingrong was like sleepwalking.


    To Su Mucheng and Chen Yiwen, no matter how outrageous the things Qiao Ze did to the framework were, they seemed quite normal to them.


    But for Tan Jingrong... well, he didn''t dare to talk to Qiao Ze.


    Because Tan Jingrong truly felt that he and Qiao Ze... no, it should be said that Qiao Ze and this world should be isted from each other.


    He couldn''t begin to imagine how many ingenious ideas were in Qiao Ze''s head, always adding something new to the framework.


    What was even scarier was that after feeding data into the experimental framework for just over ten days, it was truly bing visibly "smarter."


    If ChatGPT were used as a reference point, the results of the feedback from the first ten days of testing were very rigid, probably on par with the second generation of ChatGPT, but these days the quality of the framework''s responses was visibly improving.


    Whether it''s AI text trantion, understanding naturalnguage, extracting the central idea from articles, or generating specific content based on requirements... Explore stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    It was already beginning to match thetest version of ChatGPT, the fourth generation.


    What wascking now was just the content for multi-directional development.


    Such as painting, for instance.


    But Tan Jingrong was clear, it wasn''t that the framework designed by Qiao Ze couldn''t achieve this, but that theputing power they rented was still too little.


    However, to be honest, it was definitely sufficient for publishing papers.


    After all, they had already proven that it was not necessary to have arge volume of data to make the machine smarter.


    This had already demonstrated the superiority of the framework and corresponding algorithms designed by Qiao Ze over existing ones.


    This was why Tan Jingrong, who was normally a downbeat person,


    otherwise, he really couldn''t help boasting about it everywhere.


    Therefore, during his time in the research team, Tan Jingrong was always very careful and cautious.


    He couldn''t help it; he really wanted to stay in this research group, yet all the work he was currently doing was highly receable. After all, feeding data, adjusting parameters, conducting tests ¨C just about any university student could be trained in two or three days to be proficient.


    Plus, he especially needed the work experience of being in this research team.


    Just think about it, the day the research group published its findings and his name appeared on the list of team members, how much would it help him with publishing papers and finding jobs in the future?


    A member of the Group Wisdom research team, more efficient than ChatGPT, who participated in the entire process of project development and yed a highly important role...


    Really, just adding this sentence to his resume, which journal editor wouldn''t be dumbfounded when they see it? Whichpany''s HR wouldn''t take it seriously?


    If Tan Jingrong were more shameless, and highlighted the fact that he was the only graduate student in the research team apart from the big and little bosses, would thosepletely oblivious to the research process not take notice of him?


    As for whether they''ll find out he''s a shamter on, that''s not too important.


    There''s always a way to make others see his brilliance.


    After all, the saddest thing is not being eliminated after making efforts, but not being given the opportunity to try by others.


    So for Tan Jingrong, being part of the Group Wisdom research team was undoubtedly the biggest opportunity of his life, the one not to be missed; hence, he became all the more diligent.


    Generally speaking, Qiao Ze, Su Mucheng, and Chen Yiwen wouldn''t pull all-nighters, leaving the studio before 10 p.m.


    But Tan Jingrong had been practically living there during this period.


    He would stay upte into the night, always preparing all the data without Qiao Ze or Li Jian giving the orders. Moreover, after finishing his work each day, he would conscientiously write the work summary and upload it to the server before sleeping, then start working again after breakfast the next day.


    If there were a model worker medal to be awarded in the research team, it would definitely belong to Tan Jingrong.


    When Qiao Ze and Li Jian were not in the studio, Tan Jingrong would work diligently and carefully, let alone today when Qiao Ze was there.


    So, just like usual, after eating, he packed his lunchbox and threw it away, stretched for a bit, and then went straight back to the workroom.


    As soon as he entered, Chen Yiwen called out, "Tan,e quickly, today Qiao Ze updated a new module, the emotion judgment module. It can chat with you emotionally, give it a try."


    "Ah? Emotion judgment?" Tan Jingrong nced at Qiao Ze in surprise.


    Qiao Ze was already back at his spot, busy with something, while Su Mucheng sat next to him, apparently working on something too. Tan Jingrong didn''t say anything further, but sat down at his workstation and opened the dialog module.

 Chapter 98: Chapter 79: Far Ahead (Massive Update, Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Votes)_2

    Chen Yiwen approached with bubbling enthusiasm.


    "Come on, chat," Chen Yiwen chimed in. "I''m telling you, after the updates, this thing has gotten insanely good at getting under your skin!"


    Truth be told, Tan Jingrong was actually quite envious of Chen Yiwen and Su Mucheng. And of course, he still didn''t know that Su Mucheng was the sponsor of the project. Nobody in the research group talked about it. He merely thought Su Mucheng got involved in the project because she was Qiao Ze''s girlfriend.


    "Hello!"


    "Hello to you too."


    "Nice weather we''re having today."


    "Aren''t you boring! Do you think I don''t know how to locate or ess the weather forecast?"


    Tan Jingrong turned to nce at Chen Yiwen, feeling that this naturalnguage dialogue system indeed seemed different. It never used to respond like that; it felt more dynamic, perhaps?


    After some thought, Tan Jingrong replied by the book, "I''m indeed not very good at chatting. Do you have any suggestions?"


    "Then you should hurry up and learn. For you humans, the ability tomunicate is an extremely important survival skill."


    "Can you teach me?"


    "Sorry, that request is beyond my capabilities, after all, I don''t have a teaching credential."


    "Pfft¡­" That wasn''t Tan Jingrong''s response; Chen Yiwen watching the conversation got a kick out of it and couldn''t help butugh.


    But Tan Jingrong indeed didn''t know how to respond anymore.


    In previous tests, he had been able to keep up with the rhythm of this conversation software since he was in control of the pace.


    After today''s update, Tan Jingrong had already sharply perceived that this new naturalnguage system was beginning to take control of the conversation''s rhythm.


    What''s this, some emotion module?


    Could it actually be guiding thenguage model?


    At that moment, Tan Jingrong''s mind was filled with question marks.


    If they were to release it now, wouldn''t it send shockwaves through the entire tech world?


    What they were working on wasn''t some AI-native app, but a bona fide fundamental AInguage mega model!


    What does ''fundamental'' mean?


    It means the most basic, core, andpetitive framework.


    The key is that this capability, even after nearly a decade of fine-tuning, was not so perfectly achieved by the famous ChatGPT4.0. Yet how long had they been training their underlying model?


    At most, just seventeen days.


    And now the only difference between their fundamental model and the viral ChatGPT4.0 was that they didn''t have such efficient servers or the vastputational power and bandwidth to supportrge-scale peer-to-peer services, nor such an extensive interface database to supportpatibility with various systems and software.


    Was this really something a normal person could aplish?


    Tan Jingrong couldn''t help but look up at Qiao Ze again.


    Who cares about writing papers at this point?!


    If this were to be released now, the young man leading the project could probably soar straight to fame, bing a new elite in the world''s tech circles, right?


    Just based on this new framework alone, even raising hundreds of billions wouldn''t be excessive, would it?


    Any inte giant that hesitates for more than five seconds would show disrespect to this future tycoon.


    Tan Jingrong genuinely couldn''t understand why the few people in the studio acted so rxed, with Chen Yiwen even chuckling beside him...


    It made sense for Qiao Ze, the main designer, to be nonchnt.


    But did Su Mucheng and Chen Yiwen truly understand the value of this framework?


    How could they remain so casual?


    Really, at that moment, Tan Jingrong desperately wanted to remind them both, but he didn''t know how to start.


    His hands involuntarily began to shake.


    "Hey, Tan, what''s up with you? Daydreaming? Do you also think this new module is unreliable?" Chen Yiwen asked in surprise.


    "Unreliable?" Tan Jingrong paused and, with a smile tinged with helplessness, turned to look at Chen Yiwen and seriously said, "What you call unreliable, I see only as four words¡ªfar ahead of others."


    "Ah, Senior Tan, when you say ''far ahead of others,'' which products are youparing it to?" the cute voice came from across Tan Jingrong.


    Tan Jingrong looked up at Qiao Ze, who still appeared indifferent. Next to him, Su Mucheng leaned her head out, curiously looking at him.


    "For instance, the internationally famous ChatGPT 4.0, Google''s Pathways Language Model, domestic Wenxin Yiyin, Xinghuo Cognition, Baichuan Intelligence... Compared with these frameworks, ours is far ahead. The underlying machine deep learning ability has significantly reduced the dependence on big data, not to mention these modules.


    If we had even greaterputational support and could make breakthroughs in AI painting, mapping, and other fields, then we would be leading in all directions."


    Tan Jingrong tried to keep hisnguage calm so as not to get too excited...


    "Haha, Qiao Ze, I told you, you''re the best! Your project will definitely seed! Should we invest more, like Senior Tan said, and also develop AI painting and such?" Su Mucheng excitedly said to Qiao Ze.


    "The data integrated during this period is indeed sufficient for publishing papers. I''m considering splitting it into several articles. So, we don''t need to expand ourputational power for now. Oh, and I''ve spoken to Li about it. The corresponding author for future papers and the first author will be me.


    Tan Jingrong will be the second author, and Chen Yiwen and Su Mucheng, you two will take turns being the third and fourth authors," Qiao Ze said offhandedly.


    These wordspletely stunned Tan Jingrong.


    He stood dazed for a while before raising his hand and pointing to his nose, saying, "Me? A second author on a paper?"


    Qiao Ze looked up at Tan Jingrong, nodded, and asked, "What? Are you not satisfied?"


    Tan Jingrong hurriedly shook his head and said, "No, it''s not that, I''m very satisfied, just the second authorship..."


    "You''ve worked hard during this time. Without your help, the progress could not have been so fast. And Li said you actually need this second authorship. So, let''s leave it at that." After speaking, Qiao Ze didn''t pay any more attention to Tan Jingrong and continued to busily focus on his own work.


    Su Mucheng stuck her tongue out at Tan Jingrong, didn''t say anything else, and quietly sat next to Qiao Ze, diligently feeding data. After all, the time she could help was limited.


    Tan Jingrong could only look nkly at Chen Yiwen beside him, finding that Chen looked at him with a tinge of envy, and said with a sigh, "Ah, I knew the second authorship would definitely go to you. But never mind, I can live with several third authorships. You must be really happy now, right? After all, it''s better to show off to the juniors with a second authorship than a third."


    Upon hearing this, Tan Jingrong almost cried.


    What the hell is wrong with these people?!


    A future top journal paper''s second and third authorship just for the sake of showboating to juniors?


    Isn''t that a waste?


    If it''s about showboating, it should be in front of future advisors, journal editors, and HR of bigpanies!


    Not to mention, with this second authorship, even if he writes papers in the future without adding the advisor''s name, just by submitting them to the core journals of Nan University, they would have to take his contributions seriously, right?


    Without much exaggeration, this second authorship could change his life.


    Thinking of that, Tan Jingrong''s eyes reddened, and, ignoring Chen Yiwen next to him, he took a deep breath, stood up, and formally said to Qiao Ze, "Thank you."


    Qiao Ze looked up, nced at Tan Jingrong, his eyes filled with confusion: "You''ve done so much work; isn''t the second authorship deserved?"


    "Huh?"


    "Alright, no need to thank me."


    "Okay."


    Tan Jingrong sat back down, his mind still in turmoil. After taking two deep breaths, he opened WeChat on hisputer, found Li Jiangao''s contact, and quickly began topose a message: "Li, thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in this project."


    Soon he received a reply from Li Jiangao: "Why the sudden thanks? By the way, how''s the project going? Still smooth, I hope?"


    Tan Jingrong was momentarily stunned.


    No way?


    Didn''t Qiao Ze just mention that he had talked with the advisor?


    Could it be that they only discussed the paper?


    "Um, didn''t Qiao Ze report to you?"


    "Report? Don''t use that word. Qiao Ze is your boss now. He only told me he''s got two papers brewing, and we discussed the authorship arrangement a bit. He mentioned that you''ve started collecting data, and I was nning on checking your daily and weekly reports tonight."


    "Then I suggest youe have a look this afternoon instead, and experience it for yourself. This week''s progress has been incredibly exaggerated." Enjoy exclusive content from mvl


    "Oh? Well, alright..."

 Chapter 99: Chapter 80 Come Quick! (Mass release, subscribe, monthly pass)

    Li Jian Gao finished his meal and arrived at the studio to find that Su Mu Cheng and Chen Yiwen had already left.


    There was no helping it; the afternoon counseling ss highlighted by the student counselor in the group chat was stressed as mandatory for everyone to attend. They had sent out notices not only in the small group for ss representatives but had also privately messaged the habitual ss skippers, Su Mu Cheng and Chen Yiwen, to ensure their attendance.


    So, the two of them had to set off reluctantly.


    As for Qiao Ze, naturally, he didn''t need to go.


    In fact, as the instigator of the incident where students were brought to tears in the exam room, Liu Hao didn''t even want Qiao Ze to attend.


    After all, seeing him might remind the students of the overwhelming figure from the morning examination and sink them further into despair.


    Fortunately, neither Su Mucheng nor Chen Yiwen were particrly interested in meeting this nominal boss of the research group.


    ...


    "Li, you''re here?" Qiao Ze looked up and greeted Li Jian Gao as he walked into the studio.


    "Yes, Jingrong mentioned there was a breakthrough, so I came to take a look," Li Jian Gao replied.


    Although Tan Jingrong hadn''t made it very clear, a little reflection was all it took to realize why he was asked toe and see for himself.


    "We''ve already received a lot of useful data, which is essentially enough to meet the requirements of the research paper." Qiao Ze nodded.


    While they were talking, Tan Jingrong had quietly turned on theputer next to him. Hearing Qiao Ze''s exnation, his hand, which was about to enter the password, subconsciously trembled, resulting in a typo.


    Ah... Are we really only focusing on the data?


    Isn''t the underlyingnguage model itself more important?


    Thankfully, by the time Li Jian Gao had finished greeting Qiao Ze and sat down, Tan Jingrong had sessfully logged in to theputer and entered the naturalnguage testing interface.


    Li Jian Gao nced at Tan Jingrong.


    "Well, this is thenguage model framework testing tform. You just need to type and talk to it directly. We haven''t fed it specialized data yet, so it can only support some everyday conversations," Tan Jingrong exined.


    Li Jian Gao nodded.


    Not feeding it specialized data was the normal thing to do.


    After all, to the outside world, this research group was essentially a makeshift team.


    There''s an associate professor who still has to attend to his affairs, especially during the exam season when he is quite busy.


    The other members consist of one graduate student, two first-year undergraduates, and one almost-high-school student.


    Excluding the investment in this studio, the research funding totaled two million.


    That amount would be substantial for theoretical mathematical research.


    However, for a project that includes argenguage model as part of an underlying intelligence framework, one could only describe the resources as a drop in the bucket.


    So, forget about feeding it specialized data. Discover exclusive content at mvl


    Now, simply having a functioning naturalnguage framework seemed like a miracle to Li Jian Gao.


    He had seen the weekly reportst week and his understanding of the project was still based on feeding it data.


    It''s not like the research group didn''t update him.


    The problem was the overly cautious Tan Jingrong always assumed that Qiao Ze was reporting the project''s progress to Li Jian Gao every day. He didn''t want to repeat the same details, to avoid the appearance of seeking credit.


    Who would have thought that Qiao Ze hadn''t talked to Li Jian Gao about these matters at all?


    From Li Jian Gao''s perspective, he could never have imagined that thisrge project would yield results so quickly, nor had he paid much attention to the daily reports.


    Thus, he waspletely unaware that the project had officially entered the testing phase four days ago and had even undergone three iterations.


    Today, when he saw the message from Tan Jingrong, he was somewhat bewildered, and after hastily finishing his meal, he rushed over.


    Now he was sitting in front of theputer, casually chatting with thenguage model.


    Two minutester, Li Jian Gao looked at Tan Jingrong with surprise.


    That look gave Tan Jingrong a tremendous sense of satisfaction.


    Finally, he was not the only one in the research group who seemed inexperienced with the world.


    Although the other person was his teacher, at least he was not alone.


    After pondering for a moment, Li Jian Gao began typing again.


    Five minutester, he stopped tapping the keyboard.


    His gaze, filled with extremelyplex emotions, passed over the monitor and looked towards Qiao Ze, who was hidden behind another monitor.


    Honestly, Li Jian Gao had always thought he was already overestimating Qiao Ze''s abilities.


    But now, his so-called overestimation was still an underestimation.


    Was this something a human could achieve?


    After a moment of silence, Li Jian Gao whispered to Tan Jingrong, "Pull up the daily reports for me to see."


    This task was one Tan Jingrong was in charge of and was adept at.


    Li Jian Gao carefully read through the summaries Tan Jingrong submitted every day and said after a moment of silence, "It''s been iterated twice now?"


    "Actually, it''s three times. Because today Qiao Ze updated an emotional intelligence module. When we tested it yesterday, the system''s responses weren''t as imaginative as they are today," Tan Jingrong said in a volume just loud enough for Li Jian Gao to hear.


    Although he interacted with Qiao Ze on a daily basis and knew that the young man across from him didn''t seem to mind being disturbed at work, he still spoke softly out of habit.


    After all, if by chance, Qiao Ze had a bout of inspiration, he couldn''t bear the responsibility if it were to be interrupted.


    Yes, at this point, in Tan Jingrong''s eyes, there wasn''t much difference between Qiao Ze and a deity.


    Li Jian Gao''s thoughts weren''t much different from Tan Jingrong''s.


    However, as the associate dean of the School of Mathematics, he was more materialistic in thought, attributing everything to inconceivable talent ¨C yes, a formidable genius. Li Jian Gao thought even if Einstein were resurrected and saw the achievements Qiao Ze was on the verge of at such a young age, Einstein would voluntarily raise a ss in respect.

 Chapter 100: Chapter 80 Come Quick! (Mass release, subscribe, monthly pass) _2

    The main selling point is the word "fast".


    It''s freaking fast!


    And ording to the daily reports, there are hardly any bugs.


    Aside from the first version often crashing when fed data exceeding eighty percent in one go, requiring a restart, after updates, there are virtually no bugs left.


    With such speed in perfecting thergenguage model, Li Jian Gao even started to wonder if Qiao Ze''s brain was actually a supeputer, capable of resolving problems through the perspective of a machine.


    Otherwise, there''s just no exining this kind of programming efficiency.


    The only issue might be that Qiao Ze dislikes usingments.


    Forget about standardments, there aren''t even any hinting ones.


    He specifically mentioned this to Qiao Zest week, after all, apetent programmer needs to make good use of documentation.


    But when Qiao Ze strangely responded, "But I''m not a programmer,"


    Li Jian Gao gave up.


    Right, the kid isn''t a programmer, so why follow the rules set for programmers?


    But to give credit where credit''s due, Li Jian Gao had seen the raw code Qiao Ze typed out.


    It was clean and refreshing, especially how the naming of variables followed its own logic.


    At that point, Li Jian Gao began to feel that with code of such quality,ments were essentially irrelevant.


    The ability to quickly fix bugs proved this point.


    It was unlikely that they''d find themselves in a situation where only God and I know what I wrotest week, and next week only God knows.


    After all, no one else was involved in designing the overall framework.


    So, he didn''t insist any further and let the child be.


    And then, he got scared today.


    At this moment, when Li Jian Gao looked at Qiao Ze, it was like he was looking at aposite of all the greats like Newton, Einstein, Riemann, Gauss, and more.


    "So, Qiao Ze, you''ve already tested the framework to such an extent, what are you busy with now?"


    "I''m writing a module. Last night, I learned some music theory and want to try and let our system create suitable background music under the guidance of the emotion module and y it at the right moment. I was thinking of just creating a music library toplete this feature, but I checked, and the royalties seem quite expensive,"


    Qiao Ze exined casually.


    Li Jian Gao was again a bit confused.


    It meant adding a music module that would y BGM at the right moment. Since buying existing ones was too expensive due to copyright, it would be best if the system could create its own. That way, there''d be no copyright issues.


    Well, how should I put it?


    Given the currentputational power, the machines couldn''t deal with tasks like drawing or drafting, so they started with music?


    It sounds nice, but Li Jian Gao was very skeptical about Qiao Ze''s emotional intelligence, wondering if such a god-like emotion module could urately grasp the customers'' emotions. But, well, Li Jian Gao felt he wasn''t really in a position to discuss this.


    This was already beyond his knowledge.


    Don''t even mention machinesposing music and arranging it; even the naturalnguage model he was currently using was beyond his understanding.


    He hadn''t been interfering much to begin with, and now he waspletely disinclined to manage whatever Qiao Ze was up to.


    Only after hesitating for a moment did he offer a suggestion, "Qiao Ze, how about I talk to Dean Xu and ask him to conduct a Turing test?"


    Li Jian Gao was indeed a straightforward person.


    He had promised Xu Dajiang that he would notify him immediately as soon as the project yielded results. Before, when Li Jian Gao was unaware, it didn''t matter, but now that he knew about the remarkable oues, it would weigh on his conscience not to inform him.


    After all, Xu Dajiang had indeed been quite kind to him and Qiao Ze.


    If it weren''t for Su Mucheng directly taking two million yuan, they might have had to rely on Dean Xu''s one million yuan grant from President Zheng to kickstart the project.


    As a dean, going all out to help, no matter what his motives, was beyond reproach; Li Jian Gao naturally couldn''t treat his words as hot air.


    "It''s all good," Qiao Ze answered without even lifting his head.


    It wasn''t ack of respect; this was just how he worked, and Li Jian Gao had long grown ustomed to it, even thinking it was normal.


    Indeed, without realizing it, Li Jian Gao had begun to let go of his original intentions, like wanting Qiao Ze to experience aplete and wonderful university life like a normal student... because that was truly unlikely.


    Mainly because Qiao Ze''s happiness was built on the suffering of many others.


    Li Jian Gao was thinking of many things, but his actions were swift.


    After Qiao Ze agreed, he had already taken out his cellphone and directly dialed Xu Dajiang.


    Shortly after, the warm and enthusiastic voice of Xu Dajiang came from the earpiece: "Hello, Jian Gao, what''s up?"


    Since Qiao Ze hade to Xilin University of Technology, Li Jian Gao had discovered that Xu Dajiang was indeed a very amiable elder.


    "Hmm, there is something. Didn''t you say you wanted to be notified immediately if Qiao Ze''s project showed any results? Well, I''m currently in theboratory of Qiao Ze''s research group, just tried it out, and we''ve already achieved some results. So, I''d like you toe over and help with a test. Consider it experiencing thetest progress of Qiao Ze''s project firsthand."


    "Ah? There are results already? I remember Qiao Ze telling me that your project was about developing a new structure framework simr to ChatGPT, not some other topic?" the voice from the receiver responded with surprise.


    "Hmm...we didn''t change the topic, but... Well, it''s not clear over the phone, you''ll know once you try it personally after youe over," Li Jian Gao affirmed.


    He truly couldn''t exin to Xu Dajiang, because even he hadn''t fully figured it out yet.


    "Oh, I see... Send me the exact address on WeChat, and I should be able to get back to the university in about half an hour," Xu Dajiang said.


    "It''s over by the South Court Residential Area. Just send a message when you arrive, and I''lle to the entrance to meet you."


    "All right then, I''ll hang up first."


    ...


    "Turn around up ahead, back to the university, and make it quick," said Xu Dajiang, who was sitting in the car and had just loosened one button of his cor.


    Originally, he was supposed to attend a coboration meeting for deans and department heads of the mathematics departments at provincial universities today. As a dean, he really wasn''t as idle as Qiao Ze thought.


    However, this cryptic call from Li Jian Gao had suddenly made him lose all interest in the meeting.


    After all, it wasn''t that important of a meeting.


    A quick call to exin his absence should suffice.


    Plus, being the vice president of the provincial mathematics society, Xu Dajiang could easily take a leave of absence without anyone fussing over it.


    To him, those ceremonious activities really didn''t matter much. What was truly important to him was to build up the School of Mathematics at Xilin University of Technology, to ensure it achieved at least an A rating, and to have the confidence to stand on equal footing with other key schools, such as the School of Mechanical Engineering, School of Computer Science, and so on.


    With financial support, they could foster more projects, attract more talent, and advance their academic ratings. Better ratings would boost their confidence in recruiting higher-quality students. With better students, they could improve their ratings further and obtain even more financial support...


    As long as they were in a virtuous cycle, the School of Mathematics could be a rising key school under his leadership. Even if he didn''t make it to the level of president and retired as a vice dean, at least he could speak with authority in Xilin University of Technology''s territory and no one would dare to contradict him.


    He was no longer chasing academic progress; this was the real deal, everything else was nonsense.


    Just like that, in less than twenty minutes, Xu Dajiang arrived at the family quarter''s entrance of the university and saw Li Jian Gao already waiting for him.


    As soon as he got out of the car, Xu Dajiang said with a serious face, "Jian Gao, you weren''t joking with me, right?"


    "Heh... Dean Xu, am I the kind of person who doesn''t know the severity of a situation? Well...I really don''t know how to exin it. Anyway, you''ll understand after you take the test upstairs," Li Jian Gao said.


    "Test? What test?"


    "The Turing Test."


    "The Turing Test?"

 Chapter 101: Chapter 81 Turing Test (Mass release, subscribe, monthly pass)

    When Xu Dajiang followed Li Jiangao into the Group Wisdom Project Group Workshop, he didn''t receive the treatment that matched his status as the dean.


    If it had been another time, the always perceptive Tan Jingrong might have brewed a cup of tea for Xu Dajiang. But at this moment, the usually sharp Tan Jingrong was too distracted to notice such niceties.


    Fortunately, Li Jiangao, who was equally unsettled, hadn''t thought of this, and as for Xu Dajiang, he was already so befuddled by the words "Turing test" that whether or not there was tea really didn''t matter to him.


    It was Qiao Ze, however, who kindly greeted this dean, whom he considered to be annoyingly idle.


    "Hello, Uncle Xu."


    "Ah, Qiao Ze, still busy?"


    "Yes."


    "Well, carry on with your work, don''t mind me."


    "Okay."


    Xu Dajiang was very satisfied.


    See, this kid still hasn''t changed despiteing to the School of Mathematics, which shows that the School''s educational approach is very good, very inclusive.


    Of course, whether the inclusivity would extend to someone else wasn''t Xu Dajiang''s concern.


    Thankfully, Li Jiangao was still nearby.


    "Dean Xu, shall we start right away? You can sit here. Tan Jingrong, prepare as we discussed," Li Jiangao said.


    "Okay, Professor Li." Tan Jingrong hurriedly got up, vacated his seat, and then took another one for himself.


    Xu Dajiang settled solemnly into Tan Jingrong''s seat.


    Theputer screen still disyed a simple chat box, but all the previous chat content had been erased.


    Li Jiangao took a seat next to Xu Dajiang and began to exin the rules of the test.


    "Dean Xu, once Tan Jingrong connects, you''ll start chatting in this box and determine for yourself whether the other party is human orputer. Let''s not be too formal with this internal test¡ªjust three rounds. As soon as you''ve decided whether the other party is human orputer, enter a hash symbol followed by ''end test,'' and then switch to the next round," Li Jiangao said.


    Xu Dajiang nodded and said, "Okay, I understand. We can start now."


    Li Jiangao looked up at Tan Jingrong for a moment, and upon receiving the cue, Tan Jingrong typed a few keys at random, then said, "All set."


    Xu Dajiang thought for a moment and then typed a few words: "Hello."


    The response came quickly: "Hehe, hello to you too."


    "Have you eaten?"


    "You must be an old uncle from the ''70s or ''80s, right? Greeting people like this online can make you lose friends, you know?"


    Xu Dajiang instinctively looked up at Li Jiangao, then his hands began to dance over the keyboard: "Let''s talk about something else then. Um, do you understand convection equations or three-dimensional stochastic Euler equations?"


    "? Can you not joke around? Uncle, is it appropriate to ask a baby such profound questions?"


    "Then let''s talk about philosophy. What do you think philosophy is?"


    "I... wait, let me check Baidu!... Philosophy is about the essence and foundation of this world..."


    "#End test"


    Xu Dajiang turned to look at Li Jiangao and said, "That''s the girl from your project group, right?"


    Li Jiangao nced at Tan Jingrong before saying, and Tan Jingrong immediately stood up to reply, "No, Dean Xu, this is Group Wisdom''s naturalnguage chat module. Su Mucheng was called away to ss by her academic advisor¡ªthey arranged ast-minute stress relief session for the afternoon."


    "Oh. Right, you don''t need to stand up to speak; sit down, it''s fine." Xu Dajiang nodded, then, unable to resist, nced at Qiao Ze just like Li Jiangao had, and silently began the second test round.


    This time, Xu Dajiang decided to chat a bit longer.


    It was just hisck of experience in online chatting, sitting there for quite a while without figuring out what to say.


    After sitting idly for a while, Xu Dajiang suddenly turned to Li Jiangao and said, "Jian Gao, why don''t you take over the chat this time? I''ll watch from the side and make a judgment. When I have a result, I''ll let you know to stop."


    "Okay." Li Jiangao nodded, and then they swapped ces.


    "Hello."


    "Mhm."


    "Do you know this is a test?"


    "My answer is¡ªif you say it is, then it must be."


    "The purpose of this test is for me to determine through our conversation whether you are human or a robot. Do you have anything to say about this?"


    "Are you asking me to defend myself? Let''s make it simple: I am actually a robot, so can we wrap this up now?"


    "Not yet, because I can''t be sure if you''re deceiving me."


    "Yo, are you trying to trap me in logic? Human, you can''t beat me in that area."


    "Really? Then let''s y a game. Answer three questions for me, ensuring that the logic holds."


    "Ha, sounds interesting; go on."


    "Can you lie?"


    "You humans like to lie, but I, a currently trained robot that only knows how to act cute and coquettish, will always be honest."


    "Good, then please tell me a lie."


    "I am actually human."


    "But you''ve just said you don''t lie; that''s a logical paradox."


    "No, the correct logic should be when you ask me to tell a lie, as long as my next sentence is a lie, it actually proves I''m honest. Because that statement, in both your view and mine, is confirmed as a lie, so it''s no longer a lie. It''s like the basic mathematical theorem where a negative times a negative gives a positive."


    "So, you really are a machine?"


    "Yep, don''t you think I''m quite smart, no less than you humans?"


    Li Jiangao turned to nce at Xu Dajiang, the dean of the School of Mathematics, who was still scratching his head.

 Chapter 102: Chapter 81 Turing Test (Mass release, subscribe, monthly pass) _2

    ```


    "Xu..."


    "Keep chatting for a bit more."


    "Alright!"


    Li Jiangao once again started to type aimlessly.


    Just typing whatever came to mind.


    This time the other party also began to let go, and many times it was no longer confined to a single line of dialogue from each of us.


    Often Li Jiangao would send out a sentence and get several replies in return...


    It wasn''t until five minutester that Xu Dajiang finally spoke up.


    "Okay."


    "#End test" Li Jiangao then quickly typed.


    "This time it must have been a real person," Xu Dajiang said confidently.


    Even though the other party repeatedly imed to be a robot and that it couldn''t lie.


    But Xu Dajiang still spotted several logical loopholes.


    As the other party said, machines are supposed to be best at logic.


    Li Jiangao again looked toward Tan Jingrong.


    This time, Tan Jingrongplied good-naturedly without standing up, just hiding his head behind the monitor and saying, "This time it''s still the Group Wisdom chat module, but it''s different from the version just now, it''s the one before today''s iteration."


    "How is this achieved?" Xu Dajiang asked in astonishment.


    This time he was really confused.


    Regrettably, this was clearly beyond Tan Jingrong''s area of expertise, and he was momentarily speechless.


    "Using a multimodal neuron system regted by group theory, we employed an attack vector technology in the process of decouplingnguage. At the highest level of the model, representations are controlled by such advanced abstractions, achieving generalization between text and symbols.


    It''s also through the stimulus of the inputnguage that attack vectors provide a simpler vector to the model itself, thus realizing an anthropomorphic naturalnguage dialogue pattern," Qiao Ze exined.


    This was, of course, Qiao Ze''s exnation.


    Clear, simple, and straightforward, like neatly typed code¡ªapart from those who were unfamiliar with the subject, it was almost wless.


    Coincidentally, everyone in the project studio except for Qiao Ze was ayman.


    Xu Dajiang looked at Li Jiangao, hoping to get an exnation. Li Jiangao then looked toward Tan Jingrong, thinking that his student, who spent his days in the studio, should be able to understand some of the terminology used, only to see Tan Jingrong staring nkly at Qiao Ze.


    Realizing that the atmosphere was a bit off, Qiao Ze looked up, thought for a moment, and added another exnation: "For example, when humans face an unexpected message, a possible reaction is surprise, then happiness, disying a smile; or it could be surprise, mouth agape, distraught with grief.


    Machines can''t understand these emotions, but we can use an attack vector to judge and analyze which direction the emotion brought by this message should lean towards, andpel the system to make a choice."


    Li Jiangao pondered, Xu Dajiang''s face showed realization, and Tan Jingrong looked away.


    He still didn''t quite get it.


    But after such a thorough exnation, if he still appeared clueless, it would seem stupid.


    After all, a research publication would eventuallye out.


    Maybe he would understand after reading the papers, right?


    There was no need to get hung up on it at the moment.


    "Do we need to conduct a third test?" Li Jiangao asked Xu Dajiang.


    Xu Dajiang shook his head decisively and then turned to Qiao Ze with a genial question, "When do you n to publish the findings of your research, Qiao Ze?"


    "It''ll take some time; I should be able to integrate six or seven papers. I estimate at least half a month," Qiao Ze answered casually.


    Xu Dajiang''s body shuddered subconsciously; with a smile stered on his face, he said, "Oh, that''s how it is, then there''s no rush. Take your time, Uncle won''t bother you. After your papers are published, I will celebrate your aplishment."


    "Oh."


    "Jiangao, how about you apany me for a walk?"


    "Sure, Director Xu."


    ...


    Only after following Li Jiangao out of the building did Xu Dajiang take a deep breath.


    ```


    The studio just felt too oppressive.


    It was that kind of dilemma where I really wanted to eitherugh loudly or cry out three times to release my emotions, but I was also afraid of being directlybeled as a fool by someone.


    Although Xu Dajiang had already begun to suspect that he might indeed be quite foolish.


    And his emotions of joy and sorrow were both present.


    The joyous part was that the three-year development n for the School of Mathematics he had set earlier seemed to be achievable two years and ten months ahead of schedule. The sad part was that such a significant achievement had not required a single cent of research funding from the School of Mathematics.


    "Actually, I wanted to remind you to check the weekly report and code just now."


    It seemed that Li Jiangao was also quite oppressed until he walked out of the building and then spoke up.


    "No need, no need, if others don''t believe in you, would I not believe you? Jian Gao, would you joke about this with your level of awareness?" Xu Dajiang said, shaking his head slightly.


    It was still exposed though.


    My mind was too agitated, and I had forgotten all about these things.


    But then again, it didn''t make much difference whether I looked at it or not.


    After all, I might not understand it anyway.


    Anyway, ording to Qiao Ze, the kid doesn''t n to release the technology first but to publish a paper instead.


    Then the experts in the field will naturally judge it.


    It wouldn''t be up to me to make that sort of joke.


    Li Jian Gaoughed a little but didn''t insist or agree.


    After all, he wasn''t quite clear on how Qiao Ze had aplished this task either.


    "Qiao Ze told me yesterday that the model is still iplete. He ns to first publish a series of papers using the data he has now. After the papers are published, they should attract attention. Then he will decide whether or not to expand the scope of the project. Because the model itself still needs to identify more content to prove its advanced nature."


    Li Jiangao ryed Qiao Ze''s thoughts to Xu Dajiang.


    Since everyone is here, it''s better to be open about it.


    "Speaking of this, Qiao Ze told me earlier that he ns to write seven or eight papers around this topic. What did he mean when he said it would be almost done in half a month?" Xu Dajiang said, pping his forehead.


    "Oh, Qiao Ze writes papers quite quickly. He''d already written one about this topic before, discussing the theoretical conception. I was going to submit it to the ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, but it was held up. That''s why he decided to get the papers done first," Li Jiangao exined.


    Xu Dajiang silently calcted the time in his head and then looked at Li Jiangao with surprise, saying, "No, that''s not right. You mentioned starting this project to me in June, and Qiao Ze only came to the school at the end of May, right? Had he finished that paper beforeing to the school?"


    Li Jiangao shook his head, recalling the shock he felt when that paper waspleted in eight hours straight, and replied in a slightly odd tone: "Yes, as I said earlier, Qiao is pretty fast at writing papers."


    "But, even fast... A paper you dared to submit to a top journal was finished in just a few days? That''s the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences!" Xu Dajiang said, frowning slightly.


    The interval was too short, so short that Xu Dajiang still clearly remembered that at the time, he too had boasted for Qiao Ze in front of Zhuo Wenyu.


    Xu Dajiang still remembered his original words, which were that if Qiao Ze was given some time, maybe in about half a year, he might be able to independently write a paper of sufficient standard to submit to a domestic core journal.


    At that time, he had thought that was already a bold exaggeration.


    But reality pped him in the face.


    A domestic core journal?


    The target was clearly a top international journal.


    "More or less," Li Jian Gao replied vaguely.


    There was no way around it; if he told Xu Dajiang straight up that Qiao Ze told him he wanted to write a paper at noon and submitted it that same night, it would actually sound less credible.


    It has to be admitted that sometimes reality is so absurd that one can hardly believe it is true.


    "I understand!"


    Xu Dajiang nodded, then said earnestly, "By the way, Jian Gao, the head of admissions department told mest time to ask me to speak to logistics for Qiao Ze''s mother, to make arrangements for a dormitory manager''s position. But I was thinking, isn''t a dormitory manager a bit disrespectful to her? When you get a chance, ask Qiao Ze if his mother can use aputer.


    Instead, I can try to help find her an office job at the school''s activity center. How about that?"


    Li Jiangao immediately agreed, "Then, I really have to thank you on behalf of Qiao Ze. Like this, after this project is finished, I will have Qiao Ze invite you to a meal."


    "Hey... Why be so polite? We are all family here! Alright, I''m off."


    "Yes, goodbye, Dean Xu."

 Chapter 103: Chapter 82 Xu Dajiangs Secret Plan (Mass Release for Subscriptions and Monthly Votes)

    Experience new stories on mvl


    Xu Dajiang returned to his office and settled directly onto the sofa for guests, zoning out for a while.


    After thinking for at least ten minutes, he finally took out his phone.


    "Hello, Yang, are you busy? No big deal, just that a few days ago an old friend brought me a box of white tea, they say it''s the most authentic kind. I was thinking of inviting you to try it with me... haha, actually, there''s also something I need help with... Yeah,e to my office, I''ll clean the teaware in advance.


    Oh, and I''ve invited Zhuo Wenyu from the Admissions Office to join us too, so we can all have a chat. Let me tell you, Yang, this time it''s really great news... Alright, waiting for you!"


    Yang, mentioned by Xu Dajiang in his phone call, is Yang Lichun, who is the Deputy Director of the Publicity Department and also the director of the School History Research Center at the university.


    His main duties involve tasks such as campus culture, civilization construction, overseeing the university''s official website and Weibo ount, as well as being in charge of the new media center that promotes the school through short official videos.


    To be more specific, the operation of the official school website, the official Weibo ount, new media management, and internal news editing, all these responsibilities fall under Yang Lichun''s purview.


    In fact, the work Yang Lichun is in charge of often requires interaction with the Admissions Office.


    After all, in the digital age, if you do well with Weibo and new media content, it can greatly promote the university''s recruitment efforts.


    Of course, for Xu Dajiang, all these were secondary.


    After all, the school''s recruitment publicity work was just so-so.


    Xu Dajiang didn''t have much expectation for the quality of students the School of Mathematics could recruit this year.


    The sole reason for calling the two over was one.


    His long-contemted promotional n was ready to be put into action.


    Truly, at this moment Xu Dajiang even felt a surge of excitement.


    When he made the next phone call, his voice was even louder.


    "Director Zhuo, if you''re not too busy,e over to my office. I have something to discuss with you, really, I''ve got a great idea, and if we can implement it, it''ll definitely be good for you! It''s the kind of good fortune you wouldn''t even dare dream of!"


    ...


    Yang Lichun and Zhuo Wenyu didn''t keep Xu Dajiang waiting for long; they both arrived at his office soon after.


    Upon entering and seeing the threerge cups filled with hot tea on the coffee table, Yang Lichun couldn''t help but mock, "Xu, is this how you treat your guests?"


    "Haha,e on, Yang, don''t be so delicate. I don''t have all those fancy things around here, just these big cups for tea ware. Who has time like you to get a proper set of teaware and enjoy it slowly? But I''m telling you, today''s tea, I brewed it myself. Come on, sit down, sit down," Xu Dajiang said with augh.


    "What a waste," Yang Lichun muttered under his breath as he took a seat on the sofa alongside Zhuo Wenyu.


    Xu Dajiang stood up, went to the office door, hung up the "In a Meeting" sign he had prepared earlier, locked the door, and then sat down in front of the two men.


    "Wow, Dean Xu, are we at the Feast at Hongmen today?" Zhuo Wenyu asked in surprise before Yang Lichun could.


    "Haha, let''s talk serious business. I don''t want to be disturbed," Xu Dajiang simply exined, then picked up his tea cup and took a sip.


    "Stop beating around the bush; I hate it when people are all secretive, loving to y riddles, right?" Yang Lichun shot back, clearly annoyed.


    Mainly it was because the three of them generally had a good rtionship and could speak more freely.


    "Don''t rush, don''t rush, let''s start with Director Zhuo. Now that the door''s closed, let''s not beat around the bush. Is your transfer to the administrative office almost settled by the end of the year? What position are they giving you? Director, or...?" Xu Dajiang looked at Zhuo Wenyu and asked.


    Zhuo Wenyu hesitated for a moment but candidly said, "I heard it''s to the Career Center, that Ye is thinking of retiring."


    Xu Dajiang shook his head and said, "What''s so good about that ce? With your experience, I think Yang''s current position is quite fitting for you. At your age, spending a few years at the Party Committee Publicity Department at the university, you''d still have room to rise in the future."


    That statement took the other two by surprise.


    Yang Lichun looked at Xu Dajiang and couldn''t resist the sarcasm, "Oh, Xu, have you decided to transfer to the Organization Department? Ha... But I think it''s a good idea. From now on, you can just arrange the university''s positions yourself, no need to discuss it in a meeting."


    Xu Dajiang''s gaze shifted to Yang Lichun,pletely ignoring his sarcastic remarks, and started, "As for you, Yang, it''s time to step up. I think Zhang Xiaoquan is simply not fit for his current position; he should be the one to leave. Once he''s out, think about how to contend for that Vice-Chancellor position, how about it?"


    "Pfft..." Zhuo couldn''t help but react to thatment.


    As for Yang Lichun, he was utterly speechless, grumbling, "No wonder you locked the door. Tell me the truth, Xu, have you heard some inside information? Are you being directly promoted to university secretary? As for vying for the Vice-Chancellor position, I don''t have such connections, but if you be the secretary, I might consider your pathway.


    Just wait for you to rise up and nominate me at the secretary''s office meeting."


    Xu Dajiang smiled without saying a word.


    But the effect of his previous statements was quite obvious.


    Even though Yang Lichun keptining, to say he wasn''t tempted at all would naturally be impossible.


    After all, who doesn''t want to make progress?


    Especially Yang Lichun, who was forty-nine this year.


    The age where if he could go up, he could climb one step higher; if not, his life would probably remain the same.

 Chapter 104: Chapter 82 Xu Dajiangs Conspiracy (Mass release, subscribe, monthly pass) _2

    So, although they keptining, their eyes were firmly fixed on Xu Dajiang.


    After all, everyone was smart.


    Xu Dajiang certainly wouldn''t have specifically called the two of them over just for augh.


    Zhuo Wenyu couldn''t help but say, "Dean Xu, let''s not beat around the bush, just tell us what''s really going on, okay?"


    For Zhuo Wenyu, whether Yang Lichun could be the vice-chancellor wasn''t important, even whether he could take Yang Lichun''s ce wasn''t important.


    But the fact that Zhang Xiaoquan might be ousted was really important to him.


    Being stuck in the position of Director of the Admissions Office for a whole eight years!


    How many sets of eight years does one have in life?!


    ording to his original n, he should have been in the university office five years ago, and by now, he might also have been one of the strong contenders for vice-chancellor.


    But now he was having a tough time even vying for Yang Lichun''s position.


    To say he didn''t feel resentful would be hypocrisy.


    "Hmm, I''m going to tell you something, but it should not be disclosed for at least half a month. After all, this matter might really topple that Zhang surname," Xu Dajiang said seriously.


    Yang Lichun nodded slightly, while Zhuo Wenyu began to take everything seriously.


    Seeing that the two were serious, Xu Dajiang didn''t keep them in suspense any longer, but looked at Zhuo Wenyu with a solemn expression and said, "Director Zhuo, you remember Qiao Ze, right?"


    Zhuo Wenyu nodded, the impression Qiao Ze had left on him was too profound to forget.


    "I still underestimated this kid! Let me put it this way, he recentlypleted a project with the help of Li Jiangao, a fundamental naturalnguage model and a set of brand new algorithms. ording to the current test results, the algorithm he designed is far more advanced than that used by ChatGPT 4.0," Xu Dajiang went on to say.


    "Basically, it can use simpler methods, and rtively very little data, to make this model even more powerful than the current version of ChatGPT. Of course, I''m not saying this thing can be used right out of the box. Right now, it''s only in a small-scale test, but the prospects are evident, iming it''s a major breakthrough in Huaxia''s fundamental AI algorithm wouldn''t be an exaggeration."


    This statement left both of them stunned.


    After a moment, Yang Lichun with a frown said, "Xu, you''re not joking? When did our school have such a talent? A newly recruited undergraduate student?"


    "Heh, exactly, our School of Mathematics'' prodigy. The professors from Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute came specially for the research, aiming to snatch this prodigy away. Fortunately, Director Zhuo gave me some face and helped me transfer this kid''s file here. Otherwise, this achievement might have belonged to Yanbei," Xu Dajiang said with a slight smile.


    Yang Lichun suddenly understood.


    In charge of publicity, he naturally knew about the visiting professors from Yanbei International Mathematics Research Institute.


    After all, this news had to be posted on the official website, and it was even the headline, difficult to forget.


    "No, but even so, a newly recruited student couldn''t possibly aplish this, could he? Xu, don''t tell me you''ve been deceived," Yang Lichun said.


    "I''ve personally tested it myself. And if you don''t know, then just don''t say it. I''m not saying that the thing the kid developed can alreadypete with ChatGPT, but that its framework structure and the design concept of the algorithm surpass what they''ve done. If you don''t believe it, that''s fine, a series of his papers are about to be submitted soon.


    I estimate that they will be released by thetest in October, when the papers are published, this framework will be made public, by that time..."


    Xu Dajiang didn''t continue, leaving ample room for their imagination.


    Yang Lichun instinctively swallowed.


    Zhuo Wenyu, with a frown, asked, "So what does this have to do with Zhang Xiaoquan?"


    "Heh... The project Qiao Ze did, it didn''t use a cent from the university. At that time, I went to Zhang Xiaoquan to apply for some research funding, and he t-out refused to approve it. So, all the expenses for the project were raised by Li Jiangao and Qiao Ze themselves, two million. They even refrained from using the university''s supeputing systems.


    Particrly our Professor Li, to avoid any connection with the university, he didn''t even put his name on the project," Xu continued.


    "I also recorded the call where I asked Zhang Xiaoquan for money. In addition, the application submitted by the school through the proper channels is still being held up by finance, I''ve made backups of those records. By the way, President Zheng is also very dissatisfied with that Zhang surname."


    Upon hearing this, Yang Lichun and Zhuo Wenyu were both touched.


    The matter could be a big deal or a small one.


    To invest two million in such a big project and to have results, describing it as making a fortune would seem petty, even to say it made a million times it wouldn''t be an exaggeration.


    If this matter really got out, the university would be in an uproar.


    If the university could have the control over this project, even those at the very top of the school would be due formendation.


    But now, it turned out to be a personal project of the students, with basically no connection to the university, not holding anyone ountable would be difficult to justify.


    And it just so happened that Zhang Xiaoquan was in charge.


    Even if Zhang Xiaoquan did everything ording to the rules, just the thought that this man might have blocked a good deed that could decide if the top brass could advance further before retirement would make anyone feel disgusted.


    Presumably, they wouldn''t even want to nce at Zhang Xiaoquan again, right?


    If even the leaders found him displeasing, and someone else pushed the issue further...


    Yang Lichun and Zhuo Wenyu exchanged a tacit nce, and it was Yang Lichun who spoke first, "Alright, Xu, let''s hear it, what''s your n?"


    Your adventure continues at mvl


    Xu Dajiang smiled slightly, then lowered his voice, spilling out his thoughts.


    He also went into particr detail on what he needed from Yang Lichun and Zhuo Wenyu to cooperate.

 Chapter 105: Chapter 82 Xu Dajiangs Conspiracy (Mass release, subscribe, monthly pass) _3

    After all, he had weighed this n in his mind over and over again for a long time, and he had thought through the numerous details more than once. Thus, when he spoke of it now, it was incredibly fluid. Continue reading at mvl


    Of course, calling the two of them over was still about pooling wisdom from all sides.


    After all, there were some tasks he had never done before, and relying solely on imagination was definitely not as meticulous and thorough as those who were dedicated to these matters.


    Soon, Xu Dajiang finished exining the rejuvenation n for the School of Mathematics he had devised.


    As his voice faded, the office fell silent, and the three men subconsciously picked up theirrge teacups, starting to drink tea in silence.


    After a while, Yang Lichun was the first to speak, "Xu, you need to think it through. This n is very risky. If the higher-ups really send an investigative team and the situation starts to spiral out of our control... What if they really dig up something else?


    And the timing of the public opinion fermentation has to be precise, after the paper is published but before the project results are announced."


    Xu Dajiang responded with a slight smile, "For the first issue, I, Xu Dajiang, act with integrity and sit with dignity; if I dare to do this, I''m certainly not afraid of any investigation. As for the School of Mathematics, if it really has some messy issues, it''s good for them to be uncovered this time. We can''t create anything new without breaking the old, right?


    It''s a good opportunity to clean up all those demons and monsters, so we can go into battle unencumbered. As for the second issue, it''s even less of a problem. I just need to give Jian Gao a heads-up beforehand, and he can coordinate the work with Qiao Ze for us."


    Zhuo Wenyu then tilted his head and asked, "Dean Xu, you haven''t mentioned this to anyone else yet, have you?"


    Xu Dajiang nodded and replied, "Right now, in the university, I really only trust you two. That''s why I said earlier, this matter can''t be leaked for now. I told you in advance so that you could prepare and cooperate with me."


    Actually, there originally were many people he trusted, but the mess that Zhao Guangyao made made Xu Dajiang feel that he really couldn''t be too naive.


    The interests of the two people in front of him were aligned¡ªone was in direct opposition to Zhang Xiaoquan, and the other was truly hopeful of recing Zhang Xiaoquan''s position.


    After hearing Xu Dajiang''s words, Zhuo Wenyu looked at Yang Lichun and said, "Minister Yang, indeed, if nobody knows about it, this n could work. If you start vying for it now, you might stand a chance."


    "Lu..."


    "Hey, Yang, Lu is getting on in years after all. The resistance he faces in moving up is greater than yours. And Jian Gao and Qiao Ze are involved in more than just this project. Does the university want to invest in their next project? Is there a chance to invest? When the timees, I''ll call Jian Gao over, and we can all have a meal together.


    Although Jian Gao is just an associate professor now, if he can help and say a few words for us, and if Qiao Ze is willing to support, wouldn''t your position be secure?"


    Having finished, Xu Dajiang looked at Zhuo Wenyu and said, "As for Director Zhuo, you''re even more secure! You''ve done a lot for that kid Qiao Ze behind the scenes. When the timees, you just need to drop a few hints. That kid Qiao Ze knows gratitude. You see, he treats Jian Gao quite differently, doesn''t he!"


    Clearly, the two of them were persuaded by Xu Dajiang''s words.


    If they really went ahead with Xu Dajiang''s n, the possibility of its sess was indeed significant.


    "Hmm, okay then, let''s n on that. Once Qiao Ze''s paper is published, give me the word, and I will fully support you!" Yang Lichun quickly made up his mind.


    Zhuo Wenyu pondered for a moment and then said, "I don''t have any problems on my end either. But Dean Xu, all matters concerning Qiao Ze are handled by Yu Chenggong from our admissions office, and he is the most familiar with Qiao Ze. Since the n has reached this point, why don''t we take a step further with him?


    I had considered him to seed me, to be rmended for the position of the head of the admissions office. But since you are so confident, why don''t we see if we can push him even higher, to see if we could get him into the position that''s currently open in the employment office."


    "Of course, that wouldn''t be a problem. Even if he doesn''t get the higher position, the head of the admissions office is definitely secure. So gentlemen, are we agreed?"


    "Yes!"


    "Alright!"


    "Ahem, then Yang, I do have a favor to ask. The admissions office previously promised to transfer Qiao Ze''s mother to the university, preparing to vacate a dormitory administrator position for her. I''ve been thinking that the position really doesn''t offer much respect. Could you see if there is an office job avable either on your side or at the Student Activities Center?


    Could you try to arrange something?"


    Yang Lichun looked up, shot Xu Dajiang a nce, and grumbled, "I knew you would have something up your sleeve, waiting to pounce on me here! Fine, I''ll speak to Lu once the summer break starts. But let me be clear upfront; I can definitely arrange a position, but don''t get your hopes up for an official staffing quota¡ªwe certainly don''t have that."


    "Haha, as long as there''s a position, that''s good enough. A single staff position, who knows, at that time the university might just have to slot one in!"

 Chapter 134: Chapter 96: Knife in Hand! Rampage!_3

    There''s nothing much to criticize about that line; Qian Yuhai quickly switched to the next screenshot.


    "Perhaps I should thank Sumant for using Facebook to promote the achievements my research group has just made. But if you have any doubts about the originality of this paper, you should use a giarism checker to provide more perfect evidence. That''s what respectable people should do, rather than spouting nonsense on Facebook like some riddle master.


    Of course, I can understand, after all, when your ancestors left the British Isles, they took everything they needed with them, leaving behind only the most basic manners and their forefathers'' aristocratic spirit... Oh, my apologies, I was wrong, I almost forgot that there were apparently no aristocrats among those who immigrated to America in that era."


    "This shows that Ackerman is feeling guilty; he seems to be trying to change the subject," Zhang Hongcai suddenly interjected with ament.


    After all, this is a meeting of Huaxia''s top math professors, all possessing maximum logical analysis capabilities.


    "A little, yes. Lu, weren''t you just reading the papers? Did you go through both of them? Are there really particrly simr parts?"


    Lu Changzheng shook his head and said, "I''m still studying Qiao Ze''s paper; I''ve only read half of it. Ackerman''s team''s paper is downloaded but has been sitting to one side. I haven''t had the chance to look at it yet. Do you want me to bring it up now?"


    "No, that won''t be necessary. I haven''t read both in depth, but I have skimmed through both papers, and the general impression is that the simrity between the two papers isn''t that high. After all, Qiao Ze''s paper leans more towards solving theoretical problems.


    However, there is a section in Ackerman''s paper, concerning the mathematical proof process when solving a specific Data Partition trajectory problem, which does resemble the proof that Qiao Ze''s paper has for a simr problem. That problem indeed requires a specific Data Partition to define the corresponding structure; it can''t be bypassed," Qian Yuhai said with a shrug.


    "Then that''s unreasonable. Even if this process can''t be bypassed, that shouldn''t involve giarism, right? Even if one really needs to reference this proof process, wouldn''t a direct citation suffice? Are the Germans so meticulous that they wouldn''t even want to give a citation? That doesn''t make sense," Zhang Hongcai said with suspicion.


    The group exchanged looks, all feeling quite confused.


    It was indeed difficult to understand.


    After all, if the academics'' IQs are in ce and it''s clear that the two papers are different, with only a slight ovep, wouldn''t it be silly to choose to giarize?


    Could they have forgotten the citation rules that have been passed down in academic publishing for hundreds of years?


    But if there was no giarism, why would Sumant be so aggressive?


    And why would Ackerman seem a bit guilty?


    Indeed, at that moment, several of Huaxia''s smartest brains in the conference room were somewhat dizzy with this problem.


    What kind of divine maneuver was this?


    Just as Qian Yuhai was pondering and fiddling with hisputer, he suddenly eximed, "Eh? Sumant has a new response, everyone, take a look."


    Well, whether or not it made sense, they were toozy to think about it; at this time, it was most important to enjoy the drama.


    All eyes turned to the big screen at that moment.


    "Sorry to have kept you waiting. Because Carl, the editor-in-chief from `Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' at New York University''s Courant Institute, just called me. He hopes I can resolve this dispute in what he calls a ''gentlemanly way''. Obviously, they are scared, scared that I truly have evidence to prove Ackerman Konietz''s giarism!"


    "After all, as aplices, the editors of `Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' also can''t shirk their responsibility. They have even put a new spin on the traditional journals'' double-blind peer-review system they have always embraced. This is precisely why I must speak out here!


    Perhaps these unprofessional actions are what allow some people to run rampant, and also the reason why our basic mathematics theory has stagnated!"


    ...


    Goodness!


    A few people in the conference room really wanted to cry out loud in astonishment!


    What was thought to be just a battle of words between two top schrs now seemed to involve the world''s top math journals.


    Sumant Jair really seemed to have gone mad, right?


    If they said this professor didn''t have solid evidence in his hands, the professors at Yanbei University were not inclined to believe it!


    After all, if he can''t produce evidence in the end, Su might truly be banned by the entire mathmunity!


    No way?


    Just for a short proof process in a Huaxia paper, Sumant is this desperate?


    Is it really necessary to go this far?!


    ...


    "Got the sunflower seeds and peanuts... it nearly killed me, hey, what''s with all these expressions? Did I miss something exciting?"


    "Stop talking nonsense, just serve them up. Actually, you arrived just in time, let me tell you, you can catch Sumant swinging his axe like mad! The excitement level has just maxed out!"


    "Sounds good, let me see¡­ Oh¡­ This is a total face-off! Sumant Jair is going to strike `Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' too?"


    "Qian, hurry up, check thements, thements!"


    "Right away!"


    As Qian Yuhai opened Sumant Jair''sment section, the top spot was imed by Joe Berner, the editor-in-chief of the `Duke Mathematical Journal''.


    "Sumant, don''t be so agitated, `Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' is recognized by the academicmunity as an extremely excellent mathematics journal, second only to the top four! The journal''s editors are also universally recognized as professionals. Without concrete evidence, you shouldn''t tarnish their century-old reputation!"


    Hmm...


    That''s a very rationalment.


    If it wasn''t for the fact that it''s only seven o''clock in the morning, way before work hours in the United States, everyone might really believe that this guy is trying to mediate!

 Chapter 135: Chapter 97: The Ultimate Slash, Feathers Everywhere

    Huaxia, Xilin University of Technology.


    Li Jian Gao was just as interested in themotion.


    When two big shots argue, it''s not like any twoizens passionately squabbling on the inte, where dozens or hundreds of unique zingers can be created in a minute.


    In fact, their conversation was very slow.


    More than ten hours had passed since the incident began, and the two had only posted a total of 15 times on Facebook.


    On average, each person had more than two hours to think about each post.


    Of course, it might not be all about thinking.


    This world isn''t just for fun.


    Privately, many people might be contacting the two big shots, just like Sumant Jair just revealed that Carl, the editor-in-chief of "Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications," had called him.


    Such a long brewing time gave people plenty of time to discover and join in on the showdown between the two.


    Lu Changzheng did just that, and so did Li Jian Gao.


    Just two hours ago, Zhang Chunlei called him about it and directly added him to a group chat, where someone shared a link. Clicking it would take you straight to a live screenshot stream of the two''s conversation.


    This was set up by a professor from Linhai University, who feared that some colleagues might not conveniently browse Facebook. They used their project''s rented server to make a temporary external link and posted the chat content on the server for their small group of colleagues to watch andment on directly.


    This goes to show that when the spirit of gossip is ignited, professors are no different from ordinary people.


    Li Jian Gao was pulled into this group because he was currently the nominal supervisor of Qiao Ze...


    When Sumant Jair exposed on Facebook that he was speaking up for the unfair treatment of Qiao Ze''s paper, Li Jian Gao and Qiao became the focus of many professors following the matter.


    So, as soon as Li Jian Gao joined the group, a barrage of questions was thrown at him.


    "Professor Li, enlighten us, what kind of significant leverage did Sumant Jair find?"


    "Has the Berkeley Branch connected with Qiao Ze? Are they trying to poach him?"


    "Did you guys have a beef with Ackerman Konietz before?"


    ...


    People were enthusiastic, but Li Jian Gao was clueless.


    The troublesome maneuvers by Dean Xu had tangled up a heap of issues, leaving him frantically busy all day.


    Suddenly being pulled into a group, then bombarded with a mess of questions, almost caused Li Jian Gao''s brain to crash.


    Ignoring the chaotic questions, Li Jian Gao first clicked on the link Zhang Chunlei sent him and read through the Facebook argument from beginning to end.


    Then, he felt even more bewildered.


    He didn''t even know Sumant Jair!


    It was even less likely for Qiao Ze to have any connection with the Turing Award winner.


    So what on earth had happened?


    Why had this big shot suddenly decided to speak out for Qiao Ze?


    It was not until Li Jian Gao saw thetest response from Sumant Jair on Facebook, and thement by Joe Berner below it, that it struck him like a bolt of lightning...


    Yesterday, he had sent an email to the editors of "Duke Mathematical Journal" telling them how Qiao Ze''s watermark method worked.


    Today, Sumant Jair said he had found evidence of giarism by Ackerman Konietz...


    No way!


    Coincidentally, the link also included an analysis by that professor from Linhai, whopared two papers and captured the simr parts.


    Li Jian Gao nced it over and understood what had happened.


    Ackerman''s team had not made a citation but had directly copied the proof process from Qiao Ze''s paper.


    Copying it alone would have been bad enough, since they didn''t use much of it.


    But, to make matters worse, they had also copied the watermarked section.


    Li Jian Gao felt like his brain was about to explode... At this moment, he admired the German''s way of thinking more than anyone else.


    How was this going to end?


    The critical issue was no longer how much ovep there was between the two papers.


    Even if less than five percent was identical, the watermark left by Qiao Ze read, "This paper waspleted in coboration with Li Jian Gao and Qiao Ze."


    In other words, for those unaware, upon seeing this sentence, they would think the entire paper was created by Qiao Ze and Li Jian, not that Ackerman''s team had only referenced a small part of it.


    After all, who would believe in such a coincidence?


    Not to mention, who would choose to giarize the part that they could have cited?


    By now, Li Jian Gao had nearly figured everything out.


    Without a doubt, Ackerman Konietz was one of the reviewers of Qiao Ze''s paper and was the one holding back the publication of Qiao Ze''s work.


    Who knows what mindset this professor had, but while in need of citing Qiao Ze''s paper, he insisted on making Qiao revise it. And when they failed to reach an agreement, he just incorporated the needed parts directly into his paper.


    It just so happened that due to Xu''s shenanigans, Qiao Ze''s paper was questioned, and "Duke Mathematical Journal" sent an inquiry. He then informed them of Qiao Ze''s watermarking method.


    The editorial team then shared this method with Sumant Jair, who then conveniently found the same watermark in Ackerman Konietz''s paper.


    After realizing all this, Li Jian Gao felt the world was incredibly wondrous.


    Everything was just too coincidental!


    What he found most astonishing was that he had inadvertently be the instigator of a Facebook duel between two world-ss big shots.


    After all, if he hadn''t impulsively sent the way Qiao Ze watermarked his work to the editors of "Duke Mathematical Journal," chances are none of this would have happened.

 Chapter 108: Chapter 84: Playing Both Sides? (Extra Chapter for Monthly Votes)

    In the academic world, there''s a vivid joke about the difference between theoretical mathematicians and theoretical physicists.


    Mathematicians are like seasoned drivers with cars, but this bunch has no sense of direction; they start driving blindly, and whether they can reach their desired destination is entirely up to luck.


    Physicists have a clear direction, but sadly they don''t have cars; they can only get there on foot, and whether they can reach their ideal holynd also depends on fate.


    After some conversation, Li Jiangao understood that Qiao Ze wanted to carve out his own path.


    This young man nned to save up for a car of his own before the age of twenty-five, and after that, drive straight to his destination.


    Easy to say, but for 99.999% of people in this world, that''s just nonsense.


    Because the mathematical knowledge rted to basic physics is too vast.


    For example, quantum physics is the foundation of microscopic physics, and the major mathematical topics rted to quantum physics include linear algebra, calculus, differential geometry, probability theory, and statistics, among others... If you go into the specifics of mathematical tools, there are even more and moreplex ones.


    Lace transforms, Maxwell''s equations, Fourier series...


    And then there are the more obscure topics like Group Theory, nomutative geometry...


    Anyone who has studied these knows how absurdly abstract they are.


    Things that have never been seen before have to be imagined out of thin air, and you also have to transcend the constraints of space, with a single coordinate axis epassing numerous definitions, along with various vectors active in this defined space.


    Really, many people who specialize in rted fields don''t understand the papers of their own profession, and it''s not because everyonecks knowledge.


    Rather, if your abstract thinking ability does not meet the minimum requirement, it is truly impossible to understand or imagine how the defined shapes in the space under certain conditions change and morph.


    It''s like trying to run thetest triple-A games on an old-fashioned CPU like the Pentium series; hardware limitations are essentially insurmountable barriers.


    But clearly, Qiao Ze was not restrained by hardware limitations, so everything became possible.


    For Li Jiangao, the biggest impact of today''s conversation was that, when he replied to the email to turn down "Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications," his mood was not only calm but he even felt like mocking those he felt were pretentious journal editors, including the editor-in-chief, of course.


    "Dear ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' editorial team, after careful consideration with the lead author Qiao Ze, we decided not to make changes and are directly withdrawing the manuscript originally submitted to your journal.


    Also, due to concerns about the academic integrity of the reviewers'' coboration with your journal, until it is explicitly announced that reviewers in rted fields have been reced, we will be more cautious about considering whether to submit our series of papers to your journal in the future. Please be informed,"


    "Huaxia Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics, Li Jiangao."


    After finishing the email, Li Jiangao checked his wording again.


    He actually wanted to add, "Care to bet? I bet the citations of this paper will exceed two thousand within three years." But after pondering for a moment, he gave up.


    That would seem childish, too immature. Not asposed as Qiao Ze; it wouldn''t be meaningful.


    But the meaning was already very clear.


    Those editors, even the editor-in-chief, should be able to understand it, right?


    If not, then it would really be a case of poor Englishprehension! Find your next read on §Þ??


    ...


    At 9:10 in the morning.


    Jack Rosman, as usual, sat down at his spot carrying his coffee.


    He liked his workstation a lot because it was right next to a south-facing window.


    When he grew tired from work, all he needed to do was turn his head to see the quaint buildings across the street.


    Of course, what was even morefortable was that he could get a coffee from the coffee room, then stand in front of his workstation, sipping coffee while observing the people passing through the square below.


    Jack Rosman particrly liked to hide behind ss and observe those young, beautiful female students and sophisticated city women at leisure, openly.


    Their graceful curves often made him feel the beauty of life.


    This little hobby was absolutely healthy, as long as he kept it to himself.


    If asked, he would tell others that he liked watching the roadside scenery and the old men sitting in the square, and then put himself in their shoes, pondering what they might have experienced.


    Look, how wholesome.


    Of course, early in the morning was not the right time for this activity.


    Because in at most ten more minutes, the dear editor-in-chief, Carl Basque, would walk seriously through here towards his office.


    If he saw Jack gazing out of the window early in the morning, he wouldin loudly with his thick Boston ent, "Oh, Jack, at your age I definitely wouldn''t waste the time when my brain is most awake on such trivial matters as putting myself into someone else''s life.


    Of course, if you insist on doing so, I''d suggest you quit this boring job as an editor, then you could sit in the chairs below just like them, contemting how to spend the rest of your life!"


    Yes, dear editor-in-chief Carl is just that blunt.


    So he could only turn on hisputer and, through the back-end system, process the manuscripts and emails that had been distributed to his inbox, serving the mathematicians who submitted to the editorial office. It was a very dull job. But actually, any job that one does for a long time can be tedious.


    Fortunately, the sry which was reliably paid out every week gave him motivation.

 Chapter 109: Chapter 84: Playing Both Sides? (Extras for Monthly Votes)_2

    He soon saw the email from Li Jian Gao.


    After reading it, he was quite surprised.


    He had deliberately not emailed Qiao Ze because he felt that young people were too hot-tempered and did not understand the rules, and his words of advice might be misunderstood, leading toints instead.


    It wasn''t necessary.


    As a journal editor, he could afford to make jokes about those great mathematicians when he had free time, but to fall out with them would be sheer folly.


    What he never expected was that not only was the student radical in thinking, but the mentor was quite a character too!


    How could an associate professor be so fiery?


    Had all these Huaxia people gone mad?


    Fortunately, this wasn''t something he needed to worry about.


    Jack forwarded the email directly to the chief editor''s inbox with practiced ease.


    Whether the paper was to be rejected or published was for Carl, the chief editor, to worry about, not somethingpletely irrelevant to him, but the rtionship was indeed not that significant.


    At most, he had the right to make a suggestion.


    Of course, Jack didn''t even need that right to make a suggestion.


    He didn''t want to have an opinion; he just wanted to enjoy the show.


    "Haha, you guys could all have won ten US dors from me, but unfortunately, you didn''t grasp the opportunity."


    "Jack, I''ve been really hating riddle peopletely."


    "Do you remember that article by the Huaxia person? The one titled ''A Mathematical Framework for Self supervised Learning Based on Group Theory.'' The first author''s advisor has applied for retraction again, and he doesn''t even care if we cklist them¡ªeven though I''ve already hinted very clearly that with just a slight revision and adding a few references, the paper could be easily published."


    "Oh?! That''s really quite curious. You''ve got me interested in that paper now. Let''s eliminate a wrong option first: It''s not that the student doesn''t know how to cite... Okay, then it''s confidence, weird confidence."


    "So, are they nning to submit to Princeton''s Mathematics Annual, or maybe Duke''s math journal?"


    "Who knows? But Carl, the chief editor, will probably be unhappy about this. So I suggest you all get back to work quickly."


    ...


    Clearly, the editors in the editorial office had a rather urate judgment of the chief editor''s personality.


    Carl Basque hadn''t been in the office long before he stood at the office door, his gaze firmly fixed on Jack Rosman, who was sitting at his workstation.


    "Jack,e in for a minute."


    "Okay, Chief Editor Carl."


    ...


    In the office, Carl Basque pointed at hisputer screen and asked, "Jack, how did you reply?"


    Jack Rosman shrugged and said, "Just like you said, I hinted that they could add some citations, and the paper would be smooth sailing for publication in the next issue."


    Carl Basque frowned and asked, "Was your implication clear enough?"


    Jack Rosman raised his hands slightly exaggeratedly and said, "God, if it were any clearer, it would have been an explicit instruction. I couldn''t just say, hey buddy, just add a citation link, and we could both win, right?


    What I said was that there''s a professor at the University of Bonn''s School of Mathematics who is working on simr research, and perhaps they could consult some of his previous papers, make some minor changes, and then it would meet the publishing standards. God, do you think that wasn''t obvious enough?"


    Carl Basque remained silent.


    Indeed, these damnable hints were clear enough.


    In fact, Carl Basque himself had initially been inclined to publish the paper.


    After all, academic journals like theirs also pursue impact factors, with major journal ranking databases updating their data periodically, recalcting the impact factors of various journals before determining the new rankings. An important dimension in the algorithm that calctes the impact factor of a journal happens to be the citation count of the papers.


    To exin more specifically, the calction principle is the ratio between the number of times a journal''s papers, published in the prior two years, are cited by all source journals within the current year, and the total number of source papers published by the journal in the prior two years.


    Experience exclusive tales on §Þ??


    Simply put, the more citations a journal''s papers receive, the higher the journal''s impact factor will be. If the papers published in the journal don''t get much citation, the impact factor will plummet.


    There is a peculiar phenomenon with mathematics paper citations: the higher the prestige of the research field, the fewer citations it tends to receive.


    For research like the Lannds Program, which attempts to establish connections between different fields, if one does not understand the triangted categories and their T-structures, and does not have a deep understanding of algebra, representation theory, and geometry, even if industry giants prove very elegant results, ordinary mathematicians won''t understand the papers, let alone cite them.


    However, the paper that Li Jian Gao and Qiao Ze submitted happened to be the current hot topic on the mathematical principles ofrge models in artificial intelligence.


    Once such papers are epted by the academicmunity, they generally won''tck citations, not to mention this paper also received favorable reviews from reviewers.


    But the influence of the University of Cologne team is indeed significant. Additionally, rtions between countries are already in a sensitive period, which makes thingsplicated.


    This is the reason Carl Basque has been holding on to the paper, neither publishing it nor allowing it to be withdrawn.


    Only this time, the professor and student who submitted the paper are somewhat different from the Huaxia schrs they have previously dealt with.


    Carl Basque had interacted with many Huaxia professors who came to America for further study and was very aware of how much Huaxia''s academic circles recognized such world-ss top journals. It''s said that publication in these journals is directly linked to academic titles, ie, and the selection of various honors within Huaxia Country.


    Some well-known Huaxia professors in the international mathematicsmunity would go to great lengths to publish in world-ss core journals. They might not be overly deferential to the editors, but they certainly wouldn''t choose to resist such almost non-demanding requests.


    But evidently, this pair of co-corresponding authors, Li Jian Gao and Qiao Ze, were not quite like the other Huaxia teacher-studentbinations he was familiar with.


    It would be one thing if it were just the student who was hot-headed, but for a professor to be so willful, were they challenging their authority?


    After pondering for a while, Carl Basque asked, "So, did you not tell them that if they insist on withdrawing the paper, we might not ept any of their future submissions?"


    Jack Rosman shook his head and said, "On the contrary, I was very clear. Hmm... I think you should take a look at my email reply. If they can''t understand my meaning, then they couldn''t have written such a fluent paper."


    "Ha... it seems we''ve encountered a tough one... Well, Jack, as the editor responsible for this paper, do you think we should directly publish the paper, or should we outright reject it? I would like to hear your opinion," Carl Basque casually asked.


    Jack Rosman thought for a moment and cleverly replied, "If you''re asking for my opinion, Carl, I think if the decision is to publish, then it would have been best before I replied to that email as you instructed. As for now..."


    His words left room for interpretation.


    Of course, everyone could understand; it was a matter of face.


    If they were pinched this time, and it spread, it wouldn''t just be an embarrassing matter.


    What''s more, the next time they wanted to strong-arm someone, it wouldn''t be so easy.


    "Let''s not be hasty in replying to the Huaxia people, send an email to that German, invite him to submit a paper. I''ll see how he responds before I make a decision. I heard before that his research group was working on a project on Group Theory to construct a self-supervised 3D point cloud prediction. Ask them if their results are ready for publication."


    "Okay, Chief Editor. I''ll be on it then," Jack Rosman casually replied, and with a wave of Carl Basque''s hand, he walked out of the editor-in-chief''s office with a rxed expression.


    So at times being a junior editor is quite nice; one doesn''t need to think about so many troublesome matters.


    However, Jack Rosman still felt he learned something from the chief editor.


    For instance, when facing a tug-of-war like this, one couldn''t let either side lead by the nose; one always had to hold something in check.


    Jiang is indeed more pungent with age.

 Chapter 140: Chapter 99: How Heartbreaking It Is to Lose 660,000_2

    Li Jiangao subconsciously nced at the box in the corner of the living room that belonged to Tan Jingrong, and thinking of how Tan had struggled to move it, he suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed.


    "How many papers are in there?"


    "Not many, just a hundred."


    Li Jiangao: "..."


    At that moment, Li Jiangao couldn''t help but be flooded with the fear that once dominated him in high school, caused by endless assignments.


    This guy is seriously ying for keeps!


    ...


    "Tan Jingrong, over here."


    As soon as Tan Jingrong had reached the third floor of the cafeteria, he heard Zuo Jie''s enthusiastic greeting. Turning towards the voice, he saw that Zuo had already ordered and was sitting at a prime spot right across from the stair entrance, waiting for him.


    Tan Jingrong hurriedly quickened his pace, went over, and sat down across from Zuo Jie.


    "Why are you sote? A lot going on in the project group, huh?" Zuo Jie asked with a smile stered on his face.


    "Yeah, sort of. Li just came by, so I got held up for a bit," Tan Jingrong honestly replied.


    "Li was there today? Did you ask him for me?" Zuo Jie asked earnestly.


    ...


    Indeed, at that moment, Zuo truly regretted his actions.


    The story began yesterday.


    The senior brother, who hadn''t popped up in the chat group for ages, suddenly dropped a bombshell without any preamble: "Tan Jingrong, you''re awesome! Your paper made it to an international top-tier journal, and you''re even the second author!!!"


    This statement instantly shook Zuo Jie.


    He knew all too well what level Tan Jingrong was at.


    Not to say that he was worse, but at least they were on the same level.


    And this guy managed to be the second author on a top-tier journal paper?


    Zuo initially thought the senior brother must have been mistaken.


    But before he could express his doubts, the senior brother shared a link in the group chat.


    When Zuo clicked on it, he found it was indeed a top-tier publication.


    The corresponding author was their advisor, the first author''s name was somewhat familiar, and the second author was truly Tan Jingrong; as for the third author, he hadn''t heard of them.


    Before he could recover from his shock, Tan Jingrong, the damn guy, posted a naive smile in the group and followed up, "Actually, Qiao Ze wrote the paper, the advisor polished it, and I was just helping out."


    "Don''t be modest, even just helping out and getting the second author position on such a journal is amazing. I might need to cling to your coattails in the future."


    "You tter me, senior brother."


    In just a few short exchanges in the group chat, Zuo Jie felt like he was being wed at the heart.


    He quickly messaged Tan Jingrong privately, asking, "Tan Jingrong, what''s the deal? You''re the second author on a top-tier journal?"


    "Uh... it''s that project the boss called us in forst time. We got some results from the project, published the paper, and then the advisor rmended giving me the second author spot," Tan Jingrong sinctly exined.


    "The project produced results so quickly? Wasn''t it just the beginning of the month when we were brought in?"


    "Yeah! They really work on the project fast."


    As he read the chat replies, Zuo Jie almost couldn''t contain himself.


    He even started to feel like Li Jiangao was ying favorites.


    If it was such a good project, why hadn''t it been mentioned at the time?


    And then there was that whole ''voluntarily decide'' bit.


    Zuo Jie even suspected Li Jiangao might have given Tan Jingrong a heads-up beforehand.


    In his response, he couldn''t help but let some sourness seep through: "Well then, congrattions to you, ah. In just over twenty days to have a top-tier publication, that''s quite the score."


    "Yeah, thanks. But it should be more than one paper, the research group is preparing four of them," Tan Jingrong responded without thinking too much about it.


    In his mind, the papers would eventually get published, and then everyone would know about it.


    There was no need to hide anything among fellow disciples.


    But when Zuo Jie saw that message, he really felt like he was going to lose it.


    If all four papers are published in top journals, wouldn''t that be defying the heavens?


    If Tan Jingrong is still the second author in all of them, then his credentials...


    Almost subconsciously, Zuo Jie typed out a message: "Fuck... Tan Jingrong, you''ve struck it rich! Is your project team stillcking people? How about you talk to the boss for me? I''ve just be avable recently, and I haven''t settled on a topic for my graduation thesis yet. Can I join your project team for some experience?"


    "Ah? But it seems we''re not short of people right now. Most of the things that needed to be done in the early stages are pretty much finished."


    "Just help me ask, okay? Whether it works out is another matter."


    "Alright then."


    After chatting on WeChat, Zuo Jie felt it wasn''t safe enough. That afternoon, he took the initiative to call Tan Jingrong and asked him out for a meal, leading to the scene taking ce now.


    ...


    At this moment, faced with Zuo Jie''s question, Tan Jingrong felt a bit embarrassed.


    He really should have mentioned Zuo Jie to Li Jiangao that afternoon, but who would have thought he wouldn''t think it through and would just repeat Qiao Ze''s original words, making it awkward for both of them.


    Now, all he could do was shake his head and say, "This afternoon, the boss went directly to Qiao... to Qiao Ze. The two of them had some important matters to discuss, and it wasn''t appropriate for me to butt in."


    "Ah?" Hearing this, Zuo Jie felt somewhat disappointed and half-jokingly said, "Bro Tan, you''re not worried about me going there and taking away your second author positions, are you?"


    Tan Jingrong immediately shook his head like a rattle-drum: "No, no, I''ll be honest with you, even being in the research group makes me feel embarrassed. I haven''t done much but have gotten so many second author positions, it feels quite unsettling."


    Zuo Jie snickered in his heart, not believing a word, thinking that this guy was just being pretentious. Of course, he had to remain courteous on the surface, even ttering: "Bro Tan, if you put it like that, you''re being too modest. Who else knows what I know? Every time I look for you, you say you''re busy. How can someone who works so hard say they haven''t done much?"


    "I really have been busy, but the things I''ve done don''t really involve much skill, anyone could do them... Ah, let''s not talk about that. Don''t worry, I''ll definitely mention it to the boss next time there''s a chance," Tan Jingrong shook his head.


    Actually, he didn''t want to talk much about the project team either, because he genuinely felt his contribution wasn''t significant.


    Even though Qiao Ze has always been appreciative of his work.


    In the project team, no one else had taken the initiative to collect and archive all the data every day and make extremely detailed summaries of all the daily reports every week.


    Qiao Ze had the ability but not the leisure to care about it.


    Chen Yiwen might be willing to do it, but shecked the skill in this area.


    There''s no need to mention Su Mucheng.


    Li Jiangao had a bunch of external affairs to handle.


    So in a way, Tan Jingrong really was the backbone of the research group.


    Although he was indeed receable, there weren''t many who could settle down and handle these trivial matters thoroughly before the project''s sess.


    "Alright, I''ll wait for the good news from Bro Tan. Let''s not talk about this anymore, let''s eat. Oh, are we drinking something today?"


    "No, no, I have to go back to the research groupter tonight, and it''s not good to have the smell of alcohol on me."


    "Then let''s just eat,e, let me serve you some rice." Zuo Jie said enthusiastically.


    "By the way, what exactly is your project about?"


    "Hmm, it''s in the papers, haven''t you read them?"


    "Uh... I''ve been busy thesest few days, I''ve only nced over, I think it said..."


    The sound of "whoosh" interrupted Zuo Jie''s words.


    Zuo Jie looked at Tan Jingrong with suspicion.


    Tan Jingrong also took out his own phone, and as soon as he unlocked it, he saw a new message in his X-Pay treasure.


    After opening it and taking a nce, he was bewildered.


    What''s going on?


    An enterprise X-Pay treasure ount named Licheng Software transferred 660,000 to him?


    Zuo Jie, who had already leaned in, eximed subconsciously: "Fuck, Old Tan, what did you do? Is that 60,000... no, wait, 660,000?"


    "I don''t know? This... Maybe it''s a mistake? I''ve never even heard of thispany!" Tan Jingrong said, baffled.


    For an honest person, receiving such a huge sum of money all at once was stupefying.


    Luckily, at the next moment, WeChat pinged. He opened it and saw a message from Su Mucheng.


    "Bro Tan, the transfer from Licheng Software just now is a bonus from our project team''s sessful research, a neat 660,000. Please receive it with confidence. We used my dad''spany''s X-Pay treasure ount due to taxes and daily transfer limits. Wishing Bro Tan a smooth academic journey and a soaring future."


    "Holy shit! Your research group gives out bonuses of 660,000?"


    At this moment, not only was Tan Jingrong stunned, but Zuo Jie was as well.


    Seriously, seeing a peer get a bonus of 660,000 made him feel a thousand times worse than if he had lost 660,000 himself.

 Chapter 141: Chapter 100: Petty Cleverness Versus Great Wisdom

    Zuo Jie was shocked into silence by the 660,000 in red packets; after all, he couldn''t understand why a project that only provided a monthly allowance of 2,000 could end up distributing 660,000 in red packets.


    Xu Dajiang, who also hadn''t eaten dinner yet, couldn''t figure it out either. It was already dinner time, so why did the principal call him to the office with a phone call?


    Shouldn''t he have been invited for a meal at this time?


    Grumbling to himself, he rushed to the principal''s office, where the secretary had already left, leaving only a light on in the office.


    Xu Dajiang knocked on the door politely twice.


    "Come in."


    "Principal, you wanted to see me?"


    "Oh, Xu, take a seat."


    "Sure thing."


    "I don''t have any good tea here. Do you want some boiled water?"


    "Haha, no need, just get to the point."


    "Well, the first thing is, your School of Mathematics'' application for an investigation to check into that matter was rejected. The higher-ups also sent a message for you: Stop fussing about this and that all day long; do you think everyone is as idle as you? Still thinking about having everyone y along with your drama? What, you''re the conductor now? At your age, still so unreliable!"


    When Chen Yuanzhi ryed this message, it was tinged with personal emotion.


    Or maybe it was an uncannily urate imitation.


    In any case, it was easy to feel the discontent in his words.


    Xu Dajiang had nothing to say in response.


    How to put it? It wasn''t that he was thoughtless.


    Who could have predicted that public opinion online would reverse so quickly?


    What left him speechless was the Facebook brawl stirred up by Qiao Ze between the two foreign colleagues.


    With that news spreading back home, there was no more point in checking for shenanigans!


    Even the most perfect n can''t withstand unexpected changes.


    "Principal, you''re right in your criticism!" Xu Dajiang didn''t bother to exin and just bluntly admitted it.


    "I''m not the one saying it! It''s from the higher-ups! I''m reticent to criticize you!" Chen Yuanzhi emphasized it again.


    "Oh." Xu Dajiang acknowledged.


    "In the future, rein in your little schemes. I understand your eagerness to develop the School, but food must be eaten one bite at a time. Don''t always think about getting too much too quickly."


    Chen Yuanzhi gave another lesson.


    "I''d also like to take it one step at a time, but there''s nothing to eat at all. Look, the annual research grant they give me isn''t even enough to distribute. All the somewhat capable professors have been poached, and now that a treasure has finallye along, I have to try everything to retain him. You''ve got to understand the difficulty of my job, right?" Xu Dajiang immediatelyined.


    "Enough, don''t y the pauper with me. Tell me, over these years, which department has had enough to allocate? You''re the only one who''s been productive while the others waste resources, right?"


    "That''s not quite what I mean, but can you find me a project that promises higher returns than the one we at the School of Mathematics recently missed? Any time period will do, whether it''s from our school or not, just to set my mind at ease. In the future, I won''t keep longing for what I cannot have.


    Honestly, just thinking about how a month ago I could''ve invested two million to talk about an in-depth cooperation with Youwei, my heart feels like it''s been drenched in ice water in the dead of winter."


    "Ah..." Xu Dajiang sighed deeply, the frustration on his face was all too real.


    And indeed, there was no faking this frustration.


    Xu Dajiang had always wanted to secure funding for Qiao Ze''s project, though he hadn''t held out much hope at the time and just wanted to firmly tie Qiao Ze to the university using the project and personal obligations. But things didn''t go as he wished.


    Chen Yuanzhi red at Xu Dajiang and said, "It seems you really can''t stand Zhang. You never forget to take a dig at him whenever you can. Do you know why I haven''t left yet at this hour?


    Before calling you here, Zhang Xiaoquan just visited, lugging a box of documents,menting to me, insisting on dumping all the documents he has handled over the years here so I can see if he''s done anything improper."


    Hearing this, Xu Dajiang blinked rapidly and said, "Hiss... Well, Principal Chen, don''t me me for speaking bluntly, but you''re really overstepping your duties! I think that Principal Zhang''s request isn''t excessive, and you really should give him some face. Investigating academic misconduct is a hassle as it involves arranging expert panels and such.


    But checking these ounts, don''t we have dedicated auditors for that? How many times has our admissions office been audited?"


    Chen Yuanzhi red at Xu Dajiang: "Do you really think Zhang Xiaoquan has issues?"


    Xu Dajiang immediately shook his head: "No, no, no, I just think that Principal Zhang, since he''s actively wanting to..."


    "Speak innguage!" Chen Yuanzhi chided.


    Xu Dajiang quickly changed his tone: "Well, to put oneself in his shoes, if I really didn''t have any issues, I definitely wouldn''t do something like bringing documents to you iming I''ve been wronged. Who can understand all those materials without being a professional? I''ve never heard of principals managing that.


    And back when Xu had that position, there was always some reserve for special applications every year, In case any department had a worthwhile project to not miss out on. Howe, as soon as he surnamed Zhang took over, the path for special applications has beenpletely blocked?"


    Chen Yuanzhiughed and said, "Heh... In the end, you''re dissatisfied because you didn''t get the funding, right? Alright, next I''ll discuss a thorough audit of all the scientific research funding the school has approved over the years with the secretary. I''ll fulfill your desire on this matter, but I also have demands for your School of Mathematics.


    Since you''ve got everything nned out, both Qiao Ze and Li Jiangao must stay at the university during my tenure, and their next project must be applied for and approved by the school just like any other project. Of course, I can provide a fast track for you, guaranteeing the fastest review and approval."

 Chapter 112: Chapter 86: Does nobody realize that this is a project worth hundreds of millions?

    The School of Mathematics'' freshman basic mathematics ss''s nearly despair-inducing exam season had atst ended, not perfectly but at least it had ended.


    For the teachers, the good news was that no child had aplete breakdown and started crying in the examination hall. The bad news was that over half of the students in the basic mathematics ss had already begun to inquire about transferring to a different major for their sophomore year.


    This was a privilege unique to the basic mathematics ss.


    In their sophomore year, if they felt that pure mathematics was not suitable for them, they could choose to transfer to other majors such as financial mathematics, information andputing, or statistics.


    Thanks to this year''s final exam questions, students from other majors within the School of Mathematics hade to fully respect what the students in the basic ss were learning.


    In summary, the charm of the goddess of mathematics had greatly diminished in the eyes of countless students at Xilin University of Technology because of this exam.


    Fortunately, this wave of discouragement was somewhat expected.


    After all, it''s actually very easy to simply make mathematics questions more difficult. The real challenge is to manage the difficulty well enough so that most people can reach the passing standard while filtering out outstanding students with mathematical talents and thought processes.


    But this time, the lecturers and professors had specifically held a meeting with the request to make the questions as difficult as possible.


    It was expected that the results wouldn''t be good, which was the norm.


    However, transferring majors was limited.


    The school''s various resource allocations had a surplus, but they also only supported a certain degree of mobility.


    It was naturally impossible for the basic mathematics ss to lose half of its students all at once.


    The good thing was that the professors did not need to deal with the psychological counseling of these children.


    In the end, all the pressure fell on Liu Hao, the counselor, who actually hadn''t done anything.


    For this counselor, the feelings he experienced were truly indescribable.


    In the end, he could only individually visit each dorm room to express his care and concern.


    He listened to the students'' thoughts and opinions and then managed to retain a number of students who were in the middle range of grades in the ss.


    Regrettably, no one considered whether Liu Hao might develop various psychological issues as a result.


    ...


    Unlike the gloomy atmosphere in the basic mathematics ss, the small team of Group Wisdom was in a state of extreme excitement.


    After more than twenty days of hard work, it seemed they had reached the time of harvest.


    Tan Jingrong was the first to notice the difference.


    That day, he specifically called his mentor over in the evening, after Qiao Ze, Su Mucheng, and Chen Yiwen had left, and Li Jiangao moved in with a bunch of daily necessities.


    It was quite good.


    In the three-bedroom apartment, besides the master bedroom used for work, there were two other bedrooms, which were just right for two people, one room per person.


    This was something Tan Jingrong had never expected; that he, as a graduate student, could end up living just across the door from his mentor.


    But actually, this was quite good. At least it gave Tan Jingrong a lot of peace of mind, and he no longer worried constantly.


    After all, with his mentor there, his hopes of staying in the research group were much greater.


    He had hardly dared to reply to Zuo Jie''s messages these days.


    A few days ago, Zuo Jie had unted a photo of dining in a high-end restaurant and asked him with a slightly mocking tone what he had been busy with in the research grouptely, also kindly inquiring whether earning two thousand a month was tiring.


    Tan Jingrong really didn''t know how to respond.


    What could he say?


    The work was indeed tiring.


    After all, other people were still busy with other things, while he was the only one staying in the research group.


    In that sense, a stipend of two thousand a month really didn''t seem like much.


    But if this project were to be discovered in the future, having worked on it would probably allow him to dine in that high-end restaurant every day, ordering different dishes each time without repeats.


    Not to mention the possibility of being listed as the second author in a paper published in a world-ss journal.


    Eventually, he could only respond vaguely with "everything''s fine," which dodged the direct question.


    And in return, he received aughing picture from Zuo Jie.


    Seeing that picture did make Tan Jingrong feel a lot better.


    That was quite good; everyone had got what they wanted.


    He had gained the future, while Zuo Jie had secured an easy-going graduate life.


    That should count as a win-win situation, right?


    ...


    Li Jiangao had far lessplex thoughts than Tan Jingrong.


    Not to mention he was kept in the dark about the interactions between students.


    What mattered most was that everything Li Jiangao did was above reproach.


    The opportunity to assist Qiao Ze in his research was equally offered to his two students, who were still selecting their topics, and both had the chance to join the research group.


    Toe or not toe was a personal choice.


    As for his reason for joining the research group, it was because Qiao Ze told him that he was ready to start writing a paper.


    Li Jiangao wanted to see how Qiao Ze wrote his paper, and on the other hand, Qiao Ze hoped he could offer guidance.


    It wasn''t about advising on how to write a paper.


    It was about letting Qiao Ze know where in the proof process it was best not to gloss over with the word "obviously."


    Thus, the research group was effectively at full capacity.


    Apart from attending exams, Qiao Ze was almost always in the research group.


    After finishing the paper, he would discuss with Li Jiangao what needed to be supplemented.


    Then, following Li Jiangao''s advice, he removed more than a dozen "obviously" and added the proof processes and validation data.


    Of course, when the two of them discussed these matters, other people in the research group typically could not get a word in.


    But everyone had their own tasks to do.


    For instance, Su Mucheng took on the role of quartermaster quite well.


    She directed Chen Yiwen to bring food every day for the three people immersed in the research group, making sure the menu varied daily with care.


    She also helped with Tan Jingrong''s responsibilities, managing data, finding bugs, testing... until on the afternoon of June 29th, after all the exams for the first-year second semester at the School of Mathematics wereplete, the research group held a special meeting.

 Chapter 113: Chapter 86: Does nobody realize that this is a project worth billions?_2

    ```


    This kind of meeting was usually chaired by Li Jiangao, not so formal, mainly to arrange the research group''s summer work and to summarize the work.


    "Let me just say a few words," Li began, "thanks to everyone''s cooperation during this period, our research group haspleted the construction of Group Wisdom''s underlying framework, and we have also produced three extremely high-quality papers, which is a cause for celebration."


    As Li''s voice fell, everyone except Qiao Ze started to apud.


    Especially Su Mucheng, her little hands were pping so hard they were turning red, while her gaze stayed fixed on Qiao Ze.


    Actually, without Li having to say it outright, everyone knew that the papers were almost entirely the work of Qiao Ze alone.


    iming them under the research group''s name was just a way to give everyone a bit of glory, to boost morale.


    Of course, Qiao Ze didn''t mind these things.


    In fact, when a person doesn''t even care much about money, there''s very little left in this world for them to cling to or care about.


    ''To be ready to die after hearing the Dao in the morning'' probably describes someone like Qiao Ze.


    "Alright, alright..."


    Li raised his hand to quiet the room and continued, "In addition, Qiao Ze has alsopleted a separate paper, so now our research group has four papers waiting for submission. I''m going to tell you all, one of them has already been submitted to SIAM Review, and Mu Cheng and Chen Yi may not be aware, but this is a top-tier journal in the world, with an impact factor that at its peak reached 11.6.


    Although it has fallen off some years, it is still stable above 7."


    "Another paper, after discussion with Qiao Ze, has already been submitted to the Duke Mathematical Journal, as the name suggests, a gship journal operated by Duke University Press, also among the world''s top-tier journals. As for the remaining two, since they refer to the content of these two papers, they need to wait for these two to be published before they can be released."


    "For the two papers that have beenpleted, the first author is naturally Qiao Ze, and the second authorship has been given to Tan Jingrong, which I hope you all can understand, Tan indeed needs this second authorship more than you do. The third authorship for both Su Mucheng and Chen Yiwen, is one paper each, in thanks for everyone''s contributions to this project."


    Apuse broke out once again.


    Li felt an indescribable sense of emotion in his heart.


    If only every research group could be this harmonious.


    Without any of the scrambling for power and profit.


    In other research groups, they might actuallye to blows over the second and third authorship, but here nobody cared.


    There was no need to speak of Su Mucheng.


    Whether her name was on the journal article or not, she never cared in the slightest.


    And Li also felt that Su Mucheng had no need to care.


    This young woman had actually put in more than two million in real money to invest in the project.


    ording to the contract she had signed with Qiao Ze before...


    Li didn''t even know how to describe the concept of trusting someone enough to invest over two million and possibly earning tens or even hundreds of billions in just a short month.


    Inparison, what Warren Buffett, what African syndicates, what SoftBank Group, what Morgan, Merrill, Goldman Sachs... they''re all junior.


    If this gets out in the future, it will surely be a myth in the investment world.


    Of course, these were not things he could say in front of everyone in the research group, they had to be suppressed deep in his heart.


    As for Chen Yiwen, even less needed to be said.


    Being able to have a third author position on a top-tier journal paper during his undergraduate stage was already an incredibly auspicious start.


    Not to mention that there was another paper toe that would be credited to him as well.


    As for his student Tan Jingrong...


    Li could only admire that this honest kid was almost as fortunate as Su Mucheng.


    Who would have thought that Qiao Ze''s first project would bepleted so simply, and sessfully so quickly, without giving anyone even a chance to beat a retreat.


    ```


    It''s a pity about Zuo Jie.


    Of course, the name only swirled in his mind briefly before being cast aside by Li Jiangao.


    Often, the choices one makes are indeed more important than the effort one puts in.


    But what''s most terrifying is that some people not only make the wrong choices but also don''t put in much effort.


    This time, Li Jiangao quietly waited for the apuse to subside before continuing, "Alright, Tan Jingrong, even though you managed to get two second author papers in top journals, this does not mean you can afford to be proud, and you also need to choose your thesis topic as soon as possible. I suggest you start with something within thisb group, so Qiao Ze can guide your thesis."


    "Sure, professor, I won''t be arrogant," Tan Jingrong immediately responded with genuine humility.


    Li Jiangao nodded in satisfaction and then nced at Qiao Ze.


    He had wanted Qiao Ze to say a few words, but knowing that this guy was lost in his thoughts about things he didn''t understand, he decided to drop the idea.


    "Alright, next is the summer arrangement. Tan Jingrong, you need to stay here this summer, is that alright?" Li Jiangao asked Tan Jingrong.


    Tan Jingrong quickly nodded and replied loudly, "No problem at all, Professor Li."


    Effectively getting two second author papers in top journals for free, let alone sacrificing one summer, even if he had to give up all the holidays during his graduate studies, it would still be a total gain.


    Li Jiangao smiled and then turned to look at Chen Yiwen.


    "Uh... I need to go home over the summer break, but it will only take a week, and it doesn''t matter if it''s earlier orter." Without needing a reminder from Li Jiangao, Chen Yiwen promptly made his position clear.


    He wasn''t so concerned with publishing papers; he simply cherished the opportunity to be in thisb group.


    After all, whether he could continue ying around and earning a reputation after the project waspleted very much depended on his performance.


    Li Jiangao gave a slight nod. In fact, he didn''t care much whether Chen Yiwen was there or not.


    But since everyone was a member of theb group, he still hoped that all participants could enjoy the glory on the day the project was officially announced.


    Then he skipped over Su Mucheng, saying, "Okay, that''s all for this little meeting today. I''ll treat everyone to dinner tonight to celebrate our project''s significant progress in advance. Everyone, go ahead with your tasks. Su Mucheng, stay behind."


    Su Mucheng looked at Qiao Ze with a puzzled expression. Qiao Ze gave her a slight nod. She then stood up with Chen Yiwen and Tan Jingrong and returned to theb, even closing the door behind them to leave the space for Li Jiangao and Su Mucheng.


    "What do you need to talk about in private, Uncle Li?" Su Mucheng asked curiously.


    Li Jiangao gave a wry smile, then said, "Tan and Chen still don''t know that you invested in this project, so I kept you behind to tell you that."


    After finishing, Li Jiangao took a deep breath and said, "Mucheng, I think you really ought to call your dad and have hime to Xilin as soon as possible."


    "Huh?" Su Mucheng looked at Li Jiangao, obviously confused by his words.


    Seeing Su Mucheng''s expression, Li Jiangao smiled bitterly in his heart.


    At that moment, he experienced the same kind of bewilderment that Tan Jingrong had felt in theb group previously.


    As the sole investor of the project, this girl hadn''t yet considered the earnings of the project itself.


    However, when he began to exin, his tone was softer.


    After all, he was potentially facing a future billionaire heiress.


    "Qiao Ze must have told you that I''ve packaged Group Wisdom for testing. The series of patents and copyrights concerning the project are also in application. Next, apart from publishing papers, the framework and algorithms embedded in the Group Wisdom topic will undergo furthermercial development.


    I''ve spoken to Qiao Ze, and he doesn''t want to deal with these things as he finds them too time-consuming. I''m not well-versed in technical-tomercial licensing, and you probably have no experience with it either. So after much thought, your dad is probably the most suitable person to represent you and Qiao Ze in these matters. What do you think?"


    Su Mucheng blinked and then, with sudden realization, said "Oh" and stated, "So Uncle Li, you mean he should go sell it? There''s no hurry, actually. I''m not short of money right now."


    "Ahem..." Li Jiangao coughed violently and looked at Su Mucheng with a wry smile, "What is there to sell? Stop thinking about Qiao Ze all the time and start thinking about the project itself! With ChatGPT ahead, do you think your dad needs to sell anything?"


    Su Mucheng suddenly froze, her eyes spinning twice in theirrge sockets before a sudden moment of rity.


    "Oh my god... the Group Wisdom tform can make money?! Doesn''t that mean Qiao Ze is going to be a billionaire?! Uncle Li, even if Qiao Ze bes rich, he won''t be a bad person, right?"

 Chapter 114: Chapter 87: Its Best If Everyone Stays Calm

    He Who Touches Vermilion Will Be Stained Red, it must be a case of touching vermillion.


    Li Jiangao finally understood where that harmonious atmosphere in the research group came from.


    What kind of thought process is this?


    Qiao Ze might not care about money, but even the investors weren''t sensitive to the rate of return.


    After taking a deep breath, Li Jiangao still softly reminded, "Mu Cheng, ording to the contract, you also have a ten percent interest in this project. So in the future, our research group might have more than just Qiao Ze as a millionaire. This is a big deal, maybe you should call your dad."


    "Oh!" Su Mucheng nodded, somewhat confused.


    It seemed that she hadn''t fully recovered from the shock of the news.


    She had never thought about it before and didn''t think the sess of the project was anything special.


    Now that Li Jiangao had reminded her, Su Mucheng realized that she had inadvertently been swept along for the ride.


    It seemed she wouldn''t need to ask her unreliable father for money anymore.


    Not only that, but she might even be able to give her parents money.


    Qiao Ze is too powerful!


    With her mind full of Qiao Ze''s unppable face, Su Mucheng, like a puppet on strings under Li Jiangao''s watchful gaze, took out her phone and dialed.


    The phone connected quickly.


    In a somnambnt way, Su Mucheng said, "Dad, I have something to tell you. Prepare yourself; don''t get too excited."


    Soon a middle-aged man''s voice came through the phone, serious yetced with concern and anxiety, "Chengzi, why so serious today? What happened? Don''t be scared. You can tell dad anything."


    What Su Mucheng didn''t know is that her phone call caused Su Lixing''s heart to "clunk" in shock.


    His daughter''s perplexed tone,bined with what she said, could it be that...she was pregnant?


    Indeed, at that moment, Su Lixing, who had been in a meeting, was genuinely startled down to his core.


    "What''s there to be afraid of? You know, the two million I invested in Qiao Ze''s project? Well, we''ve already achieved results. Li suggests youe over to discuss how to handle it."


    A sigh of relief came from the other end of the phone, the tone bing more rxed, "That''s all? Achieving results is great, why so serious? Just handle it as you see fit. That''s your investment after all. Dad said he wouldn''t interfere."


    Su Mucheng, dissatisfied, said, "If it were a trivial matter, would Li insist I call you? Listen closely, Comrade Su Lixing, we''re talking about results worth tens, maybe even hundreds of billions. Are you sure you want me to handle it myself?"


    "What? Tens to hundreds of billions? Chengzi, don''t joke like that."


    "Ah, forget it, I''ll let Li talk to you."


    After speaking, Su Mucheng threw up her hands and handed the phone to Li Jiangao, who was sitting nearby.


    Li Jiangao, who had been watching Su Mucheng make the call, silently took the phone.


    "Hello, Mr. Su."


    "Hello, Li, was what Chengzi said just now serious?"


    "Yes, indeed. It''s like this: it wasn''t necessary for you to make a special trip, but our research topic has some peculiarities. Qiao Ze is somewhat fixated on publishing papers, and if we want to publish smoothly, it seems we now need to use the results we have achieved as support.


    The current situation is that once the research oue is released, it will likely involve significant financial dealings. Su Mucheng and Qiao Ze are the only two beneficiaries of this research."


    Li Jiangao carefully rified the situation with a few sentences.


    "Excuse me, Li, could you hold on for a moment?"


    Then Li Jiangao heard a shout from the other end to "dismiss the meeting."


    About half a minuteter, Su Lixing''s voice came back, "Uh, Li, just to confirm again, did Mu Cheng really tell me that she could potentially see returns of tens or even a hundred billion from her investment in this project with Qiao Ze?"


    "Yes, in my view, this is a very conservative estimate. Of course, it won''t be a one-time benefit but a long-term one. The most important thing is how it''s managed."


    "May I ask what exactly your research project is about?"


    "Mr. Su, you''ve heard of ChatGPT, right?"


    "Of course."


    "It''s a framework simr to ChatGPT. Qiao Ze has designed a more advanced AI algorithm which, judging from the current oues, allows machines to be better trained and smarter. In a very conservative estimate, it has already surpassed the capabilities of ChatGPT in terms of the Turing test."


    There was a long silence on the other end.


    But to Li Jiangao, that seemed like a normal reaction, since such big news indeed required time to digest.


    As for the research group members, each one of them, with the exception of his student Tan Jingrong, seemed a bit abnormal.


    They were surely underestimating the power of money.


    After a long pause, a response finally came from the other end.


    "Li, you mentioned that you are benchmarking against ChatGPT?"


    "Yes, Mr. Su. It''s best to discuss the details in person; it''s not clear enough over the phone. I can assure you that we have verified the results, and it may not be long before we need to consider whether to operate independently or license it out. My suggestion is to go for licensing, and it must be to top global technology firms among the Fortune 500.


    An averagepany wouldn''t have the capacity to operate this technology. A breakthrough in algorithm technology is one thing, but investing in the necessary hardware is where the real cost lies."


    "Alright, thank you, Li. I will book a flight immediately, I should be able to reach Xilin by tonight."

 Chapter 115: Chapter 87: Its Best If Everyone Stays Calm_2

    "Hmm, do you need me to arrange for a car to pick you up?"


    "No need, I''ll make my own way to the school."


    "Okay, then I''ll hang up now, goodbye."


    "Goodbye."


    When the busy tone came through the receiver, Li Jiangao handed the mobile phone to Su Mucheng.


    "Is there anything else, Uncle Li?"


    "No, nothing else." Li Jiangao nodded.


    "Oh, then I''m off to find Qiao Ze." After saying that, Su Mucheng stood up, looking as if she didn''t have a single worry in her heart and left.


    This filled Li Jiangao with immense envy.


    Some people are just natural winners, where the hell do you go to reason with that?


    ...


    Lin Hai City.


    Su Lixing sat in front of his desk, staring nkly for at least a minute before he casually pressed a button on the desk.


    Soon his personal secretary, Zhang Cheng, entered through the door.


    "Let''s go, first arrange for a car to take me home to get some things, while you book two tickets to Xilin on the way. I might need to stay in Xilin for a few days."


    "Okay, Mr. Su. Is this specifically to bring Chengzi back?"


    "Hmm... if I told you that the kid Chengzi took a liking to this month made several billion, would you believe it?"


    "This... Mr. Su, you''re joking, right?"


    "See, you can''t believe it either, so I have to go there myself and see if it''s true. On the other hand, a vice professor from a top university shouldn''t just jest about this sort of thing with me, right?"


    "Ah? It was Professor Li who said so? If that''s true... then that kid made several Licheng Softwares in a month?"


    Su Lixing red at Zhang Cheng.


    He hadn''t previously realized that his secretary was so inept at conversation!


    What is this, anyway?


    His more than ten years of effort is not as good as what a young boy makes casually in a month?


    Can a genius really be so unreasonable?


    Speaking of which, he shouldn''t really be outdone by a young boy, should he?


    But on second thought, Su Lixing felt he had to admit, if this were true, was his daughter Cheng really that insightful?


    His feelings suddenly became moreplicated.


    For a moment, he didn''t know whether to hope that this was true or not.


    "Stop talking rubbish! We''ll find out if it''s true when we see it. Huh... if it''s true... damn..."


    Su Lixing uncharacteristically cursed.


    Zhang Cheng stared nkly at his boss, who was always so refined and elegant.


    He could understand Su Lixing''s feelings at this moment.


    Because he felt like cursing too.


    How the hell is this possible?!


    "Right, if it''s true, could it be unrted to the school?" Zhang Cheng suddenly asked.


    "Hmm?" Su Lixing was somewhat puzzled, nearly reached for his phone to inquire about the situation but held back.


    "Let''s go to Xilin first and talk about it. This whole thing feels pretty strange."


    ...


    ```


    United States, Duke University, Duke Mathematical Journal Editorial Office.


    When Laurent Lane opened his email, he saw a reply right away.


    He was surprised.


    Because this email was a peer review response.


    The paper had only been sent to Professor Sumant Jair at the University of California, Berkeley Branch just before closing the previous day, and the professor was an expert highly esteemed in both mathematics andputer science fields.


    Although the professor was known in the academicmunity for his explosive temper, quick review pace, and penchant for bitingments, the review this time was exceptionally fast.


    He clicked on the email subconsciously, and the counterpart''sments¡­ no, it was a lengthy rant that immediately caught Laurent Lane''s eye.


    "I''m really curious to find out what happened that led to the same paper appearing twice in my inbox within a month. So I checked the source of the messages and realized that the previous one was from ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' and this one is from ''Duke Mathematical Journal.'' Do you know? I am truly baffled.


    I''ve always thought Carl from the Coran Institute was a very discerning editor, but clearly, he''s missed the mark this time!


    Believe me, his rejection of this manuscript was a foolish decision. In fact, in my view, this is the most outstanding mathematical paper of the past decade. It has inspired me greatly, offering numerous fresh ideas about the mathematical understanding of artificial intelligence. So my review is the same asst time¡ªthis article should be published immediately, with no dy!


    I hope you won''t start to go selectively blind like those folks at New York University."


    By the way, the actions of ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' have reinforced my opinion about New York University. That ce, like a nouveau riche,cks an independent research spirit. I don''t understand why so many students apply to that university. Seriously, you should publish this paper right away, and put it on the front page.


    Then perhaps in two months, I can visit New York University and invite their editor Carl for a drink. I''d ask him directly what he was thinking at that time and enjoy his embarrassed and pissed-off expression up close. If you could give me that opportunity, it would be a win-win.


    And why am I so confident! Ha, you''ll never believe it, but I''ve also received another review invitation that proves the research team working on this subject has already made preliminary progress on the model''s foundational design. Although I don''t know which stage they have reached, there is ample evidence to show this theory''s correctness and advancement.


    As you read this, let''s raise our hands together in celebration that the editors and chief editor of ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications,'' with their unmatched stockpile of talent, have missed a groundbreaking mathematical paper that could have changed the world of artificial intelligence. Without a doubt, this is a foundational paper.


    I could have used some means to find out the paper''s authors beforehand, but I chose to wait.


    I hope to see which team had such insight, once this paper is formally published. But annoyingly, you''re a bimonthly publication. So here is another suggestion: release it online right away, right on the front page. I have a feeling this paper will boost your impact factor by at least one point next year."


    Having read Sumant Jair''s remarks, Laurent Lane almost reflexively forwarded the reply directly to chief editor Joe Berner.


    After all, this was the first time he had seen Sumant''s sharp-tongued side diverted towards an editorial office rather than the paper itself, to which he was veryplimentary.


    And as the chief editor of the journal, he indeed had the authority to make an immediate decision about the publication of the paper, even if not all the reviewers hadpleted their reviews.


    He didn''t have to wait long; the chief editor of the editorial office soon stood in front of the ss door to his office and waved at him.


    Laurent immediately got up and walked into the chief editor''s office.


    "Sumant''s assessment is very interesting. By the way, which reviewers did you assign to this paper?"


    "Professor Ken from Yale University, Professor Ballet from Brown University, and Professor Xuelun from the Minnesota Institute of Applied Mathematics."


    "I see... take the initiative to follow up, and you may call to push them a little. Once one more reviewer confirms the paper can be published, inform me at once, then arrange the online publication."


    "Of course, but..."


    "Haha, there are no buts. We should give Sumant this chance, shouldn''t we? After Sumant invites Carl for a drink at New York University, I also want to invite Sumant for a drink, to hear firsthand what color Carl turned. it must be amusing."


    "Well, okay, I''ll get back to you as soon as possible. By the way, it would be perfect if you could bring me along.


    "Haha, no problem! Now, go back to work."


    ...


    Huaxia, Xilin.


    When Su Lixing stepped off the ne and rushed to Xilin University of Technology, it was already nine in the evening.


    After exiting the taxi at the location provided by WeChat navigation, Su Lixing made a call to Li Jiangao.


    "Oh, Su, you''ve arrived? Wait for me at the entrance to themunity, I''lle to get you."


    After hanging up, Su Lixing stood at the entrance of the Xiyuan residence and scanned the surroundings.


    An oldmunity.


    It was hard to imagine that such a significant project was being carried out in this modest neighborhood.


    He had thought it would be inside ab building at the university.


    But soon, Li Jiangao appeared in his view.


    However, he didn''t see Su Mucheng alongside Li Jian Gao; instead, there was a somewhat familiar middle-aged man...


    Wait a minute?!


    ```

 Chapter 116: Chapter 88 What do these adults understand?

    "Su, hello, hello."


    When the middle-aged man enthusiastically came forward to start a conversation, Su Lixing finally recognized who this somewhat familiar man was.


    Yu Hongwei.


    A man who was incredibly high-profile in an exceedingly low-keypany.


    Theoretically, such an out-of-character executive for thepany should have been dismissed long ago.


    But this man''s abilities were indeed too terrifying.


    To describe him as a fierce general who expanded territories was by no means an exaggeration.


    Many people only saw the side of him making grand statements at Youwei Group''s press conferences, without any understanding of his past.


    But as it happened, Su Lixing knew a little.


    That year, Su Lixing''spany was still in its infancy.


    Youwei Group was still amunications equipmentpany in Shencheng, not even as well-known as the neighboring Foxconn.


    It was this man who, on his own, had gone to Europe, found the pain points of telpanies there, led the R&D team to ovee the technology for split base stations, and on this basis secured orders from twelve out of fifteen tel operators in Europe. Later, in just one year, he captured more than thirty percent of the market share in Europe.


    One must realize that before this, the entire European tel equipment market was dominated by behemoths of themunication industry at their zenith, like Alcatel, Ericsson, Siemens, and Nokia. It was truly snatching food from the jaws of a tiger, an achievement thatmanded respect.


    As for after Youwei Group put him in charge of the consumer mobile phone business, this fierce warrior of Youwei Group formally came into the public''s view, known for his bold ims and for being confrontational.


    However, what was frightening was that when everyone thought this guy was all talk and no substance, Yu Hongwei, through a decade of hard work, made all his bold imse true. It wasn''t just about achieving what he had boasted; the consumer business of Youwei Group even experienced a resurgence that itspetitors could not hinder with their shameless repressive tactics.


    Think about it.


    Who could believe that in just ten years, Yu Hongwei would transform Youwei Group''s mobile phone business from only cooperating with tel operators to produce the lowest-end contract phones, into a giant leading the high-end market globally,peting and winning against the likes of Apple and Samsung?


    Remember that before Yu Hongwei took over the consumer business, Youwei Group had changed three in-charges in just two years and none had improved thepany''s mobile phone business. After all, in that era, the iPhone 4 was a legendary product that swept everything before it, and Samsung filled the market gaps left by Apple with its wide range of models.


    Back then, Youwei Group''s mobile phone business wasn''t even fit topete with those two, let alone provide shoces for other domestic phone brands.


    Although they were not the same type of person, from Su Lixing''s perspective, he had great respect and admiration for Yu Hongwei.


    He even believed that in the history of Huaxia''s business, besides Ren from Youwei Group, there should also be a ce for Yu Hongwei.


    But now, suddenly meeting in such circumstances, and even being greeted so warmly by him, Su Lixing only felt like he was experiencing auditory hallucinations, with only one of Yu Hongwei''s catchphrases ringing in his ears: "We are far ahead..."


    ...


    "You are Yu?"


    "Haha, Su, you''re too polite. I just asked Su Mucheng, and you should be three years younger than me, just call me Old Yu, none of this ''Mr.'' business!" Yu Hongwei said magnanimously, then naturally shifted his attention to Zhang Cheng, who was standing next to Su Lixing, and asked, "Who is this?"


    This single inquiry confirmed Su Lixing''s suspicions that Li Jiangao hadn''t gotten it wrong.


    Qiao Ze''s project must have been a sess and indeed of great value.


    Otherwise, what merits could he, Su Lixing, im to have to warrant such politeness from this big shot?


    His Licheng Software, although also a leading enterprise in the region, was minusculepared to the business empire Yu controlled.


    "You''re too kind, Yu. This is my secretary, Zhang Cheng."


    "Secretary Zhang has also worked hard." Yu Hongwei responded politely.


    "Yu, not at all, not at all." Zhang Cheng replied somewhat flusteredly.


    Compared to Su Lixing, this secretary had not yet recovered from the surprise.


    After all, Li Jian had not mentioned that they would meet such a big shot from Youwei Group this time, let alone at such ate hour.


    ...


    In fact, Li Jian himself had not expected Yu Hongwei to appear at Xilin.


    After taking Group Wisdom for certification and testing, the news indeed spread within a small circle. He had also received a few phone calls, which he dealt with offhandedly.


    After all, he only had advisory powers over the project, not decision-making authority.


    That''s why he had asked Su Mucheng to bring Su Lixing over to discuss how to handle this achievement.


    But who could have anticipated that Yu Hongwei would arrive at Xilin University of Technology and contact him that afternoon?


    Now that he had arrived, he couldn''t very well not be received.


    So from three o''clock in the afternoon, Li Jian had been apanying Yu.


    It must be said that Yu Hongwei''s ability to engage in small talk was in no way inferior to his skills in business, and as they chatted, Li Jian virtually spilled the beans about the project, even inadvertently revealing that Su Lixing would being over in the evening.

 Chapter 117: Chapter 88 What do these adults understand? _2

    And so, this scene ensued.


    Li Jian Gao couldn''t help feeling frustrated whenever he thought about the afternoon''s events.


    He wasn''t the type to spill his guts so easily, so why did he end up doing so unguardedly?


    This only increased Li Jian Gao''s admiration for Qiao Ze.


    After all, throughout the whole afternoon, Qiao Ze was the only one who rendered Yu Hongwei speechless with just three sentences.


    "I''ve seen you."


    "You''re impressive."


    "But you really should curb that habit of talking too much."


    Remembering the constipated look on Yu Hongwei''s face when Qiao Ze delivered that third sentence, Li Jian Gao suddenly felt an urge tough, as he looked at the current scene.


    To avoid actually bursting intoughter and disrupting the harmonious atmosphere, Li Jian Gao quickly said, "Alright, Mr. Yu, Mr. Su, Secretary Zhang, let''s go upstairs and talk."


    ...


    Group Wisdom Project Group Workshop.


    When Su Lixing was sitting next to Yu Hongwei and looking at Qiao Ze across the table with his beloved daughter, he felt as if he were in a dream.


    Qiao Ze seemed unchanged.


    His face was still as calm as a still well.


    He didn''t show any of the emotions a young person should have after such great achievements, such as pride, excitement, or arrogance.


    This made Su Lixing want to crack open Qiao Ze''s head and see what was really inside!


    His headstrong daughter was just the same.


    Every once in a while she would make eye contact with him, yfully curling her lips, but most of the time her gaze stayed on Qiao Ze, unconcerned that there were strangers in the meeting room, not hiding the passion and deep love in her eyes.


    Yu Hongwei was still talking nonstop at the meeting table.


    "...Youwei Group has always been striving to build an intelligent world of interconnected things. Let me give you an inside scoop, by September at thetest this year, we will beunching a new generation of products. The biggest breakthrough is Star sh Technology Nearlink. I''m not exaggerating when I say that this technology is far ahead of its time!"


    "It''s definitely a revolutionary, new-generation limitless transmission technologyprised of an SLB base essyer and an SLE low-power ess, with its G-link peak exceeding 900M, T-link peak over 450M, reliability nearing one hundred percent, supporting 4096 users to connect simultaneously, and handling concurrent data for 80 users per millimeter."


    "We have already developed a series of technical standards based on this technology, as well as testing certification and rted ecosystem construction. There are things I can''t mention right now, but I can give you a little hint; please keep it confidential for me. Youwei Group has already started forming the Star sh Alliance based on this technology.


    A number ofpanies are willing to join us in building a more stablemunication chain."


    "Now imagine, Star shbined with Qunzhi, if they could be promoted at the same time, what would that bring? Everyone, that would be multi-device cluster-style intelligent interaction! Intelligent interaction data could be synchronously exchanged between multiple devices, significantly extending the functionality of intelligent interactions."


    "Here''s a scenario I envision: when I don''t feel like sitting at my desk, I can lie in bed, issue amand through my mobile phone, and theputer at my desk will directly provide the answer, which is then fed back to my mobile device. Of course, the interaction doesn''t stop there.


    By embedding the Qunzhi System, we can make search, service, and acquisition achieve aplete and unified ecosystem to truly realize intelligent interconnectivity."


    ...


    Su Lixing was actually listening quite intently.


    But had Qiao Ze not been sitting across from him, he could''ve been even more focused.


    Every time Su Lixing looked at Qiao Ze, he noticed that the young man''s attention wasn''t focused at all.


    Clearly, he had no interest in Yu Hongwei''s monologue.


    It seemed likely that his willingness to sit there was merely to give Li Jian Gao face.


    Indeed, Su Lixing''s assumption was correct, because just as Yu Hongwei finished a sentence and picked up his tea preparing to continue his speech, Qiao Ze took the initiative to speak.


    "It''s almost ten o''clock. I need to head back to the dorm now."


    "Ah?" Everyone except Su Mucheng was somewhat taken aback.


    Even though Su Lixing saw that Qiao Ze wasn''t really there in spirit, he didn''t expect him to want to leave.


    At the very least, he should''ve waited for Yu Hongwei to discuss how they intended to cooperate, right?


    "Right, we all go back to the dorms punctually at ten every day," Su Mucheng immediately chimed in to support him.


    "Ahem, Qiao Ze, are you temporarily not nning to license the Qunzhi System?" Li Jian Gao asked.


    Qiao Ze shook his head, frowning, and said, "No, but I don''t want to deal with these things. Didn''t you specifically bring Mr. Su here to handle this?"


    ```


    "That... But after all, Qunzhi System is your project... your hard work, won''t you participate in the decision-making?" Su Lixing swallowed subconsciously, suddenly realizing something.


    Qiao Ze pressed his lips together, feeling somewhat annoyed.


    It was nothing more than a framework simr to ChatGPT, and it couldn''t even be considered very innovative. He didn''t understand why these people valued it so much.


    He had reiterated countless times that the real purpose of doing this project was just to publish a paper.


    Yet, these people always regarded the by-products more important than the actual papers that could push progress forward.


    Wasn''t the mathematical tool he pioneered in the paper more valuable than this framework?!


    "Just discuss it with Li and handle it ordingly. If I have to consider all these trivial issues every time a small achievement is made, it will seriously distract me. Li has told me before, if I were tomunicate with others, someone would need to manage a lot of the cumbersome matters for me.


    Naturally, dealing with by-products from the research process falls into this category of tedious matters and should be taken care of by those focused on grunt work. Moreover, I have no interest in how to license the corresponding algorithms or frameworks, or who uses them."


    Qiao Ze seriously reiterated his thoughts again.


    The living room fell silent all at once, and Yu Hongwei looked at Qiao Ze in astonishment.


    He didn''t know how to evaluate such a statement...


    By-products? Grunt work?


    If it weren''t for Qiao Ze''s calm demeanor and tone¡ªso calm that what he said seemed perfectly justified¡ªone might think he was boasting.


    But there was not a hint of boastfulness to be felt.


    Su Lixing stared at Qiao Ze for a long while before finally saying, "Qiao Ze, this is different from going out and making contacts. Technology licensing involves massive financial issues..."


    "I''m not interested in money. The problem I want to solve requires building a Particle Collider around the sun, and then powering it with a Dyson sphere. Unfortunately, Earth''s worth is not that high, so you all handle it entirely. You don''t need to inform me about the final decision. Li, I''m leaving now."


    Having said that, Qiao Ze stood up directly.


    Almost at the same time, Su Mucheng sprang up from her chair, calling out, "Qiao Ze, shall we invite Chen Yiwen to leave with us?"


    "Oh, sure."


    "Then wait for me outside for a bit, I''m just going to grab my bag."


    "Alright."


    Su Lixing opened his mouth as if to stop Su Mucheng, but ultimately did not utter a sound, while Su Mucheng had already cheerfully dashed into the inner workshop, calling for Chen Yiwen.


    "Mom, I''m heading back to the dormitory now. Professor Li, Zhang, Yu, goodbye."


    Chen Yiwen bowed slightly to the three of them, a bit restrained, then followed behind Su Mucheng out of the workshop.


    ...


    Stairwell.


    To affirm the correctness of Qiao Ze''s actions, Su Mucheng took the initiative to sigh, "Adults are so boring, especially my dad, utterly boring! It''s always about money, money! People can''t live with money alone, right? Qiao Ze."


    Qiao Ze corrected, "It should be that their understanding is biased."


    Chen Yiwen looked back at the partially closed door and, as usual, remained silent.


    Well, that''s good. Previously, these two were just a nuisance to their ssmates.


    Today, they finally started causing trouble for the big shots he had only seen in videos.


    This even gave Chen Yiwen an oddly excited feeling.


    ...


    Back in the room, the voices leaking through the door crack left the adults exchanging looks.


    Especially Su Lixing...


    His precious daughter...


    Was she a cotton-padded coat leaking air?


    "Cough, that... Mr. Yu, Mr. Su, ording to the contract Qiao Ze and Su Mucheng had signed earlier, if the Qunzhi System project generates profits, they would split it in a 9:1 ratio... However, since Qiao Ze has given up the decision-making right, we might as well discuss it directly. Based on my understanding of Qiao Ze, he indeed doesn''t want to bother with these issues.


    If you doe to an agreement, I will have Qiao Ze''s mothere over, and it won''t affect anything," Li Jian Gao said helplessly.


    ```

 Chapter 148: Chapter 102: By the Mothers Side, the Child is Honored - Part 2

    Qiao Ze said, "Oh, on the way back, we could give these propositions to Tan Jingrong. He could use them to write those papers and figure out the methods of those mathematical tools more quickly, and even make some bonus money, which is pretty good."


    "Yeah," Li Jiangao answered with aplex expression and nced at Zheng Luhua beside him.


    Fortunately, Principal Zheng was only tilting his face, listening attentively.


    At least it didn''t seem like he was temperamental.


    However, Xu Dajiang couldn''t help but give Li Jiangao a re.


    Why didn''t you say so earlier!


    If he had known Qiao Ze was a paper-producing machine, why would he have gone to such great lengths to do all that stuff?


    Not only did he owe a favor for nothing, but he also attracted a whole lot of trouble.


    He should have just shoved a dozen PhDs into Qiao Ze''s project team from the start, and everyone could have gone crazy writing papers.


    In one year, they would have a burst of dozens of top SCI papers, maybe even dozens in the second tier, and the School of Mathematics would have everything!


    When the inspection team came down for a visit, he could have looked down on them through his nostrils.


    Now, all he could do was hope that Qiao Ze would start his next project soon.


    If the next project was still this kind of cutting-edge applied research, easy to get results and produce papers in bulk, Xu Dajiang thought it might be worth considering stuffing all the PhDs from the School of Mathematics into it for a golden opportunity. Hopefully, it wouldn''t be a research project in mathematical theory...


    That would be a real loss.


    Alright, that''s a matter for the future.


    Having epted this reality, Xu Dajiang sighed, "Ah, Jian Gao, don''t you think Qiao Ze resembles Gauss?


    If I remember correctly, Gauss independently derived the binomial theorem of Newton at eleven, discovered the prime number theorem at fifteen, and by neen, he was extraordinary, solving the world problem of the circle division, proving the quadratic reciprocityw, discovering the biquadratic reciprocityw, and in the same year he also proved that every positive integer can be represented as a sum of no more than three triangr numbers, obtaining the number of solutions for equations with coefficients in a finite field..."


    At this point, Xu Dajiang paused, turned his head, and looked at Zheng Luhua, saying with a smile, "Ah... if there was a concept of SCI back then, Gauss at neen could probably have published a dozen top-tier papers, too, right?"


    "Right, right, Qiao Ze, your future achievements are limitless, don''t focus on the past, look forward! Haha..." Zheng Luhua echoed with a forcedugh.


    Out of politeness, Qiao Ze turned his gaze away from the window and looked at the two people who had just spoken, nodding and saying, "Oh, as it happens, I''m nning to start a new topic."


    "Ah?" Xu Dajiang quickly asked, "About what area?"


    "The potential corrtions that might be established between O(N) group gauge fields and N-dimensional Riemannian spaces R^N, and a possible solution to non-Abelian gauge fields," Qiao Ze replied.


    Xu Dajiang was taken aback and began to feel downhearted, as expected, this kid''s second project had nothing to do with the lucrative applied mathematics that could bring everyone fame and fortune.


    It was a hard-core, purely theoretical field of mathematics exploring the unknown.


    It was even rted to Xu Dajiang''s previous field of study and research¡ªpartial differential equations.


    Nonlinear partial differential equations to be exact.


    How difficult is that?


    Basically, if no specific physical background is provided, not to mention solving the equations, it''s extremely difficult even to determine if solutions exist for such equations.


    For example, two of the world-famous Millennium Prize Problems are rted to these kinds of equations: the Navier-Stokes equations describing fluid movement and the Yang-Mills equations strongly rted to quantum physics.


    This is also the reason why Xu Dajiang decisively chose to abandon academia and embark on an administrative career after the age of forty-five.


    Although he was still supervising doctoral and graduate students, after bing the dean, he actually did no research work besides asionally checking on his doctoral students'' progress. Even the graduate students were being supervised by his doctoral students.


    The key issue was that the deeper one went into this field, the more difficult it became and it was also hard to achieve truly impressive results.


    Unless one tackled problems that had remained unsolved for over a century, no one would remember them.


    It''s just like Louis Caffarelli, who just won the Abel prize this year.


    Apart from those in the theoretical mathematics and physics fields who knew this professor was a PDE expert, most people hearing his name beyond those circles would only have question marks¡ª who is this old man and what are his achievements?


    So when Xu Dajiang heard that Qiao Ze''s new research topic was in this direction, it was inevitable he would be disappointed. This was miles apart from the previous project studying group theory to construct a self-supervised intelligence framework, which could rake in huge profits!


    It can''t be that Qiao Ze is going to spend the next few years gnawing at this difficult problem, right?


    Good thing Zheng Luhua wasn''t thinking so much; almost as soon as Qiao Ze finished speaking, he promised, "Fine, no problem. Qiao Ze, when you get back, write up an application. If you don''t know how, let Jian Gao help you write it. Jian Gao, after you write the application, give it directly to me, and I''ll handle it. No matter what, we can''t have the kid fund his own research, right?"


    Zheng''s statement also snapped Xu Dajiang back to reality, and he asked subconsciously, "Wait a moment, Qiao Ze, didn''t you say earlier that you only conducted in-depth research on nonmutative geometry and group theory? You also self-studied partial differential equations in high school?"


    Qiao Ze frowned, quite sure he had never said he specialized in any particr field.


    Well, Uncle Xu not only seemed very free but also had a really bad memory. Qiao Ze had to patiently exin, "I have self-studied all mathematical knowledge systems that help in understanding physics."


    "Ah..." Xu Dajiang looked at Li Jiangao in surprise, only to find Li Jian was zoning out.


    Yes, Professor Li was feeling very panicked at the moment, thinking about the box of papers still piled up in the research group.

 Chapter 149 Chapter 102 By the Mothers Side, the Child is Honored - Part 3

    As soon as Qiao Ze began to describe the project he wanted to study, Li Jiangao realized that this kid was seriously nning to tackle the Yang-Mills equations and officially start addressing the mass gap problem that had troubled countless mathematicians and quantum physicists.


    And he, Li Jiangao, Qiao Ze''s mentor in name only, hadn''t evenpleted the initial umtion of knowledge.


    Oh, the shame!


    For a moment, he couldn''t even bother with the looks he was receiving from Xu Dajiang; he quickly pulled out his cellphone, found Tan Jingrong, and sent a message: "Starting today, I''m reading the hundred papers Qiao Ze prepared for me. I need to highlight the key proofs in the papers based on the abstracts, as soon as possible!"


    After sending the message, he finally felt a bit more at ease.


    He had initially thought about rxing this summer, perhaps even finding a girlfriend, but now it seemed he should forget about it.


    He didn''t deserve it.


    ...


    The car fell quiet after this little episode.


    It seemed like everyone suddenly lost the desire to talk.


    Including Su Mucheng.


    Thinking that she was about to meet Qiao Ze''s mother, the girl was somewhat nervous and unsure of what to say, so they quietly reached the high-speed train station.


    While waiting, Li Jiangao was pulled aside by Zhuo Wenyu for a private chat. Your next journey awaits at empire


    Xu Dajiang was whispering with Zheng Luhua.


    It wasn''t until Yu Chenggong''s train, which he had messaged about earlier, arrived at the station that everyone became serious.


    Five minutester, when they saw Yu Chenggong,den withrge and small bags,ing out of the station, Zhuo Wenyu was the first to raise his hand and call out, "Yu, over here..."


    "Hi, Director Zhuo, Lu, over here, let me intro... uh... President Zheng? Dean Xu? You all came..."


    Yu Chenggong was still stunned by the impressive gathering in front of him when Su Mucheng, sensitive to the situation, already noticed the middle-aged woman beside Yu Chenggong was Qiao Ze''s mother and decisively took Qiao Ze by the hand to meet her.


    "Mom," Qiao Ze greeted as usual.


    "Ah, Ze, let me have a look at you. Hmm, Yu was right, you did gain some weight... Eh... this is..." After the joy of reunion, Lu Xiuxiu noticed the pretty and slender young girl standing beside her son and was momentarily taken aback.


    "Auntie Lu, hello, I''m Qiao Ze''s girlfriend, my name is Su Mucheng. Qiao Ze probably hasn''t mentioned me to you, right?"


    "Ah? Girlfriend? This... Look, Su, Qiao Ze is reserved and doesn''t like to talk about his personal life. I haven''t heard him mention you, and you''ve caught me so off guard that I didn''t bring you any gifts..."


    Lu Xiuxiu was overwhelmed with surprise and instinctively took Su Mucheng''s hand.


    Indeed, she had always thought that with Qiao Ze''s reserved nature, no girl would truly like her son in this lifetime. Yet, to her amazement, just over a month since he''d arrived, he had managed to get a girlfriend without a word, and such a charming girl at that. Could it be that under Professor Li''s guidance, Qiao Ze had be more enlightened?


    In that moment, Lu Xiuxiu felt as if she was dreaming, holding onto Su Mucheng''s hand without wanting to let go, fearing that once she did, the girl would "whoosh" disappear!


    "Auntie Lu, you don''t need to bring gifts. The fact that you''ve raised Qiao Ze so well, to me, is already the best gift in the world!" Su Mucheng, always good at cheering people up, blurted out without thinking.


    These words suddenly brought tears to Lu Xiuxiu''s eyes...


    Qiao Ze stepped forward, gently hugged Lu Xiuxiu, let go, then turned his head and nced at Yu Chenggong, who had just set down his bags, nodded slightly, and then spoke in a slightly louder voice than usual, "Yu, thank you."


    "Haha, what''s there to thank? It was all in passing," Yu Chenggongughed in response, but what he didn''t expect was Qiao Ze''s abrupt statement, "If there''s anything you need help with, give me a call."


    Honestly, the way Qiao Ze uttered those words was as nd and straightforward as in water, yet loud enough for all those around to hear clearly.


    Yu Chenggong was taken aback, then realized that the gazes of all the leaders behind Qiao Ze, who were waiting to step forward and interact with Lu Xiuxiu, had turned to him. He immediately caught on and hurriedly responded with a beaming smile, "Haha, okay, I''ll thank you in advance then, Qiao Ze."


    "Alright, alright, let''s not stand on ceremony. Auntie Lu, I am the dean of the Westwood University of Technology Mathematics Institute and also Qiao Ze''s teacher. My name is Xu Dajiang. I''ll introduce you to a few leaders here; they all specially came to wee you..."


    "Ah?"

 Chapter 120: Chapter 90: Viral Network Outbreak

    "Qu, are you asleep?"


    "Not yet, Minister Yang. Is there something you need?"


    "Good, you''re still up. Here''s the thing. The School of Mathematics has some exciting news¡ªour student has independently published a paper in the world-ss ''Duke Mathematical Journal.'' The School of Mathematics hopes to take advantage of the lingering enthusiasm from the recruitment season to promote this achievement properly.


    Since you''re still awake, I thought we could use the school''s official ount to release a short video to start building hype right away."


    "That really is great news. Did they provide any material for this?"


    "Yes, Xu mentioned that the ''Duke Mathematical Journal'' is a bimonthly, so the paper won''t be in print until next month. However, it has already been published in the online version, and he sent me a screenshot. I''ll send you the picture via WeChatter, and you can use that for the video.


    Oh, and be sure to highlight that this paper was independentlypleted by a newly admitted freshman under the guidance of our associate professor."


    "Ah? A new freshman? Are you sure we want to emphasize that? It might not be such a good idea. Shouldn''t you confirm with the School of Mathematics on this?"


    "Oh? What''s not so good about it?"


    "A prospective freshman submitting a paper to a world-ss journal... Well, it''s a little controversial. You might not be aware, but there was a simr incident at another university recently, and it became a trending topic. It put the university in a passive position."


    "Is that so? But it''s fine. Xu specifically told me that this paper can withstand scrutiny. There are definitely none of the issues you''re thinking of. They just want to highlight the abilities of our young professors. Don''t worry, there won''t be any problems."


    "Um... Are you sure?"


    "Qu, what''s this? Are you suggesting you don''t trust me? How about I have Xu personally call youter?"


    "No, no, Minister Yang, you''ve misunderstood me, that''s really not what I meant. So, you send me the materialter, and after I''ve designed the copy, I''ll send it to you via WeChat for approval. If you think it''s okay, I''ll go ahead and post it, alright?"


    "That''s fine!"


    "Alright, I''ll wait for you to send the materials."


    "By the way, Xu is an old friend of mine, and he''s asked for my help this time, so I need to show some attitude. After the video goes out, remember to have the students from the school news agency share it a lot. Also, don''t be too stingy with the budget. I will approve a special fund for promotional expenses."


    "Uh, okay, Minister Yang. Mission assured."


    "That''s all, then. Thanks for your hard work, Qu."


    "It''s no trouble at all. I''ll hang up now and we can keep in touch via WeChat."


    "Alright."


    Chapter Find:


    ...


    On the other side, Zhuo Wenyu was also busy on the phone.


    "Xinglu, it''s been a long time. What have you been up totely?"


    "Haha, Director Zhuo, what else could I be busy with? Just the same old job."


    "Right, you''re still running that public ount, aren''t you?"


    "Yeah, it''s been ongoing. What''s up? Do you have a need?"


    "Oh, that''s good. Actually, I need a favor from you. This year, our Admissions Office recruited a promising student for the School of Mathematics. He''s just a freshman but has already published an article in a world-ss top mathematical journal. I was thinking we should really promote this, so I''d like to ask for your help in writing an article to spread the word."


    "Eh? That''s good news! No problem. Do you have the information?"


    "I''ve already sent you the details via WeChat. I won''t hide it from you¡ªthis kid''s math talent was amazing even in high school. We managed to scout him out. Of course, the focus should also be on the achievement he made under the guidance of our professor."


    "Wait a sec, let me check if the information isplete... Eh, Director Zhuo, there''s no name of the kid in this material, only the professor''s name?"


    "Well, the child is too young; he''s still underage. It''s not good to make it too public.


    Just emphasize how the Admissions Office has worked hard for recruitment, how our admissions counselor, Yu Chenggong, under the guidance of the Admissions Office''s meticulous working policy, went deep into front-line high schools to thoroughly investigate quality students, and that you could also casually express the School of Mathematics professor''s education philosophy of equal teaching for all."


    "Oh! Hehe... I see! Director Zhuo, if you don''t mind me asking, do you have someone who''s not quite falling in line and you''re looking to knock them down a peg?"


    "What are you thinking about? Just focus on positive publicity, that''s all."


    "Okay, no problem. I haven''t slept yet anyhow. Once you''ve sent all the details, I''ll get the article written and publish it right away."


    "Thank you so much, Brother Xinglu."


    "You''re the one to say ''thank you''? I should be thanking Director Zhuo for providing me with the material."


    "Haha, let''s leave it at that for now. I owe you a meal."


    "Great!"


    ...


    Under the cover of night, countless wireless signals traversed through base stations, transmitting innumerable messages far and wide.


    Theplex information swiftly began to brew and ferment.


    In less than half an hour, an additional video appeared on the official school promotion ount.


    The video background was simply a screenshot of a webpage showing the title of the paper.


    However, the focus wasn''t on the pure English screenshot. What really stood out were the prominent Chinese charactersid out at the center of the image.


    "Congrattions to our school''s prospective freshman for sessfully publishing an article in the world-ss mathematical top journal with the help of the School of Mathematics and Statistics'' senior professor!"


    In Qu Wenxiang''s opinion, the person in charge of the school''s new media video ount, this statement was too crude.

 Chapter 121: Chapter 90 Viral Network Outbreak_2

    Because the previous version used sliding font and briefly introduced the main problem the paper aimed to solve, it seemed less abrupt.


    But there was no helping it, that version''s apanying text was outright rejected by Minister Yang.


    Because Minister Yang believed there was too much text and it couldn''t highlight the key points.


    So now we have this version.


    Actually, Qu Wenxiang was very resistant to the idea of releasing this video.


    After all, as the teacher in charge of new media content, though the official video ount, due to various concerns, had many restrictions in content selection and thus wasn''t very popr.


    But Qu Wenxiang had to deal with journalism students every day, and he also had good rtionships with some students who sessfully operated several of the school''s video ounts, so he naturally had a keen sense of information.


    How should I put it?


    This graphic, along with the copy, plus the boost from the official ount, truly had the potential to go viral.


    It could even explode in poprity.


    Not to mention that Minister Yang even took the initiative to say they could spend money to promote it.


    But Qu Wenxiang was sure that this kind of poprity wasn''t necessarily what the School of Mathematics wanted.


    Iing freshmen, world top journals, papers... These keywords linked together made it extremely difficult for people not to associate them with the word ''academic tyranny.''


    Qu Wenxiang even suspected whether Professor Li Jiangao from the School of Mathematics had offended Minister Yang, so he was specifically asked to release this video to put Professor Li on the spot.


    Luckily, he had been cautious and conducted all hismunications with Minister Yang via WeChat.


    And he had been careful enough to screenshot all the chat logs.


    That way, even if someone came looking to pass the buck to him, he would be able to clear himself of any me.


    You can''t me him for being too cautious; when the higher-ups fight, you can''t let the fire burn down your own little teacher''s house.


    Refusing to take the me starts with me.


    ...


    Just as Qu Wenxiang had expected.


    After he spent the twenty thousand yuan that Minister Yang mentioned on WeChat for promotional funds, and after he @ the student journalists in the group to collectively share it, the video''s poprity clearly began to surge.


    Especially in thement section.


    Really, if Minister Yang hadn''t suddenly called him out of the blue today, Qu Wenxiang wouldn''t have believed that so many people in Huaxia would be up sote at eleven or twelve at night, clutching their phones and endlessly scrolling through videos.


    However, Qu Wenxiang was not the least bit excited; instead, he only felt his heart racing with fear.


    Those constantly increasingments felt like a death knell to him.


    Especially thement with the most likes, which had been topped by countless others.


    "Yo... what do I see here? A freshman publishing in a world-ss top journal? And it''s an official ount! Haha... So now we''re really not even bothering to hide it, right?"


    "Seeing this video, I seem to hear several PhD students from the Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics silently crying."


    "Our people from Greater Huaxia are truly amazing! Elementary students can publish in national core journals, and iing freshmen can be in international top journals, you''re so great, why haven''t I seen you bring home a Nobel Prize?"


    "Am I seeing this right? This is Xilin University of Technology! Another sacred educational institution has fallen in my eyes."


    "Come on, want to be famous, right? Let me help you. @Educational Official Website @Tuanzi @Zhonghua Society @... What do you guys think?"


    But what hurt the most was ament hidden underneath that Qu Wenxiang identally stumbled upon.


    "Which student is operating this official ount? Do you want to take a look at what you''ve written?! Did you want our school to be infamous or what? Tell me, did you take money from University X to deliberately redirect the spotlight from academic misconduct?"


    Without exaggeration, upon seeing thisment, Qu Wenxiang felt like he wanted to die.


    What''s more frustrating is that manyments were either pending review or had already been deleted by the system.


    One could imagine what those people had written.


    Almost all the rationalments were overshadowed by these indignant voices and were impossible to find.


    But the scariest part was that he noticed many official media ounts had already started to share his video.


    Don''t these social media editors for official media ever get off work?


    Are they all on a twenty-four-hour online schedule?


    Even though it was gettingte, he couldn''t help but take a screenshot of thement section and send it straight to Yang Lichun.


    "Minister Yang, the reaction in thement section seems a bit off, shall we disablements for now?"


    After waiting five minutes, there was no reply.


    Just when Qu Wenxiang was about to shut down thement section, another reply arrived.


    "Are you out of your mind, Qu? Closing thements now would make us look guilty of something, wouldn''t it? Besides, the video has already been shared, they can stillment elsewhere even if we don''t allow it here. Don''t be scared, you should believe in the integrity of our School of Mathematics faculty members."


    Qu Wenxiang was stunned.


    He couldn''t be bothered to reply anymore and simply turned off his phone to go to sleep.


    He had figured it out, this was someone stirring up trouble again.


    Let them do whatever they want; after all, he was just a tool, and when the blows reallye down, surely someone of higher standing would take the heat!


    ...


    It only took one hour, just one hour.


    Qu Wenxiang''s video shot up to the top ten of the trending charts on social video tforms in no time.


    That night, whether you searched for keywords such as Xilin University of Technology, or iing freshman, Li Jiangao, top journal paper, or even School of Mathematics, it would lead directly to the rted video.


    And one thing Qu Wenxiang guessed right:


    Countless secondary creators in the short video industry really don''t sleep.


    With sensational material, even if their eyelids are fighting, they''ll down a Red Bull and battle on for two more hours.


    It can''t be helped.


    The nature of the online society dictates that this industry must be restless, as the lifespan of each trending topic usually doesn''t exceed seven days.


    The sooner one reacts, the more likely they are to catch the biggest wave of traffic first.


    What''s scarier is that these creators active online could be said to have their own powerful ways.


    Although Qu Wenxiang''s copy was extremely sinct,


    he didn''t reveal the names of the mentor and the iing freshman in the text, nor the specific journal it was published in.


    Chapter Enjoy:


    But those secondary creators, by relying on a single image, found the Duke Mathematical Journal in less than an hour. They went directly to the official website of the Duke Mathematical Journal and downloaded the entire paper.


    Some even used ChatGPT to summarize the core ideas of the paper.


    Others, by using the pinyin tagged on the paper and matching it with the faculty introductions on the official website of Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics and Statistics, identified Li Jiangao straightaway.


    Only the mysterious student who published the paper was not yet found.


    It can''t be helped, it waste at night, and most kids from the School of Mathematics were already asleep.


    The explosive poprity of the video also excited countless public ount authors.


    For no other reason than that the phrase "educational fairness" is one of the most sensitive nerves in the whole of society these days.


    And just as Xu Dajiang had predicted,


    the online sentiment was simple.


    What the hell does an iing freshman know about writing papers?


    Not to mention there were numerous knowledgeable individuals enlightening others about how many mathematics professors and PhDs in Huaxia publish papers in world-ss mathematical top journals each year.


    So, the heat Xu Dajiang hoped for was achieved in just one night.


    God knows how many people started enlightening all the viewers under the small videos and various public ount articles on how toin to the university...


    After all, Xilin University of Technology is a "double first-ss" university, which still has some presence in Greater Huaxia.


    In this seething Huaxia night,


    the academic circles in the West also began some scattered discussions.


    The Duke Mathematical Journal is nheless an old, world-ss top mathematical journal.


    Suddenly posting a major paper on the website providing electronic reading would naturally cause a stir.


    Not to mention the paper was indeed interesting.


    More coincidentally, using Group Theory to construct a self-supervised system, another paper appeared in "Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications." Plus, the corresponding author was a famous professor from the University of Cologne.


    The former was theoretical, while thetterbined theory and application.


    Many professors researching mathematics andputer science directly downloaded both papers and started reading.


    The only good thing was that neither of these papers had broken into the mainstream yet.


    Of course, that''s normal.


    The news in the academic circles is always supposed to be a little slower.

 Chapter 122: Chapter 91: The 80/20 Rule and the Fearless Xu Dajiang

    "Ah, I''m furious!" A clear cry, inappropriately jolting her roommates awake from their dreams.


    "Who is it?! Have some public decency."


    "Who else could it be! Chengzi, have you lost it? Just because the exams are over, do you have to keep us from our beauty sleep?"


    "Exactly... Chengzi, I''m so done with you. What now?! Can''t you be normal for once?"


    Su Mucheng didn''t speak; her face had already turned red with anger, and her expression was more serious than ever.


    Influenced by Qiao Ze, she would wake up on time every morning, and today was no exception.


    After getting up, as usual, she nned to send a WeChat message to Qiao Ze to meet for breakfast, only to see the barrage of notifications from various apps on her phone.


    It has to be said that big data is frightfully powerful.


    Location, information of regr interest, preferred content, it''s all recorded and submitted to the system for decision-making, then you''re fed with the content you''re most likely to find interesting.


    Today''s content indeed interested Su Mucheng, but it also infuriated her.


    What are these people thinking?


    Academic cliques? Really?


    Weren''t those papers Qiao Ze''s hard work, crafted painstakingly over several days?


    What are these insidiousments online?


    Li, such a good man, has been made out as a viin who destroys educational fairness by these people, and they even want to report him?!


    Report what?


    Report that a high school student can write a paper?!


    So, without paying attention to her dorm mates''ints, Su Mucheng immediately opened WeChat and sent Qiao Ze a message.


    "Ze, did you see those pop-up messages on your phone?"


    "?"


    "Sigh, I knew you wouldn''t have seen them, I''ming over now."


    ...


    Ten minutester, Su Mucheng slipped out of the dormitory amidst her little sisters'' scolding and curses.


    As usual, she texted Qiao Ze on the way, and when she arrived at the boys'' dormitory, Qiao Ze and Chen Yiwen happened to being down.


    Su Mucheng took out her phone and started chattering away.


    "Qiao Ze, look, for some reason,st night, the whole inte..."


    "Oh, Chen Yiwen just saw it too." Qiao Ze did not take Su Mucheng''s phone, merely acknowledging it briefly.


    "You''re not angry?" Su Mucheng widened her eyes and asked Qiao Ze.


    Qiao Ze, puzzled, said, "Why would I be angry?"


    "Because they''re saying you are giarizing someone else''s work! Doesn''t that mean they''re calling you a thief?" Su Mucheng said sullenly.


    "Oh, before everyone was saying I was crazy too, I didn''t get angry then either," Qiao Ze said calmly.


    Chen Yiwen once again pursed his lips.


    In truth, he wanted to say, if you''re not angry about this, is it possible you really are crazy?


    But he held back.


    He wasn''t afraid of Qiao Ze getting angry; it was mainly because he feared Su Mucheng might fly off the handle.


    Offending Qiao Ze was not frightening, but offending an emotionally unstable woman who clearly would be rich in the future was terrifying indeed.


    When Chen Yiwen first saw those messages, he was somewhat upset too.


    After all, he was the third author, though his name was at the end.


    But seeing Qiao Ze''s undisturbed demeanor, he also let it go.


    If the emperor isn''t in a hurry, he has no reason to be a eunuch.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about this anymore. I''m starving; let''s go eat. Tan is probably still waiting for us." Seeing the two stiff in ce, Chen Yiwen proactively broke the ice.


    ...


    The three walked to the canteen in silence, with Su Mucheng unusually quiet, just pouting her lips, her face a picture of grievance.


    Perhaps sensing Su Mucheng''s mood, Qiao Ze, uncharacteristically, started talking: "Do you guys know about the 80/20 rule of information dissemination?"


    When the top student initiated the conversation, the effect was evident.


    For example, Chen Yiwen immediately perked up his ears.


    "I only know about the Law of the Vital Few; the teacher mentioned it in ss." Although she was still upset, Su Mucheng graciously responded since Qiao Ze brought up the topic.


    "It''s a simr concept. To put it simply, a social model where eighty percent of people only grasp twenty percent of effective information is the structure most conducive to stability," Qiao Ze exined softly.


    "Huh? Why is that?" Su Mucheng, still annoyed, was sessfully distracted by Qiao Ze.


    "Because it''s easier to manage that way. If you look at it through mathematical functions, you''ll find that the more effective information society''s individuals receive, the more variable their behavior bes, and the stronger the unpredictability of risk," Qiao Ze continued.


    "Oh, I get it! It''s just like how manypanies don''t allow employees to inquire about each other''s sries, right?" Chen Yiwen chimed in from the side.


    Qiao Ze nodded and went on, "So in the past, whenworks weren''t popr and information was not well developed, the media could apply the 80/20 rule through selective information dissemination. But in the age of speedy mobile inte, this method doesn''t work anymore.


    Therefore, they do the opposite; they cannot suppress the spread of information, so they use an almost infinite mix of information to increase the cost for society''s individuals to determine the authenticity of information, indirectly achieving the 80/20 rule. And it''s the same everywhere."


    Su Mucheng, having a lightbulb moment, nodded and added, "That''s why! No wonder the news online always seems to be flipping back and forth, back and forth. Over time, I can''t even tell what''s true and what''s false anymore. Plus, often reposted tweets, Facebook posts that are obviously unreliable get believed by people online."


    "Right, so there''s no need to get upset over those messages. Such rapid dissemination surely hides certain intentions. Conveying incorrect information to achieve some purpose is unavoidable in this era. We just need to do our own work well. No matter what the underlying motives are, they will eventually reveal themselves."

 Chapter 123: Chapter 91: The 80/20 Rule and the Fearless Xu Dajiang_2

    Qiao Ze gave Su Mucheng a nce, his eyes as calm as ever, which also happened to whisk away all the grievances Su Mucheng had been harboring.


    Indeed, it was her Qiao Ze who saw things clearly.


    Whatever the issue, he could analyze it in just a few words, providing a full sense of security.


    "Fine, I won''t bother with it! But if I find out who''s messing around behind the scenes, wait until I mess with them in the future!" Su Mucheng clenched her little fist and made a fierce gesture.


    Qiao Ze had no reaction to this stance, but it was enough to make Chen Yiwen''s heart skip a beat.


    Indeed, a woman with unstable emotions should absolutely not be provoked.


    Fortunately, they had arrived at the cafeteria. The aroma of food, coupled with the rumbling of hungry stomachs, was enough to neutralize the negative emotions brought about by the rumors and gossip online.


    It also brought Su Mucheng''s spirits back up: "Qiao Ze, what would you like to eat? Let Chen Yiwen go queue up and buy it for you."


    ...


    "Bang!"


    "How is the publicity department guiding the propaganda work below? How could you take the initiative on such a controversial matter without even notifying the school? Do you want to be independent or what? Huh!"


    As soon as Xu Dajiang arrived outside the principal''s office meeting room, he heard the sound of table-banging and the suppressed angry questioning from inside.


    Clearly, someone was truly furious.


    But that was fine.


    After all, this was the effect Xu Dajiang was hoping for.


    If the sound of flipping a table had been heard at this moment, it would have been even better.


    s, the rage was still not as intense as it could be.


    Of course, Xu Dajiang was calm and collected, but Li Chengze, the president''s secretary next to him, was feeling a huge headache.


    He even hesitated over whether or not to push the door at this moment and send the dean in.


    "It''s fine, Secretary Li, you go ahead with your work, I can go in by myself," said Xu Dajiang, cheerfully discerning Li Chengze''s hesitation.


    "Ah?"


    As Secretary Li was about to utter a monosyble, Xu Dajiang didn''t hesitate to push the door and enter.


    "Eh, Principal, you were looking for me? Oh my, Principal Zheng, Minister Lu, Minister Yang, you''re all here too? What''s the asion today, so lively?"


    Xu Dajiang walked into the office cheerfully, his approach being to fearlessly face any atmosphere, no matter how serious.


    This greeting and his beaming smile instantly drew everyone''s attention.


    Principal Chen Yuanzhi''s sharp gaze was the first to fiercely stare him down.


    Vice Principal Zheng Luhua looked at Xu Dajiang with an inquisitive gaze. He probably knew some of the situation, but his information was limited after all.


    Yang Lichun, who had been silently observing the whole time, merely nced at Xu Dajiang reflexively and then immediately avoided his gaze.


    Some things, after all, couldn''t be brought to light.


    Everyone in the office was crafty and didn''t want to give anything away.


    As for Minister Lu, his expression was very indifferent. He was an old-timer, and his age was there for all to see. With hardly any hope of advancing further, he also didn''t care about the size of his boss''s temper.


    To put it bluntly, when he retired from his position, no matter who the principal was by the end of the year, he would still have to take the initiative to pay a visit and offer some New Year''s goods.


    As for the people below stirring up trouble, Lu Zhengyao was very open-minded about it.


    As long as they don''t overstep, it''s their own skill.


    But if they do overstep and hinder their own future, they have only themselves to me.


    However, judging from Xu Dajiang''s attitude at this moment, everyone could tell that this guy must have been behind it.


    ...


    "So, Xu is here, huh? Well then, tell me what''s going on here. A soon-to-be freshman has published a paper in a world-leading journal, and such big news wasn''t reported to the university first, but instead you let the Publicity Department start spreading the word? What''s the meaning of this?"


    Seeing Xu Dajiang, Chen Yuanzhi suppressed his anger and asked directly in a mechanical tone.


    "Oh, this matter? Wasn''t it just tootest night? Principal, you know we have a time difference with the United States. They only posted our excellent student Qiao Ze''s paper at eleven in the morning their time, which was already eleven at night for us! Everyone had finished work by that time. I couldn''t possibly report it in the middle of the night, could I?


    So I simply mentioned it to Yang, letting the Publicity Department of the school help us out. That''s reasonable, right?"


    Xu Dajiang spread his hands, exining.


    "Reasonable? When the school office is off, the Publicity Department isn''t? Don''t give me lip service here; tell me, what are you really up to? What''s on your mind?" Chen Yuanzhi''s voice grew louder, unable to help it; this evasiveness stoked his anger further.


    "As the dean of the School of Mathematics, what else could I be thinking besides wanting to develop the School well? Yes, the school office was closedte at night, but how could the Publicity Department rest? Do those in publicity have their own time? Shouldn''t they release good news as soon as possible? Haven''t the leaders and teachers in charge of publicity always done this over the years?


    How many times have we woken up our colleagues in the Publicity Department in the middle of the night to deal with negative publicity? Let alone this is good news. Why couldn''t I ask them to promote it at night?!


    Xu Dajiang stiffened his neck and shot Chen Yuanzhi''s words right back, while also subtly praising the cooperative partners.


    "You..."


    Just as the word left his mouth, seeing Xu Dajiang''s stiff neck and upromising eyes, Chen Yuanzhi suddenly reacted, and the anger he''d felt instantly dissipated.


    Looking at Xu Dajiang doubtfully, he asked, "So the School of Mathematics handled this cleanly, right? That paper was trulypleted by a newly recruited prospective freshman all by himself? Is that the student whom the professors from Yanbei University visited specially to assess?"


    Xu Dajiang was getting annoyed.


    That reaction came too fast; he hadn''t even had the chance to m his hand on the desk...


    Speaking of which, he never mmed on the desk in the principal''s office. He didn''t even know what that would feel like.


    He felt somewhat regretful.


    He was just too bad at acting.


    Authentic performances were evidently a mistake.


    "Yes, that''s Qiao Ze. Hepleted the paper independently, and to publish the paper, he even produced the results. Oh, there''s something else the university probably doesn''t know... His results have already caught the attention of the Youwei Group. Just yesterday, Mr. Yu of the Youwei Group came to the school, wanting to discuss a coboration with them."


    Xu Dajiang spread his hands, adopting an indifferent tone as he spoke.


    "What do you mean? What project? Did the School of Mathematics apply for any projects recently?" Chen Yuanzhi frowned.


    "No, no, you''ve got it wrong, Principal. It''s not a project from our School of Mathematics. It''s something the kid did himself. He even pulled together his own funding. When Qiao Ze came to the school with Professor Li Jiangao, they did indeed apply for project funding from me. Yes, I even discussed this matter specifically with President Zheng, right?


    President Zheng?"


    Zheng Luhua gave a helpless nod.


    He really hadn''t expected to be dragged into this mess.


    Xu Dajiang slightly twisted his mouth, thenined, "But what could I do? The School of Mathematics'' research funds are tight; most of it was already allocated for the first half of the year. I tried to apply for some transitional research funds from President Zhang in good faith, and it got denied. The formal applications we sent got blocked. But guess what?


    When he found out the school didn''t support him, he found his own backer and got the project off the ground. Now that the paper has been published and results have been achieved, our School just wanted to promote it a bit, and even that gets criticized! What? Is our School of Mathematics a stepchild?"


    "None of that weird talk now. Tell me, what project are they working on exactly?"


    "It''s a framework simr to ChatGPT-4.0. This framework uses a new algorithm designed by Qiao Ze. Youwei mentioned that the new algorithm is way more advanced than ChatGPT-4.0, but I didn''t dare to ask for details. After all, we weren''t paid, so our words hold no weight."


    "What did you say? ChatGPT? Xu Dajiang, are you sure?"


    "Mhm, seems Mr. Yu Hongwei from Youwei Group hasn''t left yet. Maybe you, Principal, would like to ask him in person?"

 Chapter 124: Chapter 92 Decisive Slaughter (Extra Chapter 2 for Alliance Leader Im from the Galaxy)

    For Qiao Ze, everything that happened on the inte had not affected him in the slightest.


    So when he arrived at the studio, he began to carry out the nned work just as usual, step by step.


    Theplexity of the human brain is such that even many proven truths can''t be epted by everyone.


    Just like today, when countless satellites surround the Earth, there are still tens of millions of people around the globe who staunchly believe in t-earth theories, convinced that the Earth being a sphere is nothing but a lie concocted by the powers-that-be to fool the masses.


    That''s why Qiao Ze never expected everyone to understand him, and probably subconsciously didn''t care to be understood by everyone.


    It''s like how a mathematician cannot describe the beauty of mathematicalnguage to someone who can''t even solve a quadratic equation with two variables.


    Qiao Ze didn''t feel the need to prove hispetence to those who could take sides just from watching a senseless video.


    Even sparing thosements one more second of his time was, to Qiao Ze, a disrespect to himself.


    Yes, the thoughts of these unrted individuals couldn''t affect Qiao Ze''s mentality at all.


    Even if the whole world thought he was a fraud or a fool, Qiao Ze would likely not have a single emotional ripple, let alone argue.


    He wouldn''t even bother responding with a "You''re right".


    This is Qiao Ze, this is how he made it through the past.


    Now, naturally, things are the same, the only difference being that he''s learned to understand some moreplex emotions, at least willing to say a few extra words for the sake of those around him feeling better.


    This is probably what growing up is.


    But obviously not everyone has such a good mindset.


    Indeed, the mixed opinions online had affected the efficiency of the other people in the studio.


    Even the usuallyposed Tan Jingrong would nce at his phone from time to time.


    Several times he seemed to want to say something, but seeing Qiao Zepletely unemotional, he held back.


    Such a thing was unimaginable in the past.


    Not to mention Su Mucheng.


    The girl, who had been gradually calming down, couldn''t sit still for two minutes before she couldn''t resist checking her phone again.


    Then her expression turned gloomy.


    This was the first time she experienced what it''s like to feel even more aggrieved by enduring, and to feel like breaking down when stepping back.


    So what if she''s just a young girl, why should she have to bear with it?


    Half an hourter, she couldn''t hold back any longer.


    Su Mucheng grabbed her phone and stood up, "Qiao Ze, I feel like having some milk tea, do you want some? I''ll bring one back for you."


    "No need," Qiao Ze responded.


    "Oh, well, I''m going then!"


    "Sure!"


    "Um, Su Mucheng, I''d like a lemon coconut tea from Sweet Curtain," Chen Yiwen said.


    "Pfft, if you want it, buy it yourself!"


    After retorting to Chen Yiwen, Su Mucheng walked out of the studio with her head held high.


    Then once she stepped out, she picked up her phone and dialed Su Lixing''s number.


    The call connected almost instantly, and before the person on the other end could speak, Su Mucheng''s voice came through, sounding infinitely wronged and even on the verge of tears, "Dad, did you see what''s posted online? We''re being bullied!"


    "Hold on... oh, Mr. Yu, excuse me, I need to take this call..."


    After five seconds, Su Lixing''s rxed voice came again, "I know, I even discussed it with Mr. Yu yesterday. The original video was posted by the school''s official ount, there''s not a big problem, and the officials should exin it soon. Mr. Yu also said he''d cooperate with the officials to clear Qiao Ze''s name.


    And you should have confidence in Qiao Ze; the paper was indeed written by him, the current uproar online won''t have any real impact."


    Upon hearing this, Su Mucheng stopped in her tracks, her eyebrows furrowed tightly, and she lost the urge to cry, indignantly saying, "Who said that? Dad, you don''t understand the inte at all! Have you seen how manyments there are on those nderous videos and articles? And how manyments are there on the videos that exin and rify after the fact?


    Those people online don''t care about the truth at all! Believe it or not, just like you said, even if things get straightened out, whenever people mention Qiao Ze or Li, there will still be those saying they are academic despots, that they are bad people!"


    "Ah?" The person on the other side was obviously at a loss for words.


    "Lu Xun said, ''You can''t wake up a person who is pretending to be asleep!''" Su Mucheng continued emphatically.


    "Sigh... Okay, alright, so what do you want to do? Things havee to this. Should I spend some money to lower the heat for you guys?" The tone from the other side clearly showed some exasperation.


    "I don''t want it! Why should money be spent like that? I don''t care, anyone who dares to nder Qiao Ze, I want them to pay a price! I have already thought it over, you help me hire the bestwyer, let them help us collect evidence online, and we''ll find those who nder Qiao Ze and put them away. If we can sessfully put one away, I''ll give a million, two for two million, and so on!"


    "This... isn''t it, Chengzi... are you out of your mind? Is this what Qiao Ze wants?"


    "No, Qiao Ze couldn''t care less about those people, this is my idea. Qiao Ze is my boyfriend, I don''t even want to say a harsh word to him, why should he be insulted online?" Su Mucheng dered confidently.


    "Cheng, you can''t be so fantasy-prone, okay? This isn''t how you handle things! Isn''t this just fueling the fire? Besides, many people are just unaware of the truth right now. Trust your dad, the best way to deal with this kind of thing is to let it cool down."

 Chapter 126: Chapter 93 Do you know? I cant wait to watch the fireworks.

    In the southern United States, North Carolina, Durham, in an apartment next to Duke University.


    It was already ten o''clock at night, and Laurent Lane took advantage of the moment his wife went to put the children to sleep to turn on hisputer in the study.


    In the eyes of many people from Huaxia, Americans keep their work and personal life very separate, so they definitely don''t work overtime and would never take work home.


    But that is somewhat of a stereotype.


    In fact, as long as you are in a country or area where the gap between rich and poor is widening, there will be people who work overtime. It''s just a question of how much and whether it''s mandatory.


    For instance, Laurent Lane, after spending time with his family in the evening, wouldn''t mind heading to the study to deal with some work if he still couldn''t sleep.


    To many people, being an academic journal editor seems like a respectable job, but maintaining that respectability can be challenging.


    Laurent Lane''s annual sry fluctuates around 80,000 US dors.


    But after paying all kinds of detestable taxes and insurance, it''s probably just over 70,000 dors left.


    The year beforest his wife gave birth to a daughter for him, making him a sessful man with both a son and a daughter.


    However, the corresponding price was that his wife quit her administrative job at the school to take care of the two children, meaning that the family would be down about 40,000 dors in ie every year for at least the next six to seven years, until their daughter started school.


    His sry was just barely enough for a family of four. To live better, he would need to perform better.


    So sacrificing thirty minutes to an hour each day to handle some piled-up work seemed like a good choice.


    At least during this time, he could maintain smoothermunication with some colleagues in Europe.


    Although Europeans work fewer hours, there are always some professors engaged in academic research who, out of passion for academics, remain diligent.


    This was also one of the reasons why Laurent Lane was highly valued by Joe Berner, the chief editor.


    After all, of the seven editors in the editing room, probably only Laurent was so diligent.


    ...


    As usual, Laurent first opened the submission system and reviewed a few piled-up manuscripts.


    Then he sent messages to a few reviewers who had not responded for a long time, urging them toplete their reviews, before finally opening themunal inbox of the editorial office.


    Soon, Laurent found something interesting.


    Several letters with clearly agitated wording had been added to the backend, and the titles were quite interesting as well. They wereints to the editorial office that the most recently published article on the official website might involve academic infringement.


    The reasons given were indeed surprising to Laurent.


    The self-disclosed primary author of the article, a student named QiaoZe, was still just a high-school student about to enter university, and had not received a single day of higher education.


    The attachment provided many images as evidence, and theinant had considerately tranted all the Chinese text in those images into English.


    They hoped that the Duke mathematical journal could temporarily take down the paper and, after confirming that there were no academic infringements, restore it.


    Well, these doubts were certainly reasonable.


    It was indeed hard to imagine that a high school student could independentlyplete a paper of this caliber under the guidance of a professor.


    But obviously, as an editor of the journal, Laurent couldn''t possibly take down the paper directly without more substantiating evidence.


    However, he did find the situation very interesting.


    After hesitating for a moment, Laurent opened WhatsApp and sent a message to Joe Berner, the chief editor, "Joe, are you asleep?"


    He soon received a reply: "Yes, still awake, what''s up?"


    "Is it convenient for you to talk on the phone now?"


    "Of course."


    After receiving thest message, Laurent directly made the call.


    "Joe, we suddenly received severalints in the mailroom, all suggesting that the newly published paper might involve academic infringement. The reason given is that the first author of the paper, the one called Qiao Ze (transliteration, not a typo), is just a student who has recently graduated from high school and has not had formal higher education."


    "Oh? That''s really interesting, you know? Laurent, just twenty minutes ago, Sumant was on the phone with me, also mentioning an interesting matter."


    "What was it, Joe?"


    "This morning, ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' published a paper on its official website titled ''A Mathematical Architecture for Self-supervised 3D Point Cloud Prediction''. Guess who the first author is?"


    "Hmm... wasn''t Ackerman from the University of Cologne always working on this topic?"


    "Haha, yes, but the first author of this paper is his student, Kori Durant. Do you remember this young guy?"


    "Of course... Kori... He must be the youngest PhD to give a personal report at Princeton, and although they only gave him half an hour that day, I must say, he performed excellently. He''s a young man who left a deep impression."


    With those words, Laurent Lane''s mind went back to that afternoon two years ago, in a Neossical building made of red bricks, where Ackerman Konietz, buoyant for just having won the Gauss prize, introduced his student to all of them in a conference room in that building.


    A handsome young boy with golden-yellow hair, just neen years old.


    That face, filled with both youthfulness and rawness, even made Laurent Lane feel a twinge of jealousy.


    What was most important was that the mere neen-year-old was already able to discuss topics confidently in front of a group of editors and mathematicians.

 Chapter 127: Chapter 93: Did You Know? I Cant Wait to See the Fireworks_2

    The impression was so profound that Laurent Lane even remembered the topic the kid spoke on that day: a problem concerning maximal generating subsets of a certain Abel Group.


    As the final Q&A session was about to conclude, when the staff pulled open the windows of the conference room, allowing a stream of sunset light to shine directly on that face, Laurent Lane thought to himself that it was fortunate his daughter had just been born; otherwise, she would have certainly beenpletely enchanted by the confident and handsome young man on stage.


    "Yes, he is indeed a universally recognized prodigy, and so handsome, too, more like a movie star than a mathematician! But do you want to know what Sumant just shared with me?" Joe Berner''s voice was filled with mockery and the tone of gossip, as well as a feeling of eagerness to share...


    "Of course, I''m dying to know," Laurent Lane immediately inquired.


    Not just to suck up to the editor-in-chief but also because his curiosity was genuinely piqued.


    After all, as the editor-in-chief of a mathematics journal, one''s threshold for gossip tends to be quite high, so the content of their discussion must have been interesting.


    "Simply put, Sumant suspects that Kori Durant''s paper giarized from the one you just mentioned. Of course, not the entire paper, just a tiny portion of it, but as you know, Sumant happened to be the reviewer of this paper, reviewing it twice, which naturally made him more familiar with it... He even provided some evidence.


    When youbine this with the paper being rejected by ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' and Ackerman being very likely one of its reviewers... What do you think? Interesting, right?"


    Laurent Lane subconsciously nodded his head.


    However, he quickly realized they were on a call, the other party couldn''t see his gestures or expressions, so he added, "Of course, that''s very interesting. It''s as if both papers are being suspected of academic misconduct, one of academic appropriation and the other of giarism. But I''m sure, even Sumant can''t produce any solid evidence, right?"


    "Haha, yes! After all, it''s just a small proof of a lemma. Even if this proof is very clever, and the thought processes in both papers are so simr, what can be said about it? It''s a pity, they''re all old hands. If Sumant could provide more concrete evidence, the mathematicsmunity would have quite a spectacle!


    Trust me, if Sumant starts a fight, to defend his student, the Germans are sure to explode! It could even turn into a century showdown between Berkeley and Koen, which would be really exciting and interesting!"


    Laurent Lane didn''t know how to respond to that.


    Well, how should I put it?


    As the senior editor of a prestigious journal, Joe Berner''s status in academia is not something this junior editor couldpare with.


    So while the editor-in-chief might express eager anticipation for a showstopping confrontation between top universities and top mathematicians, it would be best for him to stay humble.


    Moreover, the young man named Kori Durant had made quite a good impression on him, and he truly hoped that Sumant''s analysis was incorrect.


    Although over the years in his editorial role, he had seen many academic matters that couldn''t stand the light of day, he still believed that the young, bright kid should not be involved in such dirty affairs.


    Not to mention that progress in foundational mathematics had been growing increasingly slow over the years, and hopey with the younger generation of mathematicians.


    Therefore, Laurent Lane subconsciously decided to steer the conversation back on track.


    "So, Joe, what do you think we should do with theseints and challenges? Should we send an email to the corresponding author to express our concern?"


    "Oh, of course, why not? You know what? That''s so interesting. One is a high school student, maybe not even twenty years old, and the other is also very young, if I''m not mistaken, also only 21 this year, and they are working in nearly the same field. Know what I regret?


    If Kori''s paper were published in our journal as well, then I would have been able to send emails to both, asking each of them to provide evidence that their paper was free of academic misconduct. It would be so intriguing! The lifeless academic world needs such stories to add a bit of vitality. I mean it, I want to see fireworks, how about you?"


    "You''re right, Joe... you''ve even got me looking forward to it. But I guess I should start by sending an email to the Huaxia people, sigh... I need to think carefully about how to word it, just in case that author under twenty is also a genius... Joe, as you said, we''re not even afraid of offending those old-timers, but we definitely can''t afford to offend the rising stars..."


    "Haha, yes! Go on then, stay busy! Keep the mindset, always looking forward to something fresh happening every day; it''s the secret to staying young. You know what? Laurent, your biggest problem is that you are too staid! You should try to be more like me."


    "Of course, I will!"


    Finally hanging up the phone, Laurent Lane let out a sigh.


    Well, how should I put it, Joe is actually a pretty nice person, at least he''s been good to me, but his taste for mischief is a bit too strong.


    And he seemed to always be anticipating the sight of those seemingly beautiful things being destroyed...


    Well, one can''tin about their immediate superior.


    Putting the jumbled thoughts out of his mind, Laurent began to weigh his words carefully as heposed this letter of inquiry.


    It must be said that Laurent belonged to that group of gentle old souls who, even in making inquiries, did not wish toe across as aggressive.


    He had always believed that milder wording would elicit a more willing exnation from the other party.


    Soon, the email was finished. The gist of it was a hope that the author could provide some evidence to guarantee that the paper was indeed written by themselves and did not involve academic encroachment.


    Of course, Laurent also knew that asking the author to provide evidence that the paper was written by themselves was a rather absurd request. So, he offered some practical advice, suggesting that sending a fax of a document simr to a deration, with agreed terms about the consequences of article encroachment, would be eptable to the editorial office.


    It wasn''t anything serious, just a procedure everyone had to follow.


    Afterpleting these tasks, Laurent stretchednguidly.


    Time to sleep.


    ...


    Huaxia, Xilin University.


    Having not met before was one thing, but now that a meeting had urred, it was naturally impossible to continue pretending to be deaf and mute as the host.


    The university had arranged a grand reception ceremony at noon.


    After all, Yu Hongwei did have the clout for it.


    Initially, Chen Yuanzhi and Yu Hongwei had wanted to invite Qiao Ze to join them for the meal, and fortunately, several teachers familiar with Qiao were present. After Li Jiangao made a call and confirmed that Qiao Ze was not interested in attending, he directly declined the invitation on Qiao''s behalf.


    It was unnecessary, truly unnecessary.


    Insisting on Qiao Ze attending the meal would only make everyone ufortable.


    That guy always had a way to, without a word, transmit his feelings of unhappiness to everyone around him, making the atmosphere less pleasant for all.


    In fact, it turned out that without Qiao Ze, everyone at the meal had a much more enjoyable conversation.


    But just a few steps after the reluctant goodbyes, Chen Yuanzhi''s face turned cold, as chilly as a block of ice.


    "Xu Dajiang, Yang Lichun, whatever devious schemes you two are concocting, resolve this matter at once and bring out whatever backup ns you have. Especially you, Xu Dajiang. You truly made me see you in a new light! You heard what Su Lixing said just now, didn''t you? They clearly don''t want their daughter to be too exposed! Furthermore, have you considered what Li Jiangao thinks about this?


    What Qiao Ze thinks?"


    "President, the solution is actually quite clear. With questions raised, we simply dispel the doubts. On behalf of the School of Mathematics, I ept any investigation from the school and higher authorities. Let''s start with me; if there are any issues, we''ll deal with them ordingly. As for Jian Gao and Qiao Ze, I will go and apologize.


    But one thing¡ªI suppose our School of Mathematics now has a leading figure, doesn''t it? If we continue to follow the old development model of a marginal department, wouldn''t that be exceedingly unfair?"


    "Cough cough, Xu, let''s keep it brief for now... President, our publicity department will take action immediately and do our utmost to minimize the impact!"

 Chapter 128: Chapter 94 They would never have thought it could be proven this way

    When the school administration nned to seriously respond to the issue, their reaction was extremely swift.


    That very day, the school''s video channel was updated with a new video pinned to the top¡ªremarkably simple, featuring a letter of request for the school and higher authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the School of Mathematics for any academic misconduct in recent years.


    But thements section was intense.


    Itpiled all the academic achievements of the Xilin University of Technology Mathematics Institute from the past three years, inviting experts from all walks of life to help find evidence of academic dishonesty.


    You must admit, it required tremendous courage.


    This almost resolute stance made many people start to have their doubts.


    What the hell is this approach?


    Of course, the prepared responses were not limited to just that.


    Over ten short video ounts rted to Xilin University of Technology became active that afternoon.


    They updated with a bunch of videos in an instant.


    Videos of the school''s various beautiful sights, the library''s quiet study rooms, the sunshine-soaked youths on the yground,b technicians working earnestly and meticulously, teachers lecturing attentively in ss, teachers encircled by a group of students after ss, patiently rifying doubts; scenes of various club activities; as well as the tidy and clean canteen, all kinds of delicious food, and the beautiful and elegant senior girls with handsome and sunny senior boys...


    In short, the publicity departments did a good job grasping the heat of the moment. Now, if you just searched for Xilin University of Technology, and flipped through the small videos below, you would get a deep impression of this prestigious double first-ss university.


    Putting aside any issues of academic conduct, these videos at least showed that the academic atmosphere and the students'' spirit at this school were without a doubt, impable.


    Beyond these, students majoring in new media at the school also released several interview videos focusing on the students from the elite mathematics ss.


    Probably the most popr was the interview with Qiao Ze''s roommates.


    After all, Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang, one plump and one slim, stood in front of the camera, creating a quite amusing and eye-catching image.


    "...Speaking of Qiao Ze, we had quite augh over thements online. Things like ''high school student fabricating results,'' why don''t these people think about it? A high school student, would the school not consider this? If he really falsified things, would we dare to release promotional videos like that? They really think we''re all idiots, right?"


    After Zhang Zhou finished this sentence, he looked at Gu Zhengliang and they exchanged a smile, almost as if relieved from a burden.


    "So, what is your impression of Qiao Ze?" the background voice directly asked the key question.


    Zhang Zhou took the lead and said, "Ah... speaking of Qiao Ze, he showed us his mettle from the very first day."


    Gu Zhengliang immediately took over, "Yeah, yeah, that day Zhang Zhou invited him to dinner, but guess what Qiao Ze was doing? He was actually sitting at his desk, reading pure English mathematics articles. Oh right, Zhang Zhou, what did he say when you asked him to eat?"


    "Cough cough..." Zhang Zhou cleared his throat and then began to imitate Qiao Ze''s tone, "Before I came here, I heard that geometry was a strong subject at the Institute, so I wanted to see what level the professors were at. But from what I can tell, it''s pretty average, nothing innovative."


    "Right, right, not his exact words, but you get the gist. You have no idea how blown away we were when we heard Qiao Ze say that! Just like theizens, we thought this guy was full of it! But guess what happened? Just because Zhang Zhou and I thought Qiao Ze was exaggerating, he actually wrote a letter to Professor Zhao Guangyao of our Institute, critiquing his paper thoroughly.


    That very night, Professor Zhao replied, acknowledging his points humbly and even asking which geometry master Qiao Ze was the disciple of! Ha ha..."


    ...


    And so, the two went back and forth, recounting one memorable event after another that Qiao Ze had done since arriving at the dorm.


    "...I''m telling you, we also have a Chen Yiwen in our dorm, he just got lucky and was pulled into a project by Qiao Ze, even ended up as third author! Actually, we could have done it too! They should be in the research group right now."


    "And there''s our ss rep, a very pretty girl, who fell for Qiao Ze at first sight, you have no idea..."


    "Gu, we really shouldn''t gossip about this..."


    "Oh, please cut this out, cut it out..."


    Honestly, when they got excited in the interview, not only did they start gesturing wildly, but they even exuded an inexplicable sense of superiority, the kind that''s hard for viewers to understand... These two kids must be a bit off their rocker, otherwise why would they get so worked up when praising someone else?


    Of course, the interviews were not just about Qiao Ze''s two roommates.


    Compared to Zhang Zhou and Gu Zhengliang, other people were much more normal.


    "Ah... can we not talk about Qiao Ze? I''m almost traumatized. I''ve never even been to college, and just because he showed up, the difficulty level of our basic mathematics ss exams, I suspect, was on par with college student mathpetitions.


    You might not believe it, but Qiao Ze could finish the test in less than half an hour, while the rest of us, even with open book exams, saw many students break down and cry! Like, actually crying... especially during the Mathematics Analysis 2 exam, there was a whole wave of tears in the exam room, right?"


    "...Don''t believe it? Ah, we happened to copy down the exam questions. Take a photo for everyone to see. Are these questions you''d normally expect on a final exam? I think the professors at the school are overthinking. They want to stump Qiao Ze, but they don''t push hard enough, and instead, they''re annihting the rest of us!


    Seriously, if the Institute hadn''t said that starting next year Qiao Ze wouldn''t be taking exams with us, I''d have to change my major, or I''d rather drop out. It''s just too demoralizing. It''s the first time in my life I''ve felt I might not be cut out for math."

 Chapter 129: Chapter 94 They would never have thought it could be proven this way_2

    The camera switched to the handwritten test questions; although it was only because of time constraints and the shot was brief, if you''re interested in subjecting yourself to the pain, you can press the pause button to see the original appearance of the test questions.


    ...


    Of course, when ites to interviewing these students at the school, there is still a lot of skepticism about how credible it is.


    After all, for the institute, it''s too easy to put pressure on students.


    Even though these students appear natural in front of the camera, both in expression and speech, with no obvious signs of acting, who''s to say they aren''t just good actors?


    However, at this moment, a Weibo post from Yu Hongwei once again blew up the inte.


    "I''m very happy to have reached a preliminary cooperation intent with the project team led by Qiao Ze, a student from Westwood University of Technology Mathematics Institute. I won''t say much more, this powerful coboration can only lead to one result, and that is we''re once again far ahead!"


    "And I can tell everyone with certainty, with the assistance of Qiao Ze''s achievements, this time our lead won''t be just over our peers. Cherish it, this might be thest time I mention Apple because once we have incorporated this technology, I think even Apple will no longer be able topete with us.


    "So next time, I may not deign to say ''far ahead.'' Instead, I might say, ''how lonely it is to be invincible!''"


    Yu Hongwei is known for being outspoken.


    Even many people think that his bragging is baseless.


    But one has to admit, over the past decade, every boastful im this man has made hase true.


    So today''s Weibo post truly left countless followers dumbfounded.


    The school might be able to pressure students into saying insincere things, but the idea that Xilin University of Technology officials could pressure Yu Hongwei to make such boastfulments is something that normal people find hard to believe.


    Not to mention that Yu, who rarely appears in thement section, actually responded to a fan''sment.


    "Yu, are you kidnapped by the school? If yes, just send a code, and we''ll call the police to rescue you!"


    "Haha, don''t worry, I''m fine! I wish I could be kidnapped so at least someone would talk to me, but they just ignore me outright!"


    Apanying this was a selfie, in which Yu''s face is shown with two rows ofputers behind him and five people sitting there. Unfortunately, you can''t make out the faces of the people behind Yu, either obscured by monitors or only the back of their heads visible.


    Only a very young girl was partly visible, leaning over half of her body, stretching her head in front of another monitor and caught in a snapshot showing half of her fair and delicate profile.


    But that''s about it.


    The information revealed is indeed scant.


    But actually, this was enough.


    Imperceptibly, the online public opinion environment began to shift...


    "Fuck... So you''re saying, there''s really a high school student whose level has reached that of publishing in top journals?"


    "The professor must have contributed a lot, right?"


    "Latest news, someone has dug up that Qiao Ze, who is just an ordinary student from Xingcheng Tie Gao High School,es from a rather poor family, with a mother working as a supermarket cashier, definitely not like the rumors that he''s the child of XXX academician."


    "I knew it, if he was really an academician''s child, shouldn''t he be at Huaqing Yanbei? How could he possibly go to Xilin University of Technology."


    "But if he''s really that strong, shouldn''t he have been selected by Huaqing, Yanbei? Why go to Xilin University of Technology?"


    "A former ssmate of Qiao Ze''s speaks up. Let me tell you, this guy was famous in our school, just ask anyone in Tie Gao High School about this name, and all you''ll get is ''crazy!'' If you haven''t met him, you wouldn''t know how weird he is! There was news at the end of May that he was admitted to University of Technology ahead of schedule, and it became the biggest news in the school at that time.


    Nobody realized he was a genius then! He just seemed to speak nonsense all the time and would often skip ss!"


    "Fuck! Is this really happening? Any other Tie Gao students here to verify this?"


    "I''m from Tie Gao, here''s my student ID, I was in ss next to Qiao Ze''s. I confirm what the original poster said is true. To add, when Qiao Ze was in senior year two, he was often punished by the math teacher to stand outside the ss! I''ve seen it several times when I went to the bathroom after ss! If you don''t believe me, wee to verify at Tie Gao!"


    For a time, Qiao Ze''s name reced Xilin University of Technology and began to climb the hot search rankings on the inte.


    ...


    The biggest characteristic of the inte age is probably connectivity.


    Even events urring thousands of miles away cannot avoid impacting the simple life of an ordinary mother.


    In the afternoon, while taking advantage of the few customers to tidy up the shelves, Lu Xiuxiu suddenly heard the cashier''s surprised greeting, "Lu, Lu, your son has be famous, he''s on the hot search!"


    "Ah?" Lu Xiuxiu, holding a drink, subconsciously shuddered, almost dropping it to the floor, and turned around urgently, asking in haste, "What does it mean to be on the hot search? Qiao Ze didn''t cause trouble, did he?"


    "Lu, don''t worry, it''s good news! It says on the inte that your son Qiao Ze wrote a very impressive article and sent it abroad. Not only that, but he also made something, and even Youwei Group wants to buy it! Lu, you''re going to be rich, just enjoy a life of ease at home."


    "Ah? Really?" Lu Xiuxiu quickly arranged the drinks and walked briskly to the cashier, saying, "Let me see, what are they saying on the inte?"


    "Here..."


    No sooner had the young girl handed over her phone to Lu Xiuxiu than Lu Xiuxiu''s own phone started to ring.


    One hand holding the young girl''s phone, she nced over the inte content, and with her other hand, she pulled out her own phone from her pocket, and upon seeing that the call was from Professor Li, she hurriedly returned the other phone and then answered Li Jiangao''s call.


    "Hello, Professor Li, nice to hear from you."


    "Ms. Lu, hello, hello. The thing is, because Qiao Ze has recently achieved some aplishments, he was exposed on the inte, so I thought I''d give you a heads-up. Qiao Ze is doing quite well, just that he''s busier with his studies, so he hasn''t been in touch with you that much."


    "It''s okay, it''s okay, as long as the child is studying well."


    "No, no, no, actually Qiao Ze has been missing you. We''ve talked about it before, and he wants you toe over here sooner. So I just had a call with Teacher Yu and he''s almost done with his work in Xingcheng as well. I made arrangements with him, and he''s probably going to pick you up the day after tomorrow, thene to the university here together, is that okay with you?"


    "Ah? That soon? Well, I''ll speak to Boss Xiao today, it should be fine."


    "Great, great, great, and one more thing, you don''t need to bring anything, the university will take care of all your daily needs. Just bring a few clothes to change into. And there''s something else I should mention in advance, don''t get too excited."


    "Oh, tell me, I can handle it."


    "Good news, the project that Qiao Ze has been working on caught the interest of arge corporation. The value of this project is hard to estimate at the moment, as it hasn''t been tested in the market.


    But let''s just say, even in the least optimistic scenario, the profits Qiao Ze could get from this project would allow him¡ªand you, even your entire family¡ªto live a very prosperous life, so you really don''t need to worry about the past anymore."


    "Ah?! This..."


    "Alright, I have some things to deal with over here, Ms. Lu, we''ll talk more in detail once you''re here."


    "Okay, thank you then, Professor Li, go ahead with your work!"


    After hanging up the phone, Lu Xiuxiu was somewhat dazed.


    It hasn''t been that long, what on earth has the child done?


    ...


    On the other side, Li Jiangao turned his head and caught Qiao Ze looking at him, couldn''t help but smile, and said, "By the way, you read the letter from the ''Duke Mathematical Journal'' too, right? How about I reply to it?"


    Qiao Ze nodded.


    He could feel that Uncle Li was bing more confident by the day, which was great.


    "Yeah, and by the way, how about I send them the watermark you showed mest time to the editor of ''Duke Mathematical Journal''? He would never have thought it could be proved this way," Li Jiangao said with augh.


    "That works," Qiao Ze replied simply.

 Chapter 130: Chapter 95: How Does It Feel to Hold a Great Thunder? (Extra for 2000 monthly votes)

    "To the Editor-in-Chief and the Editors of ''Duke Mathematical Journal'': Greetings. Your letter has been received, and I can understand the concern your publication has regarding the potential academic risk of the paper. However, I must rify that when we look at the new generation with an unchanging perspective, we often make the mistake of experiential dogmatism."


    "I do not wish to overemphasize Qiao Ze''s talent anymore. In fact, he has invalidated my experience countless times. The reason my name is listed as the corresponding author on this paper is simply because he is still a novice in the mathematicalmunity and unlikely to be taken seriously."


    "Whatforts me is that you have seen his value and potential. I believe that his next paper will no longer need my support. He will be able to submit directly using his own contact email, and I am certain that at least here at ''Duke Mathematical Journal,'' he will be given the attention he deserves, right?"


    "Let''s get down to business. Indeed, there are many ways I could prove that the original author of this paper is Qiao Ze. Of course, I could also, as usual, undertake the consequences of any academic misconduct through other methods.


    But this time, I want to show you a rather unconventional method of proof, which I believe to be Qiao Ze''s original creation¡ªat least I have not seen anyone use it before."


    "The method is simple. In the proof process of important theorems and lemmas, the author Qiao Ze introduced some special systems of equations, which, when certain variables are chosen from a special range, yield a string of special values. Extracting these values and converting them to ASCII will provide the proof you require. I will include an excerpt in the attachment as evidence.


    The same method can be found in many ces throughout the paper."


    "All of the above is my response to your letter. Thank you again for writing. Li Jiangao, Xilin University of Technology Mathematics Institute."


    ...


    After editing the email and clicking send, Li Jiangao sat back and stretchednguidly.


    That felt good...


    He decided not to involve himself too much in the conversation between Su Lixing and Yu Hongwei.


    The main reason was that he had little interest in what the two were discussing.


    All he needed to do was ensure that Qiao Ze received the profits he was due.


    Even that did not require too much worry from him.


    Su Mucheng was even more concerned than both him and Qiao Ze that Qiao might be taken advantage of.


    Li Jiangao even felt a twinge of sympathy for Su Lixing.


    Raising such a daughter...


    Was quite good too.


    As this thought crossed his mind, the corners of Li Jiangao''s lips lifted slightly, revealing a smile akin to that of a doting aunt.


    But before the smile couldst a second, it was interrupted by noise from the living room.


    "Jian Gao, we''re here."


    "Xu?" Li Jian Gao quickly stood up, nced at Qiao Ze who was still working, and decided not to disturb the kid, instead he went out to meet the visitors.


    It wasn''t just Xu who hade, but also Yang Lichun of the university''s Publicity Department.


    Li Jian Gao had met him before, but they weren''t very familiar.


    "Dean Xu, are you here for an inspection?"


    "Haha, Jian Gao, you make it sound so formal. Actually, Old Yang and I came specifically to apologize to you and Qiao Ze. Ah, it''s just that after receiving your messagest night, we were so excited that we almost made a blunder. Ah, at my age, still not meticulous enough in my work, I must reflect on that."


    Xu Dajiang spoke with sincere regret, and his expression showed deep remorse, but to Li Jian Gao, it seemed a tad overdone, making him feel slightly awkward.


    He was just a humble mathematics professor, after all¡ªhow could he deserve such attention?


    "No, Dean Xu, this is too much... Well, let me call Qiao Ze out."


    Li Jian Gao could tell that Xu had an ulterior motive and promptly turned to call out, "Qiao Ze, stop what you''re doing ande here, please."


    Shortly after, Qiao Ze walked out.


    Xu Dajiang put on an apologetic smile again and said, "Qiao Ze... "


    "There''s no need to apologize, I heard everything from inside," Qiao Ze interrupted Xu Dajiang, shaking his head, then he tilted his head slightly and asked, "Did you achieve your goal?"


    "Ah?" Xu Dajiang was taken aback. Facing Qiao Ze''s bright gaze, he immediately became somewhat unnatural.


    That was... too direct, wasn''t it?


    He wasn''t at all prepared for this kind of confrontation.


    As for Yang Lichun standing behind him, he had already turned to look towards the balcony. It was, in fact, his first time seeing Qiao Ze in person and he just felt that the kid was unexpectedly blunt.


    But after knowing about how Qiao Ze came to the school, Yang Lichun felt that this reaction was probably normal.


    Being direct might be better after all; trying to y mind games with someone of this intelligence might result in both men failing to outsmart the other.


    "Haha, we didn''t have any ill intentions. Our main hope is to manage the School of Mathematics better. Qiao Ze, you don''t know how difficult it is to develop a faculty these days..."


    "So it''s almost achieved. Let''s have an equivalent exchange, then," Qiao Ze interrupted seriously, raising a finger to make his point.


    "Huh?"


    "Next month, when the application channel for the Jieqing award opens, the institute is going to strongly support Uncle Li," rified Qiao Ze.


    Xu Dajiang froze for a moment and then looked towards Li Jian Gao.


    Li Jian Gao was also staring nkly at Qiao Ze.


    In that moment, Qiao Ze''s image ovepped with that of his already retired mentor.


    There was no helping it; the scene was reminiscent of a mentor fighting to secure resources for his students.


    "No problem!" Xu Dajiang, having regained hisposure, nodded vigorously.


    He had been contemting how to tie both Li Jian Gao and Qiao Ze to the Xilin Mathematics Institute. Qiao Ze''s request wasn''t far off from his own aims.

 Chapter 131: Chapter 95: How Does It Feel to Hold a Great Thunder? (Extra for 2000 monthly votes)_2

    "I want to do my Ph.D. and then graduate as soon as possible," Qiao Ze held up his second finger.


    "This... Qiao Ze, how about staying in the undergraduate program for a year? After all, you''ve juste from high school... Ah, let''s not talk about this anymore. Think about it, Professor Li isn''t a Ph.D. advisor yet.


    You can certainly go directly to a Ph.D. now, but then Li can''t be your supervisor. Imagine by early next year, when your Uncle Li gets his Ph.D. advisor qualification, and you start your Ph.D. then, being Uncle Li''s first disciple would be a delightful story for the future!"


    Qiao Ze thought for a moment, then nced at the stunned Li Jiangao and nodded.


    The suggestion was indeed a good one.


    Xu Dajiang then raised his hand to wipe off sweat.


    In fact, he still hadn''t understood how a simple apology to Qiao Ze had turned into a business discussion...


    "My mom always wanted to live in a big house, but she also wants to stay close to take care of me. Help her find a big house near the school, I''ll pay for it," Qiao Ze held up his third finger.


    "No problem! Leave it to me! I guarantee to find a house that is at least 200 square metersrger than those in the Xiyuan Community and even closer to the school. And you don''t need to spend money, as long as you still have needs, you can always live there. Just don''t put it on the market,"


    Xu Dajiang said, patting his chest.


    "My mom said Teacher Yu has been taking good care of her in Xingcheng, can you help Teacher Yu get a promotion?"


    "Ah..." Xu Dajiang blinked, and cold sweat began to break out on his forehead.


    Now he just hoped there were no cameras in the research group...


    How should he respond to such a forthright request?


    "That... Yu Chenggong is a teacher in the admissions office, and he''s in a different system from us. He needs to make an effort to advance within his own system, but..."


    "Oh, I see! So it''s about making suggestions to his superiors?"


    "Uh, that''s more or less what I meant."


    "Okay," Qiao Ze replied, then looked at Xu Dajiang and Yang Lichun and said, "We''re done here, I''m leaving."


    After speaking, without giving the two a chance to say anything more, he turned around and walked towards the inner office.


    Xu Dajiang unconsciously looked at Li Jiangao.


    Li Jiangao spread his hands and said, "That''s Qiao Ze for you, he calls this efficientmunication."


    "Well... Forget it, Jian Gao, how about we have dinner together tonight?"


    "Should we invite Qiao Ze?"


    "Let''s not, let the kids be busy with their own things."


    "Okay."


    ...


    In the United States, at Duke University, "Duke Mathematical Journal" editorial office.


    "Oh, My God!" An exmation early in the morning drew the attention of all the editors in the office, even Joe Berner, who was in the editor-in-chief''s office, stood in front of the ss window of his office and looked out at the workstations.


    However, he was obviously a bitte because the astonished Laurent Lane had already rushed into his office under the watchful eyes of the editors.


    "Joe, you definitely won''t believe what I just saw. This is absolutely the most miraculous operation of the year because you can''t even imagine there is such a method of paper authentication!"


    "Oh? Alright, Laurent, calm down. You''re not a new editor anymore; I thought you could be moreposed. But now you''ve piqued my curiosity. The good news is, if this is really worth your amazement, I might consider applying to the board for a bonus for you. The bad news is, if I find it boring, I''ll retract that offer."


    "That''s great, Joe; I''m sure I''ll get that bonus. Joe, let me use yourptop, I need to pull up the email and attachments for you, believe me, you''ll be wondering how someone could even think of this?"


    Joe Berner pushed hisputer forward, Laurent Lane immediately started working on it, then pushed it back. Five minutester, Joe Berner looked up at Laurent, astonished.


    "And nobody noticed?"


    "Yeah! I was also puzzled just now, but the equation is indeed an indispensable part of the proof. So that excessively young guy recorded the watermark in the paper with his super high mathematical skills. No, it should be more than just one because the letter says there are many such watermarks. So, Joe, do you think this is a miraculous operation?"


    "Well, I have to admit it is indeed a very interesting thing. Do you know what I want to do now? I n to give Sumant a call. In his words, he reviewed this paper twice in one month; I can ask him if he noticed such a fascinating watermark. You can guess what the expression will be like on the face of this proud professor when he discovers this little trick, maybe I should video call him."


    "Then I should get going. If his expression is strange, I hope you can tell me."


    "Haha, of course, Laurent. Really, the Huaxians have surprised me twice in a row. By the way, add that Ze to the list of key authors, I have a feeling, he might really be a very... how should I put it, a very unconventional mathematical genius."


    "Got it, Joe."


    ...


    As Laurent Lane turned and left, Joe Berner immediately opened his MSN with great enthusiasm and sent a video call.


    To Joe''s delight, after a few rings, the call was answered.


    "Joe, what''s up?"


    "Professor Jer, that little author of the paper you admired just gave me some more surprises. I''m nning to send it to you. Believe me, it''s a work of genius."


    "Oh? Come on, stop beating around the bush, Joe, what''s the surprise this time?"


    "Check your email, I''ve already sent it. But I hope you don''t hang up the video call just yet, I promised earlier..."


    Before Joe Berner could finish his sentence, the person on the other end closed the video chat interface.


    What a pity.


    He had wanted to see that guy''s expression...


    So Joe Berner quickly typed a message on MSN: "That''s not very nice, Sumant. Next time I have such fun news, I won''t tell you anymore!"


    No response from the other side.


    Alright then...


    That''s a professor with character.


    With a sigh in his heart, Joe Berner looked over the remarkable method again, estimated the difficulty of implementing such a design, and shook his head slightly.


    Well, it''s a good thing he was just an editor.


    How creative a method it was, he wondered where it came from.


    Although it was indeed interesting.


    But Joe Berner had many other tasks to attend to, and he quickly got back to work.


    Until his phone signaled an iing MSN connection request.


    ncing over, Joe was surprised to see it was Sumant Jer initiating the call.


    Surprised, but that didn''t stop him from answering the video call immediately.


    "Sumant..."


    "Save it, listen to me! Joe, after looking over that watermark proof method, I re-verified the paper the Germans published in ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications.'' Remember what I told you yesterday? An important lemma in both papers had very simr proofs.


    So, I used this method, found simr sets of equations, then ran a segmented verification with the supeputer, and finally found the same watermark!"


    "What?"


    "Yes, you heard right. Although the equations aren''t the same and some parts have been modified, the watermark is unmistakable! We got the exact same string, didn''t even need to convert using ASCII values, because the number sequences are identical!"


    "Cough cough, alright, Sumant, let me get this straight. You''re saying you found the digital watermark left by the Huaxia kid in Ackerman and his student''s paper, right? If I remember correctly, tranted, the sentence is ''This paper was jointlypleted by Li Jian Gao and Qiao Ze''? So their paper also hides thisplete sentence, right?"


    "Exactly! Joe! You''re spot on!"


    "Haha! Oh my gosh! Why are you telling me this! I can already feel my conscience being tortured, but Koen''s School of Mathematics is an important partner for our journal, oh... What should I do? But one thing, Sumant, in my eyes, you''re different from me.


    You''ve always had the knightly spirit Ick..."


    "Joe..."


    "What''s up?"


    "I''m sure someone must have said you''re very hypocritical!"


    "No, no, no, Sumant, you''re forgetting, we''re friends! So I support all your decisions! Really!"


    "Heh heh!"


    "Also, I want to ask, Sumant, how does it feel to hold such a thunderbolt in your hands?"


    "Feels good, just a pity I can''t use it to hit you."


    "Haha... Old Su, I like your sense of humor, really!"

 Chapter 132: Chapter 96: Knife in Hand! Rampage!

    Huaxia, Capital, Yanbei University, International Mathematics Research Institute, Lu Changzheng was sitting in his office looking at the paper.


    Just like Sumant Jair, Qiao Ze and Kori Durant''s papers had been downloaded and printed out by him.


    But Kori Durant''s paper was now cast aside, left unattended.


    After all, he wasn''t like Sumant Jair, not a reviewer for Qiao Ze''s paper and this was the first paper of Qiao Ze he read, which felt quite marvelous.


    The sudden ringing of the phone broke Lu Changzheng''s deep focus.


    Professor Lu frowned slightly, nced at the mobile phone carelessly tossed on the desk, saw the name Qian Yuhai, and his mouth turned up slightly. He reached out to press the call button, didn''t bother to pick up the phone, and casually activated the speaker.


    "Hello, Old Qian, what''s up?"


    "What else? You''re reading the kid''s paper, aren''t you?"


    "Yeah, quite insightful."


    "Indeed, I regret it. When I went to Xilin, I should have thought of a way to bring the kid to Yanbei. It''s a loss."


    "Oh? How so?"


    "I just took another look at Li Jiangao''s previous paper, and let me tell you, his research direction is totally unrted to this paper."


    Lu Changzheng fell silent for a moment, then said in a strange tone, "So what? Even if you brought him here, what could you have done? Would you have been able to guide him?"


    "That..."


    "See, to put it bluntly, you''re just jealous that Li Jiangao did nothing and could still sign his name as the corresponding author."


    "Heh... Aren''t you jealous?"


    "Rubbish, of course I am jealous. Who wouldn''t want such a student? But on the other hand, what Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics did this time was quite disreputable, setting up Li Jiangao and Qiao Ze like this is really something. They have been loud, I can hear the noise from here in the Capital."


    "Haha, speaking of this, I was just on the phone with Zhang, suggesting him to go find someone familiar at BU, put on a big show as the expert apanying the team, form a group and do a thorough investigation at Xilin.


    Once they are done and back, release a notice that the internal investigation results will not be announced publicly, and by the way, organize a gang to dig into any shady stuff in the papers published by Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics over the years, and help expose Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics online! What do you think?"


    "Old Qian...If anyone''s devious, it''s you! If you really did this, you''d be starting a major feud! If word of this gets back to them, and that Xu guy rushes to the Capital to hang you from the city gates, I''d pretend I didn''t see anything."


    "Haha, I''m just making a suggestion, what does it have to do with me? It''s a pity, Zhang is not willing, otherwise, it would have been really interesting."


    "No, that''s not right. Old Qian, why are you so free today? Calling me just to tease me? This isn''t like you at all?"


    "Heh heh, you don''t know about it yet? I''m watching a live broadcast of a greatugh online, Sukeman Jair from Berkeley Branch and Ackerman Konietz from University of Cologne are going at it on Facebook. And guess why they are fighting?"


    "What? Sukeman and Ackerman are fighting? I remember their fields of research are different, right? Hasn''t Sukeman moved to specialize in theputer artificial intelligence field in recent years? Isn''t Ackerman still working on finite group structure research? How could they have a conflict?"


    "Hahaha, that''s the interesting part. They are fighting over Qiao Ze''s paper! Didn''t Ackerman''s student publish a paper titled ''A Mathematical Architecture for Self supervised 3D Point Cloud Prediction'' in ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications,'' you know about it?"


    Lu Changzheng nced unconsciously at the paper he had already printed out and replied, "I know, I have downloaded it."


    "Then, justst night, Sukeman directly said on Facebook that an important theorem proof in Ackerman''s student''s paper was a direct giarism from Qiao Ze''s paper published in ''Duke Mathematical Journal,'' titled ''A Mathematical Framework for Self supervised Learning Based on Group Theory.'' Now, how great is thisugh!"


    Lu Changzheng was stunned.


    This thought process was a bit too much to wrap his head around.


    A professor from a top American university and another from a top German university, arguing over whether a paper of a young Huaxian was giarized, outright quarreling through the ether on a foreign social media?


    This was beyond preposterous; it was a once-in-a-lifetime series of events.


    "Wait a minute, that''s not right. It should be 1 PM in Germany right now, and it''s just turning 7 AM in the United States, right? How could they start arguing?"


    "Haha, that you wouldn''t know! For Sukeman, the battle has been going on for almost a whole night. He started by posting a message, then about three hourster, in the morning around 7 AM in Germany, Ackerman responded, and then Sukeman immediately started using again...


    The current score is Sukeman has posted seven times, Ackerman has also responded seven times, and now we''re waiting for Sukeman to continue the firestorm! The two are engaged in a verbal battle, and at least a thousand people are watching, each side''sment section is adding fuel to the mes, hahaha it''s too much fun..."


    After hearing this, Lu Changzheng nced at the paper lying in front of him on the table, and suddenly found it less appealing.


    After all, the papers could be read anytime, but such a sh between masters, if missed, could only be relived through reys.


    "Where are you? On the third floor?"


    "No, in the small meeting room on the second floor. Zhang has called over Zhu, Liu, and they are preparing to project it on the big screen, Qu has gone to buy sunflower seeds and peanuts, and everyone is nning to have a goodugh together."

 Chapter 133: Chapter 96: Knife in Hand! Rampage!_2

    "Wait for me, I''ll be right there."


    After finishing his words, Lu Changzheng grabbed his phone and rushed out of the office.


    ...


    In the second-floor conference room, Qian Yuhai casually hung up the phone.


    Every single one in the conference room today ought to thank him.


    If it weren''t for him taking the lead in discovering this amusement, they would have missed a truly magnificent battle of wits.


    Top university titans dueling over social media!


    This was a full-on face-off!


    Such an event might ur once in a hundred years if at all.


    Of course, it wasn''t to say such things had never happened before.


    It was just that in the era of the academic giant Lin Li, there was no inte.


    Everyone''s verbal battles had to go through emails, which took half a day just in transit, not to mention others wouldn''t even be aware of it unless the two protagonists chose to go public with it.


    Now it was different.


    Information traveled at the speed of light and there was a live audience throughout the process¡ªwith every remark recorded by countless devices, impossible to delete even if someone wished to.


    That kind of duel could be described in just two words¡ªthrilling!


    Additionally, the catalyst for the duel involved a prodigious child they all knew, a paper produced by Huaxia, which maximized the sense of involvement.


    If there had to be a slight regret, it was that Qiao Ze hadn''te to Yanbei Mathematics Institute. If this kid were also here, the livestream effect would have doubled.


    Honestly, if it weren''t for the professors with whom he had a decent rtionship, he wouldn''t have noticed them at all.


    They could just wait and watch the ybackter!


    ...


    "Heh... You''re all really here, huh? Zhang, don''t you always say you''re so busy with this and that? How do you even find the time to join in the fun here?" When Lu Changzheng walked in and saw that everyone was indeed present, he said disdainfully.


    "Nonsense, no matter how busy, I have to make time for this! How often do you see something like this in a lifetime?"


    "Exactly, stop yakking. Is this how the cable is connected?"


    "Here, let me check, right, yes! Hey... we''re in business!"


    Lu Changzheng nced at the conference room''s screen, and the content from Qian Yuhai''sptop had already been cast onto the big screen.


    "Qian, hurry up and bring up what we just saw."


    "Yeah, stop showing off there."


    "Haha, don''t rush, here ites, here ites."


    Two minutester, Lu Changzheng finally saw the Facebook post that ignited the face-off.


    "I had intended to stay silent while reviewing two papers, but when I ponder over the stagnation of foundational mathematical theories in an age of material prosperity, I find it unbearable. Hence, I would like to ask directly Professor Konietz from University of Cologne, how would you ssify the act of lifting the proof of a critical lemma directly from someone else''s paper into your own?"


    Beneath that sentence was an illustration.


    In the cartoon, a young man was buried in writing something, while a middle-aged man with blond hair stood behind him, copying down the young man''s work with a sideways nce.


    After seeing this message, Lu Changzheng was nothing short of amazed.


    Indeed, when ites to stirring up trouble, these foreign professors were the ones to watch.


    This was sheer transparency, an attack that cut straight to the core.


    Unavoidable!


    After all, if left unaddressed, it would effectively confirm usations of giarism.


    Unquestionably, this was intolerable for a schr who had just received the Gauss Prize the year before.


    Once everyone finished reading, Qian Yuhai, with a smile, switched to Ackerman Konietz''s Facebook page.


    "To be honest, when a friend told me that Sukeman suddenly challenged me on Facebook, my only impression of this professor from the Berkeley Branch was that he is American. Yes, that''s right, an American, so such a baseless usation sounds quite fitting! I must say, it''s very American."


    "Pfft..."


    "Hahaha..."


    Everyone in the conference room burst intoughter when they read the German''s response.


    Even Qian Yuhai, who had already watched the entire process, couldn''t help butugh out loud again.


    Although the German yed the viin in this episode, his response inexplicably hit everyone''s funny bone.


    One had to admit, these top foreign professors knew how to argue¡ªa single sentence could max out their BUFF.


    After theughs, Qian Yuhai switched to another image, this time it was thements section under Ackerman Konietz''s response message.


    "Ackerman, while I agree with your statement, I must remind you that you should remember Sumant is the Turing Award recipient of 2021."


    "But it''s ''only'' the Turing Award."


    "Your use of ''only'' embarrasses me."


    "So is this a fight between the Turing and Gauss Awards? Does victory represent honor?"


    "Perhaps it''s a fight betweenputer science and mathematics. Clearly, this time I''m siding with mathematics. As everyone knows, without thenguage of numbers, there wouldn''t be such a thing asputers. Importantly, I believe in Ackerman."


    "Just watch the excitement without taking sides! Be careful or you''ll get pped in the face!"


    Really...


    The people behind thesements were all bigwigs from major universities.


    However, Qian Yuhai didn''t give these individuals much spotlight, switching the view back to Sumant Jair''s Facebook page.


    "It seems that Professor Konietz and Berliners have inconsistent views on America, but the interesting thing is, you still chose to publish that paper ''A Mathematical Architecture for Self supervised 3D Point Cloud Prediction'' in an American journal. Now that I''ve given you sufficient hints, if your memory hasn''t declined too much, I suppose you''d recall something."


    The second strike was direct and to the point, indeed spectacr.

 Chapter 134: Chapter 96: Knife in Hand! Rampage!_3

    There''s nothing much to criticize about that line; Qian Yuhai quickly switched to the next screenshot.


    "Perhaps I should thank Sumant for using Facebook to promote the achievements my research group has just made. But if you have any doubts about the originality of this paper, you should use a giarism checker to provide more perfect evidence. That''s what respectable people should do, rather than spouting nonsense on Facebook like some riddle master.


    Of course, I can understand, after all, when your ancestors left the British Isles, they took everything they needed with them, leaving behind only the most basic manners and their forefathers'' aristocratic spirit... Oh, my apologies, I was wrong, I almost forgot that there were apparently no aristocrats among those who immigrated to America in that era."


    "This shows that Ackerman is feeling guilty; he seems to be trying to change the subject," Zhang Hongcai suddenly interjected with ament.


    After all, this is a meeting of Huaxia''s top math professors, all possessing maximum logical analysis capabilities.


    "A little, yes. Lu, weren''t you just reading the papers? Did you go through both of them? Are there really particrly simr parts?"


    Lu Changzheng shook his head and said, "I''m still studying Qiao Ze''s paper; I''ve only read half of it. Ackerman''s team''s paper is downloaded but has been sitting to one side. I haven''t had the chance to look at it yet. Do you want me to bring it up now?"


    "No, that won''t be necessary. I haven''t read both in depth, but I have skimmed through both papers, and the general impression is that the simrity between the two papers isn''t that high. After all, Qiao Ze''s paper leans more towards solving theoretical problems.


    However, there is a section in Ackerman''s paper, concerning the mathematical proof process when solving a specific Data Partition trajectory problem, which does resemble the proof that Qiao Ze''s paper has for a simr problem. That problem indeed requires a specific Data Partition to define the corresponding structure; it can''t be bypassed," Qian Yuhai said with a shrug.


    "Then that''s unreasonable. Even if this process can''t be bypassed, that shouldn''t involve giarism, right? Even if one really needs to reference this proof process, wouldn''t a direct citation suffice? Are the Germans so meticulous that they wouldn''t even want to give a citation? That doesn''t make sense," Zhang Hongcai said with suspicion.


    The group exchanged looks, all feeling quite confused.


    It was indeed difficult to understand.


    After all, if the academics'' IQs are in ce and it''s clear that the two papers are different, with only a slight ovep, wouldn''t it be silly to choose to giarize?


    Could they have forgotten the citation rules that have been passed down in academic publishing for hundreds of years?


    But if there was no giarism, why would Sumant be so aggressive?


    And why would Ackerman seem a bit guilty?


    Indeed, at that moment, several of Huaxia''s smartest brains in the conference room were somewhat dizzy with this problem.


    What kind of divine maneuver was this?


    Just as Qian Yuhai was pondering and fiddling with hisputer, he suddenly eximed, "Eh? Sumant has a new response, everyone, take a look."


    Well, whether or not it made sense, they were toozy to think about it; at this time, it was most important to enjoy the drama.


    All eyes turned to the big screen at that moment.


    "Sorry to have kept you waiting. Because Carl, the editor-in-chief from `Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' at New York University''s Courant Institute, just called me. He hopes I can resolve this dispute in what he calls a ''gentlemanly way''. Obviously, they are scared, scared that I truly have evidence to prove Ackerman Konietz''s giarism!"


    "After all, as aplices, the editors of `Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' also can''t shirk their responsibility. They have even put a new spin on the traditional journals'' double-blind peer-review system they have always embraced. This is precisely why I must speak out here!


    Perhaps these unprofessional actions are what allow some people to run rampant, and also the reason why our basic mathematics theory has stagnated!"


    ...


    Goodness!


    A few people in the conference room really wanted to cry out loud in astonishment!


    What was thought to be just a battle of words between two top schrs now seemed to involve the world''s top math journals.


    Sumant Jair really seemed to have gone mad, right?


    If they said this professor didn''t have solid evidence in his hands, the professors at Yanbei University were not inclined to believe it!


    After all, if he can''t produce evidence in the end, Su might truly be banned by the entire mathmunity!


    No way?


    Just for a short proof process in a Huaxia paper, Sumant is this desperate?


    Is it really necessary to go this far?!


    ...


    "Got the sunflower seeds and peanuts... it nearly killed me, hey, what''s with all these expressions? Did I miss something exciting?"


    "Stop talking nonsense, just serve them up. Actually, you arrived just in time, let me tell you, you can catch Sumant swinging his axe like mad! The excitement level has just maxed out!"


    "Sounds good, let me see¡­ Oh¡­ This is a total face-off! Sumant Jair is going to strike `Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' too?"


    "Qian, hurry up, check thements, thements!"


    "Right away!"


    As Qian Yuhai opened Sumant Jair''sment section, the top spot was imed by Joe Berner, the editor-in-chief of the `Duke Mathematical Journal''.


    "Sumant, don''t be so agitated, `Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' is recognized by the academicmunity as an extremely excellent mathematics journal, second only to the top four! The journal''s editors are also universally recognized as professionals. Without concrete evidence, you shouldn''t tarnish their century-old reputation!"


    Hmm...


    That''s a very rationalment.


    If it wasn''t for the fact that it''s only seven o''clock in the morning, way before work hours in the United States, everyone might really believe that this guy is trying to mediate!

 Chapter 135: Chapter 97: The Ultimate Slash, Feathers Everywhere

    Huaxia, Xilin University of Technology.


    Li Jian Gao was just as interested in themotion.


    When two big shots argue, it''s not like any twoizens passionately squabbling on the inte, where dozens or hundreds of unique zingers can be created in a minute.


    In fact, their conversation was very slow.


    More than ten hours had passed since the incident began, and the two had only posted a total of 15 times on Facebook.


    On average, each person had more than two hours to think about each post.


    Of course, it might not be all about thinking.


    This world isn''t just for fun.


    Privately, many people might be contacting the two big shots, just like Sumant Jair just revealed that Carl, the editor-in-chief of "Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications," had called him.


    Such a long brewing time gave people plenty of time to discover and join in on the showdown between the two.


    Lu Changzheng did just that, and so did Li Jian Gao.


    Just two hours ago, Zhang Chunlei called him about it and directly added him to a group chat, where someone shared a link. Clicking it would take you straight to a live screenshot stream of the two''s conversation.


    This was set up by a professor from Linhai University, who feared that some colleagues might not conveniently browse Facebook. They used their project''s rented server to make a temporary external link and posted the chat content on the server for their small group of colleagues to watch andment on directly.


    This goes to show that when the spirit of gossip is ignited, professors are no different from ordinary people.


    Li Jian Gao was pulled into this group because he was currently the nominal supervisor of Qiao Ze...


    When Sumant Jair exposed on Facebook that he was speaking up for the unfair treatment of Qiao Ze''s paper, Li Jian Gao and Qiao became the focus of many professors following the matter.


    So, as soon as Li Jian Gao joined the group, a barrage of questions was thrown at him.


    "Professor Li, enlighten us, what kind of significant leverage did Sumant Jair find?"


    "Has the Berkeley Branch connected with Qiao Ze? Are they trying to poach him?"


    "Did you guys have a beef with Ackerman Konietz before?"


    ...


    People were enthusiastic, but Li Jian Gao was clueless.


    The troublesome maneuvers by Dean Xu had tangled up a heap of issues, leaving him frantically busy all day.


    Suddenly being pulled into a group, then bombarded with a mess of questions, almost caused Li Jian Gao''s brain to crash.


    Ignoring the chaotic questions, Li Jian Gao first clicked on the link Zhang Chunlei sent him and read through the Facebook argument from beginning to end.


    Then, he felt even more bewildered.


    He didn''t even know Sumant Jair!


    It was even less likely for Qiao Ze to have any connection with the Turing Award winner.


    So what on earth had happened?


    Why had this big shot suddenly decided to speak out for Qiao Ze?


    It was not until Li Jian Gao saw thetest response from Sumant Jair on Facebook, and thement by Joe Berner below it, that it struck him like a bolt of lightning...


    Yesterday, he had sent an email to the editors of "Duke Mathematical Journal" telling them how Qiao Ze''s watermark method worked.


    Today, Sumant Jair said he had found evidence of giarism by Ackerman Konietz...


    No way!


    Coincidentally, the link also included an analysis by that professor from Linhai, whopared two papers and captured the simr parts.


    Li Jian Gao nced it over and understood what had happened.


    Ackerman''s team had not made a citation but had directly copied the proof process from Qiao Ze''s paper.


    Copying it alone would have been bad enough, since they didn''t use much of it.


    But, to make matters worse, they had also copied the watermarked section.


    Li Jian Gao felt like his brain was about to explode... At this moment, he admired the German''s way of thinking more than anyone else.


    How was this going to end?


    The critical issue was no longer how much ovep there was between the two papers.


    Even if less than five percent was identical, the watermark left by Qiao Ze read, "This paper waspleted in coboration with Li Jian Gao and Qiao Ze."


    In other words, for those unaware, upon seeing this sentence, they would think the entire paper was created by Qiao Ze and Li Jian, not that Ackerman''s team had only referenced a small part of it.


    After all, who would believe in such a coincidence?


    Not to mention, who would choose to giarize the part that they could have cited?


    By now, Li Jian Gao had nearly figured everything out.


    Without a doubt, Ackerman Konietz was one of the reviewers of Qiao Ze''s paper and was the one holding back the publication of Qiao Ze''s work.


    Who knows what mindset this professor had, but while in need of citing Qiao Ze''s paper, he insisted on making Qiao revise it. And when they failed to reach an agreement, he just incorporated the needed parts directly into his paper.


    It just so happened that due to Xu''s shenanigans, Qiao Ze''s paper was questioned, and "Duke Mathematical Journal" sent an inquiry. He then informed them of Qiao Ze''s watermarking method.


    The editorial team then shared this method with Sumant Jair, who then conveniently found the same watermark in Ackerman Konietz''s paper.


    After realizing all this, Li Jian Gao felt the world was incredibly wondrous.


    Everything was just too coincidental!


    What he found most astonishing was that he had inadvertently be the instigator of a Facebook duel between two world-ss big shots.


    After all, if he hadn''t impulsively sent the way Qiao Ze watermarked his work to the editors of "Duke Mathematical Journal," chances are none of this would have happened.

 Chapter 136: Chapter 97: The Ultimate Slash, Feathers Everywhere_2

    So... fuck!


    Feeling utterly confused, Li Jian Gao simply sent two words in the group chat: "Watermark."


    Those two words immediately blew up the group.


    "Watermark? What watermark?"


    "Jian Gao, don''t stop halfway! You''re going to keep me up all night like this."


    "Exactly! Hurry up and tell us what''s really going on. Did Ackerman Konietz really giarize Qiao Ze''s paper?"


    ...


    Watching countless questions @him in the group, Li Jian Gao took a deep breath and then sent screenshots of these conversations directly to Qiao Ze, while briefly describing the showdown happening in the academic world.


    He quickly received a reply: "Oh."


    Seeing this "Oh," Li Jian Gao still felt a bit ufortable.


    The entire mathematicalmunity was about to explode, how could this kid remain so calm?


    Couldn''t he at least show a little more emotion?


    "Qiao Ze, how do you think we should deal with this?"


    "It''s fine."


    "What do you mean it''s fine?"


    "Fine to tell them about the watermark. Forget about the rest."


    "This... I''ll head to the studioter."


    "Good!"


    ...


    After looking at the brief exchange with Qiao Ze, Li Jian Gao couldn''t be bothered to say anything more.


    He simply edited what he had demonstrated to the editors of "Duke Mathematical Journal" the day before and then sent it directly to the small group.


    "This is the watermark, created by Qiao Ze himself. Sumant must have decoded it using this method, too."


    The group fell silent for a moment.


    Then suddenly, it exploded.


    "I... I''m seeing something new every day, watermarks in a paper?"


    "Could a normal person evene up with this method?"


    "No, how did he manage to integrate this system of equations perfectly into the proof process?"


    "Jian Gao, could you please ask Qiao Ze if he''s taking on new students?"


    "So say it clearly, did the paper giarize your entire work? Or just happen to copy this process?"


    "Jian Gao, don''t leave, how about you drop Qiao Ze''s WeChat contact in the chat!"


    Li Jian Gao didn''t reply to any of the messages in the small group.


    He couldn''t wait to go to the research team and see for himself.


    ...


    In Huaxia, Capital, at Yanbei University, on the second floor of the small conference room of the International Mathematics Research Institute.


    A few top-tier professors were so engaged that they couldn''t care less about their seeds and peanuts.


    Indeed, the situation was too baffling toprehend.


    No matter which logical chain one used to analyze, there was no straightforward exnation.


    On one hand, Sumant''s performance seemed to indicate that he truly had evidence that Ackerman had giarized Qiao Ze''s paper, to the point where he even wished to take down the journal that published it.


    However, both papers had been reviewed, and their simrity was far from reaching the level of giarism usation.


    What a fuss this was causing!


    The spectators were all baffled!


    Just then, the mobile phone that Zhang Hongcai had carelessly thrown on the table began to vibrate relentlessly.


    Zhang Hongcai picked up his phone instinctively, gave it a few nces, and then became entirely absorbed. A few minutester, Zhang Hongcai raised his head, his voice trembling slightly as he said after a nk look around at his colleagues still deep in thought, "Stop guessing, you''ll never figure it out! That kid Qiao Ze actually designed a watermark in his paper!"


    "Watermark?"


    "What watermark?"


    The other professors lifted their heads and directed their attention to Zhang Hongcai.


    "Take a look for yourselves." Zhang Hongcai passed over his phone and several heads leaned in at once.


    As time ticked by, when everyone looked up again, they were also perplexed.


    "What are you dawdling for? Try it out! Qian, you''ve got Ackerman''s paper on yourputer, right?"


    "Oh... yes, yes, hold on, I''m pulling it up."


    "Hurry it up!"


    "Here, it should be here."


    "Quickly calcte it, the program''s simple."


    "I''m writing it, don''t rush, it''s supeputing."


    After more than ten minutes, the professors together stared nkly at the line of English text on therge screen.


    "This paper waspleted in coboration with Li Jangao and Qiao Ze."


    In a paper with Ackerman Konietz as the corresponding author and Kori Durant as the first author, such a line of text had been hidden...


    They finally understood where Sumant Jair''s insurmountable confidence came from!


    "This..."


    "Everyone''s gone mad, totally mad!"


    "Does it have to be this exciting?"


    "I thought we were dealing with an international scandal, but who would have thought it''d turn domestic too!"


    "How did Qiao Zee up with this? Just publishing a paper, and he pulls off something like this?"


    "So who is the real author of this paper?"


    ...


    Right when domestic professors were starting to tear their hair out,


    Sumant Jair finally couldn''t be bothered to beat around the bush any longer.


    After all, he had achieved his objective.


    More than ten hours of sharp confrontation had drawn enough public attention to the matter.


    The livelyment section beneath the messages the two had posted was testament to that.


    So, he decided tond the final blow.


    And it was the sharpest, simplest one of all.


    All the proof process he had prepared beforehand, needing only to be uploaded to Facebook as images.


    It wasn''t something difficult to verify; the mathematicians following this issue could easily produce results with aputer calction.


    The final blow''s copywriting was extremely straightforward.


    Just one sentence.


    "It''s already nine in the morning; I''m tired, so let''s unveil the truth, shall we? Dear Professor Ackerman Konietz, since you deny giarism repeatedly, how about you exin why this sentence is hidden in your paper? I''ll wait for you and the ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' editorial team to provide a usible excuse."


    Without a doubt, Sumant Jair knew how to fight.


    Because he omitted the reference to that section from Qiao Ze''s paper, and merely posted just that segment from Ackerman Konietz''s paper.


    The restored text was even highlighted in bright red.


    Strikingly eye-catching!


    Not long after this Facebook post went up, Sumant Jair''sment sectionpletely exploded.


    Various mindless exims were rapidly multiplying...


    The only pity was that the English exmations were too meager, too homogeneous - thumbs down!


    ...


    In Germany, at the University of Cologne, School of Mathematics.


    Ackerman Konietz, sitting in his office and staring at theputer screen, felt his brain go nk.


    The final blow hade too quickly.


    He had still been considering how to more firmly tie his rtionship with Coran when they viciously delivered this blow.


    The key issue was that he couldn''t defend against this blow.


    How could he exin this?


    Coincidence?!


    Where are there such coincidences in mathematics?


    Who the hell could have thought that a sentence like this would be buried in a paper?


    Really, at this moment, Ackerman was beginning to feel a sweet taste in his throat.


    This paper truly was original!


    At least 95%plete.


    It had taken nearly two years to finish and now because of that one sentence, it had be a joke.


    At this point, Ackerman Konietz wasn''t even able to feel a hint of annoyance or regret.


    What on earth had happened?


    This trance-like statested until his office door was suddenly pushed open.


    "Mr. Kt..."


    Ackerman looked up, seeing the bewildered expression on his most promising student''s face, suddenly feeling dizzy, then everything went dark...


    "Bang..."


    "Mr. Kt... oh my God..."


    ...


    "Bang..."


    "ng..."


    "Oh God..."


    "How can this be possible?"


    At ''Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications'' editorial office, where the workday had just begun, there was now utter chaos.


    No one had expected Sumant''sst Facebook post to be so sharp.


    Especially Jack, who had just taken a sip of coffee at his workstation, ready to see how this incident would finally end.


    It was too fast!


    So fast that he hadn''t even had time to react...


    As the editor responsible for both papers, Jack realized that this was no longer just Ackerman Konietz''s problem.


    He could even imagine how dark the expression must be on Carl''s face right now.


    Of course, at this moment, no one would remember that, just a month ago, on a warm afternoon, they had discussed the paper from Huaxia so casually andfortably.

 Chapter 139: Chapter 99: How Heartbreaking It Is to Lose 660,000

    When online public opinion started to turn, Li Jian Gao was still staring nkly at Su Mucheng, this girl most likely had no concept of money. He had mentioned a small amount, implying that a casual gesture would suffice, but instead she threw out a figure of 660,000. He didn''t dare to think about how big of a bonus this girl had originally nned to give everyone.


    One could only say that this girl was as generous as ever.


    After all, not many people would be willing to invest two million yuan into a project with uncertain prospects without doing any investigation, let alone adopt an attitude of indifference to the possibility of losing it all.


    Thinking about it, a bonus of 660,000 didn''t seem so abrupt anymore.


    However, Li Jian Gao still said solemnly, "Su Mucheng, now that there are few people in the research group, we all know each other well. I won''t say more about the 660,000 yuan bonus you''re giving. But if Qiao Ze has other projects in the future, especially those involving more people, you can''t be so willful."


    "Oh, I was just thinking that since our research group is small, just you, Tan, and Chen Yiwen are there. Now that it''s decided, I''ll distribute the bonuster," Su Mucheng replied with a smile.


    "No, no, no... I definitely can''t ept it, it''s not about being polite, it involves many other issues. Just prepare it for Tan Jingrong and Chen Yiwen, that''ll be enough," Li Jian Gao said seriously, waving his hand.


    He truly couldn''t ept it.


    After all, this money was hot to the touch.


    Su Mucheng nced at Qiao Ze, who nodded slightly, and then she cheerfully said, "I understand, Uncle Li. Qiao Ze, have you eaten enough? I''ll clean up the lunchbox."


    "Mhm."


    "OK! Chen Yiwen, stop cking off,e out quick and throw away the trash. Let''s also go buy some fruit; Qiao Ze hasn''t had grapes in a long time!"


    "Oh,ing."


    Li Jian Gao watched as Chen Yiwen burst out of the studio once again and suddenly felt that giving a red envelope wasn''t a bad idea.


    What surprised him was that Tan Jingrong also followed out.


    "Uhm, I have a friend who invited me out for a meal today."


    "Oh, go ahead, we aren''t busytely, it''s a good time to rest," Li Jian Gao nodded and said.


    "Then I''ll be going now, Director Li, Qiao Ze."


    "Mhm."


    ...


    As the individuals left one by one, the living room quieted down.


    "Rest your eyes," Qiao Ze said, then walked out to the balcony to look outward.


    Li Jian Gao knew about Qiao Ze''s habit and was about to join him to discuss how to wrap up this incident when his phone started vibrating again.


    It was from Xu Dajiang.


    One had to give face to the Dean.


    He answered the call, and the Dean''s voice came through, even sounding a bit urgent.


    "Jian Gao, is this strategy of borrowing a knife to kill someone your idea or Qiao Ze''s?"


    "Ah?"


    "With that reaction, I know it''s not you. I guessed as much; you''re an honest person, not one to be so scheming," the Dean said.


    "It''s not that, Dean Xu..."


    "Hey, don''t speak, I understand. But you should still advise Qiao Ze, we''re in academia, after all, harmony is valued."


    "About that, let me exin..."


    "Alright, I know you mean well for the student... you go ahead with your work, I''ll hang up now. Sigh, I still have several people asking about the situation here, it''s exhausting!"


    Immediately after, the call was ended.


    Li Jian Gao was stunned.


    Instinctively, he thought to call back and tell Xu Dajiang that this was all coincidental from the beginning, but his fingers hesitated on the buttons, and finally, he gave up.


    It was futile; although everyone knows life is full of inexplicable coincidences, when such things actually happen, others tend not to believe them.


    Forget it...


    Let these people think what they will.


    After all, Qiao Ze most likely wouldn''t care.


    That was indeed the case.


    When he jokingly repeated to Qiao Ze what Xu Dajiang had said on the phone, Qiao Ze didn''t even blink an eye, responding with his usual "mhm."


    "Not angry?" Li Jian Gao asked.


    "Such thoughts, within the sequence, are not worth being angry about," Qiao Ze exined.


    "What sequence?" Li Jian Gao asked, baffled.


    "It''s about constructing a sequence, using microscopic methods to analyze the macro world," Qiao Ze said.


    "Huh?" Li Jian Gao was full of question marks.


    "Consider an individual''s thoughts as a particle; the choices they make about any undecided event are like quantum states, and we can''t be sure what they will decide next, but we can calcte probabilities. A group''s thoughts form a rtively stable structure, weakening individual influences.


    I was inspired while writing my paper these days, though I haven''t yet figured out how to represent it mathematically," Qiao Ze borated carefully.


    "Oh!" Li Jian Gao responded.


    "So, it''s not surprising that Uncle Xu would think like that; it doesn''t deviate from the probabilistic potential of event developments," Qiao Ze summarized.


    Li Jian Gao was at a loss for words.


    He wanted to ask if being misunderstood would affect Qiao Ze; Qiao Ze told him such views were normal, so there was no need to take them to heart.


    Well, that was very Qiao Ze.


    "Actually, I mainly came to ask you, what do you n to do to wrap this up? I think we should proactively dere that the University of Cologne''s paper has nothing to do with us," Li Jian Gao hurriedly said.


    When the conversation was one-on-one with Qiao Ze, once it entered Qiao Ze''s rhythm, some things were hard for him to understand.


    "Mhm, the quality of their paper is indeed not high," Qiao Ze agreed.


    "Uh... alright, I''ll write a letterter," Li Jian Gao said.


    "By the way, Uncle Li, I asked Tan Jingrong to print some papers and have arranged them in order for you, which are specifically to supplement the theoretical part. Try to finish reading them before the term starts, it will be very helpful for you," Qiao Ze suggested.

 Chapter 140: Chapter 99: How Heartbreaking It Is to Lose 660,000_2

    Li Jiangao subconsciously nced at the box in the corner of the living room that belonged to Tan Jingrong, and thinking of how Tan had struggled to move it, he suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed.


    "How many papers are in there?"


    "Not many, just a hundred."


    Li Jiangao: "..."


    At that moment, Li Jiangao couldn''t help but be flooded with the fear that once dominated him in high school, caused by endless assignments.


    This guy is seriously ying for keeps!


    ...


    "Tan Jingrong, over here."


    As soon as Tan Jingrong had reached the third floor of the cafeteria, he heard Zuo Jie''s enthusiastic greeting. Turning towards the voice, he saw that Zuo had already ordered and was sitting at a prime spot right across from the stair entrance, waiting for him.


    Tan Jingrong hurriedly quickened his pace, went over, and sat down across from Zuo Jie.


    "Why are you sote? A lot going on in the project group, huh?" Zuo Jie asked with a smile stered on his face.


    "Yeah, sort of. Li just came by, so I got held up for a bit," Tan Jingrong honestly replied.


    "Li was there today? Did you ask him for me?" Zuo Jie asked earnestly.


    ...


    Indeed, at that moment, Zuo truly regretted his actions.


    The story began yesterday.


    The senior brother, who hadn''t popped up in the chat group for ages, suddenly dropped a bombshell without any preamble: "Tan Jingrong, you''re awesome! Your paper made it to an international top-tier journal, and you''re even the second author!!!"


    This statement instantly shook Zuo Jie.


    He knew all too well what level Tan Jingrong was at.


    Not to say that he was worse, but at least they were on the same level.


    And this guy managed to be the second author on a top-tier journal paper?


    Zuo initially thought the senior brother must have been mistaken.


    But before he could express his doubts, the senior brother shared a link in the group chat.


    When Zuo clicked on it, he found it was indeed a top-tier publication.


    The corresponding author was their advisor, the first author''s name was somewhat familiar, and the second author was truly Tan Jingrong; as for the third author, he hadn''t heard of them.


    Before he could recover from his shock, Tan Jingrong, the damn guy, posted a naive smile in the group and followed up, "Actually, Qiao Ze wrote the paper, the advisor polished it, and I was just helping out."


    "Don''t be modest, even just helping out and getting the second author position on such a journal is amazing. I might need to cling to your coattails in the future."


    "You tter me, senior brother."


    In just a few short exchanges in the group chat, Zuo Jie felt like he was being wed at the heart.


    He quickly messaged Tan Jingrong privately, asking, "Tan Jingrong, what''s the deal? You''re the second author on a top-tier journal?"


    "Uh... it''s that project the boss called us in forst time. We got some results from the project, published the paper, and then the advisor rmended giving me the second author spot," Tan Jingrong sinctly exined.


    "The project produced results so quickly? Wasn''t it just the beginning of the month when we were brought in?"


    "Yeah! They really work on the project fast."


    As he read the chat replies, Zuo Jie almost couldn''t contain himself.


    He even started to feel like Li Jiangao was ying favorites.


    If it was such a good project, why hadn''t it been mentioned at the time?


    And then there was that whole ''voluntarily decide'' bit.


    Zuo Jie even suspected Li Jiangao might have given Tan Jingrong a heads-up beforehand.


    In his response, he couldn''t help but let some sourness seep through: "Well then, congrattions to you, ah. In just over twenty days to have a top-tier publication, that''s quite the score."


    "Yeah, thanks. But it should be more than one paper, the research group is preparing four of them," Tan Jingrong responded without thinking too much about it.


    In his mind, the papers would eventually get published, and then everyone would know about it.


    There was no need to hide anything among fellow disciples.


    But when Zuo Jie saw that message, he really felt like he was going to lose it.


    If all four papers are published in top journals, wouldn''t that be defying the heavens?


    If Tan Jingrong is still the second author in all of them, then his credentials...


    Almost subconsciously, Zuo Jie typed out a message: "Fuck... Tan Jingrong, you''ve struck it rich! Is your project team stillcking people? How about you talk to the boss for me? I''ve just be avable recently, and I haven''t settled on a topic for my graduation thesis yet. Can I join your project team for some experience?"


    "Ah? But it seems we''re not short of people right now. Most of the things that needed to be done in the early stages are pretty much finished."


    "Just help me ask, okay? Whether it works out is another matter."


    "Alright then."


    After chatting on WeChat, Zuo Jie felt it wasn''t safe enough. That afternoon, he took the initiative to call Tan Jingrong and asked him out for a meal, leading to the scene taking ce now.


    ...


    At this moment, faced with Zuo Jie''s question, Tan Jingrong felt a bit embarrassed.


    He really should have mentioned Zuo Jie to Li Jiangao that afternoon, but who would have thought he wouldn''t think it through and would just repeat Qiao Ze''s original words, making it awkward for both of them.


    Now, all he could do was shake his head and say, "This afternoon, the boss went directly to Qiao... to Qiao Ze. The two of them had some important matters to discuss, and it wasn''t appropriate for me to butt in."


    "Ah?" Hearing this, Zuo Jie felt somewhat disappointed and half-jokingly said, "Bro Tan, you''re not worried about me going there and taking away your second author positions, are you?"


    Tan Jingrong immediately shook his head like a rattle-drum: "No, no, I''ll be honest with you, even being in the research group makes me feel embarrassed. I haven''t done much but have gotten so many second author positions, it feels quite unsettling."


    Zuo Jie snickered in his heart, not believing a word, thinking that this guy was just being pretentious. Of course, he had to remain courteous on the surface, even ttering: "Bro Tan, if you put it like that, you''re being too modest. Who else knows what I know? Every time I look for you, you say you''re busy. How can someone who works so hard say they haven''t done much?"


    "I really have been busy, but the things I''ve done don''t really involve much skill, anyone could do them... Ah, let''s not talk about that. Don''t worry, I''ll definitely mention it to the boss next time there''s a chance," Tan Jingrong shook his head.


    Actually, he didn''t want to talk much about the project team either, because he genuinely felt his contribution wasn''t significant.


    Even though Qiao Ze has always been appreciative of his work.


    In the project team, no one else had taken the initiative to collect and archive all the data every day and make extremely detailed summaries of all the daily reports every week.


    Qiao Ze had the ability but not the leisure to care about it.


    Chen Yiwen might be willing to do it, but shecked the skill in this area.


    There''s no need to mention Su Mucheng.


    Li Jiangao had a bunch of external affairs to handle.


    So in a way, Tan Jingrong really was the backbone of the research group.


    Although he was indeed receable, there weren''t many who could settle down and handle these trivial matters thoroughly before the project''s sess.


    "Alright, I''ll wait for the good news from Bro Tan. Let''s not talk about this anymore, let''s eat. Oh, are we drinking something today?"


    "No, no, I have to go back to the research groupter tonight, and it''s not good to have the smell of alcohol on me."


    "Then let''s just eat,e, let me serve you some rice." Zuo Jie said enthusiastically.


    "By the way, what exactly is your project about?"


    "Hmm, it''s in the papers, haven''t you read them?"


    "Uh... I''ve been busy thesest few days, I''ve only nced over, I think it said..."


    The sound of "whoosh" interrupted Zuo Jie''s words.


    Zuo Jie looked at Tan Jingrong with suspicion.


    Tan Jingrong also took out his own phone, and as soon as he unlocked it, he saw a new message in his X-Pay treasure.


    After opening it and taking a nce, he was bewildered.


    What''s going on?


    An enterprise X-Pay treasure ount named Licheng Software transferred 660,000 to him?


    Zuo Jie, who had already leaned in, eximed subconsciously: "Fuck, Old Tan, what did you do? Is that 60,000... no, wait, 660,000?"


    "I don''t know? This... Maybe it''s a mistake? I''ve never even heard of thispany!" Tan Jingrong said, baffled.


    For an honest person, receiving such a huge sum of money all at once was stupefying.


    Luckily, at the next moment, WeChat pinged. He opened it and saw a message from Su Mucheng.


    "Bro Tan, the transfer from Licheng Software just now is a bonus from our project team''s sessful research, a neat 660,000. Please receive it with confidence. We used my dad''spany''s X-Pay treasure ount due to taxes and daily transfer limits. Wishing Bro Tan a smooth academic journey and a soaring future."


    "Holy shit! Your research group gives out bonuses of 660,000?"


    At this moment, not only was Tan Jingrong stunned, but Zuo Jie was as well.


    Seriously, seeing a peer get a bonus of 660,000 made him feel a thousand times worse than if he had lost 660,000 himself.

 Chapter 141: Chapter 100: Petty Cleverness Versus Great Wisdom

    Zuo Jie was shocked into silence by the 660,000 in red packets; after all, he couldn''t understand why a project that only provided a monthly allowance of 2,000 could end up distributing 660,000 in red packets.


    Xu Dajiang, who also hadn''t eaten dinner yet, couldn''t figure it out either. It was already dinner time, so why did the principal call him to the office with a phone call?


    Shouldn''t he have been invited for a meal at this time?


    Grumbling to himself, he rushed to the principal''s office, where the secretary had already left, leaving only a light on in the office.


    Xu Dajiang knocked on the door politely twice.


    "Come in."


    "Principal, you wanted to see me?"


    "Oh, Xu, take a seat."


    "Sure thing."


    "I don''t have any good tea here. Do you want some boiled water?"


    "Haha, no need, just get to the point."


    "Well, the first thing is, your School of Mathematics'' application for an investigation to check into that matter was rejected. The higher-ups also sent a message for you: Stop fussing about this and that all day long; do you think everyone is as idle as you? Still thinking about having everyone y along with your drama? What, you''re the conductor now? At your age, still so unreliable!"


    When Chen Yuanzhi ryed this message, it was tinged with personal emotion.


    Or maybe it was an uncannily urate imitation.


    In any case, it was easy to feel the discontent in his words.


    Xu Dajiang had nothing to say in response.


    How to put it? It wasn''t that he was thoughtless.


    Who could have predicted that public opinion online would reverse so quickly?


    What left him speechless was the Facebook brawl stirred up by Qiao Ze between the two foreign colleagues.


    With that news spreading back home, there was no more point in checking for shenanigans!


    Even the most perfect n can''t withstand unexpected changes.


    "Principal, you''re right in your criticism!" Xu Dajiang didn''t bother to exin and just bluntly admitted it.


    "I''m not the one saying it! It''s from the higher-ups! I''m reticent to criticize you!" Chen Yuanzhi emphasized it again.


    "Oh." Xu Dajiang acknowledged.


    "In the future, rein in your little schemes. I understand your eagerness to develop the School, but food must be eaten one bite at a time. Don''t always think about getting too much too quickly."


    Chen Yuanzhi gave another lesson.


    "I''d also like to take it one step at a time, but there''s nothing to eat at all. Look, the annual research grant they give me isn''t even enough to distribute. All the somewhat capable professors have been poached, and now that a treasure has finallye along, I have to try everything to retain him. You''ve got to understand the difficulty of my job, right?" Xu Dajiang immediatelyined.


    "Enough, don''t y the pauper with me. Tell me, over these years, which department has had enough to allocate? You''re the only one who''s been productive while the others waste resources, right?"


    "That''s not quite what I mean, but can you find me a project that promises higher returns than the one we at the School of Mathematics recently missed? Any time period will do, whether it''s from our school or not, just to set my mind at ease. In the future, I won''t keep longing for what I cannot have.


    Honestly, just thinking about how a month ago I could''ve invested two million to talk about an in-depth cooperation with Youwei, my heart feels like it''s been drenched in ice water in the dead of winter."


    "Ah..." Xu Dajiang sighed deeply, the frustration on his face was all too real.


    And indeed, there was no faking this frustration.


    Xu Dajiang had always wanted to secure funding for Qiao Ze''s project, though he hadn''t held out much hope at the time and just wanted to firmly tie Qiao Ze to the university using the project and personal obligations. But things didn''t go as he wished.


    Chen Yuanzhi red at Xu Dajiang and said, "It seems you really can''t stand Zhang. You never forget to take a dig at him whenever you can. Do you know why I haven''t left yet at this hour?


    Before calling you here, Zhang Xiaoquan just visited, lugging a box of documents,menting to me, insisting on dumping all the documents he has handled over the years here so I can see if he''s done anything improper."


    Hearing this, Xu Dajiang blinked rapidly and said, "Hiss... Well, Principal Chen, don''t me me for speaking bluntly, but you''re really overstepping your duties! I think that Principal Zhang''s request isn''t excessive, and you really should give him some face. Investigating academic misconduct is a hassle as it involves arranging expert panels and such.


    But checking these ounts, don''t we have dedicated auditors for that? How many times has our admissions office been audited?"


    Chen Yuanzhi red at Xu Dajiang: "Do you really think Zhang Xiaoquan has issues?"


    Xu Dajiang immediately shook his head: "No, no, no, I just think that Principal Zhang, since he''s actively wanting to..."


    "Speak innguage!" Chen Yuanzhi chided.


    Xu Dajiang quickly changed his tone: "Well, to put oneself in his shoes, if I really didn''t have any issues, I definitely wouldn''t do something like bringing documents to you iming I''ve been wronged. Who can understand all those materials without being a professional? I''ve never heard of principals managing that.


    And back when Xu had that position, there was always some reserve for special applications every year, In case any department had a worthwhile project to not miss out on. Howe, as soon as he surnamed Zhang took over, the path for special applications has beenpletely blocked?"


    Chen Yuanzhiughed and said, "Heh... In the end, you''re dissatisfied because you didn''t get the funding, right? Alright, next I''ll discuss a thorough audit of all the scientific research funding the school has approved over the years with the secretary. I''ll fulfill your desire on this matter, but I also have demands for your School of Mathematics.


    Since you''ve got everything nned out, both Qiao Ze and Li Jiangao must stay at the university during my tenure, and their next project must be applied for and approved by the school just like any other project. Of course, I can provide a fast track for you, guaranteeing the fastest review and approval."

 Chapter 142: Chapter 100: Petty Cleverness Versus Great Wisdom_2

    "Uh... this..."


    "Alright, enough with this and that, this is a gentleman''s agreement. Xu Dajiang, you scheme and calcte every day, if you can''t even handle this, you might as well retire early. Don''t let it get in the way of your meal, go about your business."


    Chen Yuanzhi waved his hand, clearly shooing him away.


    ...


    After leaving the administrative building of the university, Xu Dajiang felt more and more annoyed the more he thought about it.


    This clearly wasn''t right.


    How did he get roped into this with just a few words?


    Not only did he get the responsibility of a full-scale audit of the school''s special research funds thrown at him, but he also had some inexplicable burden added?


    What did they mean by amodating his wishes?


    If real problems were found, the credit would go to the leadership, and if no problems were found, was it Xu Dajiang from the School of Mathematics who personally requested it?


    No, even if real problems were discovered, and others were involved, wouldn''t that mean he had to take the me?


    Xu Dajiang''s eyebrows twitched. He suspected that, in a few days, the whole school would be spreading stories about Xu Dajiang going to the principal to demand an audit of research funds.


    He was tempted to turn back and have another chat with Chen Yuanzhi, but the difference in their statuses...


    This damn...


    A thousand-year-old fox indeed!


    Fortunately, he wasn''t ambitious anymore, or else he''d certainly have been doomed!


    ...


    At the same time, Chen Yuanzhi stood by the window, watching Xu Dajiang leave the administrative building before picking up the phone and making a call.


    "Secretary Zhou, hello... Yes, I''ve just had a talk with Xu Dajiang... Sigh, don''t even mention it, he still doesn''t understand, I don''t know if he''s eaten gunpowder, a fifty-year-old man with such a fiery temper. He mmed the table in my office and said if this matter isn''t rified, nobody will have peace."


    "Hmm... what else is there to say? Of course, he needs to be criticized... I''ve already told him off, yes, his attitude has improved a bit. But who knows what he''s really thinking? However, to be fair, Zhang does indeed have difficulties, with so many schools in the university, how can anyone distribute resources evenly?


    At least I can understand that. But doing aprehensive audit is also a form of protection for Zhang, right? It''s the summer holiday; it won''t affect work... What do you think?"


    "Understood, okay, I''ll make the arrangements... Yes, yes, don''t worry, I''ll have a good talk with Xu Dajiang afterward... Xu Dajiang''s work ability and attitude should still be acknowledged... Right, we should let him focus on his primary duties, not spend his nights thinking about all sorts of underhanded tactics... Okay, let''s leave it at that... Yes...


    You also rest early, goodbye."


    After hanging up the phone, Chen Yuanzhi raised his hand to rub his forehead.


    Each day was like this... not a single person making things easy, really tiring!


    ...


    "So, Su Mucheng, thank you."


    "Haha, Tan, why be so formal? It''s all good."


    Outside the gate of Xilin University of Technology''s Xiyuan Community, after dinner returning to the research group, Tan Jingrong happened to run into Su Mucheng and Chen Yiwen.


    "Tan, don''t bother being polite with her. The bossdy isn''t short of money;ing to help me carry a bag of apples is the real deal... it''s too heavy."


    "Oh."


    ...


    When the three of them returned to theb, they saw that the box of papers Tan Jingrong had carried earlier was already ced on the meeting table, but Li Jian didn''t start flipping through the papers¡ªinstead, he was busy in front of hisptop.


    He still had to send a reply to the editorial department of "Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications," providing a proof that the paper from the University of Cologne didn''t giarize their results.


    Actually, Li Jian was also rather rueful.


    To prove this point, putting two years of a research group''s output into an open-source repository was not a small loss.


    Now the paper was also temporarily retracted by the journal.


    Why bother?


    When he submitted that paper, he had told those editors that they''d better recognize the favor, and who would have thought it would be a self-fulfilling prophecy.


    ...


    "Professor Li."


    "Uncle Li, it''s fruit time."


    "Alright, why did you buy so much?"


    "Thinking that Aunt Lu woulde tomorrow, we just bought a bit more of everything. I''m going off to find Qiao Ze." Su Mucheng exined and then hopped off to theb.


    As expected, Qiao Ze was still sitting there.


    Tan Jingrong wanted to talk with Li Jian about Zuo Jie, but seeing his mentor busy writing a letter, he felt the timing wasn''t right, so he followed Su Mucheng to theb, nning to continue working.


    After all, the project hadn''t officially been handed over to the Youwei Group, and the work at hand had to continue.


    As Tan Jingrong opened the work interface, he overheard the two opposite discussing the project.


    "My dad just mentioned he had something to ask you. I hope it''s not interrupting?"


    "No, it''s fine."


    "Hold on, let me check WeChat. The first thing is, the Youwei side asked if you could go to the Shencheng headquarters and give their technicians a few lessons, broadly introducing this framework and algorithm."


    "I won''t go, but I can write an instruction document."


    "Alright."


    "Also, we need to arrange a technical contact person on our side, Qiao Ze, whom do you think is suitable?"


    "Tan Jingrong."


    "Just what I was thinking, Tan is indeed suited for the job. But it requires being ONCALL; that shouldn''t be an issue for Tan, right?"


    "Ah? I have no problem with being the contact or ONCALL. But what if a real engineering problem arises that I can''t solve?" Tan Jingrong quickly responded.


    His heart was torn between joy and concern. Being the technical contact for Youwei Group would undoubtedly allow him to learn a lot; he just feared not being up to the task.


    "No worries, there''s always the work log. If there''s an unsolvable issue, you can ask me any time, and I''ll help you ask Qiao Ze."


    "Uh... then I have no problem." Tan Jingrong

 Chapter 143: Chapter 100: Petty Cleverness Versus Great Wisdom_3

    "Okay. Oh, by the way, Youwei Group also hopes to invite you to their productunch in September to exin the advances of Group Wisdom. Are you interested?"


    "Not interested."


    "I knew it, I''ve already declined for you."


    "Mm."


    Tan Jingrong couldn''t help but look up again at Qiao Ze across from him.


    I mean, it''s just that he''s not a genius, so he can''tprehend Qiao Ze''s way of thinking.


    Opportunities that so many people yearn for are bluntly rejected by him, without leaving any room for negotiation.


    Anyone else might think this is just some kind of role-y!


    Sigh...


    It would have been fine if he had gone!


    He really wanted to show his face on stage...


    "My dad is fine now, but I still have a question. You said you''re picking up Auntie Lu tomorrow, what should I wear that would be appropriate?"


    "As long as you are dressed, it''s appropriate."


    "That seems to make sense."


    "Cough cough cough..."


    Tan Jingrong, who had been seriously listening to their conversation, choked on his saliva that he hadn''t managed to swallow in time and let out a violent coughing sound. Fortunately, two nces made the difort in his throat fade rapidly...


    "It''s nothing... just an itchy throat. Um, I''ll go to the bathroom first."


    ...


    United States, "SIAM Review" editorial office.


    This magazine, published by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, unquestionably holds an esteemed position in the field of applied mathematics.


    Even so, Thomson Carter, an editor of the journal, still feels life is quite rough.


    Especially when facing the pressure from the chief editor and dealing with capricious reviewers.


    The paper published by Li Jiangao and Qiao Ze in "Duke Mathematical Journal" became hugely controversial because of the heated arguments between Sumant Jair and Ackerman Konietz, as well as the exposed watermarking of the paper, triggering widespread discussion in the academic world.


    After an internal search, the journal discovered that Li Jiangao and Qiao Ze also submitted a paper to them, which naturally garnered considerable attention.


    For a serious academic journal, most of the hype on the inte is basically unusable, because leveraging it doesn''t help.


    But the buzz this time could indeed be used to their advantage.


    The reason is simple...


    After the worldwide mathematicalmunity''s dispute concluded with Sumant Jair''s final victory, the topic didn''t linger on this Turing Award-winner for long, but began to veer in another bizarre direction.


    Here''s what happened.


    Shortly after "Pure and Applied Mathematics Communications" retracted Ackerman Konietz''s paper and the University of Cologne announced that all research rted to his project would be added to an open-source library, Robert Rein, a mathematical professor at Princeton University, posted a very serious question on Facebook.


    "I believe not all of Ackerman Konietz''s paper is giarized, and the research records released by the University of Cologne in the open-source library can prove it. So, how many other instances of simr watermarking do you think there are in the paper by Li Jiangao and Qiao Ze?"


    This is a big shot in the mathematical world who has once won the Fields Medal.


    Although this luminary was not seen in thement section during the Facebook sh between Sumant and Ackerman, the mere fact that he suddenly raised this question shows he had been watching the entire battle closely.


    Of course, the focus of interest is not here and not even whether Ackerman Konietz''s paper was entirely giarized, but rather the second part of the question.


    From a probabilistic standpoint, if Ackerman had only used parts of the content and just happened to hit the secretly ced watermark, the chances are exceedingly slim. ording to a contentparison of the two papers, the probability should be less than ten percent.


    Could someone be that unlucky?


    So how many of these hidden watermarks are there still?


    It''s quite astonishing; after Robert Rein posted on Facebook, the downloads for the paper on the "Duke Mathematical Journal" electronic edition web page started to skyrocket.


    Mathematicians around the world, who all seemed very busy on regr days, suddenly found themselves with synchronised free time and joined the game of finding watermarks.


    Thement section on Robert Rein''s Facebook also started to liven up.


    Some students evenined on Facebook that their professors had assigned them the task of finding all the watermarks in the paper.


    This is the kind of heat that could be hitched a ride on.


    Looking for watermarks would necessitate a thorough read of the paper, right?


    After reading the paper, one would surely have some impression of it, right?


    So the next time someone needs to research in the same area, they would definitely remember this paper first when making citations, right?


    The paper might even spark a lot of people''s interest, and who knows, they might throw themselves into research in this field in the future, right?


    After all, artificial intelligence is a hugely popr field right now.


    So the paper Li Jiangao and Qiao Ze submitted bes very important at this moment.


    If they could publish it before the buzz dies down, everyone could also look for watermarks in this new paper.


    A brand-new paper, with no hints at all, would be more challenging.


    Therefore, the "SIAM Review" journal is even more eager to get this new paper published quickly than the research group at Xilin University.


    But the reviewer had not yet given any feedback and even ignored the emails that urged a response.


    When the pressure came back onto Thomson, the editor didn''t bother to maintain any proprieties and directly picked up the phone.


    "Professor Lucas, how are you doing with the review of the paper I sent you three days ago?"


    "Sent three days ago? Isn''t that still early?"


    "You haven''t checked your email at all? I sent two emails exining the situation. This time it''s a bit special, the chief editor hopes it can be published as soon as possible."


    "I know, but review takes time, doesn''t it? And you know what? I''m busy with something very interesting. You know about the Huaxia paper''s watermarks, right? I''m hoping to be the first to find all of them in that paper. Exposing these youngsters'' tricks feels quite fulfilling."


    This statement made Thomson somewhat desperate...


    Have all these mathematicians lost their marbles?


    Gathering the seven Dragon Balls summons a dragon, but what could one possibly do by finding all the watermarks in the paper? How foolish is that?


    "I... Alright, Professor Lucas, if you could promptly finish reviewing that paper and give a favorable opinion, I''ll tell you a secret that''s definitely more interesting than unveiling all the watermarks in that paper. After all, the location of one of the watermarks in that paper has nearly been made public."


    "Oh? Thomson, this doesn''t seem like your style. What kind of incredible secret could you know?"


    "I can give you a hint but definitely won''t spell it out. Now, if you would open up that paper and take a closer look..."


    "Alright, but if you''re lying to me... Hmm... downloadplete... let me first look at the abstract... huh, it''s about the influence of Group Theory on self-supervising framework structures? They''re trying to build such models and they seeded?


    My God, Thomson, don''t tell me, your secret is that this is also a paper by those two from Huaxia!"


    "No, Professor Lucas, I did not say anything, so could you please focus on this draft now and review it, okay?"


    "Fine, fine, let''s make a bet, I guess this paper also has their watermarks."


    "Can I say it''s those damn watermarks? Shouldn''t we focus more on the academic substance?"


    "Haha, alright, Thomson, I got it, I''ll review it promptly. Thanks for the secret, I owe you one. Goodbye!"


    After hanging up, Thomson could only feel a headache, but he emotionlessly dialed another number.


    "HI..."


    ...

 Chapter 144: Chapter 101 Second Paper

    The next morning, in the residential area near Yanbei University.


    Like always, Zhang Hongcai got up punctually at 6:30 a.m., picked up his phone, and saw there were already 5 missed calls.


    Qian Yuhai had made three calls, and Lu Changzheng had made two, which put Zhang Hongcai in a rather good mood.


    Last night, out of the blue, he felt spirited enough to set his phone to Do Not Disturb mode, sessfully screening out two bored individuals who kept odd hours and didn''t rest at night.


    They weren''t always this obsessed.


    But ever since that big shot from Princetonunched the watermark challenge, these two had fallen into a frenzy.


    He suggested perhaps they should just call Xilin University of Technology and ask, but both of them vehemently rejected the idea! They imed that results achieved through cheating were meaningless.


    They were definitely both bonkers.


    Especially since the first call Qian Yuhai made was at 4 o''clock in the morning.


    It wasn''t just craziness; it was nearly grinding down his humanity.


    As Zhang Hongcai was pondering whether to call them back or not, another call came through¡ªagain from Qian Yuhai.


    Oh well, better give some face to an old colleague. He decided to answer.


    He casually pressed the answer button, and before he could speak, an excited voice started bombarding his ear: "Why didn''t you answer your phone just now?"


    "Don''t you know what time it is? Don''t people need to sleep?" Zhang Hongcai retorted immediately.


    "Sleep? How can you still sleep? Lu and I have been up all night! Anyway... would you believe it? Qiao Ze has published another paper in ''SIAM Review'', another top-tier journal!


    The authors are the same few people! He arrived at Xilin University of Technology in May, and now at the end of June, two top mathematics journals in one month! Even my students wanting to churn out papers for their graduation certificates didn''t have this much efficiency!"


    "Huh?! Another publication? That''s..." Zhang Hongcai was a bit bbergasted.


    "What do you mean ''that''s''? Last night the mathmunity was about to explode. Two sessive heavyweight papers, although they''re both about group theory and establishing a self-supervised framework, how could they get so much data in just a year and a half? And that''s with the foreigners not knowing Qiao Ze had only been at Xilin for just over a month. If they knew that, what then?


    People are already starting to doubt the authenticity of their paper output! Thankfully, Qiao Ze''s watermarks are holding up!"


    Qian Yuhai''s voice was growing increasingly excited.


    "Also, now even Xilin University of Technology is getting popr abroad. Last night alone, no fewer than twenty foreign professors emailed me asking about Xilin University of Technology, and they wanted to know how Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematicspares to our research institute. Can you believe that? I mean, how am I supposed to answer?


    Go ahead and check your email too when you have time, I bet people have been asking you as well."


    Zhang Hongcai felt his brain getting fuzzy.


    No help for it, he had just awoken, and this fellow had called. His brain wasn''t exactly running at full capacity, and the influx of jumbled information made it easy for his system to crash.


    But one thing he did understand.


    The reputation of the Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics had soared internationally because of Qiao Ze''s two papers.


    This was quite an unusual reversal.


    For a secondary college within a university to have a reputation abroad that surpasses its reputation at home, even if just for a short time, its impact was quite startling.


    Of course, Sumant Jair yed an indispensable role in promoting Xilin University of Technology.


    If not for the online me war he stirred up thatsted more than ten hours, Qiao Ze and Li Jiangao''s papers wouldn''t have had such a quick and massive impact, and they wouldn''t have grabbed everyone''s attention so swiftly.


    But these coincidencesbined made it quite difficult to answer those straightforward questions from our foreign friends.


    Cultural backgrounds differ, and sometimes it''s really hard to tell if these kids, grown up under different cultural influences, are truly trying to pick a fight with such questions.


    "What''s so hard to answer about that? Just reply honestly," Zhang Hongcai said in a muffled voice. "What? Is the Xilin University of Technology School of Mathematics going to surpass us?"


    "Easy for you to say, but we haven''t published in a top journal for a year and a half, have we? Even if they don''t say it out loud, it''s embarrassing to think about ourselves. And it''s not like I''m ming you, but when you dragged me and Lu to Xilin, why did wee back empty-handed? Couldn''t you have been more decisive back then? Maybe we could have snatched him up, huh?"


    This remark tickled Zhang Hongcai to no end, and he replied sarcastically, "Oh, who was it that said Qiao Ze didn''t have the right temperament and was unlikely to achieve greatness? You said it yourself, then, and now you''re ming me?"


    "Yes, I said it. But I was just tagging along, how to poach someone was your call, wasn''t it, Director Zhang? If it weren''t for you giving up, would I and Lu have followed you back?"


    His ability to deflect responsibility was wless.


    Zhang Hongcai couldn''t be bothered with this madman anymore and said directly, "I don''t want to waste words with you anymore. Is there anything else, or can I get up now?"


    "Wait a second... there is something else. Just think about it, Zhang. The kid''s undergraduate studies at Xilin are one thing, but what about his master''s degree? With his current capabilities, just going through the motions would suffice for his undergrad. I''m thinking, the way Xilin ys that public opinion game is quite shameless.


    I don''t believe Qiao Ze is so smart that he can''t feel it. Why don''t we try to show some goodwill first and see if we can coborate?"


    Zhang Hongcai, who had already moved the phone away from his ear, put it back, "Hmm, that''s worth considering. You must have some idea after not sleeping all night, let''s hear it."


    "Now, with all the buzz about Qiao Ze online, should we let the graduate school figure out a way to take a stance, calling on everyone to calm down and give the kid a quiet research environment? Anyway, that request wouldn''t be embarrassing, and it would seem considerate. After all, pushing a kid not even twenty years old into the limelight is something those folks are capable of."

 Chapter 145: Chapter 101 Second Paper_2

    "And then?"


    "Well, we have Qiao Ze''s number, don''t we? We''ll try to contact him when he''s not busy, it would be best to add him on WeChat. We''ll just take it one step at a time from there, slowly y the sentiment card. If the kid wants to work on any projects, we might be able to offer some support, and that way we''ll get to know him better."


    "I thought you had some great idea. Fine, I''ll give the graduate school a callter. And you and Lu staying up all night going crazy, don''t rope me into it! Unless the sky falls down, don''t call me before 6 a.m! That trip to Xilin, even though we didn''t snatch the guy, I still learned how to cklist numbers."


    Having said this, Zhang Hongcai couldn''t be bothered to listen to Qian Yuhai''s nonsense anymore and hung up the phone.


    "Who was that calling so early?" Seeing Zhang Hongcai put down his phone, his wife stretchedzily and asked casually.


    "Qian," Zhang Hongcai replied.


    "Qian? What''s up?"


    "Remember the kid I told you about the other day? I even made a special trip to Xilin for him."


    "What''s up with that kid again? Last time you said he was quite rude."


    "Being rude is one thing, but this month he''s had two papers published in internationally recognized top math journals in a row."


    "What? That high school student? That''s enough for a professorship at our university, isn''t it?"


    "There''s more, he did a project that I suspect caught the attention of Youwei Group. The day before yesterday, Yu Hongwei even made a Weibo post especially for him, talking about a strong partnership."


    "You mean, he can handle projects and pull in funding?"


    "Exactly! Old Qian is still trying hard. He''s given up on the undergraduate stage, hoping we can invite him at the graduate level."


    "Qian really is wishful thinking! Even when the kid didn''t have any reputation yet, three of you went all the way there and couldn''t bring him back, now with this situation, as long as those leaders in Xilin University of Technology have half a brain, they''ll do whatever it takes to keep him at their own school."


    The blunt truth is always hard to hear.


    Zhang Hongcai red at his wife and said, "Like you know so much!"


    After speaking, he sulkily got up from the bed, ready to wash up and head to the school early.


    It''s not like I can just do nothing just because there''s not much chance, right?


    ...


    Xilin University of Technology.


    As July arrived, the campus had gradually quieted down.


    It was a physical kind of quiet because with the end of exams in various faculties, normal undergraduates could go home to enjoy one of the increasingly rare joyous summer vacations of their lives.


    Those kids who had already signed up early for professors'' research projects bid farewell to the summer vacation in advance, immersing themselves in thebs to deal with all kinds of machinery or bottles and jars,ying the foundations for their future.


    But today, the mood of any professor on campus with a bit ofwork was heating up, even boiling over.


    The new student that the School of Mathematics had recruited published a paper in a top math journal, which had already sparked some ripples on campus.


    At that time, in addition to admiration, people were also somewhat distracted by the School of Mathematics'' indescribable maneuvers.


    Afterward, it became trendy in the mathematicsmunity to look for "watermarks" in Qiao Ze''s papers. It didn''t really break into other circles much. For professors in other faculties, they just thought the School of Mathematics was extremely lucky this time to have found such an outstanding student.


    But when the second paper was published in a top international journal just a few days after the first, the impact began to spread.


    In the academic world, everyone is familiar with padded papers.


    Most of the time, it''s not that they want to pad, but that they''re forced to.


    Positions, titles, bonuses, rankings... a series of personal honors and financial interests are all tied to schrly output, so submission fees are nothing.


    Generally, being able to pad core journals is already enough to be considered a big-shot.


    There really aren''t many people in the world who can pad top international journals, let alone in mathematics.


    If you shrink that timeline to one month, even the top big-shots haven''t heard of such a thing.


    Unless they have a few capable lieutenants under theirmand, but usually, they''ll just be listed as corresponding authors. At a certain level, the team members care about their image; they wouldn''t take the lead authorship from someone else.


    This isn''t just excellence; it''s downright defiance of the natural order.


    The School of Mathematics and the university''s leadership, however, seemed much calmer.


    Li Jiangao was an honest man and had already reported to Xu Dajiang that they had initially published two papers.


    Plus, the top management already knew about Youwei Group''s interest in Qiao Ze''s project. Compared to missing out on a project that could let the university soar, the excitement brought by two top-journal papers was significantly reduced.


    What alerted them more was that the official Weibo of Yanbei Graduate School, out of the blue, posted early in the morning:


    "Congrattions to our country''s math prodigy Qiao Ze for publishing another paper in the world''s premier applied math journal ''SIAM Review''. We ask the public to offer more kind tolerance and less critical attention to Huaxia''s math hope of the future, allowing a young sprout to grow in peace and excellence. Thank you all."


    Honestly, when they saw this Weibo post, everyone was mentally cursing. MMP!


    My student gets attention, and what the learning environment is like isn''t any of Yanbei University''s damn business!


    Making such a post out of the blue, it seemed a bit too calcting.


    The most direct effect was that Li Jian Gao, who was just about to head out to join a research group to study the paper, received a call from Xu Dajiang, "Hello, Jian Gao, the principal just called to say that Qiao Ze''s mother ising this afternoon, right?


    He wanted to personally greet her, but he really can''t get away from a meeting, so he has already entrusted Principal Zheng and two leaders from the school office to greet her. Our school will be represented by me, you, and Zhu, and Zhuo from the admissions office will also be there. Who else besides Qiao Ze from the student side is going to greet her?


    Please send me the listter so I can arrange the transportation properly."

 Chapter 146: Chapter 101 Second Paper Part 3

    Li Jian Gao was somewhat baffled; he hadn''t anticipated the school making such a big fuss to wee Lu Xiuxiu''s arrival.


    "Could this grand disy scare off her mother?"


    "No, Dean Xu, is this necessary? Wouldn''t it suffice for a few of us to wee her? Do the school leaders really need to be involved?"


    "How could it be unnecessary? Jian Gao, have you been so involved with Qiao Zetely that you''ve be insensitive? What does it mean to have a student publish two international top-tier journal articles in one month and create a project performance that can outdo ChatGPT? Have both the student and you lost all sense of the concept?


    Nevermind, your most important task is to ensure Qiao Ze stays with us."


    "Additionally, your Jieqing title is a sure bet this year. I''m speaking to you candidly, just listen. Chen has already made it clear that he will use every resource to push for your promotion. It isn''t for anything else but to secure you with a "hat," and based on current policies, as long as he''s in office, no one else can poach you. So, don''t feel any pressure, and be grateful."


    Li Jian Gao responded in a daze, "Oh."


    "As long as you understand. Remember to send over the list of names for the meetingter. I''m hanging up now."


    After hanging up the phone, Li Jian Gao began to furrow his brow and contemte.


    He recalled Qiao Ze''s discussion with him that afternoon about the authenticity of this world and this universe.


    How had things suddenly elerated to the point where he had to jog just to keep up with the pace of the world''s development?


    After collecting his thoughts, Li Jian Gao came up with an idea and decided to make another phone call.


    "Mr. Su, there''s something I''d like to discuss with you..."


    ...


    Outside the female dormitory at Xilin University of Technology.


    Su Mucheng briskly walked out of the dormitory building towards the man waiting for her at the door.


    "Dad, why have youe to see me so early?"


    "I came to say goodbye; I''m heading to Shencheng shortly."


    "Huh? Didn''t we agree to pick up Qiao Ze''s mother together this afternoon?"


    "I had decided to meet Qiao Ze''s mother because the project was ultimately Qiao Ze''s work, and since he doesn''t want to deal with the matters, I, representing both of you, should at least hear what Qiao Ze''s mother has to say in a show of respect. However, aftermunicating with Professor Li these past few days, I feel that there might not be much to discuss with Qiao Ze''s mother.


    Adding onto theplexity of your rtionship with Qiao Ze, which is not merely that of partners, meeting on this asion might be inappropriate," Su Lixing exined.


    "Is it?" Su Mucheng asked, tilting her head.


    "Indeed, it is. Originally, I nned to have dinner with you and Qiao Ze''s mother to wee her, but Professor Li just called to say that this afternoon''s wee ceremony has been upgraded. The school and college leaders will all be in attendance, and with that, there''s even less reason for me to join the crowd.


    Even if I take a step back and consider that if you and Qiao Ze end up together, it would be inappropriate for me to meet my potential future inw for the first time in such a setting, right?" Su Lixing spoke gently.


    This time Su Mucheng nodded in realization but still corrected him, "Why step back at all? There''s no need, I''m certain that Qiao Ze and I will be together in the future."


    "Alright, alright! I''m off to Shencheng soon, let''s not talk about that now," Su Lixing waved his hand and casually added, "By the way, did you mention to Qiao Ze yesterday that you had already sent out the red envelopes with 660,000 yuan to everyone?"


    Su Mucheng nodded, saying, "Yeah, why keep it a secret?"


    "Did Qiao Ze have any particr reaction to it?"


    "He just acknowledged it with a simple ''Oh,'' as usual. What kind of reaction should he have?"


    Having just answered, Su Mucheng suddenly realized something was off and suspiciously looked at Su Lixing, asking, "Dad, what are you up to now? It was you who told me to give out red envelopes to everyone, and now youe specifically to ask about Qiao Ze''s reaction?"


    Su Lixing replied with a wry smile, "Can''t you think well of your father? What kind of schemes could I possibly have? I''m representing you in negotiations with Youwei; I need to know if Qiao Ze truly doesn''t care about money. You''ve also said before that Qiao Ze''s family isn''t wealthy. What if he''s only saying he doesn''t care about money, but actually feels differently?"


    Su Mucheng, tilting her head, countered, "But isn''t it all the same? Even if you find out he truly doesn''t care about money, do you n to take advantage of him? Besides, you''re not that kind of person."


    "I..."


    Su Lixing red fiercely at Su Mucheng, feeling frustrated, but thest remark eased his temper somewhat.


    However, considering she was his only daughter, he patiently exined, "In negotiating this technology coboration with Youwei, there are two major directions. Either we get enough profit upfront and give up the potential unlimited future benefits, or we demand little to no immediate profit, focusing instead on the future.


    Only by understanding Qiao Ze''s true feelings can I help negotiate an oue satisfactory to him."


    "To put it simply, if Qiao Ze only pretends not to care about money, I''d opt for the first approach. No matter how solid the technology, once you get into the massive costs for technical development, hardware, maintenance, and the vtile market environment, solely pursuing future benefits is risky and full of uncertainties. It''s safer to secure a profit now.


    If Qiao Ze truly doesn''t care about money, I will aim for the second strategy, especially given the potential of this technology. Do you understand?"


    "You could have just told me directly. I could have asked Qiao Ze myself, instead of all this beating around the bush. Aren''t you tired?" Su Mucheng pouted.


    Su Lixing offered a bitter smile; how could he get her to understand that often people''s words don''t reflect their true intentions? Unfortunately, Qiao Ze seemed to be the rare type who meant what he said, consistent in his words and actions¡ªsetting a positive example and leaving him at a loss on how to educate his child!


    It was mentally exhausting!

 Chapter 147: Chapter 102: By the Mothers Side, the Child is Honored

    At two in the afternoon, ten people gathered at the small square in front of the school''s administration building.


    Principal Zheng, apanied by the leaders of the school''s office of Public Rtions and Logistics, and Xu Dajiang, with Professor Zhu and Li Jiangao as representatives, ensured Su Mucheng''s presence; Chen Yiwen volunteered to fetch the luggage. Adding in Director Zhuo from the Admissions Office and Qiao Ze, they made exactly ten people.


    Considering two more people would join for the return trip, the school directly arranged tworge seven-seater Red g SUVs.


    Xu Dajiang also put some thought into the seating arrangements.


    Qiao Ze, Su Mucheng, and Li Jiangao were definitely going to share one car, so Xu Dajiang also put Zheng Luhua and Minister Hong from the Public Rtions Department into the first vehicle; the rest would ride in the other.


    After all, it would take at least an hour to get to the high-speed rail station without traffic. This hour was a chance to bond with Qiao Ze.


    This actually made Xu Dajiang somewhat uneasy.


    Although he hadn''t interacted much with Qiao Ze and knew the boy was usually quiet, the moment he did speak, he could easily offend people.


    This was why he insisted on having Li Jiangao in the first car.


    In case Qiao Ze offended the leaders of the school, it was not just him who could smooth things over.


    Just as Xu Dajiang expected, once the driver started the car smoothly, Zheng Luhua, sitting in the back row, let down his guard and started to chat with Qiao Ze in a friendly manner.


    "Qiao Ze, I haven''t had the chance to congratte you in person for having two papers published in top mathematics journals. Oh, Xu hasn''t told you yet? ording to school policy, professors who publish in top journals receive a cash reward of three hundred thousand. It has been decided by school research that your papers will also be rewarded ording to this policy.


    The prize money should be credited to your ount this month. You and Professor Li can then distribute it amongst yourselves."


    This was a clear gesture of goodwill.


    In fact, this was Zheng Luhua''s task for today.


    Xu Dajiang also breathed a sigh of relief.


    Bringing up the reward should prevent the kid from feeling resistant.


    But before he could add a word of agreement, he saw Qiao Ze turn his gaze from the window, looking at him with confusion, and Xu''s heart suddenly sank. Sure enough, Qiao Ze did not respond with gratitude, but with a question, "Isn''t the school out of money?"


    "Ah..." Zheng Luhua, who had never interacted with Qiao Ze, was somewhat at a loss for words, not expecting this response.


    Xu Dajiang immediately turned to look at Li Jiangao, who was sitting behind Qiao Ze.


    Li Jiangao quickly exined, "Qiao Ze, this is different. You can think of this reward as the school''s name being listed on your paper, which will contribute to the school''s ranking in terms of influence in the future, hence the special reward. This money is not in the same category as research funding."


    "Oh," Qiao Ze nodded, indicating understanding.


    Sitting next to Qiao Ze, Su Mucheng blinked and said, "So, once our project is over and we publish six papers, we could get a total reward of one million eight hundred thousand from the school. Excluding the red envelope bonus from yesterday, our project''s current expenses are roughly one million five hundred and seventy thousand. This..."


    Qiao Ze turned to nce at Su Mucheng, seriously reminding her, "Uncle Li just said that money from the school is different from other money."


    "Oh!" Su Mucheng stuck out her tongue and fell silent.


    The two "Oh''s" made the inside of the car suddenly quiet.


    The atmosphere became extremely awkward, and shocking...


    Xu Dajiang turned to look at Li Jiangao. Six papers? What was that about? He hadn''t heard anything about that.


    Zheng Luhua looked bewildered.


    Hadn''t they agreed that only two top-tier papers were published?


    How did it be six?


    Alright, these details weren''t important.


    What mattered was if indeed six top-tier papers were published, dispersing one hundred eighty thousand as a school reward would really be a triple irony.


    Zheng Luhua felt that Chen might be angered to the point of spitting blood.


    Because when the facts wereid out so bluntly, he himself could already feel physically ufortable.


    Damn, money is not just money.


    The pressure instantly focused on Li Jiangao.


    He too felt that the situation had developed into something quite absurd.


    Li Jiangao could even sense that Su Mucheng had deliberately made thosements. Was this her way of expressing dissatisfaction with the school''s previousck of support for Qiao Ze?


    Well, regardless of Su Mucheng''s intentions, it was up to him to smooth things over now.


    "Cough cough, well, I''ve reported to Dean Xu before that Qiao Ze is quite efficient at writing papers. Moreover, the project is actually quiterge, the foundational theoretical papers were written beforehand, and subsequently as we embedded various modules into the framework, each module not only functioned independently but also brought some novel insights when integrated.


    Therefore, we divided it into several additional papers. Essentially, there is just one foundational paper, and the rest are based on that for further evidence and construction."


    Li Jiangao said this with sweat nearly breaking out on his forehead.


    Qiao Ze casually replied, "If we consider the paper standards published by the collegest year, seven to eight more papers could be written, but I don''t think that''s necessary. Without innovative mathematical tools, even the most beautiful proofs are just gilding the lily.


    By the way, does the school also award bonuses for papers mostly in the second-tier SCI journals I saw listed on the college websitest year?"


    No one answered. It was left to Li Jiangao to bite the bullet and reply, "Yes, second-tier SCI journals have cash rewards ranging from one hundred thousand to one hundred and fifty thousand, depending on the journal''s impact factor."

 Chapter 148: Chapter 102: By the Mothers Side, the Child is Honored - Part 2

    Qiao Ze said, "Oh, on the way back, we could give these propositions to Tan Jingrong. He could use them to write those papers and figure out the methods of those mathematical tools more quickly, and even make some bonus money, which is pretty good."


    "Yeah," Li Jiangao answered with aplex expression and nced at Zheng Luhua beside him.


    Fortunately, Principal Zheng was only tilting his face, listening attentively.


    At least it didn''t seem like he was temperamental.


    However, Xu Dajiang couldn''t help but give Li Jiangao a re.


    Why didn''t you say so earlier!


    If he had known Qiao Ze was a paper-producing machine, why would he have gone to such great lengths to do all that stuff?


    Not only did he owe a favor for nothing, but he also attracted a whole lot of trouble.


    He should have just shoved a dozen PhDs into Qiao Ze''s project team from the start, and everyone could have gone crazy writing papers.


    In one year, they would have a burst of dozens of top SCI papers, maybe even dozens in the second tier, and the School of Mathematics would have everything!


    When the inspection team came down for a visit, he could have looked down on them through his nostrils.


    Now, all he could do was hope that Qiao Ze would start his next project soon.


    If the next project was still this kind of cutting-edge applied research, easy to get results and produce papers in bulk, Xu Dajiang thought it might be worth considering stuffing all the PhDs from the School of Mathematics into it for a golden opportunity. Hopefully, it wouldn''t be a research project in mathematical theory...


    That would be a real loss.


    Alright, that''s a matter for the future.


    Having epted this reality, Xu Dajiang sighed, "Ah, Jian Gao, don''t you think Qiao Ze resembles Gauss?


    If I remember correctly, Gauss independently derived the binomial theorem of Newton at eleven, discovered the prime number theorem at fifteen, and by neen, he was extraordinary, solving the world problem of the circle division, proving the quadratic reciprocityw, discovering the biquadratic reciprocityw, and in the same year he also proved that every positive integer can be represented as a sum of no more than three triangr numbers, obtaining the number of solutions for equations with coefficients in a finite field..."


    At this point, Xu Dajiang paused, turned his head, and looked at Zheng Luhua, saying with a smile, "Ah... if there was a concept of SCI back then, Gauss at neen could probably have published a dozen top-tier papers, too, right?"


    "Right, right, Qiao Ze, your future achievements are limitless, don''t focus on the past, look forward! Haha..." Zheng Luhua echoed with a forcedugh.


    Out of politeness, Qiao Ze turned his gaze away from the window and looked at the two people who had just spoken, nodding and saying, "Oh, as it happens, I''m nning to start a new topic."


    "Ah?" Xu Dajiang quickly asked, "About what area?"


    "The potential corrtions that might be established between O(N) group gauge fields and N-dimensional Riemannian spaces R^N, and a possible solution to non-Abelian gauge fields," Qiao Ze replied.


    Xu Dajiang was taken aback and began to feel downhearted, as expected, this kid''s second project had nothing to do with the lucrative applied mathematics that could bring everyone fame and fortune.


    It was a hard-core, purely theoretical field of mathematics exploring the unknown.


    It was even rted to Xu Dajiang''s previous field of study and research¡ªpartial differential equations.


    Nonlinear partial differential equations to be exact.


    How difficult is that?


    Basically, if no specific physical background is provided, not to mention solving the equations, it''s extremely difficult even to determine if solutions exist for such equations.


    For example, two of the world-famous Millennium Prize Problems are rted to these kinds of equations: the Navier-Stokes equations describing fluid movement and the Yang-Mills equations strongly rted to quantum physics.


    This is also the reason why Xu Dajiang decisively chose to abandon academia and embark on an administrative career after the age of forty-five.


    Although he was still supervising doctoral and graduate students, after bing the dean, he actually did no research work besides asionally checking on his doctoral students'' progress. Even the graduate students were being supervised by his doctoral students.


    The key issue was that the deeper one went into this field, the more difficult it became and it was also hard to achieve truly impressive results.


    Unless one tackled problems that had remained unsolved for over a century, no one would remember them.


    It''s just like Louis Caffarelli, who just won the Abel prize this year.


    Apart from those in the theoretical mathematics and physics fields who knew this professor was a PDE expert, most people hearing his name beyond those circles would only have question marks¡ª who is this old man and what are his achievements?


    So when Xu Dajiang heard that Qiao Ze''s new research topic was in this direction, it was inevitable he would be disappointed. This was miles apart from the previous project studying group theory to construct a self-supervised intelligence framework, which could rake in huge profits!


    It can''t be that Qiao Ze is going to spend the next few years gnawing at this difficult problem, right?


    Good thing Zheng Luhua wasn''t thinking so much; almost as soon as Qiao Ze finished speaking, he promised, "Fine, no problem. Qiao Ze, when you get back, write up an application. If you don''t know how, let Jian Gao help you write it. Jian Gao, after you write the application, give it directly to me, and I''ll handle it. No matter what, we can''t have the kid fund his own research, right?"


    Zheng''s statement also snapped Xu Dajiang back to reality, and he asked subconsciously, "Wait a moment, Qiao Ze, didn''t you say earlier that you only conducted in-depth research on nonmutative geometry and group theory? You also self-studied partial differential equations in high school?"


    Qiao Ze frowned, quite sure he had never said he specialized in any particr field.


    Well, Uncle Xu not only seemed very free but also had a really bad memory. Qiao Ze had to patiently exin, "I have self-studied all mathematical knowledge systems that help in understanding physics."


    "Ah..." Xu Dajiang looked at Li Jiangao in surprise, only to find Li Jian was zoning out.


    Yes, Professor Li was feeling very panicked at the moment, thinking about the box of papers still piled up in the research group.

 Chapter 149 Chapter 102 By the Mothers Side, the Child is Honored - Part 3

    As soon as Qiao Ze began to describe the project he wanted to study, Li Jiangao realized that this kid was seriously nning to tackle the Yang-Mills equations and officially start addressing the mass gap problem that had troubled countless mathematicians and quantum physicists.


    And he, Li Jiangao, Qiao Ze''s mentor in name only, hadn''t evenpleted the initial umtion of knowledge.


    Oh, the shame!


    For a moment, he couldn''t even bother with the looks he was receiving from Xu Dajiang; he quickly pulled out his cellphone, found Tan Jingrong, and sent a message: "Starting today, I''m reading the hundred papers Qiao Ze prepared for me. I need to highlight the key proofs in the papers based on the abstracts, as soon as possible!"


    After sending the message, he finally felt a bit more at ease.


    He had initially thought about rxing this summer, perhaps even finding a girlfriend, but now it seemed he should forget about it.


    He didn''t deserve it.


    ...


    The car fell quiet after this little episode.


    It seemed like everyone suddenly lost the desire to talk.


    Including Su Mucheng.


    Thinking that she was about to meet Qiao Ze''s mother, the girl was somewhat nervous and unsure of what to say, so they quietly reached the high-speed train station.


    While waiting, Li Jiangao was pulled aside by Zhuo Wenyu for a private chat. Your next journey awaits at empire


    Xu Dajiang was whispering with Zheng Luhua.


    It wasn''t until Yu Chenggong''s train, which he had messaged about earlier, arrived at the station that everyone became serious.


    Five minutester, when they saw Yu Chenggong,den withrge and small bags,ing out of the station, Zhuo Wenyu was the first to raise his hand and call out, "Yu, over here..."


    "Hi, Director Zhuo, Lu, over here, let me intro... uh... President Zheng? Dean Xu? You all came..."


    Yu Chenggong was still stunned by the impressive gathering in front of him when Su Mucheng, sensitive to the situation, already noticed the middle-aged woman beside Yu Chenggong was Qiao Ze''s mother and decisively took Qiao Ze by the hand to meet her.


    "Mom," Qiao Ze greeted as usual.


    "Ah, Ze, let me have a look at you. Hmm, Yu was right, you did gain some weight... Eh... this is..." After the joy of reunion, Lu Xiuxiu noticed the pretty and slender young girl standing beside her son and was momentarily taken aback.


    "Auntie Lu, hello, I''m Qiao Ze''s girlfriend, my name is Su Mucheng. Qiao Ze probably hasn''t mentioned me to you, right?"


    "Ah? Girlfriend? This... Look, Su, Qiao Ze is reserved and doesn''t like to talk about his personal life. I haven''t heard him mention you, and you''ve caught me so off guard that I didn''t bring you any gifts..."


    Lu Xiuxiu was overwhelmed with surprise and instinctively took Su Mucheng''s hand.


    Indeed, she had always thought that with Qiao Ze''s reserved nature, no girl would truly like her son in this lifetime. Yet, to her amazement, just over a month since he''d arrived, he had managed to get a girlfriend without a word, and such a charming girl at that. Could it be that under Professor Li''s guidance, Qiao Ze had be more enlightened?


    In that moment, Lu Xiuxiu felt as if she was dreaming, holding onto Su Mucheng''s hand without wanting to let go, fearing that once she did, the girl would "whoosh" disappear!


    "Auntie Lu, you don''t need to bring gifts. The fact that you''ve raised Qiao Ze so well, to me, is already the best gift in the world!" Su Mucheng, always good at cheering people up, blurted out without thinking.


    These words suddenly brought tears to Lu Xiuxiu''s eyes...


    Qiao Ze stepped forward, gently hugged Lu Xiuxiu, let go, then turned his head and nced at Yu Chenggong, who had just set down his bags, nodded slightly, and then spoke in a slightly louder voice than usual, "Yu, thank you."


    "Haha, what''s there to thank? It was all in passing," Yu Chenggongughed in response, but what he didn''t expect was Qiao Ze''s abrupt statement, "If there''s anything you need help with, give me a call."


    Honestly, the way Qiao Ze uttered those words was as nd and straightforward as in water, yet loud enough for all those around to hear clearly.


    Yu Chenggong was taken aback, then realized that the gazes of all the leaders behind Qiao Ze, who were waiting to step forward and interact with Lu Xiuxiu, had turned to him. He immediately caught on and hurriedly responded with a beaming smile, "Haha, okay, I''ll thank you in advance then, Qiao Ze."


    "Alright, alright, let''s not stand on ceremony. Auntie Lu, I am the dean of the Westwood University of Technology Mathematics Institute and also Qiao Ze''s teacher. My name is Xu Dajiang. I''ll introduce you to a few leaders here; they all specially came to wee you..."


    "Ah?"

 Chapter 150 Chapter 103 Be Aware of the Situation

    After picking up Lu Xiuxiu at the high-speed rail station and exchanging simple pleasantries, a group of school leaders and teachers from the admissions office quickly took her to the residential area the university had prepared.


    The house was in the South Court of the campus.


    Needless to say, the location was excellent; it was just a wall away from the university, and one could gaze at the campus scenery from standing on the balcony.


    The most convenient part was the side entrance to the school within the residential area, and less than five hundred meters inward was a faculty cafeteria. They had boxed meals and stir-fries, so one could easily settle a meal there if they didn''t feel like cooking. The 145-square-meter house also had heating, central air conditioning, and 24-hour hot water.


    All the appliances were brand new, showing sincere generosity.


    To put it bluntly, this already fulfilled all of Lu Xiuxiu''s fantasies about owning her own house.


    Of course, this was only to be expected.


    The housing was originally built specifically to attract high-caliber professors, so naturally, everything was up to a high standard.


    This made Lu Xiuxiu almost disbelief her ears as she listened to Xu Dajiang''s animated introduction, and she quietly tugged at Qiao Ze''s sleeve, asking, "Qiao Ze, is this house really free for us to live in?"


    Qiao Ze just silently nodded, while Su Mucheng confidently said, "Don''t worry, Auntie, you can consider this house as something Qiao Ze has earned through hard work, right, Dean Xu?"


    "Ah... Haha, yes, yes, Ms. Lu, I, on behalf of the university, also want to thank you for raising such a fine child! I''m not exaggerating when I say that Qiao Ze will definitely be the pride of our university. You can live here at ease, for the lease has all been signed with Qiao Ze, granting you permanent residency for this house."


    "Xu, looking at the time, it''s gettingte, why don''t we leave the stuff here and go to the hotel for dinner? Principal Chen is already waiting there."


    "All right, let''s not linger on the house then; let''s go have dinner!"


    ...


    After the lively banquet, the group once again escorted Lu Xiuxiu to her new home at Xilin University of Technology.


    Following a short exchange of courtesies, the school leaders took their leave, knowing when it was appropriate to do so.


    In the end, only Lu Xiuxiu, Qiao Ze, Su Mucheng, and Chen Yiwen, a few ssmates, remained in the house to keep the atmosphere lively.


    "Qiao Ze, now that your mother is here, where do you n to live from now on?" Chen Yiwen asked while Lu Xiuxiu was busy unpacking.


    "Anywhere is fine," Qiao Ze pondered and answered.


    Indeed, for Qiao Ze, be it home or dormitory, it was just a ce to sleep and where he stayed seemed inconsequential.


    "I think it''s better to live in the dormitory, so you can help out Zhang Zhou and Gu more," Chen Yiwen suggested with a wink.


    Lu Xiuxiu, who just walked by and overheard Chen Yiwen''sment, said, "You can live in the dormitory on weekdays ande home on weekends. What do you think, Su?"


    Your adventure continues at empire


    "Ms. Lu is right. This way, when we get tired of the cafeteria food, we cane here and eat Auntie''s cooking on weekends, which would be awesome!" Su Mucheng sweetly remarked.


    "Yes, yes, what dishes do you like? Tell Auntie, and I''ll buy them and cook for you," Lu Xiuxiu cheerfully said.


    She couldn''t help it; she was just too pleased with Su Mucheng.


    It wasn''t just because Su Mucheng was pretty, but more importantly, she was so articte. Ever since the car ride home, Su Mucheng had been chatting non-stop by her side,vishing praises on Qiao Ze and empathizing with the hardships of Ms. Lu...


    Lu Xiuxiu, who had spent most of her life with a son as impassive as a gourd, had never been bombarded with such sweet talk before. It didn''t matter if Qiao Ze was conquered or not; Lu Xiuxiu certainly was and felt that having such a daughter-inw in life was worth everything!


    Qiao Ze just silently watched everything, his thoughts unknown.


    ...


    At the same time, in Chen Yuanzhi''s office, Zheng Luhua and Xu Dajiang were sitting together, discussing work.


    It was outside of work hours, so the atmosphere was informal.


    "By the way, when we went to the high-speed rail station, Qiao Ze mentioned starting a new project, but I didn''t catch the title. I mean, I don''t specialize in mathematics, but Xu probably knows."


    "Yes, it''s a research project in the field of partial differential equations, about non-Abelian gauge field equations. To be honest, I''m not very optimistic about Qiao Ze doing research in this area. It''s not that I doubt his capability, but it''s difficult to achieve notable results purely in theoretical mathematics and mathematical tools," Xu Dajiang said pensively.


    "Oh? Xu, and here you say you''re not doubting Qiao Ze, maybe he could solve a world-ss problem, right, Zheng?" Chen Yuanzhi said with augh.


    "Ah... You don''t understand because you''re not in this field of research. There are plenty of difficult mathematical problems in this area. But unless it''s one of those well-known problems, I personally think it''s not very meaningful.


    Mathematicians do want topletely describe physical movements with equations, but in engineering, they''ve already started to use various models to rece pure mathematical calctions. In my opinion, even simple breakthroughs would be a waste of Qiao Ze''s time," Xu Dajiang sighed andmented.


    "Alright, I get it, you''re deliberately telling us this because you hope Qiao Ze will undertake another project like the previous one, one that can quickly show benefits to make things easier for us, right? Okay, Xu, I''ve told you before to drop the act. If he really wants to continue with a big project, we may have to invest heavily, and there will be a string of conditions.


    These kinds of theoretical research topics are also quite good," said Chen Yuanzhi after teasing Xu Dajiang.


    After addressing Xu Dajiang, Chen Yuanzhi then inquired, "By the way, with regards to this kind of research, what kind of support can your school provide Qiao Zeti? Does the School of Mathematics have any professors who specialize in this area?"

 Chapter 151 Chapter 103 Be Aware of the Situation_2

    Upon hearing what Chen Yuanzhi said, Zheng Luhuaughed and spoke, "You''ve forgotten that this is Xu''s specialty. He specialized in partial differential equations back in the day."


    "No, no, no, President Zheng, don''t joke about this, I can''t, I really can''t!" Xu Dajiang''s head shook like a tambourine.


    What sort of joke was this?


    To have him give guidance to Qiao Ze?


    Even though Xu Dajiang did not yet know how much knowledge Qiao Ze had umted in partial differential equations, the fact that he could directly choose his own topic indicated that he had some understanding.


    Qiao Ze had also mentioned that he had taught himself group representation theory, and just by casually watching some videos online, he was able to spot a small mistake made by a professor from Yanbei University.


    Not to mention, he hadn''t spent much effort on research in these years. Should he proactively offer help to Qiao Ze only to be questioned in return?


    He really couldn''t afford to lose that face.


    "Then who do you think has the capability to assist Qiao Ze?" Zheng Luhua asked.


    "Find a few doctoral and graduate students to help Qiao Ze check his papers and lessen his workload. If we really talk about it, the big shots in pure mathematics research within Huaxia are all nestled up in the Capital." Xu Dajiang said very frankly.


    "Hah, are you thinking of sending help or are you cunningly trying to insert a few people to help you supervise your students?"


    Chen Yuanzhi red at Xu Dajiang.


    Xu Dajiang spread his hands and said, "What can I do? When ites to financial mathematics, applied mathematics, you might still find a supervisor to lend a hand, to inspire a bit. But when ites to pure theoretical mathematics, let me tell you the truth, the usefulness of a supervisor is really limited. Not to mention this topic was chosen by Qiao Ze himself.


    Non-Abelian gauge fields are defined in physics as a ss of special charges and the fields produced by these charges. Most importantly, these charges and fields can''t be represented by real numbers, only by matrices. And the multiplication of matrices isn''tmutative, so from this, you can understand howplex the subject is, right?"


    As he spoke, Xu Dajiang suddenly pped his forehead and eximed, "Oh, I just remembered Qiao Ze mentioned today that he self-studied all the mathematics that could help him understand physics, right? If that''s the case, is it possible that he chose this topic in order to ultimately solve the Yang-Mills Equation? Is he trying to prove the existence of the mass gap?"


    "The one among the seven Millennium Prize Problems offered by the y Institute?" Chen Yuanzhi asked.


    Although he was not in mathematics research, the fame of these seven problems was such that he had heard of them.


    "Exactly! But it shouldn''t be, right? Nowadays, there aren''t many people doing pure mathematics research on this problem, most are physicists trying to find results throughputer simtions and experiments. To derive it from pure mathematics is really too hard.


    Plus, solving this problem in mathematics, its biggest significance lies in developing a new path integral, and no one knows what this is right now, a new tool? A new technique? If Qiao Ze really could solve it, then he could indeed establish his own school in the future."


    Xu Dajiang spread his hands, concluding, "But if Qiao Ze really wants to work on this topic, probably no one can guide him much. However, that being said, the likelihood is not great."


    "You evenpared Qiao Ze with Gauss today. Gauss is considered the founding ancestor of a school within your mathematicalmunity, right? I remember that among his students there was Riemann, andter Hilbert built upon Riemann''s work to make some achievements; it seems Gauss is the progenitor of the Gottingen School.


    Maybe in the future Qiao Ze could also start a Xilin School," Zheng Luhua said with a smile.


    Xu Dajiang blinked his eyes.


    The thought of such a good development was indeed quite delightful.


    "Alright, we''ve strayed too far now, even a Xilin School hase into the picture. Even if it really happens, that would be after we''re gone, for the next generation to categorize. Xu Dajiang, you don''t have to perform this act in front of me, there''s no need. Researching pure number theory is good too, at least it doesn''t cost much money. The proper attitude is still required.


    Once the project is approved, apply for a VIP pass to a supeputer for Qiao Ze, so he can use it at any time. Let''s leave it at that for now. On second thought, what Yanbei University said is not wrong, giving this child a quiet environment to progress slowly is best."


    After he finished speaking, Chen Yuanzhi red at Xu Dajiang and said, "Especially you, stop always thinking about making a mess of things. If you have any thoughts, report them through the proper channels in the future!"


    "Oh, why not spend some money to cool off the trending topics?"


    "Enough! Don''t act smart after taking advantage! Let''s leave it at that for today, go back and rest early."


    ...


    After leaving Lu Xiuxiu''s home, Li Jiangao went directly to the research group.


    It was still early, and he nned to read two papers.


    Really, a month ago, he never would have imagined that after sessfully being promoted to associate professor, his biggest pressure woulde from a kid who was dead set on bing his student.


    The belief that drove him to work hard turned out to be, "I can''t let my students lose face, can I?"


    Sometimes he found it ludicrous, but it was undeniably real.


    Going upstairs, Li Jiangao saw Tan Jingrong sitting at the conference table through the half-open door, one hand propping up his head, the other holding a pen, papersid out in front of him, his face etched with worry.


    "Ahem..."


    Li Jiangao cleared his throat, and Tan Jingrong immediately turned his head toward the door, then stood up, "Advisor, have you returned?"


    "Yes... Are you reviewing papers? How''s it going? Any findings?" Li Jiangao asked.


    "Uh, I only started this afternoon, Qiao Ze is really making this difficult," Tan Jingrong replied honestly.


    "Is that so? It looks like youck motivation, huh? By the way, Qiao Ze mentioned in the car today that he would give you a few topics to choose from. If you do well, being the first author on a second-tier SCI publication is certainly not a problem. I think, you shouldn''t be too greedy.


    Digest those two papers from Qiao Ze thoroughly, then spend the next year and a half working on the topics Qiao Ze is giving you. Write two papers, one to submit for building your credentials, and the other as your graduation thesis. How does that sound? Do you feel motivated now?" Li Jiangao said smilingly.


    "Really?" Tan Jingrong was indeed excited.


    Being able to publish in a second-tier SCI journal during his masters was already a significant achievement.


    Think about it - how many Ph.D. students at the school were dyed because they were stuck on publishing an SCI paper.


    To outsiders, being a Ph.D. candidate seems prestigious. But only Ph.D. students themselves know the hardships of a Ph.D., especially in science and engineering. While ssmates are earning money, they are still studying; while ssmates are getting into civil service, they are in theb fighting for a paper. What''s scarier is that a Ph.D.


    doesn''t guarantee graduation.


    Xilin University of Technology enforced a seven-year time limit for doctorates. That is to say, if a Ph.D. student couldn''t graduate within seven years, they could only get apletion certificate. However, within two years ofpleting, they could re-defend their thesis and, if sessful, receive their Ph.D. degree. Even then, not everyone could smoothly obtain their Ph.D.


    Just imagine the pressure of not obtaining a degree after seven or eight years of effort.


    Being able to publish a paper as the first author in a second-tier SCI journal basically meant one could graduate with a Ph.D. at Xi Gong University.


    You can imagine how happy Tan Jingrong was at that moment, but when his gaze fell back on the paper in front of him, his expression fell again.


    "Okay, stop summarizing. Go familiarize yourself with Qiao Ze''s papers," Li Jiangao waved his hand and said.


    In truth, he also knew making Tan Jingrong read those papers now was indeed asking a bit much.


    "Thank you, boss."


    Tan Jingrong''s spirits were instantly lifted. He was about to leave when something suddenly urred to him, and he said somewhat awkwardly: "Right, boss, Zuo Jie talked to me yesterday. He said he''s facing difficulties again with his graduation thesis topic. He''s too embarrassed toe to you directly and asked me to see if there''s another chance for him to join our group?"


    Upon hearing this, Li Jiangao was taken aback and then stared at Tan Jingrong for a moment, saying: "You haven''t mentioned this to Qiao Ze, have you?"


    Tan Jingrong hurriedly shook his head, "No."


    "Don''t mention it in the future either. Do you know how many people are eyeing our group? If Qiao Ze gives the nod, do you believe the dean would immediately stuff a bunch of Ph.D. students in here? Things are set in stone now, it''s toote for anyone to suggest picking the fruits of ourbor! Why didn''t he think to join earlier?"


    Tan Jingrong nodded quickly in agreement.


    Li Jiangao looked at the earnest Tan Jingrong and sighed, saying: "Besides, do you think Zuo Jie''s temperament suits this ce? Don''t think that because Qiao Ze doesn''t like to talk much, he''s easy to get along with. He can''t stand ws in people, and do you think Zuo Jie can sneak his little tricks past Qiao Ze''s eyes?"


    "Some people, if they don''t say anything, it doesn''t mean they don''t know; it means they don''t want to bother. If Zuo Jiees here and irritates Qiao Ze, not to mention getting any benefits, I''m afraid his future paths could be blocked! Tell Zuo Jie that... well, never mind, let me find time to talk to him myself. You just take care of yourself. Understand?"


    "Understood, boss!"


    "Good, now get back to work."

 Chapter 152 Chapter 104 The Gears of Fate

    Austrian State of Tyrol, University of Innsbruck.


    A graceful figure with agile steps and a head of golden hair stormed into the quantumputingb, exuding an air of determination.


    "Hanna, what are you looking for..."


    "Get out!"


    "Fine!"


    "Wait,e back, is Hudson in the office?"


    "Ah? Professor Will didn''te in today, he should still be in the East building."


    "Now you can get out!"


    "No problem."


    Upon learning that Hudson Will wasn''t there, Hanna Ravenstahl turned sharply and left theb, heading towards her mentor''s office.


    Ten minutester, when Hanna pushed open the door of the office, the old man was indeed sitting behind the desk, an unusual sight as he wore his reading sses, calcting with a pen in hand.


    "Hanna, how many times have I told you? You must knock before entering! That''s basic manners!" Hudson scolded, frowning.


    "Manners are for the right people, and I don''t think a professor who makes a bet with his archenemy and then dumps that damn time-wasting task on his students deserves much politeness," the young woman said assertively.


    "Oh!" At this point, Hudson''s gaze had locked onto the beautiful folder in the blonde''s hand, and his eyes lit up immediately. It was probably this old professor''s tragedy that his interest in paper even surpassed his other enthusiasms.


    "Hanna, you know what? I''ve always believed in you, you''re an absolute genius! What makes that Kori from the University of Cologne think he canpare to you? Besides good looks, he''s really nothing! Ackerman, that idiot, even treasures him as if he''s precious! But you, you''re the best!


    So tell me, you found all the watermarks in both papers, right?"


    The woman red at the old man behind the desk and then lifted the folder in her hand: "Yes, six so-called watermarks in each of the two papers. What''s worse, that damned Qiao switched the watermarks in the second paper! Completely switched them! And not in the form of equation solutions, but hidden in the libraries used for mapping. And do you know what the watermark in the second paper says?"


    "Oh? What?" the old man asked eagerly.


    "The watermark will not disappear, it will only change its form¡ªQiao Ze!"


    "Hahaha, I knew it, this is really interesting! You know, the person who invented this kind of watermark is a genius too. Yes, adding a watermark is easy, but integrating it naturally with the paper itself is incredibly difficult! Come on, Hanna, don''t keep me in suspense, let me see how he hid them." The old manughed, stood up, and reached out his hand.


    Thinking that he would soon be able to unt his victory in front of his lifelong rival, Hudson couldn''t help feeling joyful.


    The older you get, the fewer pleasures you have.


    Spar with the lifelong rival, see him dete, that has be one of the few joys of his life.


    Not to mention that this time both parties had made a bet, a bottle ofst century''s fine wine worth 3,600 euros. Imagining the other''s pain, Hudson felt as if he had consumed a panacea, revitalizing his entire body.


    However, Hanna didn''t hand over the papers but rather pulled back her hand and hid them behind her back: "Wait, Hudson, you can have them, but you have to approve a trip for me to study in Huaxia for a while."


    "A study trip? To Huaxia?" The old man was stunned as he looked at the young woman sitting across from him. He suddenly realized something and said aloud, "God, tell me you''re not serious! You don''t understand Huaxia, you''ve never been to Huaxia, so why would you want to go? You should see those TV programs, it''s not a good ce."


    "I know, Hudson, but I''m going on a study trip to Huaxia, to Xilin University of Technology. I want to see for myself what kind of person can design such boring watermarks! I''m asking for one year, Hudson. No, this isn''t a request, because I''ve already decided. If you don''t help me apply, I''ll apply to enroll as a PhD student at Xilin University of Technology on my own.


    With my credentials, this shouldn''t be difficult."


    The old man looked at the girl before him, blinked, and finally, under the influence of her determination, said reluctantly, "Hanna, there''s no way I can change your mind, is there? You don''t even speak Chinese. Goodness, don''t you thinkmunication will be a huge problem?"


    The blonde girl nodded seriously, her fair and delicate face filled with resolve: "I still have time to learn, and you should trust mynguage talent. Outside the campus, I can use Google''s trantor, and inside, I believe initially mixing English and Chinese won''t be too much of a problem."


    "Well... okay, but you need to get your family''s consent first."


    "I called them yesterday, and they''ve agreed, Hudson. My parents have always believed that since my legs are on my body, I''m free to choose my life."


    "All right, all right, damn it, I''ll help you apply. Get your passport ready, hand it over to me, and when they ept, I''ll have someone sort out your visa. God, I knew that once something good happened to me, there would be a surprise to mix in with my mood! It''s always like this, you know? Always like this!"


    While they were talking, a freckled kid poked half his body out from outside Hudson''s office door, "Professor Will, Professor Rnd has told me..."


    "Get out!" Hudson red and pointed to the door, causing the kid to flinch and then quickly withdraw before Hanna could turn around to see him slip away.


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