Training the Heavens

Chapter 74: While the Snipe and the Clam Fight, the Fisherman Benefits (Available Tonight)
"Once Reference News comes out, there will definitely be a lot of schools inviting you to give lectures. If I don't tell you now, I'm afraid I'll have to wait in line in the future!"

Hearing this and all the other details, Gao Jialin guessed that Duan Xiaodong's family background must be extraordinary. Otherwise, how could he have known all this information in advance? In addition, he was also very interested in this lecture, so he agreed. "Okay, if it really is published, then I will go over and give a talk. If my speech is not good, please don't be disgusted!"

"No, I talked to a teacher at our school about your article, and he said he saw a hint of Alexis de Tocqueville in it. Tocqueville only spent nine months studying in the United States, but he wrote 'Democracy in America,' which gave a very thorough analysis of the social situation there! And like Tocqueville, you don't just look at the surface of the problem, but instead conduct an in-depth study of the reasons behind the current situation!"

"This habit is very suitable for studying political science. If you want to continue your studies, he welcomes you to apply for his graduate program!"

"My family's financial situation is rather difficult, and I'd like to start working soon!" Gao Jialin refused without even asking the teacher's name. He was afraid that he would not be able to resist the temptation.

"That's such a shame!" Duan Xiaodong didn't insist. Perhaps the teacher had just said it casually; he was still focused on the lecture. "Then it's a deal. Once Reference News reprints it, you come and tell us about it."

"Okay! I'll prepare the manuscript when I get back! I'll try not to embarrass you!" Even if I can't be his student, it's good to leave some impression on him.

Just as Duan Xiaodong said, a few days later, "Reference News" reprinted Gao Jialin's article in full, which gave Gao Jialin another source of income. There is also a fee for publishing articles in the internal reference, and he earned more than 400 yuan for more than 20,000 words.

On the day the article was published, the principal called him over again. Gao Jialin had met the principal once before when the article was published in the internal reference. The principal may not care about the article published in the literary magazine, but he would definitely not neglect the things in the internal reference.

The president first praised Gao Jialin, then moved on to another topic. "Recently, there's been a lot of noise between Fudan University and Jiaotong University over the 'Second Classroom' exhibition, and some leaders are very unhappy. Do you think there's any chance of bringing the exhibition to our school?"

Gao Jialin also knew about this. Neither school wanted such a good thing to be snatched away by the rival, so they used all kinds of means, which inevitably went a little too far.

He thought for a moment and said cautiously, "If we don't choose between these two schools, our school actually has a pretty good chance! Although our Pujiang College was just established and lacks a lot of historical background, from another perspective, this is actually an advantage!"

"If those leaders had come all the way from Beijing to Shanghai just to see the 'Second Classroom' exhibition, it would have been a bit monotonous! If they had also been invited to see the achievements of Shanghai's construction of new universities in the new era, their trip would have been much more fulfilling!"

The principal's eyes lit up. "That's a great angle. It's not limited to Pujiang College, but extends to the entire city of Shanghai. That's very convincing! No wonder you can write such an article. Not many people consider things from this perspective!"

Indeed, Pujiang College was established only a few years ago. The trees along the school’s streets have not yet grown up. It has not made any remarkable achievements and ranks very low in Shanghai. What can it use to invite leaders to visit?
Gao Jialin's reasoning was different. This wasn't just about Pujiang College; it would have been heartening to hear about it from higher-ups. Pujiang College, though only a few years old, was already on the right track. Wasn't this an achievement of Shanghai's response to the higher-ups' call to build a new kind of university for a new era? They could have just as easily invited him over to see it!
"I will visit the leaders of Fudan University and Jiaotong University right now and try to gain their understanding first!" The principal was also very thoughtful and did not rush forward without thinking when he saw the benefits.

If he had reported this to the leadership without authorization, Fudan University and Jiaotong University would have been displeased. Given the influence of these two universities in Shanghai, Pujiang College would have had a difficult time offending them. However, negotiating ahead of time was different. It was a sign of respect for the elders. He hoped that the elders would show some consideration for the younger brother and give Pujiang College a chance. Furthermore, the two elders had been arguing a bit lately, and continuing the row wouldn't look good. This was a good opportunity for him to step down.

If we give the opportunity to Tongji, they probably won't be willing to do so, because Tongji may threaten their position. However, Pujiang College does not have this problem. It will take decades for a newly established younger brother to catch up with them. Giving a hand to the younger brother when it is still relatively weak will become a good story in the future.

In the afternoon, Duan Xiaodong came over in person and invited him to give a lecture at Fudan University on the weekend. Gao Jialin took the opportunity to ask about the situation. Duan Xiaodong was also very troubled and said that the school had actually thought about backing out, but unfortunately there was no suitable reason.

Now it’s settled. Now that the principal has said this, we have a ready-made excuse, right?

The weekend lecture was very successful. Gao Jialin asked his teacher to help him make a slide show of the photos he took in Guangdong and played it for the Fudan students who came to the lecture. This relatively novel speaking style opened their eyes.

Accompanied by vibrant photos, Gao Jialin talked about his experiences in Guangdong. The students could intuitively feel the changes that had taken place there, and they were all very excited. Gao Jialin's words were often interrupted by warm applause after only a few minutes.

The question-and-answer session after the speech was even more lively, with students raising their hands to ask questions. Gao Jialin carefully avoided some sensitive topics, and his answers were basically about his optimism about reform and opening up.

After the event, he did not meet the teacher that Duan Xiaodong mentioned. He and a teacher from the Student Affairs Office took Gao Jialin out for a meal. At the dinner table, Gao Jialin took the opportunity to make a request, asking them to help him get a library card for Fudan Library.

Pujiang College is a new school after all, and the collection of books in the library cannot be compared with that of Fudan University. Many of the materials that Gao Jialin wants to read cannot be found.

The teacher readily agreed and allowed him to go to Fudan to get the certificate within a few days.

After getting the certificate, Gao Jialin received another good news. The principal's operation was very successful, and the city gave Pujiang College the opportunity to hold an exhibition of achievements.

This is what is called "while the snipe and the clams fight, the fisherman benefits". Originally, if only one of the two schools had signed up, the place would definitely be theirs. Now that the two schools are fighting, it will not be good for either of them, and instead it has fallen into the hands of the younger brother Pujiang College.

Gao Jialin became curious and wondered which leaders would come at that time?
(End of this chapter)