They're already in university, and the primary school system is only just starting out?

Chang Kai's voice wasn't loud, but it was like a pebble thrown into Gu Ming's calm heart, stirring up ripples.

Gu Ming was slightly taken aback, then began to re-examine the matter following the principal's line of thought.

He recalled a casual remark Chang Kai had made to him: Although Academician Liang Tianshi had retired from the front line of scientific research, he had been dedicated to discovering and cultivating top-notch reserve talents for the country, especially those rare geniuses.

So that's how it is...

Gu Ming's mind raced. After a moment of serious thought, he offered his opinion: "Principal, I understand. You mean that our school should show sufficient respect for Shen Yan so as to leave a good impression on Academician Liang and make him feel that Yannan University is a place that truly values ​​and cherishes talent."

As he spoke, his thoughts became clearer: "In addition to the team prize of 10,000 yuan for the 'Higher Education Cup' that was already agreed upon, I think the school can also grant her a separate, high-value scholarship as an encouragement. In this way, we can not only motivate the students, but also show our stance to the outside world, especially to Professor Liang."

However, after listening, Chang Kai slowly shook his head, a helpless smile on his face.

"Xiao Gu, you're oversimplifying things." He picked up his teacup and gently blew on the floating tea leaves. "You've underestimated how much Elder Liang values ​​a true genius, and you've also underestimated his capabilities."

Seeing that Gu Ming still seemed not to have fully grasped the situation, Chang Kai decided to give him some more pointers.

"Among Professor Liang's students, not to mention those who are professors at prestigious universities abroad, just looking at those in China, there are several well-known names in academic circles." Chang Kai put down his teacup, looked at Gu Ming, and slowly posed a question, "Do you know Feng Yunhai?"

"Feng Yunhai?"

Gu Ming sat up straight instinctively.

Of course he knew that name!

Just a few months ago, he went to the capital to attend a high-level national mathematics academic conference. The person who gave the keynote speech at the opening ceremony, with his extraordinary demeanor and the thunderous applause from the audience, was none other than Professor Feng Yunhai!

During the tea break at the meeting, Gu Ming had the opportunity to exchange a few words with the other party.

Putting aside his titles such as "Professor of Mathematics at Yanbei University" and "Director of the International Center for Mathematical Research in Beijing," Gu Ming could clearly sense the depth of his academic attainments in the field of mathematics.

"I know," Gu Ming nodded, "Professor Feng's academic level is extremely high."

He asked somewhat hesitantly, "Could it be that Professor Feng Yunhai is Academician Liang's student?"

"Yes." Chang Kai's answer was crisp and clear. "Professor Liang was his doctoral supervisor."

Gu Ming couldn't help but gasp slightly.

Only now did he have a basic understanding of Academician Liang's status and connections.

Chang Kai looked at the stunned expression on Gu Ming's face, nodded in satisfaction, and continued, "So I guess that Elder Liang probably already had a plan in mind. As long as Shen Yan's performance on the 14th meets his expectations, he will use his influence to find a way to transfer Shen Yan to the Mathematics Department in Yanbei and personally supervise her training."

"Transfer schools?" Gu Ming's brows furrowed instantly.

As the deputy director of the mathematics department, he had a natural protectiveness towards his students. After carefully considering his words, he raised his concerns: "President, isn't this against the rules? I remember there are clear regulations that require students to have college entrance examination scores higher than the admission score for the relevant major at the intended university in the same region before they can transfer."

"Rules?" Chang Kai waved his hand, a meaningful smile appearing on his face. "Little Gu, you must remember, the country will always give special consideration to true geniuses. Those regulations you mentioned are for those who want to exploit loopholes... um..."

Chang Kai stopped mid-sentence, raising his finger and subtly pointing upwards, indicating that Gu Ming should understand on his own.

Of course, what Chang Kai didn't say was that if the regulations blocked the path of transferring schools, then "clever people" would come up with other ways.

Gu Ming remained silent for a moment, still somewhat unwilling, and raised a second question: "Even if there are no issues with the rules, I genuinely have high hopes for Shen Yan. She's previously discussed with me her interest in pursuing a doctorate. I'm also planning to start planning her five-year combined master's and doctoral program after her undergraduate graduation next semester. With her talent and hard work, she has a very promising future, whether she studies abroad or applies for the 'Outstanding Young Scientists' award in China. Are we at Yannan University really going to let such an excellent student slip away like this?"

After listening, Chang Kai shook his head and asked in return, "Xiao Gu, everything you've said is from the perspective of Yannan University. But have you ever considered things from Shen Yan's personal perspective?"

"What you just mentioned—a combined master's and doctoral program, studying abroad, applying for the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars… does that mean she can't achieve those things after going to Yanbei University?"

"She will not only receive, but very likely will receive, better and broader opportunities and platforms than if she stayed here. Tell me, would any student refuse such an opportunity?"

These questions struck Gu Ming's heart like a hammer, leaving him speechless.

yes......

Even though Yannan University's mathematics department is already firmly among the top ten in the country, the gap is still too huge compared to Yanbei University, which has a strong foundation, has consistently ranked first in the country, and can even rank among the top ten in the world.

They're not even in the same league.

"Actually," Chang Kai leaned back in his chair, his tone becoming more relaxed, "from the very beginning, I was very curious about how Professor Liang found out that we at Yannan University had such a mathematical genius in our second year. After all, even I, as the university president, had never heard of such a thing before. But now, we don't need to dwell on such trivial matters anymore."

He looked at Gu Ming, and finally revealed his true purpose for coming to see him today.

"At this point, as long as Shen Yan doesn't cause any problems, it's a done deal that Yannan University will release her. We can't stop it, and there's no need for us to. All I can do is make the most of this opportunity and try to get something else for our school."

"So, on the 14th, you'll come with me to Tsinghua University to attend that offline exchange meeting."

"After the event, as long as Shen Yan's performance is satisfactory, the two of us will take the initiative to approach Professor Liang. We'll be humble and say that we feel Shen Yan is exceptionally talented, and staying in Yannan might hinder her development. We hope to ask an academic giant like Professor Liang to help us provide her with a better platform and the best training."

Chang Kai's eyes gleamed with shrewdness.

"What we did may seem like we were asking Old Liang for help, but in reality, we were doing him a small favor, going along with his wishes."

"Moreover, on the day of the awards ceremony, there will definitely be interviews and reports from various media outlets. At that time, I will find a few familiar media outlets to create a buzz and promote the image of Yennan University as a place where 'everything is for the students' future, even at the cost of painful sacrifices.'"