Rebirth 08: A Happy Life Begins in Elementary School

Chapter 101 How to Define Genius

"What is Professor Wang's major?"

No one could have predicted that Li Zhao's first question would be this.

Wang Wenzhao was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "I'm actually from Linjiang. I did my undergraduate studies at Linjiang University and then went to Huazhong University for my research."

I majored in Chinese Language and Literature at Tsinghua University. Now I'm a Chinese language teacher.

He had a good attitude and explained his background clearly. He didn't deliberately hide the fact that he didn't have an undergraduate degree from Tsinghua University, so he's an honest person.

In fact, Li Zhao had a good impression of him. When they were chatting about stock trading at an internet cafe, he didn't immediately start showing off his superiority after learning that Li Zhao was a primary school student. He was able to maintain a rational understanding and recognize Li Zhao's abilities, which is quite rare.

"That's a waste of talent," Principal Shen said with a smile.

"No, no, being a Chinese language teacher is one of my career paths. Besides, I'm also doing some Chinese language research at New Taipei First Senior High School, and I have to thank Principal Shen for his strong support."

Is New Taipei First Senior High School really that ruthless?

The six students were clearly taken aback by this conversation.

Huang Keyun, who was originally proud of her 985 master's degree, unconsciously lowered her profile.

Li Zhao could understand Wang Wenzhao's curiosity; someone with such abilities would definitely have a greater preference for gifted students.

Next, Principal Shen introduced the students from New Taipei First High School again, then placed his hands on his knees, smiled, and looked at Li Zhao, waiting for him to speak.

"Principal Shen, what conditions can your esteemed school offer to recruit me?"

Shen Jinghong had anticipated Li Zhao's maturity, and after a pause, he recounted the conditions they had just discussed.

However, Principal Gu, Director Han of the Academic Affairs Office, and Vice Principal Lin of the Moral Education Department did not expect this. Principal Shen was negotiating terms, and the three of them were frantically exchanging glances.

Li Zhao thought to himself, "No wonder he's a leader. He can communicate with just a glare or a blink. He could become a secret agent after he retires."

"How about it, Li Zhao? These are the conditions we've been considering. If you have any suggestions, feel free to make them. Our school is very sincere."

Principal Shen adopted a very humble attitude.

Even without any special conditions, Li Zhao would still want to take the entrance exam for New Taipei First Senior High School.

He is a reincarnated person, and to put it bluntly, his platform before university wasn't that important.

You definitely can't fail, but 90 points or above is good enough. There's no need to aim for 95+ or even close to a perfect score.

Moreover, Li Zhao knows where his real strengths lie. He is so outstanding in elementary school because he is good at it, and the elementary school level is too easy.

Both are indispensable.

He might have been able to grit his teeth and be a genius in junior high, but he really didn't have much confidence in high school.

Being a true academic superstar in this life is certainly great, but being a "test god" is just one aspect of academic excellence. Li Zhao hopes to cultivate expertise in specific fields and become a leading figure.

If you can be a test-taking genius, great; if not, don't force it.

The vast majority of his knowledge of urban planning from his previous life came from Linjiang and New Taipei City, whether it was his own research, understanding of information gaps, or acquaintances of bigwigs and future colleagues.

New Taipei First Senior High School is good enough, and New Taipei Middle School is already ranked first in Linjiang.

BGI? That's for later.

—And my good friend is here too.

"Principal Shen, I'd like to know if the experimental classes are rotating?"

This is yet another problem that no one thought of.

Shen Jinghong had anticipated a whole host of tricky questions from Li Zhao, but he never expected him to ask such a peripheral question.

"Oh yes, it's rotating. The top fifty students at the end of each semester will be rotated. However, performance throughout the entire learning cycle will also be considered, and it won't be determined by just one exam."

Shen Jinghong spoke cautiously. Normally, Li Zhao would only ask this question because he was worried about failing the exam and being dropped out of the experimental class. However, he had heard that the child was very arrogant and presumptuously judged things with an adult's mindset, which could easily irritate him.

What else could it be for?

Wang Wenzhao suddenly smiled. "Li Zhao, do you have any close friends who hope to be in the same class as you?"

For example, that kid we played with at the internet cafe.

Everyone suddenly realized.

"As long as it's fluid, it's fine; everything depends on ability."

Chen Nian is out of the question — He Shuyao might be able to look forward to it.

"Any other questions?"

"No conditions."

Principal Shen smiled, and Han Xu, the director of academic affairs, immediately took out an agreement from his briefcase and handed it to Li Zhao. "Li Zhao, take this home and have your parents take a look at it. If everything is in order, sign it, and that will complete the special admission process."

Li Zhaoneng could feel a sudden surge of pleasure in the office.

Both sides were looking forward to Li Zhao completing this ritualistic step, after which they could laugh heartily and start chatting.

However, after Li Zhao took the paper and pen, he only glanced at them briefly before placing them beside him.

"If I agree, I'll definitely be in Class 1, and Teacher Wang will be my homeroom teacher, right?"

"Yes." Wang Wenzhao nodded.

"Well, Professor Wang, I have a question I'd like to ask you, or rather, a point of view I'd like to discuss with you."

A group of adults suddenly became tense because of a child's speech.

Although Li Zhao did not say it explicitly, it was clear from his consistent actions and tone that this issue was the key to whether or not he would be admitted to the university.

Wang Wenzhao's answer may become the basis for his judgment on whether the school is "worth attending".

The somewhat crowded principal's office suddenly became the stage for Li Zhao and Wang Wenzhao's conversation.

All eyes were on the two of them.

Shen thought to himself, no wonder Teacher Wang specifically emphasized that Li Zhao should not be treated like a primary school student, this is going too far.

"Go ahead," Wang Wenzhao said, leaning closer to Li Zhao, seemingly without any pressure.

How do you define genius?

Almost everyone frowned immediately.

This question is difficult to answer, and I don't understand Li Zhao's purpose in asking it.

"Genius! I'm a middle school teacher, so can I limit my responses to middle school students?"

""

"certainly."

"That is, having an exceptional learning talent that far surpasses that of ordinary people," Wang Wenzhao said. "It doesn't need to be too complicated."

That was a pretty good answer, concise and to the point. Saying too much would have made it easier for Li Zhao to press him for answers.

"What kind of performance should we expect?"

"For junior high school students, there are basically the following characteristics. First, they think very quickly, which means they are quick-witted, answer questions very fast, and can produce more thoughts in a short time. Second, they have a very strong comprehension ability, which allows them to simplify and abstract complex problems, and combine this with their rapid thinking ability to solve difficult problems. Third, they have excellent learning methods, which allow them to develop strong systematic thinking, learn deeply and thoroughly, and apply what they have learned to other situations."

Wang Wenzhao answered instantly, explaining in a calm and unhurried manner.

Principal Shen smiled with appreciation.

The expressions on Wang Wenzhao's face at the Sixth Primary School had changed somewhat, especially those of Principal Cai.

At first, I thought it was either someone with connections or someone with low emotional intelligence, but the relationship is a third possibility—someone who's incredibly capable.

"Teacher Wang, what do you think is the most important point?" Li Zhao continued to ask.

Liu Xiao hadn't reacted yet, but Shen Jinghong was taken aback.

It seems like no one has noticed how insightful Li Zhao's question was.

Wang Wenzhao was also taken aback.

They answered so confidently before, but it turns out they were setting a trap for us.

He considered it for a moment, then said, "I think we need to consider the specific needs. Since he's a gifted student, as teachers, we certainly hope to nurture him well, fully develop his talent, and help him continuously reach higher levels. The most common path then is through competitions. Competitions tend to emphasize thinking speed, since they deal with difficult problems, and high-difficulty competitions often emphasize a huge number of questions."

"Um.

Li Zhao's indifferent response made Wang Wenzhao suddenly a little nervous.

"But there's another type of student," Wang Wenzhao said. "Their thinking speed isn't fast, it might even be a bit slow. But the depth of their thinking is exceptionally deep. They can slowly construct their own thought system and learn with a research-based approach. Although these students may not necessarily appear very intelligent and often perform poorly in competitions, I believe they are also a kind of genius."

"Oh?" Li Zhao became interested.

"In short, individualized instruction has always been the teaching policy of New Taipei First Senior High School, whether for ordinary students or geniuses," Wang Wenzhao said.

"So, Mr. Wang, and even New Taipei First Senior High School, how do you select the second type of genius? The first type is very outstanding and is very easy to select under the exam-oriented education system, but the second type cannot be reflected in the exam."

Principal Cai was dumbfounded.

This was actually his first serious encounter with Li Zhao.

He had heard that this child was special and very mature, but he never expected him to be like this.

What was supposed to be a recruitment event for him was turned into a reverse evaluation of New Taipei First High School by a few of his questions.

The key is that in just a few words, he asked a very profound question.

If we were to discuss this issue in detail, it would be a deep analysis of the entire education system.

Principal Cai has been in the education industry for decades, and he was somewhat speechless when asked to answer this question.

I feel ashamed.

Wang Wenzhao was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "I have to admit that exam-oriented education is good at discovering the first type of genius, but it will definitely ignore the second type of genius. But the education system is a very complex issue, so I won't comment on it here."

"Well, that's not something we can change, and I'm not prepared to discuss that." Li Zhao was engrossed in his discussion and thought. "I just want to know what you're going to do."

"I will take the initiative to communicate," Wang Wenzhao said. "Exam scores are only one of the criteria. If there are any geniuses like the one mentioned earlier, I, and New Taipei First Senior High School, will do our best to ensure they are not overlooked. Although doing so may seem overly subjective, it is better than looking at scores alone."

The scene was very quiet.

Most people were half thinking about the issues they had just discussed, and half thinking about Li Zhao, their student.

Wang Wenzhao let out a long breath, inexplicably feeling as if he had just been interviewed by some kind of examiner.

"Li Zhao, do you mean you agree to his enrollment at New Taipei First Senior High School?" Principal Cai asked.

"Okay, if there are no problems with the agreement, I'll sign it."

Principal Shen breathed a sigh of relief and put on a relaxed smile. "No rush, you can take the agreement home and talk to your parents first."

"No need, I'll decide this," Li Zhao said.

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