Super God-Level Top Student

From every angle, Zhang Mingrui and Zhou Liang's visit to Xilin, they've taken the word "courtesy" to the utmost level.

With their stature, wherever they go for a university tour, it's typically met with fanfare and fireworks. It would be considered disrespectful to the academic community of Huaxia if not greeted by the university president in person and without several banners as a welcome.

Should they wish to meet someone, it's probably a matter of giving a heads-up, and they could generally meet at the welcome ceremony specially prepared for the two representatives of the Science Academy's Chair Committee.

But this time, they specifically requested a low profile through several letters, to keep everything simple, and so Xilin University of Technology had no choice but to be subdued.

The president, Xu, along with two staff members, quietly took two cars to pick up their guests and bring them back to the university.

Everyone knew they were two academicians coming to discuss matters with Qiao Ze.

But no one went ahead to disturb Qiao Ze, who was engrossed in his research at the institute.

Even Zhang Mingrui said on the drive that a simple meal would suffice for lunch, without the need for banquets, and not to call Qiao Ze, to avoid disturbing the kid.

It must be said that, for this trip to Xilin, Zhang Mingrui and Zhou Liang had seriously done their homework.

They sought out many who had interacted with Qiao Ze to understand his temperament.

And they received numerous suggestions.@@novelbin@@

For example, it's best not to involve Qiao Ze in the bustling welcome and farewell meals, as forcing him to attend only reduces his good impression; the best way to interact with Qiao Ze is to get straight to the point without dilly-dallying...

Zhang Hongcai from Yanbei even gave the two men a tip.

"In fact, including the two academicians at the Xilin Institute of Photonics, we don't really understand Qiao Ze. Even Li Jiangao, Xu Dajiang, and Qiao Ze's mother aren't particularly familiar with him. The one who truly spends all day with Qiao Ze is his young girlfriend.

So, if you have the chance, when you're in Xilin, you might want to talk with that Su first about how best to communicate with Qiao Ze. Professor Xu has told me that Su is almost always with Qiao Ze and is currently the only person who appears daily in front of Qiao Ze without his objection.

Professor Xu said that Su gets along well with everyone at the institute, like a lubricant."

Thus, on the way from the high-speed rail station to Xilin, Zhang Mingrui's only request, put forth in a discussing tone, was, "If possible, could we have Su Mucheng join us for a simple lunch at noon?"

It wasn't a concern if Qiao Ze knew what was discussed, as it would demonstrate the Science Academy's regard for Qiao Ze, wouldn't it?

Of course, if Qiao Ze wishes to come, that's fine, but there's no need to force it if he doesn't.

...

"Eh, Qiao, Dean Xu is asking if I'm free to have a simple lunch with them and a bunch of old men, and he asked me to check with you if you want to come, but no pressure. It's so strange; shouldn't they be inviting you and just bringing me along as an afterthought?"

Looking at the message she received on WeChat, Su Mucheng was bewildered.

The school's behavior had been getting more and more enigmatic lately, making it difficult for her to comprehend.

"Oh, then you go."

"Aren't you coming?"

"I don't like that atmosphere."

"Didn't you always say people need to eat? Let's go together."

Qiao Ze shook his head and said, "It's different. If it were just about eating, that'd be fine, but they like to discuss matters while eating. These types of occasions often have more redundant information than effective information, severely affecting efficiency. We can't expect everyone to keep silent during the meal; that would be impolite."

"Huh?" Su Mucheng imagined a scene where more than a dozen people filled a table, and everyone silently picked at their food and drank without a word, creating a strange atmosphere like something from a horror movie. Thus, she said, "Then I won't go either."

After thinking it over, Qiao Ze said, "You should go. It wouldn't be polite to decline since Dean Xu has especially invited you."

"Huh?" Although it was unusual to hear Qiao Ze mention politeness twice in a row, Su Mucheng decided to take his advice.

There wasn't any other reason; Su Mucheng simply thought that, since her IQ was lower than Qiao Ze's, it was probably right to listen to the one with the higher IQ in such matters.

...

Lunch was arranged in a small private room in the university's staff cafeteria.

It was already the most low-key arrangement possible. Three senior university officials attended; Xu Dajiang was present to accompany them while Li Jiangao politely declined the invitation. Along with the two academicians and Su Mucheng, there were only seven people in total. In essence, Su had single-handedly reduced the average age of the gathering by seven or eight years.

Since they had matters to discuss in the afternoon, as usual, there was no alcohol at lunch.

Out of consideration for the only young lady present, fresh juice was specially prepared.

Su Mucheng was also very sweet-tongued. Her series of greetings upon entering made everyone feel warmly welcomed.

Really, sometimes Xu Dajiang thought if only Qiao Ze's temperament could be even a little more like Su Mucheng's, it would be a very happy thing for everyone.

Alas...

With Qiao Ze absent, the luncheon atmosphere was excellent.

Starting from a collective care shown by the big shots for the next generation, the two academicians who had specifically come to Xilin cordially inquired about Su's college life, including but not limited to her exam results, extracurricular activities, and if she faced any difficulties. Eventually, the conversation steered towards Qiao Ze.

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Indeed, Su Mucheng had not expected that the two dignitaries had invited her to lunch, only to directly seek advice on how to talk with Qiao Ze and what to watch out for...

Even Su, an unabashed advocate of Qiao, felt this was a bit excessive in showing goodwill.

When she mentioned this to Qiao Ze later, his impression of these two people would probably be greatly enhanced, wouldn't it?

It just goes to show that once these influential figures drop their formalities, they can be quite cunning.