Awakening Elementary School System in University

As Chen Lin stepped out of the bustling conference hall and into the relatively quiet corridor, he immediately spotted two people waiting there.

It was none other than the principal of Yannan University, Chang Kai, and the vice-dean of the School of Mathematics, Gu Ming.

The expressions on their faces were somewhat complex. But upon seeing Chen Lin emerge, Chang Kai’s signature smile immediately blossomed, and he hurried over to greet him.

"Chen Lin!"

Chen Lin quickly stepped forward and greeted them politely, "Principal, Professor Gu."

"Yes, hello, hello!" Chang Kai exclaimed, enthusiastically patting Chen Lin’s arm. He looked at Chen Lin as if admiring a priceless treasure. "Chen Lin, your performance on stage today... it was truly heroic! You single-handedly saved the day! Not only was your mathematical prowess breathtaking, but your final words were logical and well-articulated, neither servile nor overbearing. You brought great honor to our Yannan University!"

His tone shifted, and his expression turned serious. "And don’t you worry. That girl from Jiangcheng University, Yang Han, who groundlessly slandered one of our students... I will absolutely not let this matter rest. As soon as I get back, I’ll have the university administration office send a formal letter and engage in serious negotiations! She must personally issue a formal, written apology to Shen Yan and to us, Yannan University!"

Chen Lin was stunned.

’There was nothing wrong with the content of Principal Chang Kai’s words,’ Chen Lin thought, ’but his tone is way too deferential, isn’t it?’

’It didn’t feel like a university principal, who manages countless affairs, speaking to one of his students. It was more like a contractor carefully buttering up the client, terrified of any lapse in service.’

"You restored our university’s reputation this time. You’re the undisputed hero!" Chang Kai’s tone grew even more sincere. "The university always rewards those who serve it well. Chen Lin, if there’s anything you need, just ask! As long as it’s something I, as principal, can do, I’ll make sure it’s done for you, no questions asked!"

The strange feeling in Chen Lin’s heart intensified. ’Still, it’s foolish to refuse a gift that lands in your lap.’

He decided to go with the flow. "Principal, I actually do have a favor to ask of the university."

"Name it!" Chang Kai immediately struck a pose of rapt attention.

"I’d like to transfer from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature to the School of Mathematics." Chen Lin paused, then added his second request. "And I’d also like to apply for early graduation."

This second idea had just occurred to him in the last couple of days.

’Since I’m already planning to start a company, there’s no need to remain a student.’

’Instead of just idling away at school, I might as well get my diploma early and focus on my business.’

’Dropping out was something he’d never even considered. He knew his parents too well. They were a traditional couple, and one of their greatest wishes was to see their son in a cap and gown, taking a family photo at his graduation ceremony.’

’To give them peace of mind, he had to see the process through to the end.’

Who would have known that as soon as the words left Chen Lin’s mouth, Chang Kai’s eyes would light up instantly. The irrepressible joy on his face was like someone who’d just won a five-million-dollar lottery.

"Great minds think alike! This is simply perfect!" he exclaimed, slapping his thigh in excitement.

Chen Lin: "???"

Chang Kai took a deep breath, seemingly trying to calm his excessive excitement, then said in a tone that brooked no argument, "Chen Lin, don’t even bother going back to the conference hall. Professor Gu and I drove here. We’ll go with you to your hotel to pack your bags right now, then you’ll take my car straight back to Jinmen! I’ll call the registrar’s office on the way and tell them to wait for us! The second we arrive on campus, we’ll get the paperwork done! The Dean of the School of Mathematics, Director Guo, is at an overseas conference, right? Perfect. We’ll have Professor Gu act in his stead. He can approve your transfer and sign on the spot. And just like that, the process will be complete!"

Chen Lin was completely dumbfounded by this seamless, whirlwind plan.

’Wait a minute, since when is our university’s administration this efficient?’

’Something’s not right here!’

"As for graduating early, that’s even easier!" Chang Kai’s speech was so fast he sounded like a rapper. "Once you’ve transferred, I’ll have Professor Gu explain the graduation requirements to you. As long as you meet them, I’ll personally grant you special approval and report it to the higher-ups! Don’t worry, I guarantee we’ll have it approved within a month!"

Professor Gu Ming, who was standing to the side, chimed in at the perfect moment. His eyes were filled with admiration as he looked at Chen Lin. "The graduation requirements are very simple. I’ll prepare an exam for you for every required course in the undergraduate mathematics curriculum. You just need to find the time to complete them. As long as you score a 90 on each exam, I’ll count it as you passing the course with full marks. That shouldn’t be difficult for you."

Chen Lin nodded. ’He was certain he could get a perfect score on all of them.’

"Finally, you’ll just need to submit a graduation thesis," Gu Ming added, pushing up his glasses. His tone was gentle. "If you’ve never written one and aren’t familiar with the format, that’s no problem. I can find some time to tutor you personally."

"And we’ll get it done fast!" Chang Kai added, holding up one finger decisively. "You’ll have your graduation and degree certificates in hand before the end of this year!"

Chen Lin had grown numb to Chang Kai’s over-the-top enthusiasm.

He just went through the motions of being polite. "Thank you so much for your support, Principal and Professor Gu."

After the pleasantries, Chen Lin finally voiced the biggest question on his mind. "Principal, the two of you waited for me here specifically... it can’t just be to reward me for what happened on stage, can it?"

Chang Kai and Gu Ming exchanged a glance. The smiles on their faces slowly vanished, replaced by an unprecedentedly grave expression.

In the end, it was Chang Kai who broke the silence.

"Chen Lin," he said gravely, "I have a strong suspicion that Academician Liang Tianshi is extremely impressed by your talent. It’s very likely he will use his connections to help you transfer to Yanbei University’s School of Mathematics for advanced studies."

’So that’s what this is all about!’

’In an instant, everything became clear to Chen Lin. All his previous confusion was resolved.’

’So Principal Chang Kai was staging his own "talent war"!’

’No wonder he was so thrilled when I said I wanted to graduate early.’

’As long as I successfully graduate from Yannan University, my records will be forever branded with "Yannan University Alumnus."’

’In the future, even if I go to Yanbei or Huaqing for my master’s or Ph.D., or achieve even greater things, Yannan University can still righteously print in its brochures: "The renowned Chinese mathematician, Chen Lin, received his undergraduate degree from our university."’

’This move... this was Principal Chang Kai’s carefully calculated damage control strategy.’

’He just never imagined that his own agenda would align perfectly with Chen Lin’s personal plans. It was a win-win situation.’

Realizing this, Chen Lin actually felt a little embarrassed.

He scratched his head and asked awkwardly, "Um... Principal Chang, I have another question. Let’s say I don’t want to get a master’s or a doctorate, and I would want to graduate early from Yanbei, just like I’m asking to do here. Would Academician Liang still help me transfer?"

Chang Kai was clearly taken aback by the question. He asked subconsciously, "What? Did a big company already give you an offer?"

"Not exactly." Chen Lin shook his head and decided to just lay his cards on the table. "It’s President Peng, from a design institute in Modu. He wants to invest in me to establish a technology consulting firm. I’m in the process of getting that started."

Chen Lin watched Chang Kai’s expression as he spoke.

He had expected to see at least a hint of disappointment on the principal’s face upon hearing that he was going into business instead of pursuing academia.

But he never would have expected it.

After listening to him, the look of joy on Chang Kai’s face was even more intense than when he’d heard Chen Lin wanted to graduate early!