Super God-Level Top Student
Chapter 972 - 371: Drawing Lots

Even ten years ago, or even three years ago, a world-class institution like the University of Bonn proactively proposing this kind of faculty exchange program with the Mathematics Research Institute of any domestic university would have seen the available slots snatched up in no time.

Not to mention the chance to broaden horizons and absorb fresh mathematical ideas from abroad—more importantly, it was a golden opportunity to enhance one's credentials.

At that time, having experience in academic exchanges with top international universities truly made a difference on one's CV.

In fact, certain positions even treated such overseas academic experience as a hard requirement.

However, this mindset has started to shift in the past couple of years. Ever since Qiao Ze gained international fame without any overseas academic experience, the academic circle seems to be increasingly valuing those who can achieve notable results without studying abroad.

Of course, these matters are beyond Qiao Ze's influence.

But when Li Jiangao consulted Qiao Ze and then sought Xu Changshu's personal opinion, the professor who had specifically transferred from Yanbei to Xilin shook his head like a rattle.

"I'm not going! I'm not going! Professor Li, I went to great lengths to apply for a transfer from Yanbei to Xilin, and how long have I been here? Now you're asking me to exchange at the University of Bonn—I might as well not have come at all! If I really wanted to go on exchange programs, staying in Yanbei would offer far more opportunities."

Li Jiangao was slightly surprised by Xu Changshu's attitude.

Nonetheless, his argument was indeed reasonable—staying at Yanbei really did provide more chances than transferring to Xilin.

But as the nominal director of the Xilin Mathematics Research Institute, tasked with completing the exchange assignment, Li Jiangao still tried persuading him: "It's just one year. Next year, someone else will take your place."

"One year still won't do. I have so many responsibilities now—not just research tasks. I'm also the substitute professor for Qiao Class's algebraic geometry course. This course is critical for the students of Qiao Class in their future studies of Qiao's algebraic geometry. I've been teaching them for a whole semester already, and I've even prepared lesson plans for the next three semesters. Suddenly handing this over to someone else—I can't trust that!"

Xu Changshu declared resolutely and righteously.

Li Jiangao was speechless.

When Xu Dajiang first handed over the task of lecturing Qiao Class to them, these professors had voiced endless complaints. Now, they were using it as a shield to avoid going on exchange.

But it didn't really matter.

After all, Qiao Ze emphasized that the professors' personal opinions mattered.

And in any case, the University of Bonn was only hoping for Xu Changshu to serve as the first exchange professor. If he refused due to personal reasons, they could simply replace him with someone else.

Yes, both Li Jiangao and Qiao Ze agreed that academic exchanges of this nature were not a problem in principle.

Ordinary professors at the research institute usually were not involved in any classified research tasks anyhow. Especially those initially recruited to study Qiao's algebraic geometry were focused mainly on theoretical research—if specific studies were needed, the focus would naturally shift to those working in applied mathematics, not them.

"Alright, then I'll ask others to see if anyone is interested in going for a year-long exchange."

"Yes, yes, I personally recommend Professor Han as a suitable choice for the first exchange assignment. For one, Professor Han has prior experience in international academic exchanges; for another, his understanding of Qiao's algebraic geometry is deep—he won't embarrass our research institute."

"Han Wenqing?"

"Yes, isn't Professor Han the only professor with that surname in the research institute?"

"Alright then, I'll first check with Professor Han about his opinion. I'll take my leave now."

"Director Li, take care."

Xu Changshu politely escorted Li Jiangao to the office door and then closed it behind him.

Shaking his head, Li Jiangao checked the time before heading directly to Han Wenqing's office.

Previously, when borrowing the School of Mathematics building, there hadn't been enough offices, so professors would conduct research in a shared large space. Since moving to this new facility, everyone had their private offices. Luckily, they were all on the sixth floor, making it easy to locate anyone.

Politely knocking on the door, he heard a voice inside say, "Come in." Only then did he push the door open and enter.

"Ah, Director Li, it's you! Please, have a seat! Would you like something to drink? Perhaps a cup of tea?"

"No need, I already had tea at Professor Xu's just now. I came by to discuss something with you."

"What's the matter? Please go ahead."

"Here's the situation: The University of Bonn in Germany hopes to conduct a faculty exchange program with our research institute, lasting one year. Considering your prior experience with international academic exchanges, I wanted to ask for your thoughts. Would you be interested in participating in the exchange for a year?"

Having experienced the situation with Xu Changshu earlier, Li Jiangao decided to get straight to the point.

"Ah? Well, this sounds like a great opportunity. But, Director Li, you see, since I've already had exchange experiences before, it wouldn't be very fair for me to take up another one of these chances, would it? So I think I'll pass this time and leave this wonderful opportunity to our younger professors—they would benefit more from going to the University of Bonn. For instance, Professor Xu..."

Han Wenqing said earnestly.

Upon hearing this, Li Jiangao unconsciously smirked. Good grief—everyone's so eager to pass the torch?

If awareness and camaraderie were truly this high, leading this team might be a breeze.

"Actually, I already spoke with Professor Xu earlier—he recommended you."

"Oh, no, no—I'm definitely not going. You could consider asking Liu. From what I recall, Liu earned his doctorate from Humboldt University. Going to the University of Bonn for an exchange would be a walk in the park for him. He wouldn't even face any language barriers—he's fluent in German."

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