Awakening Elementary School System in University

Chen Lin shook his head.

He Qun looked him over and, seeing that Chen Lin was okay, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

While signaling for the security guards to lead the reporters away, he shielded Chen Lin and painstakingly squeezed them out of the surrounding crowd.

The two of them hadn’t gone far. Just as they rounded the corner of the Innovation Space Building, Chen Lin saw a familiar figure standing under a parasol tree in the distance.

The man had his hands clasped behind his back. It was Dean Zhuang from the School of Mathematics. A gentle smile on his face, he had clearly been waiting here for some time.

"Dean Zhuang." He Qun quickly stepped forward and greeted him respectfully.

"Good work, Hu." Dean Zhuang nodded, his gaze landing on Chen Lin. "I was actually looking for Chen Lin," he said with a smile. "I’d like to have a word with him."

He Qun was a sharp man. He understood immediately and quickly said, "Perfect timing. I have some things to take care of, so I’ll be going. Chen Lin, feel free to contact me anytime if you need anything."

"Okay, thank you, Teacher He." Chen Lin nodded gratefully.

Watching He Qun’s rapidly departing back, Chen Lin turned and looked at Dean Zhuang with some confusion.

Dean Zhuang seemed to read his mind and asked with a chuckle, "Where were you headed?"

"I was planning to go to Professor Gu’s office to lie low for a bit," Chen Lin answered honestly.

"Well, that’s on my way," Dean Zhuang said, his hands clasped behind his back. He started walking, taking a leisurely pace. "I’m also heading back to the School of Mathematics’ office building."

And so, the old and the young walked side-by-side along a tree-lined path on the Yannan University campus on a late summer, early autumn morning.

Sunlight filtered through the dense layers of leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. A cool breeze rustled past, making Chen Lin feel very comfortable.

As they walked, Dean Zhuang suddenly chuckled. He turned his head and spoke in a slightly teasing tone, "What did I tell you yesterday? Wouldn’t you call this earth-shattering?"

Chen Lin was taken aback by the sudden question. He quickly recovered and scratched his head in embarrassment. "I feel like... it’s still a little different from ’earth-shattering’."

"Haha," Dean Zhuang chuckled upon hearing his reply. "You little rascal, your ambition isn’t small, is it? Even the state media was stirred up, publishing articles overnight. If that doesn’t count as earth-shattering, just what kind of huge incident are you planning to cause?"

’State media? Publishing articles overnight?’

Now Chen Lin was truly stunned. "Um, Dean Zhuang, I woke up a bit late. I just checked my WeChat messages this morning and rushed straight to campus, so I really didn’t know about the state media reports."

Hearing this, the smile on Dean Zhuang’s face faded slightly. He shook his head and said in a heartfelt, earnest tone, "Young man, you should stay up late less often. Strive for the long run, not for every last second."

He paused, then continued, "You’re not like us old folks. You have a long future ahead of you. There’s no need to start overdrawing your body’s energy now."

"I understand." Chen Lin nodded, but he couldn’t help complaining in his head.

’Seriously? I went to bed before midnight last night and slept like a log.’

’My sleep quality was just too good.’

Of course, he wouldn’t say this out loud. He just listened obediently to the elder’s lecture.

Dean Zhuang didn’t seem to expect him to take it all to heart; it was just a piece of advice. He changed the subject, "When you have time, you should read the editorials published last night by the most influential state media outlets. You can try to grasp the deeper meaning behind them."

Seeing the still-confused look on Chen Lin’s face, Dean Zhuang decided to just spell it out.

"Let me put it this way. Early this morning, Principal Chang Kai was summoned to the Imperial Capital to report in person to the leaders of the higher-up departments about your personal situation and the support Yannan University has provided you."

"Barring any surprises, the resources Yannan University receives from these higher-up departments will increase significantly starting next year."

Once Dean Zhuang put it that way, Chen Lin understood instantly.

The state media editorials reflected the attitude of Huaxia’s highest echelons.

Whatever the higher-ups valued, those below would naturally scramble to act on.

’The reason Principal Chang Kai messaged me so early to warn me about the reporters was probably because he had already sensed what was coming, or maybe he had even received the notice to go to the Imperial Capital by then.’

At this thought, a subtle sense of satisfaction welled up inside Chen Lin.

Principal Chang Kai had approved his early graduation and even specially authorized the university to invest millions in his startup. Wasn’t it all for a payoff exactly like this?

Now, he had finally lived up to the principal’s expectations and fulfilled his wish.

’I guess this counts as repaying a kindness.’

Chen Lin’s thoughts raced, and he immediately considered another angle. ’Dean Zhuang waiting for me here probably wasn’t just to chat and offer some life advice.’

So, he took the initiative and asked, "Dean Zhuang, you were looking for me. Was it to talk about that joint research project?"

"Haha, you young people sure think fast." Dean Zhuang nodded in approval. "Principal Chang and I both place great importance on this project."

"For this kind of inter-university joint project, if you can produce a significant result—especially one that can be directly implemented in the industry—it will be very beneficial for the upcoming subject evaluations."

He looked at Chen Lin and added, "Moreover, the main disciplines involved in this project—materials, chemical engineering, and energy—are not traditionally strong subjects for us at Yannan. If we can achieve something outstanding, the impact will be even greater."

At this point, Dean Zhuang’s expression grew more serious. "And this time, Shuangdan University in Modu has partnered with an industry leader and is also working on a similar research project. The two project teams will be competing on speed, so I hope you can hurry things along."

"I understand." Chen Lin nodded, indicating that he would do his best.

But inwardly, he started complaining again.

’Seriously? You make it sound so important—subject evaluations, competing against Shuangdan University—and in the end, Yannan University’s School of Mathematics sends me out as a one-man army?’

’I don’t even get a PhD student as an assistant?’

While they were talking, they had already walked into the School of Mathematics’ office building.

Chen Lin said goodbye to Dean Zhuang and, following a familiar path, arrived at the door to Professor Gu Ming’s office.

He knocked on the door, but there was no answer from inside.

Confused, Chen Lin pushed the door open and found the office empty. He had no choice but to take out his phone and send Professor Gu Ming a WeChat message.

[Professor Gu, I’m at your office. Are you here?]

A full twenty minutes later, Professor Gu Ming finally replied.

[Sorry, Chen Lin, I have a class to teach. Just make yourself comfortable in my office. There are snacks and drinks in the cabinet, help yourself. Don’t be a stranger.]

Chen Lin read the message and gave a helpless smile.

He felt too embarrassed to actually go rummaging through the professor’s cabinets, so he walked over to the water cooler, poured himself a glass of plain water, and plopped down on the sofa in the guest area.

’Since I can’t go back to the company for now, I might as well browse my phone and see what kind of stories are circulating about me online.’

Sipping his water, Chen Lin expertly opened Weibo.

He needed to see if there were any particularly outrageous rumors floating around.

’If there are, I can even switch to my alt account and go into the comments to correct the public narrative.’