"Qiao Ze, let me introduce you, this is the deputy head of the Western Forest Branch of the Huaxia Science Academy, Academician Zhang Zhijian. He also presides over the daily work of the Western Forest Optical Precision Machinery Research Institute.
This is Academician Sheng Xuening of the Western Forest Optical Precision Machinery Research Institute, currently mainly engaged in the research and development of light field homogenizers and other optical modules."
After an awkward introduction by Xu Dajiang of Qiao Ze and Su Mucheng, as well as the unexpected accompanying staff.
Chen Yuanzhi took over from Xu Dajiang and introduced the two visiting dignitaries to Qiao Ze.
The phrase "no comment" was indeed more than enough to deal with other people, but these two were specifically visiting with requests from higher-ups. Using "no comment" for them would mean Chen Yuanzhi really wanted to retire early and go home to play with his grandchildren.
Even though they genuinely had no idea what had happened.
The incident was sudden, and no matter how the school handled it, it was somewhat passive.
But what could they do?
They couldn't possibly argue that students had to report to the school before publishing their own papers, could they?
Qiao Ze, on the other hand, became somewhat interested.
After all, this was the first time in his life that he had seen living academicians, and there were two of them.
So when he nodded his head in greeting, his expression was more serious than usual.
Yes, just nodding to someone completely new and unfamiliar was the biggest concession Qiao Ze could make, asking him to speak up and greet someone would make him uncomfortable.
Just like the first time he met Su Mucheng's father, it was only after having a meal together that he could smoothly call out "Uncle Su."
This was partly thanks to Su Lixing expressing goodwill at the dinner table and saying to Li Jiangao, "If you need any help, just ask."
Without that phrase, it's highly likely Qiao Ze wouldn't even call him "Uncle Su."
"Haha, Academician Zhang, Academician Sheng, as I've said before, Qiao Ze is the introverted type, not very talkative, please forgive him," Xu Dajiang cooperated well, speaking up to explain as soon as Qiao Ze had nodded.
He couldn't make Qiao Ze change, and he couldn't offend the two dignitaries, so the person beside had to be more tactful and act as a lubricant.
It was a big headache but a reality.
In less than two months, to produce eight top-tier journal papers, two of which made half the mathematicians in the world put aside their work to look for watermarks, and the outcomes of which led to a collaboration with the hottest tech company in Huaxia. Another two papers directly caused a stir in the related industry, attracting attention from domestic and international professionals.
Then there were four more papers, for which the theoretical adviser feared the student's performance would be too outstanding and hesitated to publish them externally.
Such a person, no matter where they go, would be held in high regard.
Not to mention that everyone now suspects that Qiao Ze isn't even short of money. Although no one knows exactly how much, it is undoubtedly an astronomical figure to the ordinary person.
So, asking Qiao Ze to change his personality to fit the rules that everyone is accustomed to?
Forget it, Xu Dajiang wouldn't even dare to dream of such an idea.
"It's okay, no problem, it's normal for a child to be reluctant to speak at first meeting. But Qiao Ze, could we have a chat alone? Indeed, it might be a bit impolite, but your paper has really inspired us a lot, and we hope to have some academic discussions with you. How do you feel about that?" Sheng Xuening said amiably.
The near-sixty-year-old academician's honest and warm smile made it hard to refuse.
Fearing that Qiao Ze would remain silent, the nearby Zhang Zhijian also looked at Su Mucheng, beside Qiao Ze, with a smile and added, "Su, we two old men would like to borrow your boyfriend for a chat. You wouldn't mind, would you?"
This tactic proved to be effective.
As usual, Su Mucheng replied with a beaming smile, "Uncles, as long as Qiao Ze is willing, I have no objections. I always listen to what Qiao Ze says."
The appropriate response from the girl admired by the distinguished guests elicited a round of warm laughter.
Youthful happiness was indeed a beautiful thing.
Amidst the laughter, Qiao Ze nodded slightly, which was taken as his agreement.
Everyone was even more satisfied now.
Probably only Su Lixing's emotions were more complex at this moment.
Initially, he was quite pleased to see that Qiao Ze merely nodded at the respected academicians, but his daughter's words made his feelings become complicated again.
Whose daughter is she really? Whose words should she listen to?
While everyone else laughed happily, Su Lixing felt somewhat like crying.
Fortunately, everyone present that day was very astute.
"Haha, Mr. Su, your daughter definitely inherited your good taste. To be honest, when Jian Gao first brought Qiao Ze to me, I was worried. The kid is genuinely talented, but with his personality, I worried about how he'd get by in life. Fortunately, it's your daughter's genuine nature that complements Qiao Ze's talents. They really are a good match, I'm even envious as an old man!
With such an outstanding couple, they're sure to be admired in the future."
Okay, it has to be said, although Xu Dajiang's acting was indeed a bit too exaggerated, he really knew what to say.
This somewhat eased Su Lixing's mood, but of course, what mattered most was that Su Mucheng's smile grew even sweeter.
"Alright, Qiao Ze, why don't you go talk with Academician Zhang and Academician Sheng in the next room? Just say whatever comes to mind. Liu, Chen, what are you standing around for? With so many people here, go make some tea! Come on, let's chat here for a while, and then we'll all have lunch together later, as a welcome for all the friends here today."