Top Student at Their Peak-Chapter 140 - 88 The Boss’s Attention_2

Qiao Yu covered both points.

A genius student like this, it’s not just Tian Yanzhen who would be moved, even those world-class professors from top overseas universities would be moved as well.

...

After printing the paper, Tian Yanzhen put on his glasses and began to carefully read the paper.

It was entirely in English.

Just from the abstract and introduction, it was apparent that Qiao Yu was very skilled at using English in the field of mathematics.

For example, terms like Diophantine, Torsion, and Lattice in the introduction, even English professionals who don’t understand mathematics wouldn’t grasp their specific mathematical meanings.

A student who hasn’t formally attended high school much, without any mentor guiding them step by step, being able to write such a high-standard introduction already shows his level. This paper is indeed worth a close look.

Just like with Xue Song, before he knew it, it was already seven o’clock in the evening.

Outside the office, Academician Tian’s secretary had looked into the office several times, but seeing that Mr. Tian was sitting attentively at his desk, with a pen in hand occasionally making calculations on the draft paper beside him,

it was evident that he was reading a paper, so the secretary didn’t dare to disturb him.

Having worked with Tian Yanzhen for many years, he knew that any time could be discussed, but when the boss was immersed in reading a paper, it was not the time to interrupt.

Usually, by this time, the boss would have already gone for dinner, but today there had been no prior notice, so he couldn’t leave on his own. He had to make a phone call to get someone to bring two set meals from the canteen.

The meal had already been delivered, but he was unsure whether to bring it in when there was finally some noise from the office. He quickly grabbed a meal box and peered in. Sure enough, Tian Yanzhen was standing inside the office doing simple stretching exercises.

He quickly knocked twice on the door, then walked in with the meal box.

"Professor Tian, it’s already seven-thirty. I had someone bring a boxed meal back. How about having a simple meal in the office?"

"Oh, it’s already past seven? It’s just a kid’s paper. I only intended to glance at it briefly, but I got so absorbed I lost track of time. Let’s just grab a quick bite then. By the way, have you eaten yet?"

"The meal was just brought over by Professor Li, and mine is still outside."

"Then bring it in, and let’s eat together."

...

Soon, two boxed meals were laid out together.

"Little Su, you know Qiao Yu, right?"

"Ah, yes. Last time he even got a perfect score in the competition finals. It’s a pity he didn’t come to the awards ceremony, so I didn’t get to meet him."

"It’s not a problem. If nothing goes wrong, you’ll be seeing him often in a while."

"Oh? You have your eye on that kid?" Little Su was a bit surprised, after all, the boss was nearly seventy and more or less semi-retired, becoming more cautious about taking on students.

"Professor Xue Song from Yujiang University recommended him to me. So far, he seems quite good, but more observation is needed. By the way, this year the leader of the IMO National Team is Professor Xiao from the Research Center, right?"

"Yes."

"Remember to remind me that next year the leader for the IMO should again be chosen from among our Yanbei University’s professors."

"Alright, I’ll write it down in a bit. Is this to facilitate closer observation of Qiao Yu?"

"Pretty much."

"Should we also strive for the positions of vice-leader and observer?"

"Haha, there’s no need for that. By the way, after dinner, you can head back first, I have some small matters to handle."

"Alright, Professor Tian."

After finishing the meal, the instructions were passed down as well.

Tian Yanzhen returned to his desk, opened his email, and wrote a letter to Professor Jure Bhalgava at Princeton, who is Xue Song’s mentor.

The content of the letter was simple; after a brief greeting, it inquired about Xue Song’s performance during his time at Princeton University.

However, it was not an inquiry about academic aspects, rather it was more oriented towards basic impressions the mentor had of the student, such as character and morals.

Although mentors do not overly interfere in a student’s private life, especially overseas mentors, a professor like Jure Bhalgava who has won the Fields Medal would still form some understanding of the students he takes on.

Moreover, after spending several years together, there would naturally be a general impression.

After sending the email to Xue Song’s mentor, Tian Yanzhen also replied to Xue Song’s email.

Basically saying that he had read the paper and it was nicely written, using polite language.

Besides that, he did not provide much evaluation or any suggestions for modifications.

Just as he had mentioned on the phone, it was merely to have a look.

Also, since this was not his area of research, no journal would ask him to review such papers.

After responding appropriately, he planned to go home.

What he didn’t expect was, just as he was about to shut down the computer, Jure Bhalgava replied.

He glanced at the time, and it was only just 8 PM; considering his understanding of these Princeton professors’ schedules, he hadn’t expected them to be at the office yet. It was a bit unusually fast.

Nevertheless, he didn’t mind spending more time reading one more email.

"...In my impression, Xue is a diligent and persistent student. Of course, I didn’t particularly go out of my way to learn about him, but I’ve heard others say he possesses that unique Huaxia sense of aloofness and righteousness..."

Hmm, this was the translation, and the reason Tian Yanzhen interpreted it this way is that Jure used the words ’Aloof’ and ’Strict’ to describe Xue Song.

To be honest, these two words don’t necessarily have positive connotations in a Western context, but this was exactly what Tian Yanzhen wanted to see.