Super God-Level Top Student

"A strike and rally by the international students at the school today? What happened?"

After saying goodbye to Su Mucheng, He Danchang, who was extremely sensitive to news events, turned to Xu Dajiang and asked.

Xu Dajiang looked dejected.

Su Mucheng was quite good in every aspect, except that she spoke too recklessly.

How could she casually speak of things that should be kept under wraps?

"Haha, Dean Xu, actually, I have no other thoughts. These days, there are too many short videos and essays. Even if the school handles it decisively, who knows if someone will post it online and spark some public debate? If I know the reason, maybe I can be of some help later on," said He Danchang with a laugh, having understood Xu Dajiang's dejection.

This was also like having a safety net.

He expressed goodwill, and in case Su Mucheng didn't manage to meet with Qiao Ze, the dean would probably have to think of a way to help him.

After all, he now represented Everybody Daily, and oftentimes, he had the ability to shape such frivolous public discourse.

"Alas, this matter has to start with our School of Mathematics..." Xu Dajiang sighed, presumably moved by He Danchang's sincerity, and decided to come clean. Explore more adventures at empire

...

After declining the school's generous invitation and having a simple meal with Xu Dajiang, He Danchang roughly understood the reason behind the incident.

Of course, to fully understand the situation, he would logically need to go inquire at the International Institute.

But He Danchang clearly lacked interest, and he also believed most of what Xu Dajiang said.

Some public information could be looked up anyway, such as the schools providing additional subsidies to graduate students, which would be announced on the official websites of the various schools. Cross-referencing these could nearly complete the picture.

Not to mention, He Danchang was already aware of how international students received preferential treatment at various schools.

From a broader strategic perspective, by offering a series of subsidies and benefits early on, they attracted a large number of international students to study in Huaxia, which not only improved university rankings but also enhanced Huaxia University's influence, thereby attracting more international students to Huaxia.

In essence, they were learning from the Western approach of the past.

First, attract talent with quality, affordable education, and then, when there is no shortage of applicants, raise prices and conveniently retain the talent.

But to be honest, He Danchang felt that many universities had gone overboard in their efforts.

Without a favorable international public opinion, this mode of propaganda was unlikely to see short-term benefits, and whether the West would give Huaxia enough time to execute its plans was also questionable.

Of course, none of this was He Danchang's concern; he only needed a rough understanding.

What surprised him, however, was the international student strike being somehow related to Qiao Ze.

This was even more intriguing.

It also made He Danchang look forward to meeting Qiao Ze even more.

...

After resting for an hour after dinner, He Danchang finally met with Qiao Ze.

In his mind, he had already painted many profiles of Qiao Ze, such as being reticent, sharp-eyed, extremist in thought, full of pride... and so on.

If Su Mucheng had known that her introduction would lead He Danchang to hold such an impression of Qiao Ze, he probably would not have met with Qiao Ze so smoothly.

After all, these impressions were diametrically opposed to Su Mucheng's perception.

She went out for a walk an hour earlier than usual today, which was Su Mucheng's suggestion.

But it was after meeting with Qiao Ze that He Danchang began to understand why someone like Qiao Ze could evoke such contradictory judgments.

For instance, He Danchang assumed that Qiao Ze must be full of pride.

Because the things he said and the perceptions he created gave that impression.

But upon actually interacting with Qiao Ze, he didn't feel Qiao Ze was arrogant at all. Being reticent with strangers was true, and he wasn't different for being a reporter from Everybody Daily.

To He Danchang, it seemed as though Qiao Ze's body was walking beside him, but his soul wasn't there at all.

His answers to the posed questions were indeed concise.

"Mhm."

"No."

"Yes."

"Never thought about it."

"Right."

"Sure can."

"Then find a way."

"Don't know."

...

How to describe these responses? Only 'to the point' can aptly describe them.

The longest response didn't exceed five words!

Really, it was the first time interviewing someone where he spoke more than the interviewee.

This was indeed an awkward situation.

For different journalists, facing such an interviewee would evoke completely different feelings.

Some might feel there is no way to write the piece, but others might think it leaves too much room for the journalist to interpret.

Because Qiao Ze would indicate his stance on some questions, but he would be too lazy to explain. Why he thought that way became a matter of individual perspective.

Thus, He Danchang was quite satisfied with the arrangement by the School of Mathematics.

It was having met with Su Mucheng in the afternoon, getting an initial impression of Qiao Ze, and then seeing him in person that sparked many thoughts in his mind.

If he had met Qiao Ze directly, he probably wouldn't have handled this communication style well.

The feeling of being unable to get the other person to say more was indeed too bad for a serious journalist and could easily offend someone.

They walked around the campus for more than ninety minutes.

Finally, when it was time to part ways, after seeking Qiao Ze's consent—actually with Su Mucheng's persuasion, He Danchang took out his phone and snapped a photo of Qiao Ze.

But Qiao Ze didn't like facing the camera directly, so he settled for a photo under the campus streetlights capturing Qiao Ze's profile.Nôv(el)B\\jnn