Chapter 49: Yenching University, Filled with Regret

The small conference room of the admissions office at Mizuki University fell eerily quiet.

Principal Wu slammed the table heavily and exclaimed, "How did you recruit these students? You've leaked so much information, and now you bring such trouble back to our university! Never mind whether Su Qiao is capable or not, if it's true that he plagiarized someone else's academic achievements, such immoral behavior is absolutely unacceptable at Shuimu University!"

"We must investigate whether there's a chain of interests involved in this matter!"

Upon hearing these words, several admissions teachers hung their heads, looking embarrassed and ashamed.

Professor Tang was also present in the conference room, and he lamented, "Shameful, absolutely shameful! Do you know that our expert team almost lost face when they went to Jiangzhou?"

Professor Tang continued, "I personally assured the expert group that Su Qiao's CNC machine main board is a breakthrough product that will benefit the industry's development. But look at the outcome! It's a disaster!"

Professor Tang's face flushed with embarrassment, and he found himself speechless. He deeply regretted the university's decision to guarantee Su Qiao's early admission.

Principal Wu added, "I've already reported this matter to the school leaders. They take it very seriously, and they have put forward three requirements."

"Firstly, we need to enforce strict admissions discipline and thoroughly investigate the situation of recruiting students in advance this time. Everyone needs to review the information to ensure its authenticity."

"Secondly, we must severely criticize the admissions team that went to Jiangyang Province to recruit students. All members of the admissions team should suspend their work until a thorough investigation is conducted."

"Lastly, we must revoke Su Qiao's early admission qualification and inform the local education department and the school where the candidate is located."

Principal Wu earnestly addressed the group, "Comrades, we must learn from this experience and take it as a lesson! Shuimu University is a prestigious institution in Xia State. Fortunately, we caught this issue in time. If it were to be exposed by the media, it could damage the school's reputation for a century!"

Meanwhile, Professor Yang, who had returned to Yanjing, immediately reported the situation in Jiangzhou to the school leaders.

Professor Yang was most angered by the fact that Yanjing University had already gone to Jiangcheng No. 1 Middle School for special recruitment, and they had interviewed Chen Xiao. Yet, despite Zhao Lixing giving Chen Xiao high marks, the admissions team had brushed him off entirely.

Professor Yang couldn't fathom how everyone could overlook Chen Xiao's exceptional talents. Zhao Lixing was the only one who had recognized his potential and given him a high score. If Zhao Lixing hadn't stood firm and rejected Su Qiao's application, Su Qiao would have likely received an early admission notice from Yanjing University.

Vice-Principal Huang, responsible for enrollment, was also taken aback by the situation.

This kind of thing had happened in broad daylight.

Principal Huang immediately called for the original scoring records and comments of the admissions team for review.

Indeed, the original records showed significant discrepancies.

Except for Zhao Lixing, all the teachers had given Su Qiao high scores and Chen Xiao low scores.

However, for the sake of fairness and impartiality in the admissions process, there was a tape recording of the interviews.

Normally, the school trusted the admissions team greatly and didn't bother listening to the recordings.

After all, there were numerous students being interviewed, and listening to each recording would be time-consuming.

Principal Huang asked Xu Xiangdong, the director of the admissions office, for the tape.

The response was that there was a problem with the recording, and the tape was not recorded.

Principal Huang was both angry and frustrated. He knew deep down that there were always some irregularities in the special recruitment process each year. Running a university required funds, policies, and venues, and it was normal for some students to get preferential treatment.

However, one should draw the line somewhere. Chen Xiao clearly possessed academic expertise and had the potential to change the technological landscape of a certain industry in Xia State.

Professor Yang was equally furious!

Academic pursuits were different from administrative affairs!

Academia should be about seeking truth from facts, innovation, and contributing to Xia State's science and technology!

Administrators focused more on personal connections, relationships, and avoiding making enemies. Their priority was the advancement of their political careers.

Xu Xiangdong, on the other hand, seemed indifferent to the situation.

The tape was broken, and the absence of a recording couldn't possibly imply anything wrong.

Furthermore, the original scoring table had already been provided, with everyone giving Chen Xiao low scores and only Zhao Lixing giving a high score. Were the school leaders going to question the entire admissions team and Zhao Lixing?

Xu Xiangdong felt that it wasn't a big deal whether they recruited one more student or one less.

Principal Huang was taken aback, unsure of what to say.

In his heart, he knew that the admissions process and records were technically sound.

However, the broken tape recorder and the lack of a recording were suspicious.

He was frustrated because he understood that each year's special recruitment had its fair share of irregularities.

In the end, Yenching University thoroughly reviewed Chen Xiao's materials, including his personal information, research instructions, drawings, and Professor Yang's analysis of the significance of Chen Xiao's two R&Ds to Xia State's industry.

After analyzing the materials, the university made a decision to grant Chen Xiao a special admission based on his two research and development activities.

But soon, Yenching University realized that the special recruitment period had already ended according to the state's requirements and the competent authorities.

Extending the special recruitment time to accommodate Chen Xiao would require opening up to relevant departments.

This triggered another heated debate within the university.

Professor Yang and Zhao Lixing observed the university's predicament and sighed helplessly.

Chen Xiao, oblivious to the turmoil at Yenching University, continued with his studies and daily routines.

The final exams were quickly approaching, followed by the Spring Festival holiday.

Despite the short winter vacation, high school students still had more than a week of Spring Festival holiday, which provided a much-needed break from their busy schedules.

But something good happened that day.

Zhou Linghua's secretary arrived at the school to find Chen Xiao and presented him with a Motorola CD928+ mobile phone.