Chapter 16: Xiao, Whose Cognition Was Overturned

"Ah? They're already here?!"

Lu Xiuxiu, paying no mind to Xiao's wild speculation, immediately started to adjust her clothing. Although it was just a supermarket uniform and not very formal, she wanted to at least be neat and tidy when meeting the distinguished professor.

After all, that was about all she could do.

On the other hand, the young girl who came to deliver the news was quick-witted and helped Lu Xiuxiu explain: "What? Boss, where did your mind go? I said those people had an aura, not that kind of aura! You know, that sort... ugh, just go and see for yourselves; they're all waiting for Lu at the supermarket entrance."

"What kind of expression is that? You've just revealed that you haven't read any books, haven't you?"

"Psh, as if you, boss, have read that many books yourself!"

"True, I haven't read much, but I've raised two sons, and now both of them are college students at prestigious universities!"

"Oh, which prestigious ones? Yanbei or Huaqing?"

"Get back to work and don't think I don't know you're slacking off! I said we need at least three tills open in the morning, who let you run off?"

...

Their comically antagonistic banter actually helped Lu Xiuxiu to relax a little from her nervousness.

Things had already reached this point, and getting nervous was pointless; she had to face it eventually.

So, smiling at the young cashier girl, Lu Xiuxiu stepped out of the boss's office.

The curious Xiao stood up from his seat and followed behind Lu Xiuxiu.

He wanted to see who was looking for Lu Xiuxiu with that sick child in tow.

But just as he reached the entrance, Xiao was taken aback.

"Eh, Professor Yu? Professor Yu, what brings you here?"

Yu Chenggong, who was nonstop brainwashing Li Jiangao, looked up when he heard his name called. His eyes brightened when he saw Lu Xiuxiu, but the following little old man staring at him... he had absolutely no recollection of.

By now, Xiao had eagerly taken a couple of steps forward, bypassing Lu Xiuxiu, and enthusiastically grabbed Yu Chenggong's hand.

"Professor Yu, you really don't remember old acquaintances, do you? My second son, Xiao Chenglong, he used to go to Xiangbei Second High School, and last year after the college entrance exam, he wanted to apply to the mechanical something or other program at Xilin University of Technology. His scores were a bit lower than previous years', so their homeroom teacher had to step in and ask for your advice on how to choose his preferences."

"Oh..." Yu Chenggong feigned a sudden realization as if he remembered and pointed at the old man, saying, "You must be father of that Xiao Chenglong, yes? How is it, has your son been admitted?"

In truth, he met so many parents every year, it was impossible to remember everyone clearly. It was just customary tact to avoid embarrassment for all involved.

"Admitted, admitted indeed. Following your advice, he applied for that international cooperative program that Xilin University of Technology opened, and he got the acceptance letter. The tuition is a bit more expensive than usual, but my kid is very satisfied. He told me that the school environment is great and the teachers are very responsible. Plus, if his grades keep up, he'll have the chance to study abroad as an exchange student in his second year. If I'm to be honest, you're really a significant benefactor for the Xiao Family!"

"Ahem... No need to thank me, no need. It's just what we should do." Yu Chenggong felt somewhat embarrassed by these words.

University international cooperation programs... Well, those who know, know.

Schools have to make money too, after all; it's nothing to be ashamed of.

But to come specially to thank him for this...

In truth, Yu Chenggong felt it should be the other way around; he should be thanking the boss in front of him because the boss had contributed significantly to his salary and bonuses.

"Hey, right, why did you specifically come here?" Xiao suddenly realized that their visit wasn't about finding him.

"Oh, we're here to see Mrs. Lu. That's Qiao Ze's mother. You might not know this, but Qiao Ze is truly gifted in mathematics. So here we are, alongside professors from several other universities, wanting to hear what Mrs. Lu thinks about Qiao Ze's future, to help the kid decide on his future school earlier."

Yu Chenggong politely explained to Xiao, but his gaze was actually fixed on Lu Xiuxiu standing behind Xiao.

After all, the woman wearing the work uniform that read "Come to Happiness Supermarket, enjoy a happy life" was the main character he was here to see today.

"Ah? Little Lu's kid is a genius?" Xiao was startled, instinctively looking back at Lu Xiuxiu, who was standing there nervously rubbing her hands, not quite able to wrap his head around the idea…

Didn't everyone say that the kid was mentally ill, always scoring zero on his exams?

How did he suddenly become a genius?

When Madame Xiao turned to look at her, Lu Xiuxiu immediately seized the opportunity, "Mr. Xiao, could you please give me some time off? The professors are here, and it doesn't seem right to talk in front of the supermarket…"

Xiao immediately understood and took charge, "What are you talking about? Such good news, how could I stop you? This place isn't suitable for talking, my office is quiet, you can talk there. Hey Zhang, stop manning the cash register, go get my fine tea leaves, brew some tea for Teacher Yu and the professors!"

...

In Xiao's office, the stylish couch was just enough for the several professors, Lu Xiuxiu, and Qiao Ze to sit.

At this point, Xiao casually took a folding stool, sitting beside them like a primary school student, silently eavesdropping on what seemed to him a mythological conversation.

"Ms. Lu, let me introduce myself. My name is Zhang Chunlei, I am the Associate Dean of the School of Mathematics at Jiangcheng University and also a doctoral adviser."

"You definitely look younger than me, so if I call you little Lu, you wouldn't mind, right? The others have already said their piece, so I'll just briefly tell you about our School of Mathematics at Jiangcheng University. Leaving the rest aside, you know Jiang University is in Jiangcheng and close to Xingcheng, just two or three hundred kilometers away, convenient for you to visit him. Plus, our math program is among the best in the nation.

Let me just cut to the chase. If Qiao Ze is willing to sign a direct B.S./M.S./Ph.D. integration program agreement with Jiang University Mathematics Institute, I guarantee not only will his tuition be waived, but he'll also receive a full scholarship every semester. I'll help him apply for other financial aids as well, which should cover his living expenses and still leave him with surplus.

Upon graduation with his doctorate, if he wants to stay at the university as a professor or researcher, I will fully support him, and I can almost guarantee a ninety-nine percent chance of him staying. If he wishes to go to another research institute, I will write him the highest recommendation letters. You also won't have to worry too much about his daily life while he's studying, I'll arrange some graduate students to regularly check on his well-being. What do you think, little Lu? Oh, right, all these promises can be put into a contract, and I will personally sign and seal it!"

...

Xiao's lips quivered involuntarily, not knowing where to put his hands.

These conditions... truly extraordinary!

So you can not only study for free but also make money from it?!

Especially since his younger child had just finished the college entrance exam last year; he also had some understanding of universities.

Jiangcheng University's admission score line seemed to be even higher than Xilin University of Technology in Xingcheng!

Xiao instinctively looked at Lu Xiuxiu and saw that this mother appeared completely clueless, as if she had no idea what to do.

Looking at Qiao Ze, well, the kid seemed even more composed, as if the topic had nothing to do with him.

He couldn't help but start to feel anxious for them. From the corner of his eye, he suddenly caught Yu fiddling secretly with his phone…

He must be taking pictures surreptitiously, right?

Xiao blinked, these university big shots really know how to play the game!