Top Student at Their Peak
Chapter 101 - 75: A Phone Call That Changed Perceptions (Part 3)

Chapter 101: Chapter 75: A Phone Call That Changed Perceptions (Part 3)

The Little Alibaba math competition problems are also difficult, but the difficulty lies in a different direction. The competition problems are very straightforward. Even when asking for integer solutions, they are typically restricted to a specific range, testing the participants’ basic problem-solving skills, and their flexible use of theorems and methods.

Solving his equation, however, directly involves the theoretical depth of modern number theory. Its solution requires more complex algebraic geometry tools, arithmetic geometry tools, and advanced skills in numerical analysis.

The simplest and most understandable difference is that the people who write competition problems know the correct answers and can provide detailed solution steps as reference answers.

But for the equation he posted on the forum, even he, the problem setter, does not know the correct answer.

He just determined that there is an integer solution, but as for what the numerical solution is, he also doesn’t know.

In other words, although Qiao Yu is only fifteen, and although he has not had a chance to attend high school yet, let alone college, he already has the ability to do mathematical research. This ability has even been indirectly verified.

It could even be said that Qiao Yu doesn’t just have competition answering skills; his research ability is stronger than that of many Huaxia mathematics graduate students.

Where is the gap?

Let’s put it this way, on the day Qiao Yu published the equation’s solution, he assigned finding the numerical solution of the equation as an additional task to the graduate students under him. There were master students, doctoral students, and those in integrated master’s and doctoral programs, but over a month has passed, and none of his students have been able to find the right approach.

Whereas from the time he posted the equation on the forum to when Qiao Yu provided the correct numerical solution, it only took ten days or so.

Comparing oneself to others can really make one die of envy! At this moment, Xue Song doesn’t know whether to say his students are too stupid or Qiao Yu’s ability is too strong.

"Yeah, it’s precisely because he’s still a middle school student that we can’t let him go. In these matters, everyone relies on their own means. Being able to grab a student like this, during the integrated master’s and doctoral period, the mentor won’t have to worry about anything, he can immediately become a small mentor. So, can you send me the screenshot of his answers? I want to see his thought process."

Upon hearing this, Xue Song took a deep breath and said, "I’m out right now, it’s inconvenient. But there’s no need for you to look, he is the only one who got full marks in this year’s number theory track. The solution process is not much different from the standard answer, even more detailed."

Also, don’t set your sights on him, you can’t snatch him away from Huaqing and Yanbei, I’ve communicated with him, the kid’s future plan is very clear, and he doesn’t even consider our Yu University, let alone your school."

"What, you’ve already communicated with him?"

"Yes, I even invited him for a meal. He was one of the contestants invited to Xiao Lake during the finals. I happened to be there to take a look."

"What about his tutor? To train a student like him, the level must be high, right?"

"His teacher who brought him here is called Lan Jie, a master’s from Shuangdan University. I checked his master’s thesis on Zhinet, ’Combination Design and Experiment Optimization: A Study Based on Response Surface Methods.’ You can see for yourself how high the level is. My evaluation is that it’s just the basic master’s level from Shuangdan."

"No, then where does his accumulation in algebraic number theory come from? Don’t tell me he self-studied."

"Otherwise? Don’t ask me for everything, try to find out how the Star City Railway First Middle School’s admission rate and Qingbei Rate have been over the years, and then you’ll know? That’s all I know, hanging up now."

After speaking, Xue Song directly hung up the phone.

For this kind of peer clearly wanting to take advantage of someone being naive, he couldn’t be bothered to say much.

He has been teaching at Yujiang University for a full five years now, and naturally knows a lot about the various messy affairs in academia. Even without deliberately inquiring, many things automatically find their way into his ears.

Various legacies, factions, even because of some overt and covert competitive relationships between certain mentors on certain projects, graduates who are unaware might be seen as rebellious by peers just for having some simple collaboration with another party...

Many well-educated individuals standing at the top of the pyramid have minds narrower than a needle’s eye, and Xue Song has always been unwilling to get involved in these messy affairs.

As for the competition for results, there are even more stories. Outwardly harmonious, privately wishing for the other’s demise.

Thus, Xue Song has already offended quite a few people, and naturally doesn’t mind offending a few more.

After roughly understanding the situation, Xue Song didn’t return a call to everyone but logged onto the forum directly using his phone.

Sure enough, he saw Qiao Yu’s post again, and there was also a private message.

Xue Song first glanced at the private message, ignored Qiao Yu’s little considerations, and then opened Qiao Yu’s post.

Seeing a group of students grumbling there, he exited the browser and opened WeChat.

As he expected, the professor group that had been lively with discussions about guessing who was the rookie before was now silent.

He couldn’t help but chuckle twice, then pulled up his contact list, intending to call Qiao Yu but hesitated, walked into the projection room, found the girl from today’s blind date, and said, "I’m sorry, the school just called, there’s something urgent, I have to leave today. Can we get in touch again?"

"Oh, okay, Professor Xue, work is more important after all."

"Thank you for understanding."

Xue Song gave an apologetic smile, then turned and walked out of the projection room and directly dialed Qiao Yu’s number.