Credits
"So, Shen Qi, you mean to waste your precious time receiving basic education in a large classroom?" Sun Erxiong asked.
Shen Qi denied it. "No, no, that's not what I meant."
"It is clearly true."
"Yes, there is a bit of that."
Sun Erxiong picked up his teacup, took a sip, and asked seemingly casually, "So what are your plans, or specific ideas?"
"Is there such a practice? For example, Professor Sun, you are my Advanced Algebra teacher. Normally, Advanced Algebra, both volumes, are completed in one academic year, split into two semesters, for a total of 10 credits."
"I have a preliminary idea. Professor Sun, could you give me a chance this semester to arrange one, two, or even several exams? It's okay if it's just an Advanced Algebra exam. If I pass, I'll get 10 credits for Advanced Algebra. If I fail, I'll just have to attend classes and do whatever I need to do," Shen Qi said tentatively.
"This kind of operation is not allowed before the second year, at least not in our School of Mathematical Sciences. So I'm having you follow the established procedures during your first year and receive education along with other students," Sun Erxiong said.
"I see. Every country has its laws, and every profession has its rules. I'll abide by the rules of the School of Mathematical Sciences." Shen Qi had heard that some people could complete their undergraduate credits in two years and obtain their master's degree in four years. It seemed that such a program could only be implemented from the second year onwards, and the first year would still have to be spent eating from the same pot.
Sun Erxiong added, "Of course, special cases can be handled for outstanding students. Shen Qi, are you outstanding?"
Whether I am excellent or not is not for me to decide; to say that I am excellent is like a peddler praising his own wares.
"Global champion in math competition, national champion in physics competition, perfect score on the college entrance exam, author of a book, author of a paper, possesses excellent moral character and a correct political attitude, and has worked diligently and conscientiously as the class monitor in the Mathematics Department, serving his classmates wholeheartedly... Shen Qi, I'll tentatively consider you an outstanding student leader."
Shen Qi smiled, "Professor Sun, you flatter me. Although what you said is true, I still feel a little embarrassed."
"Are you in such a hurry to get your credits ahead of schedule?" Sun Erxiong asked. "Then let me ask you, what are you going to do after you've completed all the credits ahead of schedule? Pursue a master's degree, a doctorate, or go abroad?"
In fact, Shen Qi had his own plans, and he did not hide his thoughts. "After completing my undergraduate credits in the Mathematics Department, I also want to get a bachelor's degree in physics. In the process, I can simultaneously study some topics, of course, mathematical topics. Physics topics cannot be studied without experimental equipment."
"Since you already have a plan, I respect your idea. I can arrange a separate assessment for you in advance. As long as you pass the college's Advanced Algebra test, I will give you 10 credits for Advanced Algebra all at once. Shen Qi, come to me to collect your credits whenever you are ready," Sun Erxiong said.
"I'm ready now. Come on, Professor Sun, give me the question."
"What's the rush? I need to think about how to set the questions. Besides, I won't be the only one setting the questions. Shen Qi, you should go back first and wait for our notification."
Not long after Shen Qi left the Mathematics Department building, he received a text message: "RMB 32,638.88 has been deposited into your bank card ending in XX88..."
Money came in! The first share of revenue after the publication of "<Olympic Math Champion Shen Qi's Math Techniques>" was deposited into Shen Qi's account by the publisher.
More than 30,000 yuan is neither a lot nor a little. The publishing house settles the revenue share with Shen Qi regularly based on sales. Shen Qi can earn between 100,000 and 200,000 yuan a year, depending on subsequent sales.
With his university expenses covered, Shen Qi not only didn't have to spend his family's money on his university education, but he could also earn money on his own.
With the funds secured, Shen Qi organized a class team-building activity, seating three tables at a restaurant outside, where they ate and drank.
Shen Qi covered half of the activity expenses, and the other students each contributed a little of the remaining half. Girls participated for free.
The top student is indeed a top student; not only are they academically gifted and good at problem-solving, but they're also wealthy and quite generous. Shen Qi's status within the class continues to rise.
However, some departments in the School of Mathematics didn't buy into his suggestion. Shen Qi proposed that the five departments of the first year of the School of Mathematics organize a football or basketball league to enhance camaraderie and improve physical fitness. Except for the Probability Statistics Department, which responded positively, the other three departments showed indifference.
For the next week, Shen Qi continued to attend classes in the large lecture hall, including several math-related courses as well as general education courses.
In public classes such as Introduction to Mao Zedong Thought and Military Theory, Shen Qi did not listen attentively; he was reading mathematical literature.
Perhaps in the next few days, the Department of Mathematics will be giving him a separate test.
Sure enough, one day in late October, Shen Qi was summoned to the Mathematics Department building alone.
Inside an office sat two people: Sun Erxiong and a thin man.
Fat Old Sun weighs over 200 pounds, while the skinny old man next to him looks to weigh less than 120 pounds.
Although thin and with gray hair, the old man was in good spirits as he sized up Shen Qi in front of him.
"Shen Qi, this is Director Long from our institute," Sun Erxiong introduced.
"Hello, Director Long," Shen Qi said respectfully. This thin old man was quite famous in the industry and was a renowned mathematics education expert.
"Hello, Shen Qi," Director Long replied, then asked, "I heard you want to complete your Advanced Algebra credits ahead of schedule?"
Even a fool could see that Director Long was definitely a leader. Shen Qi told Director Long, "Yes, please grant me this opportunity."
"I don't usually concern myself with such trivial matters, but Shen Qi, you're moving very fast. You officially enroll in September and will finish your Advanced Algebra credits by October. Advanced Algebra is a year-long course," Director Long said.
"Of course, Shen Qi, I've heard about your achievements, and I even signed your recommendation form. Our School of Mathematical Sciences' motto is: the bigger your ambition, the wider your stage," Director Long said with a smile, then glanced at Sun Erxiong: "Little Sun, give the exam paper to Shen Qi."
"Okay, Teacher Long." Sun Erxiong opened his black briefcase, took out the test paper, and handed it to Shen Qi.
Shen Qi was dumbfounded; he had never seen such a thick exam paper before.
The exam paper was bound into a booklet of more than 100 A4 pages, and it looked more like a professional publication, such as an academic journal or annual report.
Director Long began announcing the rules. "Shen Qi, you applied to complete 10 credits of Advanced Algebra in the second month of your freshman year. That's fine, it can be done. There are 36 questions on this exam paper, all of them Advanced Algebra questions. You have 48 hours to complete these 36 questions."
"During the test, you may consult any materials or literature. The location is not limited; you can take the test in the classroom or your dormitory. In short, by this time the day after tomorrow at the latest, Shen Qi, you must submit this internal assessment paper to Professor Sun. Oh, and by the way, if you answer 28 or more of the 36 questions correctly, you will pass the test and receive the credits."
"Shen Qi, do you understand this rule?"