Hello, Goodbye

"Yes, Peter and I remarried," Mary said.

Peter Schultz won the Fields Medal at the last World Congress of Mathematicians, receiving the highest honor in Mathematics Community and winning back his ex-wife's heart.

Schultz, who never won the Fields Medal, had his wife leave him, and was attacked by a group of fellow Germans. The German mathematical genius was reduced to a villain.

Schultz, who won the Fields Medal, is now in high spirits; his wife has returned, and his fellow Germans have forgiven him.

It seems that a career is indeed a man's most solid foundation. A man with a brilliant career is capable of anything and exudes an irresistible attraction.

Shen Qi said to Mary, "I never imagined that our reunion would be a farewell. Regardless, I wish you happiness."

"Thank you for your blessing, Qi." Mary smiled sweetly; a woman who has found happiness again in marriage is truly blessed.

After saying goodbye to Mary, everyone went to the coffee shop on the third floor.

"Coffee time at the Princeton University's Mathematics Department, such wonderful memories." Shen Qi was moved by the scene. He had been drinking coffee here for five years, transforming from an international student into a renowned mathematician, chatting and laughing with all sorts of big names, and solving century-old problems.

However, the brilliant minds who used to drink coffee with Shen Qi have all gone their separate ways, and the golden generation of the Mathematics Department at Princeton University has just dispersed, leaving Shen Qi with a strange sense of sadness.

The window seat where Director Feierman usually sits is now occupied by Director Knox.

Professor Faltings and Professor Muller, two old German friends, often had heated debates at the round table below the blackboard.

The round table was still the same round table, but the people discussing mathematical problems had changed to Professor Carter and his doctoral student.

As the saying goes, "The camp remains, but the soldiers come and go," the sign of the Mathematics Department at Princeton University stands here, and heroes from all sides take turns performing.

Shen Qi's arrival made the atmosphere in the coffee shop more lively.

"Hey, Qi, how about a special latte? It's a specialty of the Mathematics Department," Professor Carter, with his big beard, said in a booming voice.

"Isn't Irish coffee a specialty of the Mathematics Department?" Shen Qi said, taking the latte.

"We used to love Irish coffee, but now our preference is lattes," Professor Carter said with a shrug, then greeted Zhou Yu'an warmly, "Zhou, I hope we have a pleasant time."

Zhou Yu'an nodded and said, "Of course."

The academic exchange delegation led by Shen Qi consisted of members from disciplines such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

During this visit to the United States, members of the delegation will engage in a series of academic discussions with their American counterparts, based on their respective expertise.

Zhou Yu'an will have in-depth exchanges with Professor Carter in the fields of Partial Differential Equations and Differential Geometry. This was arranged in advance.

Li Zhenqiang also came with a research project in mind; he will exchange ideas with his American colleagues in the field of Algebraic Geometry.

Director Knox, sporting a small mustache, clapped his hands and said, "Let's welcome Qi, Zhou, and Li again. I'm sure this will be a joyous gathering."

Shen Qi, Zhou Yu'an, and Li Zhenqiang raised their coffee cups to express their gratitude for Director Knox's warm welcome.

"Actually, I have another announcement to make," Director Knox continued. "I come from a haven for STEM nerds, and after five years of going crazy with a bunch of mad scientists, it's time to enjoy life. I want to meet some beautiful girls. Yes, I'm getting ready to go, tomorrow."

"Walter?"

"So sudden?"

Many people present looked surprised, including Shen Qi.

Li Zhenqiang was completely bewildered. He understood what Director Knox said, but he didn't grasp its true meaning.

"The term 'geeky tech guy' is a nickname for Washington state, while 'mad scientist' and 'pretty girl' refer to New Jersey and Arizona, respectively," Zhou Yu'an whispered in Li Zhenqiang's ear. He had lived in the United States for several years and knew some American slang.

"Oh." Li Zhenqiang seemed to understand a little.

Director Knox previously worked and lived in Washington state before moving to Princeton University in New Jersey, where Princeton University worked for five years and became the head of the Mathematics Department.

Now, Director Knox wants to go to Arizona, a state known for its beautiful women, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Director Knox went to Arizona hoping for a romantic encounter, or...? Li Zhenqiang was pondering this when Director Knox continued, "The university has approved my resignation. My next position is... the president of the University of Arizona."

So that's how it is. Director Knox resigned; he's going to become the president of the University of Arizona, where beautiful women abound and it's easy to pick them up.

The University of Arizona's academic research level is certainly not as high as Princeton University's, but everyone has their own ambitions. Director Knox is about to become the president, which can be considered a promotion.

Everyone stood up, walked over to Director Knox, hugged him, and offered their best wishes.

Shen Qi and Director Knox didn't actually have much interaction. It was only a month after Shen Qi returned to China that Director Knox switched jobs and came to Princeton.

"Director Knox, may every day in Arizona be filled with joy." Shen Qi hugged Director Knox goodbye and offered his heartfelt blessings.

Shen Qi is Honorary Professor in the Princeton Mathematics Department. He bid farewell to Director Knox as a colleague.

Zhou Yu'an and Li Zhenqiang did not hold any official positions at Princeton; they simply observed silently, sipping coffee and watching the spectacle unfold.

Shen Qi smiled outwardly, but inwardly he was puzzled.

Within an hour, Shen Qi encountered two similar situations: Mary and Director Knox both said goodbye as soon as they met. What was going on? Were they resigning en masse?

To be fair, whether it's a department head or a university president, in the eyes of Americans, it's just a job.

For young people in the prime of their careers, working at a prestigious academic institution is undoubtedly a great opportunity.

For a seasoned veteran like Director Knox, enjoying life is undoubtedly the most important thing.

It's perfectly normal for job positions to change. You, Shen Qi, are allowed to return to China to develop your career, get married, and have children, but Director Knox isn't allowed to go to Arizona to pursue his pleasures?

"Director Knox, who will be the new Mathematics Department after you leave?" Professor Carter asked in a loud voice.

"Guys, I have to say a few more words, since my position at Princeton will remain in effect until six o'clock this afternoon," Director Knox said.

Everyone quieted down and listened attentively.

"Regarding the new Mathematics Department, the university consulted me, hoping I could recommend a few candidates from among the current professors, Honorary Professor, and lecturers in the Mathematics Department." Director Knox looked around, his gaze settling on Shen Qi: "I have a suitable candidate in mind, Qi."

Shen Qi: "Huh?"