"Your next task will require you to make time to visit the Relevant Department, find that Big Black Cat of yours, and talk to it about its experiences and insights from transcending the 2D World... I'll send you a list of relevant questions. This is the foundation of your thesis, so remember to get on it quickly."
"Of course, I know the Two-Dimensional Evolution Laboratory has more detailed data, and the Relevant Department surely has more comprehensive interview materials. But asking the person involved might yield subtler, richer information. Besides, neither the Two-Dimensional Evolution Laboratory nor the Relevant Department will provide your thesis with the most complete original materials, for security reasons."
"Don't worry. Old Yao will put in a word with the Relevant Department so you can talk to the Shadow Cat... Isn't Bao Yangzi one of your professors now, too? You can speak to him directly."
"That cat isn't like you. It's very shrewd. If it asks for benefits, you can promise to list it as the second author of your thesis. In a sense, that would be an acknowledgment of its independence, and it will definitely be tempted."
"Me? Being the corresponding author will be enough."
After leaving Old Yao's office, Su Shijun did not vanish immediately. Instead, she openly walked through campus with Zheng Qing, tirelessly reminding him of various details concerning the thesis.
If they had been in her laboratory or another office, Zheng Qing would certainly have listened attentively. He might even have taken out a little notebook, like Xiao Xiao or Fatty Xin, and carefully written everything down.
But right now...
He only wanted to shrink into the shadow beneath his feet.
It was midday, right in the lunch rush, and many students were coming and going across campus. More than a few