Chapter 874: Carry Me
Lu Zhou didn’t have to wait for long.
He even began to wonder if this guy had even thought about it or not.
The moment the words left Lu Zhou’s mouth, Luo Wenxuan nodded excitedly and replied, “Yes!”
“I think this has potential… A lot of potential!
“We might even discover a new physics theory!”
Regardless of what the real situation was, this clue was worth pursuing by any theoretical physicist.
Even if Lu Zhou didn’t invite him to work together, he would have pursued this clue on his own. But now this Nobel Prize and Fields Medal big name was asking him to work together, he obviously had no reason to refuse.
In fact, he was more than happy to collaborate!
Lu Zhou looked at the flash of excitement in Luo Wenxuan’s eyes, and he was a little startled.
After realizing that Luo Wenxuan wasn’t joking, Lu Zhou spoke.
“Then I’ll begin by giving you work… You’ll be responsible for working on the theoretical physics side. I’ll be working on the Riemann zeta function side.”
Even though Lu Zhou had dabbled in theoretical physics before, his research was more focused on the calculations side. Also, researching the Riemann zeta function took up the majority of his time, not to mention he was still the chief designer of the Lunar Orbit Committee. He just didn’t have any time to work on theoretical physics.
“Great…” Luo Wenxuan fist-bumped Lu Zhou and said, “You’re going to carry me.”
“What do you mean carry, you’re going to put your fair share as well!” Lu Zhou looked around the office and said, “Anyway… You plan on making your office a theme park or what?”
Luo Wenxuan smiled and said, “I’m just decorating, haven’t you heard that quote from Einstein? Adding surprises to your life regulates your mood and can inspire you.”
Lu Zhou: “I’m certain Einstein has never said those words before.”
Luo Wenxuan laughed and said, “Regardless of who said it, just remember that it’s true.”
Even though Luo Wenxuan seemed like an unreliable person at times, he was quite a talented individual.
After all, he was a student of Witten. Even though he took a long time to graduate, that was because Witten’s requirements were too tough, plus he was immature back then.
As for his academic achievements, he had four PLR and one Science published theses, which was impressive considering his age.
Not to mention that it was difficult to produce research results in the field of theoretical physics, as opposed to something like condensed matter physics. Even without his qualifications from Princeton and CERN, his experience alone could get him into the Changjiang Scholars Program.
Lu Zhou left Luo Wenxuan’s office and went back to his own office.
Compared to Luo Wenxuan’s office, his office still had an academic ambiance. His students and assistants were always working hard, at least when he was there.
However, even though the academic ambiance was richer, he felt like…
It wasn’t as dynamic as Luo Wenxuan’s office?
Lu Zhou sat at his desk and recalled what Luo Wenxuan said. He looked around his lightly-decorated office, thought for a second, then suddenly spoke.
“It’s the holidays.”
The office was unusually quiet.
No one seemed to know what Lu Zhou was trying to say, so they didn’t respond.
Lu Zhou paused for a second before asking, “Should we… decorate the office?”
Lu Zhou was asking for reassurance.
However…
The office still stayed quiet.
With no one responding to him, Lu Zhou felt a little embarrassed. He put his notebook into his drawer, packed his things, and went out to get some food instead.
However, the moment he stepped out of the door, the office was no longer quiet.
“Did I hear him correctly, Professor Lu wants to… decorate the office?” said a master’s student. Her eyes were wide open.
Sitting next to her was a graduate student wearing box-shaped glasses, and he said, “Yeah, pigs are starting to fly! I didn’t expect Professor Lu to be the festive type.”
“That’s because you don’t know him well enough,” Lin Yuxiang said as she put down the pen in her hand. She proudly continued, “Even though Professor Lu doesn’t seem like he cares about the small things in life, after you get to know him, you’ll find out that he’s actually a fun and festive person.”
Kong Jie, who was nearby, rolled her eyes.
All you’ve done is brought him food.
Why are you making it sound like you’re very close to him?
However, the new female master’s student was gullible, and she asked curiously, “Like what?”
“Like when he’s ordering takeout.”
“Takeout… I’m worried about Professor Lu’s health, eating out all day is not good.”
“Yeah yeah, he should just find a girlfriend to cook for him.”
The three women began to gossip. One second they were talking about Professor Lu’s eating habits, the next second they were talking about Professor Lu’s type.
Zhao Huan, who was normally quiet, looked at the three girls chatting. She suddenly looked up and said, “Um…”
Lin Yuxiang looked at her and said, “What?”
Zhao Huan: “I feel like all the basic girls I know talk about Professor Lu’s type…”
Everyone: “…”
The conversation died.
The office became quiet again.
No one talked about Professor Lu’s type or plans on decorating the office.
Han Mengqi, who was sitting at her desk, didn’t participate in the conversation. She sighed and twirled the pen in her hand.
Speaking of which, it’s almost Christmas…
Even though she wasn’t a festive person, when she saw pictures of her friends with their boyfriends, she couldn’t help but feel a little jealous.
“So frustrating…”
Han Mengqi scratched her head and sighed.
Sometimes she didn’t know exactly what was frustrating, she just felt annoyed.
I wonder if sis will hang out with Lu Zhou on Christmas Day.
Even though this had nothing to do with her, she still wanted Chen Yushan to get with Lu Zhou. This way, Lu Zhou would be her brother-in-law.
But when she thought about this, for some reason, she became even more frustrated…
Chapter 875: Genetics
The thing that frustrated the little girl didn’t happen.
At night, she lay in bed awake, struggling to fall asleep. She decided to take the initiative and message Chen Yushan. They made plans to watch a movie tomorrow.
Lu Zhou, on the other hand, didn’t have any plans for Christmas. Like usual, he sat in his office and did what he was supposed to do.
Back when he was living in Princeton, he used to celebrate Christmas, but he stopped that tradition ever since he returned back to China.
However, that might be because he didn’t have anyone to celebrate with.
Most of these “foreign” festivals were treated as another Valentine’s Day. People who didn’t have a significant other generally stayed inside.
However, he suddenly saw a movie ticket appear in front of him.
“Wanna watch a movie together?”
Lu Zhou looked up and saw Luo Wenxuan with the ticket in his hand. Luo Wenxuan had a smile on his face, as if he was suggesting something.
Lu Zhou paused for a second.
I feel like he’s trying to…
Tell me to say no?
Lu Zhou spoke with a hint of uncertainty.
“I’m not… free?”
“Ah, you’re not free? I even bought two tickets, I wanted to go with you.” Luo Wenxuan scratched his head and looked around the office for Assistant Kong. He said, “So unfortunate…”
Lu Zhou: “…”
I can’t take this anymore…
I’m going to puke.
It’s not like this guy is 15 years old, why is he being so cringed? Even I’m embarrassed for him.
Assistant Kong, who was sitting near the window, didn’t react at all. She didn’t even notice what was going on. Luo Wenxuan was about to give up when Assistant Lin happened to walk in.
“Midnight showing?” Lin Yuxiang said while she read the ticket. She looked at Luo Wenxuan suspiciously and said, “You’re asking Professor Lu to watch a movie… at midnight?
“Two guys watching a movie at midnight, it’s not even the premiere…”
Lu Zhou, who was drinking tea, nearly spat out his tea.
Jesus Christ, this guy is a savage!
Midnight showing on the first date?
Luo Wenxuan, who was standing by Lu Zhou’s desk, quickly began to explain.
“No, um… The midnight showing is cheaper.”
However, his explanation wasn’t believable.
Not to mention this explanation didn’t make sense.
A scientific research professor with tens of millions in research funding, cared about a movie ticket price?
Forget about it!
Assistant Lin recalled that Luo Wenxuan always came to Professor Lu’s office without any intentions. At most, he would drink some tea.
Maybe… Luo Wenxuan is interested in Professor Lu?
Luo Wenxuan regretted speaking the moment the words left his mouth.
However, it was too late.
He noticed that a few people in the office began looking at him.
Assistant Kong’s reaction hurt him the most. Her look of surprise was like an arrow that pierced through his heart.
Nothing is wrong with swinging the other way, but I’m not that kind of person!
Lin Yuxiang said, “You spent all that money decorating your office, but you can’t spend a little more on a movie ticket?”
Luo Wenxuan: “…”
He didn’t want to say anything.
When Lin Yuxiang saw that Professor Luo went silent, she suddenly smiled.
“How about this, I’ll buy the tickets off you, I’ll go watch the movie with Professor Lu.”
Luo Wenxuan just wanted to clarify the situation, so he immediately responded, “Sure! No problem!”
Han Mengqi: “?!!!”
Lu Zhou looked around the office and coughed.
“You guys… haven’t asked me yet.”
Lin Yuxiang’s eyes were shining with anticipation as she looked at Lu Zhou. Her hands were held together in front of her chest.
“Um…”
Lu Zhou: “Don’t have time, not going.”
Lin Yuxiang: “…”
Kong Jie, who was sitting near the window, laughed out loud.
That laugh blew away the awkwardness in the room.
The office finally quieted down. Luo Wenxuan stood frozen in front of Lu Zhou’s desk. Lu Zhou looked at him and shook his head.
This guy…
Should just give up…
…
Lu Zhou wasn’t going to watch the movie.
Much less a midnight showing.
Other than mathematics, there was nothing he would stay up to 12 o’clock in the morning for. Maybe other than physics.
Lu Zhou kept working until sunset. Most of the people in his office had left since then. Lu Zhou stretched his back and stood up.
The moment he stood up, he received a WeChat call.
He glanced at his phone and picked up the video call from Xiao Tong.
The moment the call was connected, he saw that familiar face on his phone.
“Brother! I miss you!”
Xiao Tong was in her pajamas, and she excitedly put her phone in front of her face.
They hadn’t seen each other in over a year.
She looked a little skinner, but other than that, she looked exactly the same.
Lu Zhou looked at his sister through his phone and smiled.
“If you miss me, just look into the mirror. We don’t look alike, but we do come from the same genes.”
Xiao Tong: “Yeah, but I have better genes!”
Lu Zhou smiled and didn’t say anything.
There wasn’t any point arguing with her. Lu Zhou knew well in his heart who had better genetics.
“So, why are you suddenly calling me?”
Xiao Tong paused for a second. She then put on a pouty face.
“Brother, it’s New Year’s Eve soon.”
“Yeah.”
“I want a present!”
“No problem…” Lu Zhou smiled and said, “Go on, what do you want, nothing too expensive.”
“Haha, okay then, I’ll send you my wish list.”
Suddenly, Lu Zhou saw a notification on his phone. Xiao Ai’s text message popped up.
[Master, you have mail. ~(๑•̀ᄇ•́)و✧]
How long is her wish list?
Long enough to send it through email I guess…
However, Lu Zhou wasn’t worried. Forget about clothes or purses, he could easily buy her a house or two without putting a dent in his bank account.
Lu Zhou clicked the email and saw the email title.
However, the second he saw the attachment in the email, he froze.
[Study on the Impact of Welfare Policies on Macroeconomics Based on the Bewley Model]
He had heard a little bit about the Bewley model before. When he was in Princeton, a Nobel laureate in economics told him about it. Apparently, it was one of the hardest and most quantitative economics concepts.
Using Fortran 90 to run a Krusell & Smith Bewley model could easily take hours. Designing the mathematical model could often take years.
Compared to these macroeconomic models, the mathematical modeling competition seemed like a child’s play, easy.
However, Lu Zhou didn’t know a lot about Bewley’s model at all. After all, most of his friends at Princeton were in the pure mathematics field, and they weren’t interested in money.
At most, they were interested in spending money…
Lu Zhou suddenly realized what was going on. He looked at his phone and said impatiently, “Do your own homework!”
F*ck sake!
Asking a Fields Medal medalist to write a master’s student homework, what a joke!
“But brother!”
Lu Zhou said, “Don’t pout, it won’t work.”
Xiao Tong frowned and said, “This is too difficult, I’m not a mathematics major… I didn’t know I was going to be assigned such a difficult research project, just help me please.”
Lu Zhou didn’t believe her. He shook his head and replied, “How hard can a master’s thesis be.”
“Look at the attachment! You’ll see how hard it is.”
Lu Zhou couldn’t stand Xiao Tong’s nagging anymore, so he sighed and looked at his computer. He reluctantly agreed to take a look.
However, after he downloaded the attachment, he had a strange look in his eyes.
Even though he didn’t know a lot about economic theory, the mathematical model shown in the project was definitely beyond the abilities of a master’s student.
Even his student He Changwen from Jin Ling University would take a while to tackle this model.
“What a supervisor you have… Anyone who hasn’t done functional analysis would have a hell of a time mastering the model.”
Xiao Tong said, “I told you, this is impossible!”
Lu Zhou: “Are you sure your supervisor gave you this assignment?”
Xiao Tong nodded and said, “Yeah! Why would I choose such a difficult topic for my graduation thesis?”
Lu Zhou thought for a second and said, “How about this, I can’t write it for you, this is your thesis. But I can co-author it with you. You can do the economics theory side, and I’ll do the mathematics side.”
“Really? You agree?! Fantastic, there’s still hope! Love you!” Xiao Tong kissed the phone screen and lay on her couch as she smiled and said, “You’re the best!”
“Ok enough, also, I have one request.”
Xiao Tong stood up from the couch and said, “Go on, I’ll do anything, do you want a girlfriend? The office next door has plenty of chesty blondes.”
“No need for that,” Lu Zhou said. “You have to submit the thesis after it is completed. I don’t care about being the first or second author, but I have to be the corresponding author.”
When Xiao Tong heard Lu Zhou’s request, she paused for a second. She suddenly frowned.
“But… I’m worried my supervisor won’t agree. I’m about to graduate, what if he doesn’t let me graduate?”
When it came to academia, the students were slaves to their supervisors.
The supervisors were usually the communicating author.
Xiao Ai was scared she wasn’t going to graduate.
Lu Zhou knew Xiao Tong would say this, but he didn’t seem to be concerned.
He smiled and replied, “Tell him to do it and see what happens.”