To Tian Yanzhen’s surprise, their conversation lasted for more than three hours.
This greatly pleased him.
For mathematicians like Zhang Yuantang, engaging with a younger colleague in discussing mathematical issues isn’t about giving face or listening to their brags; it’s about addressing aningful questions.
The crucial point is that the questions Qiao Yu raised made him feel that answering them was worthwhile.
It’s akin to a teacher instructing a student.
If a student constantly asks questions that are too simple and self-evident, the teacher won’t perceive this student as diligent.
The teacher might wonder whether the student is paying attention in class; the response would be unenthusiastic, maybe even perfunctory.
But if the student asks valuable and insightful questions, it can engage the teacher’s interest and make them willing to spend ti discussing with such a student.
If a student’s questions can even make a teacher forget about als or other important matters...
It indicates that the student’s questions not only engage the teacher’s interest but also suggest that the discussions might inspire the teacher’s research.
Undoubtedly, the present situation belonged to the third kind.
As their discussion on twin pris continued, Qiao Yu’s questions hit Zhang Yuantang’s interests directly, even making Tian Yanzhen, listening nearby, quite engaged and occasionally chiming in.
For example, Qiao Yu proposed defining a base set whose elents are neither individual integers nor pri numbers but rather embedded within a space carrying topological and algebraic structures.
Each number within this frawork would be regarded as a point, with relationships between points defined by specific mappings.
Another idea was constructing a new modal space where points are pairs of different pris, attempting to convert the existence of twin pris into a geotrical closed-loop problem...
One must admit that Qiao Yu’s ideas are quite wild, but upon reflection, they seem like a good entry point.
And just like that, until Tian Yanzhen sensed Zhang Yuantang was reaching his limit...
Alright, Old Tian even felt that he had beco sluggish when he should’ve sensed it long ago.
Because Zhang Yuantang’s responses were slower, the thinking periods longer, until eventually, he frequently cast glances towards him, making Tian Yanzhen aware.
He glanced at the ti subconsciously and realized it was already half-past six in the evening.
So he spoke up imdiately: "Alright, Qiao Yu, it’s about ti. Professor Zhang and I need to have dinner. Tomorrow is Professor Zhang’s lecture; any remaining questions can wait until tomorrow."
Qiao Yu, feeling like he was just getting into his groove, paused, then checked the ti on his phone.
He then looked innocently at his ntor, blinked, and said, "Well, Director Tian, I haven’t eaten either. Can’t you take along when you go to eat? This way, I can still consult Professor Zhang during dinner."
Tian Yanzhen stared at Qiao Yu and said, "Who ever told you that your ntor has to solve students’ al issues? Can’t you find your way to the cafeteria? I’ve told you Professor Zhang is already tired. Any questions can wait until tomorrow!"
After saying this, Tian Yanzhen gestured towards the office door: "Go ahead and do your business."
"Oh, well, thank you, Professor Zhang." Qiao Yu stood up and politely thanked Zhang Yuantang.
"No need for thanks. Your questions are quite insightful." Zhang Yuantang complinted.
Qiao Yu gave a polite smile, then left the room, looking back repeatedly.
He was hoping Professor Zhang would invite him along, so he could shalessly tag along with the two professors for a al.
To his dismay, neither Tian Yanzhen nor Zhang Yuantang showed any inclination to include him.
Quite awkward...
...
After seeing Qiao Yu leave, Tian Yanzhen chuckled and said, "My student is not bad, right?"
Zhang Yuantang gave a wry smile: "More than just not bad. His questions truly stumped . Initially, I thought he had so sort of wild imagination.
But his ideas and questions are indeed worth pondering, especially his recent thoughts on modal space and modal numbers, which I find quite interesting.
However, I’m not sure if this approach will work. But if he can actually achieve sothing with this line of thinking..."
As he spoke, Zhang Yuantang frowned, feeling his brain was slightly starved of oxygen.
"Haha, forget it for now. Let’s go eat. You just got over your jet lag and need rest. That kid is full of creative ideas; he might co up with a whole bunch more tomorrow."
Tian Yanzhen laughed heartily and said.
This is also why he canceled the half-day weekly sessions for tutoring Qiao Yu.
The guy’s questions were getting thornier by the day.
Many tis, it took him a long ti to co up with any insights.
Yes, he could only provide so insights, and not entirely answer Qiao Yu’s questions.
If he had to endure such an afternoon every week, Tian Yanzhen felt he would soon lose his aura as a tutor...
There are so students you just can’t focus on constantly.
Zhang Yuantang shook his head, then stood up and casually made a joke: "Honestly, if I’d known your student was so difficult, I wouldn’t have co."
...
anwhile, a frustrated Qiao Yu left Tian Yanzhen’s office and called Qiao Xi on his phone.
His always-caring ntor wasn’t even taking him along for dinner... he decided to lodge a complaint with Qiao Xi.
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