“Teacher says the reason Jiang Ye Star and Bi Rong Star have good universities is twofold: first, their economies are developed, and second, they have a long history of development. Although Exile Star’s economy is booming now, with a trend of catching up to Jiang Ye Star and Bi Rong Star, the education sector often lags by a decade. This means Exile Star won’t see top-tier universities pushing academic frontiers for another ten years.”
“As for Spiral Star, it’s even more distant. The population has just reached five hundred million, and the entire planet is still very barren. A high school diploma is considered an achievement. Currently, Spiral Star only has three universities, all of which are of very low caliber.”
“Teacher says that the academic level of each planet, to some extent, can change that planet’s standing in the universe.”
“For instance, Jiang Ye Star’s Advanced Weapons University has the highest level of mathematics among the current few planets. The renowned Professor Yu Tonghua, last year, proved the Zhu Bin-Nancy Conjecture, gaining worldwide fame. Professor Shi Baimeng, a young prodigy, proved the He Puxin Conjecture in the first half of this year, successfully winning the bronze medal of the Zu Chongzhi Mathematics Prize, a laurel in mathematics.”
“Consequently, many alien scholars and international students travel great distances to Jiang Ye Star’s Advanced Weapons University, hoping to gain admission. Many universities also offer high salaries, trying to poach Yu Tonghua and Shi Baimeng. In this process, Jiang Ye Star’s reputation has soared.”
“Similarly, every step humanity takes forward in science can elevate its status within the Galactic Empire. The major intelligent species of the Galactic Empire are all striving for academic peaks; the higher they climb, the higher their status, and the more benefits they receive. In essence, it’s a technological war without gunfire.”
“During my time studying in high school, I’ve gradually fallen in love with the thrill of solving problems, a feeling entirely different from painting.”
“Teacher asked if I wanted to pursue postgraduate studies and a doctorate in the future. I said I wasn’t sure yet. But in my heart, I do want to delve into some disciplines. I really like mathematics, and physics is also good. I’ve already learned most of the high school mathematics, and it feels quite simple. I grasp many things intuitively and can solve problems correctly.”
“However, I don’t know what kind of job my parents expect me to have in the future. If they need me to enter politics and manage a planet, perhaps I should abandon academic pursuits in science and switch to the humanities?”
“We are about to select our subjects. We can choose humanities or science. I haven’t decided which to select yet, as my grades are good in both.”
“Your son, Jiang Senlin.”
Jiang Ye and Cen Yemeng read their son’s letter carefully twice, then each began to write a reply.
Cen Yemeng’s slender fingers rested on the computer keyboard, typing gently:
“Son, next time you send an electronic letter, you can send some photos, like pictures of your class, and a photo of yourself, so Mom can see if you’ve lost or gained weight, if you’ve gotten tanned, or if you have dark circles from studying late.”
“If you feel that female deskmate is not suitable, you can tell the teacher and ask them to change your seating arrangement. Your grades are good, so the teacher will surely listen to you.”
“Your father and I had very successful surgeries, so don’t worry. Although our physical ages are younger than yours now, our actual ages are still older than yours. You are forever the naughty boy I gave birth to.”
“Are the school cafeteria meals palatable? If you find them not to your liking, I can arrange for some chefs to cook for you. You can pick them up at the school gate at noon.”
“Don’t just sit in the classroom doing problems all day. Go out and be active often, play basketball or something. Be careful.”
“As for your question about choosing humanities or science, my husband and I actually have no strong opinions. Whatever you want to study, we will support you. Moreover, your life is very long. If one path doesn’t work out, you can always take another. You are still young, what is there to fear?”
“Love, Mom”
After Cen Yemeng finished typing, Jiang Ye took over the computer. His large hands landed on the keyboard, and he began to type with great force.
“Behave yourself with that female deskmate of yours. Remember who you are, and don’t get the young lady pregnant, or I’ll break your legs! If you’re not paying attention in class and are crossing your legs like that, what kind of behavior is that!”
“Your mother and I have no career plans for you. Do whatever you like. A person can only achieve something by doing work they enjoy.”
“As for the job of planet leader, I do hope you will take it. There are too many planets for me to manage alone, so I have to delegate power to trusted confidants. But ultimately, confidants are not as trustworthy as one’s own son. However, even if you become the leader of a planet, it won’t make much difference to your mother and me.”
“Furthermore, your mother and I have infinite lifespans, so we can continue to hold sway over the major planets. If one day we can no longer hold on, you might not be able to do much either. So, whether you take over or not is up to you. Don’t let it be a burden.”
“You like mathematics, so pursue mathematics. Don’t think that studying science prevents you from becoming a planet leader. Nonsense! I don’t know where you got this misconception. Many leaders in the world come from science and engineering backgrounds, and they do an excellent job, no worse than those from humanities. Your father was also better at science back in the day.”
“No matter which discipline you study to its peak, it will provide you with a perspective on the world. At the same time, you need to overcome various inner demons to achieve anything. Most importantly, the process itself is a form of tempering for you.”
“The academic circle places great importance on connections, second only to politics. However, you don’t need to worry. You can pick any university on any planet you like. Go to the best one, choose the major you like. I can handle these small matters for you. As for those impressive professors you mentioned, although your father doesn’t have direct contact with them, I can get acquainted with them tomorrow if you wish. It’s all easily arranged. Just let me know which academic giant you’d like to learn from.”
“What I hope you remember is that although your identity is special, it is precisely because of this that you must demand more of yourself. For example, when you go to university and enter academic circles, don’t become a spoiled brat just because of your father’s connections, acting arrogant and demanding first or second authorship and competition awards. Remember that you are just an ordinary student. If you need to serve tea to teachers, do so. If you need to study late, do so. Don’t be worse than others. Your father will help you open the door, but once inside, everything depends on your own abilities.”
“If, by any chance, you become a great mathematician and win some interstellar awards, proving several world-class conjectures, and then decide to switch careers to become a planet leader, it will be even more legitimate. People will know you are capable, that you are intelligent.”
“Some old acquaintances of your father, such as Ms. Feng Shuyun, the General Commander of Katan Star, was formerly a physics professor and won the Daweinjin Prize, one of the three great laurels in physics. She was famous in academic circles when she was young. Mr. Luo Su, the Planet Chief of Yanliu Star, was a biochemical expert and founded a company worth trillions based on his research, holding countless patents. Planet Chief Yan Hanfan of Hedou Planet is a mathematics professor and the president of their planet’s Mathematics Association.”
“To be honest, your father doesn’t have a high level of education. When dealing with colleagues who have such high qualifications, I feel a sense of inferiority.”
“So, work hard. Strive to be more accomplished than your parents. Whatever you want to do, make a name for yourself.”
“Love, your old dad, Jiang Ye”