Chapter 7

Li Zewen's face bore no trace of a smile: "What crime cannot be justified with a pretext? Such incidents will only increase in the future"

However, she has already achieved all her goals at just over thirty years of age

As they spoke, the car arrived at the airport, where the lights were bright in the evening, casting a golden-red hue across the entire sky. Xi Yu silently remarked on the severity of light pollution, then got out of the car. Li Zewen took her heavy 26-inch suitcase from the trunk and handed it to her, then pulled out a business card and a pen, writing a number on the back before handing it to her

Under the name of Li Zewen, in addition to his position in the United States, he also holds the title of Vice President of the Policy Research Institute at Kyoto University

Numerical study of acoustic coupling and dynamics at low temperatures

In order to reduce the number of questions from Li Zewen, Qi Yu took the initiative to ask: "Professor, how about you? Are you currently back in the country for a vacation?"

She no longer wants to mention her future issues, as it is all a tangled mess with no thread to grasp—Li Zewen is also a part of this academic circle, and he belongs to the particularly successful type. While she was still struggling as a student, he had already become a professor, and his understanding of the underlying issues must certainly be much deeper than hers

I also think that... At that time, when I went to study in the United States, I felt that the research system there was mature and the environment was favorable. I never expected that just a few years later, I would still encounter such troubling matters. Xu Yu felt somewhat discouraged, saying, "I plan to assess the situation. If it really becomes impossible to continue, I will look for another job during the holiday."

The only comforting aspect of this matter is probably that the laboratory has indicated that salaries will be paid as usual

I believe that tenure at Harvard will not be an obstacle for you

In the vast majority of universities in the United States, associate professors already hold tenured positions, and schools cannot dismiss them at will. With ample funding, many professors view this position as the greatest goal of their lives. However, there are only two or three exceptions, one of which is Harvard. At Harvard University, only full professors hold tenured positions, and the status of associate professors remains somewhat precarious—fortunately, associate professors at Harvard can obtain tenured positions at any other university.

How many people are in your group? How many of them are of Chinese descent and international students like you?

Xi Yu is by no means unpatriotic, nor does she have any deep feelings for the United States. The reason she wishes to stay in the United States is simply due to the disparity in economic and scientific research capabilities compared to her home country. If atmospheric science is likened to a pyramid, the United States undoubtedly occupies the pinnacle position, with abundant resources and numerous opportunities. For instance, she is surrounded by top scholars in the field, allowing her to exchange the latest information with peers at any time. When she was pursuing her doctoral degree, she could join expeditions to Antarctica, and with a simple application, gain access to supercomputers, not to mention the vast amount of data available for consultation. The advantages are overwhelming; if she were in her home country, due to limited resources and fierce competition, such opportunities would be nearly impossible for her to access.

The research I am currently engaged in is quite cutting-edge. Apart from the United States, there are very few research institutes I can go to," Xi Yu said, raising her hands in a gesture of helplessness. "If it really doesn't work out, going to Europe is also an option... A laboratory in France might have some interest.

Top universities in the United States strongly oppose consanguinity and almost never allow their own doctoral graduates to remain at the institution for employment. After leaving Massachusetts to pursue a doctorate in New Jersey, Qi Yu still maintained connections within the international student community, and it was through a mass email that she learned of this news, which garnered admiration from her peers. Achieving the rank of associate professor at a world-class institution in her early thirties is truly remarkable—no, it is akin to a space shuttle among exceptional individuals, especially considering that her field is social sciences, which presents a more perilous and narrower path for advancement compared to the sciences and engineering. Achieving the rank of associate professor at a world-class institution in her early thirties is truly remarkable—no, it is akin to a space shuttle among exceptional individuals, especially considering that her field is social sciences, which presents a more perilous and narrower path for advancement compared to the sciences and engineering.

Are you still working on the topic selection for your doctoral dissertation

It is not a vacation; there are some matters that need to be handled back in the country

Xi Yu silently shook her head; she was merely the lowest-level worker in the research institute, with very little information at her disposal. In any case, after the incident, she had not seen Professor Tian in the institute again

Xi Yu vaguely echoed a few words, and in her heart, she certainly agreed with Li Zewen's judgment. However, she still believed that having just graduated with a doctor's degree, even if she were to return to her home country, she should first gain sufficient experience in the United States before considering it, at least aiming to publish three to five papers with an impact factor over 10 before making any decisions

In which specific aspect

She measured the gap between herself and Li Zewen, silently sighed—this world presents a pyramid structure, and those at the top succeed in whatever they do—never mind, life is long, let us strive harder.

It is now summer vacation, and there are many opportunities," Li Zewen asked, "So do you still plan to stay in the United States

The support of numerous instruments and vast amounts of data is required

"Truly impressive! Professor, I really must congratulate you," said Qi Yu, filled with admiration. "But is it too late for me to say congratulations now?"

As far as I know, it pertains to research on glacial movement

I am also aware of this matter

This matter is also news to Li Zewen. He studied political science himself and has a deep understanding of the overt and covert struggles between nations. Moreover, he employs various means and has access to a wealth of information from multiple sources. However, in this instance, the information was indeed delayed by several days.

She has made plans for her career. She feels that she has a bit of talent and works very hard. Although she may not be the most outstanding among international students in the sciences, she is certainly not lacking. She is currently twenty-six years old and can pursue a doctor's degree for three to four years, but not exceeding five years. After publishing several substantial papers, she hopes to apply for an assistant professor position at a university in the United States around the age of thirty based on her qualifications. After that, she plans to work diligently for another six to seven years to strive for a tenured position before the age of forty. Currently, she can pursue a doctor's degree for three to four years, but not exceeding five years. After publishing several substantial papers, she hopes to apply for an assistant professor position at a university in the United States around the age of thirty based on her qualifications. After that, she plans to work diligently for another six to seven years to strive for a tenured position before the age of forty.

I see. Xu Yu slightly leaned forward and said, "I seem to have heard that you have been promoted to associate professor, right?"

Haven't you considered returning to your home country

Xi Yu's hand tightened and then relaxed: "In any case, we all believe that a leak is impossible. Professor Tian obtained citizenship ten years ago, and now the whole family is in the United States. How could there be a leak? Moreover, it is unlikely that she would have access to any confidential information."

Xi Yu stood at the airport entrance, watching the black car drive away. He then silently turned the high-quality business card in his hand to its front side, and the corner of his eye suddenly twitched

What research does Professor Tian conduct

"Indeed, otherwise everything is merely a model... Without proof, it holds no significance." Xi Yu continued to sigh with sorrow. She was not at all surprised that Li Zewen was aware of this. This professor possessed an immense reservoir of knowledge, and his mathematical skills had essentially reached the level of an undergraduate in the sciences and engineering.

At this moment, a letter arrived from Wang An'an inviting her to be a bridesmaid. Qi Yu thought that staying in the United States was of no use, as she could not even enter the laboratory now. Therefore, she hurriedly took care of her work in the United States and packed her bags to return to her home country

Do you know?" Li Zewen glanced sideways, seemingly not believing that she could know about his recent situation

Have all three of you been suspended

Yes... Xu Yu sighed deeply, feeling helpless as he recalled his uncertain future in his job, which inevitably brought his mood down a bit

Li Zewen nodded and changed the subject: "How is Professor Tian's situation now? Has he hired a lawyer?"

In fact, I only learned about it not long ago

It's nothing, Li Zewen said dismissively, "I haven't secured a tenured position yet"

"Of course, it has been considered," said Xi Yu. "In fact, every international student regards 'returning home' as an option, although it usually occupies a relatively lower position. However, the research environment in the country is not ideal either; the instruments and equipment are outdated compared to what I encountered in the United States, and I have also heard that interpersonal relationships can be troublesome."

I will be in the country this summer, this is my phone number in the country, please call me if you need assistance

Li Zewen is also aware of the situation in the science and engineering fields, and he slightly relaxed his brow: "Success depends on human effort. You are working on mathematical models; even with slightly inferior equipment, it is still possible to achieve results. Moreover, as far as I know, several research facilities in the country, although not as good as those in the United States, are still in the top tier globally, at least comparable to those in Europe"

This matter must be recounted from the beginning. About one or two weeks ago, Professor Tian, a Chinese expert in the project team where Qi Yu works, was suddenly taken away by the so-called Federal Bureau of Investigation for questioning, accused of leaking confidential information. An internal investigation and re-evaluation at the research institute subsequently commenced. The laboratories under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indeed have many confidential projects, most of which are distributed across other laboratories in the United States. The review process is stringent, and background checks are conducted multiple times, with foreign nationals never being hired. However, the Princeton Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, where Qi Yu is based, primarily engages in fundamental theoretical work—its activities mainly involve establishing various models and conducting various mathematical calculations, which are not closely related to confidential information. The laboratory is known for its inclusivity, resembling a small United Nations meeting with researchers from various countries, including a significant number of Chinese researchers. Yet, everything changed after the incident involving Professor Tian.

Li Zewen stated: "It will take another three to four years."

There are thirty-two Chinese individuals in the entire laboratory, and our group has three, with only one Chinese student being me

Although his tone was understated, the certainty and confidence in it were unmistakable to Xu Yu

Xi Yu groped for the business card, standing calmly at the airport entrance, pondering deeply for a while, and finally let out a long, leisurely sigh from the depths of his being

In three to four years, he will not exceed thirty-five years of age. While it is certainly not unheard of for someone of this age to become a tenured professor at a world-class university, the number is indeed quite limited. Xu Yu, being at MIT, a place renowned for producing exceptional talents, has encountered numerous geniuses from around the world over the past few years. However, among these 'superhumans,' there are very few who are as formidable as Li Zewen. At this moment, one can only feel a deep respect.

Xu Yucai has just entered the research institute for a little over a month, being a brand new newcomer, completely engaged in theoretical research, with no involvement in confidential matters, thus not being under the scrutiny of investigators. At least the FBI has not allowed her to go anywhere in the United States during this time—however, the project she was working on has been suspended, her access card has been revoked, and her position at the institute seems uncertain. There are rumors that a large-scale political review will be conducted at the institute to eliminate personnel who are not U.S. citizens. The head of her project team inquired about the situation and believes that it will take about a month to reach a conclusion, so he granted her a month off, stating that if the situation worsens to the point where she cannot complete this round of postdoctoral work, he can help her connect with other scholars in the field, and he also assured her that regardless of where she goes, he will provide a strong letter of recommendation.

I am working on the ongoing content, specifically the polar atmospheric dynamics model