Chapter 104: Academic Credentials Do Not Define Everything

“What are you doing? Is this on purpose?” Zhao Siyen’s face darkened, her expression tinged with annoyance as she looked at Zhao Guoyang.

Zhao Guoyang was at a loss for words, clutching his thermos cup awkwardly.

Meanwhile, Wang Ziqing and Zhu Maotao, who were chatting nearby, noticed the situation and exchanged knowing smiles.

Wang Ziqing cleared his throat and said, “Siyen, Xiao Zhao, us old folks are having a chat here. You probably aren’t interested, so why not head over to your side and have a talk? Oh, Xiaotian, you should come along too.”

Mo Xiaotian replied respectfully, “Director Wang, what you and the professor shared was quite enlightening. I’d like to listen a bit more, so let the junior sister and Section Chief Zhao go ahead first.”

Wang Ziqing gave Mo Xiaotian a long look but said nothing.

Zhao Guoyang glanced at Liu Yaohong, who nodded slightly in return, and then greeted them before heading to the adjacent room.

Not long after, Zhao Siyen entered with a scowl.

As soon as she stepped into the carriage, Zhao Siyen snorted coldly, pulled out a book and a data record sheet from her bag, and began studying them intently, completely ignoring Zhao Guoyang.

Zhao Guoyang felt cornered by this young lady but had no choice—he couldn’t fuss over such trivial matters. He turned his gaze out the window and resumed admiring the night scenery of Jinling.

“This is strange. The simulation optimization model built by senior brother clearly shows the Jeep’s climbing ability in the capital surpasses the Songjiang Santana. Why then, according to market feedback, is the Jeep’s comfort inferior to the Santana’s?” Zhao Siyen muttered to herself as she examined the materials.

Her murmuring naturally caught Zhao Guoyang’s attention.

He glanced at the book and record sheet in her hands, and once he recognized them, he couldn’t help but smile inwardly.

The book Zhao Siyen was reading was titled Principles of Vehicle Simulation and Control—a core course for graduate students studying automotive engineering.

Before Zhao Guoyang’s rebirth, he had participated several times in editing this textbook and was intimately familiar with its revisions.

In truth, the principles of vehicle simulation and control is a highly advanced subject, typically delved into deeply only at the doctoral level.

Of course, at the PhD stage, the subject carries the prefix “dynamic,” making it the Principles of Dynamic Vehicle Simulation and Control.

The book Zhao Siyen was reading was roughly equivalent to a preschool primer—conceptual and not involving specific case studies.

Whether Professor Zhu Maotao had excessive expectations of her or senior brother Mo Xiaotian was overprotective, this Zhao Siyen had already begun analyzing specific cases upon first encountering this discipline.

To Zhao Guoyang, this clearly bordered on forcing growth prematurely.

After all, Zhao Siyen was only a first-year master’s student; she probably still had a vague grasp of concepts like NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness). It was rather unreasonable to expect her to tackle detailed case studies so soon.

Zhao Guoyang’s quiet smile did not escape Zhao Siyen’s gaze.

She was inwardly fuming, and with Zhao Guoyang practically inviting it, if she didn’t retort, she wouldn’t be herself.

“Hey, what are you laughing at? Such a sneaky smile!” Zhao Siyen said coldly.

Zhao Guoyang blinked, glanced around, and then pointed a finger at his own nose, as if to say, “Me?”

“I’m talking about you!” Zhao Siyen wasn’t embarrassed in the least and struck again.

“What? You’re so happy to see me struggling with a problem? If you’ve got the skills, solve it! If not, just stay quiet and don’t disturb me while I work!”

Hearing this, Zhao Guoyang found it somewhat amusing.

It seemed this beautiful researcher was a bit naive—she didn’t even know where her problem lay, yet kept babbling about solving the issue.

“Laugh all you want!” Zhao Siyen slammed the book onto the table and raised her voice sharply.

The sudden noise drew the attention of those next door, who came over to see what was happening.

Professor Zhu Maotao glared reproachfully at his female disciple and sternly admonished, “Siyen, speak properly! What kind of attitude is that?”

“Teacher, this guy clearly knows nothing but acts all high and mighty. I really don’t understand what qualifications a fresh university graduate like him has to join our delegation!” Zhao Siyen finally burst out.

At this, Zhao Guoyang’s anger flared. He shot back, “Zhao Siyen, just because you can’t solve this problem doesn’t mean others can’t.”

“Let me give you some advice—academic credentials don’t mean everything. After all, you’re still just a fresh university graduate yourself, and you haven’t even earned a doctorate.”

Zhao Guoyang’s words weren’t intended to target Mo Xiaotian, but to Mo Xiaotian’s ears, they stung.

The reason was simple: after earning his master’s degree, Mo Xiaotian had spent four years following his advisor in doctoral coursework but had yet to graduate.

For whatever reason, he still didn’t have that PhD.

Naturally, Zhao Guoyang’s retort struck a nerve.

However, Mo Xiaotian was shrewd and wouldn’t pick a fight without fully understanding Zhao Guoyang’s situation.

Seeing Zhao Siyen about to retort again, Mo Xiaotian seemingly tried to mediate but with ulterior motives, saying, “From Section Chief Zhao’s tone, it seems you think I can solve this problem for my junior sister... To be honest, this question was assigned by my professor as my doctoral defense topic, and it’s extremely difficult.”

“I’ve been pondering it for months but haven’t come up with an answer that satisfies him. If Section Chief Zhao is so confident, I’m all ears.”

Hearing this, Zhao Guoyang grew somewhat annoyed with Mo Xiaotian.

Unlike Zhao Siyen, who was straightforward, Mo Xiaotian was clearly calculating.

By saying this publicly, he not only embarrassed Zhao Guoyang but also sought to elevate himself.

Whether it was Wang Ziqing, Jiang Hong, or Liu Renhe—all powerful figures who could change his fate—if any of them took notice because of this, rapid advancement would no longer be a dream.

For this reason, Mo Xiaotian insisted on rubbing Zhao Guoyang the wrong way in front of so many people, while simultaneously showcasing his erudition to be remembered by the leadership.

Zhao Guoyang was well aware of Mo Xiaotian’s little scheme.

He calmly replied, “Researcher Mo, since this question is your doctoral defense topic, I should refrain from saying much, lest it looks like I’m helping you cheat. But since you’ve sincerely asked, I’ll reluctantly say a few words...”