Chapter 518: Chapter 308: Locking the Course Assistant
If it were an experienced teacher outlining their own theory, it would be an easy task.
Zhao Yi was not this experienced.
He read several books on teaching and studied the contents of undergraduate physics and mathematics elective courses, roughly charting out his teaching path, which was similar to writing a book--
First, there’s the overview of the theory.
Then it’s about understanding the purpose of studying the theory and exploring the renowned theories in current theoretical physics.
Latterly, the main content involves an in-depth introduction to the theory and a comprehensive analysis of its applications.
The trickiest part is the mathematical construct of the particle energy distribution, which is the central part and requires careful thought. Because it involves mathematical constructs, the content can become incredibly deep and abstruse. Even master’s students majoring in physics would only understand a small portion of it. Therefore, he must brush over the difficult parts and only explain some simple concepts.
Finally, based on the theory, it’s time to analyse particles, mechanics, and other physical laws on hand.
This step is rather straightforward.
The course of "Particle Boundary Theory" would almost be done by then. For an undergraduate elective course, a simple understanding of the content is indeed sufficient.
Zhao Yi’s consideration didn’t end here. He only worked out the general procedure, but it’s the difficulty screening of the mathematical framework that constitutes the real challenge.
It’s a tough job to accomplish.
Zhao Yi’s knowledge about undergraduate-level physics and mathematics is not extensive. The math and physics of a biological science major are only basic courses, ranking bottom among all science-related majors. He doesn’t know what the ’average level’ is, what parts are beyond its scope, what parts are within its scope. Therefore, he needs to consult a specialist or seek help from others.
Who should he ask?
"Xu Chao..."
Xu Chao has experience writing a book and had helped with "Zhao’s Screening Method". He’s very serious and reliable, but Zhao Yi shook his head, feeling that Xu Chao was not quite suitable. Xu Chao has been out of college for too long and certainly wouldn’t know what undergraduate level looks like.
After thinking for a while, a figure appeared in Zhao Yi’s mind.
"Sister Awesome!"
"Exactly!"
Qian Hong may not seem very bright and her PhD hasn’t been conferred yet. She’s responsible for computer-related courses, which have received high praise. She must be a ’little teaching expert’ as she hasn’t completely detached from the student community yet.
Asking Qian Hong for help... freēwēbηovel.c૦m
No, wait!
Academician Lu told him to find an assistant. Directly asking Qian Hong would make it her part-time job, not her doing him a favour.
An assistant would definitely earn some money.
Helping a friend find a paying gig wasn’t too shabby, especially since he wasn’t the one providing the funds.
Suddenly.
Zhao Yi felt at ease, turned his head, and shouted, "Anyone up for gaming? I haven’t played for days, getting itchy hands."
"Come on, let’s do it!"
Fan Lei promptly put down his book, eagerly firing up his computer.
Li Renzhe was still texting and declined, shaking his head, "you all go ahead, I’ll join you later."
"Not cool, man!"
Fan Lei scorned in disgust, "got a girlfriend, and now you won’t game with your bros? Keep this up, and don’t blame me for not being nice."
"What can you do?" Li Renzhe was no pushover, instantly retorting with a curl of his lips.
"Heh, heh."
Fan Lei chuckled, draping an arm around Zhao Yi’s shoulder, and said cozily, "Professor Zhao, remember to include little Fan here in any good part-time opportunities in the future. As for this Li guy, leave him to live off his rich girlfriend, Huang Wenqian, I heard she comes from a well-off family... "
What followed were not kind words.
Zhao Yi watched with great amusement, bobbing his head in agreement.
"You’re the one living off others!" Li Renzhe clenched his teeth in anger.
"You don’t get it," Fan Lei took his turn to retort, "Having a wealthy girlfriend is the best! I, for one, wish to find a rich girlfriend, the kind who throws money into the air for me to catch, even if it means stooping to pick it up. For the sake of money, stooping is worth it! I’m so envious of you..."
The two spent a good while in their verbal spat.
Fan Lei suddenly noticed a PPT of "Particle Boundary Theory" on Zhao Yi’s computer screen, curiously asking, "Zhao Yi, are you still researching this? Any new developments?"
"No."
"Then, what’s this..."
Zhao Yi seemed a bit troubled and said, "You know I hold a professorship. The university wants me to teach a course, so I’m doing some prep work."
"Teach a course?"
"For real?"
Li Renzhe and Meng Zheng were both surprised and rushed over.
Meng Zheng immediately asked, "What course exactly? From the School of Sciences? Physics major? Can we take it?"
"Maybe."
Zhao Yi hesitated then said, "I’m not sure, perhaps yes, perhaps no, it’s an elective after all. Are you guys interested?"
"Of course!"
Li Renzhe perked up instantly, "I failed two elective courses last semester and was worried about my credits!"
"Taking a course from Professor Zhao is bulletproof." fan lei quipped with a chuckle.
"I mean... if we take your course, wouldn’t you become our teacher?"
"Yeah! Roommate turning into a teacher..."
"Playing games and going to class with my teacher... feels kinda weird!"
Zhao Yi shook his head and said, "It should be a course for next semester, not sure if the College of Life Sciences can enrol though. If it’s a public elective, I’ll add your names into it."
Course selection every semester could be competitive.
Many students would inquire before choosing their courses, about which courses are easier to pass and which ones are hard to pass.
Usually, it has much to do with the teachers.
Some teachers are strict, marking students absent right away if they miss a class.
Others may be more easygoing, not taking roll calls often. Their exams may be open-book or they just require turning in assignments to pass.
Some courses are very popular and students genuinely interested would choose them.
Selecting popular classes is all about quickness.
The teachers of these courses have some authority, too. They can arrange for a few students to choose their courses, and then the class wouldn’t have to be open to others.
A discussion about the courses took place in the dormitory, followed by a gaming session among the group.
In the afternoon, Zhao Yi gave Qian Hong a call and invited her for a dinner that night.
"Dinner?"
"You and me?"
Qian Hong on the other end of the line seemed quite surprised.
"Is there something wrong?"
"No not at all." Qian Hong replied, paused a bit, and continued, "but... us, together? All right, the location is..."
After some weird exchanges, they settled on the second floor of the faculty canteen.
The faculty canteen, as the name would suggest, was originally meant for the faculty. But in reality, it had been taken over by the student body. At mealtime, the hall was packed with people.
Their agreed time was quite late, and when they arrived, there were people everywhere.
Zhao Yi went around once and finally found a place to sit. From afar, he spotted Qian Hong walking towards him. She, unusually, was wearing a short skirt, her hair was neatly combed, and her face seemed a bit whiter than usual.
"Did you wear makeup?"
Once she crossed her legs in a ladylike manner and sat down, Zhao Yi looked at her and asked with some confusion.
"Mind your own business!" Qian Hong ran her fingers through her hair and rolled her eyes at him forcefully, but she also seemed a little timid, completely unlike her usual laid-back demeanor.
"What’s wrong with you? You’re acting so strange today," Zhao Yi asked, inquisitively.
Qian Hong pursed her lips and stayed silent. With a stubborn look on her face, she seemed somewhat annoyed, constantly looking around as if afraid of being seen by others.
Shaking his head, Zhao Yi called her, "Sister Awesome..."
"Call me by my name!"
Qian Hong corrected him forcefully and finally looked straight into Zhao Yi’s eyes, "Why did you decide to take me out for dinner today?"
"There’s something I need."
"What is it?" Qian Hong looked at him, with a glint of anticipation in her eyes, tinged with a hint of shyness.
"Well..."
Zhao Yi glanced at Qian Hong, seeming a bit hesitant. He lowered his head shyly, looking somewhat like a young boy.
Qian Hong felt a sudden tightness in her chest, ’Could it be? Impossible, right? He has a girlfriend, I did not hear of...’
’But what will I do? Reject or accept?’
’What should I do...’
She became even more nervous than Zhao Yi.
[Flirt, target: Qian Hong, Study Coin +2.]
Finally, Zhao Yi lifted his head, a sheepish smile on his face. "Sister Qian Hong, I know you are very good in teaching. You see, next semester, I am going to offer a course. The School of Sciences said I could hire an assistant, and I thought of you."
"Would you help me out? I’m not sure what to cover in the course, what to do before and after class. It’d be great if you could help."
"Don’t worry, there’s extra pay for the assistant role. I guess, almost, could it be a few thousand? I’m not sure."
He finished in a single breath.
Qian Hong listened with a stunned look in her eyes, then huffed angrily. "So, this is what you wanted to talk about?"
"Yes, why?"
"But you earlier..."
"Well, wasn’t I just feeling shy asking for a favor from you? I never asked you for help before..."
Slamming the table, Qian Hong stood up, "You’re saying you never asked for my help? Who was it that I had to deliver meals to in the morning, afternoon, and evening when you were doing your research! And earlier, who was washing your clothes!"
"..."
A lot of people glanced their way, some who knew both of them started whispering.
"That’s Professor Qian!"
"What’s going on between her and Zhao Yi? Is there some inside story..."
"Who knows? But it seems like..."
"It’s possible!"
Taken aback, Zhao Yi surveyed the surroundings, realizing that discussing business with Qian Hong in such a place wasn’t a great decision.
Qian Hong seemed to realize this too.
Her face instantly turned beet red. She quickly sat back down and tried to act like a lady, but her gaze was still filled with restrained anger.
"So you..."
After a long time, Zhao Yi carefully opened his mouth.
"Of course I agree!"
Qian Hong said angrily, an expression of deep resentment on her face, "The salary of being a teacher isn’t high, neither are the subsidies. If I can earn a bit of extra money, why wouldn’t I!"
"Thank you in advance then!"
The dinner was an awkward affair.
After finishing their meal, both aimlessly made their way back to the faculty dormitory building.
Throughout the way, Zhao Yi felt something was off.
Sharing a meal together.
Walking back together.
Why did it feel like they’ve been on a date?
And then, heading back to the same dormitory building, entering the same room...