Chapter 154 Completed
The voice on the other end of the phone had a unique academic tone and was hardly concealed with urgency. Gu Qiuyue instantly recognized it as Professor Zhu.
"Qiuyue, sorry to bother you so late." Professor Zhu's voice came through the receiver, and there seemed to be the rustling of papers in the background. "I just got back from a meeting at school. There is an emergency that I need to tell you right away."
Gu Qiuyue's heart couldn't help but rise, and she subconsciously clenched the receiver. Seeing this, Xie Shiyu took a step forward and stood quietly beside her.
"Professor, you speak, and I listen."
"The graduate student admissions policy may be adjusted," Professor Zhu said quickly. "Originally, the economics program planned to admit eight students, but now there's news that the number may be reduced to five, and..."
He paused, his tone more serious. "This year, two prominent professors have recommended students for direct admission. The competition will be much more intense than expected. Most importantly, the application deadline will likely be moved forward to next Friday."
Gu Qiuyue gasped: "Next Friday? But today is already Tuesday!"
"So you must make a decision immediately and prepare all the necessary materials," Professor Zhu said urgently. "I know this is sudden, but opportunities don't wait. You have a solid foundation in economics. I've read your published macroeconomic analysis articles, and they're quite insightful. Even receiving a recommendation wouldn't be a problem, but you're not a recent graduate."
Gu Qiuyue felt embarrassed.
"What materials do I need to prepare?" she asked calmly.
"Registration form, certificate of consent from your employer, your academic credentials, and more..." Professor Zhu listed them one by one. "Most importantly, the research proposal. This document is crucial; it must demonstrate your academic potential and understanding of economic research."
After hanging up the phone, Gu Qiuyue leaned against the wall, her face a little pale. How could time suddenly become so tight? Xie Shiyu took the receiver from her hand and put it back on the landline, then gently held her hand.
"Did you hear everything?" she asked in a low voice.
"I think I understand." Xie Shiyu said calmly, "Time is tight and the task is heavy, but it doesn't matter. We can do it together."
He pulled Gu Qiuyue back to the desk, made her sit down, and then he dragged another chair over and sat opposite her.
"First," he said clearly, "the news hasn't been finalized yet, but we're preparing for the worst-case scenario. Second, you can't stop studying. The more competitive the exam, the more important it is to get good grades. Third, start preparing your application materials tonight."
His calmness infected Gu Qiuyue. She took a deep breath and nodded. "The work permit and academic credentials are easy to get. The research and conception will take the most time."
"You'll be responsible for researching the concept, and I'll handle the rest," Xie Shiyu decided immediately. "I'll go to the Political Department tomorrow to get the relevant certification. Do I need to go back to your alma mater to retrieve your academic credentials?"
"My parents will get this certificate for me." Gu Qiuyue looked relieved. "I just need to go to the school to get the official seal."
Xie Shiyu nodded. "Now, concentrate on thinking about your research ideas."
Gu Qiuyue spread out the manuscript paper, but didn't know where to start. Xie Shiyu didn't disturb her, but got up and made her a cup of strong tea, then sat quietly beside her and looked at his documents, leaving her space to think.
The moonlight outside the window gradually set in the west. Gu Qiuyue finally put down her pen, the tip of the pen rustling on the paper as she sorted out her interest and practice in economics over the years - the articles published in journals, the analysis of economic phenomena she did for the newspaper, and even the economic theory knowledge from her previous life.
"I remember you wrote an article about the impact of rural labor transfer on the regional economy?" Xie Shiyu suddenly looked up and asked.
"Yes! It's published in Economic Research!" Gu Qiuyue's eyes lit up. "I can delve deeper into this area..."
Once her thoughts were opened up, they flowed like a spring. Combining her observations and reflections over the years, she focused her research on the "economic analysis of rural labor transfer under the background of reform and opening up." This topic not only fits the context of the times, but also allows her to play to her strengths as a grassroots observer.
During the writing process, she encountered a problem in processing a data model and her brows unconsciously frowned. Xie Shiyu noticed her distress and tapped the table lightly.
"Do you need my math skills?" he asked with a smile. "Although I'm not as professional as you, more people means more ideas."
Gu Qiuyue also smiled and briefly explained the problem.
Xie Shiyu listened carefully and occasionally asked one or two questions. Although he could not directly solve the academic problems, his way of asking questions helped her sort out her thoughts.
"I remember you have a copy of 'Foundations of Econometrics' in your bookcase," Xie Shiyu said, suddenly remembering something. "Would you like to refer to the models in it?"
Gu Qiuyue looked at the bookcase in surprise: "Yes! How could I forget about this book!" She asked someone to buy it from the capital many years ago, and she never had time to read it carefully.
The book's content inspired her, and she quickly solved the modeling problem. During a break in her writing, she casually mentioned, "I'm actually particularly interested in the social security issues during the labor transfer process, especially the special circumstances faced by military families in this regard..."
Xie Shiyu nodded. "That's a very good perspective. It has both academic value and practical significance." He paused, then casually added, "Speaking of which, the army has been researching related topics lately. There might be a seminar next month. If you're admitted to graduate school, perhaps you could come and exchange ideas and learn from them."
Gu Qiuyue looked up in surprise, but Xie Shiyu had already naturally changed the subject: "Do you want to check the first part again? I think the opening paragraph is particularly well written."
At three o'clock in the morning, the main part of the research plan was finally completed. Gu Qiuyue put down her pen and breathed a long sigh of relief. Only then did she feel her shoulders ache and her eyes dry.
Xie Shiyu took the manuscript paper and said, "I'll help you check for typos and sentence fluency. You go wash up and take a rest." His tone did not allow for refusal.
Gu Qiuyue looked at him gratefully. She was indeed exhausted. She stood up, stretched her stiff limbs, and walked to the bathroom.
When she came back after washing up, she found that Xie Shiyu had not only checked the manuscript, but also compiled a list of all the materials that needed to be prepared, and marked them according to the urgency and handling methods.
"Tomorrow, no, I'll do these things during the day today." Xie Shiyu pointed to the list and said, "Just focus on your work and take time to review. I should be able to finish most of them before leaving get off work."
Gu Qiuyue looked at the list, her eyes slightly warm. She reached out and hugged her husband, resting her head on his strong shoulders: "Thank you, Shi Yu, without you, I really don't know what I would do."
Xie Shiyu gently stroked her back: "Between husband and wife, there's no need to say thank you." He paused, his voice gentle but firm: "I believe you can do it, Qiuyue."
The two hugged each other for a moment, and the morning light was already faintly appearing outside the window.
Just as Gu Qiuyue was about to clear the table and rest, Xie Shiyu seemed to suddenly remember something. While sorting the materials on the table, he said in a seemingly casual but slightly solemn tone: "By the way, Qiuyue, there is something... I may need to tell you in advance. It's about my work..."
He didn't finish his words, leaving a suspense. Gu Qiuyue's nerves, which had just relaxed, tensed up again, and she looked at him with curiosity and worry.
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