Chapter 296 Awarding of Honors
As a tutor, generally speaking, it is necessary to provide letters of recommendation to students when they graduate.
Recommendation letters can bring great help to a student's future, and they also represent recognition of the student.
Students who have received a recommendation letter from their mentor will be of great help in the subsequent job search process or in the process of continuing their studies, such as those who have graduated with a master's degree and plan to continue to study for a Ph.D., and the greater the reputation of the mentor, the greater the reputation of the mentor. The help will be greater.
And if you don't get a recommendation letter from your instructor when you graduate, that's a very bad thing.
This basically means that the relationship between the student and the instructor is very stiff during the period. Then, other units or leaders will naturally not be willing to accept the student in the future, unless the student is not happy with the instructor, but The results achieved are outstanding.
The most well-known example is Zhang Yitang. Because he failed to get a recommendation letter from his tutor after graduation, no school was willing to accept him, and he spent the rest of his life wandering.
If it weren't for the fact that gold always shines, this past incident probably wouldn't have been uncovered and explained to the academic community on Zhang Yitang's behalf.
Of course, for Yuan Siping and others, their excitement at this time was more because of the significance of Li Mu's letter of recommendation.
Probably students all over the world hope to get a recommendation letter from Li Mu.
However, after receiving the recommendation letter, Tu Zhizhen suddenly raised his head and said, "By the way...Professor, can't we continue to be your students?"
"We...didn't do it well enough?"
Several other people also reacted immediately.
Since they have completed their master's degree under Li Mu, logically, they can also continue to study for Li Mu's doctorate?
And now that Li Mu has given them letters of recommendation, is he planning to send them all away?
For a moment, the four older boys looked at Li Mu nervously, fearing that the respected person would nod.
Li Mu couldn't help but feel dumbfounded by the reaction of the four people.
Why do you feel like the tea smells like tea?
"No, no, no."
He waved his hand and said, "Didn't you ask me before why I didn't recruit junior brothers and sisters for you this semester? The reasons are the same."
"I'm almost leaving Oxford."
The four of them were stunned for a moment.
"What?"
This news was somewhat unexpected for them.
But if you think about it, it seems quite normal?
Tu Zhizhen and Yuan Siping, who are also Chinese, quickly remembered the Sheshan Institute of Science that caused big news in China last year.
After such a long time, it seems that the Sheshan Institute of Science is almost ready?
"Professor, is it because of the institute?" Tu Zhizhen asked.
"Yes." Li Mu nodded.
"In this case..." Tu Zhizhen's eyes suddenly lit up: "Then after you take office, can I still take the PhD examination of the Academy of Sciences and continue to be your student?"
Li Mu raised his eyebrows and shook his head with a smile: "You have a good idea."
Tu Zhizhen chuckled, and Yuan Siping next to him also showed the same expression.
Although with their abilities and Li Mu’s recommendation letters, they can go to the best universities in the world to study for Ph.D.
However, if they had to choose between the best university and the most awesome instructors, they would probably prefer to choose the latter.
After all, everyone knows that between being from a prestigious school and having connections, the latter is obviously more important.
However, maybe graduating from Li Mu is no less effective than graduating from a prestigious school?
It's just that they have to regret it.
Li Mu shook his head and said, "I will be very busy after returning to China, so I basically won't consider accepting students."
"In addition, the Sheshan Institute of Science has not yet applied for graduate programs, so it does not have enough qualifications to recruit graduate students."
"Therefore, you don't have to think about this matter."
"That's it, okay then."
Hearing what Li Mu said, the two of them could only express regret.
Li Mu smiled and patted their shoulders, and said: "There is no need to study for my graduate degree. Believe me, there are many mentors in this world who are worthy of your choice. As long as you don't forget me as a master's tutor in many years, it will be fine." ”
All four people rolled their eyes.
"Please, Professor, it's us who should say this, right?"
"I hope that respected Professor Li will not forget us four little rookies in many years."
"Hahaha!"
In the office, a group of people laughed.
…
Time passed quietly.
News about Li Mu's upcoming departure from Oxford University has also spread. Of course, even if four students don't need to reveal this kind of thing, those who are familiar with Li Mu can probably guess it.
Suddenly, more professors came to his office to talk to him. Their dean, Taylor Martin, basically came every two days. Even the president of Oxford University came to see him. He did it twice.
Although Li Mu has only been at Oxford University for a few years, he has become a signature of Oxford University.
A sign like Einstein.
No university would be willing to give up such an academic giant.
Of course, Li Mu would not change his decision easily because of other people's persuasion, not to mention that returning to China was also a promise he had made.
In response to Li Mu's persistence, people at Oxford University finally had no choice but to accept this fact.
Their signature scholar is leaving after all.
…
September 27th.
Judging from the calendar, this day is not a special day, but in the UK, today is the day when their new king holds an investiture ceremony for the second time.
Generally speaking, there are two investiture ceremonies in the UK every year. At the ceremony, the king will award medals to those who have made important achievements.
The vast majority of these medals have contributed to the United Kingdom, such as the Knight Grand Cross, which is the most prestigious honor among all British medals. The number of people who have won this medal is very small, and such medals are basically Will only be awarded to British people.
Of course, there is another kind of medal that can also be awarded to foreigners from non-British Commonwealth countries, namely the CH Medal, which is translated as the Honorary Medal. It is mainly awarded to those who have made great achievements in science, music, art, literature, etc.
"Professor Li, congratulations on receiving the honorary title, and thank you for your significant contributions to science in the past."
In Buckingham Palace, Li Mu, as the only Chinese face, hung the medal around the neck of the king who had been in office for one year.
"Thank you, His Majesty the King. Science is a career I love, and making contributions is probably a by-product for me."
Li Mu said with a smile.
"Hahaha!" The king laughed, and then sighed: "Sometimes, I really envy smart people like you. You can imagine a world that we can't imagine. It must be very wonderful."
"Maybe." Li Mu nodded slightly.
Then, the two faced the camera in front of them and began to take photos.
The surrounding cameras were all taking pictures immediately. Whether it was the official royal photographer or the relevant reporters, they all found the right angles and took photos.
It is really a rare thing for Britain to award a medal to a foreigner, even a Chinese.
The Honorary Order has been established since 1917. The King who established the Order is George V. According to past records, in so many years, it has been awarded to a total of 66 people, 65 of whom are from the United Kingdom or members of the Commonwealth. , has only been awarded to one foreigner, Amartya Kumar Sen, who once won the Nobel Prize in Economics.
Even the foreign winner is an Indian. At least back then, India and the UK were separated by a thin strip of water.
Of course, what India is thinking now is whether "the suzerain country will take turns and come to my house this year", that is another matter. After all, the current prime minister of the United Kingdom is an Indian.
Ahem, of course, no matter what, Li Mu is now the second foreigner to receive the medal.
Of course, considering Li Mu's past achievements, Amartya, who won the Nobel Prize in Economics, seems a bit unsatisfactory.
Li Mu's awarding of honors was over, and he was also the last one. Next, there was the customary banquet.
People representing the upper class, dressed in gorgeous evening gowns, were drinking and dancing with the accompaniment of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Li Mu was sitting alone on a seat, with the champagne in his glass still bubbling.
Looking at the scene in front of him, as a scientist, although he thought that he had never been particularly associated with such luxurious scenes, it was undeniable that such occasions had become the only way for those who achieved success and fame.
This is already an inherent form of society.
"Professor Li, what are you thinking about now?"
Suddenly, a voice came from the side. Li Mu was stunned for a moment, but he saw the king coming next to him holding a wine glass.
Li Mu quickly stood up. Although he had no idea of monarchy in his heart, he still said, "When in the country, do as the Romans do."
"Your Majesty the King."
"Cheers."
The king raised his glass to him.
The two touched each other and then sat down together.
"His Majesty the King should be the busiest person at this banquet, so do you have anything to ask me now?"
Li Mu said with a smile: "Of course, if His Majesty the King also heard about my upcoming departure and came to personally try to persuade me to stay, I think it would be unnecessary."
The king paused, then shook his head: "Is my purpose so obvious?"
Li Mu waved his hand: "It's not obvious, but I have already formed a conditioned reflex. I did some statistics recently. If someone comes to me, 85% of them are for this matter."
"That's it." The king laughed and shook his head: "Then it seems that my goal today will probably not be achieved."
"But I want to know, why?"
"Why?"
"Well, that's why." The king said, "Why did you choose this way."
Li Mu thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Maybe my mentor can know."
"Your mentor... Sir Wiles?"
"Yes." Li Mu nodded: "He was also at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, but in the end he returned to his alma mater."
"So, you are just out of love for your hometown?"
"Yes." Li Mu nodded, "Of course, there are also dishes from his hometown."
The king was stunned and shook his head helplessly: "You have said so, then I really have nothing to do. British food is like that. Even if it is not a constitutional monarchy but an autocratic monarchy, I can't change this situation."
Li Mu laughed uncontrollably: "Probably so."
"Now that Professor Li has made his decision, I will say no more. No matter what, Britain will always welcome scientists like you. Maybe I am respected by some British people, but you are respected by all mankind."
Finally, the king raised his wine glass to Li Mu again, touched it, and then left.
Watching the king leave, Li Mu exhaled.
"In this case, this is the last person who wants me to stay, right?"
But at this moment, another voice came to his ear: "Hey, hello Sir Li!"
Li Mu was stunned and turned to look over, only to see Isa Grosvenor appear in front of him.
Of course, he soon felt relieved.
"Miss Grosvenor, you are here too. Of course, one thing I want to correct is that according to your rules, I cannot be called Sir."
"Huh? Are you not surprised at all that I appear here?"
Isha ignored Li Mu's correction and just asked.
Li Mu smiled and said, "I have heard of Duke Grosvenor's name after staying in England for so long."
"Plus you are so familiar with Professor Licht..."
"Don't underestimate me as the 'smartest human being'."
"Okay." Isa sat gracefully next to him, "What did His Majesty the King talk to you just now?"
"Let me stay in England."
"Did you agree?"
"No." Li Mu shook his head.
"That's His Majesty the King!"
"But I am not a citizen of the monarchy." Li Mu spread his hands and said, "I almost wanted to shout, Mr. King just now."
When facing the king, you usually still have to shout "Your Majesty".
"Okay." Isa shook her head, but then asked, "What if I also want you to stay?"
Li Mu raised his head and looked into the eyes of this British girl.
The Duke of Grosvenor is the richest duke in the UK, and when the duke passes away, Isa will inherit the title as the sole heir, becoming the heir to this 100 billion asset, and also an extremely rare duchess.
One thing to say, at the beginning, Li Mu never thought that Isha would have such a prominent background.
But no matter what, he shook his head.
Isa's eyes showed disappointment, but in the end, she still smiled: "Humph, you passed my test."
"Yun is waiting for you at her home. She is my friend. You can't let her down."
"Of course I know that." Li Mu said with a smile, without exposing her insincerity.
Isa drank all the red wine in her glass. After hesitating for a long time, she suddenly raised her head and looked at Li Mu: "But... can I ask you to dance?"
"Just one!"
The future duchess's eyes were full of stubbornness at this time.
Li Mu hesitated for a long time, and finally nodded, "I don't dare to refuse Madam's invitation."
Isa's eyes brightened.
The two joined hands, stepped onto the dance floor, and danced to the music.
For Isa, she had many regrets, but at least one was made up for tonight.
…