When Qian Yizhou heard Zheng Jingzhi's angry tone, although he didn't quite agree internally, he quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Professor Zheng, I really didn't mean that."

"If I made you angry, I apologize."

"Making this call was my own decision."

"If you insist on your opinion, I'll report it to the principal."

After finishing the call, Qian Yizhou hurried to see Principal Dong Haoming.

Dong Haoming was also a renowned expert in the field of aeronautical engineering and a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In fact, Zheng Jingzhi was also an academician.

After hearing Qian Yizhou’s report, Dong Haoming smiled and said, "Professor Zheng is a man of integrity and humility. He is very rigorous and has never sought any special privileges or shown favoritism. Since he believes that Comrade Zhang Zhipeng is a talent and should be exceptionally promoted, let's go ahead and agree with him."

"As researchers, we shouldn't be bogged down by thoughts of rank or seniority. True talents deserve appropriate recognition."

Dong Haoming had also heard of the remarkable story of Zhang Zhipeng.

A computer lab administrator who, through self-study, had become an outstanding programmer and even managed to improve the usability of the Kingsoft WPS software? That was indeed quite impressive.

Dong Haoming even considered calling Zhang Zhipeng over for a chat to encourage him.

However, after a moment of thought, he decided it wasn't the right time yet. Better to wait and see if Zhang Zhipeng could truly accomplish something. If he did, then he would certainly give him some proper encouragement.

Qian Yizhou hesitated and said, "Principal, the key issue is, if this matter is made public, there will definitely be a lot of gossip. It might affect your personal image."

Dong Haoming waved his hand and said, "As long as my actions are upright, there's no need to worry about idle talk!"

"Yes, issue the document. Appoint Comrade Zhang Zhipeng as a specially-appointed researcher in the Department of Aeronautical Engineering, with the note that he will receive the treatment of a researcher. It's equivalent to a specially-appointed professor, just an honorary title, not part of the professional ranking system."

"Also, clarify that the reason for this decision is due to the needs of a major national defense research project."

Since the principal had made up his mind, Qian Yizhou stopped trying to persuade him and turned to carry out the orders.

In fact, such appointments as specially-appointed researchers were not uncommon.

The biggest point of contention in issuing this appointment to Zhang Zhipeng was that he was merely a school worker, without any professional title or academic achievements, yet he was appointed as a specially-appointed researcher and received the treatment of a researcher!

This would certainly spark envy in some people, leading to sarcastic remarks and unfounded rumors spreading quickly.

The principal's office soon drafted an announcement and posted it on the school's bulletin board.

Since there was no internet at that time, all announcements were posted on the bulletin board.

The principal's office also prepared an official appointment letter to be delivered to the Department of Aeronautical Engineering.

Naturally, the news of Zhang Zhipeng being appointed as a specially-appointed researcher spread quickly throughout the school.

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Because it was such an unusual event, it spread like wildfire.

At the Foreign Language Department of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Zhang Zhiling was sitting at her desk, grading student assignments.

At that moment, two colleagues walked in, chatting.

"This is really bizarre! A school worker in our university has been appointed as a researcher and even receives a researcher's treatment! What is the school up to?!"

"There must be some inside story! Maybe he's a relative of some school leader! It's so blatant! This kind of misconduct is infuriating!"

"What’s the use of being angry?! They're school leaders. If they want to appoint one of their own, what can you do about it?"

"Hmph! We should report this to the education authorities! We can't let this kind of malpractice continue!"

The two of them kept discussing back and forth.

Zhang Zhiling, feeling curious, looked up and asked, "What's going on?"

One of the male teachers angrily replied to Zhang Zhiling, "You don’t know yet? The school just posted an announcement saying that a school worker named Zhang Zhipeng is being given a special appointment as a researcher! And he’ll even receive a researcher’s treatment!"

"This is absolute madness! In the past, people would at least try to cover up these shady dealings. Now they don’t even bother hiding it! It's driving me crazy!"

"I'm forty-seven years old, still stuck as an associate professor, unable to be promoted to full professor! But now a guy in his twenties is appointed as a specially-appointed researcher! The whole school is up in arms!"

Zhang Zhiling blinked.

So, her little brother had really been appointed as a specially-appointed researcher?

The school had unexpectedly made the announcement public.

Zhang Zhiling wanted to explain a few things.

But when she opened her mouth, she didn’t know what to say.

At this moment, another male teacher suddenly thought of something and said, "Zhang Zhipeng, Zhang Zhiling... Zhiling, this specially appointed researcher, it seems like his name is only one character different from yours. You two aren't related, are you?"

Zhang Zhiling shrugged and said, "He’s my younger brother!"

"You both know my family's situation, right? My dad used to be a regular worker in the school's logistics department, and my mom worked at the school-run factory. We don’t have any background."

"The reason my brother was appointed as a specially appointed researcher is mainly because of his high-level programming skills, which Professor Zheng Jingzhi's research team urgently needs."

"Also, a specially appointed researcher is really just an honorary title, not an academic rank! This is just Professor Zheng giving my brother a small benefit because he wants him to help with his work."

"I don't think there's any need to be upset about this, right?"

Zhang Zhiling explained weakly.

The two male colleagues looked a bit sullen.

They didn’t say another word, turned around, and left.

But Zhang Zhiling still heard one of them muttering under his breath, "Hmph! Probably some kind of deal! I refuse to believe that a regular school worker could become some programming expert!"

Zhang Zhiling was so angry her face turned pale. She couldn’t understand why some people’s minds could be so twisted.

Meanwhile, Zhao Min was giving a computer theory class to students in a regular classroom.

After class, as she walked to the office, she overheard people discussing Zhang Zhipeng’s appointment as a specially appointed researcher.

They were also speculating conspiracy theories, talking about nepotism, and accusing the school leadership of favoritism.

Nothing good was being said.

Zhao Min frowned.

She had actually heard about Zhang Zhipeng’s appointment as a specially appointed researcher a long time ago.

She felt that since he had real skills, and the school’s research team needed his talent, what was wrong with giving him an honorary title?

Nowadays, some people just can’t stand to see others doing well.

The moment someone gets something good, they start shouting about corruption and favoritism.

Zhao Min couldn’t help but argue with those making these snide remarks.

She said, "You’re all thinking too narrowly!"

"Zhang Zhipeng’s programming skills are top-notch, among the best in the country! He earned this honorary title through his abilities and got some benefits from it! But with these benefits, he’s going to fully commit to making a great contribution to the country!"

"I advise everyone to be kinder and not let jealousy cloud your judgment."