The graduation thesis defense began. The defense for the economics and trade department was scheduled in the large lecture hall of Teaching Building 3.
Liu Sandao had already discussed with Fu Ruhai that if he really failed the course, he would simply drop out. After all, he wouldn't be studying at school anyway, so it was better to focus on managing his company. If he had any issues with economics, he would come back to consult Wu Dazao.
Regarding Wu Dazao's character, he was considered one of the best at Qingkong University. Although strict, he was truly incorruptible. He was highly respected on campus. Many students would still visit him years after graduating and entering society.
Today, Wu Dazao was one of the supervisors participating in the defense, questioning the graduates alongside the college leadership. In the past, such defenses were often a formality. Even if you couldn't answer some questions on the spot, you might not necessarily fail. The real intricacies were known only to those who had experienced it. Liu Sandao and Fu Ruhai were among those currently experiencing it. Besides the two predetermined spots for dropping out, the remaining few had not yet been decided, so the atmosphere in the defense hall was still tense.
From the moment Liu Sandao and Fu Ruhai entered the hall, they became the focus of attention. Many were whispering, "Look, it's these two. They're definitely not passing today." "Hahaha, what are they even here for? Isn't this just asking for a shock?" "Maybe they're here to die more peacefully, who knows!"
In the past, Liu Sandao would have found these people noisy, but now he had adapted to the environment. He knew that one of the most widespread and ancient flaws in human nature was gossip, which had evolved alongside humanity.
Liu Sandao found seats in the last row, with Fu Ruhai next to him. Fang Zonghai and Mei Ziqi joined them after entering. Because there were many students defending their theses, only the assigned classes would come at their scheduled times. Liu Sandao and Fu Ruhai had come after receiving the notification that morning. When they arrived, the previous class was still defending. It was Bai Suxiang's class.
Bai Suxiang's thesis on the "single economy" was quite impressive. Not only were her arguments logical and well-supported, but her sample representation was also strong. The supervisors asked questions with great interest, and Bai Suxiang responded reasonably and, most importantly, with evidence. If graduation was about merit, Bai Suxiang was certainly one of those who earned it. Academically gifted students like her could pass their defenses smoothly even without spending money. For students like Liu Sandao, who didn't study diligently and were often absent, failing and dropping out were almost tailor-made outcomes.
Coincidentally, after Bai Suxiang finished, it was Hu Tianhan's turn to defend. He deliberately walked slowly and gave Bai Suxiang a thumbs-up. Bai Suxiang smiled politely. Hu Tianhan's thesis was titled "An Economic Study of Pseudo-Charity." While similar to Liu Sandao's, it wasn't necessarily the same paper. With Cao Dehui's tacit approval, Hu Tianhan's defense went smoothly. Coincidentally, Cao Dehui asked many questions, taking up most of the time, leaving little for other supervisors. He was the last student in their class.
Liu Sandao was scheduled to go first. Was this a coincidence? Judging by Cao Dehui's cold smile, this was definitely planned. Indeed, Liu Sandao, relying on his memory, began his brief explanation of his thesis topic like other students. However, he was interrupted from the start. Cao Dehui seemed to have many questions, and Liu Sandao was interrupted three times before he could even finish his introductory summary. Finally, even Wu Dazao intervened, saying, "Teacher Cao, let's allow this student to finish presenting his thesis first, and then we can make a judgment!" Cao Dehui seemed to realize it was inappropriate and grudgingly paused his questioning.
Liu Sandao was a divine being, naturally clear-headed and possessing an exceptional memory. His thesis mentioned: Charity is a performance of pseudo-economics. This was identical to what Hu Tianhan's thesis stated. Since the presentations were not far apart, most supervisors remembered it clearly. Fu Ruhai understood that Cao Dehui had arranged this deliberately. From the beginning, their fate was sealed.
For mortals, there might be no chance of turning things around, but as the God of Fortune, Fu Ruhai would surely have a way. However, he didn't need to act for now. Cao Dehui had already begun a new round of questioning, accusing Liu Sandao of plagiarizing Hu Tianhan's thesis. Moreover, several phrases were identical, especially the start and end times of Hu Tianhan's presentation, which preceded Liu Sandao's.
What was supposed to be a perfunctory defense suddenly became filled with animosity, attracting the attention of many students. Cao Dehui posed his questions from the front row with dramatic flair, while those in the back rows whispered about Liu Sandao's impending doom. Some sympathized with him and prayed silently. Bai Suxiang had not left the hall yet; she was one of them.
Facing Cao Dehui's aggressive questioning, Liu Sandao remained calm, as if these questions were not directed at him at all. After questioning for a long time and seeing Liu Sandao's silence, Cao Dehui signaled other teachers to fail him and recommend he drop out. Wu Dazao felt it was improper, but with the majority ruling, the outcome was about to be decided.
Liu Sandao spoke: "Teacher Cao, since you are so certain, why don't I and Hu Tianhan confront each other on the spot? We both personally collected data and compiled our theses. I believe everyone is familiar with their own paper." With Wu Dazao's suggestion, several teachers agreed to Liu Sandao's proposal.
If Hu Tianhan wrote his own thesis and Liu Sandao plagiarized it, there would surely be many parts Hu Tianhan knew well and Liu Sandao didn't. In reality, Hu Tianhan had only memorized the key points highlighted by Cao Dehui and knew nothing else. In this urgent situation, to avoid appearing unfamiliar with his paper, Hu Tianhan stuck to the parts he knew intimately. He believed he had covered enough ground that Liu Sandao couldn't possibly have memorized it all.
Liu Sandao indeed did not intend to follow Hu Tianhan's script. As Hu Tianhan was discussing the true nature of charity, Liu Sandao interjected: "The true nature of charity is: a straightforward marketing campaign."
"You're right, but don't forget, my thesis was presented before yours. Now you can't deny plagiarism!" Hu Tianhan accused, surprised at this opportunity to lecture Liu Sandao.
"So what? If you can say it, can't I?" Liu Sandao retorted.
"Are you so brazen about your plagiarism?"