Whether the grades of various subjects in school or a master's thesis, they can all be fabricated.
Leonard used to be completely devoted to a girl he was pursuing, helping her correct homework and writing papers for her without question. But as soon as she successfully got into Cornell University, she immediately cut him off and refused to acknowledge him.
Paige Swanson is strikingly beautiful—finding admirers wouldn't be difficult for her at all. Her grades could very well be fraudulent.
If that's the case, hiring her would be pointless.
Although she's extraordinarily beautiful and would certainly be pleasant to have around, Raj needs a capable assistant far more than an attractive ornament. Once he succeeds in his career, he could be with a Hollywood movie star or a Victoria's Secret Angel if he wanted.
Therefore, he wouldn't make the foolish mistake of throwing away a watermelon to pick up a sesame seed.
Immediately, he pulled out a calculation formula from his work on "Super Asymmetry Theory" and handed it to Paige, asking her to solve it as a test of her abilities.
After examining the problem, Paige's eyes widened in surprise. "Dr. Koothrappali, are you also researching string theory?"
She had originally assumed that Raj only studied astrophysics, but clearly he was also delving into string theory. And judging from the complexity of this formula, his expertise was quite advanced.
"Yes, string theory is a key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. As an astrophysicist who studies the cosmos, naturally I have to explore it," Raj explained.
"You're absolutely right," Paige agreed, then settled in and began her calculations.
Raj discreetly pressed the timer on his watch.
Three hundred and seventy-two seconds later, Paige set down her pen.
"Dr. Koothrappali, I've finished the calculation." She handed the paper to Raj.
Raj examined the answer first, then carefully reviewed the calculation process before nodding with an approving smile. "Paige, your ability is genuinely impressive."
Her answers were accurate, the calculation process was concise and elegant, and her speed was remarkable. This proved that her knowledge of mathematics, physics, and string theory was extensive. Raj was very satisfied.
"Thank you. So does this mean I've successfully passed the interview?" Paige asked hopefully.
"Probably," Raj replied. "But I still have one final question. You can choose not to answer it if you prefer. However, if you do answer it honestly, I think it will be very helpful in building mutual trust between us."
"Okay, go ahead and ask," Paige said.
"Well, it's like this—I read your resume thoroughly, and I noticed you were admitted to high school when you were only eight years old. You're clearly a genius among geniuses. But then you didn't enter university until you were twenty years old. During those twelve years, what happened? Can you tell me?" Raj asked with genuine curiosity.
Paige wouldn't just be his assistant in the future—she might also join his team to participate in research on the quantum navigation system and "Super Asymmetry Theory." Both of these projects were highly confidential and potentially priceless. So he needed to understand Paige and her background to a reasonable extent before allowing her access to such sensitive work.
Otherwise, Paige would have to be excluded from the confidential aspects, relegated to helping him with mundane tasks like collecting information, organizing files, serving tea and water, and managing his schedule.
When Paige heard his question, she froze. Her smile vanished, replaced by an expression of deep pain.
Seeing such a beautiful young woman suddenly look so wounded, Raj still didn't retract the question.
He needed answers from Paige. He needed her to open up and be honest with him. Only then could he truly trust her.
"Well," Paige began, taking a deep, steadying breath, "when I was eleven years old, my parents divorced. All the knowledge I had learned didn't help me save their marriage. Since then, I lost all interest in learning." She paused, her voice becoming quieter. "So at that time I dropped out of school and became what you might call a troubled kid.
"I lied, I stole, I drank, I got caught by the police several times. My parents were so disappointed in me that eventually they didn't want to raise me anymore. After that, I could only stay in foster homes, moving from family to family. The longest I ever stayed anywhere was two months. Until finally, I met Grandma Maria. She took me in and saved me.
"With her encouragement and support, I decided to go back to school and try again. So at twenty, I got into MIT."
"I see," Raj said softly, genuinely moved by her story.
He hadn't expected Paige's life experience to be so difficult. It was the kind of story that would bring tears to anyone's eyes.
"I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to bring up painful memories," he apologized sincerely.
"It's okay. To be honest, I feel somewhat better having said it out loud," Paige said, managing a small smile.
"Would you like a hot drink? How about hot cocoa?" Raj suggested, feeling guilty about having caused her distress.
Hot beverages are soothing, and sweetness brings pleasure and comfort.
Although he hadn't intended to expose old wounds, he had in fact caused her pain, which made him feel quite embarrassed.
"I had a good friend when I was a child who would make me a cup of hot cocoa when I was sad," Paige recalled, a genuine smile crossing her face at the memory.
"He sounds like a very good person," Raj commented as he stood and began preparing a cup of hot cocoa for Paige.
"Yes, he was," Paige sighed, her expression becoming wistful and disappointed.
"Okay, let's forget about these unhappy things. There's a saying in India: 'Jo Beet Gayi So Baat Gayi,' which basically means whatever has passed is gone, so keep looking ahead," Raj said encouragingly. "One should try to look forward as much as possible and not stay trapped in the shadow of the past."
"You're right," Paige agreed, accepting the hot cocoa gratefully.
"All right then, I've decided to officially hire you as my assistant." Raj extended his hand with a warm smile. "Paige, welcome to the team!"
"Thank you, Dr. Koothrappali. I promise I'll work hard," Paige said happily, shaking his hand.
"Just call me Raj," he said with a laugh.
Just then, there was another knock at the office door.
"Please come in," Raj called out.
The door opened and Howard poked his head inside. When he spotted Paige, his eyes lit up with unmistakable interest.
He quickly walked into the room, rushed over to where she stood, bowed slightly in an exaggerated courtly manner, and said in French, "Enchanté, madame! It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Seeing him approach so boldly with such overt flirtation, Paige's expression changed dramatically, as if she'd been stung. She immediately took two steps backward.
"Don't be alarmed—this is my good friend, Howard Wolowitz," Raj quickly interjected, trying to ease the tension. "He's an aerospace engineer, and he participated in the design of Mars rovers, Jupiter satellite probes, and other significant projects."
"Oh, hello," Paige said stiffly, nodding toward Howard but maintaining her distance. Her body language made it clear she was still very much on guard.
"Delighted to meet you," Howard said, apparently oblivious to her discomfort. He continued with a flirtatious grin, "Beautiful lady, may I have the honor of taking you to dinner?"
"No, thank you," Paige replied flatly, her rejection immediate and unambiguous.
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