“This poor guy just has to understand that his son is not now and never will be a mathematician and direct his son into some other line of work.”
Back in the 80’s I knew a grad student from red China. Around the time of Tianmen Square. She told me that in China students who don’t score high on tests are destined to do menial farm work. China has more factories today, but either way I’ll bet the son is looking forward to a lifetime of slave labor.
I’m sure that’s why he was really upset.