Chapter Sixty-Eight: The National Team

To deliver such a complex proof, with so many pages of reasoning, entirely from memory—this level of mastery left all the attendees in awe. Truly deserving the title of a genius capable of solving world-class problems; even her effortless display of memory was enough to outshine so many.

“Here, we construct a special… by introducing Theorem 2, Theorem 5, and… thus, we derive the distribution law of Mersenne primes, confirming Zhou’s Conjecture. That concludes my presentation, thank you for listening!” In an hour and a half, Wu Tong completed her entire exposition.

“Teachers, seniors, do you have any questions?”

Questions?—that was a flattering thought! Who among them could fully comprehend such profound content? Perhaps only the few mathematics department veterans in the front row could grasp the subtleties.

In such a specialized academic symposium, even the university leaders from the mathematics institute could only smile on the surface, while inwardly feeling lost.

At first, they could follow a bit, but as the presentation progressed, they felt increasingly dizzy, as if mathematical language had become strangers to them, and those mysterious guests even more so.

They were all too familiar with this sensation: no need to adjust, they could slip right into it. The difference this time was that the confusion was utterly complete!

She spoke in flawless Mandarin, carefully breaking down her proof, yet they remained bewildered. The gap between themselves and the young woman on stage was as vast as the difference between fish and humans, an absolute gulf.

Sitting here, they felt they were wasting her painstaking explanation. She spoke brilliantly; just seeing the experts in the front row nod in understanding showed how effective she was. As for her attempt to teach them—better not trouble the child!

They could only serve as competent applause machines, and as Wu Tong took her bow, the thunderous applause echoed throughout.

They were grateful to Wu Tong for letting them experience a report of such high caliber! Proudly, they straightened their backs, swelling with pride for their country and their university, which had produced such a remarkable talent!

Wu Tong, unaware of the true situation, marveled at how indeed, Beijing University was the finest in the nation. The teachers and students were extraordinary; knowledge was disseminated, and the audience seemed to understand—surely, a successful presentation. Everyone seemed delighted.

On April 28th, the second phase of the IMO training selection concluded, and the national team members for the July IMO were officially announced. First place: First High School of Central New City, Wu Tong—unsurprisingly, she took the top spot with a perfect score. Everyone present looked as if this was only natural.

After all, she truly was a prodigy. The training teachers couldn’t help but use the students’ private nickname for her. The solver of a world-class problem, the one who proved Zhou’s Conjecture—wasn’t that divine? Her work in number theory had already surpassed that of ordinary university professors, and they were supposed to be her teachers.

Her participation in the IMO was more than justified, but Wu Tong competing was almost a dimensional strike for high school students worldwide!

Of course, Wu Tong belonged to the national team, and naturally, her compatriots were secretly delighted, overjoyed.

When the president of the Chinese Mathematical Society read Wu Tong’s name, even his tone lifted. He had been following Beijing University closely, and only after all the fanfare did he realize that their young prodigy had graced the world’s top journal!

So young, and already the solver of a world-class problem—a rising sun in the Chinese mathematics community. He had specially set aside his duties to come meet this future star of Chinese mathematics, and indeed, she was outstanding.

The group at Beijing University were proudly showing off, though the young lady hadn’t even officially enrolled yet. Their boasting was almost unbearable to watch. Rumor had it that their rivals at Qinghua were quite dejected; the entire admissions office could barely lift their heads, waiting for the college entrance exam to reclaim some ground. But he doubted it.

This year’s rivalry between Beijing University and Qinghua was a source of much amusement.

Second place: Beijing University Affiliated High School, Guo Jiachen. Third place: Hai City High School, Chu Xiaosheng. Fourth place: Hubei Normal University Affiliated High School, Zhang Beibei. Fifth place: Yu City High School, Su Zhikang. Sixth place: Ji Province High School, Nie Peng.

“These six students will represent our nation at the International Mathematical Olympiad, held from July 6th to 15th in Astana, Kazakhstan. Let us congratulate them! May they forge ahead and bring glory to China once more!”

The seventh through thirteenth places were designated as participants for the Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad (APMO), with Feng Yueyue from Central Province among them.

Coach Zhang Ping applauded vigorously from the audience, basking in the envious glances of teachers from other provinces and cities. This year, Central Province had risen to the challenge, capturing a spot on the national team and another in APMO—a grand slam! The children had truly excelled.

With Zhou’s Conjecture proven by Wu Tong, their province had solved a world-class problem. She had enormous potential to become a top international scholar. Once the news spread, the entire Central Province education system would be shaken—such pride!

Indeed, Central Province produced outstanding talent!

With the national team set, two more rounds of training awaited: May 6th to May 31st for the first session, June 10th to June 30th for the second. After a brief adjustment, a flight on July 3rd would take them straight to Astana, Kazakhstan. There, after local acclimatization, the final challenge awaited—the outcome would be decided in one bold move.

Despite the tight schedule, Wu Tong decided to return home for a visit—she missed her family. Even if she could only stay for a week before returning for training, she considered it worthwhile.

April 29th, Yingzhou Airport.

“Mom, Uncle!” Wu Tong ran out of the arrival barrier, arms wide, laughing as she embraced Teacher Jin, hanging onto her. “I’m back! Did you miss me?”

“Of course, I missed you! Such a big girl, still running into Mom’s arms—aren’t you embarrassed?” Though Teacher Jin teased her, her hands were steady and supportive, letting Wu Tong hang more comfortably. In such a public, affectionate embrace, she felt a little awkward, but after months apart, the longing for her child washed away any discomfort.

“Sis, if you don’t want to hug her, I will! I’d love to!” Jin Yuan grinned, cheerfully grabbing Wu Tong’s suitcase, cautioning his sister not to take her blessings for granted. If she hesitated, he’d gladly take her place! He gave Wu Tong a thumbs-up, “Tong Tong, the photos from your presentation were brilliant and impressive—your uncle is so proud!”

“Uncle, you’re embarrassing me with all the praise!” Wu Tong slipped out of Teacher Jin’s arms, and, standing on tiptoe, threw a friendly arm around her uncle’s shoulders. “Thank you for coming to pick me up. I bought you something good—wait until you see it, you’re sure to like it!”

Chapter Five delivered—please support the author as much as you can; your support is the motivation that keeps her going!

(End of this chapter)