Chapter Seventy-One: Talented Individuals

“This is my honor—an unexpected reward!” It seemed Peking University had truly turned misfortune into a blessing.

“We can’t just ignore it completely. You’ve proven yourself with real talent and genuine achievement, and the world should know of your success. So, the school’s position is to let the regular media be, but we should give some respect to interviews from official outlets.” On the way, Li Yisheng explained the university’s stance to Wu Tong, seeking her opinion.

“All right, teacher, let’s follow the university’s arrangements.” It was just an interview, after all, and likely wouldn’t take long. Wu Tong had no objections.

As they spoke, Li Yisheng’s car passed smoothly through the university gates. With Peking University’s security in place, regular reporters wouldn’t make it into the campus. He first dropped Wu Tong off at her dormitory to rest; even if she was to be interviewed, that could wait until tomorrow. Peking University, after all, prided itself on maintaining a certain standard.

On the morning of June 5th, at nine o’clock, the national IMO team assembled, entering the first round of intensive training.

This year, Professor Li served as the head coach of the national IMO team, while Wu Tong still held a special, independent status. This time, however, she planned to participate as fully as possible, attending the training sessions in person. She could continue her own research without interruption.

After all, this was training for an international competition; she needed to understand the rules thoroughly. No matter how well she solved the problems, if she misunderstood the regulations, all would be in vain—such a mistake would be unforgivable.

“Welcome, our goddess!”

The moment Wu Tong stepped into the IMO training classroom, Guo Jiachen and several other team members burst into applause and laughter. Using her surname—Wu—was far less fitting than calling her “our goddess”!

They truly wanted to exclaim, “My god!”

From yesterday to today, the explosive news that Wu Tong had solved the Zhou Conjecture—a world-class problem—published in the Annals of Mathematics, a top-tier SCI journal, had left them all stunned. They knew Wu Tong was brilliant, but never imagined she was capable of something so extraordinary.

To witness someone their age solve a world-class problem and be published in a leading journal was like a dream; it reaffirmed that they themselves were still just ordinary people. The real genius had already achieved what they might spend a lifetime striving for.

Previously, when Wu Tong gave a small academic report at the university, the IMO training team was still in closed training and hadn’t heard the news.

“Thank you, everyone, for your praise. From now on, let us learn together and fight for the honor of China!” Wu Tong laughed, rubbing her forehead. “I’ve only taken one step ahead of you. You all have great futures as well!”

These were the top talents in mathematics, selected from the best high school students nationwide, all prodigiously gifted and genuinely passionate about the field. There was no doubt that they would all shine in the world of mathematics. Moreover, they were multi-talented, excelling in other fields as well. In comparison, Wu Tong felt she was only good at studying—nothing to be particularly proud of.

“Thank you for your blessing, goddess! We’re instantly swelling with pride!”

The students continued to joke and laugh, and the coaches who arrived earlier didn’t interfere. There would be plenty of time to get to know each other—not just during IMO training and competition, but likely in university as well. Maintaining a cheerful atmosphere was a good thing.

These students were the precious darlings cherished by their schools and families. Their personalities varied, but all were bright and positive at heart.

For the teachers, nothing was new under the sun. They had seen many top students clash for dominance, but this year, with a prodigy shining above all, even the teachers felt a little humbled. Naturally, the other team members were modest and respectful, which made the teachers’ job much easier.

“All right, everyone, let’s settle down for now. There will be plenty of time for discussion later. First, let’s take a look at the training schedule!” Once the students had laughed and mingled, Li Yisheng gently clapped his hands, restoring order and starting the day’s business.

At ten-thirty, when the IMO team entered self-study, Li Yisheng lightly tapped Wu Tong’s desk, signaling for her to step outside.

“The reporters are here.” Li Yisheng quietly reminded Wu Tong of a few things, though there was little to worry about—official media knew how to behave.

In front of the mathematics department office building, Dean Pan, Professor Zhou, and other familiar leaders from the faculty were waiting, along with representatives from the Chinese Mathematical Society, and a few less familiar faces. Among them, two individuals stood out, carrying an air distinct from ordinary professors.

“Wu Tong, this is Mayor Liu of Beijing, overseeing education, and Comrade Tao, a senior official from this district,” Dean Pan promptly introduced them. “Mayor Liu, Comrade Tao, this is Wu Tong, the student who proved the world-class Zhou Conjecture! Wu Tong just attended the opening of the national IMO team’s training.”

“Young prodigy, what an outstanding student! You have astonished the global mathematical community. On behalf of our city, I thank you for your contribution. The country is proud to have such talented youth!” Deputy Mayor Liu and Secretary Tao stepped forward, smiling, to shake Wu Tong’s hand. Reporters and cameras clicked to capture the moment.

“Hello, Mayor Liu. Hello, Secretary Tao.” Wu Tong greeted them politely as she shook hands, replying simply, “I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and solved a problem I ought to tackle. I’m glad I could do my small part for the country’s honor, but I hardly deserve your thanks.”

She was still a bit bewildered. Wasn’t this supposed to be a simple media interview? Why were city and district officials involved? The Zhou Conjecture had gone unsolved for nearly twenty years, but that didn’t mean it was unsolvable—perhaps the top international mathematicians simply had different research priorities.

“Haha, Wu Tong is very modest—a true bearer of our traditional virtues!” Deputy Mayor Liu continued his praise. Fortunately, Wu Tong had solved the problem here in Beijing, at Peking University, and was still in the city; otherwise, he wouldn’t have had the chance to participate in this event.

Back in her home province of Central Plains, the local leaders could only watch, bound by protocol from leaving their posts to travel to Beijing. Having such outstanding talent in the capital made everyone even more delighted.

“To thoroughly implement the fundamental strategy of strengthening the nation through science and education, and to prioritize education and talent development, our city’s leadership held a collective discussion after receiving the education bureau’s report yesterday. We have decided to grant you a material award and wish you continued success in bringing honor to our country!”

The city’s education bureau had already evaluated her achievements. Given her abilities, this year’s IMO gold medal was all but assured, and a perfect score was not out of the question. In two months, she might well add another honor to her name.

Though this award might not be on the same level as proving a global mathematical conjecture, national honors could never be too many.

This year’s IMO would show the Western skeptics just how outstanding China’s young talents could be, outshining all their competitors!

(End of chapter)