Chapter 88 Vigilance

The Twin Prime Conjecture had already been proven by this child; in the field of number theory, especially regarding primes, Wu Tong could now be considered the top expert in the country, and even internationally renowned. It was hard for them not to be curious about the next target she would tackle.

Now, within the circles of Peking University, a saying was circulating: any problem Wu Tong sets her sights on will be solved at lightning speed.

“Do you intend to challenge the related Polignac Conjecture?” Professor Zhou Wenping asked with a smile. With the proof of the special case K=1 in the Twin Prime Conjecture, the Polignac Conjecture, which proposes the existence of infinitely many pairs of primes (p, p+2k) where k is a positive integer, seemed like the next logical step.

However, even if this child wanted to challenge the Goldbach Conjecture, none of them would be surprised.

Young and full of vigor, having achieved such consecutive breakthroughs, what’s a little ambition or audacity? Fearless of heaven and earth—this is the spirit of youth!

These professors, some halfway through life, others already old, had all once been young themselves. Who hadn’t dreamed of kicking down Goldbach or sweeping through the Riemann function in their day? Such wild ambitions!

At most, these teachers would keep a closer eye, lest a moment of frustration led the child to a dead end, wasting her extraordinary talent.

Her next target?

Wu Tong smiled shyly. “While proving the Twin Prime Conjecture, I already developed some ideas regarding the Polignac Conjecture. I may attempt to explore the Goldbach Conjecture, perhaps a bit recklessly, or study fluid mechanics and materials science!”

Over the past half year, her research on primes had built a solid foundation in number theory, almost reaching the limits of her current vision. To make further breakthroughs, unless inspiration struck, it wouldn’t happen overnight.

Thus, Wu Tong set herself a higher goal, and also wanted to try her hand in other fields—not only to avoid wasting time, but also to broaden her perspective.

“My main task is still to learn more. The Goldbach Conjecture is just a big goal I’ve set for myself!” Wu Tong added humbly, so the teachers wouldn’t misunderstand and think she could immediately solve the crown jewel of number theory.

She truly was only setting a direction; even if she could solve it, that would be for her graduation thesis. This year, absolutely not.

“You already have ideas about the Polignac Conjecture?” As expected, astonishment swept over the gathered professors, and one could hardly blame them for forgetting to maintain their dignified image.

After all, encountering such an extraordinary student, every time she exceeded their expectations. When did proving conjectures become so simple? It felt as if she could solve them at a whim, rather than being monumental challenges that had troubled humanity for centuries.

Touching the Goldbach Conjecture? No, no, she’s not overestimating herself—they are! Among all present, the one most qualified was probably this youngest girl.

At the same time, everyone felt a surge of joy within. Would they soon witness the proof of the Polignac Conjecture?

“Very good, take your time, take your time. Later, let Professor Li prepare a form, and you can open a project proposal to get funding approved by the academic office!” Pan Wenhua instructed carefully. This time, Peking University must make its presence felt.

For the previous two major proofs, they were unable to officially list Wu Tong as their affiliated student, which was a huge loss!

“Understood, Dean Pan. After the meeting, I’ll help Wu Tong complete the project application!” Li Yisheng replied, assuring there would be no problem.

As Wu Tong’s closest contact and the teacher she currently trusts most at Peking University, Professor Li Yisheng had already been tacitly acknowledged by both Wu Tong and the university as one of her future advisors.

Although, due to Wu Tong’s rapid progress, his guidance was now mostly limited to life and experience, he was still highly sought after by many professors and associate professors at Peking University.

Li Yisheng willingly accepted this responsibility, and wouldn’t mind putting in extra effort. Who wouldn’t want such a genius student, soon to grow into a great tree offering shade? With just a little guidance, these teachers could easily publish in top journals—what a wonderful thing! At this thought, countless people envied Li Yisheng.

If only they could set aside their pride, how many teachers would want to join Wu Tong’s team, to have her as their guiding star. Li Yisheng, delighted, ignored all envy and jealousy.

“It’s good to learn widely, but our main focus should remain mathematics. Mathematics is the most beautiful theory of the universe!” Zhou Wenping added nearby.

Such a student with broad interests could indeed be troublesome. They had to stay vigilant, lest their top talent be poached by others with less scruples.

Pan Wenhua couldn’t say this directly; he needed to persuade gently. This child was still young and had such achievements. Honestly, all they could do was coax and encourage, never force her, never let such a mathematical prodigy stray from her path.

“I understand, Dean, Professor Zhou. Mathematics is the foundation of all science. I will never give up on learning mathematics!” Wu Tong nodded, smiling in agreement. She didn’t say she wouldn’t pursue other fields, but mathematics would remain her cornerstone.

Professor Zhou’s words reminded her of a humorous story told by Professor Li: There exists a chain of disdain in mathematics—pure theorists look down on applied mathematicians, applied mathematicians look down on statisticians, statisticians look down on those doing machine learning...

Theory and application have always been two camps, mutually dismissive.

However, in China, this distinction is less pronounced, especially among the older generation. For the sake of national development, they viewed themselves as bricks to be moved wherever needed, striving to conquer unfamiliar fields. The older generation was more pragmatic; for the rise of China, practicality was paramount.

Wu Tong’s interest in fluid mechanics and materials science stemmed not only from personal curiosity but also from her interactions with Jin Xin. Jin Xin had already secured early admission, firmly set on his path, enrolling in the National Academy of Sciences’ School of Aerospace Science, majoring in aircraft design and engineering.

For Wu Tong, the order of study was mostly dictated by interest, which determined her priorities.

After the meeting, Li Yisheng gave Wu Tong a heartfelt explanation about research funding.

“Although you are still a student, no one will treat you as an ordinary student. The rewards for your proofs of Zhou’s Conjecture and the Twin Prime Conjecture were fiercely fought for by the college and are considered scholarship awards.

With your current academic level, and the university’s backing, you already qualify to apply for national research projects!” This child was enviably young, not even of age, but the country would certainly not overlook Wu Tong’s excellence. Exceptional talent must be encouraged; Wu Tong should certainly aim for such honors.

(End of chapter)