Chapter 90: News
“This must be the best, and also the most unique birthday gift!” Journalist Peng sighed sincerely. Indeed, she was a true scholar, a rising star in the world of mathematics; even her own birthday present was so extraordinary.
“In just a few days, it will be your seventeenth birthday, Wu Tong. I am honored to represent the official newspaper and wish you a happy birthday!” Remembering the task he still carried, Peng smiled meaningfully. They, too, would present Wu Tong with a unique birthday gift.
“Do you have any plans for the future?” To be honest, Wu Tong’s achievements were already enough to last her a lifetime.
“Mathematics is profound; I need to continue to deepen my research in the field. I will also learn other useful knowledge.”
“In the last moments of our interview, is there anything you’d like to say to young people nationwide?”
“Then I wish all young friends, born in China, the utmost honor, lofty aspirations, ever-growing knowledge, fearless youth, and that in the best years, you do the right things. May you cherish your time and accumulate your abilities!
The peace we enjoy is because someone bears the weight for us. The toil of our predecessors has allowed us to live in a flourishing era. If we have strength to spare, let us contribute to the rise of China! May each of us meet the best version of ourselves!”
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After the interview ended and the visiting reporter departed, Wu Tong, with the help of Li Yisheng, smoothly completed her application for the research project proposal.
Li Yisheng, her guide, was exceptionally dedicated and qualified; his advice was meticulous and never withheld. The guidance he gave Wu Tong was heartfelt and always considered her best interests.
Wu Tong filled in the topic of the Polignac Conjecture for her application. As for the funding section, she scratched her head. “Paper, pens, and publishing fees don’t cost much. The scholarship I have should be more than enough.”
Publishing fees were the largest expense. When she published her result on Zhou’s Conjecture, it cost about ten thousand yuan, which the school had mostly reimbursed. The cost of paper and pens was negligible.
So, would ten thousand suffice? With the school covering the main publishing expense, she would save some money.
Mathematical research was, arguably, the least expensive field.
She already had a rough framework for the Polignac Conjecture. The finer details still needed more in-depth study, but there wasn’t much extra expense required. So far, aside from going home, she hadn’t needed to travel or participate in academic exchanges.
“Just add another zero; it’s already saving the school money!” Li Yisheng rubbed his forehead. Ten thousand yuan wasn’t enough to even mention in the funding application. A hundred thousand was already considered frugal.
Given the difficulty of Wu Tong’s project, adding two more zeros would solve the issue—a million wouldn’t be too much.
“Later, once your accommodation is arranged, you’ll need a computer and printer at home, as well as other office supplies…” Li Yisheng almost had to teach Wu Tong how to use research funds hand-in-hand.
Wu Tong chose him as her advisor out of trust and affection. He was dutiful and responsible; the extra care he gave was both duty and sentiment.
Wu Tong was an obedient student. Following Li Yisheng’s guidance, she uploaded her project proposal and funding application. Still, she was a bit perplexed—if the school’s funding was delayed and she finished the proof first, would she have to return the funds?
Once her business was done, she had dinner, and the day drew to a close. Wu Tong’s luggage had already been sent ahead to her dormitory, which would be reserved for her until graduation.
According to her original plan, Wu Tong was to book her ticket home today. But, obviously, she was so busy she barely had time to breathe. Li Yisheng told her not to worry about the flight; the school had already booked her a direct ticket to Yingzhou for tomorrow, and he would personally take her to the airport.
As long as Wu Tong was at Jingda, the school was eager to serve her.
“Wu Tong, remember to turn on the television and watch tonight’s national news broadcast. Also, remind your family!” Before parting ways, Li Yisheng glanced at his watch and reminded her with a mysterious smile.
News? Wu Tong was startled, a bit lost.
It was rare to see Wu Tong, so confident in her academic pursuits, appear bewildered and show the innocence of her age. Li Yisheng’s smile became mischievous, and he didn’t explain further. He, too, needed to find a place to watch the news. Tonight, he would proudly witness his student’s honor.
News? Was there major news about Jingda today? Did they want to boost live viewership? That shouldn’t be necessary—the news broadcast always had stable ratings.
Fortunately, her family always watched the news, so it wasn’t troublesome. Wu Tong turned on the television in her room. The school’s care was meticulous—the summer heat had not yet arrived, but her dorm had already been fitted with a quieter, more efficient air conditioner, along with a new mini-fridge and a large-screen television.
For Wu Tong, the television was most often used to watch the news.
The Jin family, the Wu family, and Wu Tong in her Jingda dorm were all connected via video call. Wu Tong lounged against the headboard, her expression relaxed, her manner calm and gentle as she chatted with her family and savored their company. Thanks to technological advances, distance was no longer a barrier to staying in touch.
She listened as her father, grandfather, and uncle occasionally commented on current events, a pleasure reserved for the men in her family.
Such enjoyment was not easily understood by the young; she and her brother watched the news mostly because the family did. The only time she truly watched with intent was when political news was part of the middle school entrance exams, which fostered the habit.
The news always began with major national events. Just over ten minutes in, the scene suddenly shifted. The familiar anchor, with a standard smile, announced: “Recently, the Fifty-first International Mathematical Olympiad was successfully held in Hassanul Sultan. Our national team of six contestants won six gold medals, scoring a total of 213 points and ranking first as a team, claiming the championship. They were the only all-gold medal team, fifty-two points ahead of the Russian team in second place. Congratulations to our outstanding young representatives!”
As the anchor spoke, the background projection switched live to the moment China’s team won first place—vivid red flags and youthful pride shining brightly.
“Meanwhile, among the six contestants, student Wu Tong achieved the only perfect score in this year’s International Mathematical Olympiad, claiming first place and earning the special prize, awarded for solving problems with ingenious and innovative methods.
Even more astonishing, during the waiting period for results, Wu Tong proved the Twin Prime Conjecture, a world-class mathematical problem.
This problem was posed one hundred and ten years ago. The international mathematical community has given high recognition and praise to Wu Tong’s proof. Earlier, in April, Wu Tong also provided a solution to another world-famous problem, Zhou’s Conjecture, which had stood for nearly twenty years. She has been hailed by top mathematicians as the ‘Oriental Pearl’!”
(End of chapter)