Chapter Ninety-Two: Skylight

On the very day Wu Tong returned home, the proof of the Twin Prime Conjecture was published in the Mathematical Annals’ special issue, which was immediately released worldwide. It was as if yet another deep-sea bomb had been dropped into the international mathematics community, and the shockwaves rippled outward across the globe.

South Asia—Boro—Hyderabad.

Inside a hotel conference room that had been reserved in advance, members dispatched by the International Mathematical Union were making orderly preparations amid the bustle. Though the 26th International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM-2010) would not officially open for another month, no successful conference is accomplished overnight; months of prior arrangements are the norm.

The International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM), initiated and organized by the International Mathematical Union, is the grandest event in the global mathematics community, with a history spanning over a century. The first congress was held in Zurich in 1897; after the Paris congress in 1900, it was decided that the event would be held every four years. Except during the two World Wars, this tradition has never been interrupted.

This year marked the 26th such international gathering of mathematicians.

As the world’s most prestigious academic conference in mathematical sciences, the ICM brings together the largest and most distinguished assembly of mathematicians, focusing on academic exchanges and the awarding of the Fields Medal, the Chern Prize, the Gauss Prize, and the Nevanlinna Prize.

At every congress, mathematicians who have made outstanding breakthroughs in the preceding four years are invited to present major advances in various fields. Being invited to deliver a one-hour or forty-five-minute lecture is considered a great honor, indicating that the invitee’s work has had significant international influence.

In particular, being named to give the one-hour presentation is a special distinction—the speakers are invariably some of the most esteemed mathematicians of our time, many of whom are past or future Fields Medalists.

Invitees are selected by the International Mathematical Union, specifically by a program committee composed of world-renowned mathematicians.

With the congress fast approaching, most matters had been settled; even the habitual procrastinators had finalized their submission dates. The few committee members responsible for the final confirmation of the program were relatively relaxed, able to take a break and catch up on the latest developments in the mathematics world.

Suddenly, someone exclaimed, “Oh my God, the Twin Prime Conjecture proved? In a special issue of the Mathematical Annals—heavens… That genius little Eastern Pearl has performed another miracle. She’s actually cracked the Twin Prime Conjecture. Good Lord—she’s sixteen! When I was sixteen, I was chasing after Lina, wracking my brains to compose love poems, and struggling with high school math as if it were torture. This kid has just solved another mathematical conjecture… My God! The world has gone mad!”

“Yet another damnably enviable genius. Another Tao, perhaps? What a pity she missed this year’s congress; she’ll have to wait until the next one! By the time the May issue of the Mathematical Annals had gone to press, all speakers had been confirmed. Otherwise, we’d be witnessing this young prodigy ascend the stage at the congress this year!” His companion, peering at the screen in equal astonishment, could only shrug in regret.

“Even at the next congress, this young genius would only be twenty—still young enough to provoke jealousy, isn’t it?”

The room buzzed with discussion and amazement.

The ringtone chimed.

As he answered the call, Alvin, the conference organizer, joked to his colleagues, “Watch, Professor Berg is calling again to confirm his schedule and privileges!”

However, as he connected the call and listened to the flustered and urgent report from the other end, Alvin’s playful demeanor gave way to a grim and exasperated expression.

“What? Professor Berg was sent to the hospital by his beloved dog? A massive Caucasian Shepherd? Broken leg and arm?”

“Oh my God!” Hanging up, Alvin pressed his hand to his forehead, clearly suffering a headache. “Did that dog swallow his brain as well?”

“What happened, Alvin? Is something wrong with Professor Berg?” asked a colleague, noticing Alvin’s troubled expression. With the conference so close, any disruption meant chaos not only for Alvin, but for everyone present.

“Heh… Our dear Professor Berg, while walking his enormous Caucasian Shepherd this morning, was dragged down by his beloved dog and paid the price of a broken leg and arm. He’ll be bedridden for at least half a year, meaning our forty-five-minute speaker slot just opened up!”

“Ah, shit… Damn dog, reckless Berg—why didn’t he just keep a man-eating tiger?” The prospect of frantically searching the world for a suitable replacement, issuing invitations, and chasing down submissions drove Alvin to near madness.

“Poor Professor Berg. A moment of silence for him!” said his colleague wryly. “Is there anyone else this year or in the past two years who’s made a breakthrough significant enough to merit a forty-five-minute presentation at the congress?”

As they contemplated the endless cycle of work ahead, everyone felt on the verge of collapse—they had only just recovered from the last round of chasing submissions. None of those top mathematicians were easy to deal with; chronic procrastination was the norm.

“A major breakthrough—the proof of the Twin Prime Conjecture. Does that count?” the one who had just exclaimed pointed at the screen, where the special issue was displayed.

“There surely hasn’t been a more significant mathematical advance this year! It’s just that the child is so astonishingly young!”

With only a month until the congress opened, there was no time to waste!

“I’ll go report to the chairman!” Alvin spread his hands in exasperation—he had no other options. He could only thank the rising sun of the mathematics world this year, who might just fill their unexpected vacancy perfectly.

July 20. While chatting with her family, Wu Tong’s phone rang. She glanced at it—a call from overseas? Was it a scam? Wu Tong promptly declined and blocked the number.

A moment later, her phone rang again.

Had she poked a hornet’s nest of scammers today? So tenacious! Wu Tong thought the caller was trying a new number. But when the display lit up, she hesitated to hang up.

Professor Zhou Wenping? Was there something going on at school? Why was Professor Zhou calling her?

Without delay, she gestured to Ms. Jin and Ms. Xu that she was taking a call, and answered.

“Good morning, Professor Zhou!”

“Good morning, Wu Tong. Surprised to get a call from me?” Zhou Wenping greeted her with a laugh. Normally, it was Li Yisheng who contacted Wu Tong; today’s sudden call from him was bound to leave the young student a bit bewildered.

“Professor Zhou, I’m honored and delighted to receive your call!” Wu Tong could only smile shyly, unsure what else to say—he had voiced all her thoughts already.

(End of chapter)