Chapter 130: The Ceremony

The bonds of Yanyuan, countless knots entwined—when asking a young man about his heart’s affairs, beneath his eyes lie the waters of Weiming Lake, and within his chest, the moon over the Yellow River.

On September 3rd, Shoujing University held its 2010 opening ceremony on the east playground of the First Gymnasium, witnessing the sacred moment when freshmen become members of the Shoujing community.

At 8:30 in the morning, the solemn and powerful national anthem marked the commencement of the ceremony.

The university president, vice presidents, and all senior leaders were present to attend the opening event.

The president took the stage to deliver his speech: “On behalf of Shoujing University, I warmly congratulate every freshman for joining us in the great endeavor of building a world-class university... All members of Shoujing are the masters of this new era and must embrace a sense of ownership...

First, learn tolerance; cultivate a heart as broad as Mount Tai that does not reject any soil, and as vast as the rivers and seas that accept every tributary...

Humble yourselves, be cautious and modest, and be eager to learn.”

“Second, learn to survive; establish a concept of harmonious coexistence between humanity and society...”

After the president’s speech, other leaders and outstanding freshmen also took turns to address the assembly.

The school had communicated with Wu Tong, inviting her to speak on behalf of the new students. Among the freshmen of 2010, no one could rival her; she was revered by many freshmen and admired nationwide. Having Wu Tong deliver the speech was undoubtedly the most fitting inspiration for all the new students.

At 10:30 a.m., at the host’s invitation, Wu Tong stepped onto the podium under the gaze of the crowd. The massive screen behind her displayed her photograph alongside a text highlighting her mathematical achievements.

[Wu Tong—Class 1, Department of Mathematics, School of Mathematical Sciences, 2010 freshman. Perfect score champion at the International Mathematical Olympiad, top scorer with full marks in the national college entrance examination, who solved the world’s mathematical challenges including the Zhou Conjecture, the Twin Prime Conjecture, and Polignac’s Conjecture using innovative methods; creator of the Infinite Group Proof Technique; invited to deliver a one-hour report at the 26th International Congress of Mathematicians!]

As the lines of text appeared on the screen, both freshmen and faculty in the audience could not help but gasp in astonishment.

Once again struck by Wu Tong’s accomplishments, they remained dumbfounded. Was this an introduction of a freshman? It felt more like the résumé of a distinguished Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, someone the university should receive with the highest honors.

Each of these achievements alone would be enough to occupy an ordinary scholar for a lifetime, yet she was setting new records one after another. Most astonishingly, she had just turned seventeen; these glories were all forged at sixteen!

Comparing oneself to others truly can be terrifying!

“Golden autumn in September, the fragrance of osmanthus fills the air; Weiming Boya embraces this group of passionate and hopeful young scholars with a composed and tolerant demeanor. I am honored to speak here today on behalf of the freshmen class, invited by the school.

Like you, I toiled day and night to enter my dream university... Every drop of our sweat has now borne rich fruit, and we should be proud.

Number theory was the first field I encountered... Interest is the best teacher...

My modest successes owe much to the support of the school and our teachers... I am grateful to Shoujing’s open and supportive platform...

Entering Shoujing is not just an honor; we carry within us expectations, curiosity, pride, and hope. We gaze at the stars and tread firmly on the ground... inheriting Peking University’s diligent, rigorous, pragmatic, and innovative academic spirit, we will keep striving, never forgetting our original aspirations. For our goals, we will dedicate ourselves to focused study and harvest the fruits that belong to each of us...

Finally, I wish everyone success in achieving their dreams... Remember your mission, forge new brilliance, and may we all be inspired together!”

Public speaking was not Wu Tong’s forte, yet she conveyed her year’s efforts with simple language and sincere emotion, expressing her gratitude and extending her wishes to her fellow freshmen.

Over the past year, she was thankful for the appearance of the Enlightenment Stone Tablet, which awakened her in time and granted her the ability to focus without distraction. She also thanked herself for persevering without slackening in every effort.

Step by step, she had walked steadily to this moment. The world had opened a new door for her, and she looked forward joyfully to an infinitely broad future.

As her speech concluded, thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Wu Tong bowed lightly and was about to leave the stage when Zhou Wenping, representing the School of Mathematical Sciences, stepped forward.

“Wu Tong, please stay! Next, we will hold a special award ceremony, and the star of the event is, of course, your revered deity! Is that the title? I’m just following the new era’s new terminology!” Zhou Wenping greeted her with a smile, adjusted the microphone, and began his remarks.

“Since April, when Associate Professor Li Yisheng introduced Wu Tong to me, the verification of the Zhou Conjecture that astonished me has been a continuous marvel. If I had to find a word to describe it, even ‘world-shaking brilliance’ would fall short. Perfect scores at IMO breaking the Twin Prime Conjecture, delivering a report on Polignac’s Conjecture proof at the International Congress of Mathematicians...

She has achieved what we once dreamed of but never accomplished. Her research achievements have surpassed many teachers, myself included.

I am delighted that Shoujing University has welcomed such a formidable student. She already possesses the level of a top international scholar. In the future, Shoujing warmly welcomes her to become the youngest professor in the university’s history...

For a student who has brought enormous honor to the university, and considering Wu Tong’s tremendous contributions, the school hereby awards her a scholarship of three million yuan, along with housing in Yanyuan as recognition!

Fellow students and colleagues, you can all look up to Wu Tong. The school eagerly anticipates the rise of every outstanding student and teacher. Scholarships await you!”

The host presented an oversized mock check. The Shoujing University president and Pan Wenhua, dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences, came on stage to present the award to Wu Tong. While students and teachers in the audience applauded enthusiastically, many glanced sideways at Zhou Wenping’s final words.

“It’s so exciting to receive such recognition, but Professor Zhou, let’s be realistic—throughout China’s five thousand years of history, and sixty years since the founding of the People’s Republic, there has only been one Wu Tong. Achievements like hers aren’t something one can simply decide to attain. We must not overestimate ourselves!”

Regarding the amount of the scholarship, Wu Tong thought it included an enrollment bonus and didn’t think much of it. After stepping off the stage, she noticed a new notification on her phone indicating an additional one million yuan had arrived—was it a mistake?

Coincidentally, she had retreated backstage, where Dean Pan and Professor Zhou were nearby. She quietly mentioned the matter.

“No mistake, Wu Tong. Thank you for your contributions to the nation!” The university president was nearby, smiling as he nodded to her, his words carrying a double meaning.

The university had secured an additional major national project funding, and it was impossible for the president not to be informed. The extra million was a formal reward granted through Shoujing’s channels for Wu Tong’s enormous contributions.

(End of chapter)