Chapter 148: Original Intent

Immediately, several people in the audience changed expressions in astonishment; clearly, they were the most likely candidates for the Chern Mathematics Award.

"I am delighted to formally recognize our young scholar on this awards stage. To have achieved such accomplishments at such a tender age—each one truly invaluable—she is undoubtedly the leader of China's young scholars!"

Forget her young age; even those two or three decades her senior among them—who could claim to have made contributions that, combined, could surpass this young girl's?

Thinking about it, it was no longer surprising that the prize was awarded to Wu Tong this year. After all, with such dazzling achievements to her name, who else could it be? With her at the forefront, who could possibly feel unconvinced by the recipient of this award?

The domestic Chern Mathematics Award would have lost the authority sought by countless mathematicians had it gone otherwise. After all, the international Ramanujan Prize had already been confirmed for Wu Tong. As for seniority... in the face of such achievements, what is seniority?

Soon, the crowd, having recovered from their surprise, began to applaud. The sound gathered momentum, spreading from the front to the back until it roared like thunder.

Academician Shen observed the expressions in the audience. There were those genuinely happy for Wu Tong—undoubtedly led by the Peking University contingent—and others filled with envy and frustration. Fortunately, no one had lost their composure or acted out.

Originally, the Chinese Mathematical Society had been hesitant about whether to award this prize to Wu Tong this year. Although her results were outstanding, she was, after all, too young and lacked seniority. Even with strong backing from the Peking University faction, they feared it would not be convincing and might spark significant controversy. Many board members had suggested that since Wu Tong was still young, it would not be too late to award it to her in a few sessions, whereas for many scholars nearing the age limit, missing this year meant their last chance.

Academician Shen himself had been a staunch advocate for awarding it to Wu Tong. He argued that those who repeatedly missed out due to age limits simply hadn't produced significant enough academic results. The Chern Mathematics Award is meant for scholars who have made important contributions to mathematics, not a place for the domestic mathematics community to distribute accolades based on age.

While they were still in heated debate, word came from above: "Break the mold to recruit talent!" Thus, it was decided that one spot for this year's Chern Mathematics Award belonged to Wu Tong.

Wu Tong looked toward the stage in shock, finally understanding why Dean Pan had been smiling so strangely all along. She had not expected that, in addition to giving a report, there would be such a grand honor bestowed upon her! One must know that the Chern Mathematics Award had never before been presented to a scholar under thirty. She was only two years past the age of sixteen—she hadn't even considered such a possibility.

Professor Zhou gestured for her to come forward: "Wu Tong, it is time to go on stage to receive your award!"

Her teachers and mentors nearby all wore expressions of shared pride. She was the pearl of their Peking University School of Mathematical Sciences, the pride of Peking University!

Professor Wen, the recent recipient of a national award, patted Wu Tong gently. "Well done! Our Peking University girl is truly remarkable! Today, our Peking University ladies are the stars of the show!"

Only then did Wu Tong snap out of her daze. She bowed slightly to her mentors, stepped onto the red carpet of the venue, and walked toward the stage. Her heart pounded with excitement; this was the first national award she would receive in person on stage.

Immediately following, Mr. Qiu announced the second recipient: Professor Yuan from the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He could also be called Academician Yuan, as he was certain to secure a seat in this year's academician elections—another well-deserved and powerful winner.

"Congratulations, Wu Tong!" Mr. Qiu said with a kind smile.

Taking the medal and certificate from Mr. Qiu, Wu Tong managed to suppress her excitement and whispered a "thank you."

"You are most welcome. This is an honor you deserve. I look forward to seeing you continue to create young miracles on the international stage!" Receive your Fields Medal and become the youngest Fields Medalist!

"Congratulations, Professor Yuan!"

After the presentation, Mr. Qiu smiled at the two new Chern Award recipients: "Please share your thoughts at this moment."

"Please, Professor Yuan, you go first," Wu Tong said politely, respecting the elder.

"Then I shall be bold and set an example for our young student!" Professor Yuan, also a man of humor, nodded to Wu Tong and stepped forward to deliver his remarks. Perhaps having anticipated this, his speech was brilliant, impassioned, and deeply moving.

After Professor Yuan’s brief speech, it was time for Wu Tong.

She stepped to the center of the stage. Standing in this high-profile position, having been trained by her report at the Heidelberg International Congress of Mathematicians, she was not overly nervous.

She took a deep breath, steadied her expression, and said with unsuppressed emotion: "Professor Yuan's wonderful speech has put me under a bit of pressure. I will summarize my thoughts in one sentence: thank you to my alma mater, Peking University, for your cultivation, and thank you to the Chinese Mathematical Society for your trust and affirmation. I will remain true to my original aspiration and forge ahead, continuing to strive for the great cause of mathematics and aiming for even greater achievements!"

There was no exaggerated performance, no lengthy discourse. Wu Tong used the simplest and most sincere words to deliver her speech for her first domestic award—a prize that was among the most prestigious in the country.

Watching the seventeen-year-old girl on stage deliver her acceptance speech, the audience could not help but reflect. It is often said that heroes emerge from the young, but this youth was truly exceptional! At seventeen, she had already achieved what others might not reach even at seventy.

If the standards for various awards were to be judged by her, the bar would undoubtedly be raised to unreachable heights, leaving many to look up in despair. They felt conflicted; should they be glad that Wu Tong was merely an exception?

Thunderous applause erupted once again. "Remain true to your original aspiration"—these four words awakened the passion of many who had embarked on the mathematical path. Mathematics is pure, and the mathematical community should also be pure; it should not be filled with so-called seniority, academic cliques, or other such impurities!

The mathematical community should be restored to a pure sky!

Pan Wenhua, Zhou Wenping, and the other representatives from Peking University looked at the stage with approval. Their girl from Peking University had come into her own, radiating grace and dignity.

"She is indeed the pride of our Peking University!"

"It makes me even happier than when I received this award two years ago!" Zhou Wenping said with a gratified smile. He had not been young when he received the award; he had barely made the cut, so there hadn't been much to boast about.

"If you say that, those of us who have never touched a medal should hide our faces in shame!" Pan Wenhua, who was a generation older than Zhou, joked in good spirits. Having received the news in advance and witnessing Wu Tong receive this honor on stage, he naturally felt more invigorated and proud.

Their Peking University had gained another Chern Award winner!

The youngest Chern Award winner in history had been born, and she belonged to their Peking University. She might even go on to challenge the record for the youngest Fields Medalist. They shared a pride that was truly their own.