Chapter 70 Sensation

Wu Jingzhong wielded his scissors with utmost care, every snip deliberate and cautious. He used all his skill, determined not to ruin his daughter's precious hair. Shortening, thinning—he was already considering making more visits to barber shops in the future, observing the latest styles. If he met a masterful barber, he'd pay tuition and apprentice himself, for his daughter's temperament meant his craft would surely be needed again.

Fortunately, the task relied on basic techniques, and the final result was excellent, earning everyone's praise.

The days spent at home were the epitome of comfort—good food, warm company, thoughtful gestures. The phrase "reluctant to leave" could not be more fitting. The day after her return, Wu Tong went back to her school to visit her teachers. She did not enter the classroom, lest she disturb her classmates' final push. The college entrance exam was fast approaching—only a month remained before they stepped onto the battlefield that would decide their fate. That last burst of effort was crucial.

On May 5th, carrying both the sadness of departure and the satisfaction of reuniting with family, Wu Tong boarded the flight to Shangjing once more.

While Wu Tong was busy with her family's endless reminders to cherish their time together, she had no idea her name was already sweeping across the internet.

On May 4th, yesterday at 1 p.m. China time, midnight in the United States, the latest issue of the Mathematics Annual was published. This issue surprisingly featured a cover personality—a girl from China, instantly astonishing the global community that follows top journals.

Looking closer, above the cover was the expression 2^(2^n)<p...

Was this the Zhou Proof?

"This is a groundbreaking method of proof, bringing us closer to the truth of prime numbers. We now have a theorem to constrain the distribution of Mersenne primes, placing them within a visible range. Allow me to introduce to the world a sixteen-year-old prodigy, a pearl from the East!" — Andrew Wiles

"Mathematics is becoming younger... I seem to see the changing of the guard for the youngest Fields Medalist!" — Terence Tao

Those who were a step slower in seeing the issue were shocked—Zhou's Conjecture proven? Primes confined by a theorem? A sixteen-year-old genius from the East? Were they still dreaming? Had the sun risen in the west?

Was Zhou's Conjecture proven by this Chinese girl? The world had gone mad!

Previously, Capital University had deliberately kept the news under wraps. But now, with the Mathematics Annual's latest issue, the fact was cemented. Capital University began to spread the news, and after a day and night of ferment, it sparked a sensation across the domestic and international mathematical communities and major media outlets.

The paper itself was a shock both for the originality of the proof and the almost unbelievably young age of its author.

The official newspaper dedicated a quarter of its page to the report, quoting the Mathematics Annual cover and opening with praise from international top scholars:

Recently, Wu Tong, a student from Central Province, has proven Zhou's Conjecture—a feat that will be recorded in the annals of mathematical history. In the halls of the mathematical edifice, there is now a theorem named after a Chinese surname. The mathematics world welcomes a rising star, just sixteen years old...

The Huaqing News republished the story, adding their own "Youth Speaks" column: "Strong youth, strong nation; wise youth, wise nation," documenting Wu Tong’s simple biography in detail, directly presenting her as a model for Chinese youth.

The statement from official media immediately set off a frenzy among all major outlets. Compared to the gravity of the official reports, online media let their excitement run wild, collectively joining the chorus of astonishment.

"Shocking! Sixteen-year-old high schooler cracks an unsolved world mystery in hours, proves Zhou's Conjecture!"

"A problem that troubled the world for nearly twenty years, solved by her? The prodigy returns!"

Discussion forums across the media were flooded, netizens posting amazed messages:

"Study hard for the rise of China! The nation’s future lies with its youth—prodigy aids national strength!"

"At sixteen, others score full marks in CMO, full marks in IMO training, become part of the IMO national team, and prove world-class conjectures; my sixteen is spent foolishly, scrolling news about others, unable to solve high school problems!"

"Genius, look at me, let me absorb your aura and grow wiser! You’re incredible!"

"When Nuwa created mankind, she carefully sculpted some, but those made from leftover clay can only marvel—how can the difference between people be so vast?"

"Mom asked why I’m kneeling, trembling, unable to call her over to see someone else’s child!"

Wu Tong had already turned off her phone before her departure. This time, arriving at the airport was familiar territory. She intended to hail a cab to Capital University—no need for anyone to pick her up, she wasn't pressed for time or unfamiliar with the route.

However, Wu Tong’s flight from Yingzhou Airport to Shangjing was the only direct flight available.

Upon arrival, Teacher Li was already waiting at the airport. "Don't think it's a bother for the teacher to pick you up. Many at the school fought for the chance, but since I know you well, it was finally my turn," Li Yisheng said with a smile, explaining the reason he had to come.

"The Mathematics Annual was published yesterday; the electronic version was available the same day. Your proof was featured prominently, along with the title and Mr. Wiles’s commentary, and the photo from your last academic report at Capital University was used as the cover. Now, the entire domestic mathematics community and the media are in an uproar. The gates of Capital University are blocked by reporters wanting to interview you. If you tried to return by yourself, you probably wouldn’t even get through the doors!"

"Wu Tong, you probably haven’t checked your phone yet. I bet when you turn it on, it’ll explode!"

Sure enough, when Wu Tong turned on her phone, it froze immediately on the spot, practically exploding. She had to power it off and restart several times before it finally worked again.

This was because, ever since she fell in love with studying, her phone had become almost irrelevant. Unless there was something special, Wu Tong rarely opened idle apps like social media. Otherwise, her phone would have been rendered useless.

She casually gathered her newly shortened hair resting on her shoulders. Well, she hadn’t expected to cause such a stir. She thought mathematics was a lonely pursuit, rarely attracting attention. She never imagined official media would comment, igniting such a massive sensation.

"I’ve troubled the school and teachers!"

"Haha... You’ve brought fame to the school, a blessing we could only wish for! The school should be paying you a promotional fee! Haven’t you noticed? The neighboring schools are already green with envy!"

With the college entrance exam approaching, Capital University’s reputation was soaring. The admissions office would have an easy year; those with qualifying scores would all be scrambling to apply.

"Teacher Zhou from the admissions office said, if there’s a chance, they'd like to treat you to a meal to thank you for helping them recruit and easing their worries ahead of time!"

(End of chapter)