Chapter Eighty-Nine: What One Wishes-Back Before the College Entrance Exam, I Became a Sensation in the Science Community(Flowing waters fill the goblet.)

This child’s youth is enviable—she has yet to reach adulthood, but the nation will certainly not overlook Wu Tong’s brilliance. Talents are promoted regardless of convention; such is the wisdom of great leaders, and the principle by which the country selects and advances its gifted individuals.

“There are many procedures required for applying for national research projects. If you have ideas, you can first apply for funding from the university. The school has special research funds for designated projects; many expenses in your research can be covered directly by these scientific grants!”

This is only a temporary solution. Wu Tong’s rise has been so swift that the resources and support she deserves can barely keep pace with her progress, and her age remains a slight limitation in the domestic academic environment.

She may not yet meet the qualifications for certain honors, like the Yangtze River Scholars or Outstanding Young Researchers, but for the national Top Talent program, Wu Tong is certainly eligible to try.

“Though mathematics doesn’t demand as much spending as physics or materials science, there are still necessary expenses. For example, travel costs for conferences abroad, publication fees for journals, better office equipment like computers and printers… You could even pay yourself a salary for living expenses—ten thousand or so—these are all legitimate expenditures, as long as you don’t fabricate or falsify anything. The nation and the university are more than willing to invest in talents who can solve major problems!”

There are not many restrictions on reasonable spending. Li Yisheng sighed inwardly; academia is not devoid of shadows, and bad apples exist everywhere. Still, one cannot judge the whole world by a few corrupt individuals.

Wu Tong understood now—the significance of scientific research funding lies in the nation’s strong support for academic work.

But before she filled out her project proposal in the afternoon, Wu Tong had another matter to attend to.

At two-thirty in the afternoon, Wu Tong welcomed a reporter from the official newspaper for a special interview, one meant to establish her as a role model for the new generation.

The interview venue had been arranged by Peking University, who cleverly brought Wu Tong back to campus and scheduled it in the mathematics department’s lecture hall, with the university’s insignia clearly visible as Wu Tong’s backdrop.

The reporter, surnamed Peng, appeared scholarly and refined, a hint of white in his hair lending him an air of wisdom. He seemed more like an educator than a journalist, and indeed, he had long been responsible for the education section of the paper—a veteran with vast experience. His assignment to this interview was a mark of great respect for Wu Tong.

Peng’s interview style was relaxed, more like a conversation, which helped Wu Tong feel at ease. She had little experience facing journalists; a solo interview was her first, and she was understandably tense.

“Do you have any thoughts about your current achievements?” Having reviewed Wu Tong’s records and interviewed many renowned scholars, Peng was nonetheless left speechless and deeply moved by the young woman's accomplishments.

Few could imagine that the solver of Zhou’s conjecture, the top scorer in the national college entrance exam, the first gold medalist and special prize winner at the IMO, and the one who proved the Twin Primes Conjecture—all these titles belonged to a girl not yet seventeen. Before long, she might achieve even greater things.

He reflected: at sixteen, what was he doing? Was there anything worthy of mention?

Obviously not; at sixteen, he was still an ordinary student, worried whether he could continue his studies. Whereas this young girl had already astonished the world, making her voice heard in the international mathematics community.

“My thoughts? I suppose I’m grateful that I awakened at the right time, didn’t waste my youth, and achieved what I set out to do. I used to be quite playful, or perhaps I should thank my mother, Teacher Jin, for her constant encouragement and never giving up on me,” Wu Tong said with a gentle smile.

“To be able to use what I’ve learned to bring honor to my country is both my privilege and my aspiration.

I’ve only done a few ordinary things—solved two math problems. There are many more great people and deeds in this world: soldiers defending the borders, firefighters rescuing people from danger, police officers safeguarding lives, and selfless, unheralded researchers. Compared to them, I merely wield a pen; so far, I’ve only contributed theoretical work.

I hope that in the future, I’ll have the chance to use what I’ve learned to contribute even more to my country.”

“To achieve these modest results, I really should thank many people: my parents, my grandfather and grandmother, my uncle… Thank you for their unique love—for them, I am always the best version of myself. Thanks to my teachers for never giving up on me, the underachiever. Thanks to Peking University for its open, progressive atmosphere and for providing resources and a platform for advancement…”

“Wu Tong, you are truly humble and sincere!” Peng exclaimed, moved by the girl’s character, envying her parents for raising such a child.

To achieve so much, yet remain grateful and grounded, unwavering in heart—her words did not dwell on her achievements or adorn them needlessly, but overflowed with genuine gratitude.

“What inspired you to delve deeply into mathematics?” the interview continued.

“I suppose it’s love—I love acquiring knowledge, the joy of learning and mastering new things. My mother teaches math in primary school, so aside from language, mathematics was the first subject I encountered, and I remember it vividly!” Wu Tong laughed, thinking that in the past, she might have described this vivid memory as bitter and resentful.

But having truly fallen in love with learning, mathematics became her most cherished foundation. She chose not to make fun of herself here—she wanted to leave a little dignity.

“Mathematics is the basis of all sciences; it is indispensable in our lives and in research.”

“Interest and passion are the best driving forces. How did you manage to prove the Twin Primes Conjecture—a major global challenge—during the intense period of preparing for the IMO?”

“I started exploring the Twin Primes Conjecture after the New Year, when I came to Peking University early to study. It’s a fascinating problem that I’ve been working on for half a year, and I have to thank an anonymous teacher at Peking University for suggesting I consider the topological approach.

After the IMO competition, I discussed mathematics with Professor Li and Professor Cheng, who led the team. Suddenly, inspiration struck, and after further analysis, I found the direction to prove it.

Honestly, I wasn’t thinking much at the time—just wanted to prove it by the end of July as a birthday gift to myself.”

“Professor Li and Professor Cheng took care of all the logistics for me, so I didn’t have to worry about anything. It took me two days to complete the proof and another three to organize the paper and submit it for publication.” As for those competitive remarks, there was no need to elaborate; everyone knew the situation.

Over the past two days, she had seen many moving moments of disaster relief and rescue; she felt sincere gratitude and hoped the calamity would soon pass. Thanks to those admirable, lovable people!

(End of chapter)