Super God-Level Top Student

But to fully understand new knowledge often proves to be beyond our grasp.

It has nothing to do with ability, but is a sadness inherent to human beings.

The decline of brain function is irreversible.

After the age of 40, one may still be able to maintain vigorous energy and a thirst for knowledge, but whether it is memory, imagination, or comprehension, decline is inevitable, and it's not linear—it's exponential.

Beyond 60, learning a complete and abstract theory is not impossible, but to delve deeply into research becomes too difficult.

Not to mention Elder Qiu is already in his seventies.

Reluctance to accept aging is a commendable spirit, but natural laws ultimately cannot be resisted.

Thus, a heart full of conflicts eventually gave way to the sentiment, "This Xu is not bad, although not as good as Qiao Ze. Of course, at the moment, it seems no one can surpass him."

"Right, you must have also read Qiao Ze's paper on the proof of the conjecture, haven't you? What do you think? Do you think his proof will be recognized?"

"I am a student of Mr. Chen, not a student of Mr. Hua. Although the two elders were close friends, their research directions were quite different. If Qiao Ze's paper involved partial derivatives and differential geometry, I might dare to comment, but the domain of pure analytic number theory is not my strong suit.

Speaking of this, I have something else to say. If it weren't for the harsh suppression of Hua's disciples following his death, resulting in the current scarcity of qualified experts to evaluate Qiao Ze's achievement in our country, wouldn't it?"

After Wang and Chen passed away, there were even some who brazenly propagated the futility of number theory, leading to the current sentiment that researching conjectures of this sort is pointless. Now that Qiao Ze has proven it, what are these people going to say?"

In any case, I am inclined to believe Qiao Ze is correct. I'm waiting for him to hold a presentation, I hope to be there in person to see and listen to what people say, and to observe the faces of some. I'm ready to dig out past statements of certain individuals and write an article."

Elder Qiu said indignantly.

Elder Qian gave a bitter smile, a casual remark once again stirring this resolutely justice-seeking titan.

"Elder Qiu, let it go! That young man has clearly demonstrated no desire to get involved in past controversies. So many years have passed, there's no need for you to hold on to them. It's better to just watch and see what our Huaxia's younger generation can achieve."

Moreover, Qiao Ze's proof of the conjecture was probably just done as a matter of course. He's now shouldering quite a heavy burden. Not only in the academic field, but he has also volunteered to head the undersea exploration project, which has now entered a crucial phase and is included in the key research projects of the 973 Program."

At this time, let's not add any trouble for the kid. I actually came today to discuss something with you. I am planning to nominate Qiao Ze as a chief scientist for the 973 Program. However, Qiao Ze is quite young, and he is not very sociable by nature. Once proposed, I fear some might take offense."

So, us old folks need to exert our influence to minimize controversy over this matter. Let's settle it within a smaller circle first, to avoid messy issues later which might cause unnecessary gossip. We may not mind these things, but young people are hot-tempered and have sharp ears; there's a fear they might hold a grudge."

Upon hearing this, Elder Qiu sighed and said, "I should have known you didn't come to me without a reason, but I have no objection. Indeed, that's a problem, young people can't stand flaws, and some can't stand to see others succeed, which certainly calls for vigilance. Ah, you're thinking more thoroughly indeed."

"Haha, then I thank Elder Qiu for your understanding. There's no meticulousness to speak of, just hoping to use whatever influence we, the old guard, still possess to clear the path for young people. Having someone like Qiao Ze born in Huaxia is a stroke of national fortune. Missing out on him, I fear there may not be another chance."

"Hold on, you went to Yanbei first, right? You steadied them before coming here? Ah... you've really gone to a lot of effort."

"Haha, don't trouble yourself over these details. I'll repeat what I've always said, let's not carry the old generation's grievances to the next. And now, Xilin has already established its own school; the dean of Xilin University of Technology has already made it clear that the Xilin School aims to become a world mathematical center. After all the competition throughout our lives, isn't it the newcomers who end up prevailing?"

"If you ask me, let's stop the squabbling. In a few years, the Xilin School will take the lead. Squabbling over who comes second—what's the point? When I was at Yanbei, I told them plainly, 'If you have the capability, compete with Xilin for the title of the world's mathematical center. What's the point of internal bickering, right?'"

Elder Qiu remained silent.

Upon reflection, it really seemed pointless.

Although Qiao Ze wouldn't come to Huaqing, neither did he pay any attention to Yanbei.

Moreover, he had heard that Director Zhang of Yanbei had personally invited Qiao Ze before he became famous and had been rebuffed. Reportedly, his phone calls were even straight up blocked by Qiao Ze.

The recent cooperation between Xilin University of Technology and Yanbei had been primarily driven by the presidents of the two schools.

Qiao Ze probably wouldn't care about such matters.

In other words, the things he valued were likely completely off the radar for others.

Indeed, I've gotten old.

When I was young, I too was focused solely on academics.

At this thought, the old man let out a long sigh and said, "Ah, Elder Qian, say no more. You're right, our generation's mission is nearly complete. If we can just pave the way for the young, that would be enough. What comes next is up to them to forge their own path."