Did he ever decide whether he wanted to pursue applications or theory? Have you discussed it with Qiao Ze? You're his mentor, so don't let him waste time on sundry things. With his current age, foundation, and IQ, it would be a real waste of talent if he didn't solve a few major problems.
Li Jiangao gave a bitter smile, not sure whether he should tell Zhang Chunlei about Qiao Ze's goals. After hesitating for a moment, he decided to keep it to himself for the time being.
"Don't worry, Professor Zhang, I've indeed talked with Qiao Ze about these matters. His plans and objectives for the future are so clear that I am ashamed of myself. Let's put it this way; if his plans really do come into fruition, unless the entire mathematics community is blind, he won't miss a single major mathematics award."
"That's good to hear. Oh, by the way, Jian Gao, ever thought about changing your environment? You might consider Jiang University. I can't promise too much, but Jiang University can certainly offer you what Xilin can."
"This... Professor Zhang, you know the school treats me quite well."
"Haha, just saying. I know you value loyalty. But if things at Xilin ever become unbearable, make sure I'm the first one you call."
"Good, just relax! I'm hanging up now."
Li Jiangao of course knew that often times, what is said in jest is meant quite seriously.
Just like with Zhang Chunlei right now.
After hanging up the phone, he began to sigh deeply.
Originally, he thought he could take things slowly. Who knew that this master and apprentice would progress so quickly.
Once the Jieqing title is conferred, it's almost impossible to lure someone away...
In the dormitory, Qiao Ze, who should have been at the center of the storm, got up from bed at his usual time.
Preparing to wash up on the balcony, he unexpectedly found that Chen Yiwen had already gotten up.
"Qiao, there's something I want to discuss with you."
"I've thought it over last night and decided to quit the Qunzhi Project Team. After all, I can't be of much help now, since Tan is doing most of the work, and I'm just wasting days in the group. Plus, I really don't want to do mathematical research in the future. Looking back now, aside from being good at solving problems, I've never had a knack for research; I'm just not cut out for it.
And I can't keep my mouth shut; I often speak before I think, so staying in the group could be troublesome if I accidentally let slip something confidential someday."
"Oh, okay." Qiao Ze nodded, understandingly.
He didn't try to persuade Chen Yiwen.
After all, everyone has their own pursuits, and as long as they don't affect his goals, he's not the type to meddle in others' choices under the guise of concern.
"But Qiao, you're still my brother, man. I'm not like those shameless two. Just give me the word, and I'll be there to back you up no matter what!" Chen Yiwen patted his chest earnestly.
Qiao Ze smiled, then mimicking Li Jiangao's gesture, he lifted his hand and softly patted Chen Yiwen's shoulder, then turned and walked into the washroom. The sound of the water that followed couldn't bring Chen Yiwen back from musing over Qiao Ze's gesture.
What did that pat on the shoulder mean?
It must be encouragement, right?
Encouragement to pursue and plan his life according to his own thoughts?
Chen Yiwen scratched his head, thinking: That must be the message, right?
"Huh? Chen Yiwen didn't come today? He's not going to the study room?" In the morning, when Qiao Ze met Su Mucheng, the class monitor—who still chose to skip class and self-study in the new term—asked with curiosity.
"He quit the group, went to class," Qiao Ze replied.
"Oh?" Su Mucheng was evidently more surprised than Qiao Ze.
After contemplating, Qiao Ze summarized: "He felt he wasn't suited for research."
Su Mucheng nodded, suddenly understanding, and said, "Huh, who would have thought? Chen Yiwen is actually so self-aware. But I hope he doesn't turn into one of those 'sixty out of a hundred is enough' guys afterward."
"Does it make a difference?" asked Qiao Ze.
Thinking over it, Su Mucheng shook her head and said, "Probably doesn't make much of one. Anyway, he's unlikely to rely on mathematics to make a living in the future. Otherwise, he surely wouldn't have chosen to leave the group."
He could even empathize with Chen Yiwen.
If one is destined not to uncover the truths of this world, it might be better just to live happily.
Extending the timeline a bit, one can see that if humanity cannot escape the bonds of its planet, the visible end result of its civilization is extinction.
There's not even a need for internal conflict and warfare.
In the cosmic scale, even a slight change in the Earth's orbit would be catastrophic for the fragile human body and meticulous electronic devices.
Even more interesting is that, with just a small change in gravity, everything set up based on Earth's current gravitational parameters would need recalibration, such as precision guidance...
Thus, this era is a very awkward one for human civilization.
Some foundational theories have been established, but there are still many mysteries and conjectures.
This allows some people to see potential risks, yet they do not know how to solve or avoid them.
"Enough about Chen Yiwen. I forgot to ask yesterday; why is the school treating you to dinner tonight?"
"They said someone from Apple is coming."
"Oh, that's not interesting."
"Yeah, the new term has started, and I've prepared new courses for you."
"Er... right, Qiao Ze, I saw a piece of news yesterday. It said scientists have proven that antimatter is affected by gravity, too. What does that mean?"
Qiao Ze thought for a moment and replied: "It means that one of the theoretical bases for the superluminal warp engine has been refuted, leaving few alternatives."