A genius? I just love studying.

Chapter 189 The First Mathematics Grand Prize

The spacious venue was packed with people.
The closing ceremony of the European Congress of Mathematicians was held in the central hall of the CEU conference center, bringing together more than 700 mathematicians from all over the world. Most of them had arrived at the beginning, while a small number came after hearing about Yang-Mills' proof.

Bourguignon, beaming with pride at the sight, thought that if things continued this way, the European Congress of Mathematicians might soon be able to rival the International Congress of Mathematicians!

Looking at the three young people who had just entered the hall, Bourguignon seemed to see the future of mathematics.

At seven o'clock sharp,
Bourguignon walked onto the makeshift stage in the center of the hall on time, picked up the microphone, and with a beaming smile, read from his cue cards, "Thank you again for attending this European Mathematical Congress, and thank you to Christie's, Barbary, and other companies for their sponsorship."

After finally reading out the sponsors' names, Bourguignon put away his cue cards, looked around, and seeing everyone's eager expressions, said with a smile, "I'm sure you've all been waiting impatiently, haven't you?"

"Next up is the awards ceremony for the grand prizes of this conference!"

He picked up his flashcards again, glancing at them while looking at the mathematicians around him, creating suspense. Every time he looked at a mathematician, that person's heart would race with excitement, yet they dared not show too much emotion.

However, before he could compose himself, Bourguignon had already turned his gaze to the next person.

A simple glance was enough to stir the emotions of all the mathematicians in the room.

Like the International Congress of Mathematicians, the European Mathematical Congress is held every four years, but the two events are held at different times, with a two-year interval between them.

Although the ECM is not as prestigious as the International Congress of Mathematicians, it is still a major gathering for mathematicians, second only to the International Congress of Mathematicians. Naturally, just like the International Congress of Mathematicians awards the Fields Medal, awards will be presented at this grand event.

The Fields Medal is awarded 2-4 times a year, while the ECM Prize has 10. In all aspects, the prestige is far less than that of the Fields Medal, but it is still a field that countless mathematicians cannot reach, and the mathematicians present were inevitably captivated.

Bourguignon seemed aware that his behavior had been somewhat offensive. He didn't glance at the cards for long before picking them up again and reading in an elegant British accent, "The winner of the EMS Prize at this European Mathematical Congress is..."

"Chen Hui from Huaxia Jiangcheng University!"

A burst of enthusiastic applause erupted in the hall.

As Chen Hui followed Schulz and Touquet closer, he suddenly realized why the two had insisted on bringing him over, and why Bourguignon had winked at him a few days ago. With his intelligence, he immediately understood everything.

Even so, he was still excited. The surprise came too suddenly, and he was not prepared, because the EMS Prize is the most prestigious award of the European Mathematical Congress, which mainly rewards outstanding young mathematicians under the age of 35 working in Europe.

Chen Hui has never worked in Europe and has no experience working in Europe, so he never thought he would receive this award.

This was also the first time he had received recognition from international peers as a mathematician and won an international mathematics award. When Bourguignon announced his name, Chen Hui was also filled with excitement.

"Go!"

Tao Zhexuan patted Chen Hui on the shoulder, his gaze fixed on the stage in the center of the hall. "This is your glory!"

Chen Hui finally relaxed, smiled, and walked towards the center stage.

"Congratulations!"

"Your talent and hard work deserve this medal!"

"I hope you can continue to surpass yourself and achieve even greater success in the future!"

Bourguignon personally accepted the medal from the staff and, beaming with pride, placed it around Chen Hui's neck.

The EMS Award, like the Fields Medal and the Abel Prize, is not a trophy, but a medal.

The obverse of the medal features the portrait of the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes, surrounded by the Latin inscription "TRANSIRE SUUM PECTUS MUNDOQUE POTIRI," meaning "transcending his mind and mastering the world." The reverse of the medal is inscribed "CONGREGATI EX TOTO ORBE MATHEMATICI OB SCRIPTA INSIGNIA TRIBUERE," meaning "awarded to mathematicians from around the world for their outstanding works."

Looking at the medal, Chen Hui suddenly realized why the data panel had calculated his score before he won the award. If he had this medal, his score should have increased, and he should have gained an extra free attribute point.

[Congratulations, host! You have won an international mathematician's prize. Free attribute points +1]

Almost simultaneously, a comment flashed across the screen.

Chen Hui stopped worrying and a look of joy appeared on his face.

It turns out that winning awards can also grant you free attribute points!

"Say something!"

Bourguignon said with a smile that he had gone through the same thing back then, so he understood Chen Hui's feelings at this moment.

Of course, he wasn't this young when he received his first medal, Bourguignon sighed with emotion.

"I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the European Mathematical Society Award. This is not only a recognition of my personal work, but also a tribute to the spirit of mathematical exploration. I would like to thank my teachers Yuan Xinyi, my mentor Academician Tian Yang, and Professor Qiu Chengwu for their careful guidance. I would also like to thank Schultz and Tao for the inspiration they gave me. Without them, I would not have been able to complete the proof of the existence of the Yang-Mills equation so quickly. I would also like to thank Professor Talagran and Professor Arancone for their help..."

Chen Hui snapped out of his daze, took the medal, and as the waves in his heart began to subside, he spoke loudly.

Transmitted through the microphone and then amplified by the speakers, this tender voice echoed throughout the hall, leaving the first mark of the Chinese people at the European Mathematical Congress and resonating with the clear voice of the Chinese people!
"The beauty of mathematics lies in its purity and profundity, and this honor will inspire me to continue pursuing the unknown truth. May we work together for a bright future for mathematics!"

As he spoke, Chen Hui raised the medal, bowed slightly to Bourguignon, and then walked off the stage. He could foresee the effort Bourguignon had put in to award him the medal, since no Chinese mathematician had ever received this award before!
Continuous applause rang out again in the hall. Chen Hui truly deserved the medal.

"congratulations!"

Oliver was standing on the road Chen Hui would inevitably take on his way back, and he congratulated Chen Hui.

Her golden hair was fluffy like that of a vigorous lion, and she wore a bright smile, making her look completely different from before.

"Thank you."

Chen Hui was somewhat surprised, but did not engage in much conversation with him.

As Chen Hui walked along, he was greeted by a constant stream of unfamiliar mathematicians who then made way for him like a receding tide. Chen Hui responded to each of them and eventually blended into the crowd like a drop of water.

In the corner, Bryant sat in a chair with his hair disheveled, holding a glass of liquor that wasn't champagne for celebration, but rather a fiery spirit.

Before coming, he believed that the award belonged to him. He had worked in Europe and was qualified to receive the award. If his credentials were valid, the award would undoubtedly belong to him.

Unfortunately, everything seemed to be wrong.

After downing the entire glass of strong liquor in one gulp, Bryant suddenly spotted the pot-bellied Chinese man not far away.

Franklin Lee!
Bryant's eyes were practically blazing with fire.

Everything was fine until this guy interfered. He wanted to tear him apart. Fortunately, even though he was slightly drunk, Bryant managed to maintain his last shred of rationality; otherwise, the two of them would probably be on tomorrow's headlines.

Franklin Lee was also somewhat bewildered.

Why is it that things are completely different from what he expected?
That kid not only didn't plagiarize, but he also proved the existence of the Yang-Mills equation?
How could such students be produced in China?

No, it must be that this little guy is a genius on his own, and it has nothing to do with the education system in China!
Franklin Lee was trying to convince himself, but suddenly he felt a burning gaze. Following the heat, he saw Bryant with bloodshot eyes.

Franklin felt a chill run down his spine and took two steps back as if he had seen a ghost. He didn't even dare to wait for the meeting to end and quietly slipped out of the hall.

The awards ceremony is still ongoing. In addition to Chen Hui, Yuan Xinyi also received the EMS Award. Awarding them for their achievements is not only an honor for them, but also for the European Mathematical Society!
In addition, several other mathematicians from Europe also won the award.

Each European Mathematical Congress awards this prize to a maximum of 10 outstanding young mathematicians. This year was undoubtedly a big year, with 10 medals not even enough, as several equally excellent mathematicians did not receive the medal.

In addition to the EMS Prize, this conference will also present other awards, such as the Felix Klein Prize in applied mathematics and the Otto Neugebauer Prize in the history of mathematics.

After the awards ceremony, the mathematicians celebrated in the hall.

This was the first time Chen Hui had ever seen such a large party, but he didn't stay there for long. The award winners and big shots like Faltings were having a smaller party at the Palace Hotel in New York.

"Hui, are you interested in pursuing a PhD at Princeton?"

Edward Witten, holding a wine glass, gracefully approached Chen Hui. "Believe me, you need the stage of Princeton, and Princeton welcomes your wisdom!"

"Pursue a PhD?"

Fefferman walked over, shaking his head with a smile, "Who do you think could be his teacher at Princeton?"

"Would you be interested in becoming a professor at Princeton?"

Fefferman extended an invitation to Chen Hui, saying, "We are all very interested in your canonical topology weaving technique."

As a Feynman Prize winner and the head of the mathematics department at Princeton, Feynman was a rare gentleman and easy-going person, which made Chen Hui, who was used to geniuses like the arrogant Faltings, feel a little uncomfortable.

Generally speaking, even the most talented people start as lecturers when they get a teaching position at Princeton.

The fact that Fefferman directly offered Chen Hui a professorship demonstrates the importance he placed on him.

Edward Witten clearly agreed with Fefferman's statement, nodding silently in agreement.

To be honest, Chen Hui was somewhat tempted.

Princeton is undoubtedly the center of the international mathematics community, home to countless brilliant minds at the Institute for Advanced Study. Going there might better inspire your creativity.

Although he can slowly increase his proficiency, there is a big difference between slowly increasing proficiency by studying papers in isolation and having a sudden inspiration that causes his proficiency to skyrocket.

However, he is not ready to go abroad yet. His uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters are not settled yet, and he has not yet obtained his bachelor's degree from Jiangcheng University. It does not seem to be the best time for him to go abroad.

Thank you for your invitation!

"I also long for Princeton, but I probably have some personal matters to attend to in the short term."

Chen Hui had no choice but to decline Fefferman's invitation.

"No problem, Princeton welcomes you anytime!"

Fefferman said with a smile.

The three then discussed some cutting-edge mathematical research, with the two asking Chen Hui some questions about details of canonical topology weaving.

Chen Hui didn't return to his room until 11:30.

Sitting at my desk, I brought up the data panel.

[Host: Chen Hui
Insight Level 6: (6.1/7)

Judgment Level 2: (2.8/3)

Creativity Level 5: (5.5/6)

Memory Level 3: (3.6/4)

"Give me some creativity!"

Without hesitation, perhaps due to improved judgment, Chen Hui's future path has become increasingly clear.

This European Congress of Mathematicians was incredibly fruitful. Not only did it prove the existence of the Yang-Mills equation, but it also completely resolved the previous plagiarism controversy. Most importantly, it obtained a total of three free property points!

The improvement in basic mathematics was of great help to Chen Hui. Even though the improvement in attribute points was a natural result of accumulated experience, the fact that he gained 3 free attribute points in a short period of time still made Chen Hui feel like he had been reborn and could feel that he was obviously different.

Pulling his thoughts back, Chen Hui looked at the draft on the table, and his ideas began to become clearer. He picked up a pen and quickly wrote on the draft paper, continuing his deduction.

While it doesn't directly prove the Yang-Mills mass gap, it brings the deduction a step closer, and some of the minor issues that had previously troubled him have become traceable.

The next day, most of the mathematicians packed their bags and left the Palace Hotel in New York.
"Hey Hui, come visit the University of California sometime!"

Terence Tao waved goodbye to Chen Hui.

Schultz also mentioned his computer-aided proof project again, saying, "I have high hopes for your condensed matter physics paper. Believe me, materials science is the future of the 21st century. If you have any new inspirations, feel free to email me anytime."

After saying goodbye to their friends, Chen Hui and Tian Yang headed to Lister Airport. Tian Yang and Qiu Chengwu did not come with Chen Hui and Tian Yang, but it was on their way back. Chen Hui and Tian Yang needed to take a flight to Beijing first, and then transfer there.

However, after landing in Beijing, Chen Hui did not go directly back to Jiangcheng University. Yanbei University had invited him a few days earlier to give a report on the existence proof of the Yang-Mills equation. It was a report proposed by Professor Yang Zhenning, which made it difficult for Chen Hui to refuse.

However, he did not go to Jiangcheng University immediately, but instead transferred to Luzhou.

The day before his return trip, he received a special invitation and decided to visit Luzhou first!

(End of this chapter)