Chapter 397: Fields Medal Invitation

The Fields Medal in Mathematics is one of the most influential mathematics awards in the world.

The award ceremony is held at the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) of the International Mathematical Union (IMU), and each award is given to two to four young mathematicians who have made outstanding contributions. The winners must be young mathematicians under the age of 40.

Zhang Yuan won the Fields Medal in Mathematics at the age of 34.

And Su Yi is only twenty years old this year!

She suspected that there might be a mistake, but the person who called her was President Xiao, the president of the Chinese Mathematical Association.

"President Xiao, is there really no mistake in the list of nominated personnel?" Su Yi couldn't help but ask more.

President Xiao smiled and said, "I understand how you feel right now. It's just that the list was sent directly by IMU, and your name is definitely on it. Besides you, there are only two other mathematics professors, and neither of them has the last name Gu."

"But am I too young?"

"You are twenty years old this year, right?" President Xiao asked.

Su Yi: "Hmm".

"He's very young!" President Xiao also sighed. He won the Fields Medal at the age of 20. He is also the youngest young mathematician since the establishment of the Fields Medal.

Although there are only 2-4 places available, Su Yi has been nominated anyway. This is her strength and has brought great honor to the Chinese mathematics community!

"Are you still at Princeton University?" President Xiao asked.

"I have returned to China and received your call just after I got off the plane."

President Xiao laughed. "It seems my call was very timely. Don't worry, Xiao Gu. The fact that I'm calling you proves that your name is indeed on the list, and based on your current achievements, you're qualified to compete for the Fields Medal in Mathematics."

Even after hanging up the phone, Su Yi still felt that it was a little unreal.

Shen Yanting looked at her: "What's wrong?"

Su Yi told the story again.

Shen Yanting raised his eyebrows: "Isn't this a good thing?"

"Of course it's a good thing, but I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to convince others at my age. If I really win the award..." Su paused, "Forget it, what am I thinking about? There are many mathematicians who are better than me. I guess it's just a formality."

It was rare for Shen Yanting to see his wife looking so unconfident.

She hadn't seen the old man for a long time, so after Shen Yanting picked her up, he came to the old house.

When they came back, the old man was playing chess with Shen Yanxiu in the yard.

Seeing his grandson and his wife come back, the old man calmly stood up and shuffled the chess pieces on the board, then stood up and said happily: "Yi Yi is back!"

Shen Yanxiu was very calm. After all, this was not the first or second time that his grandfather had cheated when playing chess with him.

"Grandpa!" Su Yi shouted happily, then looked at Shen Yanxiu, "Brother."

Shen Yanxiu nodded: "Let's go in and talk."

Su Yi helped the old man walk in, although the old man didn't seem to need help.

Chuuji, upon hearing the noise, rushed from the kitchen, purring excitedly at Suichi, his tail spinning wildly like a propeller.

Su Yi rubbed the big dog's head again. The dog smelled good, probably because it had just taken a bath.

Although Su Yi rarely takes care of the dog, this dog is the closest to Su Yi on weekdays. As long as she is at home, it will follow her around, unless someone calls it to play ball or something. It is quite loyal to its owner.

Aunt Xiu cooked a portion of wontons for Su Yi. After eating, Su Yi went upstairs to take a shower and change clothes, and then went downstairs to chat with the old man.

We talked about some of the experiences and interesting things we had during the past three months at Princeton University.

After dinner, the old man took a walk in a small park not far from his home. The people living nearby were all old men and women who had extraordinary status when they were young. The old man brought his granddaughter-in-law, whom he was proud of, to show off in front of these old friends.

At this age, money and power have become irrelevant. The childish competitions of daily life seem to have become a form of entertainment for these old men and women, such as who wins at chess, or what achievements the younger generation in the family has made...

Many old men and women had already been familiar with Old Man Shen’s granddaughter-in-law, but they hadn’t seen her for a long time. However, today she appeared again, walking with him.

"Old man Shen, has your granddaughter-in-law returned from abroad?" someone asked with a smile.

They greeted each one politely and called out to each one.

"What did Xiao Gu do abroad for so long?"

"I went to Country M for further studies." Su Yi said with a smile, "I just came back today."

"You're already an associate professor, and you still need to study?"

"Learning never ends. I still have a lot to learn and I dare not slack off."

…

Su Yi answered almost all the questions from this group of enthusiastic old men and women. Occasionally, some of them asked their younger generations to cooperate with her, and Su Yi directly pushed the matter to Shen Yanting.

Just then, Su Yi's cell phone rang.

She took out her cell phone and looked at the number without any notes. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and then she answered the call.

"Hello, Director Yang."

"Xiao Gu, where are you now?" Director Yang asked.

"I just returned home today and am at Grandpa's house."

"I'm calling at a bad time. I'm sorry to bother you with your rest." Director Yang said with a smile, "Look, the bureau needs your help with something. Are you free now? Or tomorrow would be fine."