Chapter 303 Famous Throughout the World
As a consul of a country, Bo Guwen was highly respected in Shanghai. He was always a distinguished guest wherever he went, and he had never experienced being thrown aside before he had finished speaking.
But Sweden is now eager to promote the Nobel Prize as soon as possible, and he has heard that many scientists have their own quirks, so even if Zhang Xingjiu leaves him alone, he can only endure it.
He smiled self-deprecatingly, "Professor Zhang is so devoted to science and education. Perhaps this is why he can achieve great success!"
"When Aurora College was still being prepared, Zhou Ping said that no matter what the reason, no one else could interfere with the normal progress of teaching. We agreed with this, so we wrote it into the school rules." Ma Xiangbo responded with a smile, and there was a lot of pride in his words.
The two chatted for a full forty-five minutes, until Bai Guwen was almost out of topics to talk about, before he finally heard the bell for the end of get out of class. The bell sounded like nature to him, and he quickly got up and went to the door to wait for Zhang Xingjiu's arrival.
Fortunately, according to the course schedule, Zhang Xingjiu had no other classes after this class. Bai Guwen then had time to introduce him to the Nobel Prize awarding process in detail and told Zhang Xingjiu to be well prepared.
Zhang Xingjiu thought about it and reluctantly agreed. "Since returning to China, I haven't communicated with European and American scientists for a long time. This is a good opportunity. Moreover, the 250,000 kronor prize is really important. I plan to donate 60% to Aurora University to continue to expand the scale of the school and purchase more advanced equipment to accommodate more students to study and more researchers to do research."
"Of the remaining 40%, 20% is used to support poor students in the school, so that they can study with peace of mind without worrying about their livelihood; the other 20% is used as scholarships to support outstanding students to study abroad."
"Professor Zhang, aren't you going to leave anything for yourself? This is 250,000 kronor! According to the current exchange rate, it is almost equivalent to 270,000 taels of customs silver!" Bai Guwen thought that Zhang Xingjiu didn't know the value of the money, so he hurriedly explained.
"I've been to Sweden and know the value of the krona!" Zhang Xingjiu was not tempted by the huge sum of money. "This money can indeed allow me to live a better life, but Aurora College and these students need this money more."
The other teachers in the reception room were immediately in awe after hearing the translator's retelling of these words. "Principal Ma destroyed his family to run a school, and Zhou Ping has now donated all 270,000 taels of customs silver. Your father-in-law and son-in-law have devoted everything to the cause of education in China. It is really admirable."
Some of them were smart and went out to contact reporters immediately. Zhang Xingjiu saw it but did not stop them. He may not care about his personal reputation, but he would not miss this good opportunity to help the people of the whole country build self-confidence and at the same time help Aurora College expand its reputation.
When Bai Guwen came, he also contacted foreign reporters in Shanghai. Soon, Chinese and foreign reporters gathered at Aurora University. Ma Xiangbo simply cleared out the auditorium and held a press conference.
Bai Guwen came to the stage first and announced the good news that Zhang Xingjiu had won the first Nobel Prize in Physics. He also gave the reporters on the scene a brief introduction to the status of the Nobel Prize, especially emphasizing the huge prize money worth 270,000 taels of customs silver.
"Consul Bai, you mean the prize money is as high as 270,000 taels of customs silver? Did I hear it right?" Many reporters couldn't believe their ears.
"Yes, before the death of the respected Mr. Nobel, he left behind a fortune worth 31 million kronor, which is approximately equivalent to more than 33 million taels of customs silver. Now there is a special agency to manage this wealth. The annual profits will be awarded as prizes to winners in the fields of literature, peace, physics, chemistry, biology and medicine. This time the profits are divided equally among five awards, which is indeed 250,000 kronor. According to the current exchange rate, it is approximately equivalent to 270,000 taels of customs silver." Bo Guwen answered proudly.
"Boom!" The scene suddenly exploded. Both Chinese and foreign reporters looked at Zhang Xingjiu with eyes full of envy and jealousy. How great would it be if such a large sum of money was given to them?
Someone immediately asked how Zhang Xingjiu planned to spend the money. Zhang Xingjiu told everyone the plan he had just made, and the scene fell silent.
The reporters were all incredulous. Wasn't he a fool? This much money was enough to live a life of luxury, so why did he donate it all and not keep a penny for himself? "Pa pa pa pa!" The teachers and students of Aurora College applauded respectfully. They were all very excited. They were happy for their teacher to receive the highest honor in the world and admired his noble sentiments.
After a long while, the reporters finally came to their senses from the huge prize money and began to ask other questions. "Excuse me, Consul Bai, according to what you just said, can I understand that the Nobel Prize in Physics is the most powerful award in the world, and Mr. Zhang's winning of the award proves that he is the most powerful physicist in the world?"
Many reporters looked at Bai Guwen eagerly. They were eager to know the answer, but their attitudes were different. The foreign reporters were quite indignant. They were unwilling to acknowledge Zhang Xingjiu's achievements.
Most of the Chinese journalists were very nervous. Since the dream of becoming the Celestial Empire was shattered in 1840, China had been bullied. They also became less confident and could not believe that a Chinese could become the most powerful physicist in the world.
"As far as I know, there is no award in the world that can compare with the Nobel Prize in terms of influence and prize money. The fact that Professor Zhang won the award has indeed proved that he is one of the best physicists in the world," Bo Guwen said truthfully.
The scene exploded again, many Chinese reporters were so excited that their faces turned red, and some even shed tears. In this era, they needed this kind of inspiring news too much.
After the press conference, the reporters rushed back to the newspaper in rickshaws and immediately began to write articles. Some even spent a lot of money to spread the news across the country by telegram.
Soon, the name Zhang Xingjiu spread throughout the country, and many people knew that China had produced an outstanding scholar who had surpassed many scholars in Europe and the United States and won an international award and a prize of up to 270,000 taels of silver.
Mr. Zhang donated all the money. It is truly admirable to have such a scholar with both virtue and achievements.
Many European and American newspapers also announced the list of Nobel Prize winners of that year. Zhang Xingjiu's reputation began to transcend the academic field and he became a world-famous figure.
Starting today, I will be in the countryside for a few days. I don't have time to write, so I will only update twice. If I stay longer, I will probably have to ask for leave.
(End of this chapter)
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