123: Chapter 123 Meetings and Interviews

Chen Youhua gave Dean Tang a heads-up in advance and then walked toward the office building.

The small conference room on the top floor of the Z University office building.

The aroma of high-grade tea leaves permeated the air, yet it could not suppress the invisible sense of anxiety and excitement.

Dean Tang Mingyuan put down his slightly warm phone, having just finished a call, wiped away the non-existent sweat on his forehead, and gave a bitter smile to the room full of people.

"The International Mathematical Union has already extended the invitation. Professor Chen insists on holding the conference here, and they said they would fully cooperate."

Seven or eight people were sitting in the conference room. Besides Tang Mingyuan, there was Vice President Zhou Limin, who was in charge of scientific research; Zhang Tao, Director of the School Office; Liu Yun, Minister of Publicity; Li Jianguo, Director of the International Exchange Office; and two school leaders responsible for security coordination for major events.

Everyone's face bore a complex expression of being under immense pressure while also feeling a sense of shared glory.

"Holding it right here?"

Vice President Zhou Limin's voice rose in pitch.

"Old Tang, this isn't just some academic seminar.

This is a special conference to verify a Millennium Prize Problem. The eyes of the global mathematics community are watching. Those coming are international mathematicians like Wells, Terence Tao, and others!

And the IMU's core review panel! Venue, equipment, security, reception, simultaneous interpretation... which of these is a small matter? Does our school... have experience with this?"

He looked around, his eyes full of concern.

"Vice President Zhou, even if we don't have experience, we must have it!"

Tang Mingyuan spoke decisively.

"This is Chen Youhua's decision, and it is the glory of Z University! More importantly, it is a significant demonstration of our country's voice in the field of basic science!

No matter how difficult it is, we must hold it! And we must do it beautifully! We must show Z University's standards and our spirit!"

Zhang Tao, Director of the School Office, immediately chimed in.

"The venue is easy enough. The largest lecture hall in the newly completed International Convention Center has world-class facilities and can accommodate 5,000 people without a problem.

Regarding equipment, high-precision projection, multi-language simultaneous interpretation booths, and a global live broadcast system are all ready; they just need some testing and upgrading. The key is the timing!"

He looked at everyone.

"The IMU wants it as soon as possible, but preparing for a conference of this caliber usually takes several months.

As for Professor Chen... we need to finalize a time window with him as soon as possible that he can accept and that we have time to prepare for."

"Security is the top priority!"

The school leader in charge of security spoke in a deep voice, his expression serious.

"Background checks for attendees, prevention and control of the venue and surrounding areas, a 24-hour security plan for Professor Chen himself, and information confidentiality.

This requires strong support from the provincial department or even the ministry. We must report to higher authorities now to coordinate resources!"

Li Jianguo from the International Exchange Office adjusted his glasses.

"Invitation letters for attendees, visa assistance, reception standards, accommodation arrangements... these are all meticulous tasks.

Especially those top figures; they each have their own habits and requirements.

Then there's simultaneous interpretation. For simultaneous interpretation of mathematical terminology, there are only a few top people in the country; we must lock in their schedules in advance."

Liu Yun, the Minister of Publicity, appeared somewhat excited.

"This is a perfect opportunity to promote Z University and our country's strength in basic scientific research! A global live broadcast!

We must produce a promotional video of the highest quality to tell Z University's story well and tell Professor Chen's story well!

Also, the invitation and management of domestic and foreign media must have their messaging and procedures planned in advance!"

Just then, there was a light knock on the conference room door.

Chen Youhua pushed the door open and entered. He was dressed in simple casual wear, forming a sharp contrast with the others in the room who were dressed in suits and ties amidst a heavy atmosphere.

"Youhua is here!"

Tang Mingyuan immediately stood up, his face covered in smiles, though carrying a hint of imperceptible nervousness.

"Sit, sit! We were just discussing your special conference."

Chen Youhua nodded and sat down casually in an empty chair, his calm gaze sweeping over everyone.

"Yes, sorry to trouble you all."

Vice President Zhou Limin cleared his throat, trying to make his tone sound gentle yet solemn.

"Professor Chen, we are incredibly honored that the conference will be held at Z University! This is a once-in-a-century event for us!

Rest assured, the school will mobilize all its resources to ensure the conference is a complete success! The main issue now is the timing. The IMU is in a hurry, but we need time to prepare.

What do you think... three months from now, which would be early next March? Would that time be convenient for you? The flowers will be in bloom, and the weather will be nice."

Chen Youhua thought for a moment and nodded.

"That works; I have no problem with the timing. You can arrange it; I won't interfere with the specific details."

Hearing this, everyone secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

With a clear time frame, the subsequent work had an anchor.

Tang Mingyuan said hurriedly,

"Good! Good! Then we'll tentatively set it for early March! We'll confirm the specific dates with the IMU as soon as possible.

Youhua, you just need to prepare the report content. Leave all the other miscellaneous matters to us!"

...

Just as the meeting adjourned and before Chen Youhua could leave the administration building, Liu Yun, the Minister of Publicity, hurried after him, followed by a middle-aged lady who looked capable and was dressed in a proper suit.

"Professor Chen! Please wait!"

Liu Yun walked quickly, an enthusiastic smile on her face.

"Let me introduce you. This is Comrade Lin Lan, the deputy director of the Science and Education Department of Yangshi News."

Lin Lan smiled and took the initiative to reach out, her smile warm and infectious.

"Hello, Professor Chen! Your reputation precedes you! Forgive me for the intrusion."

Chen Youhua shook hands with her.

"Hello, Director Lin."

"It's like this,"

Lin Lan got straight to the point, her tone sincere and solemn.

"Your feat in solving the Navier-Stokes Equation has not only shocked the international mathematics community but is also a major breakthrough in our country's basic science research! It is of extraordinary significance!

Yangshi News hopes to conduct an in-depth personal interview with you to show the people of the whole country and the world the demeanor of an outstanding scientist like yourself, as well as your mental journey in climbing the peaks of science.

I wonder if it would be convenient for you anytime soon?"

Chen Youhua looked at Lin Lan, then at Liu Yun, who was full of expectation.

He didn't have any particularly urgent experimental milestones recently; Li Wei and the others were keeping an eye on the monkey training, and organizing the report materials for the N-S equation would take some time.

"Sure."

He nodded simply.

"You decide on the time; just let me know the location in advance."

A flash of surprise crossed Lin Lan's eyes. She hadn't expected this legendary figure to be so easy to talk to.

She immediately said,

"That's wonderful! Thank you for your support, Professor Chen! How about tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock? We can find a quiet conference room here at the school, or any place you find convenient. We'll bring the equipment and try not to take up too much of your time."

"Okay, let's make it tomorrow afternoon at two. The location..."

Chen Youhua thought for a moment.

"The ancient books reading room on the top floor of the library. There are usually few people there, and it's quiet."

"No problem! That's perfect!"

Lin Lan and Liu Yun looked at each other and smiled, both seeing the excitement in each other's eyes.

Being able to get the first interview with this mathematician who had just shaken the world was of great significance.

"Then we won't disturb you any further! Tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock, in the library's ancient books reading room, we'll be there on time!"

Lin Lan shook hands with Chen Youhua again and left with the joy of having accomplished her mission.

Chen Youhua watched their departing figures without any particular expression and turned toward his laboratory.

To him, solving difficult problems was an interest, publishing results was a responsibility, and accepting interviews... probably counted as part of his voluntary work?

Regardless, it wouldn't affect him going back to watch the monkey use the robotic arm to eat an apple.