124: Chapter 124 Interview

2:00 PM the next day, in the reading room on the top floor of Z University's library.

Heavy wooden bookshelves exuded a faint scent of old books, and sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting dappled light and shadows across the tranquil space.

It was clear that the area had been carefully cleared, and apart from the necessary film crew members, there was no one else present.

The CCTV News team was already poised and ready.

Several professional cameras were aimed at the central area from different angles.

A simple yet solemn interview area had been set up there.

Two comfortable leather armchairs were placed facing each other, with a small, sleek solid wood coffee table in between.

The background consisted of dark wooden bookshelves, neatly lined with yellowing ancient texts and heavy hardcover books, creating a rich academic atmosphere.

Su Qing, the lead female reporter for CCTV News, known for her intellect, professionalism, and approachability, was making final preparations with the camera and lighting crew.

She wore a well-tailored light gray suit skirt, her makeup exquisite yet understated.

Footsteps sounded, and Chen Youhua appeared at the entrance of the reading room right on time.

He was still dressed in his simple, casual attire, which seemed somewhat out of place amidst the precision equipment and solemn atmosphere.

"Professor Chen! Hello, hello! Thank you for sparing your valuable time!"

Su Qing immediately went up to greet him, her smile sincere and warm, as she took the initiative to extend her hand.

"I am Su Qing, a reporter for CCTV News. I have long admired your reputation, and it is our honor to be able to interview you today!"

"Reporter Su, hello." Chen Youhua shook her hand lightly, his tone calm.

"Professor Chen, please take a seat over here."

Su Qing guided Chen Youhua to sit on the sofa, while she sat opposite him.

A staff member quickly stepped forward to attach a small, exquisite lapel microphone to Chen Youhua.

"Professor Chen, just relax; it will be just like us chatting normally."

Su Qing's voice was gentle, carrying a reassuring tone.

"Before we officially record, let's briefly go over the flow.

Later, I will first ask a few questions about the Navier-Stokes Equation, then we'll chat about your research experience, and finally, some thoughts on the development of the discipline and young students.

You can just express yourself truthfully, following your own train of thought.

If there are any questions you need me to repeat, or if you feel anything needs adjustment, just let me know at any time; it's perfectly fine."

She pointed to a somewhat inconspicuous teleprompter screen on the side.

"There is a teleprompter over there, but it only displays the outline of the questions I've prepared to help you understand the direction of the topics. You are free to answer as you wish; you don't need to look at it."

She also gestured toward the lighting.

"The lights might be a bit bright; if you feel they are glaring, you can also tell us to adjust them."

Chen Youhua nodded, his gaze sweeping over the teleprompter, then looking at the camera pointed at him, his face showing no particular expression.

"Mm, understood. Let's begin."

He adjusted his sitting posture, appearing very relaxed, yet that sense of focus naturally emanated from him.

Su Qing took a deep breath and gave the cameraman an 'OK' gesture.

The red recording lights on several cameras lit up simultaneously, and the bright lights focused on the two of them.

...

8:00 PM, 'Xinwen Lianbo'.

The familiar opening music played, solemn and dignified.

Countless families across the country focused their gaze on their television screens.

The male anchor's steady voice rang out.

"Good evening, viewers. Today is X month, X day, the XX day of the lunar calendar. Welcome to the News Broadcast program."

The news was being reported in an orderly fashion, covering major national events, important policies, and livelihood updates.

About fifteen minutes into the program.

"...Next, we will broadcast an exclusive interview by our reporter, Su Qing, with the renowned mathematician, Professor Chen Youhua."

After the anchor's steady voice, the screen cut away.

Su Qing was smiling, her tone solemn yet filled with admiration.

"Professor Chen, first of all, congratulations! Your proof regarding the existence and smoothness of the Navier-Stokes Equation has currently sparked unprecedented attention and heated discussion in the global mathematical community.

This Millennium Prize Problem, which has perplexed the world's top minds for a century, has now been conquered by you.

However, we also understand that the international academic community is currently in a stage of rigorous verification, and there is no final conclusion yet.

May I ask, how confident are you personally in solving this problem? How do you view this process?"

Chen Youhua faced the camera, his demeanor calm, his gaze focused.

"Thank you."

He paused briefly.

"The Navier-Stokes Equation describes the fluid motion that is ubiquitous around us.

From the rushing of rivers to the circulation of blood in blood vessels, from airplanes soaring to changes in weather.

It was born in the 19th century and is a key bridge connecting the physical world with mathematical description.

Proving the existence, uniqueness, and smoothness of its solutions is the ultimate interrogation of its internal logical completeness in mathematics."

His speaking pace was even, his logic clear.

"Regarding confidence... every step of my derivation in the entire proof process is built upon a solid mathematical foundation.

And in order to solve the core difficulties, I introduced some new tools and perspectives.

From the perspective of mathematical logic itself, I believe this proof path is valid."

"Of course,"

He changed his tone, appearing very rational and objective.

"The special meeting organized by the International Mathematical Union, as well as the subsequent global peer review process that may last up to a year or even longer, is very necessary and rigorous.

This process is a respect for science itself, and also a responsibility to the truth.

I understand and welcome this rigor."

Su Qing nodded to show her understanding and transitioned naturally.

"You put that very well; science requires rigorous verification.

Professor Chen, we have noted that not only have you achieved such astonishing accomplishments in the field of mathematics, but you are also the person in charge of the prosthetic limb project, and you have long had pioneering contributions in the field of information engineering.

Could you please share your research journey? What was the opportunity that led you to embark on this path of interdisciplinary exploration?"

Chen Youhua's expression was slightly reminiscent, his tone peaceful.

"My experience... is actually quite dramatic.

I was actually quite interested in biology in high school, so I chose biology as my major in university.

During my undergraduate studies, I joined Professor Zhang Zhenhua's national-level project, and after gaining the recognition of my seniors, I started my own small research project.

When solving some information optimization problems, I tried some mathematical methods, which resulted in some rather unexpected gains, which I later organized into a paper and published.

After graduation, based on my interests and some practical needs, I established a laboratory and began exploring the possibilities of fusing biological neural signals with mechanical control, which is the current prosthetic limb project."

He paused, as if explaining something very natural:

"As for the Navier-Stokes Equation... that was more like re-examining this classic problem during the gaps in my prosthetic limb project research, or rather, while thinking about the possible effects of fluid mechanics on micro-biological fluids.

Mathematical tools are interconnected, and in the process of solving engineering problems, they sometimes feed back into your understanding of basic theories.

The whole process... was more like a natural exploration, not something done deliberately."

Su Qing's eyes held admiration.

"From biology to information engineering and then to the pinnacle of pure mathematics, your interdisciplinary reach and integration are amazing!

Professor Chen, finally, as a scientist who has achieved outstanding success in multiple fields, do you have any advice or expectations for the vast number of young students, especially those aspiring to devote themselves to scientific research?"

Chen Youhua looked gently into the camera, as if looking directly at every viewer.

"I wouldn't call it advice, but let me share a bit of personal experience."

"Maintain curiosity, break boundaries, enjoy the process, and solidify your foundations."

"Scientific exploration is one of the most magnificent adventures of humanity.

I hope you can find the direction you truly love, keep your feet on the ground, and move forward bravely.

Our journey is to the stars and the sea, but every step must be taken on solid ground."

Su Qing was deeply moved, her tone full of respect.

"Thank you, Professor Chen!

You have not only scaled the heights of science with your wisdom, but you have also used your experiences and thoughts to light the beacon for those who come after!

Thank you for accepting this exclusive interview with CCTV News!"

The screen froze on Chen Youhua's calm and profound face, with the vast sea of books symbolizing the accumulation of human knowledge in the background.

The exclusive interview concluded.