187: Chapter 187 Double Invitation

After the banquet following the presentation ended, Chen Youhua returned to Z University and caught up on a lot of sleep.

The next morning, he was awakened by a phone call from Dean Tang.

"Youhua, President Müller of the IMU and President Zhou would like to have a brief chat with you."

Dean Tang's tone was consultative and filled with expectation.

Chen Youhua rubbed his brow, quickly clearing his mind.

He knew this was an unavoidable part of the process.

"Alright, give me ten minutes."

Youlan Court was a tea room used by Z University to receive high-profile visitors. It was built in the Ming and Qing architectural style, situated by the water.

Sandalwood incense curled through the air inside, and an exquisite set of Yixing clay tea set was already prepared.

Calligraphy and paintings themed around 'investigating things to extend knowledge' hung on the walls, creating a quiet and elegant environment.

President Zhou and a spirited Professor Karl Müller, whose silver hair was meticulously combed, were already seated.

Professor Müller's deep blue eyes, carrying the sharpness and curiosity unique to mathematicians, were gently sizing up Chen Youhua as he walked in.

"Youhua, come and sit."

President Zhou stood up warmly to greet him, personally pouring him a cup of golden, translucent Phoenix Dancong tea.

"Good work. Yesterday's report was unparalleled."

"Thank you, President."

Chen Youhua nodded slightly and took the teacup, the water temperature transmitting a perfect warmth through the cup's walls.

Professor Müller smiled and spoke in slightly accented but very clear Chinese.

"Dr. Chen, please allow me to once again extend the highest respect to you on behalf of the IMU.

Your work hasn't just solved a difficult problem; it has opened a new door for the entire mathematical community.

I saw the expressions on those old guys in the hall,"

He winked humorously.

"From doubt to shock, and finally to complete admiration—the brilliance of this presentation is enough to be recorded in history."

Chen Youhua smiled politely.

"You flatter me, Professor Müller. I am merely standing on the shoulders of giants and happened to push open a small crack by chance."

"No, it wasn't chance."

Professor Müller shook his head, leaning forward slightly to show great interest.

"The multi-scale regularization framework and that ingenious energy threshold inequality introduced in your report possess extremely penetrating insights.

I thought about it for a long time last night; it seems it doesn't just apply to the Navier-Stokes Equation..."

"Perhaps it could provide new perspectives on renormalization problems in quantum field theory, or even singularity problems in general relativity?"

Chen Youhua pondered for a moment and responded cautiously.

"Theoretically, that possibility exists. The beauty of mathematical tools lies in their universality."

"The Navier-Stokes Equation has substantial application value and scenarios in various fluid-related problems."

After exchanging a few more deep thoughts on the frontiers of mathematical physics, Professor Müller got to the point, his expression becoming more formal.

"Dr. Chen, based on your outstanding achievements, the IMU hopes to have deeper cooperation with you."

"We sincerely invite you to serve as an advisor for the IMU Hilbert New Century Problems Special Committee. We also hope you will lead the hosting of an International Top Seminar on Mathematics and Ultimate Energy next year, gathering the world's brightest minds to explore the directions you just mentioned."

This was an extremely high honor and platform.

Chen Youhua did not answer immediately.

He picked up his teacup, took a gentle sip, and used the action to think for over ten seconds as the tea's fragrance lingered in his mouth.

Setting down the cup, he looked at Professor Müller and replied.

"Professor Müller, the recognition and invitation from the IMU are my honor, and I am deeply grateful for them."

"The direction of the seminar, in particular, coincides perfectly with my research plans, which proves the alignment of our philosophies."

He shifted his tone, speaking with a well-measured sense of apology and helplessness.

"However, you may not know that I am currently involved in many projects, which consume almost all of my mental energy and time."

"The role of an advisor carries heavy responsibilities. I worry I won't be able to devote the corresponding energy; having the title without the work would be a sign of disrespect to the IMU."

"Could I temporarily serve as a Special Invited Advisor and provide suggestions within the limits of my energy?"

"As for the seminar, I would be very happy to participate in the planning and theme setting, but the specific hosting and coordination work might need to be handled more by the IMU and my colleagues at Z University."

Professor Müller was a smart man and immediately understood the underlying meaning.

A trace of regret flashed across his face, but it was quickly replaced by understanding.

He looked at President Zhou, who returned a helpless 'you understand' expression.

"I understand, Dr. Chen. The call of one's country always comes first."

Professor Müller nodded, his tone remaining warm.

"It's alright, the doors of the IMU are always open to you."

"A Special Invited Advisor is also very good. We look forward to you guiding the global mathematical community whenever possible."

"Regarding the specific matters of the seminar, we will properly coordinate with Z University."

The two chatted for a few more minutes before the IMU President excused himself for other business, and the group saw Professor Müller off.

The atmosphere became harmonious once again.

President Zhou took over the conversation, saying with a face full of smiles:

"Youhua, you see, your achievements have not only won over the world but have also brought supreme glory to our Z University. After careful consideration, the school has a humble request."

Chen Youhua looked at the President: "Please go ahead, President."

"We hope to establish a brand-new Youhua Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematical Sciences in your name."

President Zhou's tone was solemn.

"It won't be a traditional mathematics department; it will be an 'institute within an institute,' an academic special zone."

"We will provide a dedicated building, an initial annual budget of no less than five hundred million, and grant you full authority over talent recruitment, project approval, and fund allocation."

"The school will only be responsible for providing support and guarantees, and will never interfere in any academic affairs within the institute."

"We hope it will become a gold standard for mathematics at Z University and even the entire country, attracting top global talent."

This was an even greater temptation, a platform that almost every scholar dreamed of.

Chen Youhua fell into deep thought again, his fingers unconsciously tracing the warm teacup.

This time, he thought for even longer.

After a long while, he looked up, his gaze sweeping across the expectant faces of President Zhou and Dean Tang, and spoke slowly.

"President, Dean Tang, I am very grateful for the kindness of the school and all the leaders."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a sense of decisiveness.

"But I cannot accept this platform."

The smiles on President Zhou and Dean Tang's faces froze slightly, appearing somewhat stunned.

Chen Youhua continued to explain, his tone sincere.

"I am well aware that my energy is limited."

"Establishing a massive research institute means needing to invest a huge amount of time in management, personnel, and administrative affairs, which contradicts my original intention of focusing on frontier exploration."

"My value does not lie in managing an organization, but in solving the next problem."

He shifted his approach, offering a lighter and more efficient cooperation plan.

"If the school wishes to strengthen cooperation with me, I would prefer a Chief Scientist model."

"I can serve as a Lifetime Honorary Professor or Scientific Advisor to the school."

"On this basis, we can establish joint research groups for specific, major scientific research projects."

"I will be responsible for setting the core research directions and providing key mathematical tools and ideas."

"Z University will be responsible for providing the small number of elite researchers required, graduate student quotas, computational resources, and the administrative support needed for the projects."

"This way,"

Chen Youhua concluded.

"The school's resources can be invested most precisely and efficiently where they are needed most, and I can also be free from all administrative burdens, focusing 100% of my energy on the research itself."

"This is far more meaningful than establishing a massive institution named after me."

After listening, the shock on President Zhou and Dean Tang's faces gradually turned into deep thought, then into a kind of admiration and relief.

They understood that Chen Youhua's perspective had already transcended traditional academic power games.

He didn't need a kingdom; what he needed was a special forces unit that he could mobilize at any time to strike wherever needed.

This model was undoubtedly better suited to unleash the terrifying effectiveness of a strategic mathematician like him.

"Good!"

President Zhou nodded heavily.

"We'll do it as you say! Scientific Advisor, project group system!"

"The school will fully support this new model! Whatever you need, just ask. Z University is your most stable home base!"

The meeting ended.

Chen Youhua walked out of the tea room alone.

He didn't need to wait for a building to be completed, nor did he need to deal with personnel disputes.

From this moment on, he already possessed the infinite possibility of mobilizing resources and starting projects within Z University.