"It feels... like he's become different from before."
In the audience, Schultz looked at Xiao Yi onstage and could not help saying it.
Faltings, beside him, smiled and asked, "How is he different?"
"Hmm... It just feels like everything about him is different," Schultz said.
Faltings smiled, turned back toward Xiao Yi onstage, and said, "To put it broadly, he has gained the bearing of a true master."
Schultz froze. "The bearing of a master?"
Faltings nodded. "His reports never used to begin with that sort of casual chat. He would usually get straight to the point. But now, facing so many listeners, he is in the mood to make small talk. That shows that when facing us, he has truly achieved calmness. It is as though we are all here to hear him impart the truth—though that is indeed the case."
"Is that so?" Schultz nodded thoughtfully. "After all, he even proved the mass gap problem. Of course he counts as a master."
"Not necessarily." Faltings shook his head. "Do you think you count as a master?"
"Me?" Schultz blanked out, then repeatedly waved his hands in denial. "How could I count as a master..."
"At least you have some self-awareness." Faltings smiled.
Schultz's expression immediately turned awkward.
"To be called a master, it is not enough to reach a master's level in achievements. Throughout the history of mathematics, only a few people have managed that. In recent years, probably only Grothendieck, Serre, and a handful of others."
Faltings said, "More importantly, your state of mind must change. At the very least, you must acknowledge your own abilities in your heart before you can truly be considered a master."
"You still need to work hard." Faltings patted Schultz on the shoulder. "Of course, I still think highly of you.