A Perfect Ending

The weather grew hotter and hotter.

Ou Ye's belly grew bigger and bigger.

The day the Shen family's second baby would arrive drew closer and closer.

More and more people who cared about Ou Ye checked in on her.

The International Congress of Mathematicians, held once every four years, would take place in Tokyo in late July and early August.

The previous year, when Ou Ye had just become pregnant—in other words, just after she had completed her proof of the BSD Conjecture—the IMU had invited her to give a one-hour plenary lecture at this year's International Congress of Mathematicians.

The IMU president called Ou Ye. "Professor Ou, have you really decided not to attend this year's International Congress of Mathematicians?"

Ou Ye said, "I'm already nine months pregnant, and I'm due in early August. Mr. President, I really can't attend this year's International Congress of Mathematicians. I'm very sorry, and I regret having to break my promise. When I accepted your invitation last year, I had just become pregnant. In fact, I hadn't even realized I was pregnant yet, so I accepted. I apologize again. I hope you understand, Mr. President."

The IMU president said, "Oh, that's such a shame! But regardless, I wish you good health and hope your baby arrives safely."

"Thank you," said Ou Ye.

The IMU president said, "Then, Professor Ou, could you recommend a friend from the Mathematics Community to go to Tokyo on your behalf and give a one-hour lecture at the International Congress of Mathematicians?"

"I do have a few friends in the Mathematics Community. What level of friend are you looking for?" Ou Ye asked.

"I think Professor Shen Qi would be the best person to represent you," said the IMU president.

"I'm giving birth, and he's the baby's father. Of