Who is This Person?

June 18, 1900.

Three days had passed since the publication of the Quantum Mechanics paper. While the world was in an uproar, Li Qiwei at the center of it all remained calm.

Now, he was being "coerced and tempted" by Professor Thomson and Wilson to include the name of Cavendish Laboratory the next time he published a paper.

Li Qiwei nodded profusely in agreement.

His relationship with Wilson was now very close, and Professor Thomson had previously shielded him from school accountability.

Furthermore, the Spark Plan was based out of Cambridge University.

Therefore, no matter what, Li Qiwei would stay at Cavendish Laboratory and milk it for all it was worth.

As he walked to his exam, he suddenly noticed a crowd of students gathered around a notice board at Trinity College.

Everyone was whispering and excitedly discussing something.

Suddenly, they spotted Li Qiwei, parted to make way for him, their eyes fixed on him.

At that moment, Chris emerged from the crowd, his face beaming with excitement. "Senior Bruce, you're amazing!"

"Look, this is a special announcement from Dean Sanders for you."

"Commending you for your published paper, I'm truly envious."

Li Qiwei, filled with curiosity, approached and read the words on the notice.

"Warmest congratulations to Bruce Li, a third-year undergraduate student of our college, for his groundbreaking paper published in Nature."

"This paper first proposed the concept of [Quantum], opening up new research directions in physics."

"Student Bruce Li is diligent in his studies, possesses excellent character, and often helps his peers."

"He is a model student of Trinity College, and everyone should learn from him."

"Concurrently, the publication of this paper reflects Trinity College's significant teaching achievements and high-quality education."

"It further demonstrates Cambridge University's profound academic heritage and humanistic care."

"..."

After reading the announcement, Li Qiwei chuckled speechlessly.

He hadn't expected the Dean of the prestigious Trinity College to resort to such petty tricks.

Sanders, holding a grudge against him, was using the paper to lavish praise, hoping to appease him.

Any ordinary young man would have been flattered and deeply grateful to Sanders.

After all, such public commendation could immensely satisfy one's vanity.

But Li Qiwei was no impulsive youth. This piece of paper, devoid of any substantial reward, was only good for fooling children.

His demand was for Bellam and Miles to be expelled.

Thus, after reading the announcement, he simply left, leaving behind the awestruck gazes of the crowd.

"Wow, Senior Bruce has such an imposing aura."

"To publish such a world-shattering paper and remain unfazed, Bruce is truly a role model for our generation."

"The ancient Eastern lands are indeed mysterious, to produce a genius like Bruce Li."

While the students were admiring Li Qiwei, a higher-level meeting was also in turmoil over him.

The Chancellor of Cambridge University was elected by the university senate, usually a prestigious figure from society, with the position being largely symbolic.

The Vice-Chancellor was the substantive academic and administrative head of Cambridge University.

At that moment, over a dozen people were casually seated in the Vice-Chancellor's office at Cambridge University.

Vice-Chancellor Caldwell had convened some of the university's physics professors to discuss how to publicize this achievement.

He himself had been shocked by the influence of the [Quantum Mechanics] paper.

Physics was the pinnacle of science, the queen of Nature sciences.

If the end of biology was chemistry, then the end of chemistry was physics.

Therefore, the emergence of a completely new physical theory held an irresistible allure for the scientific community.

What was initially thought to be a simple matter turned complicated when it was discovered that the author of the paper was from the Qing Dynasty, and his supervisor was a German professor.

This put Caldwell in a difficult and unbelievable position.

He couldn't connect these two facts in any way.

Through Thomson's explanation, Caldwell finally understood the whole story.

He then highly praised Thomson for his keen insight in discovering talent in a timely manner.

However, Sanders, standing nearby, reluctantly revealed the cheating incident, as it was impossible to conceal with so many students present.

As expected, upon hearing this, the expressions of those present became incredibly complex.

Even Caldwell didn't know what to say. The situation was deeply complicated.

He then composed himself and slowly stated, "Regardless, Bruce Li is a student of Cambridge, and that fact will not change."

"I don't think I need to explain the importance of such a groundbreaking theory to everyone present."

"Most importantly, as long as this achievement belongs to Cambridge, I can apply for more educational and research funding from the government."

"New theories require experimental proof, which means purchasing experimental equipment and recruiting relevant personnel."

"With such ample justification, the stingy officials at the Ministry of Finance will have no reason to refuse."

"Everyone, this is a matter of utmost importance to Cambridge and to all of you. I hope we can work together to achieve it."

Although they were all physics professors, they understood the importance of funding for the school and for physics.

Therefore, they completely understood Caldwell's sense of urgency.

At this moment, someone raised the issue that Li Qiwei's identity as a person from the Qing Dynasty might be detrimental to publicity.

Caldwell pondered for a long time, then said decisively, "There's no need to worry about that. We should highlight Bruce's identity instead."

"Think about it, Bruce Li was originally just an ordinary young man from a backward country."

"As a result, simply by studying at Cambridge, being influenced by Cambridge's culture, he created such a great physics theory."

"Doesn't this sufficiently demonstrate the tolerance and magnanimity of Cambridge University?"

"I believe that Bruce Li's identity as a Qing Dynasty person actually highlights the strength of Cambridge University even more."

"War is the business of politicians, but science is our business."

"We cannot let racial issues affect the purity of science!"

Caldwell's final words were delivered with great spirit.

The crowd was shocked upon hearing his words, admiring that he could indeed be a vice-chancellor and not some incompetent.

With his handling of affairs and his courage, they felt he was beyond their reach.

Immediately, Caldwell instructed Sanders again, "Dean Sanders, I don't care what conditions you use, but I hope you can resolve the misunderstanding with Bruce Li."

"We absolutely cannot let him drop out in a fit of anger, or even transfer to another university."

"Especially not Oxford University, otherwise Cambridge will become a laughingstock."

Sanders could only nod in agreement, knowing full well the animosity between Cambridge and Oxford.

At this moment, Professor Thomson, who rarely spoke, said, "Caldwell, Bruce Li has already agreed to be my doctoral student."

"I believe a genius like him will definitely keep his promise."

"Of course, I also need the university's support for his admission."

Caldwell was overjoyed and quickly replied, "That's wonderful, Professor Thomson! As expected, a great teacher produces outstanding students."

Thomson was unfazed by Caldwell's flattery; he only cared about Li Qiwei.

Sanders on the other side cast a grateful glance at him.

Recalling the previous argument about Li Qiwei, Sanders's old face flushed. He was, after all, not a physicist and couldn't see Li Qiwei's uniqueness.

His presence here today was solely due to his position as Dean of Trinity College.

Fortunately, he had sent those two idiots to apologize earlier, otherwise it would have been truly troublesome.

Next, Caldwell reached an agreement with everyone to fully promote Li Qiwei and his [Quantum Mechanics] theory.

The goal was to attract more physicists to Cambridge University, to further develop and promote this theory.

Thus, Cambridge would become the world's number one prestigious university!

At that time, he, Caldwell, might even be able to advance his own career.

Everyone was hatching their own plans, but while some were happy, others were worried.

The ones who were worried were Bellam and Miles.

At this moment, they were pacing back and forth in the office like ants on a hot pan, extremely anxious.

Bellam had already learned from other sources about Li Qiwei's current fame and reputation.

It was no exaggeration to say that they were not even worthy of carrying his shoes, yet they had foolishly tried to frame him.

Now, they could only seek help from Cecil.

Bellam knew very well that as long as Li Qiwei argued his case, Sanders would definitely abandon him.

If they had apologized promptly earlier, there might have been some room for maneuver, but now it was too late.

They would have to face the consequences of their actions.

Thanks to [隔壁寂寞王老汉] for the monthly ticket, and thanks to [十全大髯口] and all the old book friends for the recommendation tickets. Old Xu continues to ask for follow-up reads, collections, and two votes, thank you~