Raising Doubts

July 5th, 1900. Li Qiwei stepped into Berlin University for the first time.

In later generations, this would also be a world-class university, boasting famous alumni like Karl Marx, Hertz, and Schrödinger.

Hertz, in particular, was the great mind who discovered the photoelectric effect.

Like Cambridge University, Berlin University did not admit female students.

At this time, universities across Europe and America generally did not accept female students, and there were even no female professorships.

Consequently, the campus lacked a certain vibrant beauty.

When Li Qiwei arrived at the physics department, Planck was already waiting with a number of people.

Everyone cast curious glances, sizing up this genius student from Cambridge.

Li Qiwei was completely different from their image of a Chinese person, not comparable at all.

Tall and handsome, with an scholarly air, neither humble nor arrogant. Most magical were his eyes.

Those whose gazes he swept over showed an unnatural expression, lowering their heads slightly, not daring to meet his eyes directly.

It was as if he could see right through them with a single glance.

Li Qiwei wore a standard smile, inwardly thinking: Since I have no information on them in my head, they're all minor characters. What's there to fear?

Thus, amidst the cheers of the crowd, he entered the physics department's venue with Planck.

The hall was already adorned with special flowers, and the air was filled with their fragrance.

This showed the high regard Planck and the physics students had for him.

Of course, this had nothing to do with Planck, who was the head of the physics department.

Once Li Qiwei and Planck were seated, everyone eagerly urged Li Qiwei to share about his paper.

For instance, how he came up with the concept of "Quantum," and how he collaborated with Professor Planck.

Some also asked how "Quantum Mechanics" would develop in the future.

The attendees were mostly professors and students from the physics department, naturally filled with curiosity about Li Qiwei's theory.

If it were truly as Lord Kelvin had said, then what was the point of them studying physics?

They might as well study humanities and become great writers.

When everyone gradually calmed down, Li Qiwei began to speak slowly.

He started with the meeting at the Royal Society in London, describing why he made a bet with Lord Kelvin.

Through Li Qiwei's slightly choked narration, those present could empathize.

After all, the unification of Germany had also been forged through countless blood and fire.

They could understand Li Qiwei's genuine love for his nation, and thus they applauded him one after another.

Then, he continued to recount amusing stories at Cambridge University and how he met Professor Planck.

Everyone marveled at the workings of fate, which brought two unrelated individuals together to spark such brilliant insights.

Finally, Li Qiwei focused on how he conceived the concept of "Quantum" and Professor Planck's mathematical support.

The students present listened with envy.

They were still racking their brains over graduation and papers, while this person was already well on his way to becoming a physicist.

However, some raised doubts.

A professor asked, "Hello, Bruce. Your concept of 'Quantum' is currently just a hypothesis. Have you considered any experiments to verify it?"

Li Qiwei replied, "I work at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge and am designing experimental schemes with my advisor, Professor Thomson. As for specific details, I regret I cannot reveal them at this time."

Another person asked, "Bruce, since Professor Planck is your honorary advisor and the corresponding author of the paper, why are you still staying in Cambridge?"

This question made everyone laugh, including Planck, who looked at Li Qiwei expectantly.

Li Qiwei stroked his chin and replied awkwardly, "Well, Professor Planck and Professor Thomson are both people I respect. As for choosing to stay in Cambridge, perhaps it's habit. But who can say for sure about the future?"

Everyone was impressed by his wit and no longer tried to put him on the spot.

Just as the guests and host were enjoying themselves and the atmosphere was lively, a discordant voice suddenly rang out: "Bruce Li, I believe the mathematical proofs are the key, not the concept of 'Quantum'."

The room fell silent. Everyone turned to look at the speaker and saw it was Schlick, Professor Planck's favorite graduate student.

Indeed, Planck said apologetically and helplessly, "I'm sorry, Bruce. Schlick is my graduate student." He then reprimanded Schlick, "Don't speak carelessly, Schlick. Please show respect."

Schlick ignored the gazes of the crowd and Professor Planck's look. He stared directly at Li Qiwei and continued, "I've read your paper five times and found that the most important part is the radiation formula: E=hv, which requires superb mathematical skills to derive. As for the concept of 'Quantum,' a few months ago, Professor Planck inadvertently mentioned the word 'discontinuous' to me. I believe you understand what that implies?"

"So, Bruce, I don't think your contribution to the paper was very high!"

When Schlick finished speaking, everyone was shocked into silence, and the atmosphere became incredibly awkward.

Li Qiwei took in everyone's expressions, then looked at Schlick and smiled, "Schlick, I understand your thoughts."

"You think I'm just an undergraduate who happened to come up with a good idea, which Professor Planck then discovered."

"Then the professor used his profound mathematical skills to refine the idea, actually creating a brand new physical theory."

"Even this good idea, Professor Planck had thought of it before."

Indeed, when Schlick heard this, his expression changed. This was exactly what he had been thinking, and he was a little jealous of Li Qiwei's good luck.

Li Qiwei continued, "More than two hundred years ago, Newton and Leibniz argued over the invention of calculus."

"No one thought they were plagiarizing each other, because the laws of the universe were there for anyone to discover. We are discoverers, not creators."

"I've never been arrogant enough to think I'm the only one who could conceive of the concept of [Quantum]."

"It's just that Professor Planck and I hit it off so well, it felt like we'd known each other for ages, so I asked him to help me with the mathematical aspects."

"But I could have just as easily sought help from Professor Thomson. I'm sure he would have been happy to assist."

"Therefore, your doubts are unfounded. Physical laws have never belonged to any single person."

"I was just lucky enough to discover [Quantum] mechanics with Professor Planck."

When Li Qiwei finished speaking, everyone was filled with respect, and the room erupted in enthusiastic applause.

They were all moved by his sincerity, and even Planck looked on with great satisfaction.

He knew he hadn't misjudged Li Qiwei; the young man's mind was as pure as the sky.

Schlick, on the other hand, was filled with shame. His earlier impulsiveness had been very ungentlemanly.

However, Li Qiwei quickly smoothed things over for him.

"Schlick, don't dwell on it. [Quantum] mechanics is just a seedling now; it has vast room for growth."

"The future belongs to our generation of young people. Join us in researching new physics!"

"You are Professor Planck's star student. I believe he would love to see you embrace this new era."

"Let's all laugh at Lord Kelvin together."

Li Qiwei's words successfully made everyone laugh and earned him a grateful look from Schlick.