Individual Plans

In a cafe called "Metropolis" next to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

Li Qiwei and two others sat by the window, enjoying coffee while admiring the beautiful scenery of Lake Zurich. It was quite pleasant.

Einstein, who was very fond of coffee, took a satisfied sip and chuckled, "Bruce, how long are you planning to stay in Switzerland?"

Li Qiwei wore a helpless expression. "I'll be leaving in a couple of days. I need to rush back to Cambridge for experiments."

Grossman looked a bit disappointed. He had wanted to have a long, all-night discussion with Li Qiwei. "Bruce, I really envy you. You're not even done with your undergraduate studies yet, and you're already doing experiments with a top-tier mentor."

Clearly, Grossman had heard of Thomson and knew his standing in the physics community.

Li Qiwei smiled. "Professor Thomson is a very strict elder. I'm under a lot of pressure." He then changed the subject. "What about you, Einstein? What are your plans after graduation?"

Einstein sighed. "I want to pursue a Ph.D., but the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich doesn't offer doctoral degrees yet. So, I'm still looking for a suitable university."

Li Qiwei asked, "Do you have any targets?"

Einstein replied, "I want to apply for a Ph.D. at the University of Zurich. I've already had a preliminary discussion with Professor Kleiner. He's a great experimental physicist."

Grossman, standing nearby, was surprised. "Ah, Einstein, aren't you going to continue with Professor Weber?"

Upon hearing the name, Einstein suddenly became dejected. He listlessly said, "Sigh, don't even mention it. We had a huge argument."

"What happened?" Li Qiwei and Grossman asked simultaneously.

Einstein recalled, "Professor Weber has forgotten his original intentions. He's now obsessed with the construction of the physics research institute and isn't doing any theoretical physics research anymore."

"To be honest, I often skip his classes now and study at home."

Li Qiwei was deeply moved after hearing Einstein's words.

This was Einstein – pure, direct, you could even say he lacked social graces.

He knew a little about the complex relationship between Einstein and Professor Weber.

Historically, Einstein's deteriorating relationship with Weber led him to transfer to an experimental research group. His doctoral studies were not smooth, as his strength lay in theory.

Furthermore, he was currently dating Mileva, and the financial pressure was immense.

So, later, at Grossman's suggestion, Einstein chose to work at the Swiss Patent Office. The reason was simple: the salary was very high.

Indeed, even Einstein knew that the ultimate destination for everyone was a stable position.

Then he pursued his Ph.D., had children, and worked simultaneously. The lives of great men were truly that simple and unpretentious.

Li Qiwei comforted Einstein. "Don't worry, with your intelligence, you'll achieve great things even with self-study."

Then, he turned to Grossman. "What about you, Grossman? What are your plans after graduation?"

Grossman shrugged indifferently. "Einstein, you know, my family isn't short of money. I don't want to find a job, so I'll probably find a university to continue my academic pursuits."

"Bruce, what do you think? Should I go to Cambridge University and follow you? You can be my mentor."

Li Qiwei was stunned by Grossman's leap in logic. Was he kidding? He himself wouldn't graduate until next year, and Grossman was already talking about taking on a graduate student?

The three of them laughed and joked about this. Einstein took the opportunity to ask, "What about you, Bruce? What are your plans next?"

Grossman quickly put down his coffee and listened attentively, looking for any opportunity to latch onto a powerful figure.

Li Qiwei touched his chin, deep in thought for a moment, then said, "My goal is to continue climbing the peaks of physics."

"Although I've proposed Quantum Theory now, it's like a seedling, still very weak. I hope to nurture it into a towering tree."

"I already have a plan. I intend to start with Hertz's photoelectric effect to prove the correctness of [quanta]."

"Then, I will delve deeper into atomic structure. My intuition tells me that it's a vast space waiting to be explored."

"Finally, I will also simultaneously begin research on the principle of light speed, hoping to resolve the first cloud problem."

After Li Qiwei finished explaining his plan, Einstein and Grossman were utterly awestruck.

The only word to describe their feelings towards Li Qiwei at that moment was astonishment.

While they were still lost in their own futures, Li Qiwei was already launching an assault on the pinnacle of physics.

This instantly filled them with reverence, and at the same time, they felt that meeting Li Qiwei as a friend was the happiest and most correct decision of their lives.

Einstein's expression was serious, and his tone was earnest. "Bruce, you're truly amazing. I chose the right friend."

"I feel much better now. I shouldn't complain about my environment. I can study physics anywhere as long as I stay true to my original intentions."

"Thank you, Bruce. Your ambition has enlightened me."

With that, his eyes became firm, and his entire demeanor changed, startling Li Qiwei.

Oh no, Li Qiwei thought, is Cupid going to publish the photoelectric effect and special relativity early? That would be a huge loss for me.

Suddenly, Li Qiwei thought of an interesting topic and decided to ask for their opinions.

"Einstein, Grossman, since the three of us have such a fated connection and are all passionate about physics."

"Why don't we establish a school of thought?"

"In the future, we can organize physics conferences under the name of our school to exchange academic achievements."

Grossman was extremely excited upon hearing this, even exclaiming aloud, drawing glances from those around them. "My god, what a brilliant idea! Bruce, you're always full of surprises."

"Perhaps in the future, we'll all be leaders of this school. It will definitely influence the world!"

Einstein was also moved by Grossman's vision, his thoughts drifting.

Yes, this was a brilliant idea, not only beneficial to the three of them but also to the development of physics.

After all, once they established a school, they would surely attract more members and engage in exchanges with other schools.

Just thinking about it made Einstein tremble and his blood boil.

"Bruce, if we're establishing a school, it needs a name. What do you think we should call our school?"

Li Qiwei smiled. They hadn't even taken the first step, and Einstein was already talking about "our school."

However, this also showed that his proposal was excellent.

Li Qiwei looked into the distance. His purpose in establishing the school was to unite their strength so they could be of use to China in the future.

As for the name, he pondered for a moment before finally saying, "Since the three of us met in Zurich, and we've decided to establish a school here."

"Why don't we call it the [Zurich School]?"

Einstein and Grossman repeated the name a few times and both felt it was excellent and very commemorative.

They kept murmuring the name, as if they could already see its future fame throughout the world.

And so, in this unknown cafe, a school that would change the future of physics, and even the course of the world, was born.

At this moment, the three young men simply celebrated its establishment with a cup of coffee each.

Congratulations on the protagonist's first faction being born!