Early the next morning, April 29, 1900.
Li Qiwei brought the first draft of his paper to Professor Planck.
After giving it an initial read, the other man couldn't help letting out an exclamation.
"Incredible!"
"I can't imagine what kind of criticism the two of us will face once this paper is published."
That was right—Planck had said criticism, because a paper that defied Newton's classical view of space and time was practically courting disaster.
Li Qiwei smiled. "A theory that can't withstand criticism isn't a good theory, is it, Professor?"
"Hahaha, hearing you say that puts my mind at ease." Planck laughed heartily.
"I estimate that I should be able to finish the mathematical calculations within a week."
"I still have ten days in Cambridge, so there's plenty of time."
"By the way, Bruce, have you decided which journal to submit it to?"
Li Qiwei answered without hesitation. "I'm planning to submit it to Nature."
"Oh, I think I've heard of it," Planck said. "Isn't it a general-interest journal rather than one devoted exclusively to physics?"
"That's right, Professor."
"I don't think the famous journals would necessarily dare accept our paper."
"Besides, Nature is based in Britain, which is convenient for me."
That was right, this was the famous Nature of later generations.
If researchers in China could publish even a single paper in it, they'd have nothing to worry about for the rest of their lives.
They'd be showered with funding, honors, and academic titles.
Li Qiwei had considered submitting to it at length.
Nature's first issue had been published on November 4, 1869, founded by Sir Joseph Lockyer.
He was an astronomer, and currently served as the journal's editor-in-chief.
As a weekly publication, Nature mainly published original and innovative research across a range of fields.
In terms of authority, its influence was more than sufficient, at least within Britain.
And it was nearby, making it easier to cultivate connections there in the future.
As for the other reason, well, Li Qiwei's vanity was getting the better of him.
After all, in his previous life, he hadn't even been able to glimpse the threshold of Nature.
Now he was going to publish a paper there that would lead the age.
The feeling was thrilling.
Li Qiwei even daydreamed that maybe, in the future, he'd only have to write a single sentence for Nature to treasure it and print it on the front page.
Professor Planck couldn't see Li Qiwei's daydream, and he didn't care where Li Qiwei submitted the paper, either.
He smiled and said, "Then let's do as you suggest."
"Wherever it's published, it's sure to make waves!"
Li Qiwei smiled knowingly.
The two discussed a few more details of the paper, after which Planck eagerly went off to refine it.
Li Qiwei called over his junior, Chris, and asked him to send a letter to Switzerland.
It was the letter he had written to Einstein the night before.
Chris admired Li Qiwei even more now.
By then, all of Trinity College had heard that Bruce Li had made a stunning debut and was a physics prodigy.
Not only had he caught Dr. Wilson's attention, but he had also been seen discussing things with big names in the physics world on campus.
Word was, the two sides had talked happily.
So Chris scampered off to deliver the letter.
He had a problem he couldn't solve and wanted to ask his big brother for help, so he had to keep him happy.
Meanwhile, Li Qiwei had returned to the Cavendish Laboratory.
After speaking with Planck the day before, Wilson had sought Li Qiwei out and told him that Professor Thomson, the laboratory director, wanted to meet him.
He'd also said it was good news, so they'd arranged to meet today.
Wilson was waiting for him at the entrance again.
When he saw Li Qiwei, he teased, "Bruce, what did you talk about with Professor Planck? He's so excited now he's even ignoring my supervisor."
Li Qiwei smiled. "Professor Planck and I discussed some academic questions. We're planning to publish a paper together."
Wilson even wondered if he'd misheard.
"What? You're publishing a paper? With Professor Planck?"
"You're not joking, are you?"
He kept looking Li Qiwei up and down, his mind screaming wildly.
Solving his problem in front of everyone was one thing, but now he was publishing a paper too.
Man, you haven't even graduated from your undergraduate program!
Could the gap between an ordinary person and a genius really be that huge?
"Um, can I ask what the paper is about?"
"A solution to the problem of Blackbody Radiation."
Wilson was so shocked that he was completely at a loss for words, and the blow left him reeling.
He dazedly led Li Qiwei to Thomson, then left on his own.
His supervisor, Thomson, was left utterly confused.
Li Qiwei looked at Director Thomson, whose face was sharp and lean.
The man's résumé surfaced in his mind:
"Joseph Thomson, born in Britain in 1856."
"In 1880, he graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge University, with a bachelor's degree in mathematics."
"In 1883, he received a master's degree from Cambridge University."
"In 1884, he became director of the Cavendish Laboratory; that same year, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society."
"In 1897, he discovered the electron in a vacuum Cathode Rays experiment, proving that electrons were part of the Atom."
"In 1906, he received the Nobel Prize in Physics."
By the ranking system, this man was undoubtedly a T3-level powerhouse.
As Li Qiwei marveled at his achievements, Professor Thomson was observing him as well.
His conversation with Planck just moments ago had made Thomson realize what an extraordinary young man stood before him.
Although he didn't know exactly what the paper was about, anything that could make Planck so excited had to be remarkable.
So he gestured to a chair, saying very politely,
"Please sit, Bruce. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Li Qiwei replied courteously, "The pleasure is mine, Professor."
He'd thought Thomson would ask about his studies, but instead the other man went straight to the point:
"Bruce, would you be interested in working at the Cavendish Laboratory?"
"You should know how strong our laboratory is."
Li Qiwei was stunned. He was still an undergraduate who hadn't graduated yet. What right did he have to be invited by Thomson?
Besides, the paper hadn't even been published.
Could it be that Professor Planck had recommended him?
That was what he thought.
"I'm sorry, Professor. I was just so surprised. I'd be very glad to."
Thomson smiled faintly.
"You don't need to worry too much. I have great faith in Professor Planck's judgment."
"The laboratory needs young blood like you."
Li Qiwei replied modestly, "Thank you for your kind words and your invitation, Professor."
Thomson continued:
"Since you haven't graduated yet, you can start by doing some assistant work under Wilson."
"He'll help you get familiar with the laboratory's procedures and learn how to use the equipment."
"After you graduate, I'll specially admit you as a doctoral student at the laboratory and let you conduct experiments independently."
Li Qiwei said, "All right, Professor."
"Dr. Wilson and I get along very well. I think we'll work together happily."
Thomson offered a few more words of encouragement, then sent Li Qiwei to find Wilson.
As laboratory director, he had an enormous number of responsibilities.
When Li Qiwei found Wilson, he was studying the equipment and seemed a little distracted.
"Hi, Dr. Wilson. Professor Thomson told me to come find you."
Wilson looked up. Though he had mixed feelings, he ultimately managed a smile.
"Welcome, Bruce. We'll be working together from now on."
"I'll give you a proper tour of the laboratory tomorrow."
Li Qiwei smiled. "I hope I can learn from you, Dr. Wilson."
Wilson shrugged. "At least I can still teach you how to use the equipment."
"Hahaha." They both laughed.
Li Qiwei said, "Dinner's on me tonight. Let's have a drink."
"My pleasure."
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