Invitation to Join

The next morning, April 29, 1900.

Li Qiwei took the draft of his paper and found Professor Planck.

After the other man gave it a preliminary read, he couldn't help letting out a cry of surprise.

"Incredible!"

"I can't imagine what kind of criticism we'll face once this paper is published."

Indeed, Planck used the word "criticism," because a paper defying Newton's classical view of spacetime was practically challenging the heavens themselves.

Li Qiwei smiled. "A theory that can't withstand criticism isn't a good theory, is it, Professor?"

"Haha, with those words, I'm reassured." Planck laughed heartily.

"I estimate I can finish the mathematical calculations within a week."

"I still have ten days in Cambridge, so the timing is perfect."

"By the way, Bruce, have you decided which journal to submit to?"

Li Qiwei answered without hesitation. "I'm planning to submit to Nature."

Planck asked, "Oh, I've heard of it—it's not a physics-specific journal, but a comprehensive one."

Li Qiwei replied, "Yes, Professor."

"I think famous journals might not dare to accept our paper."

"Besides, Nature is based in Britain, which is convenient for me."

Indeed, this Nature was the same world-renowned Nature of later generations.

For a domestic researcher, publishing a single paper there meant a lifetime of security.

Endless funding, honors, and titles would come pouring in.

Choosing it was a decision Li Qiwei had carefully considered.

Nature was first published on November 4, 1869, founded by Sir Joseph Lockyer.

He was an astronomer and currently served as its editor-in-chief.

As a weekly, Nature primarily published original and groundbreaking research across various fields.

In terms of authority, its influence was at least sufficient within Britain.

And it was close by, making it easier to build a long-term relationship.

As for the other reason, it was Li Qiwei's vanity at play.

After all, in his past life, he couldn't even see the threshold of Nature.

Now, he was about to publish a paper that would lead the era in it.

That feeling was exhilarating.

He even fantasized that in the future, a casual sentence from him might be treasured by Nature and printed on the front page.

Professor Planck couldn't see Li Qiwei's daydream, nor did he care where Li Qiwei submitted.

He smiled and said, "Then do as you wish."

"No matter where it's published, it's bound to stir up a storm!"

Li Qiwei smiled knowingly.

After discussing a few more details about the paper, Planck eagerly rushed off to refine it.

Li Qiwei called over his junior, Chris, and asked him to mail a letter to Switzerland.

It was the letter he had written to Einstein the night before.

Chris now admired Li Qiwei even more.

Word had spread across Trinity College: Bruce Li had made a stunning debut as a physics prodigy.

He had not only earned Dr. Wilson's regard but also exchanged ideas on campus with a major figure in physics.

Rumor had it the conversation went very well.

So Chris scurried off to deliver the letter.

He still had problems he couldn't solve and wanted to ask his big brother for help—he had to keep him happy.

Meanwhile, Li Qiwei headed back to the Cavendish Laboratory.

After yesterday's talk with Planck, Wilson had found Li Qiwei again, telling him that the lab director, Professor Thomson, wanted to see him.

He said it was great news, so they set a time for today.

Wilson was waiting at the entrance to greet him.

When he saw Li Qiwei, he teased, "Bruce, what did you and Professor Planck talk about? He's ecstatic—he won't even acknowledge my advisor."

Li Qiwei smiled. "Professor Planck and I discussed some academic matters and plan to co-author a paper."

Wilson even suspected he had misheard.

"What? You want to publish a paper? With Professor Planck?"

"You're not joking, are you?"

He kept sizing up Li Qiwei, screaming inwardly.

Solving his problem on the spot was one thing, but now publishing a paper?

Man, you haven't even graduated with your bachelor's yet!

Was the gap between ordinary people and geniuses really that vast?

"Um, can I ask, what paper are you publishing?"

"A solution to Blackbody Radiation."

This time, Wilson was utterly stunned into silence, deeply deflated.

He dazedly led Li Qiwei to Thomson, then left alone.

Leaving his mentor, Thomson, completely baffled.

Li Qiwei looked at the sharp-featured Director Thomson before him.

The other's résumé surfaced in his mind:

"Joseph Thomson, born in England in 1856."

"1880, graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, with a Bachelor's in Mathematics."

"1883, earned a Master's from Cambridge University."

"1884, appointed Director of the Cavendish Laboratory; same year, elected Fellow of the Royal Society."

"1897, discovered the electron in vacuum cathode ray experiments, proving it was part of the atom."

"1906, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics."

By classification, this man was a solid T3-level powerhouse.

Just as Li Qiwei marveled at his achievements, Professor Thomson was also observing him.

His conversation with Planck had made Thomson realize just how astonishingly brilliant this young man was.

Though he didn't know the specifics of the paper to be published, anything that got Planck this excited had to be extraordinary.

So, he gestured and said very politely:

"Please, have a seat, Bruce. It's a pleasure to meet you for the first time."

Li Qiwei replied courteously, "The pleasure is mine, Professor."

He expected Thomson to ask about his studies, but instead, the man cut straight to the chase:

"Bruce, are you interested in working at the Cavendish Laboratory?"

"You should be well aware of our lab's capabilities."

Li Qiwei was stunned. He was just an undergraduate who hadn't even graduated—what qualifications did he have to be invited by Thomson?

And the paper hadn't even been published yet.

Could it be a recommendation from Professor Planck?

He thought to himself.

"Sorry, Professor, I was just too shocked. I think I'm very willing."

Thomson gave a slight smile.

"Don't worry too much. I have great confidence in Professor Planck's judgment."

"The lab needs fresh, young blood like yours."

Li Qiwei humbly replied, "Thank you for your praise and invitation, Professor."

Thomson continued:

"Considering you haven't graduated yet, you can temporarily do some assistant work under Wilson."

"He'll guide you through the lab's procedures and help you master the instruments."

"Once you graduate, I'll specially recruit you as a doctoral student in the lab, allowing you to independently lead experiments."

Li Qiwei said, "Understood, Professor."

"Dr. Wilson and I get along well. I think we'll work together smoothly."

Thomson offered a few more words of encouragement before sending Li Qiwei off to find Wilson.

As lab director, his responsibilities were numerous.

When Li Qiwei found Wilson, he was studying an instrument, looking a bit distracted.

"Hey, Dr. Wilson, Professor Thomson sent me to find you."

Wilson looked up, his heart a whirlwind of emotions, but he finally managed a smile.

"Welcome, Bruce. We'll be working together from now on."

"Tomorrow I'll give you a proper tour of the lab."

Li Qiwei smiled. "I hope I can learn from you, Dr. Wilson."

Wilson shrugged. "At least I can still teach you the instruments."

"Hahaha." Both of them laughed.

Li Qiwei said, "Tonight's on me. Let's grab a drink."

"With pleasure."