Just as the mathematical world was already buzzing over the Riemann Hypothesis, the Corinthia Hotel, where the IMU Congress was being held, seemed like a microcosm of that world. Everywhere, people could be heard discussing it.
The sudden turn of events had originally cast a somber pall over this year's IMU Congress, but beside a century-old problem like the Riemann Hypothesis, even the darkest cloud seemed insignificant...
"Have you heard? The Riemann Hypothesis has been proved!"
"Really? This isn't another false alarm like last time, is it? How many people have claimed to have proved it already?"
"All I can tell you is that it's probably in the double digits, maybe even triple digits... but this time is different! Professor Lu wrote the paper! Apparently, Ms. Vera Puyuyi's forty-five-minute presentation inspired him to complete the final step of the proof! He posted the paper on arXiv yesterday... God, the entire mathematical world is discussing it, and you haven't heard?"
"I can't believe it! The Riemann Hypothesis... if he really has proved it, do you think the International Mathematical Union will make an exception and give him two Fields Medals?"
"The Riemann Hypothesis undoubtedly deserves that honor... but what would be the point? If he really has proved it, why don't we simply establish a separate award in his name?"
"I heard his sixty-minute presentation is this afternoon... so that's why he scheduled his talk as the last one of the IMU Congress."
"Do you think he'll change the subject of his presentation at the last minute?"
"I don't know! But one thing I'm sure of is that missing this talk would be a lifelong regret!"
The hotel was abuzz with discussion.
Whether in the café, the restaurant, or the executive lounge, wherever people gathered, they were discussing the news.
For