Although these restless mathematicians usually chose scenic destinations or places rich in cultural heritage for their "parties"-somewhere fun, in short-there was no denying that, for a major international academic conference like this, a region's mathematical strength, or more bluntly, its influence and say within the field, was also a consideration.
After all, everyone wanted to host such a grand event on their own doorstep. It was both a matter of prestige and a source of considerable convenience.
But getting scholars from all over the world to do you that favor was no easy task.
It tested not only academic influence, but also connections within academia.
Back when Shangjing hosted the International Congress of Mathematicians in 2002, it had only happened thanks to the help of the venerable Chen Shengshen. That had also been the first time the congress was held in a developing country.
It could be said that this very congress had opened a door for the relatively insular domestic mathematics community, allowing mathematicians from Hua Nation to present their credentials on the international academic stage.
When they heard that the next congress would be held in Hua Nation, excitement flared in the hearts of almost every scholar in the hall who came from, or had been born on, the mainland.
Applause thundered through the hall like a torrential downpour, accompanied by irrepressible cheers. Many scholars from other countries sitting beside Chinese scholars were startled by their enthusiasm.
Sitting in the hall and applauding, Academician Wang Shicheng could no longer contain his excitement, and the tears brimming in his eyes spilled down his face.
Before the closing ceremony began, his feelings had been complicated. He had hoped that the International Mathematical Union would choose Hua Nation as the next host, but he had also been a little worried that