The New Year of 2023 came earlier than usual.
January had barely reached its middle when the year-end rush arrived in a hurry.
New Year's Eve had just passed, and the experimental building of Jin University's School of Physics seemed rather deserted.
Sitting in his office, Academician Lu Jianshen flipped through an academic journal while sipping freshly brewed hot tea.
As he turned the pages, a headline caught his eye.
[Large Numbers of Hua Nation Scholars Withdraw from Shanghai, IMCRC Grinds to a Halt, 750 GeV Excess Peak Nowhere to Be Found! Where Is the future of Physics Headed?]
The moment his gaze met that headline, Academician Lu could not help but laugh and curse.
"Media these days really know how to spout nonsense. Everyone went home for the New Year—what halt are they talking about?"
Hearing his old friend's amused scolding, the elderly man sitting on the office sofa said with a smile.
"Old Lu, you're still worrying about work during the New Year? When exactly do you plan to retire?"
Sitting opposite Academician Lu was Academician Liu Guangzhao of Jinling University's School of Physics. Though Academician Liu also studied Physics, his field was not High-Energy Physics but rather Condensed Matter Physics. His research was mainly focused on Atomic Clusters, Low-Dimensional Quantum Systems, and Nanoscience and Technology.
Since they were from the same generation, the two old professors had known each other for years. Although their research fields differed, they had always been close friends.
Ignoring his old friend's teasing, Old Lu smiled and waved a hand.
"I've still got time. I can work another ten years without any trouble."
Academician Liu smiled. "Still got time? You're not exactly young anymore, are you?"
Academician Lu smiled. "People only live a few decades. Why be in such a hurry to