Chapter 229 - 173: Contributing to the Country
"The Ten Thousand Talents Program? Outstanding Talent?"
Chen Lin was completely confused.
Although he didn’t know much about these official talent programs, he could tell just from the names that they weren’t something you could get casually.
Academician Liang seemed to have guessed his confusion and asked with a smile, "You can look up the specific details online yourself. Does it feel a bit sudden?
Are you wondering why I’m in such a hurry to help you apply?"
His thoughts read by the venerable academic, Chen Lin didn’t feel embarrassed. He admitted openly, "Yes, a little. Doesn’t it seem a bit too rushed?"
"Rushed? Not at all. It’s not rushed in the slightest." Academician Liang’s tone suddenly grew a few degrees more serious. "Applying for this for you... the material rewards are one aspect, of course. The research funding for ’Outstanding Talent’ is very substantial. But that’s not the most important part."
"The most important thing is the policy support from other areas that this title represents. To put it simply, having this title is equivalent to having the formal endorsement of an official organization from now on."
’Official backing...’
Chen Lin was starting to understand.
But he still felt, ’Doesn’t it seem a bit unnecessary to be in such a hurry?’
’I don’t lack money or projects right now.’
’Wouldn’t it be safer to wait a few years, produce a few more significant results, and then apply?’
On the other end of the line, Academician Liang Tianshi suddenly let out a long sigh.
The sigh seemed to carry an immense weight, traveling clearly through the airwaves to Chen Lin’s ears and making his heart inexplicably tighten.
"Ah, Chen Lin," Academician Liang’s tone became unprecedentedly frank. "I know what you’re thinking. In truth, the selection for talent programs like this has always been a two-way street.
"We researchers need the platform and resources of official support. Conversely, the government also needs talent like you to solve all sorts of problems."
"The reason I’m in such a hurry to submit your application is because..."
Academician Liang paused, and when he spoke again, his tone was solemn and grave.
"...Our country is, of course, developing better and better. But if we want to win in this increasingly fierce competition, every single bit of improvement to our nation’s overall scientific and technological strength counts!"
"I hope that a rare genius like you can be connected with official organizations as soon as possible, and as closely as possible. That way, you can participate in all kinds of highly sensitive and important projects at the fastest possible pace."
"From what I know," Academician Liang’s voice was filled with certainty and expectation, "we currently have several major projects that are crucial to the future development of Science, all of which have seen their progress stall because they’ve hit insurmountable mathematical bottlenecks."
"But with your help, I believe these projects will have newfound hope!"
This time, Chen Lin completely understood.
’The country needs my mathematical talent to crack top-secret projects that have stumped even the most elite research teams!’
’And to participate in these projects, I first need an officially recognized ’status’.’
Having figured this out, the last trace of doubt in Chen Lin’s mind vanished.
With almost no hesitation, he spoke into the phone in a deeply solemn tone:
"I understand, Academician Liang."
"I agree to the application. Please tell me what you need me to do."
In his view, this was a perfectly normal matter.
’Since I have this ability, it’s only right and proper to contribute my strength to the motherland’s development when the country needs it.’
Besides, Academician Liang had been so direct; now was the time he was needed.
On the other end of the line, upon hearing Chen Lin’s crisp and decisive reply, Academician Liang Tianshi seemed to let out a long sigh of relief.
A deep sense of gratification washed over Liang Tianshi.
’It’s one thing for a young person to have talent, but to be able to step forward without hesitation when the country needs them—that kind of awareness and character is what’s truly rare.’
However, Liang Tianshi had no intention of telling Chen Lin about the potential troubles they might encounter during the selection process.
In his view, since he was the one who had taken the initiative to ask Chen Lin to contribute to the country, any difficulties that might arise during the selection should be his responsibility to solve.
Moreover, for decades, ever since he started working, Liang Tianshi had always held to one principle: call it like you see it.
Chen Lin’s mathematical ability, as demonstrated today, was clearly top-tier. Even legendary figures like Deligne and Faltins had given him extremely high praise.
And since he was willing to contribute to the nation’s scientific research, he should be selected for the highest tier of the "Ten Thousand Talents Program"—the "Outstanding Talent" award.
To just fob him off with a "Leading Talent in Scientific and Technological Innovation" award, or even the lower-tier "Young Top-Notch Talent"?
’Wouldn’t that be taking advantage of a young man who doesn’t understand these intricacies?’
Liang Tianshi never did such things.
Reining in his scattered thoughts, Liang Tianshi’s tone became gentle again. "Ah, Chen Lin, there are a few things I need to go over with you."
"Please, go ahead. I’m listening." Chen Lin immediately sat up straight, grabbed a notebook from the coffee table, and prepared to take notes.
"First, I’ve already spoken with your Principal Chang Kai. The Ministry of Education officially approved your application for early graduation a couple of days ago."
Liang Tianshi paused, then continued, "Yannan University has also submitted an application to the Ministry of Education to specially appoint you as a professor in the mathematics department. I’ve looked into it; this application is also being fast-tracked through a special ’green channel’ and will likely be approved soon.
"You just need to actively cooperate with the university to go through the procedures. If there’s anything you’re not clear on, just ask Principal Chang Kai directly."
"Okay, I understand." Chen Lin replied while quickly jotting down keywords in his notebook.
"Second," Liang Tianshi’s tone grew more solemn, "that lecture you gave this afternoon, and the algorithm you worked out on the whiteboard afterward, must be compiled into a formal academic paper as soon as possible. And it needs to be published in a top mathematics journal."
"This professorship and this paper will both be submitted as part of your application materials. The stronger your materials, the more weight our words will carry. Understand?"
"Understood!" Chen Lin nodded emphatically, even though Academician Liang couldn’t see him. "I’ll start organizing it right away and try to get a first draft written in the next day or two."
"Mm, very good." There was a hint of a smile in Liang Tianshi’s voice; he was clearly pleased with Chen Lin’s efficiency. "But don’t be in too much of a rush. The quality of the paper is what’s most important. Don’t lower your standards just to meet a deadline."
His tone shifted as he continued, "Third, regarding this ’Ten Thousand Talents Program’ application, I still need to inquire about some specific details on my end.
"For now, just focus on preparing what you need to on your side. I’ll contact you again in about two or three weeks to discuss the follow-up arrangements in detail."
"Okay, Academician Liang, I’ve got it." Chen Lin readily agreed, then added a little sheepishly, "Um, Academician Liang, you’re working so late worrying about my affairs. It’s really too much trouble for you. You should get some rest, too. Your health is important."
On the other end of the line, Liang Tianshi’s heart warmed upon hearing those concerned words.
"Haha, alright, I know. You get to bed early, too. You must be exhausted after these last couple of days in the Imperial Capital."
"Should I hang up now, then?"
"Yes, go ahead."
Chen Lin pressed the end-call button and placed his phone back on the coffee table.
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Capital, in a quiet room, Liang Tianshi slowly lowered his phone, the gentle smile on his face gradually fading.
He remained silent for a moment, then picked up his phone again, opened his contacts, found a number saved under "Cai," and dialed it.