Super God-Level Top Student

Huaxia, Xilin Mathematics Research Institute, morning.

Edward Witten hung up the phone and came to almost the same conclusion as Karsten Hegge: He probably didn't have many friends left in his homeland.

Very helpless, yet very realistic.

There must always be distinctions between close and distant relations.

The most important thing is, Edward Witten even felt that these old pals were sometimes somewhat clueless.

Over the past few days, this group of people had actively contacted him to inquire about the new accelerator theory, but now they hung up on him...

It seems being too enthusiastic was ultimately a mistake.

For a moment, Edward Witten even felt somewhat envious of Qiao Ze.

Burying oneself in research, having no social interactions is actually a good thing. At least one's mood won't be affected by some inexplicable people with some inexplicable actions.

Edward Witten sighed, just as the office door was knocked, and then Peter Schultz poked his head in: "Going to the meeting?"

"Oh..." He instinctively glanced at the time on the computer, five minutes to eight thirty, almost time for the morning briefing meeting, so he casually picked up the materials on the desk and stood up: "Let's go."

As he stepped out, Edward Witten casually asked: "Have many people been asking you about the Q theory recently?"

Peter Schultz shook his head and said: "Not many inquiries about the Q theory, but more about the accelerator"

"Oh? How did you respond?" Edward Witten immediately asked.

"I just said I wasn't quite familiar, and pushed them to you." Peter Schultz answered confidently.

Goodness, Edward Witten roughly understood why his phone had been non-stop since last night.

"Alas, perhaps it's just that this group of people is interested in these things. Accelerator, a technology for investing in the future, is unlikely to see a commercial outlook in the short term, thus doesn't warrant this much concern." Edward Witten sighed.

Can't blame Peter Schultz, after all, he's more of a pure mathematician. Research in physics is purely a hobby. Interestingly, this guy is clearly more interested in the Q theory. Regarding accelerator matters, besides helping to refine algorithms, he rarely participates.

"The lack of commercial prospects refers to those previous large installations. If Huaxia can truly solve the technical challenges of miniaturization, there is commercial value. Of course, it requires some time." Peter Schultz offered a different opinion.

"Haha, you haven't interacted with those investors. They instinctively dislike things that require a long time to verify. Capital demands quick profits, modern people lack the patience to wait for the future. Even the former Google has started slashing some fundamental research investments."

Peter Schultz shrugged, not arguing with Edward Witten.

This wasn't his area of interest anyway.

Pure mathematical research is after all different from physics.

He doesn't need vast amounts of funding for various equipment purchases, in fact, many times a pen and a notebook are enough for him.

Fortunately, the corridor on the eighth floor isn't long, after a brief exchange, the two had already arrived in the conference room where Qiao Ze was as always seated first waiting.

"Hi, good morning, Qiao."

"Good morning, let's begin. Whoever has questions can speak first." Qiao Ze responded casually.

...

There isn't much to say about the trio's usual discussions, almost no one in the world cares. Many specialized terms are involved, hardly exceeds three figures in understanding, even more so considering their discussion style is to directly pose questions and thinking out loud with no systematic explanations, making comprehension harder.

However, the discussions were indeed substantive. No time was wasted, apart from Edward Witten's greeting and Qiao Ze's morning reply, there was no other small talk.

Thus, it took only twenty minutes or so to complete the communication.

This doesn't mean all the raised issues were solved but that everyone expressed their thoughts, whether right or wrong is uncertain but provides different thinking directions for the three.

Honestly, this communication efficiency made Peter Schultz feel quite comfortable.

Even at the University of Bonn, achieving such efficiency is difficult.

Quickly finishing, Edward Witten and Peter Schultz were about to bid farewell as usual to delve into their respective research questions, but Qiao Ze called Edward Witten to ask: "Edward, has the Nobel prize money been disbursed?"

This question startled Edward Witten, making Peter Schultz halt, curiously looking at Qiao Ze.

"Impossible, I didn't go to claim the prize."

"I know, rejecting the prize means declining the medal, did you also refuse the monetary award?" Qiao Ze inquired.

Edward Witten furrowed his brow and retorted: "Aren't they one and the same?"

Qiao Ze shook his head, solemnly said: "Certainly not, I've always believed whether it's scientific rewards or bounties for tackling problems, it's money pre-stored there. The password is the acknowledged correct and valuable answer, providing the password should enable us to claim the reward.

So I plan to send a letter to retrieve this money that should rightfully belong to us, should it include your name?"

Edward Witten looked at Qiao Ze and could tell from his expression that he was serious.