Chapter 780: We Are Changing the World—That Is the Meaning

Not far away, Chujiang Peak, Ren Nan, Li Gang, and other acquaintances wore expressions of deep emotion.

This leadership team has real guts.

To be honest, based solely on Xu Qingzhou’s current achievements, he is more than qualified for the top award—but in Xia Country, it’s more complicated; besides technical merit, seniority matters, and the practice of ranking by age has always persisted.

Unlike universal prizes like the Nobel, the National Highest Science and Technology Award emphasizes contribution to the nation—it’s a product of state-centric scientific paradigms, and among the older generation of scientists, many devoted their entire lives to the country.

The selection for the National Highest Science and Technology Award has always been cautious, consistently stressing that science and technology must serve national development, with outcomes aligned to national needs.

Better to leave it vacant than to award it unworthily.

For instance, the 2015 award went unassigned.

In the front row, an elderly academician clapped gently, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

For this young man’s award, he had only four words in his heart—entirely deserved.

The happiest thing is seeing the nation grow stronger.

When the youth are strong, the nation is strong.

For someone his age, an extra award means nothing; giving this opportunity to Xu Qingzhou was a win.

When he first heard someone had nominated him for the National Highest Science and Technology Award, he immediately wrote a letter to superiors, stating the award should go to a more capable young person.

Unlike other prizes, the National Highest Science and Technology Award is presented personally by an elder.

Xu Qingzhou stood below the stage, quietly adjusting his tie.

He had expected to remain calm, but when he heard his name and stood beside the podium, his heartbeat accelerated involuntarily.

After the host finished reading all the citations, Xu Qingzhou took a deep breath, stepped forward steadily, and walked one deliberate step after another toward the podium.

“Professor Xu, on behalf of the nation, thank you for your contributions.”

The elder smiled warmly, like a spring breeze, and solemnly handed the certificate and medal into Xu Qingzhou’s hands.

“Thank you for the nation’s recognition. I’ve merely done what my duty required. I believe this honor belongs not just to me, but to all scientific workers striving on the frontlines of independent innovation.”

Xu Qingzhou replied humbly.

“Professor Xu, I look forward to the day you open the door to ‘ultimate energy.’”

“I believe that day won’t be far off.”

“It will surely be even more magnificent. Congratulations again, Professor Xu.”

At that moment, thunderous applause erupted from the audience, like an unceasing wave.

Compared to earlier, Xu Qingzhou’s heart had grown calm.

This heavy honor certificate differs from the Fields Medal or Wolf Prize in mathematics, and from the globally renowned Nobel Prize.

It is the nation’s recognition of an individual’s contribution.

More than excitement, he felt a profound sense of responsibility and mission.

“Fortunately, looking back on these years, I haven’t wasted my time.”

“The future will be even more extraordinary.”

Below the stage, Song Yao clapped along with the scholars; her usually serene, beautiful face now showed a faint smile, proud of Xu Qingzhou’s achievement.

The young man’s expression was calm, his demeanor composed; facing the cameras, he showed no trace of fear, shaking hands and conversing with the elder with perfect poise.

“In private, he’s actually a freak.”

Song Yao thought to herself.

After the National Highest Science and Technology Award ceremony concluded, the entire award ceremony drew to a close.

Finally, the 70-minute award ceremony ended.