Chapter 30

The recruitment notice was simultaneously published in the South China Morning Post, the Commercial Daily, the Wah Kiu Yat Po, and the Ta Kung Pao, among other newspapers.

Of the above newspapers, the South China Morning Post was an English-language paper at the time; thus, the following is the full text of the recruitment notice from the Ta Kung Pao:

“Recruitment Notice for the Seminar Class of Dr. Lin Ran, Visiting Professor at Xiangjiang University

Xiangjiang University is honored to invite the internationally renowned mathematician Dr. Lin Ran to serve as a visiting professor. A seminar class has been specially established for open enrollment across all of Xiangjiang. Dr. Lin is a titan of modern mathematics who independently proved the 300-year-old Fermat Conjecture and is the strongest candidate for the Fields Medal; his profound scholarship is celebrated worldwide. This seminar aims to impart cutting-edge mathematical knowledge and inspire young talents—an opportunity not to be missed.

The seminar plans to admit fifty participants; slots are limited and selection will be based on merit. Anyone with a strong interest in mathematics, regardless of professional background, may apply. Applicants must pass a special entrance examination administered by the university to assess their academic foundation and potential. The exam will cover fundamental mathematics; details may be obtained from the Xiangjiang University Academic Affairs Office.

The application deadline is June 15, 1960. The examination will be held on June 25. Application forms and seminar brochures are available free of charge at the Xiangjiang University Academic Affairs Office or designated bookstores. The list of admitted candidates will be published within five days after the exam in this newspaper and on campus notice boards.

Xiangjiang University hopes this seminar will gather the finest talents from across the territory to explore the mysteries of mathematics alongside Dr. Lin Ran, promote academic exchange, and benefit society. Those with ambition are urged to apply without delay!

Xiangjiang University Academic Affairs Office

June 1, 1960”

In addition to Xiangjiang University’s publication of announcements regarding Lin Ran’s upcoming visit in major newspapers, Hong Kong’s media also vied to report on it.

After all, Hong Kong’s economy had not yet taken off; compared to its future status as the “Pearl of the Orient,” it resembled an obscure ordinary city.

For local media, the visit of a globally renowned mathematician like Lin Ran remained highly attractive.

Traditional media such as the Ta Kung Pao maintained a degree of decorum, with titles and content that were serious and dignified:

“Dr. Lin Ran Arrives in Hong Kong to Deliver Seminar at Xiangjiang University, Inspiring Students

By Reporter Li Zhiming

Internationally renowned mathematician Dr. Lin Ran will arrive in Hong Kong on July 1 to assume the position of visiting professor at Xiangjiang University and to lead a publicly open mathematics seminar during July and August. This is a major event for Hong Kong’s academic community and a clear demonstration of Chinese scientists’ prestige on the international stage. Dr. Lin’s visit brings not only world-class mathematical insight but also a rare opportunity for Hong Kong’s youth to pursue knowledge—deeply inspiring.

Dr. Lin Ran, whose English name is Randolph Lin, is only twenty-two years old. He has already stunned the academic world by proving the Fermat Conjecture. His theoretical work has been hailed by mathematicians as the Randolph Program, overturning Western conventional notions and illuminating the brilliance of Chinese intellect.

At the invitation of Xiangjiang University, Dr. Lin will conduct a multi-month seminar drawing upon his vast knowledge, covering the most advanced mathematical theories, aiming to inspire students and advance scientific progress.

It is understood that the seminar plans to enroll fifty students; anyone with a passion for mathematics may apply, but must pass a rigorous examination for merit-based selection. This reflects Dr. Lin’s rigorous attitude toward scholarship and provides Hong Kong’s youth with a stage to showcase their talent. Application details have been published in this newspaper and at the Xiangjiang University Academic Affairs Office. Dr. Lin expressed his hope that through this seminar, he may jointly explore the mysteries of mathematics with Hong Kong’s students and contribute to the treasury of human knowledge.

Further details of the seminar, the list of admitted candidates, and Dr. Lin’s subsequent activities in Hong Kong will be announced progressively by this newspaper. Please stay tuned for our follow-up reports.”

Tabloids like the Tian Tian Daily, however, were far less restrained:

“Lin Ran Causes a Frenzy in Hong Kong! Fermat Conjecture Prover’s Seminar at Xiangjiang University Opens for Betting

International superstar Lin Ran is about to storm Hong Kong! This math god, armed with a head full of formulas and a halo of glory, plans to host a seminar at Xiangjiang University—rumor has it he’ll snatch up fifty students into his ‘scientific harem.’ The news has sent Hong Kong into a frenzy: some say he’s here to show off, too afraid to do so on the mainland; others suspect he’s come to flirt with Hong Kong girls. Either way, it’s a spectacle!

Young as he is, Lin Ran proved the Fermat Conjecture and supposedly devised a program named after himself, shattering Western mathematical theories. Now he’s come to Hong Kong claiming he wants to teach and nurture talent, holding a seminar with entrance exams as if it were a beauty pageant. The application deadline is June 15, the exam on June 25—those who wish to join had better sharpen their minds, or they won’t even get through the door.

He reportedly said in America: ‘Hong Kong students are smart; I’ll help them unlock their potential.’ It sounds respectable, but our reporter can’t help imagining: Is this genius smitten with Hong Kong girls, using teaching as an excuse for a romantic encounter? After all, he’s been living in America—surely he’s honed his seduction skills!

The seminar is said to accept only fifty people; outstanding participants may be invited to enroll at Columbia University. Students across Hong Kong are desperate: some are pulling all-nighters studying, others are burning incense at temples, begging Professor Lin to go easy on them. We’ve heard the course may cover number theory and elliptic equations—head-spinning stuff. One student declared: ‘If I fail, I’ll jump into Victoria Harbour—who else but me is cursed to face this god?’

Others claim he has personal ties with the university president and that the admission slots were already allocated; the exam is just a formality. The truth remains under investigation, but as long as there’s drama, we’re watching!

Since Lin Ran’s arrival, the streets of Hong Kong have buzzed with chatter—even tea house uncles and aunts are discussing how ‘he’s bound to win the Fields Medal.’ Though most of them have no idea what the Fields Medal even is.

Let me tell you: the Fields Medal is the Nobel Prize of mathematics. Lin Ran is on par with Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao. Finally, this paper reminds you: if you want into the seminar, first sharpen your math skills—or you won’t even be able to fill out the application form. Once the admission list is out, we’ll break the news first—stay tuned to see which lucky souls will cling to Great God Lin’s coattails!”

Meanwhile, Chen Jingrun was still in Yangcheng, across the water, making his final preparations.

In a temporary cultural workshop, Chen Jingrun faced a cultural consultant named Miss Lin.

She wore a qipao and held a copy of the “Gazette of Hong Kong Customs.”

“Hong Kong people drink morning tea and love dim sum—you must learn to use chopsticks to pick up siu mai, and remember to say ‘Thank you’ with proper British manners,” Miss Lin smiled.

Chen Jingrun attempted to mimic a handshake, his movements stiff as a puppet’s during training.