Zhang Mingrui sighed.
Yes, it indeed seems somewhat inconceivable.
It was generally accepted that Qiao Ze stood a high chance of receiving the Fields Medal in 2026, as the youngest awardee in history.
This had almost been a foregone conclusion.
Having independently resolved the Yang-Mills Equations and, along the way, devised an entirely new mathematical framework, becoming a founder of a new school of thought—he put forward the concepts of superspiral algebra and transcendental geometry, which have been verified as correct theories. If he couldn't win the Fields Medal, then no mathematicians would have the face to accept the award in 2026.
Some people win awards for the honor, while others receive awards as a testament to the prestige of the award itself, ensuring its dignity—Qiao Ze undoubtedly belonged to the latter.