Chapter 56: Fanatical Invitation
"So, how did you do it?"
Little Sheldon put down his knife and fork, looked at Chuck, and asked the question that had been nagging at him. Remembering Chuck's previous teasing response that had made him angry, he added cautiously: "Don't say it's because you're Batman—you're not!"
"Is it that difficult?"
Chuck asked calmly.
"...It's not difficult!"
Little Sheldon's face went rigid, and he lifted his chin defiantly. "Just give me time. If you can do it, I can do it too."
He refused to believe he was inferior to Chuck!
"Sheldon, you're still young. It's perfectly normal that you're not quite at Dr. Wolfe's level yet," Professor Alicia Harper said, taking a sip of wine, her cheeks slightly flushed. After hearing the exchange between Chuck and little Sheldon, she smiled warmly. "Dr. Wolfe is eleven years older than you, after all."
"What if he's not as good as me?"
Paige smiled mischievously. "I'm younger than him."
"You're only nineteen days younger than me!"
Little Sheldon protested loudly.
"That's still younger."
Paige said smugly.
"At your age, it's normal for girls to develop earlier than boys, including cognitively. If you don't believe me, come to my office and I'll show you the brain scans," Beverly interjected on little Sheldon's behalf. "You're nineteen days younger than Sheldon, so it's statistically normal for you to occasionally outperform him. But in four years, there's a 76.5% probability that Sheldon will surpass you. Then you can come see those brain scans."
"Did you hear that?"
Little Sheldon, feeling vindicated, raised his chin and shot Paige a triumphant look, then turned to Beverly with slight dissatisfaction. "Only 76.5%? Are you certain that percentage isn't statistically conservative?"
"I don't make computational errors."
Beverly frowned at the implication.
"Fine."
Little Sheldon nodded reluctantly, accepting the figure.
76.5% was the average, but someone like him was obviously above average. Once his brain fully matured, he'd definitely surpass Paige. Just wait and see how he'd gloat then!
"Brilliant!"
Just then, Professor John Harper's voice boomed from the living room.
Everyone turned toward the sound and saw him standing excitedly, holding Paige's manuscript. He paced back and forth, praising it enthusiastically. Then he strode over to the dining table, grabbed a wine glass, poured himself a generous amount, and drained it in one gulp. He looked around the table, his eyes settling on Chuck, Paige, and little Sheldon, his face glowing with excitement. "You three are genuine mathematical prodigies. You've developed three completely novel approaches and methodologies that have never been published before."
"Calm down, John. Sit down."
Professor Alicia Harper pulled her overly excited husband back to his seat.
Professor John Harper sat down, still visibly animated. "Did you know the Soviet Union is on its last legs?"
Everyone nodded.
This was the biggest story of the year, dominating the news cycle. Who could have missed it?
Professor John Harper grinned knowingly. "Do you know what's really behind this?"
"The triumph of freedom and democracy, obviously,"
Monica recited what she'd heard on every news broadcast.
Professor John Harper couldn't help but chuckle.
"What's so funny?"
Monica was confused, not understanding what was wrong with her answer.
This was the widely accepted narrative in newspapers and on television.
"Watch your tongue, John!"
Professor Alicia Harper frowned disapprovingly. "Besides, this is a family dinner. Stop bringing up politics."
"This will be an unprecedented victory, just like our victories in World War II. The real reason is the triumph of science! The triumph of us scientists!"
Professor John Harper declared with fervor.
"Absolutely right."
When young Sheldon and Beverly heard it framed as a victory for scientists, they immediately felt it was perfectly logical.
"You're quite perceptive,"
Professor John Harper said, looking at young Sheldon appreciatively. "And such a genius! Why don't you come study advanced mathematics with me? Believe me, you'll be able to proudly tell everyone that all of humanity's greatest achievements are the achievements of scientists—your achievements!"
He then looked at Paige and Chuck. "And you two, we could collaborate!"
"John!!!"
Professor Alicia Harper's expression darkened. "Stop trying to recruit people with that extremist nonsense! He's still a child!"
"Dr. Wolfe, what's your opinion?"
Professor John Harper, seeing his wife's reaction, hesitated and turned his attention to Chuck, who was no longer a minor.
"I'll observe from the sidelines,"
Chuck replied calmly.
"Don't you agree that the Soviet Union's imminent collapse represents a victory for us scientists?"
Professor John Harper pressed.
"Isn't it said that science has no nationality?"
Monica couldn't help but challenge him.
Professor John Harper smiled again—a smile that made her deeply uncomfortable. He said nothing, just smiled.
She looked indignantly at Professor Alicia Harper, whose demeanor had mellowed considerably after several glasses of wine. "Why is your husband like this?"
"Science should be international, and so should art,"
Professor Alicia Harper sighed resignedly.
"That's the idealistic view, but there's also a saying: Scientists have nationalities, and so do artists," Professor John Harper smiled. "Whether in defense research or civilian applications, the role we scientists play in advancing national interests is crucial. When we achieve global hegemony and eliminate rival nations, then that idealistic statement will actually become true."
"..."
Monica was stunned.
Not only were these words completely shattering to her worldview, but she was also horrified to discover that the scientist she had always imagined as a calm, peaceful scholar could harbor such radical and fanatical beliefs.
"Sheldon, what's your take on the Soviet collapse?"
Chuck asked, as Sheldon, who had been nodding along with the idea that science was paramount, appeared deeply affected.
"I..."
Little Sheldon was about to speak up, but suddenly something occurred to him, and he hesitated. Seeing everyone's expectant looks, he wavered. "I promised my parents, my Meemaw, Missy, and little Georgie that I wouldn't discuss these kinds of political topics."
"If you can't, then don't,"
Chuck nodded understandingly.
Instead of feeling relieved, Sheldon felt even more conflicted. He abruptly stood up and asked, "Excuse me, where's the restroom?"
His anxiety was affecting his bladder control.
"What's gotten into him?"
Professor John Harper watched little Sheldon hurry to the bathroom, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Of course he's disturbed by your extremist talk!"
Professor Alicia Harper glared at her husband. "Scientists should stick to research. You insist on spouting political propaganda you have no business discussing."
At this point, she turned to Chuck with disapproval. "And why are you asking Sheldon questions he shouldn't be answering?"
"Because I'm responding to Professor John Harper's questions,"
Chuck said matter-of-factly.
"What kind of logic is that?"
The others looked puzzled.
Paige suddenly smiled knowingly. "I understand."
(End of Chapter)
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