Chapter Three: Wang Bowen

Amid the lively commotion, the department chair entered the auditorium through the small side door. Surveying the boisterous crowd, he clapped his hands to signal for quiet. At the sight of their “boss,” everyone gradually fell silent.

“Everyone, please be seated. The lecture is about to begin. Class monitors, use this time to check if all your classmates are present,” he announced.

At his command, a few students stood up here and there to take attendance.

Zhang Mingyang remained seated, chatting with his close friends. “Did you hear? The people coming today aren’t just giving a lecture—they’re supposed to help us with our job placements, too!”

“Is there really such a good thing?” his friends chimed in, voices buzzing with disbelief.

“I doubt it,” one scoffed. “They say it’s easy to find a job, but I bet only those in the popular majors get internships. As for us, studying in the ‘nuclear’ field, there’s no hope!”

“Exactly,” another agreed. “All the country’s nuclear power plants are almost at capacity—why would they need so many more people?”

Lin Ruofu, covering her face in frustration, groaned, “I never should have listened to my mom. Studying ‘nuclear energy’ was a mistake.”

A collective sigh swept through the group as everyone nodded in sympathy.

At that moment, a white-haired old man entered, accompanied by the vice principal.

“Please welcome Director Wang!” the vice principal called out, leading a round of applause.

The elderly man waved warmly at the crowd.

“Oh my, it’s Grandpa Wang!” someone exclaimed.

“Who?” Lin Ruofu turned, curious. “You know him?”

Zhang Mingyang had recognized the man the moment he walked in. “Of course I do. He was my dad’s teacher! But I recall he’s an astronomy professor. What’s he doing here to lecture us?”

“Quiet, everyone! Quiet!” the vice principal urged.

“Let me introduce Academician Wang Bowen, currently the Deputy Director of the National Space Agency, Director of the Astronomical Institute, a double Academician, and Honorary President of Capital University,” he announced.

“Academician Wang was originally here to inspect the construction of our new Jiyang Astronomical Institute. At the school’s invitation, he has made time in his busy schedule to give a lecture to our Energy Department. I hope everyone treasures this opportunity. Once again, let’s give a warm welcome to Academician Wang!”

Applause broke out again as Wang Bowen raised his hand in acknowledgment.

“Academician Wang, the stage is yours,” the vice principal said, stepping aside.

Standing at the podium, Wang Bowen surveyed the packed auditorium and, in a slightly weary voice, began, “You must all be wondering why someone who teaches astronomy is here to give a lecture to the Energy Department.”

A chorus of nods and murmured assent followed.

“Very well, let me explain why I’m here,” he continued. “Has anyone here ever studied astronomy, or knows anything about it?”

The audience began to whisper among themselves.

“It’s about understanding the universe!” someone called out.

“Going to space!” another suggested.

A string of answers echoed through the hall.

“You’re all correct,” Wang Bowen said, pointing toward the ceiling. “Astronomy is the study of celestial bodies in the cosmos, and the structure and development of the universe. It covers the composition, properties, and motion of these bodies. Astronomy is one of humanity’s oldest sciences and has always held a place of great importance in our civilization.”

“So, does anyone know how astronomers observe the universe?” he asked.

“With satellites!” someone said.

“With telescopes!” another replied.

Wang Bowen smiled and nodded. “You’re right. Astronomy relies mainly on optical, radio, infrared, and space-based observations. Optical, radio, and infrared are the most basic methods, but space-based observation is truly the best way to understand our universe.”

He pressed on, “Now then, can anyone tell me how space-based observation is conducted?”

“Rockets!” came a shout.

“Satellites!” another echoed.

As the questions grew more challenging, fewer voices joined in.

Wang Bowen looked at a student near the stage, “Could you turn off the lights in the auditorium for me?”

“Yes, Academician Wang,” came the reply.

Wang Bowen then pulled a device from his pocket, the size of a cellphone—a virtual 3D projector—and set it on the center of the stage.

With a click, the auditorium was plunged into darkness.

“What’s going on?” someone muttered.

“I’m afraid of the dark!” another wailed, as nervous unrest rippled through the students.

Another click, and suddenly a spray of starlight burst from the projector, filling the entire hall until it glowed softly.

“Wow!” gasped the audience, marveling at the dazzling Milky Way overhead, their surprise echoing through the hall.

“Is this space?”

“Are those stars?”

Wang Bowen stepped forward from the shadows, gesturing to the sea of stars above. “Students, isn’t it beautiful?”

“It’s beautiful!” came the collective cry.

Wang Bowen drew his hands together, and the stars appeared to contract, drawing inward until they reached a “boundary.”

“Students, this is the observable universe as we know it—estimated to be 145.6 billion light-years in diameter!”

“But it’s still expanding. Humanity may never know how large the universe truly is, or where its center lies.”

“Academician Wang, where are we? Where’s Earth?” someone asked.

Wang Bowen expanded his arms outward, and the projection shifted until a blue planet appeared.

“This is our Earth. It’s 4.6 billion years old, and so far, it’s the only place in the universe where life is known to exist.”

“Academician Wang, do other civilizations exist in the universe?” another student inquired.

“That’s a great question,” Wang Bowen replied, gazing at the Earth before him. “The very purpose of astronomy, from ancient times to today, has been to search for other civilizations.”

“And how do we search for them? Aside from astronomical observation, the most effective and important method is to use rockets to launch satellites, or manned spacecraft.”

“Unfortunately, with our current technology, humanity lacks the energy resources to support rapid interstellar travel.”

“Energy is not only the foundation of a nation’s strength but also the basis for the survival and continuation of an entire species!”

“Most of you here are students of the Energy Department. All I wish to say is this: the nation’s development and the future of our species rest on your shoulders. I am old and may not live to witness your achievements, but history will remember the great contributions you make for the continuation of humankind!”

Thank you!

Wang Bowen bowed deeply.

Thunderous applause erupted as the entire audience rose to their feet, their fervor palpable.

Zhang Mingyang, too, was moved by Director Wang’s speech.

For the first time, he felt that his chosen field had true significance.

With a click, the lights came back on. Wang Bowen picked up the projector and glanced at his watch.

The vice principal returned to the stage. “Students, due to time constraints, Academician Wang’s lecture will end here. Let us give him the warmest send-off!”

Once again, the auditorium thundered with applause.