Autumn deepened at Princeton; maple leaves burned into brilliant flames, then quietly withered, laying a variegated, soft carpet at the feet of ancient Gothic buildings. Yue'er stood by the window of her institute apartment, holding a cup of long-cooled green tea, her gaze seeming to rest on the bare-branched oak outside, yet also piercing through them toward a more distant, abstract space of thought.
On her desk, the manuscript of *The Universe's Source Code: Information, Geometry, and Life* had thickened another stack. Recent work involved more **synthesis**, connection, and sublimation—weaving fragmented inspirations from earlier constructions regarding the P-versus-NP problem, the Langlands program, and information-geometry field theory into a more holistic narrative framework. This required her constantly to shuttle between different levels of mathematical structure, seeking that deepest, unifying rhythm hidden within. This mode of work made her exceptionally sensitive to concepts like "relationship," "structure," and "holism."
Mozi's awakening regarding capital, and his candid disclosure of his feelings for Xiuxiu, were like two stones cast into her calm thought-lake; the ripples still spread slowly. She did not feel offended or betrayed—such emotions too crude, mismatched with her cognition of complex systems. Instead, with a curiosity and calmness near studying mathematical objects, she repeatedly examined and pondered this sudden "emotional variable."
Mozi and Xiuxiu. Capital and lithography. She attempted to place these two elements, together with herself—mathematics and truth—within a grander coordinate system. Mozi represented a powerful, dynamic force (code) attempting to order real-world resource flows; Xiuxiu represented a precise, tenacious practice (light) aiming to break physical-world limits; and she herself represented abstract thought (truth) probing the universe's underlying logic and symmetry. These three, seemingly belonging to entirely different dimensions, yet in fate's ingenious weaving, had produced profound intersections.
Recalling her initial exchanges with Mozi—that resonance in pursuit of "order"—like hearing footsteps of same frequency in a dark forest. He was a bridge between her abstract thought and real world, using capital's logic and market's language to interpret for her another form of complex system. And his reverence and exploratory desire toward her mathematical world, though not fully comprehending, satisfied her innermost longing to be "understood"—not understood in details, but understood in that spirit of exploration itself.
And Xiuxiu… Yue'er's mind conjured that woman in a cleanroom—determined gaze, shedding tears alone after success, silently embracing Mozi in night. Their connection, initially via Mozi as intermediary, soon developed its own vitality. It was mutual appreciation between top practitioners; deep understanding only possible among those sharing obsession with "precision," "limit," and "perfection." She admired Xiuxiu's powerful execution transforming abstract blueprints into cold hardware—a quality she lacked yet deeply knew was precious. Xiuxiu's presence made her feel the power of theory taking root, seeing the path ahead her formulas might illuminate.
Now, Mozi candidly acknowledged special feelings for Xiuxiu. This didn't **disrupt** the **composition** already in Yue'er's mind; instead made it more… rich and three-dimensional. A simple binary relation instantly evolved into a more stable triangular structure. In geometry, the triangle is the most stable polygon. In complexity science, ternary relations often emerge with richer dynamical behavior and higher robustness than binary ones.
She realized her feelings for Mozi were deep and unique, built on intellectual resonance and soul reflection, a warm guiding beacon in her solitary exploration journey. For Xiuxiu, a complex emotion mingling admiration, respect, and sister-like affection. These two emotions weren't mutually exclusive; they coexisted harmoniously in her inner universe like vibrations of different frequencies. Mozi's feelings for Xiuxiu, and Xiuxiu's possible response (she could sense subtle change from that embrace and subsequent exchanges), introduced new interaction forces into this system.
This triangle composed of "truth, light, and code"—its internal relational network, its dynamical evolution—far more complex and fascinating than any mathematical structure she'd studied. Not constrained by strict axiomatic systems, filled with human uncertainty and emergence. Yet isn't this itself a higher-order, living "mathematics"?
A strong impulse arose within her. She no longer wanted merely to sense this "triangle's" vibrations via video calls and text messages. She yearned for a real, face-to-face encounter. Yearned to see the light in Mozi's eyes discussing capital empowering industry; to see the spark in Xiuxiu's brow mentioning tech breakthroughs; also yearned to let them see—when she expounded mathematical unity—that certainty and joy rooted deep in soul.
Picking up her private communicator, she tapped that group with only three members—jokingly called "String-Light Core" by Mozi. Group chat, prior conversations remained at tech sharing, market trends, occasional philosophical discussion—rational and restrained. Taking a deep breath, fingertips gently tapped screen, sending a message starkly different from usual style:
"Recent thoughts—whether about mathematical unity or real-world transformation—make me feel the remote resonance forming among us three seems to need a more 'dense' spacetime node to bear it. Perhaps we could consider an offline meeting? Find a place, temporarily set aside symbols and codes of respective domains, just as… fellow travelers, have a good talk. What do you think?"
After sending, Yue'er placed communicator on desk, walked to window—heartbeat subtly accelerated. Unlike her usual logic-based decisions, more like intuition driving, a yearning for holism, for complete picture.
Waiting-for-reply time, as if bewitched, grew exceptionally long. Each second stretched into a minute, each minute into an hour. Sitting at desk, eyes fixed on computer screen, fingers continuously tapping keyboard—yet no reply received.
Her mood grew more anxious; originally calm heart like a boulder thrown in, stirring layered ripples. Attempting to calm herself, refocus attention back to manuscript on desk. Those manuscripts, fruits of her diligent creation, densely covered with words and symbols.
Yet now these familiar symbols suddenly felt somewhat **alien** and distant. Gaze wandered on paper surface, unable to concentrate to understand those words' meanings. Her mind constantly **floated back to** that just-sent invitation—existing in digital network's tiny "triangle."
That "triangle" like a mysterious symbol, drawing her attention. She didn't know what this "triangle" represented, nor why the other party invited her. But curiosity was completely ignited by this small "triangle," leaving her unable to focus on other matters.
Minutes later, communicator screen lit up.
First, Mozi's reply—swift, direct, carrying his typical decisiveness:
"Good proposal. Here, Dawn Fund's first investment just completed **settlement**, **just in time for a buffer period**. Time place you decide, I'll fully cooperate." After text, a simple smile emoji. Yue'er could imagine him typing this line, face possibly bearing that hint of relief and anticipation. His agreement, expected; he was an action-taker.
A while later, Xiuxiu slowly replied, as if she'd undergone deep consideration in that brief time.
"Sister Yue'er's idea… good. Our team just completed dual-stage preliminary stability tests, entering a brief adjustment period. I also think, time to meet. Some… things, indeed **unclear across screens**." Her wording still carried engineer's prudence, but "Sister Yue'er"—that natural address—and that phrase "**unclear across screens**" revealed subtle recognition and closeness.
Both agreed.
Yue'er looked at the two replies appearing side-by-side on screen; a peculiar, warm feeling slowly enveloped her. Not victorious joy, but a… confirmation. Confirmed that intangible connection was real; confirmed mutual latent expectation for this "encounter." This "triangle in real spacetime" actively constructed by her proposal received positive response from the other two vertices.
After brief thought, she quickly typed a line replying:
"Next Friday evening, find a quiet café near Shanghai's Bund okay? There, closer to Mozi and Xiuxiu, **and very convenient for transportation**, I can fly directly over. That way, no one spends much time on road, can meet more **relaxed**. And Bund-area scenery beautiful; evening's afterglow **spilling across the Huangpu River surface**, **must have a unique charm**. In such environment, we can **savor fragrant coffee while chatting freely**, enjoy a leisurely period."
This proposal like lightning splitting night sky, instantly received enthusiastic response and confirmation from both. Their gazes met; each could see expectation and excitement for this proposal in other's eyes.
Next, **the two of them** began quickly discussing concrete details. Regarding café's name, **they tossed ideas back and forth**—from elegant artistic style to fashionable modern feel—each name **seeming to contain unique charm**. After **a round of heated discussion**, **they finally reached consensus**, choosing a name **both cozy and poetic**.
And for exact time, they didn't hesitate much either. In **a few brief and crisp exchanges**, a suitable time point was **determined**. This time **neither too early, making people rush; nor too late, making people wait too long**.
The whole process was like a tacit dance, **their thoughts sparking in an instant**, rapidly and efficiently completing all decisions.