Chapter 243: The Professor’s Dazzling Performance
After receiving Lin Ran’s telephone call, Aldrin’s first reaction was whether the professor called him first or Armstrong.
What made him feel regretful was that it was just simple small talk.
Aldrin thought again that the first moon landing was much more difficult, and this was just their second time. It was very important for America and the White House, but for the professor, it might just be an ordinary task.
After hanging up the telephone, Aldrin turned his head to look at the newspaper. America’s newspapers only had two topics.
One was the moon landing, and the other was the upcoming New York Mathematicians’ Christmas Party.
Fun fact: The New York Mathematicians’ Christmas Party has never been held on Christmas Day itself.
Because when it was first held, the organizers, namely Lin Ran, Harvey Cohn, and others, thought that everyone would spend Christmas Day with their families, so they scheduled the Christmas Party for the day before Christmas.
The newspapers were filled with hype news about the professor battling chess experts.
Even in terms of news heat, the New York Christmas Party was far more popular than the White House press conference.
“The semi-retired chess champion Robert James Fischer stated that he would bring the professor’s life its first failure.”
“Robert James Fischer claimed that the professor is an absolute newcomer in the chess field.”
“Robert James Fischer believes the professor is not a genius; he is just a monster packaged by the Jewish Group.”
Chess, in the current era, actually carries a bit of Cold War flavor.
Especially for Robert James Fischer himself.
He is America’s chess master and the 11th World Chess Champion.
At the age of 14, he won the first championship of his career, the U.S. Championship, setting a record.
In 1964, he won with a score of 11-0, the only perfect score in the history of that championship.
Originally, he defeated the Soviet Union player Boris Spassky in Reykjavik, Iceland, to win the championship. This match was promoted as a Cold War confrontation between America and the Soviet Union, attracting more global attention than any chess championship before or after.
Compared to Lin Ran, Robert James Fischer is also a legend, but he is a legend in the chess field.
For the media, they need material, they need a character who is representative enough.
Otherwise, all eight top-ranked players have won championships, and everyone wants to earn a wave of fame. Of course, IBM would also give them a hefty appearance fee, but reporting on eight people would lack focus.
The media needs a focal character. In this year-end marketing campaign, Lin Ran is undoubtedly the positive character, and the villain also needs a focal point.
Obviously, the number one ranked Robert James is the focal point in the media’s eyes; the media attention he receives alone is greater than that of the other seven combined.
After this year’s New York Mathematicians’ Banquet, IBM organized what is hailed as a miracle in human history at the Technology Ark: the professor versus eight chess champions. Only by defeating these eight chess champions does Lin Ran qualify to play against IBM’s latest Deep Blue 2.0.
This event itself is full of news value. In addition, with IBM’s media public relations capabilities, even though the Christmas holiday has already begun, a large number of reporters still came to the scene.
The entrance to the Technology Ark was also crowded with New York City residents coming to watch the excitement.
“It feels like there are as many people at the Technology Ark entrance today as the first time we came.” Annie and her husband Philip K. Dick sighed as they passed by the entrance.
As a famous science fiction writer, Philip K. Dick had already moved from rural California to New York City.
This is just like how French writers move to Paris after becoming famous, or Russian writers move to Moscow or Saint Petersburg after becoming famous.
Philip K. Dick moved to New York not only because life in New York is convenient and easy for negotiating cooperation with publishers, but more because it is cyberpunk enough here to give him sufficient inspiration.
Inspiration from divination in rural California is too limited and no longer enough to support his creative needs.
“Yeah, this is the professor’s appeal.” Philip K. Dick nodded in approval.
Annie continued, “Jenny is such a nice person. If not for her giving us invitation letters, we would have to stand outside like these residents and watch the professor play against the chess experts.”
This match is semi-public; only those with invitation letters can enter to watch.
Therefore, aside from the mathematicians attending the New York Mathematicians Conference, the remaining tickets are extremely scarce.
Jenny only gave them two, so Philip K. Dick did not bring his daughter.
“Of course, I absolutely believe in the professor. Although Fischer is a chess champion with the reputation of a child prodigy and an absolute genius, the professor obviously transcends the category of genius, doesn’t he!
The professor is unmatched in fields that require thinking, just like I know how to lead America to a greater future; I am also unmatched in this regard.”
“Oh, of course, if the professor runs for election, I would unhesitatingly become his running mate, willing to assist him. If the professor wants to learn to become America’s president, I believe he could do it very well, better than anyone else, but unfortunately, the current rules do not allow it.
This is where Lyndon Johnson is stupid. If I were elected president, my first move would be to push for changes to the presidential candidacy rules, serve eight years myself, and then let the professor serve eight years as president.
We would together shape an unprecedented great Rome!”
“Let us lead America to become even greater!”
While they were queuing at the entrance, Fred standing nearby was being interviewed by reporters. He was holding his two sons by the hand, one frowning and the other deep in thought.
Surrounding them, besides reporters, were some members of the public, who listened with rapt attention.
Obviously, Fred, as Lin Ran’s “close friend,” the newly elected New York State congressman (1966 senator election), and a rising star within the Elephant Party, naturally received an invitation letter for this event named witnessing the pinnacle of human wisdom.
Of course, Lyndon Johnson holding a celebration banquet at the White House on the same day would not invite Fred.
Lyndon Johnson despises Fred as much as he despises dog shit and wishes he were as far away as possible.
“I can’t believe New York has supporters like this.” Annie whispered in her husband’s ear.
Philip K. Dick shook his head: “In Washington, Fred is nakedly bad.
Bad guys like him who are nakedly bad are rare creatures.”
Annie laughed, and after a moment she asked again, “What about the professor?”
Philip K. Dick first said, “The professor is another species.”
“In Washington, the professor is like a robot entering the human world.” Philip K. Dick added, then shut up and did not elaborate on why he thought so.
Inside the Technology Ark, some audience members who had obtained invitation letters were taking their seats one after another.
The start time is 7:30.
Meanwhile, the players had all arrived.
(1966 U.S. Chess Championship player rankings)
Some media groups were interviewing the players in small clusters.
Among them, the most reporters surrounded Fischer, fully five, while the others had only one or two.
“Fischer, can you elaborate on your views on the professor?” the reporters pressed, just to get something more explosive.
“Of course, my view remains the same: the professor is not as genius as promoted; he is a monster packaged by the Jewish Group,” Fischer said.
“What specifically do you mean?”
Fischer continued, “I mean, many of his achievements come from other research personnel and are all credited to him, including NASA’s moon landing. President Johnson said it well: this is the merit of tens of thousands of NASA engineers, but in media promotion, it is portrayed as the professor’s sole merit.
He was packaged by the Jewish Group; they packaged the professor comprehensively, from his achievements to media hype.
The reason I accepted IBM’s invitation is precisely to expose the professor’s facade!”
Fischer is Jewish, or at least has Jewish descent.
But he made many anti-Jewish statements, including denying the Holocaust.
Such statements even appeared in his public remarks.
He publicly denied the Holocaust and called America “a farce controlled by dirty, hook-nosed, circumcised Jewish bastards.”
It is hard to say whether Fischer is a genius or a madman; he even wrote prominently in his notebook: “December 13, 1999, it’s time to start killing Jews at random.”
After the 9/11 attacks, he said he applauded the action; no one understands that America and Israel have been slaughtering Palestinians for years.
In that era, without a doubt, he was a heretic, regarded as having mental illness.
It was still more open back then; if this were America in 2020, if he dared to make such public statements again, it wouldn’t just be expulsion from the chess association.
However, retribution from the squid people was late but arrived; after his death, he was dug up from the cemetery by Iceland authorities under the pretext of DNA testing, hard to believe it had nothing to do with Jewish revenge.
“Sorry, Fischer, we certainly hope it’s true, because if what you say is true, this would be a scandal of the century, unprecedented news.
But even if you defeat the professor in chess, it probably won’t prove this point,” the reporter corrected.
“My action is kindling; this kindling will ignite a wave of doubt about the professor.
Doubting the professor starts with me.
The professor is undoubtedly a product of the Jewish Group’s conspiracy, a massive tentacle for deeply controlling the American government!” Fischer said in a low voice.
Another reporter asked, “If it’s really as you say, why would the Jewish Group package someone who is not their own, but package a person of Chinese descent?”
Fischer shook his head: “This is where the Jewish Group is clever; packaging someone of Jewish descent would be noticed, but packaging someone of Chinese descent is much more secretive.”
The reporters looked at each other after hearing this.
Because honestly, it was hard for them to imagine research personnel willingly handing over achievements like the Twin Prime Conjecture or Goldbach Conjecture just for some conspiracy.
One reporter couldn’t hold back: “Sir, are those research personnel really willing to nurture their research achievements for the professor?”
Fischer said, “I’ve thought about this too. I suspect those are achievements from Jewish scientists in Germany during World War II, as well as German scientists. After being obtained by America’s Jewish people, they were provided to the professor.
And the original mathematicians had long lost their lives in World War II.”
The reporters felt this was a bit too conspiracy theory, but at least Fischer’s feud with Lin Ran gave them a reassurance.
This match was at least not pre-arranged.
Yes, the reporters had guessed, fearing it was a show arranged by IBM where everyone had to lose to Lin Ran to add a bit more halo to Lin Ran.
If so, it would be too boring.
Fortunately, having a chess champion like Fischer dispelled everyone’s guesses.
Of course, if Fischer were an actor, then his acting skills would be too good, portraying a conspiracy theory-obsessed paranoid perfectly.
Preparation time over, the eight players took their seats respectively.
Just as Lin Ran previewed last year, it was not a wheel battle, but simultaneously one against eight.
The audience on site all began to exclaim in surprise.
“See, the professor is going to create another miracle tonight.” Fred said softly to his two sons, “Next time, your Uncle Lin will play a training game with you.”
After taking seats, the hall lights suddenly went out, and spotlights shone on the chessboards.
In the center of the eight chessboards, Lin Ran slowly emerged.
This was a specially arranged stage effect.
As the Technology Ark, modified from a former Broadway opera house, it was convenient in this regard; no major adjustments needed, naturally equipped with such devices.
After Lin Ran appeared, the audience below erupted in thunderous applause; clearly only about 500 people, yet it sounded like thousands of troops.
After all, most of those present were mathematicians who had personally witnessed many miracles created by Lin Ran.
Lin Ran stood in the center, hands in pockets, and slowly said, “Everyone, thank you for accepting my challenge. I hope today’s match becomes an unforgettable memory.”
The players either smiled or looked displeased; after all, one against eight was somewhat disrespectful.
There were also ones like Fischer, excited at the hunt, seeing a chance to deliver a fatal blow to what he thought was the Jewish plan, with joy gleaming in his eyes.
The first to start was Robert Byrne, ranked eighth.
Lin Ran unhesitatingly pushed a white pawn to e4, a standard opening.
Byrne narrowed his eyes, pondered for a moment, and responded with the Sicilian Defense.
The two went back and forth, with murderous intent lurking on the chessboard.
Lin Ran’s steps were light, as if dancing an elegant dance, every move precise and flawless.
Douglas broke out in fine sweat on his forehead and finally sighed on the 28th move, knocking over his king.
The second was Anthony Saidy, ranked seventh; going in reverse order, the lower the rank, the earlier to start.
Anthony Saidy came out firing on all cylinders, trying to disrupt Lin Ran’s rhythm with aggressive offense. He launched a series of fierce attacks, muttering under his breath, “See how you handle this!”
What Lin Ran feared least was this; he dismantled the opponent’s attacks step by step, and with one precise counterstrike, the opponent’s defenses collapsed instantly.
On the 22nd move, Anthony gritted his teeth and resigned, slamming the table hard.
The third game was William Addison.
William’s defense was impregnable, like a silent fortress.
Lin Ran did not rush to attack but patiently maneuvered, seeking weaknesses.
Until the 25th move, Lin Ran suddenly advanced a rook, coordinating with the bishop for checkmate.
William was stunned, and after a long pause, he said softly, “I lose convincingly.”
The fourth game was Arthur Bisguier.
Arthur daringly played an obscure opening, trying to catch off guard.
Lin Ran had long seen through it all; such tricks were suicidal against the chess style trained by AI.
His mouth curved slightly upward; he quickly adjusted the layout, and on the 23rd move, he used an unassuming pawn to lock down the opponent’s king. Arthur murmured, “How is that possible?”
The fifth game’s James Sherwin was a Columbia University Law School student and also a lawyer with New York State and Supreme Court lawyer qualification. Before starting, he saluted Lin Ran in his Coast Guard capacity and said, “Professor, please advise me.”
James Sherwin naturally wanted to win; defeating the professor would be unimaginably helpful to his legal career.
But precisely because he was from Columbia University, he knew exactly how perverted the professor was.
James tried to disrupt Lin Ran with complex tactics, thinking that facing eight opponents, Lin Ran might show flaws.
Yet Lin Ran was like a precision machine, foreseeing every move.
On the 27th move, he lightly pushed a knight, and James’s defenses crumbled; he shook his head helplessly, “The professor is indeed the professor.”
The sixth game was Paul Charles, who dug trenches in Hungary during World War II, then in 1952 fled from Hungary to the American Embassy in West Berlin, but unfortunately, Moscow at that time was led by an iron-blooded figure.
Nikita would let him go, but this one wouldn’t; he was imprisoned for a full 16 months until the iron-blooded figure died and was then released, later seizing the chance to reach America.
Paul showed his creativity with an imaginative chess style. However, Lin Ran’s calculation ability was unmatched; he quickly cracked the gimmicks, forcing surrender on the 19th move.
Paul smiled wryly, “I thought I could last longer.”
The seventh game was Larry Evans.
He watched six peers fall one after another; he did not think he was much better than them and originally wanted to drag the game into a draw.
But Lin Ran suddenly changed tactics on the 30th move with an unexpected attack that caught Larry off guard.
He stared at the chessboard for a long time and sighed, “I lost.”
Lin Ran turned from the remaining Fischer chessboard to look at Larry and nodded in acknowledgment.
Seven top-tier players fell in succession, pushing the atmosphere in the venue to a peak.
All gazes focused on the eighth chessboard.
Fischer, also the last hope.
Cold sweat beaded on his forehead; watching his peers fall one by one, the pressure in his heart was as heavy as a mountain. He thought, “No way, isn’t the professor just a product packaged by the Jewish Group? Can humans really be this perverted?
Or were the other seven players bought off by IBM?”
“I can’t lose too badly,” Fischer thought, deciding on a conservative strategy to aim for a draw and salvage some face for the chess world.
He moved his pieces cautiously, each step like walking a tightrope, afraid of mistakes.
On the 34th move, Fischer finally couldn’t resist and daringly pushed his queen forward, trying to threaten Lin Ran’s king.
However, Lin Ran merely moved a knight lightly and said softly, “Check.”
The knight, like an assassin, precisely threatened Fischer’s king and rook.
Fischer’s face turned pale instantly; he desperately scanned the chessboard for any hope, but the position was hopeless.
He was silent for a moment, then said softly, “I resign.”
After saying that, he powerlessly knocked over his king, thinking, “Could I have been bought off by IBM too? That part of my Jewish blood was bought off without me realizing?
Could it be that any human with Jewish blood has that part that could be bought off?
No, if so, the Jewish Group is too terrifying! I need to confirm if this is true as soon as possible.”
With the king’s fall, Fischer’s mind was no longer on the chessboard; it was full of Jewish conspiracies.
Meanwhile, Lin Ran walked to the front of the audience seating, bowed in thanks, and the cheers and applause from below seemed about to lift the roof of the Technology Ark.
