Across from the Chinese Embassy in London, a peaceful vigil has continued for 24 years. There is no grand stage—only ordinary people taking turns to sit quietly, day after day. Some pass by. Others stop, ask questions, or even sit beside them. Sit by My Side tells the story of this remarkable vigil and asks a simple question: what enables ordinary people to persevere for so long?

Why do some education systems produce excellent test-takers, while others nurture people capable of changing an entire field? Through the stories of mathematicians Wang Hong and Deng Yu, this book examines three forces behind exceptional talent: the sieve that identifies potential, the soil that supports long-term growth, and the masters who guide gifted students towards original achievement.