godfather of surgery

Leave Chapter 1322 to us.

The conference room of the Sanbo Research Institute.

Tang Shun, Song Ziming, Lu Xiaolu, and Xu Zhiliang, the four key figures, gathered around a whiteboard covered with complex relationship diagrams. The diagram was titled: "System Regulation Theory: An Evidence Loop from Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Efficacy."

The four men looked solemn. Yang Ping focused on the core research of the system regulation theory, while some experimental verification work was left to these four key figures.

“There are still three loops to close.” Tang Shun circled several arrows on the whiteboard with a red marker. “How TIM conformational changes precisely regulate downstream gene networks is something we only have correlation data from single-cell sequencing, and we lack direct causal verification.”

Lu Xiaolu pushed up his glasses: "The results of the optogenetic verification experiment on the animal model came out last week, but I haven't finished organizing them yet." He took out a USB drive. "The data is here. It can prove that activating specific domains of TIM can change the expression of 327 genes within three hours."

"Hurry up!" Song Ziming took the USB drive. "Make this a dynamic visualization. It should be able to give laymen a general idea and experts a detailed understanding."

“Laymen…and experts…to be honest, the committee members definitely have a superficial understanding of system regulation theory.” Lu Xiaolu looked troubled.

Xu Zhiliang stood silently to the side, worried that his way of speaking might disrupt the flow of the discussion. Besides, he wasn't very involved in the experiments; he was more of a bystander. He was in charge of all the surgeries in the ward. Song Ziming, on the other hand, was more involved in the experiments, often helping out after work.

"We need to present our theories comprehensively and in a way that they can understand them; that takes some thought," Tang Shun nodded.

“So we need a three-tiered presentation.” Yang Ping walked in unnoticed, holding a thermos. “The first tier, in short, is like using a special key to recalibrate the cell’s ‘identity recognition system.’ The second tier is a simple diagram: key (K factor) → lock (TIM) → signaling pathway → gene network → changes in cell behavior. The third tier is the backend data: all raw experimental data, statistical methods, and reproducibility verification.”

He took a sip of tea: "I estimate that the investigation team will want to see the full report, but they won't understand it very well. So the key is to express it in plain and easy-to-understand language."

Tang Shun nodded: "I understand, so the reasonable explanation for the adverse reaction of P-009 is..."

"We place it in the section on theoretical boundaries and individual differences," Yang Ping said. "We actively present this adverse reaction, showing exactly what it is. We do not shy away from cases of adverse reactions; this is the scientific spirit of seeking truth from facts. At the same time, we show what we have learned from it and how to improve the prediction model. Science is not about never making mistakes, but about constantly learning from mistakes and getting closer to the right through learning. It is a spiral process of improvement."

At this moment, Dr. Zhang Wei peeked out at the conference room door, his wristband displaying a "health score of 95" that was particularly eye-catching.

"Professor, fellow teachers..." he said softly, "Should we continue with the analysis report on my business bracelet?"

"Continue," Yang Ping nodded. "Are you doing this research to pass inspections?"

Zhang Bo immediately explained, "What I mean is, should I stop that unrelated research project and come help everyone?"

"No need. You stay in your original research group. As for trivial matters like bracelet research, don't ask us. If you're interested, go ahead and do the research; if not, give up. It's your decision," Song Ziming said coldly.

"Understood!" Zhang Bo left disappointed. He had come hoping to get something for free, but he didn't get anything.

Dr. Zhang Wei's enthusiasm for bracelets is actually influenced by Zhang Lin. Both are young talents from the Zhang family. Zhang Lin is now making a name for himself by doing research on trivial topics. As a researcher in the laboratory, Zhang Wei also wants to stand on the shoulders of giants and replicate Zhang Lin's success.

Unfortunately, he didn't know where he went wrong or why he didn't achieve the same results as Zhang Lin.

……

The ones who truly considered the committee's visit a "top priority" were Tang Shun and Song Ziming. This wasn't entirely out of love for Yang Ping or his theories; it also involved some personal motives—if Professor Yang won the award again, he definitely wouldn't be interested in going to Sweden to receive it, so this glorious task would naturally fall to them. Of course, being a helpful person, they could still reluctantly accept the award on Professor Yang's behalf and even give a speech to the media.

In Tang Shun's office, the two were having a secret meeting.

"Have you found out?" Song Ziming lowered his voice. "How many people can the Nobel Prize laureate bring to Stockholm for the award ceremony?"

Tang Shun scrolled through the pages on his tablet: "The official statement is that the winner and their spouse can receive full funding, but usually several core collaborators are also invited, with expenses covered by themselves or from the prize money."

“I’ll go even if I have to pay for it myself!” Song Ziming’s eyes lit up. “Just think about it, Stockholm, December, Nobel Prize week… that’s the Oscars of the global scientific community!”

"That's not the point." Tang Shun pushed up his glasses, a glint of shrewdness flashing behind the lenses. "The point is, if Professor Yang wins the award, he'll definitely be too lazy to go and accept it. So, won't the glorious task of accepting the award fall on our shoulders?"

"And... the follow-up activities in Stockholm—such as the banquet at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, receptions at various embassies, and media interviews—these arduous tasks will also fall on our shoulders." Tang Shun's lips curled slightly upward. "Who do you think is the most suitable?"

The two exchanged a glance and smiled knowingly.

“But we have to act very professionally and not let him see through our ulterior motives,” Song Ziming said seriously. “This visit by the committee is the best opportunity for us to demonstrate the capabilities of a reliable deputy.”

"So we'll handle everything: reception, explanations, and answering technical questions," Tang Shun nodded. "Let Professor Yang do whatever he wants."

Song Ziming added, "This way, the committee will think, 'Look, this is a true master, not bothered by trifles, but focused on the big picture.' And the specific tasks are handled by his professional, reliable, and eloquent team."

"Good speaking skills are very important." Tang Shun stroked his chin. "What do you think of my speaking skills..."

"Your eloquence? This!" Song Ziming gave a thumbs up.

“Image is also very important, after all, you have to face the media,” Tang Shun said.

Song Ziming straightened up: "How do I look?"

"Your image? This!" Tang Shun gave Song Ziming a thumbs up again.

"I've already written my speech," Tang Shun said confidently.

"So fast!"

“Of course! Three versions: a short version of 30 seconds, a medium version of 2 minutes, and a long version of 5 minutes, including team introductions. I also gave each version different expressions and gestures.” Tang Shun said, unconsciously making a humble yet firm gesture.

Song Ziming suppressed a laugh: "That's too deliberate. What we want is a natural sense of honor and team spirit."

“No, not at all. I studied interview videos of team members of Nobel laureates over the past twenty years.” Tang Shun opened another page and summarized several of the most appropriate response patterns: one is “reminiscing about the years of struggle with deep emotion,” another is “calmly explaining the scientific significance,” and the third is “sharing behind-the-scenes stories with humor.” I plan to switch flexibly according to the situation, and each pattern will be accompanied by a signature gesture.

"The key issue is that only one person can go on stage to receive the award. Should we go or should we go? We need to discuss this now so as not to ruin our brotherly relationship." "Who says only one person can go on stage? There's no such rule. We'll apply to go on stage together and receive the award together, which will show our team spirit."

The two became so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't notice they hadn't locked the door, and Yang Ping stood next to them for quite a while.

Yang Ping's voice suddenly rang out, "You guys are quite forward-thinking; you even wrote my acceptance speech for me?"

"Teach, teach, teach... Professor!" Song Ziming almost jumped up from his chair.

Tang Shun froze instantly, his mind racing: "We're...we're studying the history of the Nobel Prize process! To better understand how the committee works!"

“Yes! It’s academic!” Song Ziming quickly agreed.

Yang Ping sat down opposite them and said slowly, "I heard you. You mentioned 'good eloquence,' 'natural expression,' and 'flexible switching.'"

Both of them broke out in a cold sweat.

“That’s great.” Yang Ping suddenly smiled. “The reception and explanations for this committee visit will be entirely handled by you. I really hate these kinds of social engagements. If you perform well, if you can really handle the committee’s affairs beautifully, it will prove that you are indeed good at these kinds of international occasions…”

He paused deliberately, watching their eyes light up instantly.

"If we do win an award, the whole process of accepting the award will be left to you."

"We guarantee to complete the mission!" the two said in unison, extremely excited.

"But Professor," Tang Shun asked cautiously, "you'll still be involved, won't you? For example, in the core explanation of the theory..."

Yang Ping shook his head. "I'll show my face briefly during the reception to show respect to the committee. The rest of the work is up to you."

"Alright, Professor, please rest assured, we will definitely complete the mission successfully. However, Professor, you must keep your word. If we win an award, leave the trivial matter of receiving the award to us. We promise to receive the award clearly and honestly."

"Alright, go ahead and collect your prize if you want."

Watching his departing figure, Tang Shun and Song Ziming exchanged a glance.

"Did you hear that?" Song Ziming said excitedly, "The professor agreed."

"Now we need to think about how to complete the task assigned by the committee." Tang Shun was also quite excited.

“We need to research the academic backgrounds of the committee members beforehand! Find out the entry points that might really interest them, and then guide the conversation!” Song Ziming had already started planning. “That Chair Carlson, she did research on biological rhythms in her early years, so we can emphasize the ‘temporal nature’ in the theory of system regulation…”

The two of them buried their heads in their whispers again, this time genuinely researching serious strategies, even though their motives were a little impure.

……

That evening, Xiao Su discovered that Yang Ping had returned home on time, carrying a box of building blocks.

"Did the sun rise in the west?" Xiao Su took the building blocks and looked at Xiao Shu, who was pushing a stroller around the living room. "Shouldn't you be extremely busy this week? Didn't they say the Nobel Prize committee was coming?"

"The busier you are, the more you need to get back to normal rhythm." Yang Ping took off his coat, picked up his giggling son, and said, "Come on, come on, just keep doing what you're supposed to do."

The little tree patted its father's face with its tiny hands, mumbled "Daddy" in its mouth, and pointed at the building blocks.

"Okay, okay, let's build with blocks." Yang Ping sat on the floor mat and began to build a crooked "castle" with his son. Xiao Su sat beside him peeling an apple, watching the father and son.

Aren't you nervous? It's the Nobel Prize committee, you know.

“Nervous? It’s not like it’s the first time I’ve been nominated.” Yang Ping handed a red building block to Xiao Shu, who took it and tried to put it in his mouth. “The theory is there, the data is there, and our work over the past few years is there. It won’t suddenly get better or worse just because they come to see it.”

The little tree successfully transferred the building blocks from its mouth to the top of the "castle," even though it placed them upside down.

"Tang Shun and Song Ziming are quite nervous, though. They have some ulterior motives." Yang Ping laughed, hugged the little tree to his chest, and pointed to the block castle. "Look, this is the foundation stone. We need to find some pretty decorative blocks next to it so that the castle can be both sturdy and beautiful."

The sapling tried to climb out of Yang Ping's arms. He seemed to understand Yang Ping's words and was preparing to expand the castle.

"These two guys are interesting. They're assuming I've won the award and then discussing how to accept it on my behalf. If I do win, I'd love for them to accept it on my behalf."

Xiao Su understood.

“It’s good to have dreams.” Yang Ping watched his son intently knock down the “castle” and then try to rebuild it. “Besides, they understand me. I really don’t like socializing or doing things outside of research. If it weren’t for Mannstein’s enthusiasm, I would have made a bad appearance when the committee came to visit.”

Suddenly, Xiao Shu held up a building block, handed it to Yang Ping, and said clearly, "Dad!"

"Thank you, Xiaoshu." Yang Ping accepted the gift, a soft feeling welling up inside him. Compared to distant Stockholm and the scrutiny of the Nobel Committee, the building block his son was offering seemed like a more real and important reward.

……

The Nobel Committee's special investigation team arrived on time at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. The five-member team, led by Chairman Carlson, consisted of molecular biologists, clinicians, biostatisticians, and philosophers of science.

Yang Ping indeed practiced his lazy philosophy. He appeared at the door to welcome people, shook hands, and said, "Welcome to the Sanbo Research Institute." Then he handed the people over to Tang Shun and Song Ziming.

"Won't Professor Yang accompany us on the tour?" the science philosopher committee member asked curiously.

“Professor Yang usually reads and thinks about literature at this time, rain or shine.” Tang Shun said with a polite smile. “He believes that the best introduction comes from team members who are immersed in their work every day. This way, please, let’s take a look at the core laboratory first.”

(End of this chapter)