godfather of surgery

Chapter 1323 Simplicity is the Best

The committee's special investigation team entered the Sanbo Institute, their curious eyes scanning everywhere.

This laboratory has produced many world-class scientific research achievements, such as the space-guided gene theory, vaccine enhancers, muscle cloning, and so on. They fully understand Professor Yang's absence, as most scientists prefer to focus on their research and dislike social engagements.

They even felt guilty, and their group visit disrupted Professor Yang's work rhythm, who was obsessed with scientific research. Accompanied by Tang Shun and Song Ziming, they gave a comprehensive tour of the laboratory.

The researchers in the lab were also doing their own thing, without any deliberate preparation; they were just like they usually were.

Lu Xiaolu was arguing with a doctoral student about the derivation of a formula in front of the whiteboard, completely unaware of the visiting group. Because he was anxious, Lu Xiaolu spoke very loudly.

Jiang Jitong and Chu Xiaoxiao's team of five huddled around a flow cytometer. Data scrolled across the screen, and someone exclaimed, "The proportion of this subpopulation is wrong!" Then they all fell into deep thought.

Dr. Zhang Wei's work area is a corner separated by a screen. The whiteboard is covered with disassembly diagrams and algorithm analyses of various health bracelets. Dr. Zhang himself is wearing headphones, comparing the heart rate data of two bracelets, muttering, "Sure enough, this is also a OEM product. They're all scammers, all scammers..."

There was also a butterfly that had wandered into the research institute and was hovering near the HVAC vent. Several doctoral students passing by tried to gently guide it out with a folder.

One guy was even engrossed in playing mobile games in a corner, completely oblivious to the arrival of the visiting team. It wasn't until an expert leaned over to get a look that he felt breathing through his nostrils, looked up in surprise, and then turned to his phone anxiously, saying, "I've lost points again."

Although chaotic, it is full of vitality; this is a natural phenomenon, without deliberate arrangement or superficial order.

The committee members did not show any displeasure; on the contrary, they were in high spirits and felt that everything was vibrant and full of life.

The clinical physician committee member lingered in front of Zhang Bo's workstation for a long time, even asking a few technical questions. Zhang Bo was nervous at first, but once he started talking about "how they use filtering algorithms to fake data accuracy," he became very talkative.

"Are these also part of the research on system regulation theory?" the statistician committee member asked tactfully.

"Oh no, this is just my personal interest," Zhang Bo quickly clarified. "Our research is very free; it's all based on our own interests. I set this up myself in addition to my main research topics. I think combating pseudoscience products is also a scientist's social responsibility, even though I spent several thousand yuan before realizing it was a scam." He muttered the last sentence quietly, but everyone heard it.

The committee members couldn't help but chuckle.

After a tour of the entire laboratory, an in-depth report will be given in the afternoon.

Tang Shun and Song Ziming worked together seamlessly, with one presenting the theoretical framework and core evidence, and the other showcasing clinical data and future directions. Their slides were clear and aesthetically pleasing, and they answered questions fluently during the Q&A session.

Yang Ping only appeared in the last half hour to participate in the Q&A session regarding the core theories. When Chairman Carlson asked about the compatibility of "system regulation with existing molecular biology models," Yang Ping's answer was simple and direct:
"There is no compatibility. Systems regulation theory is holistic, while molecular biology is local; the former is a component of the latter. Like a map, molecular biology gives us detailed street maps, but systems regulation aims to provide functional zoning maps, traffic flow maps, and even activity patterns of citizens. We need to combine the two to understand this complex city called life."

The member of the Philosopher of Science committee nodded and made a note in his notebook.

Before the visit ended, Chairman Carlson privately told Yang Ping, "Your place is very special. You don't pursue perfection, but you show the real scientific process, with core breakthroughs, peripheral explorations, successes and failures, and even some personal interests that are not part of the main business."

"Science is inherently done by humans, and humans are human beings," Yang Ping said.

As the investigation team left, the sun was setting. Tang Shun and Song Ziming saw them to the door, trying their best to maintain a professional demeanor, but the expectation in their eyes was unmistakable. Of course, Yang Ping also made a timely appearance and waved goodbye.

Back at the research institute, Yang Ping gathered everyone together and said, "You all performed exactly as we should today. Thank you for your hard work. Have a good rest this weekend."

There were no evaluations, no prospects, no grand pronouncements. But everyone felt that this was for the best.

Zhang Bo finally took off the bracelet and solemnly put it in the drawer: "I'll say goodbye for good after I finish my blog post." Chu Xiaoxiao's team plunged back into the lab, because the discussion they had just had given them a new idea. Lu Xiaolu was still in front of the whiteboard, trying to solve the last logical gap.

Yang Ping, on the other hand, went home on time after get off work.

After the Nobel Committee investigation team left, everyone continued to work normally, and Yang Ping was very satisfied with this calm attitude.

The health bracelet on Zhang Bo's wrist finally disappeared completely, replaced by an old-fashioned digital watch. But his "amateur science debunking blog" went all out, publishing three consecutive articles that, with solid data and sharp logic, completely exposed the marketing rhetoric of several leading health monitoring companies. The articles went viral in science popularization circles and even attracted the attention of market regulators.

Many young PhDs were worried for Zhang Bo, but seeing that he could go to work on time every day put their minds at ease.

"Zhang Bo, are you going to switch careers and become a crusader against counterfeits?" Dr. Wang joked during lunch.

"I'm doing this to clean up the market!" Zhang Boyi said sternly, but then lowered his voice, "Actually, I recharged before to fight counterfeits. Don't tell anyone, I haven't told anyone."

Chu Xiaoxiao's team is making good progress in vaccine enhancer research, and their enhancer technology is becoming more and more mature.

Tang Shun and Song Ziming have entered a state of full "combat readiness." Song Ziming's intensive English speaking training has been upgraded; he now reads aloud editorials from the journal *Nature* every morning on the rooftop of the research institute, ostensibly to "cultivate an academic sense of terminology." Tang Shun, on the other hand, is delving into Swedish culture, from the history of the Nobel Prize banquet menu to the works of members of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and has even begun learning Swedish.

"Did you know that after the Nobel Prize banquet, the laureates have a private conversation with the Swedish royal family?" During lunch break, Tang Shun specifically came to the clinical ward to find Song Ziming and said mysteriously, "Although the content of the conversation is not public, etiquette is very important. I've done some research, and the topic can start with Sweden's science and technology innovation policies, naturally transitioning to global cooperation in systems medicine..."

"Stop, stop, stop," Song Ziming interrupted him. "Aren't we thinking too far ahead? The results aren't out yet."

“This is called strategic preparation!” Tang Shun said confidently. “Opportunity only comes to those who are prepared. Besides,” he lowered his voice, “I heard that the committee held closed-door discussions for a whole week after returning, which is very unusual. Usually, preliminary screening only takes three days.”

"Really?" Song Ziming's eyes lit up.

"So what we need to do now is to ensure that if good news comes, we are the most qualified agents." Tang Shun clenched his fist. "From professional competence to international etiquette, we cannot have any shortcomings."

"Old Song, what do you think my sisters and cousins ​​would think if I stood on the Nobel Prize stage?" Tang Shun asked with a look of longing.

Song Ziming glanced at him: "Li Yingtong has already given you a son, and you're still thinking about those other women?" Tang Shun immediately came to his senses: "No, no, I was just curious."

Yang Ping strictly maintains her original work rhythm: processing emails and summarizing research in the morning, participating in key experimental discussions in the afternoon, and leaving get off work on time in the evening. Every Tuesday and Thursday, she accompanies Xiaoshu to a parent-child swimming lesson, and Saturday is a family picnic in the park without fail.

"Aren't you curious at all?" Xiao Su couldn't help but ask during dinner one evening. Xiao Shu was sitting in her high chair, struggling to get a piece of pumpkin off her face with a spoon.

"What's there to be curious about? It's not like it's the first time." Yang Ping wiped his son's face with a wet wipe.

He cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces and handed them to Xiaoshu: "Scientific work has taught me one thing: the only thing you can control is the process. Design your experiments well, collect your data thoroughly, and conduct your analyses rigorously. As for whether your papers can be published in top journals or whether you can win awards... those are not the goal, they are just byproducts."

Xiao Su seemed to understand something: "So that's why you don't let everyone prepare deliberately?"

“Yes, the committee is here to see our daily routines. If we make changes on the fly for their sake, it will make us seem insecure and the process will seem inauthentic.” Yang Ping watched as his son successfully put a piece of pumpkin into his mouth and proudly waved his little spoon, and couldn’t help but laugh. “Look at Xiaoshu, when he learns to use a spoon, he’s focused on how to scoop up the food and how to get it into his mouth. As for whether he gets praised, that’s not the goal, it’s just a byproduct.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the spoon in Xiaoshu's hand tilted, and the pumpkin fell to the ground with a "thud." The little guy paused for a moment, looked at the pumpkin on the ground, then at his father, and suddenly burst into laughter.

“Look, he laughs even when he fails.” Yang Ping bent down to pick up the pumpkin. “Because for him, the process of trying is interesting in itself. The result? That’s an adult’s obsession.”

……

Soon, Yang Ping received a new email with the sender clearly displayed: The Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine.

The subject line contains only two words: Notification.

The email was short and formally restrained. The core message was: after a comprehensive evaluation by the committee, the systems regulation theory was deemed to have "enormous potential to transform the medical paradigm," and therefore, Yang Ping was officially included in this year's shortlist. The final winner will be announced in October. Strict confidentiality is required during this period.

There was no promise, but the highest level of recognition was given.

At eight o'clock in the morning, Yang Ping arrived at the Sanbo Research Institute on time.

"Professor, good morning!" Chu Xiaoxiao ran over carrying a stack of documents. "The preliminary data from the mouse experiment came back last night, and the results were even better than expected! When do you have time to take a look?"

"We'll discuss this in the group meeting this afternoon." Yang Ping nodded, continuing on his way.

"Professor," Lu Xiaolu peeked out from his office, "the peer review comments for that paper in Cell are back. Both reviewers are very enthusiastic, but they require a key control experiment. We need to get on it quickly."

"Okay, schedule a time and get it done as soon as possible."

In the corridor, Zhang Bo was excitedly pointing at his phone screen, pulling Dr. Wang along, saying, "Look! The Market Supervision Administration's response! They said they're going to launch an investigation into the companies I mentioned in my blog! A victory for scientific anti-counterfeiting!"

"Keep your voice down..." Dr. Wang said helplessly.

Everything was the same as usual: tense, busy, with small breakthroughs and daily annoyances.

Around noon, however, editors from several top international journals suddenly called, inquiring about any major paper projects the institute might be planning. Following this, R&D directors from several leading international pharmaceutical companies expressed a desire to "strengthen communication." Even a prominent academic figure who had previously held reservations about systems medicine suddenly shared an early paper by Yang Ping on social media, captioning it: "An interesting idea, worth exploring in depth."

With their keen sense of smell, Tang Shun and Song Ziming detected these unusual signals almost simultaneously.

During lunch, the two made an emergency meeting in a corner of the cafeteria.

"Can you feel it?" Song Ziming lowered his voice. "The atmosphere is off. It's like the calm before a storm, but with a hint of joy?"

Tang Shun nodded, his fingers tapping the table unconsciously: "The direction of the international academic community doesn't change for no reason. There must be some information that we don't know about that has been leaked."

“You mean…” Song Ziming’s eyes widened.

“Shortlist,” Tang Shun said in a breathy voice. “Only this can explain it. Once someone is on the shortlist, the committee will secretly consult with top experts in the relevant fields around the world. These experts will naturally be able to guess something.”

The two looked at each other and saw the excitement in each other's eyes, but they forcibly suppressed it.

"Stay calm, stay calm." Song Ziming took a deep breath. "Even if we make the shortlist, there are still a few months to go, and things can change. What we need to do is be fully prepared."

In the afternoon, Song Ziming went to the operating room to perform surgery again, while Tang Shun returned to the laboratory, displaying an almost saintly level of professional focus. He answered questions 20% more rigorously than usual, and his interactions with others were 30% more considerate than usual. Even his walk carried an aura of composure and a sense of mission.

As Zhang Bo passed by, he gave them a strange look and asked, "Teacher Tang, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, nothing's wrong," Tang Shun said seriously.

Zhang Bo scratched his head and left. Chu Xiaoxiao's team, however, paid no attention to any of this; they were arguing fiercely about the design of that crucial control experiment.

Yang Ping was in his office, processing emails and documents. Occasionally, he would look up and see the old banyan tree in the research institute's courtyard outside the window, its branches and leaves stretching out in the sunlight. This feeling was truly comforting; simplicity is the best.

My phone vibrated; it was a photo sent by Xiao Su. Little Shu had woken up from her afternoon nap, was drinking milk from her bottle, and was smiling at the camera.

Postscript: "Will you be back for dinner tonight?"

Yang Ping replied: "Yes!"