top student at medical school

Li Yongjun instinctively patted Fang Ziye to warn him, fearing that Fang Ziye might have stepped on a landmine. However, Li Yongjun quickly realized that Fang Ziye had been to even bigger events. After seeing the faint smile on Fang Ziye's face, he did not make any further small movements.

Fang Ziye sat upright, bowed slightly, and said in a calm and deep voice: "Leaders, and teachers, although throwing out a brick to start a jade is very suitable for a junior like me."

"I am simply limited by my knowledge and lack of understanding. I am very grateful for the opportunity given by the leaders, but unfortunately I have nothing to offer. It would be difficult for me to speak eloquently, so I dare not embarrass myself by showing off my limited knowledge, and I would also waste the time of the leaders and teachers."

Fang Ziye wasn't quite clear on the main theme of today's surgical conference, so naturally he wouldn't say anything carelessly.

Each province's medical development conference has its own focus, which should be determined by industry leaders based on the development process of previous years.

Fang Ziye's words were mostly correct; it was indeed his first time attending such a meeting.

Fang Ziye's words relieved many people. It seemed that many were worried that Fang Ziye, being "young and promising," might become "arrogant" and accidentally say something he shouldn't have, putting the atmosphere in a way that was unfavorable to the surgical system.

In certain situations, it's better to remain silent than to speak carelessly.

This was not a private meeting between a few people. The meeting would not be put on hold because of Fang Ziye's refusal. After the leader presiding over the meeting glanced at Fang Ziye a few more times, he handed the topic over to the current director of the Hubei Provincial Surgical Academic Committee.

The surgical personnel attending this meeting included not only those from the orthopedic system whom Fang Ziye was familiar with, but also Dean Wang Xinghuan and Vice President Yuan Yufeng of Zhongnan Hospital, making it unsuitable for Fang Ziye to engage in empty talk.

After going around in circles, apart from the National Health Commission's control over the "general direction," the specific suggestions for development were ultimately passed on to Professor Chen Xiaoping.

This time, Chen Xiaoping did not refuse. After taking the lead, he stated frankly: "Thanks to the support of generations of predecessors in Hubei Province, the level of surgery in our province has always been among the best in the country!"

"To put it more simply, we can perform the same procedures that can be done elsewhere. We can perform the same surgeries that others can do."

"At present, in terms of surgery alone, we are only basically at the forefront, but not at the top. We are just in the leading group, but not yet the leader."

"This is a question worth pondering."

"The vertical structure of medicine in our Hubei Province is not much different from that in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu."

"Leaving aside Guangzhou and Chengdu, the development speed of Hubei Province is relatively slow. What is the reason for this?"

Ultimately, the problem lies in insufficient innovation.

"I like to tell the truth. It's not that there isn't enough, but that it's not enough!" Chen Xiaoping said, glancing around.

"Actually, to be honest, our foundation is already very strong. Whether it's talent pool or infrastructure, in principle, we're no weaker than Kyoto or Shanghai..."

Chen Xiaoping first analyzed the structure and the current location of Hubei Province.

When discussing only the medical level of China, the medical field in Hubei Province cannot be completely ignored. However, in terms of overall level and influence, Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Kyoto is already at a higher level.

Professor Chen Xiaoping is from Tongji Hospital. He has led the development of hepatobiliary surgery to the forefront of the country, and he himself is one of the academicians of hepatobiliary surgery.

"Compared to geographical advantages and hard infrastructure, talent is undoubtedly the most important."

"As everyone knows, at present, although I have inherited my mentor's teachings and taken over such a solid foundation from Tongji Hospital."

"But compared to my senior brother, he is still slightly inferior."

"This is not me being modest, nor is it a simple comment from outsiders; it is simply a fact."

"Senior Brother Wu, you're a genius!" Chen Xiaoping raised his right hand and gave a thumbs up.

Academician Chen Xiaoping's words also brought Fang Ziye and others back to the most passionate years of the development of science and technology in China.

Academician Chen Xiaoping's mentor, Qiu Fazhu, was the father of foreign sciences in China.

Academician Wu Mengchao was a student of Academician Qiu Fazhu, only eight years younger than him, and was Chen Xiaoping's senior.

To be clear, Academician Wu Mengchao later worked at the Shanghai Oriental Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital.

Academician Wu Mengchao retired many years ago and passed away nearly four years ago. The institution where he works today remains a milestone in hepatobiliary surgery in China.

Chen Xiaoping said, "Personally, my desire to lead the team to surpass my senior's unit is not about outdoing him, but simply about achieving the dream of healthy competition."

"Only through development can we make progress, and only through originality and research can we remain evergreen."

At this point, Chen Xiaoping stopped his boasting: "The development of surgery has now moved beyond the simple stage of specialization and disease-specific research."

"Basic anatomy and standard surgical procedures—our predecessors have already paved the way with their hard work."

"But the remaining path shouldn't just be about reheating leftovers."

"Don't always stay in your familiar comfort zone, fighting and grabbing, constantly trying to gain ground in your existing little corner of the world."

"We still need to look further ahead—"

"With the continuous development of diagnostic and testing technologies, our clinical practice now faces all kinds of unfamiliar and new diseases, and more refined diagnosis, which inevitably requires us to transform unfamiliar diseases into familiar ones."

"Always relying on the surplus resources of our predecessors will lead to poverty again!"

"So, to break it down further, the main development directions at present are as follows: the first is new diagnostic methods, the second is the application of new instruments in clinical practice, the third is new auxiliary instruments, and the fourth is standardized treatment plans for new diseases."

"I'm not just referring to hepatobiliary surgery; this should apply to any surgery, any subspecialty."

"At present, only technology can bring about change, and only new mechanical energy can break the existing deadlock."

"I believe that all of us experts and professors here are capable of supporting these sections."

"Don't stick to the old ways. Sometimes, when the conditions and technology are right, you can be a little bolder."

"Here, to borrow a phrase from Mr. Wu, what's there to be afraid of regarding personal pride? What's wrong with failing a few times?"

"Even if I'm cursed by my patients and their families, even if people call me a quack, so what?"

"Does any surgeon have a smooth career path?"

"Moreover, from a longer-term perspective, without the trial and error of patients and surgeons, there will be no new treatment options."

"Failure is an inevitable part of success!"

"The patient is willing to gamble with us despite their suffering, so we shouldn't be concerned about our reputation. What good is this reputation anyway?!"

Chen Xiaoping then tapped the table again: "Of course, we cannot innovate for the sake of innovation, or break through for the sake of breakthroughs. In the name of innovation and scientific research, we cannot treat patients as mere materials, not as human beings."

"It's still necessary to conduct thorough risk assessments in advance."

"A soldier who doesn't want to be a general is not a good soldier."

"Do we really just want to eat other people's leftovers, always sticking to our own little plot of land, bowing and scraping our heads for the rest of our lives?"

Professor Chen Xiaoping's words were somewhat inflammatory, but they certainly had some merit.

However, none of the people present were children, much less impulsive teenagers.

Similar sentiments are being expressed not only in Hubei Province, but also in Beijing, Shanghai, and other places with even a basic understanding of medicine, such as Chengdu, Shashi, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou.

Those who are able to attend today's meeting have completely escaped the most basic struggles of food and clothing.

The saying goes, "When people are well-fed and clothed, they think of lust," and desires tend to grow stronger over time.

But the reality is that the stronger your desires, the more you feel that class stratification is becoming.

Therefore, for almost a minute after Chen Xiaoping finished speaking, no one responded to him.

The scene was a little dull for a moment.

Everyone knows the benefits, but the difficulty is like climbing to the sky.

If creating another peak were that easy, with China's population, every single person could create another peak, and the solar system wouldn't even be able to contain China anymore.

China and the world are full of talented people. The further we go, the more we will find that the emergence of some geniuses is to support a group of geniuses to become even more geniuses!
The saying "Why did Heaven create both Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang?" is not just a legend.

Seeing the awkward silence, the "leader" in charge of the meeting said, "Other professors can speak freely as well. This is a meeting, a discussion, not a military order."

Although Wang Xinghuan is the president of Zhongnan Hospital, a recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, and a Changjiang Scholar, he is still a junior when facing Professor Chen Xiaoping, a leading figure in the surgical system.

As a junior, he couldn't let the words of his senior colleagues leave too empty, so he chuckled softly and said, "Professor Chen, development and scientific research are certainly good, but they are also very difficult."

"First, the competition is fierce. In the same direction, many people follow one after another, and 99% of them get stuck in the quagmire and can't get out."

"Secondly, the roads are rugged, and some roads are simply impassable, so even if you come up with a good idea, you can't put it into practice."

"Thirdly, there are numerous challenges and difficulties, coupled with the current medical environment."

"It's also quite different from what it was decades ago." Wang Xinghuan very honestly pointed out several reasons why no one was willing to take risks.

The already silent crowd fell silent instantly.

If the first two can be overcome by everyone, then the third is like a shackle, making everyone unable to move.

Let alone the risks involved in performing surgery for new diseases, even routine surgeries that encounter inherent medical complications will be posted online due to the development of social media.

"Professor Wang is absolutely right. How can there be so much certainty in medicine? Medicine has always been more uncertain than certain."

"The current doctor-patient relationship seems to be like insurance once it's established. Even if the postoperative results aren't great, they'll report it, cause a disturbance, and file a lawsuit..."

"Even more extreme cases involve posting them directly online."

"Even if it's just because there are too many outpatients and my attitude towards them isn't good enough, I'll still get complaints," another professor added.

Some have said, "Innovation is certainly necessary, but medical innovation is based on patients and people."

"Naturally, we can only proceed step by step. Only when we have a very high degree of certainty do we dare to take the first step cautiously."

"The current objective environment is that we would rather do basic research for twenty years than dare to easily bring the results of basic research into clinical practice."

"The cells won't blame you... so even if the progress is a little slower... at least you can keep yourself safe."

Hubei Province has a very high level of medical infrastructure, therefore, the professors in Hubei Province are also among the best in terms of average quality, breadth of knowledge, and accumulated experience.

Who among us here doesn't have many articles or some innovative ideas in small areas?
But can you easily put these innovations into clinical practice?

No!
Complaints started to increase.

……

At this moment, Li Yongjun pretended to take notes in his notebook, and then handed the notebook to Fang Ziye.

"Ziye, do you now understand the 'greatness' of Dean Chen Song?" Li Yongjun asked.

Fang Ziye glanced at Li Yongjun, and although he didn't reply, he was already deeply shaken.

Fang Ziye had seen what a real military sanatorium was like.

There are only a few big cats and a few small cats.

The military sanatorium and research institute, which were built single-handedly by Dean Chen Song, were the first to resolve the issue of medical disputes.

You don't need to take responsibility; you only need to be responsible for treatment. Whether the patient lives or dies is the sanatorium's business. Your responsibility is simply to meet your performance targets.

The targets can't be too outrageous. If you can't meet them, get out!

Teaching hospitals are not sanatoriums. They don't promise to take care of everything if you don't recover or if something goes wrong.

The grumbling lasted for about five minutes.

Finally, an administrator broke the deadlock by raising his hand and saying, "We understand the difficult questions raised by the professors, and we are actually quite happy about it."

"Compared to ten or twenty years ago, when many people complained about insufficient infrastructure and funding, now at least the professors are not saying that funding is insufficient."

"However, a suitable cultural environment is absolutely essential. That's the bottom line."

"So we need to be more cautious, even more cautious, and do a better job in the early stages."

"This is not just true of our healthcare system; it is true of all other systems as well."

"For example, their public transportation systems have much more complex procedures than ours."

"Many people have complained, but our principle has always been to strictly implement and prioritize human factors. Even if we stop doing it, we cannot sacrifice quality for quantity."

"Actually, what we mean is that we hope that professors in our province can prioritize quality, large-scale projects, and major breakthroughs in basic research."

"Clinical breakthroughs will definitely require..."

"Here, I've summarized the feedback from the professors."

"First, basic research is a long and arduous journey, and breakthroughs are extremely difficult, almost impossible. Therefore, only a small number of professors are willing to spend a small amount of time to take care of these things as well."

"This is mainly because the current professional title evaluation system is now linked to scientific research."

"We cannot devote ourselves wholeheartedly to breakthroughs in basic scientific research. We are also looking for solutions, and the country is also looking for solutions. We may come up with a feasible idea in the future."

"Doing basic research requires patience; it requires being able to endure long periods without research output, to withstand loneliness, and to persevere."

"But basic research is very important, extremely important. It is the foundation of discipline development and the core foundation for enhancing competitiveness."

"We have always attached great importance to basic research. In our province this year, at least 60 percent of the funding allocated will be poured into basic medical research."

"The reason why our Hubei Province's medical level can rank among the top in the country is also due to this."

"Secondly, we cannot research but not apply."

“Unused research is the least effective…” 'Administrators' are not professional doctors, so they can only summarize from a general framework.

Fang Ziye didn't blame them, because few real professors would be willing to leave clinical practice to take on 'professional administrative' positions.

Even if there are such people, most of them have switched to administrative positions after graduating with a doctorate and lack real clinical experience.

As the conversation was drawing to a close, an administrator added, "Last year, our Hubei Province did an excellent job in integrating research and application. Our Hubei medical team's proprietary medical patent, the 'Limb Micro Circulation Device,' has been widely used in various fields of medicine in our country."

"This has, to some extent, accelerated the development of medicine in our province, combining medical research with local economic development."

"I won't go into more specific figures here, but it has benefited many patients, many businesses, many workers, and created a lot of jobs."

"This kind of development plan is exactly what we'd like to see, and we're willing to give it our full support!"

The benefits of the 'micro-circulation device' are not limited to Fang Ziye alone. Guangbai Group has placed its production line in Hubei Province, benefiting from tax revenue, employment, and even 'administrative performance'!
However, when this was mentioned, someone still commented: "A masterpiece is born of nature, and a skillful hand may come by chance. The miniature circulatory device can be successfully improved from the external cardiac circulatory device, but it is not easy to completely replicate it."

"At present, apart from the limb microcirculation device, there has been progress in the development of the spleen microcirculation device both at home and abroad for nearly two years."

"We haven't figured out the miniature circulation devices for other organs, such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys."

"Therefore, this kind of accidental topic requires a certain opportunity."

"Professor Fang, don't you think so?" The speaker was Professor Fang Ziye, whom he didn't recognize, but the other party knew Fang Ziye through Chen Xiaoping's introduction.

At this moment, the topic was deliberately shifted to Fang Ziye, hoping that Fang Ziye could say something, so that he wouldn't be used as a "professor from someone else's family" to manipulate everyone every day.

No sooner had the professor finished speaking than a balding, middle-aged man sitting directly opposite Fang Ziye said, "Director Xiang, there's really no need to keep mentioning research results that rely so heavily on luck."

"If you keep saying this, it will make Professor Fang feel uncomfortable and make others more likely to develop a grudge against him."

"At least, so far, Professor Fang Ziye of our Department of Surgery has never been arrogant or complacent about this, just as Professor Tang said."

"A masterpiece is born of nature, and a skillful hand may occasionally create one. A masterpiece like the 'Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River' is unique throughout the ages."

“While our surgical system isn’t that petty, there’s no need to keep bringing it up. Otherwise, if Professor Fang is resented or suppressed by us older folks, you’ll have to take responsibility!”

Those were quite well-chosen words.

It not only expressed what it wanted to say, but also conveyed its viewpoint in a rather subtle way.

The man called Director Xiang looked at this group of old rascals who were acting recklessly, his face turning slightly red and then pale. He opened his mouth, unsure of what to do.

Originally, saying things like "I might hold a grudge against the young man and suppress him" shouldn't have come up in this kind of setting.

Even if you can think that way, can you say it like that?

But these surgeons just don't play by the rules.

“A bunch of old foxes!” Li Yongjun wrote a few more words for Fang Ziye and pushed it over.

Fang Ziye nodded in agreement after reading it, and didn't dare to say anything.

Director Xiang quickly replied, "Those who achieve results deserve recognition and encouragement."

"I believe that our surgical professors are all very magnanimous and will not harbor any ill intentions because we praised Professor Fang."

"My understanding of surgery is not that narrow."

"Professor Fang's breakthrough is still a benchmark, and we should study it carefully."

"After all, people in other provinces are now thinking about researching and applying the 'miniature circulatory device for limbs'. If we give up now, we will really make a fool of ourselves and go the long way around."

"Professor Fang, let's stick to the rules. Could you briefly share your research ideas?"

Fang Ziye listened and nodded, then his words caused a stir in the room: "The underlying ideas of my research come from Professor Li Yongjun of the Department of Vascular Surgery at the former Kyoto Union Hospital."

"This research idea was originally intended by Professor Li to be done at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, but it was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. Then I happened to come across it, and we hit it off immediately."

"If you really want to know about the research approach, the real original idea comes from my teacher, Li Yongjun. I'm just lucky to have reaped the rewards." "Teacher Li is magnanimous and didn't hold it against me."

"Here, I would like to take this opportunity, in front of everyone, to express my sincere gratitude to Teacher Li for his kind guidance and mentorship of the younger generation."

Li Yongjun looked at Fang Ziye in astonishment, never expecting Fang Ziye to respond in this way.

This is no ordinary occasion!
This is the Hubei Provincial Medical Development Conference. The people attending this conference are not just vascular surgeons and orthopedic surgeons. With Fang Ziye saying this, his previous "project leader" status has become a "fig leaf"!
It can be said that he gave away all the credit.

This is not a suitable occasion for jokes.

Li Yongjun was just as astonished as everyone else, and even Academician Chen Xiaoping was stunned, never expecting Fang Ziye to make such a move.

He didn't deny that Fang Ziye was right, but he also couldn't understand Fang Ziye's mindset at that moment.

Since you and Li Yongjun have already reached a private deal, and Li Yongjun isn't pursuing it, why are you even asking about it?
Why put yourself in a situation of potential injustice?
Instead, they tore off their most prominent label?
"Professor Fang? Are you telling the truth?" Director Xiang's expression changed drastically.

Fang Ziye's words were quite insightful, as he deliberately mentioned Kyoto Union Hospital.

Note that it is Kyoto Union Hospital, not Union Hospital in Central China.

Professor Li Yongjun had planned to improve this device at Kyoto Union Hospital, but it was never implemented.

Fang Ziye's work was a lucky find, which also represents the lucky finds in Hubei Province. It was not entirely original work by Professor Li Yongjun during his time in Hubei Province.

“Every word you say is true!” Fang Ziye nodded.

“Teacher Li, you know the whole story, so you should say a few words.”

"The idea for improving the micro-circulatory device originally came from you."

At this moment, Li Yongjun's internal pudendal artery was slightly narrowed. He glanced at Fang Ziye and said, "Although I was the one who first came up with this idea, I was unable to apply it."

"It was my student who, together with Professor Fang, deduced the specific implementation details; I only offered an idea."

"Professor Fang is still too modest."

Li Yongjun did not refuse, because that was the truth.

But Li Yongjun didn't take credit. The matter was already a fact, and Fang Ziye had already received the national award, so there was no way he could bring it up again.

Furthermore, Li Yongjun, the person who proposed the invention, is very satisfied with the rapid development and widespread adoption of micro-circulatory devices.

His own students are the established beneficiaries, so he is even less likely to overturn the case and exonerate Fang Ziye.

Because Fang Ziye's contributions can never be erased.

Moreover, Fang Ziye can even "outperform" basic tumor experiments. If you really try to compete with Fang Ziye for something, and Fang Ziye makes it seem like you're "faking it," it would be a huge loss.

Li Yongjun didn't have that idea either.

However, regardless of the circumstances, Li Yongjun was extremely pleased with himself at that moment.

Li Yongjun said, "The improved extraction approach is very simple; it's just to use the side as a reference."

"If we can develop a full-body circulation device, then it's not impossible to develop a miniature circulation device."

Li Yongjun and Fang Ziye's Tai Chi was too soft, too gentle.

The rhythm is completely messed up.

……

In the afternoon, at 5:43 PM.

"Fang Ziye!" Professor Li Yongjun, who had managed to escape, stormed up to Fang Ziye and tapped Fang Ziye's forehead four or five times with his right index finger before he felt relieved.

"What do you want to do?"

"Can't you tell that Director Xiang wants to make you a role model?"

Fang Ziye opened the car door and invited Li Yongjun to take a seat.

Li Yongjun straightened his suit jacket, and feeling the cold wind outside, quickly got into the car.

Fang Ziye got into the driver's seat and moved the car out of the parking space: "Teacher Li, returning the jade intact is a story, it's impossible in reality."

"But I always feel like I have to repay something!"

"Now that the sanatorium is keen to combine with a provincial-level teaching hospital and emphasize the integration of medical treatment and research, Professor Li, you can't be too aloof."

Li Yongjun coldly tilted his head: "So what was your prepared speech? You didn't mention a single word about it?"

Nie Mingxian is a petty spy. Fang Ziye's work on writing manuscripts for the provincial medical development conference was sold to Li Yongjun.

“Teacher Li, I originally wanted to say something, but Teacher Chen set the tone first, so how could I possibly disagree with him?”

"This is not about social etiquette, but about respecting our seniors."

"You don't think that Professor Chen Xiaoping doesn't even deserve the word 'respect,' do you?" Fang Ziye asked rhetorically.

Li Yongjun quickly explained, "I didn't mean that."

"Academician Chen and Academician Wu are both role models in the industry, with outstanding status, character, and knowledge."

"If you were narrow-minded, you wouldn't have done something like connecting me with someone."

Li Yongjun pressed further, "You mean to say that your contingency plan differs from Academician Chen's?"

Fang Ziye shook his head: "They're not different, but rather based on different starting points. That's why they sound somewhat contradictory."

"my country's hepatobiliary surgery has always been at the forefront internationally, but our orthopedics is different, as is our vascular surgery."

"In terms of hepatobiliary surgery, it is probably the world's top hospital, surpassing even the Shanghai Oriental Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital."

"But in terms of orthopedics, even if we surpass Jishuitan Hospital, we are only at the international first-class level, not at all top-tier."

"Why should I bring it up, making it seem like I have a higher perspective than Academician Chen?"

Li Yongjun immediately sneered: "So you're trying to win people's hearts?"

"How come you're coming up with all these theories now?"

Li Yongjun was a seasoned veteran; how could he not realize that Fang Ziye's previous words and actions were actually a way of giving him face?

Fang Ziye smiled slightly upon hearing this: "Teacher Li, you're being too polite. What do you mean by winning people's hearts?"

"Two people are not on the same page, so they need to be bribed."

"I don't think Teacher Li needs to be bribed, nor can he be bribed."

Even if I'm wrong, I'll accept it.

Flattery will never fail you; the best flattery always manages to make people feel comfortable.

"Don't always say the nice things."

"Give me a proper explanation for why you did this..."

"..."

Inside another Audi heading towards Tongji Hospital's main campus, Professor Tao Xingzhi touched his brow and asked with a slight bow, "Teacher, I'm afraid this prescription can no longer be used."

"He can even disregard the name 'miniature circulation device,' so to transfer it so openly in this setting must mean he has even greater confidence."

Chen Xiaoping looked at his student and nodded slightly: "Being able to see this proves that you have considered things flexibly."

"Looking at it now, we can't simply say that Fang Ziye was stubborn and self-willed."

"I'm just curious, how can he be so certain that his thinking can complete such a closed loop?"

"It's as if he had set up this situation a long time ago."

Tao Xingzhi shook his head upon hearing this: "Teacher, I don't understand either."

"If I were in your shoes, even if a well-known senior professor from the province had tried to recruit me when I was a resident doctor after graduating with my doctorate, I would have agreed."

Chen Xiaoping glared at Tao Xingzhi.

Tao Xingzhi was not afraid: "Teacher, I mean I am in the same situation as Fang Ziye."

"Fang Ziye's teacher was just Deng Yong from the Department of Orthopedics at Zhongnan Hospital. He hadn't even fully mastered trauma surgery, let alone the many subspecialties within orthopedics."

"You are Teacher Chen!" Tao Xingzhi emphasized.

Teacher, you are not just Academician Chen, you are Academician Chen Xiaoping, you know about surgery, right? You are the editor-in-chief.

Even a renowned teacher like Professor He from Zhongnan Hospital would get nervous standing in front of you.

Given this situation, it's truly unbelievable that Fang Ziye remained so calm and decisively refused.

Chen Xiaoping said, "It's a pity that their thinking has become rigid."

"Fortunately, he persisted on this path and even made it through. This is a blessing for orthopedics and trauma surgery."

"Surgery is ultimately a discipline, and every branch requires people to explore and innovate."

"There's no need to adhere to the principle that people with different values ​​cannot work together."

"What a pity..." Chen Xiaoping said again, expressing his regret.

Tao Xingzhi did not reply. He glanced at the associate professor driving the car, who looked serious and meticulous.

Tao Xingzhi found it somewhat amusing.

At Fang Ziye's age, he's already at the point where he's already playing the 'team' game, while the associate professors in his own group are still learning how to be 'accompanying' them.

Of course, Tao Xingzhi also knew that Fang Ziye must have served as a "waiter" on many occasions. It wasn't that his subordinates were not good enough, but that they were not as good as Fang Ziye.

The world is vast, and there are countless talented people; I wish I could have them all.

……

"Teacher Li, Teacher Yuan Weihong said he'd like to invite you for a drink. Would you be willing?" Fang Ziye asked, having led Li Yongjun back to his hotel.

Li Yongjun didn't just arrive yesterday; he arrived on Friday.

However, Li Yongjun had previously visited other friends in the vascular surgery department within the province and had other accommodations.

Yuan Weihong's request to see Li Yongjun was a formal visit, and he needed Li Yongjun to make room for him.

"You arrange the place," Li Yongjun said without refusing.

Li Yongjun also conducted a background check on Fang Ziye. Fang Ziye had two teachers, nominally his "master mentors," but in reality, they were just "tools in disguise." His research was mediocre, and his professional level was also mediocre.

On the contrary, Fang Ziye's "little mentor" Yuan Weihong is, according to Nie Mingxian, very outstanding, but a bit young and still in his growth period.

"Thank you, Teacher Li. I'll call my master right away," Fang Ziye said.

Li Yongjun said, "There are some things we shouldn't let slip yet. Even though he's your teacher, it might sound bad if word gets out."

Li Yongjun was referring to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Li Yongjun stumbled here, and now that he has finally gotten back on his feet, he has to pick up this sector again. It's not good to talk about it before there is any substantial progress.

"Teacher Li, don't worry, I know what I should say and what I shouldn't say."

"Moreover, whether my master is qualified to participate or not will have to be decided by you, Teacher Li, personally."

“However, I am also aware that you, Professor Li, are currently short-staffed,” Fang Ziye said.

Li Yongjun has no manpower at all these days.
Fang Ziye now feels that he doesn't have enough people under him. Li Yongjun only has Nie Mingxian, and even if Nie Mingxian and Li Yongjun work themselves to death, they still can't get any real work done.

However, to Fang Ziye's surprise, Li Yongjun and Yuan Weihong hit it off immediately!
After their initial modesty and politeness, they all became increasingly boastful.

Both of them were snoring from the alcohol. Li Yongjun said, "Hehe, what kind of youthful vigor is that?"

"When I was young and impetuous, I even made the most stringent military pledges..."

Seeing that Li Yongjun was talking nonsense, Fang Ziye immediately coughed and said, "Master, Teacher Li has also had a bit too much to drink. Let's call it a day."

Yuan Weihong glanced at Fang Ziye and said, "Teacher Li, Fang Ziye said you've had too much to drink. How is that possible?"

Li Yongjun also said, "Xiao Fang, that's not right of you. When you're drinking with a close friend, a thousand cups are not enough. There's no such thing as drinking too much or not drinking too much."

"Boss, another beer, please." Li Yongjun didn't mention anything about the military order he had taken on.

The three of them didn't stop until midnight.

Fang Ziye first took Li Yongjun to the hotel, then specifically instructed the front desk to keep an eye on Li Yongjun's condition before making a phone call to Nie Mingxian.

But when Fang Ziye returned to the car, Yuan Weihong, who was originally a little drunk, became "sober" and squinted his eyes, saying, "Li Yongjun is indeed worthy of being Professor Li Yongjun, his level is really high."

"Master, you're not drunk?" Fang Ziye was a little surprised.

Yuan Weihong glanced at Fang Ziye: "You're probably the only one who's drunk today."

Fang Ziye muttered to himself, "I'm on duty today, and I haven't had any alcohol."

"Fang Ziye, what do you think a dog without wolf blood needs to do to get into a wolf pack?"

"It's all a disguise!"

"Keep improving your strength quietly until others realize that you are a dog with fighting power comparable to a wolf."

"After putting on the protective cover, it becomes a sheepdog," Yuan Weihong said.

Fang Ziye remained silent for a while after hearing this.

In fact, he could not fully grasp Yuan Weihong's "philosophy of dealing with things," after all, Fang Ziye had two teachers.

One of them is Deng Yong. Although Deng Yong has experienced ups and downs at Zhongnan Hospital in recent years, he has never truly fallen from grace.

With Deng Yong's support, Fang Ziye's progress was smooth sailing.

But then?

At this moment, Yuan Weihong reminded Fang Ziye of Xiong Jinhuan.

"Master, thank you for your hard work," Fang Ziye said.

"What's so hard about it? It's all my own fault."

"It's all our own doing. We could have chosen to just lie down and accept it, but we weren't satisfied with the status quo, so we kept making trouble and making trouble."

“Take you, Fang Ziye, for example. You could lie down right now and be a proper Director Fang, but you’re not content with that,” Yuan Weihong continued, shaking his head.

At this moment, Yuan Weihong's eyes gleamed with a sharp light as he gritted his teeth: "But all of that is in the past!"

"Now, we are the wolves."

"The ones who need to act are other people."

However, after saying that, Yuan Weihong deflated: "But in another circle, we still need to act."

"Actually, a certain degree of high profile is a way to leave oneself a way out of the limelight. It doesn't go against one's true intentions." Yuan Weihong may have finally revealed his true intentions for the first time.

Is a certain degree of high profile a way to leave oneself a way out in the face of glory?
Fang Ziye drove Yuan Weihong home, and then drove back to the apartment complex where he rented a place.

As soon as I got out of the car, Nie Mingxian called: "Fang Ziye, what did you do?"

"My teacher called me at this hour and gave me a good scolding?"

Fang Ziye: "???"

"Brother Nie, just tell me straight, what did I do?"

Nie Mingxian's tone was clearly somewhat dejected: "My teacher didn't really say what you did specifically, he just said that compared to you, I'm destined to be a wage earner."

Why should I work for you?

"Why should I?" Even through the phone call, Nie Mingxian's voice still betrayed his barely concealed anger and resentment.

Nie Mingxian may appear low-key, but deep down he is still a proud person.

He could scoff at others' comments about his humility, but the way his teachers spoke of him was unacceptable to him.

As the saying goes, people die for wealth, and birds die for food.

No one wants to be a mere tool, and Nie Mingxian is no exception. This questioning could very well affect their future relationship.

Fang Ziye remained silent for a moment. (End of Chapter)