A moment later, his expression grew animated again. No one else spoke, as they all understood that anything asked in the current chaos would yield nothing useful.

Some onlookers cast envious glances toward the individual Zhang Yang had addressed.

The content Zhang Yang had just shared had deeply affected everyone present; each person was now brimming with questions, all eager to be the first to ask theirs.

“I’d like to know, when did you apply for this project, where was the application submitted, what is its current progress, and who are the main people in charge?”

The named doctor paused briefly, cleared his throat, and asked directly.

He had so many questions he wished he could unload them all at once, but he knew time was limited, so he decided to first clarify the origin of the project.

This way, if he needed further information later, he could seek it out and engage in discussion.

Everyone else turned to look at Zhang Yang; the question posed was something that concerned them all deeply.

Zhu Daoqi also sat up straighter, glancing self-consciously toward the side occupied by Jinling University.

The Jinling University contingent was not far from them, and as he turned back, Zhu Daoqi caught sight of Wang Jinhui. In Wang Jinhui’s eyes, Zhu Daoqi perceived a thick wave of sourness and jealousy; at least, that was the impression Wang Jinhui gave off.

This realization brought a sudden wave of pleasant relief to Zhu Daoqi, like taking a large gulp of ice cream on a sweltering summer day beneath a blazing sun—the sensation traveled delightfully from his feet to the top of his head, every pore seeming to exhale comfort.

After the initial excitement, Zhu Daoqi immediately turned back, awaiting Zhang Yang’s response.

Frankly, he had been the most curious and eager to ask this very question. Zhang Yang was a student from their own university, yet he had created such a massive stir without a word, keeping it completely secret. Zhu Daoqi felt a pang of irritation himself.

Looking down at the doctor who had posed the question, Zhang Yang suddenly smiled. “You certainly didn’t waste this opportunity; you managed to ask four questions in one go!”

“Haha!”

Zhang Yang’s remark brought laughter from many in the audience. The doctor who had fired off the rapid-fire questions nervously scratched his head.

However, if he had been allowed to continue, he surely would have added more; his mind was overflowing with doubts.

“This project began the application process four months ago. The applying unit was Changjing Third People’s Hospital, and I am the primary person in charge. The progress is excellent. Due to confidentiality protocols, I cannot disclose too much, but I can guarantee that this research will yield complete results within three months at the latest!”

Zhang Yang spoke softly, a smile gracing his lips, yet everyone in the hall recognized the absolute confidence in his voice.

Su Shaohua’s condition had significantly improved. Zhang Yang had already commissioned a pharmaceutical plant to produce a synthetic chemical drug—colloquially known as Western medicine.

This Western medicine was crucial; it was the result of intensive research he and Parker had conducted together, and it was the key to curing this type of asthma.

Back then, the two of them had even planned to collaborate on tackling other asthma ailments in the future, hoping to jointly secure a Nobel Prize in Medicine.

Sadly, that aspiration remained unrealized before he met with the air crash.

In his previous life, Parker had secured the patent for this type of Western medicine, granting Zhang Yang rights to shared profits. This time, while commissioning the factory, Zhang Yang had not forgotten the patent application; once this drug passed clinical trials, it could become another lucrative asset.

The audience below began to murmur again, their surprise deepening.

If Zhang Yang initiated this project, he must be an insider or, better yet, a participant; otherwise, he wouldn't possess such extensive and detailed knowledge.

To be involved in such a project was enviable enough, a source of immense pride. But no one expected Zhang Yang to be the actual person heading it.

The person in charge was an entirely different category from a mere participant.

Many people stared at Zhang Yang in disbelief. The reason was simple: Zhang Yang was far too young—so young that they could not reconcile his age with the responsibility of leading such a significant project.

This was not something achieved by luck. To direct research of this magnitude, especially one promising results, required an incredibly solid foundation and exceptional capability; it was simply impossible otherwise.

Even Zhu Daoqi, who already knew a fair bit about Zhang Yang, was momentarily stunned into silence.

“You mean, you are the overall director?”

The original questioner stared blankly at Zhang Yang, then asked again, his voice slightly husky.

This was too unexpected. For many, this news was another massive bombshell.

How old was Zhang Yang? A fourth-year university student. A fourth-year student leading a line of research that was internationally cutting-edge? If this story got out, no one would believe it.

Or perhaps, they simply did not want to admit that a student like Zhang Yang was far more capable than they were.

“Correct. Time is limited; next question, please!”

Zhang Yang nodded again. His presentation had taken only a dozen minutes, but the Q&A session was already consuming several.

“I—I have a question!”

As soon as Zhang Yang finished speaking, an expert in the front row hastily raised their hand.

“Yes, please,” Zhang Yang nodded gently.

“Your name is Zhang Yang, correct? I want to ask: when did you start studying medicine? What achievements have you made, or what papers have you published? Also, besides being a student, do you hold any other positions?”

The man fired off his series of questions rapidly.

After this man finished, the others surprisingly did not object; they all turned their attention to him instead.

This was, in fact, a major question lingering in everyone’s mind. Technical questions could not be exhausted in a short time, and the Q&A slot was insufficient anyway. It was better to ask about other matters now and seek technical details privately later.

They simply could not fathom how Zhang Yang could be leading such a massive project. If this weren't a public event with everyone watching, they would have dismissed his words as a joke. No one could afford to lie in this setting; only a fool would risk it.

But a fool could never articulate the highly specialized material he had just presented. It was precisely this fact that forced the experts to reluctantly accept that Zhang Yang was indeed responsible for this project.

However, acceptance did not equate to the absence of doubt. Just like the expert voicing the question that was burning in everyone’s mind: how exactly did Zhang Yang learn and develop to achieve things that others found unbelievable?

At this moment, the students seated below were also watching Zhang Yang with wide eyes.

They, too, were consumed with curiosity and amazement at how he accomplished all this. They were all the same age; what accounted for such a vast gap between them?

“When I was six, I met a traveling doctor, and he taught me how to practice medicine. As for achievements, I have none yet, nor have I published a single paper!”

Zhang Yang spoke slowly, his smile widening as the audience’s eyes grew even larger at his response.

Seeing their reaction, Zhang Yang’s smile broadened, and he continued, “I am currently only a student. If I have any other identity, it’s that I took a small stake in a minor business venture with a friend—that’s all!”

“Th-this is impossible!”

Suddenly, a student cried out in alarm. It was a student from Jinling University.

Zhang Yang looked toward the source of the outburst, a slight smile reappearing at the corner of his mouth. Fate certainly has a way of circling back. The person who cried out and expressed doubt was Guo Weiya, the one who had been driving last night. He hadn't attended the dinner yesterday, but he was required to attend today’s event. He was also the student representative from Jinling University today.

Many people turned to look at him. Guo Weiya immediately realized his lapse in composure and quickly pressed on, “You said you have no other identity. Then what is your relationship with the Changjing Third People’s Hospital? Why would they entrust such an important project to you to lead?”

After he finished speaking, many people turned away from him. His question was indeed valid.

The previous expert had asked about other identities precisely because someone capable of directing such research could not possibly be completely unknown. Yet, Zhang Yang’s answer had shocked them, and now Guo Weiya voiced their shared confusion.

In their experience, if their own hospital had a critical project, they would never hand it over to an outsider; it would be managed by their most crucial personnel. Such a thing would never be given to an outsider.

“Since this student asked, I shall explain,” Zhang Yang said, glancing at the time. “I was an intern at the Third Hospital before, but that was in the past. I have now terminated my internship with the Third Hospital and have no further connection with them. As for this research project, I was in charge of it originally. Regardless of my current relationship with the Third Hospital, I remain the head of this project, and that fact cannot be changed!”

As Zhang Yang spoke, an intense confidence emanated from him.

Everything he said was fact. The project leader was indeed him, and it could only be him.

When he left the Third Hospital, Zhu Zhixiang had been deeply worried and had personally discussed the project with Zhang Yang. At that time, Zhang Yang had assured them he would continue to oversee the project, stating that since the Third Hospital had already reported it, there was no reason to abandon it midway.

This outcome finally eased Zhu Zhixiang’s mind. If the project had fallen apart because of Zhang Yang’s departure, he would have been devastated.

The expert who had asked the initial question suddenly looked up, asking with astonishment, “Do you mean this project was initially yours, and without you, no one else there could carry it out, nor could anyone substitute your role?”

“Yes, without me, they couldn't do it well.”

Zhang Yang nodded again. This statement sounded somewhat arrogant.

But Zhang Yang had the basis for his arrogance. His words were entirely true. Without his involvement in treating Su Shaohua, this project would never have materialized; it was fair to say he initiated it. Had the Third Hospital not moved quickly, he would have used another platform to bring the matter forward. If this project succeeded, it would be a tremendous point of pride and an act of service to the nation. He had no reason to relinquish that. (To be continued)