Zhang Yang's bombshells today were one heavier than the last. Being entrusted with such a massive project, and as its irreplaceable key figure—all the experts in the audience shifted uncomfortably, instinctively measuring themselves against Zhang Yang.

This comparison immediately left them dejected, realizing that any one of them would fail to achieve what Zhang Yang had. Forget a project of this magnitude; they couldn't even handle projects of a lesser scope, confirming the enormous gulf separating them from him.

"Time is running short. Does anyone else have a question? However, I sincerely hope there won't be any more instances of rudely cutting in or impolite behavior!"

Zhang Yang, still standing on stage, flashed a smile once more.

As he said this, he looked directly at the host, who flinched inwardly and quickly stepped forward to repeat Zhang Yang's exact words.

The organizers in the audience then turned their attention toward the Jinling University contingent.

Zhang Yang’s remark clearly targeted the student who had posed a question without permission earlier. The organizers were worrying more deeply than anyone else. While the student's interruption seemed like a minor breach of etiquette, the reality was far more complex. They feared such a small incident might cause widespread speculation—perhaps making the expert doctors think the organizers lacked control, leading to a chaotic scene. Or perhaps leaders from other universities might perceive them as incompetent, unable to maintain order even in a small academic exchange venue, which would tarnish their university's overall image.

Though these concerns bordered on exaggeration, they were nonetheless real. Many people envision the worst-case scenario before taking action and tend to overthink. This line of thought filled them with annoyance toward Guo Weiya for his earlier interruption. The vice-principal in charge of the event even quietly issued an instruction to someone nearby: they were to give Jinling University a discreet warning to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"I have a question. I want to ask, are you truly so confident that this project is guaranteed to succeed? You must understand the immense importance of such a project succeeding!"

This question came from a comparatively younger expert doctor, a representative from the hospital affiliated with Tongji Medical College—essentially one of the hosts. His question was concise, avoiding overly technical jargon, yet it touched upon what everyone was curious about.

No one noticed the unnatural use of honorifics when he spoke, a subtle indication that Zhang Yang had already won the audience's general respect.

"Setting aside the confidence for a moment, don't you all want me to succeed? If I succeed, the nomination for the next Nobel Prize in Medicine will include another Chinese name!"

Zhang Yang shrugged, spread his hands, and countered with a gentle smile.

The crowd froze for a beat, then burst into laughter, the most unrestrained laughter coming from the experts seated in the front rows.

Immediately, the most fervent round of applause erupted throughout the hall. Zhang Yang was right; his success would inevitably lead to a Nobel nomination. This research was world-class; not being nominated would be unthinkable. Of course, mere nomination didn't guarantee the award; the Nobel Medical Prize assessment involved numerous factors beyond just the research itself.

"Let me address the confidence again. I actually stated this earlier: I am extremely confident. Within three months, results will emerge, and those results will constitute success."

As the applause subsided, Zhang Yang stated calmly. Many below began applauding again spontaneously. Zhang Yang's conviction seemed to infect them; many believed he would absolutely complete this project and shock the world for China.

"Good, good!"

Zhu Daoqi's hands were stinging from clapping, his face radiating excitement. Zhang Yang had volunteered to speak. Zhu Daoqi had only agreed because he knew Zhang Yang, but at that time, he never anticipated the immense impact Zhang Yang’s presentation would have. This wasn't just a student giving a speech; it was an international scholar delivering an academic lecture. Zhang Yang’s unexpected performance was not only his biggest surprise but also his greatest delight. Based on Zhang Yang’s demeanor and the content he shared, it was clear this was beyond the scope of any ordinary student. Without needing speculation, everyone understood the outcome of this academic exchange between institutions. This was absolute transcendence; the gulf in class was simply too vast for comparison.

Students from other universities in Changjing were equally thrilled. Zhang Yang represented them on that stage, and the better his achievement, the prouder they felt, especially seeing the envious glances from students of neighboring schools.

"Next!"

Zhang Yang, glancing at the time, quickly called out.

This time, the person called upon was a slightly older expert. He stood up intending to ask a complex theoretical question, but after observing the reactions around him, the question died on his lips. This was meant to be a venue for discussing academic theories, but everyone present was too stunned by Zhang Yang to focus on such subtleties.

"Young man, the new generation always surpasses the old. I trust you will succeed and bring glory to our people. As for my question, let us discuss it properly another time."

He posed no question, offering only his blessing before sitting down. Many looked on in astonishment, soon followed by another burst of applause, even more resounding than before. This expert asked nothing, merely offered encouragement, and many in the hall shared his hope for the project’s success, knowing it would benefit the populace and the world. Once successful, China's standing in asthma treatment would instantly elevate, significantly boosting its international image.

Once the applause faded, the host stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Time is nearly up. Thank you, student Zhang Yang, for that brilliant presentation!"

The half-hour seemed to vanish in a blink; many felt the time passed far too quickly. As the host finished speaking, the expert doctors immediately started clapping, swiftly followed by all the students joining in enthusiastically. This round of applause was louder than any before it.

The experts’ faces showed touches of excitement. They had come merely to observe a student exchange, hoping perhaps to spot a promising talent. They never imagined encountering research so profoundly staggering. Many felt their attendance was more than worth it—it was an incredible value—because without coming, they would never have known such a genius existed among the domestic student body. They could think of no word other than 'genius' to describe Zhang Yang. Only a true genius could achieve what they dared not even dream of at such a young age, and only a true genius could shock them so deeply.

Zhang Yang stood at the front of the stage, bowed deeply, and slowly walked down. The applause intensified again, many students watching him with a mixture of envy and complexity. They were peers, of similar age, yet their accomplishments were separated by a world of difference. What Zhang Yang achieved was beyond the capability of even their own mentors.

Some students, however, watched with a fierce, desperate jealousy. They wished they could trade places with Zhang Yang to bask in that glory and applause. Everyone attending these events was high-achieving; none were inclined to concede defeat. They all thought: What Zhang Yang can do, we can do too, failing to consider the actual chasm between their abilities and his.

The most intense, the most jealous, was Guo Weiya. Moments earlier, someone from Tongji Medical College had approached Wang Jinhui to issue a warning, telling him to keep a closer eye on his student. Wang Jinhui had lost face and severely reprimanded Guo Weiya, which injected a thread of resentment into Guo Weiya’s heart—not toward Wang Jinhui, but toward Zhang Yang. He believed all this stemmed from Zhang Yang. Furthermore, he recognized Zhang Yang; he could hardly believe the penniless boy he saw eating at a street stall yesterday now commanded such an atmosphere. His innate disdain from seeing Zhang Yang at the roadside stall made it even harder for him to accept such massive success from someone he looked down upon.

As Zhang Yang slowly descended the stage, the experts in the front rows suddenly surged forward like a wave. Each held out their hand... ShuShu.net

Seeing the scene of Zhang Yang’s overwhelming popularity only deepened Guo Weiya’s jealousy.

"It's just a project under application; it might not even get approved. When asked critical questions, he cites confidentiality. Who knows if he’s just being deliberately obscure? I seem to recall a medical forum overseas that mentioned similar concepts!"

Guo Weiya suddenly stood up and shouted. He himself didn't know why he uttered those words; the more Zhang Yang shone, the more uncomfortable he felt, compelling him to jump out and throw cold water on the situation with discouraging remarks.

"What did you say? That overseas sources mentioned these concepts? Are you certain?"

An expert doctor turned back, fixing Guo Weiya with a loud gaze. Many experts adopted grave expressions. The reason they believed Zhang Yang was because what he spoke of were things they hadn't encountered or seen before. If a foreigner had indeed proposed these ideas, the possibility of plagiarism wasn't zero. If they had been fooled by a plagiarizing student, they would have embarrassed themselves alongside him.

Guo Weiya gritted his teeth, suddenly rendered speechless. In truth, he had no idea if any foreign source had mentioned these things; he had said it purely to undermine Zhang Yang. Now, admitting it made him hesitate, fearing these experts would press him for specifics on where he saw it, information he couldn't provide.

First Chapter