A slight sheen of sweat dotted Hu Ye’s nose from sheer excitement. The hospital hadn't announced Zhang Yang's departure; rumors only began circulating long after he was gone.

Later, when Zhang Yang failed to appear at the hospital for an extended period, people gradually came to accept the reality of his absence.

That an intern, one with such a short tenure, could captivate so many hearts upon leaving—such a phenomenon could only occur at the Third Hospital, and only because of Zhang Yang.

However, as time moved on, Zhang Yang slowly faded from everyone’s notice. Life doesn't pause for one person, and the Third Hospital hadn't suffered any major upheaval due to his departure.

Just as everyone stopped discussing and started forgetting him, monumental news swept through the hospital once more.

A project they had submitted for review had actually been approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. What surprised them most was that the project leader was none other than Zhang Yang, who had already left the hospital.

This news struck them like a bolt from the blue, thrusting Zhang Yang back into the public eye.

Upon hearing it, some felt envy, others jealousy, and a few secretly rejoiced—like the young nurse Hu Ye standing before him. She had jumped for joy at the announcement.

Zhang Yang was, in a way, her idol, and the greater the achievement of one's idol, the happier she felt.

At that point, everyone was speculating when Zhang Yang might return.

Many even assumed that with the project approved, Zhang Yang would naturally come back to the hospital to resume his post.

After all, few could resist the allure of such a prestigious topic and the ensuing glory.

Alas, they were destined to be disappointed. For ten full days after the project was announced, there was no sign of Zhang Yang. Later, they learned through back channels that the man they awaited was actually attending a student event in Shanghai.

This revelation fueled hospital gossip for quite some time.

Now, the chatter had finally subsided, and most people knew that the hospital leadership was restless, beginning to actively contact Zhang Yang, trying every means to persuade him to return lest this prestigious project turn into a farce.

“Dr. Zhang, when did you get back? We were just talking about you!”

Hu Ye, pulling her colleague, reached Zhang Yang and asked with renewed excitement. She and her companion had indeed been mentioning his name just moments ago.

It was precisely because they mentioned his name that Zhang Yang had overheard and noticed her, eventually calling out to her.

“I just returned today. Do you have a moment?” Zhang Yang looked at her and smiled softly.

Hu Ye gave him a slightly puzzled look, then nodded. “I have time now, but I have to start my shift soon!”

“Having time is enough. Come with me first!”

Zhang Yang chuckled lightly. Hu Ye said a quick word to her companion, and under her colleague's envious gaze, she closely followed Zhang Yang away.

Standing beside him, Hu Ye’s heart began to race uncontrollably again. She speculated about Zhang Yang’s reason for calling her. Girls prone to anxiety often let their imaginations run wild, and Hu Ye was no exception.

She was, after all, a young nurse, a recent graduate of nursing school, with only two years of work experience—making her slightly younger than Zhang Yang.

Amidst her swirling thoughts, she couldn't help but steal glances at him now and then, her small face flushing an even deeper crimson with every look.

Before long, the two arrived at the doctors' duty room. They had arrived at the perfect time; the consultation had just concluded.

Wang Guohai blinked in surprise upon seeing Zhang Yang, then happily came over to greet him. He knew Zhang Yang would eventually return, but he hadn't expected it to be this late.

For the past couple of days, even Wang Guohai had been feeling a bit anxious.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Zhang Yang got straight to the point: “Director Wang, could we find a place? I have something I need to discuss with you both.”

Wang Guohai paused briefly, then immediately nodded. “No problem at all. Let’s talk in the small office inside.”

Wang Guohai led Zhang Yang into the small office within the duty room. It wasn't large but was quite neat, perfectly fitting the three of them around the table.

Seeing Zhang Yang bring her to see Wang Guohai, Hu Ye felt a slight dip of disappointment.

If Zhang Yang had brought her to Wang Guohai, it meant the reason he called her wasn't what she had hoped for in her heart.

At that moment, Hu Ye couldn't quite define her feelings—disappointment mingled with a touch of relief, as she was acutely aware of the gulf between someone like her and Zhang Yang.

“I asked you both here because there’s something I need your help with!” Zhang Yang smiled faintly and spoke in a low voice.

“Need our help?”

Wang Guohai looked at him quizzically, glancing next at the young nurse Hu Ye beside him.

What could he, a director, and she, an ordinary nurse, possibly do together to assist Zhang Yang? It truly baffled him. Hu Ye, too, was utterly perplexed.

“You must know that the Third Hospital submitted an asthma research project on my behalf. The project has been approved, but my research team is too small. I need to supplement the personnel now. I don't know many people here at the Third Hospital, which is why I thought of you two. I wanted to ask if you would be willing to help?”

Zhang Yang chuckled and shook his head, deciding to lay everything out clearly.

The project needed to proceed, and that required members. But Zhang Yang insisted on screening these members himself; he would not let the hospital dictate whom he worked with.

Otherwise, he would rather temporarily abandon the project than have to face those repugnant faces again.

If he abandoned it temporarily, once his research bore fruit, it would cause a sensation worldwide without needing project approval, still bringing glory to the nation.

The difference was that it would then be a personal endeavor with very little official connection to the state.

And that would draw even more attention to him—a prospect he dreaded most. Having been scrutinized once before, Zhang Yang, having lived this life again, had no desire to be as exhausted as he was in his previous life.

However, his nature was unyielding. If the Third Hospital refused to compromise, he would absolutely walk away, and the hospital’s loss would be far greater than his.

“You mean, you want us to join your research team?”

Wang Guohai’s eyes widened suddenly, and he pointed a finger at his own nose in astonishment.

Hu Ye’s eyes widened even further, equally stunned. She never imagined Zhang Yang would approach them about this matter.

That research team was something her colleagues had gossiped about countless times, each time filled with envy. They knew that this project offered a chance for a select few at the hospital to rise quickly and perhaps even gain considerable recognition.

Back then, they were all sighing that such an opportunity would never fall to them.

Now, the very thing she considered impossible was placed directly before her, making her feel a sense of unreality.

“Yes, I can’t do it alone; I need your help!”

Zhang Yang smiled and nodded gently.

Wang Guohai frowned, murmuring, “But, but didn’t the hospital already make a final decision? The roster was discussed and settled in a meeting?”

As a member of the hospital’s leadership, Wang Guohai was aware of the plan to establish the research team. Zhu Zhixiang had even asked him at the time if he wanted to join.

He had declined, thinking he knew too little about asthma to be of any real help.

“Their list is theirs; it’s useless here. My research team does not accept dead weight!”

Zhang Yang said coolly, a hint of coldness seeming to touch the corners of his mouth.

The hospital’s recent actions had genuinely annoyed him. His departure hadn't sobered the staff; they remained just as bureaucratic.

If not for this project, Zhang Yang would genuinely not have wanted to return to the hospital.

“Director Wang, are you willing to help me?”

Seeing a flicker of hesitation on Wang Guohai’s face, Zhang Yang asked again.

Wang Guohai nodded slightly. “I’m willing, yes, but I really don't know much about asthma. You know, I’ve always been in Gynecology!”

“Your willingness to join is what matters. This project isn't as complicated as you imagine. I already have absolute confidence; we just need to proceed methodically as I outline, and it will succeed!” Zhang Yang said with a smile. He then looked at Hu Ye and softly asked, “What about you? Are you willing to help me this once?”

Hu Ye was somewhat fated to meet Zhang Yang; she was the first person he had seen on his first day in this world.

Having met many times since, Zhang Yang had formed a deeper impression of her. He also knew that Hu Ye was very fond of helping the intern nurses.

Zhang Yang had been a true intern doctor himself and had mentored interns, so he understood the hardships they faced.

Hu Ye’s willingness to help them demonstrated a kind heart. He had run into them just now, so he called them over together.

Wang Guohai acted as the general manager, overseeing all coordination, but he couldn’t handle every minor detail himself; he needed someone to manage the logistical trivialities. Hu Ye was the most suitable person for this.

“I’m willing, I’m willing!”

Hu Ye nodded hurriedly. Of course, she was willing; only a fool would refuse such a golden opportunity for advancement.

“That’s good. It’s settled then. I’ll add you both to the list later. Once I have secured all the members, we can discuss the specific work arrangements.”

Zhang Yang smiled faintly. Both Wang Guohai and Hu Ye nodded.

Wang Guohai had initially hesitated due to his perceived lack of expertise, but now that Zhang Yang had actively invited him and stated that professional specialization wasn't required, he had no reason to refuse.

To deny being moved by such a significant project would be a lie.

Joining this research team meant acquiring a prestigious badge of honor if they succeeded, making future endeavors much smoother.

Of course, he understood that Zhang Yang’s actions would certainly offend a group of people, and he, too, would attract the envy of some. But those factors were unimportant. He strongly disliked those people who occupied positions without fulfilling their duties.

It was precisely because of their presence that Wang Guohai had refused Zhu Zhixiang’s earlier invitation to join the research team; he did not want to become like those individuals.

“Very well. I’ll contact a few more people, and we can hold an initial meeting tomorrow morning!”

Zhang Yang stated directly, then stood up. After leaving the conference room, his mind had already been occupied with finalizing the list of research members, and now he was starting to form a solid idea.

He was someone who acted immediately upon decision. Since he still had time, he might as well settle the final roster this afternoon so that work arrangements could be confirmed by tomorrow.

First update; the plot felt a bit stuck, so the update is a bit late. My apologies to my friends!!