A dozen or so people were chattering away, and in their mouths, Zhang Yang quickly morphed into a completely wicked scoundrel.

It seemed as if Zhang Yang was the blight of the Third Institute, and even after leaving, he was still set on bringing harm here. Everything Zhang Yang did went against regulations; indulging his actions would ultimately lead to the Third Institute's demise.

"Enough!"

After listening for a while, Zhu Zhixiang could bear it no longer and slammed his hand heavily onto the table.

Zhu Zhixiang held considerable prestige in the hospital, and his slam immediately silenced everyone. They all stopped talking and turned their heads to look at him.

Zhu Zhixiang tapped the table, then continued, "Against regulations? Whose regulations? You must understand, you people didn't establish the rules!"

"What's wrong with Zhang Yang? Ask yourselves honestly: those accomplishments he achieved, could any of you manage them? Every one of you looks like rabbits infected with red-eye disease. If someone doesn't want you, you should first consider the reasons within yourselves—why doesn't he want you?"

Zhu Zhixiang spoke quite bluntly. The dozen or so people seated there had grim expressions. They weren't impressed by his words, but they didn't openly object either.

There was one thing Zhu Zhixiang didn't mention: they truly were afflicted with the red-eye disease. They couldn't stand seeing such immense benefits without having a share.

At that moment, these individuals gave no thought to what they were doing during the project application phase. This was especially true for Xu Wu and Tang Xiaojuan, who hadn't even participated when the proposal was submitted, fearing ridicule from their peers. Otherwise, they wouldn't be fretting now about forcing their way into the research group.

After a few sharp words, Zhu Zhixiang paused his tone before continuing, "Let me be clear upfront: this project is critically important to the future of the Third Institute. I have granted Zhang Yang full authority; I will support whatever he decides to do. If anyone dares to play dirty behind my back, using petty tricks, don't blame me for not being courteous!"

With that, he shot a fierce glare at everyone. The intent to threaten was unmistakable.

"One last reminder to all of you: Zhang Yang’s relationship with Director Zhao is something I don't need to elaborate on. Director Zhao called yesterday to inquire about the project. Our project is also highly valued by Director Zhao, and he has offered his full support. He said whatever we need, we can notify them, and the bureau will give us complete backing!"

After delivering this statement, Zhu Zhixiang stood up.

"As for why Director Zhao places such importance on this, think about the reasons yourselves. Meeting adjourned!"

Without giving the assembled group time to react, Zhu Zhixiang left the conference room, leaving behind the hospital leaders staring wide-eyed at each other.

Zhu Zhixiang’s words had certainly served as a wake-up call. If it were just him, these many leaders united wouldn't fear him much, as the hospital wasn't his personal domain; so many leaders opposing him could easily sideline him.

But the problem was that this involved Director Zhao.

The Director of the Health Bureau didn't concern himself with these minor figures. Offending him meant they could be transferred to a dead-end post with a mere excuse, or perhaps to an extremely remote small hospital—that would be the real trouble.

This silence held them all; none dared to speak.

Just as Zhu Zhixiang said, they didn't need him to spell out Zhang Yang's connection with Director Zhao—everyone understood. If they truly offended Zhang Yang, a few casual words from him to Director Zhao could spell the end of their good days.

"You can all leave!"

Xu Wu waved his hand weakly. This whole affair had actually started with him.

He worried that after not joining the research group initially, he would be ridiculed later for trying to squeeze in. So, he had rallied these people together so that no one would focus on him.

However, he hadn't expected his attempt to outsmart things to backfire. He hadn't saved face, and now he was pushed out.

Once Zhu Zhixiang brought up Director Zhao, he immediately wilted. After all, he was merely the Director of the Internal Medicine Department at a small municipal hospital. He lacked the confidence of the experts at the larger hospitals who dared to confront their superiors directly.

After leaving these words, Zhu Zhixiang hurriedly made his way to the location of the research group.

He was somewhat surprised to learn that Zhang Yang had already departed. However, seeing that everyone had already started their work and that Zhang Yang had left behind extremely crucial materials, his heart finally settled with a heavy sigh of relief.

As long as the research had begun, progress was being made, unlike before when they had no leads. Even though Zhang Yang was absent, the work had momentum.

Zhang Yang, having left the Third Institute, did not head home. Instead, he hired a taxi and drove around the suburbs.

The villa he had purchased was ready for immediate occupancy, but it didn't quite satisfy him. Taking advantage of the free days, he intended to find a plot of land himself and build a residence far more lavish than the Shanghai villa.

This residence would also serve as his future home.

A true home—for marriage, children, and long-term living.

In 1998, Changjing wasn't particularly vast, but much of the urban planning was already finalized, making it difficult to find a good spot in the suburbs. Zhang Yang searched all morning with no success.

He had indeed spotted a promising location, but unfortunately, it was designated for significant planning, making it impossible to sell for the construction of a private mansion.

"Ring, ring, ring!"

While casually having lunch at a restaurant around noon, the phone in his bag suddenly rang.

Wuying, who had been playing nearby, immediately turned his head and barked twice at Zhang Yang. This little fellow hated Zhang Yang's phone the most; it often rang while he was sleeping in the bag, waking him up and making him incredibly annoyed.

Taking out the phone, Zhang Yang glanced briefly at the caller ID before answering.

"Sister Ling, interrupting your romantic time, what made you think of calling me?"

Zhang Yang spoke with a smile. The person calling was none other than Yang Ling.

"Zhang Yang, where are you? Zhan Tao was arrested!"

Yang Ling sounded rather flustered on the phone, urgently telling Zhang Yang the news.

The smile vanished instantly from Zhang Yang's face. He comforted Yang Ling to stay calm, asked for her location, and told her he would be there immediately.

After confirming the place, Zhang Yang forgot about his meal and immediately called the taxi driver, who hadn't eaten much either, to leave together.

The driver felt helpless, but since Zhang Yang was the boss, he could only secretly regret the delicious food; Zhang Yang had taken him to eat some truly fine things.

Sitting in the taxi, Zhang Yang's expression remained somber.

Yang Ling informed him that Su Zhantao had been taken in by the police department because of her sister.

Yang Ling had a younger sister named Yang Rui, who was still studying at home and was at that rebellious age. She had argued with her family a few days ago and came to Yang Ling’s place to unwind.

Su Zhantao was taking the two sisters shopping today, and for some unknown reason, at a large department store, he was suddenly apprehended by security guards who accused him of shoplifting.

The security guards claimed she stole something and actually found several pieces of high-end lingerie on her person.

The value of these garments amounted to four or five thousand yuan. The guards immediately wanted to take Yang Rui to the police station.

Having been pampered since childhood and never having experienced anything like this, Yang Rui was naturally terrified and began to cry. Yang Ling repeatedly assured them her sister couldn't be a thief and eventually offered to buy the clothes at double or even higher prices, but it was refused.

At that moment, a Political Commissar from a local precinct appeared. He was portly, in his forties, and began by issuing threats, stating that a theft offense like Yang Rui's warranted several years in prison, or even re-education through labor.

After the threats, he added that he had a way to help, depending on whether Yang Rui was "cooperative."

As he said this, his eyes were filled with lecherous intent, making Yang Ling almost vomit from disgust.

Yang Rui was only