Beyond them, the junior nurse Hu Ye and several other doctors also emerged. As the few people looked at Zhang Yang, respect was evident on their faces, especially from those doctors.

They were the true backbone of the research, yet they hadn't contributed much effort; Zhang Yang had prepared everything for them, leaving them only to follow the established steps outlined in the materials. Those documents had taught them a great deal.

Benefiting so much from the materials alone deepened their respect and admiration for Zhang Yang. “Zhang Yang, I have to tell you, the progress report we submitted last time got approved!

It was excellent; the school even praised us and added scholarships, telling us to keep up the hard work here!” The young girl Wang Lu rushed up to Zhang Yang, grabbing his arm without noticing her hand was still a bit damp. She was excitedly talking about the research update they had reported previously.

This was a research topic officially backed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and all expenses incurred during their research were covered by CAS, which held supervisory and management authority over them. In essence, they were only accountable to CAS.

This was precisely why the hospital bureaucrats from the Third Hospital had no recourse after Zhang Yang refused to let them place personnel; although the project belonged to the Third Hospital, the hospital lacked management rights. Changjing University was similar, though they were largely indifferent to the matter from the start.

Frankly, this project had no direct connection to them; it was something one of their students had initiated independently, only gaining attention after CAS took notice and approved it. Forget management rights—they had no claim to ownership whatsoever.

However, things changed after Zhang Yang transferred five students from the university. The entire research team shrank to just over a dozen people, and these students instantly accounted for six of them, nearly half the total.

Furthermore, since Zhang Yang, the project lead, was also a university student, Changjing University stood to gain considerable prestige once the research yielded results. In terms of sheer numbers, no one could erase their contribution.

To receive honors and share in the credit without doing any of the core work, Changjing University was naturally pleased. They sent people weekly to inquire about the research progress.

Even if it wasn't genuine concern, it at least signaled to outsiders that the university highly valued the project—even if the project bore no relation to them, they had to maintain appearances. The CAS approval for the last progress report was satisfaction, with instructions to continue the research at the current pace, adding that they could request support from CAS at any time if needed.

Such a reply was already remarkable. Not only were Wang Guohai and Zhu Zhixiang pleased, but after Changjing University learned the details, they promptly approved an additional one thousand yuan scholarship for each of the six participating students.

For six students, that was only six thousand yuan—an amount Changjing University could afford, which served both as a sign of support and created the favorable misconception that the university was actively involved in the project. Why wouldn't they do it?

The six thousand yuan had already been distributed; Zhang Yang’s share had been deposited into his bank account without his knowledge. While the sum wasn't large, the other doctors felt envious; it was an extra reward.

If the visiting students received bonuses, there was no reason they shouldn't. Wang Guohai’s outing today was precisely for this reason.

The team had specific funds allocated by CAS, but any extraordinary expenditure required Zhang Yang’s approval. Since Zhang Yang was absent, Wang Guohai sought alternative means.

The project belonged to the Third Hospital, and since Changjing University had made a gesture, Wang Guohai felt he couldn't remain silent. He intended to approach Dean Zhu to request some bonuses, as any amount would lift everyone's spirits.

Wang Lu chattered on, pulling Zhang Yang toward the main office as she spoke. This area held numerous documents and experimental equipment, serving as their usual workplace.

Under Wang Lu’s excited explanations, Zhang Yang vaguely grasped the situation, largely thanks to Shi Yan offering occasional clarification; otherwise, Zhang Yang would have been even more confused. “Zhang Yang, I realize you are our lucky charm!

Following you, we’ve all earned so much more scholarship money!” After saying this, Wang Lu cheered excitedly again. While she was exaggerating slightly, the fact remained true.

Their stellar achievements in Shanghai last time were almost entirely due to Zhang Yang, his contributions securing them scholarships and subsequent extra allocations upon their return. The situation back here was similar: not only were they involved in such an important project, but they had also received another bonus.

For students, a thousand yuan was a considerable sum. “Zhang Yang, why didn’t you say anything before you came!” As Wang Lu was speaking, Wang Guohai walked in from outside.

Seeing Zhang Yang, he immediately voiced a soft complaint. “I just happened to be passing by for a look; there was no need to call ahead!” Zhang Yang smiled faintly.

Wang Guohai was about to retort but was cut short by the reply, then watched Zhang Yang with a disgruntled expression. “Passing by” sounded innocuous; many people often combine errands.

But coming from Zhang Yang’s mouth, it left Wang Guohai feeling uneasy. This research group belonged to Zhang Yang, it was his responsibility, yet now he sounded like an outsider, using such casual phrasing as "just passing by." Wang Guohai even wondered if Zhang Yang wouldn’t have come at all if he hadn't been conveniently on his way.

Of course, this thought remained internal; he dared not utter it aloud. “Director Wang, what about the bonuses?

Did Dean Zhu agree?” Seeing Wang Guohai’s demeanor, Zhang Yang understood his underlying feelings. He laughed heartily again, diverting the topic.

“He agreed—two thousand each. But speaking of this, I need to lecture you a bit.

Your university is being opportunistic! How can they shamelessly push their way in like that?

It puts us in a very awkward position!” Wang Guohai nodded immediately. The bonus issue was resolved; the hospital already had internal rewards, so they wouldn't shortchange their staff.

It was just that Changjing University’s sudden move made it appear as if they valued the project even more than the Third Hospital did, causing the hospital staff to lose face. Moreover, Changjing University held a higher administrative rank than them.

This led many to mistakenly believe the research was being conducted under the auspices of Changjing University, which deeply displeased Zhu Zhixiang. “Haha, don’t direct that complaint at me; take it up with them if you have an issue!” Zhang Yang laughed again.

Wang Guohai was affiliated with the Third Hospital, and Zhang Yang sensed his lingering grievance. Although Zhang Yang spoke lightly, he resolved internally to discuss the matter with Zhu Daoqi when the opportunity arose.

Some matters didn't need to be executed so blatantly; going too far wasn't beneficial. “Alright, let’s drop that.

You arrived just in time; there’s new information from the pharmaceutical plant!” Wang Guohai shook his head and pulled Zhang Yang toward the office. After Zhang Yang left, Wang Lu and the others resumed their discussions.

The doctors and nurses from the Third Hospital were now much happier; their bonuses had been issued, doubling the students’ amounts, which significantly balanced their feelings. Wang Lu and Shi Yan felt no resentment.

They were students, not affiliated with the Third Hospital. Being part of such a significant project and receiving bonuses already exceeded their expectations.

In Zhang Yang’s office, Wang Guohai settled onto the sofa, having dragged him inside. In this space, Wang Guohai now felt more like the true occupant.

Once seated, Wang Guohai stated, “The medication you instructed the pharmaceutical plant to develop has been successfully synthesized. Changjing Pharmaceutical has produced samples and conducted extensive testing; it’s ready for clinical trials immediately.

I need to confirm: was the initial plan for Su Shaohua to take it?” Wang Guohai was referring to the drug for Multiple Allergic Asthma—a novel medication that hadn't existed before, developed entirely by Zhang Yang. In truth, the real mastermind behind this drug had been Parker in the previous life; Parker led the development with Zhang Yang as a collaborator.

Sadly, since Parker didn't exist in this lifetime, the credit naturally fell to Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang was intimately familiar with the drug’s research; all he needed to do this time was provide the formula.

Zhang Yang paused in thought, then nodded, “Su Shaohua must take it. Besides him, find ten more clinical volunteers to administer it to!” Wang Guohai’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

“If we do that, our research moves into the clinical phase. Isn’t that a bit too soon?” “Isn’t sooner better?

The sooner we succeed, the sooner we benefit humanity!” Zhang Yang looked up, smiling at Wang Guohai. Wang Guohai blinked, then shook his head with resignation.

Wang Guohai continued, “What I mean is, should we conduct a few more tests before moving so quickly to the clinical stage?” “No need. If the drug is ready for clinical trials, then we start; there’s no need to deliberately delay.

By the way, are the confidentiality measures in place? How is the patent application progressing?” Zhang Yang shook his head, smiling, and asked the follow-up question.

“Confidentiality is guaranteed. We signed NDAs with the plant, and now that we are a CAS-approved project, any leakage would be a crime punishable by imprisonment.

The patents are nearly filed, both domestically and internationally, though they won't mean much until the drug’s efficacy is proven!” Wang Guohai explained slowly. Confidentiality and patents were matters Zhang Yang had instructed them on beforehand.

Especially the patents: in his past life, the patent rights for this drug were shared between him and Parker, roughly 60% for Parker and 40% for Zhang Yang, primarily because Parker played a larger role in the actual development. Even that 40% had brought him substantial income at the time.

Without Parker this time, the patent belonged solely to him. This income stream was significant, and Zhang Yang had no intention of forfeiting it, nor would he be foolish enough to do so.

“It may not matter now, but it will be immensely useful later. Since the drug is produced, the next step is the clinical phase.

I’ll call a meeting shortly to outline the work plan and motivate everyone. Don't just fixate on these small bonuses; once the project succeeds, far greater rewards await them!” The patent applications were filed, and confidentiality was well-maintained; Zhang Yang was very satisfied with the current progress.

Zhang Yang stood up. Seeing his determination to push into the next phase of research, Wang Guohai could only nod in reluctant agreement.

After all, Zhang Yang was the project lead, and all the research data originated from him. On this project, Zhang Yang was the undisputed authority with absolute veto power.

………… Xiao Yu was too busy during the day yesterday and only managed to sleep briefly at night, resulting in oversleeping. Xiao Yu will not forget yesterday’s update; today will be full commitment to typing.

Starting now, continuous typing without rest. This is the first update, and also yesterday’s guaranteed minimum!

(To be continued…) .RT