The value of this plot of land was certainly more than three million; his offering this price was effectively a subtle way of thanking Zhang Yang.

If he hadn't been worried about the implications, Su Shaohua would have given the land to Zhang Yang for free, not asking for a single penny, as Zhang Yang had genuinely saved him this time and eliminated his biggest hidden danger.

That implication was Zhang Yang's identity; he was, after all, the son of Zhang Keqin, the top leader of the Provincial Party Committee, and his younger brother’s status was also extraordinary, meaning they could never act without reservation like ordinary people.

“I will arrange for the paperwork for this land for you tomorrow. If you plan to build a villa there, I can also introduce you to a great designer!”

After finalizing the land deal, Su Shaohua began to worry about other matters he could help Zhang Yang with.

The designer Su Shaohua intended to introduce to Zhang Yang was highly skilled, a multiple award winner, and an overseas Chinese, specializing in East-meets-West fusion design.

Hearing Su Shaohua's introduction, Zhang Yang was immediately interested in this designer. The blend of Eastern and Western styles was his favorite approach; he had long considered designing his new home this way, and having a top-tier designer now was even better.

Su Shaohua could help secure this designer, but the design fee wouldn't be cheap—at least 10%.

If Zhang Yang’s villa construction investment reached tens of millions, the design fee alone would be a million. This percentage was indeed high, but high-level designers were worth the price.

This was where he would live frequently, his true home. Zhang Yang reasoned that since the house was being built anyway, he wouldn't fuss over a little design fee.

After chatting with Su Shaohua about these matters, the two finally went out together, where a lively celebration was already underway outside.

Everyone was shouting about having a celebratory dinner that evening, as they had all made a good sum of money and were in high spirits. Several were already calling for staying out until they couldn't drink anymore.

Wang Guohai and Zhu Zhixiang didn't object and joined the revelry as well.

Today's events were certainly worth celebrating, and a dinner together was appropriate. Neither wanted to dampen the mood.

Zhang Yang couldn't escape the dinner that evening either, sharing a meal with the entire research group.

It was actually Zhang Yang's first time dining with the research team members; he truly was an irresponsible leader.

At the banquet table, several doctors were trying to ply Zhang Yang with alcohol, but the result was always that the pitcher ended up pouring the drinker over. With the growth of his Neijin (Internal Strength), Zhang Yang's tolerance for alcohol had increased immensely; he was now capable of holding vast amounts, and ordinary doctors stood no chance against him.

The next morning, Su Shaohua’s people found Zhang Yang bright and early, bringing the land transfer contract. Zhang Yang signed it and handed over the check, and the land he hadn't even bothered to look at officially became his.

Although he hadn't visited, Zhang Yang was sure the land had to be excellent.

Indeed, the twenty mu plot was the finest parcel of land beneath Taiyue Mountain. If Zhang Yang hadn't needed it, Su Shaohua would have built his own private villa there; such a large area could accommodate a garden and even a private golf course.

Just as the land procedures were finalized, Su Shaohua called Zhang Yang again.

He had managed to engage the designer. However, the designer needed about a week to prepare before arriving. Su Shaohua would pick him up, but the subsequent reception duties would fall to Zhang Yang, as the designer was coming to serve him after all.

Two days later, Zhang Yang, who had been lazing around cultivating at home, arrived at the Third Hospital.

This time he had to go. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) had suddenly dispatched a working group: first, to commend them on the major breakthrough in their project, and second, to personally inspect their research progress, as CAS did not simply let various research efforts run unattended.

With superiors arriving, their hands-off manager naturally had to show up.

“Zhang Yang, the CAS sent four people this time; they don't seem very old, so you don't need to worry at all!”

Wang Guohai had been waiting downstairs for Zhang Yang. As soon as Zhang Yang arrived, he greeted him and whispered this assurance.

Though he said not to worry, Wang Guohai appeared quite tense, even more so than Zhang Yang.

It was Wang Guohai’s first time meeting anyone from CAS; previously, only Zhu Zhixiang had dealt with them.

“You don’t need to worry about me; I can handle it!”

Zhang Yang smiled faintly. He had interacted with CAS personnel before, but that was in his past life; this was the first time in this life.

“As long as you can handle it, I’ll take you up!”

Wang Guohai nodded lightly. He was indeed nervous; the reputation of CAS was immense, and he hadn't expected them to send people specifically. Moreover, these individuals had specifically asked to see Zhang Yang upon arrival.

Judging by their demeanor, Wang Guohai feared they had discovered Zhang Yang’s usual hands-off approach to matters and had come to hold him accountable, a thought that had worried him greatly.

Wang Guohai led Zhang Yang directly into the office—Zhang Yang’s office, no less.

Four people were seated inside the office. As they entered, the four immediately stood up.

“Director Tu, this is our leader, Zhang Yang. He was just seeing to a patient,” Wang Guohai said, leading Zhang Yang to stand before the four and addressing the oldest among them. This oldest member was only thirty-five or thirty-six, barely considered middle-aged in comparison.

“Mr. Zhang, hello. I have admired your reputation for a long time; it is finally an honor to meet you!”

Director Tu extended his hand first, his attitude quite amiable, which eased some of Wang Guohai’s anxiety.

Director Tu’s name was Tu Heqiang; he was actually a director in the Academician Affairs Bureau of CAS, a title he hadn't disclosed to Wang Guohai before.

While observing Zhang Yang, Tu Heqiang felt a degree of surprise.

He had reviewed Zhang Yang's file before arriving, knowing he was a student, but seeing Zhang Yang in person made him realize just how young he was.

“Director Tu, you are too kind. It is our fortune that you could travel all this way!”

Zhang Yang shook his hand with warmth and courtesy, his manner equally excellent.

This caused Wang Guohai’s heart to settle further. He had worried Zhang Yang wouldn't know how to interact with these CAS personnel and might accidentally offend them.

CAS’s prestige was too great; Wang Guohai felt compelled to serve them carefully.

Then, Wang Guohai’s eyes widened again.

Zhang Yang exchanged only a few words with Director Tu before they became instantly familiar. Watching them chat so warmly, an outsider would assume they were old friends reuniting after many years, not meeting for the first time.

Wang Guohai subconsciously rubbed his eyes; he had never seen this side of Zhang Yang. He wondered if he was mistaken and if this visitor wasn't Zhang Yang at all, but some slick operator from elsewhere.

“Zhang Yang, after your team's recent tense research report was submitted, the higher-ups attached great importance to it and are very satisfied with your research progress. We hope you can accelerate the pace of your research to produce the most complete results as quickly as possible, bringing honor to the nation and elevating the level of our country’s medical industry another notch!”

After a moment, Director Tu regained a serious composure and spoke softly.

Zhang Yang nodded slowly. “Director Tu, please rest assured. Within a year, a year at most, this project will conclude. As you already understand, we have conquered the most difficult parts; what remains is gradual progression. Barring any surprises, success is guaranteed!”

Zhang Yang understood Director Tu's meaning. Asthma was a global challenge, and their breakthrough meant success was close at hand.

Once successful, due to their project, the country's approach to asthma treatment would immediately rise to the world's top tier, boosting the overall reputation of China's medical field slightly.

For the nation, this was a win-win in terms of fame and benefit.

This was why CAS showed such great emphasis, dispatching personnel specifically. Before, their progress wasn't as significant; there was only a theoretical possibility of success. Now that success was factually achieved, it equated to a highly secure project guaranteed to succeed.

CAS would naturally not wait until the research concluded before acknowledging such a project.

“I believe in you. I believe you can do it!”

Director Tu smiled and nodded, then glanced at the person next to him.

The other person understood immediately, pulling a document from his bag and handing it directly to Zhang Yang.

“The higher-ups are extremely satisfied with your major breakthrough. Given that your initial funding was only three million, the Academy has allocated an additional two million in follow-up funds. We hope this creates the best conditions for you to complete this research. Your work is now attracting attention from foreign peers, so please adhere strictly to confidentiality protocols and do not disclose information casually.”

This person spoke softly. Wang Guohai blinked slightly, a look of joy immediately returning to his face.

An extra two million after the initial three million, given proactively—that was good news. In fact, their initial three million had been more than enough, as much of the research material was provided directly by Zhang Yang, meaning they had skipped many detours.

But Wang Guohai wasn't foolish; there was no reason to refuse offered money. He knew other research projects were constantly vying for funding, and securing more from CAS was always beneficial.

“Thank you for the support from the Academy leadership. Please assure them, we will achieve results, and confidentiality will be maintained strictly,” Zhang Yang replied with a slight nod.

He was somewhat surprised by the Academy’s proactive increase in funding, but only surprised, not overjoyed.

In his previous life, he and Parker had spent over twenty million German Marks on this project, which was nearly a hundred million RMB.

That was even with Zhang Yang’s help and being frugal.

Achieving this research result with just a few million now meant significant savings. An extra two million as recognition was fine.

Director Tu looked at the person beside him and smiled again, then addressed Zhang Yang directly: “We believe you will do well. Actually, my primary purpose for coming here is not this. Commissioned by the Academy, I have specifically come to ask Mr. Zhang Yang if he is willing to become an Academician of our Medical School?”

Director Tu revealed his true intention. Wang Guohai, who had been smiling contentedly, instantly froze, turning his head slowly to look at Director Tu in disbelief.

Even Zhang Yang showed a flicker of surprise; he hadn't expected this to be the purpose of their visit.