After seeing off the delegation from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wang Guohai still wore an expression of disbelief.

The CAS, a CAS Academician—he never imagined that someone close to him could be such an entity, someone he had witnessed with his own eyes. In this moment, there was no jealousy or envy in his heart, only pride.

“Zhang Yang, you absolutely must treat us to a meal! No, I suppose I should start calling you Academician Zhang now, ha ha!”

Back in the office, Wang Guohai immediately grabbed Zhang Yang, shouting with excitement. As he shouted, he nearly started gesticulating wildly; he was just too exhilarated.

“A treat is no problem, but please don't call me that. Academician Zhang—it just feels a bit strange!”

Zhang Yang managed a smile. Compared to Wang Guohai, he was much calmer. Becoming a CAS Academician was certainly cause for celebration, but one needed to remain composed. He himself still felt somewhat bewildered by the sudden turn of events.

Of course, if he knew that Elder Qi's past work managed this entire domain, and that the current CAS President was someone Elder Qi had personally promoted, he probably wouldn't be so confused and would understand everything instantly.

“Ha ha, what’s wrong with Academician Zhang? I want people to call me Academician Wang someday, and someone has to agree to it first!”

Wang Guohai roared with laughter. He suddenly remembered Zhang Yang’s promise for a celebratory dinner and immediately rushed to his desk to grab the phone.

He called the people in the office, telling them not to leave in the evening because there would be a gathering and good news to announce.

Zhang Yang didn't want too many people to know about his appointment as a CAS Academician, but he hadn't forbidden those around him from knowing. Wang Guohai paid no mind to Zhang Yang’s desire for low-key celebration; he was determined to announce this wonderful news.

After a moment’s thought, he called Zhu Zhixiang and Wu Youdao as well.

They were also members of the research group, and since they had made significant contributions from the start, they should certainly be notified.

He managed to contact Wu Youdao, only telling him to come, but not specifying the reason. However, Wang Guohai’s excited and joyful tone suggested to Wu Youdao that some happy event was unfolding, and Wu Youdao readily agreed to be there on time.

Zhu Zhixiang’s call went unanswered. Wang Guohai didn’t dwell on it, put down the phone, and left directly; he decided he would deliver this good news to Zhu Zhixiang in person.

While Wang Guohai was making his calls, Zhu Zhixiang was seated in the conference room, his face grim as he stared at the people gathered around the conference table.

Xu Wu, Tang Xiaojuan, and all the other hospital leaders, big and small, were present. Everyone’s expression was different, yet they shared one commonality: all of them looked sullen and deeply unhappy. The unhappiest person among them was Zhu Zhixiang.

“I just ask you all: does this project belong to the hospital? Is it our pride? Some people, when envy flares up, disregard everything else. Consider your own standing!”

Zhu Zhixiang suddenly raised his voice, speaking loudly. He then took a gulp of water, clearly enraged.

This meeting was actually convened to discuss the bonuses for the research team. Zhu Zhixiang had personally promised a bonus of twenty thousand RMB to each member previously, money to be covered by the hospital. What should have been a straightforward matter had suddenly gone awry. Xu Wu and others, learning that Zhu Zhixiang intended to issue bonuses, had stepped forward to object, forcing Zhu Zhixiang to call this meeting.

“We aren’t envious, Director. It’s a good thing they achieved a major breakthrough; it’s an honor for the hospital. But isn’t it a bit too soon to issue bonuses now?”

Xu Wu spoke coolly; he was the most vocal opponent. He was already furious about not being included in the research group, and discovering that each member was set to receive a twelve-thousand bonus made him even more bitter. Upon learning that some of these bonuses were hospital funds, he immediately contacted others to rally opposition.

Many were indeed envious. These people had long harbored jealousy, but under Zhu Zhixiang’s support and the pressure from Director Zhao of the Health Bureau, they hadn't made any moves. In truth, they couldn't make many moves anyway. The research group was operating within the hospital grounds, but the hospital didn't provide any of their expenses or equipment, so hospital staff naturally had no oversight over them.

“Director, we don’t oppose you giving bonuses to the research group members, but there are clearly a few students who are just making up the numbers. You can’t use the hospital’s money to pay students who have no connection to us, can you?”

Another person murmured, and many voices chimed in agreement.

Zhu Zhixiang shot him a glare. At this moment, it was difficult for him to say much. This person was referring to the students from Changjing University, like Wang Lu. It was true that Zhang Yang had pulled a few students from the university to join the research group, something Zhu Zhixiang hadn't anticipated. He had opposed it initially, but Zhang Yang’s firm stance had left him unable to object. Later on, these students had worked diligently, and Zhu Zhixiang gradually stopped thinking about it, beginning to regard them as his own people. Zhu Zhixiang had even planned to absorb these capable students into the hospital upon their graduation; he certainly welcomed such good talent. He never expected that these very students would now be used as leverage against him. In their view, using hospital funds for outsiders was unacceptable, and on this point, Zhu Zhixiang found it hard to argue. If he pressed too hard, opposition would only grow, and some might even accuse him of betraying the hospital.

“Director, giving money to our own people is one thing, but who are those few people? They’re nothing but students who amount to zero, only given a chance because of Zhang Yang’s autocracy. Would they even have had a chance to join the research group otherwise?”

Someone else chimed in. This time, their consensus was unified; they all opposed the hospital covering this portion of the expense. The bonuses given by Su Shaohua or Zhang Yang were outside their control; they could only control what came from their own budget. The core issue was simple: they could not stand to see them comfortably taking money; if they were comfortable, these people would suffer.

Smash!

The conference room door suddenly flew open, and Wang Guohai stood there, his expression icy.

He had come looking for Zhu Zhixiang. Upon learning the Director was in a meeting, he hadn't intended to interrupt. His initial plan was just to convey the news and leave. He would temporarily keep the news from the others, but he felt no need to hide it from the Director, as this was his superior, and good news should be reported immediately. However, he hadn't expected to walk up to the doorway only to hear the people inside attacking members of the research group. Zhang Yang was the head of that group, but Wang Guohai was essentially the manager, and he had developed strong rapport with everyone involved. These students were like his own pupils, and he certainly could not tolerate anyone slandering them.

“Director Wang, what brings you here?”

Zhu Zhixiang paused briefly, hastily motioning for him to enter. Seeing Wang Guohai’s demeanor, Zhu Zhixiang sensed trouble.

“I came to report some good news, Director, but first, I have a few questions for Director Liu!”

Wang Guohai strode directly to the conference table and stood behind one particular person. This was the Director who had just referred to the students as amounting to zero.

“I’d like to ask Director Liu: if a few students amount to nothing, what exactly do you amount to? Are you a sweet-smelling fart, or a foul one?”

Wang Guohai spoke slowly. Everyone froze, then several people actually burst into laughter. Wang Guohai’s statement was anything but polite. This could be considered a declaration of open hostility; it was clear Wang Guohai was genuinely furious.

“You—Director Wang, what do you mean by that!”

Director Liu, whom Wang Guohai had addressed, instantly changed color and shot to his feet. Director Liu was the head of the hospital’s finance department, holding the purse strings. He was among the first to oppose Zhu Zhixiang’s bonus plan for the research group, and he was the one who first notified Xu Wu. Since Zhu Zhixiang needed funds routed through finance, it had given him the opportunity.

“I mean nothing other than I want certain people to recognize themselves. You, someone in finance, are trying to insinuate yourself into the research group, so why shouldn't those few students be included?”

Wang Guohai showed no sign of backing down, glaring fixedly at Director Liu. After a brief pause, Wang Guohai let out a sneer and continued softly, “Look at the expressions on all of your faces. When you were drawing up the original list and sneaking yourselves into the research group, what did you say then? Zhang Yang kicked you out, so now you’re jealous and bitter? I think Zhang Yang was entirely right. To maliciously slander a few students out of sheer jealousy—being associated with you all makes me feel ashamed!”

Wang Guohai’s words were even harsher now. He hadn't lost his temper this severely in a long time. Many people stared blankly at Wang Guohai. Was this really the easygoing Director Wang they knew around the hospital? In reality, Wang Guohai’s outburst was mainly because Director Liu’s words had been too vile. Wang Guohai might be a generally agreeable person, but that didn't mean anyone could bully him, especially not the people under his purview. Those few students were now his people, and at this moment, he acted like a protective mother hen, intolerant of anyone insulting his subordinates.

“Enough, Director Wang! This is a conference room. You barged in without permission. Do you have any regard for organization or discipline?”

Xu Wu finally spoke up. As the Director of Internal Medicine, he held considerable authority within the hospital. He started with a direct challenge; Wang Guohai had indeed committed a breach of conduct by entering so abruptly.

“I came in only to inform the Director of one matter!”

Wang Guohai looked coldly at Xu Wu, knowing full well these people were a united front. He had now seen their true colors clearly. After saying that, Wang Guohai turned back to face Zhu Zhixiang: “Four comrades from the Chinese Academy of Sciences visited today and offered further commendation on the research project!”

As soon as he finished, a few people snorted derisively. Their failure to join the research group was a shared regret and sore spot; the better the group’s results, the more uncomfortable they felt. Wang Guohai observed their reactions; he felt no anger toward them now, only dismissal.

Wang Guohai completely ignored them and continued speaking to Zhu Zhixiang: “Besides affirming this achievement, they extended an invitation: they asked Zhang Yang to join the CAS and become an Academician of the Medical School. Zhang Yang just agreed and signed moments ago. Changjing City now has its second Medical Academician. That’s what I came to tell you. You may now resume your meeting!”

With that, Wang Guohai left the conference room, leaving everyone staring wide-eyed and open-mouthed. Wang Guohai had rushed in and rushed out, but in his haste, he had dropped a high-explosive bomb, leaving everyone in the meeting utterly stunned.

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