After Wang Guohai left, Zhu Zhixiang was the first to react, shouting loudly before immediately exiting the conference room as well.

He was hurrying after Wang Guohai. The news Wang Guohai had given him was utterly shocking: Zhang Yang had actually become an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). This was truly earth-shattering news for him.

Xu Wu, Director Liu, and the others exchanged glances, their faces etched with a degree of horror.

None of them knew whether Zhu Zhixiang’s final reprimand—that outburst of "Nonsense"—was directed at them or at Wang Guohai from moments before.

Regardless of whom it targeted, that single word signaled Zhu Zhixiang’s extreme anger.

Unfortunately, at that moment, they lacked the emotional space to ponder the target of his frustration. They were still reeling from Wang Guohai’s parting words.

Medical Academician. Zhang Yang.

Two terms that seemed utterly unrelated to them had suddenly fused together. This outcome was entirely unexpected and deeply unwelcome to all of them.

The influence of a CAS Academician was immense. To put it mildly, they were all leading figures, titans within their respective medical fields. If Zhang Yang truly was a CAS Academician, his status in the Changjing medical industry would skyrocket, reaching an altitude where they couldn't even see him by craning their necks.

"How is that possible? How old is he!"

Xu Wu was the first to speak, though he hadn't realized how petulant and frantic his tone sounded. He had already been intensely envious of Zhang Yang, and now, to be confronted with such a towering honor, his instinct was to disbelieve it, to refuse to acknowledge it.

"Right! How can there be an academician who hasn't even graduated from university, who is barely twenty? It's impossible. Wang Guohai must be deliberately lying. I knew it! Wang Guohai is practically wearing the same pants as that Zhang Yang now!"

One person stepped forward to back up Xu Wu, and soon, everyone was nodding along, launching their criticisms against Zhang Yang.

The sheer force of their frantic jealousy made them choose disbelief; only by rejecting the truth could their own minds find a sliver of ease.

Once outside the conference room door, Wang Guohai felt slightly better, though the memory of everyone’s faces inside soured his mood again.

Alas, the prevailing atmosphere was such that even Wang Guohai couldn't change it. At this point, Wang Guohai supported Zhang Yang’s decision to leave the hospital one hundred percent. Leaving the hospital was for the best; at least he wouldn't be tainted by this environment anymore.

His thoughts drifted to Wang Lu, Shi Yan, and the other students.

Thinking of these students brought a faint, gentle smile to the corner of his mouth.

It was true that these few had only joined the research group because of Zhang Yang. Initially, not only Zhu Zhixiang but also Wang Guohai himself had reservations.

Yet, these individuals were remarkably diligent, tackling their work with exceptional focus, often volunteering for overtime, frequently staying overnight in the office, pulling all-nighters regularly. Wang Guohai had witnessed their effort firsthand and slowly began to accept them.

Frankly speaking, he suspected that those from the hospital staff might not have performed as well as these students. Moreover, they collaborated seamlessly with the hospital doctors, contributing to a highly harmonious research unit.

Those recognized by Wang Guohai were naturally his own people. He had grown very fond of these diligent and capable students, treating them like his own children. He hadn't expected these bright young faces to be speaking so venomously behind his back—no wonder Wang Guohai had erupted in such anger.

"Director Wang, wait for me!"

Zhu Zhixiang rushed up from behind. Hearing his shout, Wang Guohai finally stopped.

"You... was what you just said true? Has Zhang Yang really become an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences?"

Catching up to Wang Guohai, Zhu Zhixiang asked breathlessly, not even pausing to catch his wind before doubling over to gasp for air. At his age, coupled with his pampered lifestyle, running this distance had thoroughly exhausted him.

"Yes. I saw it with my own eyes!"

Wang Guohai nodded slightly. He couldn't vouch for many things, but on this matter, he could slap his chest and guarantee it.

"Really!"

Zhu Zhixiang paused again, his expression complex. Medical Academician. Even though logic insisted that Zhang Yang did not yet meet the criteria for academicianship—that it was impossible—his heart had already accepted Wang Guohai's assertion. With Zhang Yang, nothing was impossible; the man was inherently one who created miracles.

At this moment, he remembered that Zhang Yang had already left the Third Hospital. If only Zhang Yang were still at the Third Hospital, he thought. With a Medical Academician, the Third Hospital would instantly eclipse the Provincial Hospital.

But it was impossible now. Zhu Zhixiang understood clearly that Zhang Yang would never return to the Third Hospital, and he possessed no leverage to recruit him. Zhang Yang had transformed from a hidden dragon into a soaring leviathan; wherever he wished to go, he could go. He and Zhang Yang had truly missed their chance, completely and irrevocably.

"Zhang Yang is hosting a celebratory dinner tonight. If you have time, come along. As for those others... sigh."

Wang Guohai murmured, shaking his head slightly at the end of his sentence. He was utterly disillusioned with those colleagues now, so much so that it sparked a thought in him to leave the hospital himself.

After Wang Guohai departed, Zhu Zhixiang returned to his office, filled with dejection and regret. He then summoned Director Liu from the finance office and proceeded to berate him fiercely.

"The money previously promised to the research group needs to be distributed immediately! If it's delayed any further, I'll hold you personally responsible. If you don't want to do the job, get out early. Stop occupying a spot and doing nothing!" Zhu Zhixiang cursed viciously. The unfortunate Director Liu returned, daring not to utter a single word, and immediately saw to the dispersal of the funds. If truly provoked, Zhu Zhixiang might not fire him, but transferring him to another post was simple—and any posting would lack the lucrative perks of the finance office.

Wang Lu, Gao Fei, and the others still had no idea what had transpired, nor did they know that Wang Guohai had just had a major confrontation with a throng of hospital leaders on their behalf.

They were still in the office, guessing what piece of good news Wang Guohai had intended to share. Someone suggested a holiday, another speculated on bonuses, and someone else even joked that Wang Guohai was having a baby and inviting them to the celebration feast.

The speculations were wild and varied, including the notion that Wang Guohai was having a child, a suggestion Wang Lu made that sent everyone into fits of laughter. Wang Guohai already had a child in elementary school; there was no way he would be having another now. Wang Lu’s guess was pure folly, utterly baseless. And it was even less likely to be a baby celebration, considering Zhang Yang was the one treating them to dinner.

Amidst their anticipation, evening finally arrived. Wang Guohai had arranged transportation: two minivans, and everyone crammed inside. Wang Guohai had bought the vans; the research group frequently needed to travel, and having their own transport was convenient. Minivans were affordable, and buying two was feasible—having their own vehicles made everything easier.

The two vans drove out of the hospital complex toward Mi Xue’s restaurant. Zhang Yang had decided that if he was treating, he might as well use his own establishment to keep the benefits close to home; dining there ensured quality and cleanliness. At the very least, their own chefs would never dare to slack off when cooking for the boss.

"Yangxue Grand Hotel. The name sounds decent, but why does it feel so strange?"

Stepping out of the car, Wang Lu looked up, exclaiming in surprise.

"You’re dense! Isn't that Zhang Yang and Mi Xue's names combined? I heard Mi Xue became the major owner of the restaurant. This must be it!" Gao Fei called out, gazing up at the magnificent hotel with envy. They had just been giddy over receiving bonuses in the low six figures, feeling like instant millionaires. But seeing this grand hotel, they instantly realized how paltry their wealth was compared to true success.

"Shi Yan?"

As if summoned, someone walked out of the hotel entrance and spotted them, calling out loudly. Shi Yan turned her head and immediately recognized her classmate, Xiao Dai. Xiao Dai was also a student in the Clinical Medicine department of the Medical School, and she and Shi Yan had known each other for a while.

"Xiao Dai, what are you doing here?" Shi Yan exclaimed in surprise. Xiao Dai was wearing professional attire and exuded an air of sophistication; if Xiao Dai hadn't called her, Shi Yan might not have recognized her classmate.

"I work here. Why are you all here so early? Zhang Yang said you wouldn't arrive until a little later!" Xiao Dai walked over affectionately, taking Shi Yan’s hand, then glancing at the others. Shi Yan quickly introduced Xiao Dai to everyone. Learning that Xiao Dai was a close friend of Zhang Yang’s, everyone greeted her politely. Xiao Dai then escorted them inside.

A large private room had already been prepared inside, featuring a massive table that could seat eighteen comfortably, and perhaps twenty or more if squeezed. Zhu Zhixiang and Wu Youdao had not yet arrived, so Wang Guohai and his group entered first.

A little later, Wu Youdao arrived, having taken a taxi on his own. Since retiring from the Third Hospital, he had been enjoying his twilight years at home, focusing on writing his treatises. He occasionally visited the medical research group, as he was intimately familiar with Su Shaohua’s condition and had provided considerable help. He visited the research group more often than Zhang Yang; after all, he was a member and couldn't simply act as a detached observer like Zhang Yang.

"Guohai, what in the world has you looking this elated!" Wu Youdao entered, asking with a hearty laugh. Since stepping away from work, his spirit seemed even better than before.

His question caused everyone else to turn their heads toward Wang Guohai, their own curiosity piqued.

"It’s nothing much, really. It’s a massive piece of happy news—Zhang Yang’s massive news. I felt it would be wrong not to come and celebrate!" Wang Guohai chuckled wryly. With neither Zhang Yang nor Zhu Zhixiang present yet, and seeing that most guests had arrived, he decided to reveal the good news.

"Everyone knows the CAS delegation came today. There is one thing I haven't announced yet: Zhang Yang has become an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences—a Medical Academician!" Wang Guohai announced slowly. Wu Youdao’s smile froze instantly on his face.

"Medical Academician? What is that?" Wang Lu asked curiously, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she stiffened. As a university student, and one in the Medical School no less, she understood the weight carried by the title 'Medical Academician.'

Gao Fei, Shi Yan, and the others displayed similar expressions. After Wang Guohai spoke, the entire room fell silent. Utter silence. After a long moment, Wu Youdao finally raised his head and asked in utter shock, "Th-this is true?"

Like Zhu Zhixiang, his first reaction was disbelief. Zhang Yang's qualifications were severely lacking; even with the project fully successful, becoming a CAS Academician shouldn't have been so straightforward. In fact, this was the reality: if it were that simple, Zhang Yang, with all his accomplishments in his previous life, wouldn't have failed to secure the application before the plane crash, leaving that as his final regret.