A Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences—there were only a mere hundred in the entire nation. Even though they knew Zhang Yang’s medical skills were formidable, stronger than anyone they had ever encountered, hearing this news still felt like swallowing something indigestible, including the doctors at the hospital and students like Wang Lu.

The reason was simple: Zhang Yang was far too young, possessing no prior renown. Which one of those Academicians hadn't achieved brilliance over decades, or amassed years of experience?

For Zhang Yang to attain the title of Academician before even graduating was absolutely unprecedented. Where he would go from here, no one could say.

“I knew it all along; he was never meant to stay in the shallows. I just never expected it to happen so soon!”

After a moment, Wu Youdao let out a heavy sigh. The first time he met Zhang Yang, he sensed something different about him—it was right after Zhang Yang had first arrived in this world, when he treated that young girl who had been misdiagnosed.

Back then, Zhang Yang had already displayed his miraculous acupuncture techniques.

Subsequent encounters only solidified this conviction: Zhang Yang was a rare medical genius. Now, looking back, Wu Youdao realized he had still underestimated him. Many who became academicians had shown talent since childhood, but none had achieved such dazzling success before the age of twenty like Zhang Yang had.

“I believe Zhang Yang’s future will only grow brighter!”

Wang Guohai nodded in full agreement. He, too, had witnessed Zhang Yang’s string of miracles; it seemed that nothing could truly stump him.

“So, you’re saying we have a classmate who is an Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences?”

Wang Lu suddenly murmured, though the sound carried far enough for everyone to hear.

Shi Yan and Yin Yong exchanged glances and couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Wang Lu’s statement sounded somewhat naive, but upon reflection, it was precisely the truth—they genuinely had a classmate who was an Academician.

An Academician! Not only were they his classmates, but they had even collaborated on research projects with him. To speak of it would bring immense pride—it was their shared glory. Like Wang Guohai, they felt no jealousy, only admiration and sheer happiness for Zhang Yang.

“You all made it, so quickly!”

As they were talking, Zhu Zhixiang walked in from outside. His complexion had returned to normal, and he now wore a smile.

The news of Zhang Yang becoming an Academician had stunned him initially, but he had already processed it: the better Zhang Yang’s achievements, the more it benefited them. After all, the research project was currently based at the Third Hospital. The higher Zhang Yang’s standing and status, the more luster it cast upon them. As for what he missed out on, that was past; agonizing over it was useless.

“What are you all chatting about? You look so cheerful?”

A moment later, Zhang Yang also entered the room. He had been slightly delayed by an engagement that afternoon—though it wasn't a major issue. Cai Zhele had sought him out and brought along some rather fine gifts. Having heard about the matter of the ancient prescription, Cai Zhele naturally wasn't one to be outdone and brought excellent items. Because he had plans for the evening, Zhang Yang didn't press Cai Zhele to stay for dinner; he only arrived at the restaurant after seeing him off.

“What else? Such great news—what else could we possibly be discussing?”

Wang Lu spoke first. Everything they discussed was naturally centered on Zhang Yang. His promotion to Academician was a cause for collective joy.

“Since it’s cause for celebration, let’s have a few extra drinks later! Just don't drink so much you can't find your way home!”

Zhang Yang chuckled, and Wang Lu’s face immediately flushed slightly. Wang Lu was vivacious and hated being provoked. Once, during a shared meal, after Yin Yong and a few others teased her mercilessly, she challenged them to a drinking contest and ended up thoroughly inebriated, requiring Shi Yan to take her home. That incident had become a running joke among them, and ever since, Wang Lu had mostly abstained from alcohol.

Zhang Yang’s remark brought fresh laughter to the table. Once everyone was present, the dishes started arriving. This being their own restaurant, the standard was certainly high; the chef’s signature dishes were served. Wine was also brought out—a celebration required spirits.

The doctors, having experienced Zhang Yang’s prowess before, dared not challenge him to a drinking match this time. They ate convivially, and before long, six bottles of baijiu were gone. Fortunately, they were a large group, so the amount of alcohol wasn't overwhelming, though everyone was feeling a pleasant buzz.

“Mr. Zhang, Mr. Zhang!”

Midway through the meal, the door was suddenly thrown open, and a waiter rushed in breathlessly.

Zhang Yang frowned slightly. They were occupying the luxurious private room on the third floor—the VIP suite. Aside from food service, no one should burst in with such haste. The waiter’s sudden entry made Zhang Yang’s first thought not about his rudeness, but a premonition that something untoward had happened.

Zhang Yang focused his attention slightly and soon faintly registered a disturbance downstairs—a feat only possible with his exceptional hearing. In this well-soundproofed room, they couldn’t even hear the next room over, let alone the ground floor.

“What is it? Don’t rush,” Zhang Yang said softly, keeping his vigilance outward. The waiter took a few more breaths before standing steady.

“Mr. Zhang, some people came in from outside and are arguing with Manager Mi and the others. They are all in the first-floor lobby now!”

The waiter’s words caused Zhang Yang’s brow to knit sharply. A few people had arrived and were causing trouble with Mi Xue? The Manager Mi here could only be Mi Xue.

“I understand. You may go now.”

Zhang Yang nodded subtly. The waiter immediately bowed respectfully and quickly exited the room.

“Zhang Yang, what happened? Should we come with you?”

As soon as the waiter left, Gao Fei anxiously asked. They didn’t know the specifics, but they sensed the matter involved Mi Xue. They had long heard that this restaurant belonged to Mi Xue, and moreover, there weren't that many people surnamed Mi, unlike Zhang Yang, whose name could easily have duplicates everywhere.

“It’s nothing. You all keep eating. I’ll be right back!”

Zhang Yang smiled and shook his head. If someone was looking for trouble, he could handle it alone; it wouldn't matter how many people they brought. With that, Zhang Yang rose, offered a brief apology, and left temporarily. The entire table exchanged glances, and shortly after Zhang Yang departed, they all stood up in unison and headed out. Everyone felt that no matter what the issue was, they couldn't stand by idly, even if Zhang Yang told them to. They were a collective now.

Zhang Yang went downstairs first. Upon reaching the first-floor lobby, he saw the scene: on one side were Mi Xue, Xiao Dai, and the hotel security guards; on the other were over a dozen young men, most appearing to be in their early twenties. Standing beside them were also more than a dozen police officers, one of whom looked utterly miserable. Zhang Yang recognized this officer: it was Captain Huang, who had recently been promoted to Deputy Station Chief. Director Huang’s face looked more bitter than bitter melon—he was on the verge of tears.

Director Huang was indeed feeling terrible, filled with regret. His precinct had received a noise complaint from the Yangxue Grand Hotel. Director Huang had a strong impression of this establishment and immediately led his team there personally. This was the restaurant Zhang Yang had taken over after dealing with the previous troublesome owners, and it was usually considered somewhat of a restricted zone for their station; everyone knew the owner here had considerable influence. Huang Ze had hoped to make a good impression on Zhang Yang, so he wouldn't be forgotten, especially since Zhang Yang had once called them ‘their people.’ But who would have thought that upon arriving, the other party was even more formidable, completely ignoring the police? Among the dozen young men, there was the son of the Deputy Director of the Municipal Bureau—the only one Huang Ze could immediately identify, recalling an earlier brawl incident when he was stationed at the Wu Xia Road Police Substation.

“Feisty, I like that. Let me make this clear: when my older brother gets here, you’ll entertain him whether you want to or not. Drink a few rounds with my brother, and this restaurant can keep operating peacefully. Otherwise, it won’t be a simple matter of closing down!”

Among the young men, the one at the forefront, looking about twenty-five, was pointing his finger at Mi Xue and shouting arrogantly. Across from him, Mi Xue was trembling with suppressed rage.

“What’s going on?”

Zhang Yang walked straight ahead. The security guards protecting Mi Xue and Xiao Dai made way for him. This time, the scene didn't involve security being beaten by patrons; after all, Mi Xue and the others were the owners, and the guards were diligent.

“Zhang Yang, you’re here! These bastards are thugs and hooligans!”

Seeing Zhang Yang, Xiao Dai immediately began to explain. Soon, Zhang Yang understood the situation. It was simple: this group of young men came to dine late. The restaurant was busy, and no private rooms were available. The manager tried to arrange one for them. It was already late, so only the reserved rooms were left. Using a reserved room required approval from Mi Xue and the others; these rooms were held for connections who might drop by unannounced. Since it was late, they presumed no one important would come, so they planned to use one. Mi Xue was present and came out to handle the request.

Unexpectedly, the moment these young men saw Mi Xue, their eyes glazed over. None of them had imagined the owner of the establishment would be such a stunningly beautiful young woman. Upon seeing her, they immediately lost interest in the room and began trying to flirt crudely with Mi Xue. Initially, Mi Xue tried to respond politely, but after a few exchanges, she sensed something was wrong and stopped wasting time with them, intending to leave after granting them the reserved room.

But Mi Xue hadn’t expected these men to stop her from leaving, demanding she stay to drink with them. When she refused, they resorted to verbal threats, suggesting her restaurant might cease to exist. Even with Mi Xue’s typically good nature, she became enraged and immediately ordered someone to call the police.

The police arrived quickly, but the young men completely ignored them. What shocked Mi Xue even more was that Director Huang, a familiar face, immediately backed down upon seeing these people. He only managed to offer weak mediation before being sharply scolded by one of the young men, causing Director Huang to retreat to the sidelines. Seeing that the situation was deteriorating, Xiao Dai finally sent someone to notify Zhang Yang. She couldn't just watch Mi Xue be bullied. Furthermore, in her heart, she believed nothing could truly challenge Zhang Yang, not even these young men who looked like trouble wrapped in expensive clothes.