The eting room quieted down, and several young researchers nodded.
Yang Ping looked at these young faces, reminiscent of himself many years ago, when he too wondered if such persistence was worthwhile.
"I understand," he said slowly, "but what I want to tell you is: external validation will co and go. What truly sustains you on the long research journey is internal validation, the joy when you solve a small puzzle, the fulfillnt when your discovery may help a patient, the sense of connection exploring the unknown with like-minded people."
He stood up and walked to the whiteboard, drawing a simple diagram: "The Nobel Prize is like this point." He tapped at the top of the diagram, "It’s bright, very attention-grabbing. But what truly matters is this line—" he drew a winding upward curve, "It’s the daily research work, the countless ordinary days, the failures, and retries. This line may not be visible to others, but it is the true scientific process."
"Don’t let that point overshadow the line," Yang Ping put down the pen, "because when the halo fades, what you face are still every challenge on this line. And what truly advances science is those willing to keep walking along it."
The young researchers listened quietly, with so taking notes, others lost in thought.
In the evening, as Yang Ping left the institute, he made a point to visit the clinical ward. Lele had just finished today’s examination and was sitting on the bed drawing. This ti he drew a giant space station with countless interconnected chambers.
"Doctor Yang!" Seeing Yang Ping, Lele’s eyes lit up, "Look, this is my new design. Every chamber has a different function, but they are all connected, sharing air and water."
"A fantastic concept." Yang Ping sat by the bed, "You know, your body is like this space station, with many different systems, but all closely connected."
Lele nodded knowingly: "So which of my ’chambers’ are having problems?"
"We are examining closely," Yang Ping said gently, "like you need to draw a detailed blueprint of the space station to know where repairs are needed."
"Once repaired, will my illness be gone?" Lele asked, "Mom said, because of the illness, I’m growing slower than my classmates."
Yang Ping felt a pang in his heart: "We’ll do everything we can to ensure you grow healthily."
Leaving the ward, Lele’s mother was waiting for Yang Ping in the hallway.
"Professor, thank you." Her eyes were sowhat red, "Today Lele asked questions about growing up, he hasn’t asked about the future in a long ti. He used to live in the present because he dared not think of tomorrow."
"This is our shared goal," Yang Ping said, "The treatnt plan’s design progress is going well, next week there will be a more detailed plan."
"Thank you, truly thank you." The mother clasped her hands tightly, "Regardless of the result, at least now, we have hope again."
On the way ho, Yang Ping sorted through his thoughts.
A ssage ca through on his phone from Professor Mainshtan: "Professor, the committee’s advance team gave feedback on today’s visit. They were very impressed by the real atmosphere at the institute. Professor Carlson especially ntioned that he read your article on dicine as a ’dialogue with life’, and resonated deeply. For next week’s visit, they look forward to seeing more of such authenticity. Also, about your decision not to attend the award ceremony... although regretful, I understand. A scientist’s place indeed should be in the laboratory and beside patients."
Yang Ping replied: "Thank you for understanding, please convey my regards to Professor Carlson."
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