"Director Zhuo, hello."
"Don't be so polite. We're all on the sa side," Zhuo Mingde said with a chuckle, appearing very approachable.
But Du Heng felt that this was just a courteous remark.
The purpose of Li Jianwei bringing him here today should also be for the stroke research funding.
As Du Heng was still lost in his thoughts, Li Jianwei also laughed and said, "You lad, you've addressed him incorrectly. You should call him elder martial uncle."
Elder martial uncle?
Du Heng's facial muscles twitched slightly.
"He and I learned from our Teacher since we were young. It's fine for you to call him elder martial uncle."
Just as Li Jianwei finished speaking, Zhuo Mingde also looked up at Du Heng with a grin.
Du Heng readily called out, "Elder martial uncle."
With this call of 'elder martial uncle', he was considered to have completely entered Li Jianwei's tutelage. Their relationship was no longer rely that of teacher and student but had evolved into one of master and disciple.
From this mont on, Du Heng had a formal master-disciple lineage in the Chinese dicine field, no longer the rootless lone ranger he was before.
So people say that such a master-disciple relationship is dross and should be eliminated. But Chinese people emphasize having a legitimate lineage and an orderly inheritance; without such relationships, trying to achieve great things independently often ans that many endeavors beco like flowers in a mirror or the moon in the water—visible but unattainable.
Li Jianwei knew he couldn't teach Du Heng much more, and Du Heng knew that Li Jianwei couldn't teach him much in terms of professional skills.
Li Jianwei also knew what Du Heng lacked, so he wanted to use his network of connections as much as possible to help Du Heng advance more quickly and steadily in the field.
Du Heng also understood his own shortcomings, a gap that even Wu Shengnan's father couldn't fill.
And now, with Li Jianwei extending an olive branch, he couldn't be ungrateful.
With Du Heng's address of 'elder martial uncle', the smile on Zhuo Mingde's face grew wider. "Why be polite among our own people? Drink tea."
Saying this, he picked up his teacup, gestured for them to drink, and then gently took a sip.
Once these words were spoken, the subsequent conversation beca more relaxed. It was no longer a conversation between superior and subordinate, or colleagues, but had transford into a chat among their own people.
After several rounds of tea and idle chat, the conversation gradually moved to the main topic.
"Xiao Du, your Teacher told about your situation. I think now is the best ti to integrate the stroke research," Zhuo Mingde said, putting down his teacup and looking seriously at Du Heng. "First, tell your thoughts on the integration."
Du Heng hesitated. He wasn't sure what to say because he hadn't considered the integration at all these past few days.
Li Jianwei had said he would handle it, so Du Heng himself had also beco a Hands-off shopkeeper.
Being asked so suddenly, he was truly at a loss.
However, under Zhuo Mingde's gaze, Du Heng had no choice but to say, "When my Teacher ntioned integrating the research group last ti, I also thought it was a good idea. We can concentrate our superior resources to better help more patients, achieve results more quickly, and then promote them so that more patients benefit.
So my idea is to make the Chinese dicine Departnt's research group at Provincial First Hospital the core and actively invite other research groups to participate.
My current situation is a bit special, so this way, my Teacher can help monitor the research group's operations."
As soon as Du Heng finished speaking, the smile on Li Jianwei's face broadened.
But Zhuo Mingde's expression didn't change noticeably. After a brief silence, he said, "According to your idea, the stroke research group will be placed under the Chinese dicine Departnt of Provincial First Hospital, and your Teacher will be the actual person in charge?"
"Yes, that's the idea."
Zhuo Mingde's lips twitched slightly. "You're a good young man. This is a huge piece of cake, and you're just giving it to your Teacher, and by extension, to Provincial First Hospital.
If this research project of yours yields results, then your Teacher will be the biggest beneficiary.
Very good."
Du Heng smiled, and Li Jianwei smiled too. They were all their own people; there was no need for veiled words.
But then Zhuo Mingde very calmly added two more words, "Very foolish."
Er...
For a mont, both Li Jianwei and Du Heng stared at Zhuo Mingde.
Zhuo Mingde glanced at them coolly. "Your idea is good, and your intention is good, but it's truly foolish."
Du Heng was a bit unconvinced. In the past year or so, no one had ever scolded him like that.
Li Jianwei's eyes imdiately widened.
I'm providing support for Du Heng, helping him handle so non-essential tasks so he can focus on the research project and complete its objectives better and faster. How can such a good plan be called foolish? Even if you are my elder martial brother and a leader, if you can't give a proper explanation today, I'm prepared to argue this out!
Zhuo Mingde looked at their expressions and chuckled lightly. "What, unconvinced?"
Li Jianwei glared and said, "You'd better explain clearly."
"Xiao Du's stroke research is actually at a very mature stage. It currently only lacks a large volu of disease records and doctors to implent it collectively.
Placing it in your hands is essentially handing you credit. There's no mistake about that, right?"
Zhuo Mingde looked at Li Jianwei with a hint of a smile.
And Li Jianwei, under Zhuo Mingde's gaze, didn't deny it, nodding directly.
"But even if this credit is given to you, what can you do with it?"
Zhuo Mingde sighed. "You know your own level. Your skill level in treating illnesses is pretty much set for this lifeti. The Provincial Health Group won't admit you just because you spearheaded such a research project. You can't even touch the coattails of a national-level expert title. If you want to advance in your career, spearheading a research project isn't sothing that can help.
So tell , what's the use of giving this credit to you?"
Although Zhuo Mingde was speaking the truth, Li Jianwei still felt a bit mortified being told this in front of his own student. "Then what do you suggest?"
"The integrated research group will still be headed by Xiao Du. All subgroups will be consolidated at the Municipal Maternal and Child Health Hospital, under Xiao Du's unified leadership."
Zhuo Mingde's voice was crisp and decisive. "Firstly, this can help the Municipal Maternal and Child Health Hospital develop rapidly. Secondly, all honors and results will belong solely to Xiao Du, avoiding any need for haggling or disputes with others.
This way, benefits can be maximized, which is most advantageous for Xiao Du.
With these honors and results, we can quickly elevate Xiao Du."
Although Li Jianwei was embarrassed by what his elder martial brother had said, he genuinely had Du Heng's best interests at heart now. After thinking for a mont, he said, "If it's placed at Provincial First Hospital after integration, since they are all Grade 3A hospitals, neither the cooperating hospitals nor the mbers of the cooperative research groups should have any objections.
But if it's placed at the Municipal Maternal and Child Health Hospital, a level 2 hospital, will the others object?"
Zhuo Mingde chuckled. "You still haven't grasped the situation. Who is the soul of this research project? It's Xiao Du.
Your intention in wanting to integrate the research groups is to give a return to those who have contributed for so long. It's not that the research project cannot proceed without them.
You two, don't put the cart before the horse."
Zhuo Mingde glanced at them again, then reached for the small teapot on the table and began to refill their cups. "Rember, in this matter, it's them begging you, not you needing them. Your attitude must be firm when necessary.
If they agree, then give them a chance to bask in the reflected glory.
If they don't agree, you tell , and I'll help you coordinate.
If you're short of funds, I'll allocate them. The traditional Chinese dicine research funding for this year hasn't started to be allocated yet.
If you're short of people, tell too. I'll allocate Chinese dicine talents from the entire city and province to you. I still have that much influence."
Du Heng blinked a couple of tis.
This elder martial uncle is so imposing!
Li Jianwei lowered his head in thought for a mont, then turned to Du Heng and said, "Then let's proceed according to your elder martial uncle's plan."
Du Heng nodded in agreent. Although he felt the matter was troubleso, he didn't say anything else.
Unexpectedly, Zhuo Mingde seed to have seen through Du Heng's thoughts and spoke again, "For this matter, it's still best to let your Teacher handle the negotiations for you. You're still too young. Those old foxes might take advantage of you, and you'll also end up offending people.
Your Teacher is different. In terms of age, status, and sheer nerve, he's their equal; he won't co out worse off."
Li Jianwei's face finally darkened. "Director Zhuo, that's quite enough."
"Hahaha..."
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