Chapter 200 - 145: Come Over Here
Jiang He gave it deep thought for about half a second, then said,
"Of course I’ll go. Why wouldn’t I?"
As the saying goes, you’d have to be an idiot to turn down a reward.
Especially a national-level commendation like this.
This would be incredibly helpful for securing funding and conducting major research projects down the line.
Lin Zhenhua said, "I knew you’d think that. But have you forgotten what the higher-ups said when they visited you? Letting you take the lead has already put them under immense internal pressure. If we push you into the spotlight with a grand ceremony right now, they’re worried you’ll face a lot of unnecessary interference."
Jiang He didn’t interrupt, listening quietly.
Lin Zhenhua continued, "Besides, you created the ’Zhiyu’ account on Dingxiang Garden to easily promote your new ideas and techniques, didn’t you? China’s medical community is all about seniority. If you expose your identity now, it’ll be a hindrance to your future projects and academic outreach, won’t it?"
Jiang He said, "That’s true."
Lin Zhenhua immediately followed up, "So, wouldn’t it be more beneficial for your long-term development to keep protecting this alias of yours?"
Jiang He tilted his head, thinking it over.
’He’s right.’
’In 2008, the walls of academic authority are much more rigid than they will be in the future.’
’A proposal from an undergraduate would be dismissed as pure fantasy. But if it came from Elder Zhi, department heads from all the top hospitals would be organizing overnight seminars to analyze its feasibility, word by word.’
Jiang He replied, "So, Minister Lin, what’s the plan?"
"I thought about it before calling you. I think there’s a solution that gives us the best of both worlds. The award ceremony will go on as planned. We’ll award the medal and the honor directly to Zhiyu. The official story will be that Elder Zhi is unwell and can’t attend in person. In reality, your true identity will only be disclosed internally at the provincial and national levels."
"This way, you’ll still get the award and academic standing you deserve—not a bit less. The government’s recognition of your importance will only increase. At the same time, your alias won’t be exposed to those at the grassroots and on the clinical front lines. What do you think?"
"I think that’s a great idea," Jiang He said in admiration.
’Minister Lin really had thought of everything.’
There was a reason he was taking such pains to help Jiang He plan.
During the recent battle against the sudden respiratory virus outbreak, Lin Zhenhua’s response had been appropriate, his reporting timely, and his actions decisive. In the eyes of his superiors, he was now seen as an exceptionally capable leader.
With Jiang He’s help, Minister Lin’s career path was now looking incredibly bright.
He had a clear path to promotion.
It was a mutually beneficial, win-win situation.
Lin Zhenhua cleared the way for Jiang He’s research, and in return, Jiang He’s advanced technological achievements bolstered Lin Zhenhua’s political record.
"Since you have no objections, we’ll settle it that way," Lin Zhenhua said. "The award ceremony is planned for the middle of this month. Representatives from various hospitals and provincial leaders will be in attendance. If you’d like to come, you’re welcome to."
"Huh? I should still go?"
An image instantly flashed through Jiang He’s mind.
The mid-month award ceremony would surely be a full house.
Dean Chen from Affiliated Hospital No. 1, Yang Xu, Professor Wang Xiaoqing from the School of Basic Medical Sciences, even Professor Sun Changming... they were all people he knew.
The provincial leaders would be on stage presenting the award, while the professors and deans in the audience would look on with solemn expressions. Then, thunderous applause would erupt.
And there he’d be, sitting in a chair in some corner, clapping for himself along with everyone else.
Just thinking about it was enough to make him scratch his head. It was just too surreal.
"If you have the time, you should come," Lin Zhenhua said. "At an event of this caliber, getting to know more people from various fields will definitely be good for your future."
’That’s true,’ Jiang He thought.
You can’t do research in a vacuum; resources and connections are always important.
"Alright, if I’m free, I’ll definitely be there."
"Good. You just got out of the hospital, so get some rest." With that, Lin Zhenhua hung up.
Jiang He opened his text messages and carefully reviewed his chats one more time.
He confirmed that Chen Hao had been thoroughly intimidated, and he had properly replied to all the other messages from classmates and teachers.
With no more unexpected guests to bother him, Jiang He decisively switched his phone to silent mode.
Finally, some peace and quiet.
Just then, the sound of running water from the bathroom stopped.
Jiang He, sitting on the edge of the bed, unconsciously straightened his back.
’For some reason, a flicker of nervousness suddenly sparked within him...’
’Even though they were husband and wife in his past life, now that he was reborn, everything felt completely different.’
’The Shen Yu of today was only nineteen. They hadn’t even officially started dating yet.’
’A man and a woman alone in a room together... it was enough to make anyone’s heart race.’
A few seconds later, the bathroom door slid open a tiny crack.
"Jiang He... I... I forgot to bring my pajamas in with me."
Jiang He immediately asked, "Where are they? I can bring them in for you?"
"No! Ah, don’t do that!!!"
Jiang He froze.
Then, it dawned on him.
’Oh, crap. She wasn’t his wife of many years yet!’
’What he’d just said made him sound like a total creep, desperate to barge into the bathroom.’
Jiang He’s face flushed red as he hurriedly explained, "No, no, no, you misunderstood! I meant, I’ll get them out of your suitcase for you and hang them on the doorknob. You can just open the door and grab them. Okay?"
The bathroom went quiet for two seconds, as if she were weighing the sincerity of his words.
"Oh... okay. My clothes are in the suitcase."
"Right, right, right. I’ll go get them now."
Jiang He found Shen Yu’s suitcase.
He opened it.
Just then, Shen Yu’s voice came from the bathroom again with a reminder, "The code is 0716."
Jiang He was speechless.
He glanced at the suitcase he had already opened with ease and was lost in thought.