Xia Feng and Ou Kang'an were eating in the school cafeteria. Students and teachers alike cast sideways glances.
Several teachers who were aware of Xia Feng's situation inwardly mused.
It's no wonder he became a professor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at such a young age; he must have connections.
Given Xia Feng's youth, most people leaned towards the idea that he got the position through favoritism.
As for whether he truly possessed the skill, they were unsure and could only speculate on the most plausible explanation.
"Professor Xia, would you be interested in leading our team for this year's Medical Technology Symposium?" Ou Kang'an suddenly asked at the dining table.
"Medical Technology Symposium? What's that?" Xia Feng inquired.
"It's held annually. The World Health Organization organizes a medical exchange conference each year, posing difficult problems for collective discussion. Our university's medical school is the top medical institution in the country, so we naturally lead the delegation," Ou Kang'an explained, looking at Xia Feng.
Ou Kang'an was not privy to Xia Feng's medical prowess but trusted Elder Li. Furthermore, having Xia Feng lead such an event was a way to gain favor. Whether Xia Feng would accept was another matter, but at least he had extended the invitation.
"So, we'd be representing Hua Xia?" Xia Feng asked.
"Yes, the symposium is held in the United States every year. America is the most medically advanced country globally, so representatives from all over the world attend the discussions there," Ou Kang'an continued to explain.
Xia Feng's interest was piqued upon hearing that they would be representing Hua Xia.
After all, his purpose in coming here was to inherit TCM and make it flourish.
If he could shine at a symposium hosted by the World Health Organization, TCM's reputation would significantly improve, leading people to embrace it wholeheartedly.
"I accept."
Xia Feng saw no reason to refuse.
There was no faster way to revitalize TCM.
"That's wonderful! Then you'll be leading the team. Both TCM and Western medicine representatives will be sent," Ou Kang'an said excitedly.
Ou Kang'an didn't concern himself with Xia Feng's motives for accepting the task.
After all, Hua Xia's participation in past years had been merely symbolic, with no outstanding performances.
It didn't matter who led the team.
"When do we leave?" Xia Feng asked.
"The first of next month," Ou Kang'an replied.
"Alright," Xia Feng acknowledged.
After a simple meal in the cafeteria, Xia Feng headed to his afternoon class.
"Hello, Teacher Xia!"
The students greeted Xia Feng enthusiastically as he arrived.
"Hello everyone. Today, I'll be discussing how to become a good doctor. I'd like to share a saying with you: 'Life and death are of paramount importance, as if walking on thin ice in the face of an abyss.'
While improving your medical skills, you must not forget your original intentions and mission: to benefit the people and promote TCM. These should be the goals of your endeavors for the rest of your lives.
To study medicine, one must first study the heart. Possessing medical ethics and skills, and maintaining your integrity, makes you a good doctor."
Xia Feng did not want any of his students to become quacks or lose their integrity for the sake of money.
'Life and death are of paramount importance, as if walking on thin ice in the face of an abyss!'
This phrase echoed in the students' minds, truly representing the core of a doctor's calling.
Xia Feng's medical skills had long been recognized by everyone, and his words now deeply resonated with them.
They were still within the embrace of the campus, yet to face the harsh realities of society. In Xia Feng's eyes, they were still blank slates.
What would be written on these slates in the future, Xia Feng intended to guide them from this moment on.
"Teacher Xia, we understand," the students responded.
They had chosen the path of medicine and the specialty of TCM to save lives and promote its heritage. Xia Feng's words struck a chord with them, aligning with their lifelong aspirations.
They were still students, uncorrupted by malice, driven solely by ambition.
By the end of the class, the students were captivated. This was what a good teacher was: conveying crucial knowledge and skills that students could readily grasp.
A few days later, the list of attendees from the college for the US medical academic conference was released.
The Hua Xia delegation would be led by Xia Feng. Five students from the TCM department were selected: Luo Hanxiang, Yun Yan, Shao Kangshi, Yu Jingming, and Li Guangliang.
The Western medicine delegation would be led by Professor Feng Guping as the deputy leader, who was also a chief physician at Shanghai Ruijin Hospital. Five students from the Western medicine department were also chosen.
A total of twelve people would represent Hua Xia at the symposium organized by the World Health Organization.
"This year, the college's medical delegation is being led by TCM.
"Yes, Western medicine always led the delegation in previous years. It seems Professor Xia has a very close relationship with the dean.
"What's wrong with TCM leading? I think TCM should lead; it's the treasure of Hua Xia. What's the point of Western medicine leading?
"Indeed, there's nothing wrong with TCM. I had constipation not long ago, and a dose of traditional Chinese medicine cured it. Western medicine only made it worse.
"TCM treats the root cause, while Western medicine treats the symptoms. I have more faith in our country's TCM."
The teachers in the office were abuzz with discussion upon seeing the newly released announcement.
As the most distinguished medical school in Hua Xia, being selected to represent the country at the medical technology symposium was an honor.
Whether led by TCM or Western medicine, they were all representatives of Hua Xia.
Professor Feng Guping himself had no objections; they were all Chinese, representing Hua Xia together as a collective.
Upon learning of this announcement, Xia Feng's students enthusiastically praised the school.
They were surprised that Teacher Xia, newly arrived, would be leading the delegation to represent Hua Xia at the US medical technology symposium.
Previously, Western medicine always led. This year, it was TCM, and moreover, their own teacher. They felt a sense of pride.
The most elated were Luo Hanxiang, Yun Yan, Shao Kangshi, Yu Jingming, and Li Guangliang.
"Hanxiang, Teacher Xia is leading this time! That's wonderful," Yun Yan said, beaming with excitement.
She had never expected to attend this event with Xia Feng at the helm.
"Yes, Teacher Xia's medical skills must have been recognized by the administration, which is why he's leading the team," Luo Hanxiang added, equally thrilled.
"Hehe... This trip to the US won't be boring now," Yun Yan remarked with a smile.
A young teacher, and one they admired, this would surely be fun.
"I hope Teacher Xia can lead us TCM practitioners to shine brightly in America this time, showing these foreigners that the TCM of Hua Xia is truly superior medicine."
Luo Hanxiang was a staunch advocate of TCM. Her upbringing in a TCM family fueled a passion for it that surpassed ordinary levels.
She firmly believed TCM was the best, the finest heritage of the Chinese nation.
"We certainly will."
Yun Yan, with an inexplicable confidence, believed in her teacher.