In a spacious conference room, over a dozen people were seated. They were all members of the scientific research team organized by Huang Hongying to go to Mali, Africa, to study the highly contagious Red Demon L virus.
Among them were two middle-aged men. One, over fifty and wearing glasses, was Lin Dongxiang, an expert in infectious viruses in China. He was also the director and vice dean of a major hospital in the Southern Military Region, holding a high military rank and serving as the deputy leader of this group.
Seated opposite him was a man of medium build, also in his fifties, named Huang Guoqi. He was also a specialist in virus research and served as the vice dean of a military hospital in the Northern Military Region. He too was a deputy leader of the group.
Both experts had brought their own team members. Among them, younger faces could be seen, such as Long Xingyu, Zhao Peng, Zhang Guoyuan, Zheng Xuelan, Zhou Luolin, and Hou Haiyan, all in their twenties or thirties.
Every member invited to this research group was an outstanding young talent in the field of medicine.
"I heard Director Huang specially invited that Wan Yunting!"
"Oh, is that the Wan Yunting who's been all over the news recently?"
"That's right. They say he saved an ambassador in England and his traditional Chinese medicine skills are very impressive. He even served as the chairman of the Chinese Medicine Association before, though for some reason, he was later removed!"
"That Wan Yunting is quite famous, and his TCM skills are good, but I just don't understand why Director Huang would specially invite a traditional Chinese medicine doctor to Africa to research a contagious virus?"
"Exactly, can traditional Chinese medicine really treat contagious viruses?"
"It can certainly treat them, but this Red Demon L virus is not a common epidemic that can be cured with just Chinese medicine!"
"That's right. I suppose Director Huang invited him to go on a trip to Mali, Africa."
"Hehe..."
This remark caused several young men and women to cover their mouths and laugh. However, when the two stern experts, Lin Dongxiang and Huang Guoqi, sitting at the head of the table turned to look, they immediately stopped laughing and became serious.
Just then, Long Xingyu walked in. He politely nodded to the experts, including Lin Dongxiang, and then sat down next to Zhao Peng and Zheng Xuelan. Several people asked, "Why isn't Director Huang here yet?"
Long Xingyu's expression was not pleasant. He said expressionlessly, "Director Huang is waiting at the entrance for that Wan Yunting!"
"What?"
This made Zhang Guoyuan, Peng Yuxiang, Zhou Luolin, and the others exchange glances. They said, "Having Director Huang wait at the entrance, doesn't that give Wan Yunting too much importance?"
"Indeed. He's just a TCM doctor. So what if he's from the Ouyang family? How can he make Director Huang wait for him at the entrance? Does he deserve it?" Zhao Peng said dismissively.
"What are you talking about?"
Huang Guoqi turned and glared at the young people. Immediately, Zhao Peng, Zhou Luolin, and the others shut up, not daring to chat idly anymore.
Outside the conference room door, Huang Hongying kept looking at her watch and towards the elevator corridor. After another five minutes, she finally saw Wan Yunting hurrying towards them. Seeing Huang Hongying, he called out apologetically from a distance, "I'm sorry, Director Huang. I was stuck in traffic. I apologize for making you wait."
Huang Hongying waved her hand and smiled, "I understand. Beijing's roads are often congested, but you haven't waited long. Everyone is here. Let's go inside."
"Alright."
Wan Yunting nodded and smiled. Huang Hongying personally pushed open the conference room door. Instantly, Long Xingyu and Zhao Peng, Lin Dongxiang and Huang Guoqi, who were already seated inside, all turned their heads. They watched as Huang Hongying led Wan Yunting in, and all eyes focused on him.
Everyone had only seen Wan Yunting's videos or photos on the news before, never in person. Therefore, they all stared at him with amazement. A few young female members secretly exclaimed, "He's even more handsome than in the photos!"
"Handsome? Don't forget, he's a scumbag with several girlfriends!"
As Huang Hongying's stern gaze fell upon them, Zhou Luolin, Hou Haiyan, and the others quickly fell silent, no longer daring to speak carelessly.
Wan Yunting, who followed them in, had sharp ears. He could hear them clearly even when they spoke softly into each other's ears.
However, Wan Yunting showed no outward reaction and didn't care in his heart. He had long been immune to such comments from the outside world.
Besides, what they said was the truth. He, Wan Yunting, had nothing to refute.
"Dr. Wan, please take a seat..."
Lin Dongxiang and Huang Guoqi, the two experts, stood up to greet him, motioning for him to sit in the empty chair beside them.
Seeing the two professors and experts stand up, Long Xingyu and the others felt it would be impolite to remain seated. They all stood up, their eyes fixed on Wan Yunting as they observed him.
"Allow me to introduce Director Lin Dongxiang, Vice Dean of our Southern Military Region Hospital. He is also an expert in virus research in our country."
Huang Hongying briefly introduced Lin Dongxiang to Wan Yunting, and then introduced Huang Guoqi: "This is Professor Huang Guoqi, director of our Northwestern Military Region Hospital, and also an expert in virus research. Both of them are also deputy leaders of our group."
After the introductions, Wan Yunting, with a humble and polite attitude, shook hands with Lin Dongxiang and Huang Guoqi, smiling politely, "It's an honor to meet you both, experts."
Lin Dongxiang was enthusiastic and waved his hand with a smile, "It's my honor to meet our youngest divine doctor of Chinese medicine in China!"
Huang Guoqi had a stern expression and merely nodded as a greeting. However, he had no objections to Wan Yunting; in fact, he acknowledged him. His demeanor was simply serious.
"Expert Lin, you flatter me. How dare I call myself a divine doctor?" Wan Yunting waved his hand humbly and smiled.
"Oh, Dr. Wan, you are too modest. We have long heard of your achievements in our Chinese medicine community, especially your experience and papers on the treatment of sagging skin. I have read them, and it represents a major breakthrough in our medical field. I greatly admire you!"
Lin Dongxiang's face was full of enthusiasm. It was clear that he had researched Wan Yunting beforehand and greatly admired his medical skills.
Wan Yunting could also see the sincerity in Lin Dongxiang's honest gaze, and he replied politely with a smile, "Thank you for your praise, Expert Lin..."
"Let's sit down and start the meeting," Huang Hongying said.
After some polite exchanges, everyone sat down. Then, the conference room door opened, and Nie Xiaoyu, wearing a handsome military uniform, walked in. Her military cap sat on her head, making her look spirited. The straight and proper military uniform seemed to blend with her, displaying the solemnity and spirit of a soldier.
Nie Xiaoyu had a well-defined face, especially her sharp, beautiful eyes that were like two sharp swords, giving her a serious and intimidating presence. Her straight, prominent nose and naturally pink lips, without any lip gloss, were radiant and alluring. Her light makeup was almost indistinguishable from being bare-faced, making her incredibly beautiful.
Her skin, not overly fair, better showcased her military bearing. Her overall aura was exceptional and heroic, making it impossible for anyone to harbor any wicked thoughts. Instead, they would be intimidated by her majesty.
"Little Nie is here. Please sit down."
Upon seeing Nie Xiaoyu enter, Huang Hongying greeted her with a smile and gestured for her to sit next to Wan Yunting.
Long Xingyu, sitting opposite Huang Guoqi, saw Nie Xiaoyu appear and his eyes lit up with admiration and excitement. His face completely displayed his fervent passion for her.
However, Nie Xiaoyu didn't even glance at him. She first greeted Lin Dongxiang and Huang Guoqi, then sat next to Wan Yunting, giving him only a simple nod. Afterward, she turned to look at Long Xingyu sitting opposite her. Her sharp, beautiful eyes were indifferent, as if she were oblivious to his fervent admiration.
Even though Nie Xiaoyu was cold, it did not diminish Long Xingyu's admiration for her. In fact, he had liked Nie Xiaoyu since childhood and had even confessed his feelings, but, naturally, he had been rejected.
"I've called you all here today to inform you that tomorrow morning at seven o'clock, you are to gather at the hospital punctually. From there, we will proceed to the military district to board a plane that will take us directly to Mali, Africa, to our peacekeeping force headquarters. Any arrangements there will be decided then," Huang Hongying said with a serious expression, looking at everyone present.
Wan Yunting, Long Xingyu, Zhao Peng, and Zheng Xuelan all nodded. Then, Huang Hongying pointed at Wan Yunting and introduced, "Dr. Wan Yunting is a traditional Chinese medicine doctor I specifically invited to join our research on the Red Demon L virus. Higher authorities have approved this, and from today onwards, you are all colleagues in the same group. Therefore, I hope no one will hold any prejudice against him."
"Because we have only one goal, and that is to conquer the Red Demon L virus, understood?"
"Understood!"
Instantly, Long Xingyu, Zhao Peng, Zheng Xuelan, Zhou Luolin, and the others responded loudly.
"Furthermore, the Red Demon L virus has a high transmission rate and mortality rate. Our peacekeeping forces have already been infected, and there have already been casualties!"
Immediately, Huang Hongying's expression became serious and heavy. She scanned the faces of everyone present and said earnestly, "If anyone wishes to withdraw, now is the time. I will escort you back to your original posts, and this will not affect your future in any way. So, please consider carefully."
Then, Long Xingyu stood up and replied loudly, "Reporting to Director Huang, I have considered it thoroughly and will absolutely not withdraw."
"We too..."
Following him, Zhang Guoyuan, Peng Yuxiang, Zheng Xuelan, Hou Haiyan, and the other young people stood up and shouted loudly.
This made Wan Yunting's heart warm. Huang Hongying then asked him, and Wan Yunting smiled and said, "Since I agreed, I naturally will not withdraw."
"Good."
Huang Hongying nodded, gestured for Long Xingyu and the others to sit down, and said, "Then let's have a brief meeting first..."
This meeting was not long. Huang Hongying simply outlined the itinerary for the trip and assigned tasks...
At noon, the meeting concluded. Wan Yunting stayed at the hospital for a simple lunch with Huang Hongying and Nie Xiaoyu before leaving.
Wan Yunting and Nie Xiaoyu walked out of the hospital together. Wan Yunting said, "How about I give you a ride back?"
Wan Yunting pointed to his car parked not far away and smiled, "No need. I need to go back to get my medical kit and then go to your grandfather's place to continue his treatment course."
Nie Xiaoyu nodded gratefully and said, "Thank you for the trouble."
"You're welcome. I'm leaving now," Wan Yunting said, waving his hand, and headed directly towards his car...
Nie Xiaoyu also opened her car door, preparing to get in, when she saw Long Xingyu running out: "Xiaoyu, wait..."