The capital.
The 12th National Basic Medical Annual Conference was held at the Wanda Renaissance Hotel.
Yang Guangye attended the conference with Yang Li.
In academic circles, Yang Li was not yet well-known; her attendance at such an event was totally through connections.
Truthfully, Yang Li wasn't too keen on coming but couldn't withstand Yang Guangye's repeated reminders.
"At a conference like this, attendees include national authorities and young talents in the basic medical field."
"Even if you don't do anything, it's good to broaden your horizons and see the world by coming here."
"Besides, you're not getting any younger; it's time to think about personal matters."
"You're 27, aren't you?!"
Yang Li grimaced, "26!"
"My birthday hasn't passed yet!"
Yang Guangye couldn't help but smile, "Is there a big difference?"
"Hehehe..."
"You seem distracted, is something on your mind?"
Dressed in a black business suit, Yang Li emanated a confident and independent aura.
Her beautiful black hair, fair skin, refined facial features, and slender figure made her stand out, even more so because of her.
Even though she favored light makeup and wore simple yet stylish accessories, the black and white ensemble further accentuated her confident academic bearing.
Within this vast conference hall, she had already caught the attention of many.
However, unfortunately, this was an academic circle, not a gathering of models or actors; otherwise, her looks would've certainly dazzled the surrounding reporters.
But at the moment, Yang Li was somewhat preoccupied, her thoughts unwittingly drifting to Chen Gong.
She had not been in contact with him since she gave him the materials last time.
She wondered how his research was progressing.
"Lost in thought?"
Yang Guangye looked at Yang Li and asked curiously.
Yang Li shook her head, then suddenly asked, "Uncle, about inviting Chen Gong to join the research team, what do you think?"
Yang Guangye smiled, "Chen Gong is a rare talent; you have the final say on this matter."
"Chen is indeed good, but it's a pity that he's too young to see his future yet. However... an unpolished genius is not a genius!"
"Hehe, but, those young talents I introduced you to, they are real geniuses who've acquired the National Natural Science Foundation projects at a young age."
"Be more open later, don't be absent-minded."
Hearing this, Yang Li wrinkled her nose, "Uncle, are you really that worried I can't get married?"
Yang Guangye smiled slightly, "Not at all!"
"I think my niece is both talented and beautiful; she deserves someone outstanding, right?"
"If one of those young talents takes a fancy to you, it may even lead to a double happiness, inviting that talent to join our university."
"Isn't that killing two birds with one stone?"
"Hehehe..."
Upon hearing this, Yang Li couldn't help but sarcastically retort:
"Wow, your words really make sense!"
"Dean Yang truly dedicates himself to the university."
"So I've become bait for talent recruitment for the university?"
"What? Besides housing allowances, should the talent policy also include throwing in a wife?"
"Tsk..."
Yang Guangye also couldn't help but laugh, but suddenly he spotted someone and quickly alerted Yang Li, "Alright, no more jokes, let's go. Professor Xu has arrived; come with me to greet him."
As he spoke, Yang Guangye straightened his clothing and walked towards the other side.
Yang Li dared not slack off and, adjusting her expression, followed him.
Professor Xu Tong was one of the leaders in domestic basic medical research with significant achievements in basic medicine, physiological biochemistry, and pathology research.
Additionally, Professor Xu was the chief editor of one of the authoritative domestic basic medical journals, "Chinese Basic Medical Research," and a reviewer for the National Natural Science Foundation.
Such a status made him a center of attention at any academic event.
And although her uncle was well-known in Shanhe Province, he was relatively ordinary on the national stage.
Shanhe Medical University's development had been mediocre in recent years, it had even subtly slipped from the top 20 medical universities in China.
This lack of general interest was evident from the engagement of reporters.
As expected, when Yang Li followed Yang Guangye over, Professor Xu was already surrounded by a circle of people.
Yang Guangye thus had no choice but to wait for Professor Xu to have some free time to interact.
However, at such a national basic medical conference, where significant figures gathered, those who had a moment with Professor Xu were naturally beyond ordinary.
This resulted in an unspoken hierarchy based on seniority during small talk.
Those with fame and strength could chat more.
But lesser-known figures could only shake hands and nod in acknowledgement.
Basically, the time Professor Xu spent talking to someone determined their standing in his eyes and by extension, in the academic community.
After a long wait!
Only then did Professor Xu "notice" Yang Guangye and greeted him with a smile and a handshake, "Dean Yang, hehehe, long time no see!"
Seeing that Professor Xu was taking the initiative to shake hands, Yang Guangye didn't dare to neglect and quickly clasped his hands, "Indeed, I always look forward to Professor Xu's lectures at the annual conference."
"Every time, I learn so much!"
Professor Xu smiled faintly, "You flatter me, Dean Yang; now I'm going to feel embarrassed to go on stage."
The people around couldn't help but chuckle.
Most of them had only a passing acquaintance with Yang Guangye, nodding to each other as they recognized one another.
But that was about it, as, after all, Yang Guangye and Shanhe Medical University hadn't had much to show for themselves these years.
There wasn't much respect either.
In the academic world, it ultimately comes down to achievement.
Sure enough, after exchanging pleasantries with Yang Guangye, a nearby professor quickly pulled Xu Tong aside, chuckling as he said:
"Dean Yang, sorry, but I need to discuss something with Professor Xu."
"Professor Xu, please, about that topic I mentioned to you last time…"
Yang Guangye was about to get down to business when someone beat him to the punch, leaving him somewhat embarrassed yet helpless.
"This, I also have a topic I'd like to discuss with Professor Xu…"
Unfortunately, his words went unheard as Xu Tong's attention had already shifted elsewhere.
Witnessing this, Yang Li also felt a bit irked, but that's just how it is in the academic circle—or any circle for that matter.
Those who fall behind are doomed to be overlooked.
Seeing that he was out of time, Yang Guangye quickly turned to Yang Li and urged:
"Yang Li, give me the materials."
Yang Guangye, seeing there was no time to spare, swiftly sought out Yang Li to take out the materials he had prepared, ready to show them to Xu Tong.
Just then, Xu Tong, who was about to get up and leave with the other party, suddenly paused in his steps.
It seemed he had just thought of something!
Shanhe Medical University… Yang Li… Chen Gong… the paper…
Xu Tong quickly turned back to Yang Guangye and Yang Li: "Wait a moment."
"Dean Yang, who is this..."
Yang Guangye froze for an instant, noticing that Xu Tong was staring straight at Yang Li, which made him feel uneasy.
Even though he had just teased Yang Li, even though Xu Tong was 55 years old, even though he was widowed in middle age…
But… he definitely wouldn't approve this union.
Tsk, tsk, tsk...
What was he thinking!
Yang Guangye shook his head and said, "Oh, she's a member of my research group and also my niece, Yang Li, 26 years old this year."
Sure enough, it was her. Hearing Yang Guangye's words, Xu Tong's eyes lit up instantly.
Yang Li also confidently extended her hand: "Hello, Professor Xu, I'm Yang Li, a member of the Shanhe Medical University Basic Medical Research laboratory and also an advisor. I look forward to your guidance."
Upon hearing this, Xu Tong immediately perked up.
"Hello, hello!"
"Well, since it's early, Yang, do you mind sitting down to chat?"
Hearing this, Yang Li, who was already somewhat bemused, became even more astonished.
Professor Xu Tong inviting her for a chat on his own initiative?
Not just him, but the surrounding group of experts also stared in shock.
Who was this Yang Li?
Why had they never heard of her?
Yang Guangye was even more baffled.
What exactly was going on?
Could it really be… That wouldn't be appropriate, would it?
But then, thinking of what would come if things worked out… Having the distinguished Professor Xu call him uncle sounded quite thrilling, didn't it?
Yang Guangye hurriedly shook his head, dismissing these confused thoughts.
Meanwhile, Yang Guangye also curiously watched Xu Tong, his gaze carrying a hint of wariness.
Xu Tong, realizing that his words might have been a bit off, quickly slapped his forehead and turned to Yang Guangye:
"Oh my, look at my memory!"
"Dean Yang, that paper with Yang Li and Professor Chen, it was you who guided it, right?!"
"Yes, your work in the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle is exceptional."
"Only you could guide such a paper."
"Dean Yang, Teacher Yang, this way, please. I have a high opinion of the paper you've just submitted!"
"I think it's definitely worth developing!"
"Come this way, please."
While speaking, Xu Tong led Yang Guangye and Yang Li towards a private room on the side.
On the way, Yang Guangye and Yang Li exchanged glances, their eyes full of "???"
Yang Guangye: "You wrote a paper?"
Yang Li: "You wrote a paper?"
They asked each other simultaneously.
The situation was a bit awkward.
Anything abnormal surely has a demon behind it!
Something's off!
At this moment, Yang Guangye, looking back and forth between Yang Li and Xu Tong, had only one thought: To agree, or not to agree?
That is the question!