"But after all, Director Peng is Director Peng. He currently has the power to make major decisions in orthopedics. We can't make any decisions over his head."

"But we've made our attitudes clear to you; Director Peng is just Director Peng."

...

As he watched Xiang Kuihua leave, Lu Cheng felt particularly emotional.

There's an old saying in Hua Country: when a new emperor ascends, new officials step in.

Even though Peng Haibo hasn't yet stepped down from his position as director, it seems like his subordinates have their own thoughts.

Of course, Lu Cheng has no intention of playing their games in orthopedics; he's quite content working in the emergency department.

Having had some drinks, Lu Cheng couldn't drive, so he sent a message to Mu Nanshu.

After finding out where Mu Nanshu was, Lu Cheng took a cab in her direction.

Mu Nanshu was having a meal with Mu Leng and Yan Sangyue. Although Lu Cheng had already eaten, since Uncle Mu and Aunt Yan invited him, he joined them willingly.

"Uncle, Aunt, I'm sorry. An old colleague invited me for a drink earlier. There were some misunderstandings between us, so I went to talk things over." Lu Cheng explained as he sat down.

Mu Leng quickly said, "No problem. You arrived just in time; the dishes have just been served!"

"You've already had a drink; can you handle a bit more?"

"We only had one glass; it was mainly for conversation. I can certainly have a bit more with Uncle Mu." Lu Cheng said with a smile as he took off his jacket.

Lu Cheng can usually handle up to a pint, and he had only had a couple of ounces, so he was still good.

Yan Sangyue advised, "Don't drink too much. Just have a little for fun."

Then Yan Sangyue asked Lu Cheng, "Xiao Lu, I heard from Xiao Shu that you're working on a clinical project now. It seems like it's quite significant?"

Mu Nanshu interjected, "Mom, you don't really understand."

"It's not about significance, but innovation."

"The tendon suturing technique is a secondary creation based on existing methods, but the technique for suturing substantial organs is purely original and not something just anyone can manage."

"Of course, Lu Cheng has certain shortcomings, mainly due to his limited exposure to research and his unfamiliarity with basic processes."

Lu Cheng nodded, "Yes, so I need Xiao Shu's help a lot. Otherwise, I wouldn't even know where to start."

Mu Leng and Yan Sangyue, being worldly-wise, looked at Mu Nanshu and asked, "How can you create something innovative if you don't understand anything?"

Mu Nanshu rubbed her temples, "Graduate school is about learning experiences, which to some extent reflects a person's learning aptitude but doesn't fully determine a person's talent."

"Talent doesn't adhere to logic."

Lu Cheng poured a small glass of wine, smiling sheepishly, "Xiao Shu, please don't praise me in front of Uncle and Aunt."

"To be honest, I wouldn't say I'm particularly gifted."

"Uncle and Aunt know me well."

"My talent is average. Otherwise, how could I end up where I am now?"

What outsiders can see of you is your position, ability, and skill level.

The so-called aptitude and talent are all evaluated based on these, without a specific standard that makes your talent obvious to others.

Mu Leng chuckled, "Xiao Lu has talent; it's just that his luck hasn't been great."

Yan Sangyue encouraged, "Come on, Xiao Lu, eat, eat. Let's eat and chat, don't be restrained."

Mu Nanshu picked up a chopstick of cabbage, chewed thoughtfully, then lowered her head and said, "Dad, why do you think I can stay in Long County for so long and even accompany you to Ji City in a couple of days?"

"Is it like I can go wherever I want?"

Mu Leng replied, "Isn't it to work on a project? Is Ji City the only place with suitable labs?"

Mu Nanshu agreed with Mu Leng's answer but asked, "It's for the project, but why couldn't the previous project be moved here?"

Mu Leng and Yan Sangyue hadn't really thought about this before. To them, they didn't have lofty expectations for Mu Nanshu to bring prestige or achieve extraordinarily high accomplishments.

If Mu Nanshu wanted to, staying with them in Ji City was fine. Naturally, if Mu Nanshu wished to settle in Han City, they might even move there for their retirement.

Mu Leng and Yan Sangyue remained silent.

Mu Nanshu continued, "Projects have specific classifications. Generally speaking, they're either fundamental or applied."

"Fundamental ones, like studying cell pathways in labs, are crucial, but those closest to clinical practice, which can be immediately applied to patients, are the applied types."

"Fundamental projects have a future potential, possibly to be used in four or five decades, whereas applied projects are expected to be realized soon, perhaps in four or five years, in clinical settings."

"What Lu Cheng and I are working on is a clinical applied project, the kind that only a very few people might develop into something meaningful in their lifetime."

"Its near-term future is foreseeable, and its clinical impact is significant, so it's highly valued."

What Mu Nanshu was explaining was a bit abstract; even Lu Cheng couldn't fully comprehend it.

Mu Leng and Yan Sangyue, being outsiders, were even more confused.

Mu Nanshu added, "It means that due to its importance, Union Hospital is willing to assign me here to work with Lu Cheng on this project."

"Otherwise, it's not something you can apply for and obtain, like external project assignments."

"For this reason, both Lu Cheng and I can gain a lot."