"We're definitely meant to be, even if we can't be colleagues, we can be great partners."

Lu Cheng shook his head: "Director Tan, you flatter me. How do I have the qualifications to collaborate with you right now?"

"Everyone's growth is first guided by a teacher, and it's likely to remain so in the future."

Lu Cheng doesn't think he has the qualifications to discuss collaboration with Tan Zhongyuan's team. If he thought that having control over a tendon suturing project would allow him to sit at the same table as Tan Zhongyuan, then he would be underestimating Professor Tan.

At any time, accurately recognizing one's own position avoids both arrogance and self-deprecation; this is Lu Cheng's approach to handling matters.

"Dr. Lu is still very modest. If I were your age, I don't know where I would be floating around." Tan Zhongyuan was quite surprised.

However, upon thinking back to Lu Cheng's past as described by Tong Yuan'an, it all seemed logical.

Lu Cheng had been through tough times, so he was very clear about his position.

It was only now that Tong Yuan'an said: "Director Tan, the current situation is like this. Lu Cheng has a research partner, who is Dr. Mu Nanshu from Union Hospital."

"This Dr. Mu is also an impressive figure, having funding for his own projects."

"Besides, Dr. Lu also has project collaboration with Professor Chen Song from Xiangya Second Hospital..."

Tong Yuan'an's words were very official, roughly laying out the resources Lu Cheng currently had.

Tan Zhongyuan said: "That's great. In our Huazhong region, there are many strong hospitals, like Peking Union and our Xiangya Hospital, interlinked and supporting each other."

"Collaborating on projects further enhances the overall level in our Huazhong region."

"..."

After the meal, Lu Cheng sat in the restaurant's lobby, carefully recalling the conversation with Professor Tan Zhongyuan tonight.

Lu Cheng was very certain that right now, he was no match for a giant like Tan Zhongyuan in terms of social skills or research knowledge.

What he could do was diligently work on his projects, steadily becoming a good clinical doctor, first accumulating more Skill Points to enhance his capabilities.

Development directions and collaborative win-win situations were not things Lu Cheng should be considering now.

"Let's go, back to the hotel. The driver I called has arrived." Tong Yuan'an patted Lu Cheng on the shoulder.

Lu Cheng quickly stood up: "Teacher Tong, you spent too much."

"Oh, saying that, I'm just afraid you might think I'm too shameless, snatching your resources and position without decency."

"You should understand now how in-demand the two suturing techniques you've developed are, right?"

"If Chen Song and I hadn't taken the initiative, we wouldn't have had a chance at any opportunities." Tong Yuan'an blushed a bit.

It was unclear if it was out of embarrassment or from drinking.

"That's not possible. Even without me, Teacher Tong, you and Teacher Chen have other projects to do."

Lu Cheng said as he followed Tong Yuan'an into the car, getting into the back seat together.

The driver was a very honest person. After Lu Cheng and Tong Yuan'an fastened their seat belts, he slowly started the car.

When neither Lu Cheng nor Tong Yuan'an spoke, Mu Nanshu happened to send a message, with three large segments initially, plainly conveying some information she inadvertently heard from Xie Yuan'an.

"Hmm, maybe it's a coincidence, but I also heard Professor Tan from Xiangya Hospital mentioning this today." Lu Cheng typed back.

"Lu Cheng, I called Professor Zhong behind your back, and what he meant was that collaboration is the only way to win."

"Combining your tendon suturing technique with that of Dr. Han's nerve suturing technique could potentially pave a new way in reconstruction surgery."

"Currently, the surgical methods in functional reconstruction in your hand surgery department are very limited, waiting for you to expand and redefine them."

"I think what Professor Zhong said makes sense." Mu Nanshu, talking alone with Lu Cheng, offered more impartial advice.

Lu Cheng wasn't intoxicated, not even high, and he was very, very sober now.

Lu Cheng: "Projects must be done in collaboration, but the project direction is something I can choose."

"Book Bag, for a long period, I'm more likely to be working in the emergency department, and functional reconstruction is a planned elective procedure."

"When doing projects, if needed, I can go help, all considering the patients' treatment effects."

Mu Nanshu: "Aren't you surprised?"

Lu Cheng replied: "Unexpected, but understandable."

"Professor Tan Zhongyuan, who told me about this, has also cultivated many people himself. How could a big boss devote all his energy to one person?"

"Such favor, besides the big boss's own child, is something I, Lu Cheng, cannot bear, nor do I think anyone can."

"Perhaps, after officially starting work, that Dr. Han from Union Hospital will also find that Professor Zhong gives more attention to others."

"Even the most outstanding ones, except in dramas and novels, cannot be instantly trusted and appreciated one hundred percent."

"It's too magical."

Stopping for a moment, Lu Cheng then added: "Let's not think about it too much now. Whenever Professor Zhong talks to me, then I'll express my thoughts."

"For now, let's pretend nothing has happened?"

"Anyway, considering actions not intentions, for now, Professor Zhong has neither harmed me nor failed to support us significantly."