Rebirth 1977 Great Era

Chapter 1176, "A Comprehensive Guide to Herbal Medicine from Southeast Asia," concludes the book; the celebration banquet at the end of July (two chapters combined).
Meng Jimin said:
"Your method of 'using money to tie people down' is indeed practical... but what if someone actually breaches the contract and can't afford to pay ten times the amount? We can't really drive people to desperation, can we?"

"When the time comes, people will put up big-character posters or just stand on the roof. No matter what else, it will ultimately damage your reputation."

Fang Yan shook his head:
“Old Meng, this contract is a two-way street. I haven’t wronged them in any way. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. If it really comes to that, I’d rather suffer some damage to my reputation than fail to uphold this rule.”

"The agreement clearly states that the fund covers tuition and accommodation fees, and provides a monthly living allowance of fifteen yuan, which is enough for them to eat meat dishes every day in the cafeteria. Moreover, over the past five years, they have become more familiar with the herbs in the herb garden than with their own fingers, and their medical records are thicker than textbooks. Do you think such people would easily breach the contract? If they were just coasting along, they would be kicked out within the first six months. The fund is not without a review mechanism; it is not meant to support idlers."

Upon hearing the dialect spoken this way, Meng Jimin nodded and said:

"Hey, if you had told me this earlier, I wouldn't have worried about it for nothing."

"I'm just afraid you'll get taken advantage of."

He paused after speaking, then asked:
"You previously said that foreign pharmaceutical companies would poach our staff. How serious can that be? Our traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions are passed down from our ancestors. Even if they poach our staff, can they really steal our prescriptions?"

This is all still uncertain, and Meng Jimin feels that the dialect is still too tense.

Fang Yan turned at the next intersection under the direction of the traffic police at the street corner, saying at the same time:
"Grabbing prescriptions is a stupid method; they're even better at grabbing people. Think about it: when the policies loosen at the end of the year, those foreign pharmaceutical companies will come with US dollars, offering ten times the salary, saying they don't need to memorize the Inner Canon or the Golden Chamber, and that they can work in their newly built factories to do new drug research and development. Do you think recent graduates wouldn't be tempted?"

After saying that, he added meaningfully:

"Foreign pharmaceutical companies have actually been eyeing the domestic market for a long time, you just don't know it yet."

The younger brother glanced at Meng Jimin and knew that his third brother was referring to his maternal great-uncle who had been arrested earlier.

Meng Jimin immediately thought of the times when doctors and universities in the United States and Japan had tried to win over people with dialects during their visits, and nodded thoughtfully, saying:
"That's true, my master mentioned it."

Any doctor in China with a certain reputation will be attracted by these foreign investments to some extent.

He said in dialect:

"That's why we need to lay a solid foundation. Everyone in the world is driven by profit. I'm not talking about sentiments or obligations; I'm just talking about interests. We need to establish a mature chain of interests, from top to bottom, so that it can develop in an orderly and healthy manner. This will allow our traditional Chinese medicine to have the same robust framework as Western medicine, so that we can stand tall in front of pharmaceutical companies. What they can give, we can give too, and we can even give more. That's the real source of our confidence."

"Most people are ordinary. I believe that dedication is useful to some people, but useless to most people. So let's talk about interests. If we're going to be pragmatic, then so be it!"

Upon hearing this, Meng Jimin nodded in agreement.

……

Fang Yan did not participate in the remaining two days of the college entrance examination.

He, like everyone else, spent all his time in the research institute.

The exam venues were all staffed by other people, and we didn't encounter any major problems. However, some exam venues did have some candidates and their families suffering from heatstroke. The weather in July is indeed hot, but thankfully everyone received timely medical treatment.

This highly anticipated national college entrance examination has come to an end.

After the college entrance examination, social activities become even more lively.

Fang Yan learned from Lao Hu that the domestic box office of "Once Upon a Time in China" began to grow rapidly after the college entrance examination, as if everyone was too stressed before and now they started to spend money on movies.

Fang Yan was also somewhat unexpected; he never imagined that copying a script by Wong Fei-hung would generate such a strong reaction.

However, Fang Yan really didn't have time to go to the movies during this period. His work had entered its final stage, and everyone was busy finishing up.

Once this work is finished, we'll move on to the typesetting and printing stage.

It was decided beforehand that color plate printing would be used.

Therefore, all the images included need to be real photos, which is a huge undertaking.

Fang Yan, as the main person in charge of the project, is currently busy with these matters.

At this point, there were still eight days until August 1st.

In addition, the expansion of the Secret Formula Research Institute is also underway.

The notice from Director Sun of the Ministry of Health has been issued, but it is still in the stage of wrangling. Some localities are reluctant to release people, and some people live too far away. Even after agreeing to release people, we still need to do some work for them and even negotiate some conditions, such as the jobs their family members will have after arriving in Beijing, and what they did before. The reassigned jobs must not be worse than before.

Otherwise, family members will have no choice but to not come, and they will be separated from their families, which many people are unwilling to accept.

The easiest problem to solve here is actually the children's schooling. The adults have far more problems than the children. Director Sun originally wanted to leave these matters to Fang Yan, but in fact, these are all things he should solve, so he had no choice but to start pulling in his own hands.

However, the experts who had returned to China that Editor-in-Chief Xia had contacted earlier were more enthusiastic than expected after hearing the news. They didn't make any demands at all, and when they heard that they could come back to do research, and at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, they agreed without hesitation.

The main reason is that they are originally from Beijing, and many of them were thinking about how to come back. This is like a pillow being delivered when they were sleepy. Moreover, the place where they work is a top-level research unit of traditional Chinese medicine that is very difficult to get into.

Not only them, but their families are also very supportive.

They've already started actively buying train tickets, preparing to bring their whole family back to the city.

Vice President Zhao Xiwu is also busy with this matter. There are a lot of things to arrange for the dozen or so people who have returned, along with their families. He had promised Fang Yan that he would help resolve this issue, but Fang Yan is busy with another project and can't get away, so it's up to him to take care of it.

As for the matter that the Dean of Peking Union Medical College Hospital had previously agreed to... the transfer of Huang Li, who was in charge of scientific research project management under Vice Dean Chen, to Fang Yan went quite smoothly, and Huang Li has already arrived today.

He checked in with Fang Yan, and then went to Zeng Luquan's place to find out about the current situation of the research institute. He wanted to sort everything out before the person arrived.

When the time came to July 29th, at 3 pm, in the conference room of the research institute.

Vice President Zhao Xiwu looked around at the group of people in the conference room.

The scene is completely different from what it was just over ten days ago; everyone looks tired.

Many people have unshaven beards and dark circles under their eyes, especially older people, who look particularly tired.

But everyone's eyes were bright at that moment.

All eyes fell on the thick stack of the final draft of "A Comprehensive Guide to Materia Medica of Southeast Asia and Clinical Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Tropical Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine" in the center of the table, with fresh ink still on it.

"Ahem," Zhao Xiwu cleared his throat, his voice tinged with fatigue but overflowing with barely suppressed excitement, "Comrades, I announce..." His voice trembled with excitement, but before he could finish speaking, someone started clapping, instantly igniting the entire conference room.

Wow——!
A burst of enthusiastic applause erupted suddenly and lasted for a long time.

Some people had red eyes, some rubbed their sore temples, and relieved smiles bloomed on every face.

Old Cheng took off his reading glasses and slowly wiped the lenses with a cloth; the young researchers excitedly patted each other on the shoulder; even the usually reserved members of the Central Health Care Group smiled and nodded frequently.

"Incredible! They managed to crack this tough nut in just over ten days!" Professor Wang Wending patted Wang Boyue beside him. "Old friend, this efficiency is unimaginable in the past!"

“Yes,” Wang Boyue pushed up his glasses and looked at Fang Yan, who was surrounded by a group of people, “The key is that we have Fang Yan as our backbone. He has a clear mind and great courage. His memory is also amazing. He can remember anything you ask. With him in such an irreplaceable position, we have managed to combine our experience in Southeast Asia, jungle warfare, modern pharmacology, and our traditional knowledge into a cohesive whole!”

"This book, let alone a gift, I think it can be used as a 'talisman'!"

Fang Yan was pulled aside by several senior professors to talk, and a rare relaxed smile appeared on his face. The fatigue from days of hard work seemed to be greatly relieved by his excitement at this moment.

He solemnly addressed the crowd:
"Thank you all for your hard work! The value of this book is inseparable from your efforts! We have already contacted Editor-in-Chief Xia of the People's Medical Publishing House for the layout and sample illustrations. We must finish the hardcover, color-printed sample before August 1st so that our comrades in the troops can see our good intentions as soon as possible!!"

Next, Zhao Xiwu gave a concluding speech, and Fang Yan then took the materials to the publishing house.

Editor-in-Chief Xia had already made preparations. They would be working overtime for the next two days, but Fang Yan would not be with them. Fang Yan had indeed been exhausted over the past ten days.

I plan to take a good two-day rest.

At the Secret Formula Research Institute, people recommended by Editor-in-Chief Xia have already reported for duty, but they haven't officially started working yet. The institute's mission will officially begin once there are a few more people.

Those who have returned are now arranging jobs for their family members and schooling for their children.

That evening, the research institute was also organizing a banquet, and Fang Yan, as a key member of the project, was required to attend.

At 7 p.m., the internal canteen of the Huaxia Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine was brightly lit and temporarily set up as a celebration banquet.

The original square tables were put together and covered with a clean tablecloth.

The air was filled with the aroma of food and wine. Exhaustion and excitement were intertwined on everyone's faces, and even the dark circles under their eyes and stubble were brightened by smiles.

The atmosphere was lively and harmonious, devoid of insincere formalities and filled with heartfelt sincerity. The sounds of clinking glasses and cheerful laughter filled the air.

All the experts involved in the project, whether they were leading figures in the Central Health Care Group, key members of the research institute, Editor-in-Chief Xia of the publishing house, or young researchers, put aside their status and rank at this moment and were all immersed in the great joy and relief of the successful completion of the project.

Vice President Zhao Xiwu, beaming, raised his glass first: "This first toast is for everyone! These past ten days have truly been nonstop, day and night! Especially our senior colleagues and our young Director Fang, their eyes are almost dry from exhaustion. But this dedication and effort has been worth it! The 'Comprehensive Treatise on Nanyang Materia Medica' is complete! It is a shining example of our research institute's achievements, and for each and every one of us here! Thank you all for your hard work!"

"Cheers!" The crowd responded enthusiastically, downing their drinks in one gulp, their faces beaming with pride.

Many people came over to offer toasts during the meal, and they accepted all the toasts in their local dialects.

These are all elites in traditional Chinese medicine; we have to give them face.

However, as more people arrived, Fang Yan still addressed them:

"We'll be dealing with each other a lot in the future, so let's not make it feel like this is our last meeting and keep trying to get me drunk!"

This caused everyone to burst into laughter.

Then some people came to ask Fang Yan to drink, and one of them said to Fang Yan:

"With this book providing support in the south, our comrades on the front lines will have much more confidence! I'll do it!"

Fang Yan recognized him as a comrade who had previously supported medical construction in the area. Having drunk a bit too much, he blurted out his true feelings. The others, however, didn't seem to mind, and even chuckled, pointing at the comrade who had offered the toast.
"Look at the way he's acting, we'd better not have to get someone to carry him back later."

They had just finished drinking and hadn't even eaten a few bites of food when more people arrived.

"Come, come, Director Fang, where's Director Fang?" A group of young researchers, holding wine glasses, crowded around Fang Yan. "This toast must be to you! You're the commander-in-chief. Without you taking charge, keeping track of everything, and coordinating everything, how could we be this efficient!"

Fang Yan had just exchanged a few words with Fang Heqian when he was suddenly surrounded by enthusiastic "attacks." He quickly picked up his wine glass, which contained plain water that Old Zhao had specially changed for him, and smiled sincerely, but with a hint of pleading:
"Fellow disciples, please have mercy on me! I was just telling you 'don't make it feel like the last time we meet,' and you guys really have no manners!"

"Hahaha..." A burst of laughter erupted around them. A young man mischievously shouted, "Director Fang, after we finish this drink, we're guaranteed to meet again! Everyone knows you still have a lot of projects waiting for us, right? You're the 'backbone' you can't run away from!" This remark drew another round of approving agreement and laughter.

At that moment, Master Lu Donghua squeezed through and handed Fang Yan a large piece of braised pork that had been steamed until it was soft and tender: "Quick, have something to eat. Your stomach can't handle just drinking." His eyes were full of concern for Fang Yan's tireless efforts over the past ten days.

"Thank you, Master!" Fang Yan thanked Lao Lu and started eating.

Of the three masters, Lu Donghua was the closest to him.

At this moment, Editor-in-Chief Xia and his wife, Lin Yin, also came over with their cups. Editor-in-Chief Xia patted Fang Yan's arm vigorously, his voice excited: "Director Fang! It's been hard work, but this was done beautifully! You can rest assured about the typesetting; our publishing house will do everything in our power to get it done before August 1st! I've seen this book published, and its influence will definitely be significant! Our publishing house will also benefit from it!"

Lin Yin also said with a smile, "That's right, Director Fang is really good at everything! Ancient book restoration, pharmacological analysis, overall coordination... Oh, and on top of that, he's a great cook. Today's dishes are even more delicious than usual! He's a true all-rounder!"

He said in dialect:

"When we get to my house, I'll cook you another meal."

Editor-in-Chief Xia said with a smile:

"Haha, that's great!"

At this point, more people gathered around, and someone asked:

"Director Fang, now that the book is out, please sign it for all of us! It'll be a medal of honor for all of us!"

"Sign! Of course we'll sign. The publisher and printing company will print all our names on it; everyone will get a copy!"

At this moment, a researcher standing nearby said:

"This book is the culmination of our collective wisdom, and the credit belongs to everyone! If you ask me, everyone should put their red handprint on the title page! That would be the mark of the collective! Just like the people in Guangzhou, they also put their handprints on it."

"This somewhat childish suggestion unexpectedly resonated with many."

"Great idea! Let's use handprints!"

"Yes, yes, yes! Red handprints! That's more like it!"

The atmosphere grew increasingly enthusiastic, and everyone seemed to be beginning to imagine what that monumental work, the culmination of their hard work, would look like.

Well, I can tell the dialect now. This is the style they want here, just like the style at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine.

“No problem!” Fang Yan said.

"Go find the red inkpad!" someone shouted, and two young researchers immediately scurried off to the office.

“The books aren’t even here, what’s the point of going to get them?” Zhao Xiwu said.

Editor-in-Chief Xia said:

"It's okay, just put your fingerprint on the blank page, and it will be printed on later."

Upon hearing this, the two immediately ran out.

When he came back, he was carrying a red lacquered inkpad box.

Then it was sent to Zhao Xiwu.

Then everyone found a piece of white paper, signed it, and then pressed their fingerprints on it.

Everyone urged Fang Yan to go first. Fang Yan first straightened his sleeves, then signed his name and steadily pressed his fingerprint down. The purplish-red fingerprint looked like a full flower.

Next, the others followed suit. Jiao Shude, Lu Donghua, and Cheng Xinnong all reached out and pressed their withered knuckles into the inkpad, leaving their marks next to the dialect handprints.

Lu Donghua smiled and said:
"Even my old bones have kept up with the times. If this book is revised again in the future, I'll come back!"

People lined up to press their handprints. The young people laughed and compared whose handprint was the most neat, while the old professors looked solemn, as if they were pressing not their fingerprints, but a heavy promise.

At this moment, Fang Yan saw Editor-in-Chief Xia and squeezed in, camera in hand:
"Don't move! I'm taking a picture of everyone! We'll use this page of red handprints as the background, and the title will be 'The Medals of Honor for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners'!"

The flash went off, capturing the smiling faces and the row of red handprints of varying shades in the room.

……

The next day soon came.

After today's ward rounds, Fang Yan gave herself a day off to rest.

After working for more than ten days, losing a lot of brain cells, I finally finished the task and only then did I have time to deal with other things.

My father, father-in-law, Ma Wenying, and her personal secretary have already finished the production line manual and are now working on upgrading it.

I'm doing research in the dialect study right now.

Fang Yan was busy in the yard. His wife, having nothing to do, had also planted some things at home, but because she had no experience, most of them didn't survive. Fang Yan was busy replanting flowers and plants.

"It's not easy for crops to survive in this sweltering heat!" the younger brother, who had farmed before, reminded him in dialect.

"It's nothing, just playing around," Fang Yan said casually.

Old Hu leaned back in his rattan chair, holding a newly delivered box office report, and clicked his tongue in amazement: "I have to say... you really have a knack for turning everything into gold! The ancient books over there are being compiled with great fanfare, and the box office of 'Once Upon a Time in China' seems to be benefiting from the good fortune. As soon as the college entrance exams were over, wow! The attendance rate was like a rocket taking off! The cinema manager was grinning from ear to ear!"

Fang Yan said with a smile:

"Everyone's been holding back for so long. The college entrance exam has affected so many people's nerves. Now that it's over, everyone needs to catch their breath and watch something cathartic. The film 'Once Upon a Time in China' is pretty good, and it's a good outlet for everyone's emotions."

"That's right!" Old Hu put down the briefing and leaned closer. "The box office is booming, Director Liao must be happy, and our revenue is even more substantial."

Fang Yan nodded.

At this point, Lao Hu said again:
"By the way, haven't Director Sun's people arrived yet? I've already prepared the positions for them."

He said in dialect:

"No, he didn't handle this matter very well, and the local authorities aren't very supportive of his work. I estimate that the staff will gradually arrive next month. However, a few of the people recommended by Editor-in-Chief Xia have returned. I'll go and deal with things over there after I finish my rest and attend the August 1st meeting."

Old Hu then asked:
"How's that borrowed plum?"

He said in dialect:

"good……"

After saying this, he continued:
"To be honest, I feel that Lao He is more capable. Mainly because Lao He knows more about traditional Chinese medicine, and he has lived abroad before. He also works well with Lao Zeng. Huang Li can barely be used without Lao He."

Lao Hu said:

"You said he went to sea to work on a research vessel for sanitation support, but it's been so long and he hasn't replied."

He said in dialect:

"There's nothing we can do about it. That's just how communication technology is... Even if it could transmit data, it would only be for reporting important work. It's normal that we can't get in touch with them."

Just then, the sound of a car engine came from outside the courtyard gate, followed by a knock on the door. It was Director Chen, who had finished his exams a few days earlier.

Director Chen, accompanied by his wife, entered with great excitement and said:
"Brother Fang! Hey, I feel like I did pretty well on the exam this time! All thanks to those few 'mind-clearing needles'!"

"Then congratulations in advance?" Old Hu asked from the side.

According to Fang Yan, Director Chen didn't pass the entrance exam in the past; he was only admitted after the enrollment was expanded.

I wonder how he'll fare this time?

"Hehe, no need." Director Chen laughed heartily.

After he found a wicker chair and sat down, he saw the report in Lao Hu's hand and said:

"Wow, you guys have really made a big splash. Even my wife says the streets and movie theaters are packed with people lately. Is 'Once Upon a Time in China' really that popular? Aren't you planning to make a sequel?"

Sun Jialin also said:

"Exactly! I almost couldn't get a ticket this afternoon! You guys should hurry up and make a sequel, it's sure to be a hit!"

Old Hu looked at Fang Yan and asked:
"Then why don't you write another script?"

PS: The basic chapter of 6000 words has been updated.

(End of this chapter)