Rebirth 1977 Great Era

Chapter 1197 The Deterrence Works Immediately, What Are the Japanese Doing Now? (Two Chapters Combined)
The phrase in the dialect, "I'm petty and don't like to swallow my anger," was still echoing in the meeting room when he had already turned around and pushed open the door to leave.

Meng Jimin, Huang Li, Zeng Luquan, and Vice President Zhao Xiwu also followed them out.

As the door to the dialect closed, there was a moment of deathly silence in the conference room, followed by suppressed gasps of breath.

Qin Guantao, Jiang Yansheng, and others, who had just felt that the group competition was a "waste of their talents," were now pale-faced and sweating profusely.

The consequences of Helian Zhang being publicly dismissed and having to be reported to his unit were like a bucket of ice water, waking them from their arrogance.

They had no doubt about the weight of the dialect phrases "petty people don't like to swallow their anger" and "anyone who dares to do so will be an obstacle to be cleared away."

After exchanging bewildered glances, no one dared to voice a single objection.

Shen Yanzhi held the cup of hot water that Fang Yan had poured for him. The water was warm, but his hands were no longer trembling.

The sense of humiliation in my heart was greatly alleviated by the comforting words in the dialect at the end.

He looked at the crumpled notebook in his hand, took a deep breath, and straightened his back.

The other experts on the return of migrants also straightened their backs, their eyes regaining their resolve.

The dialect not only stood up for them, but also showed everyone through their actions that here, ability and attitude are more important than seniority.

On the other hand...

Fang Yan has already gone downstairs.

"Hey!" Meng Jimin quickened his pace to catch up, his face beaming with barely suppressed excitement, and said to Fang Yan:

"Director Fang, brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! That move you just made was brilliant!" He lowered his voice, his tone full of admiration.

"With just a few words, he subdued those arrogant guys and even comforted his own people who had been wronged. His swift and decisive actions were truly masterful!" He gave a thumbs up as he spoke.

The others nearby nodded in agreement.

Huang Li was the least familiar with the dialect. He was still unconsciously clutching the notebook he had just used to record Helian Zhang's words and actions, his eyes shining, and he quickly expressed his opinion:
"Director Fang, that was so satisfying! That Helian Zhang is utterly arrogant and started trying to create division right from the start. Your handling of the situation was incredibly timely! I'll follow your instructions and compile his outrageous remarks and your proposed solutions into a formal report, which I'll submit to the Ministry of Health and the Shenyang Institute word for word! Let him know what happens when he tries to act tough here!"

Zeng Luquan, the technical director of the research institute, followed a little slower. He adjusted his glasses, his eyes revealing a more relaxed attitude born from pragmatism.
"That's good. Let's cut the Gordian knot and avoid future research and development going wrong."

“I think these people are too arrogant, so they need to be given a good talking-to. Now that the grouping plan is finalized, the research can finally get on track. Deputy Director Meng is right, once the core is stable, everything else will go smoothly.”

Zhao Xiwu, the deputy director of the research institute, walked last, a barely perceptible smile on his face. He patted Fang Yan's arm heavily.
"Good lad! You've got a sense of responsibility and principles! There must be zero tolerance for actions that undermine unity! Your handling of the situation today was absolutely correct. You were firm when necessary, lenient when appropriate, and offered a helping hand when needed."

"Keep this momentum! The project belongs to the country, and the principles and rules are ironclad! Go for it! If you need anything, the research institute will provide full support. These experts need someone to keep them in check so they can get the job done properly."

He kept walking, listening to his companions' sincere praise and summaries, his expression remained unchanged, but his eyes became even sharper.

After going downstairs, he said directly to Huang Li:

"Huang Li, send out the report as soon as it's finished! Don't leave it overnight! At the same time, call the Shenyang Institute and verbally inform them that He Lianzhang has been dismissed and suspended from his post due to serious violations of institute discipline, disruption of teamwork, regional discrimination, and verbal abuse of comrades."

"We formally request that they, in accordance with the agreement and the original plan, send a qualified replacement expert with good political qualities and a spirit of cooperation to report for duty within three days! Let them know that our dialect research institute will not support such a scourge of superiority!"

Huang Li nodded and wrote it down.

He then turned to look at Zeng Luquan, his tone resolute yet steady:
"Professor Zeng, they can coordinate the group assignments themselves in half an hour. I will personally go down to check the group assignments and announce the task details in half an hour. Today, we must ensure that the research direction, objectives, and timelines are strictly adhered to! Those who have been assigned to groups, please distribute your materials immediately; not a minute can be wasted."

Zeng Luquan nodded.

Then Fang Yan said to Zhao Xiwu:
"I've already spoken to the higher-ups beforehand, so they won't criticize us later."

Zhao Xiwu asked:
"You go and say hello to Director Sun?"

Fang Yan shook his head and said:
"Of course not. It's better not to say anything than to greet him. I'll go call Vice Minister Li."

When Zhao Xiwu heard that Fang Yan wanted to contact Vice Minister Li directly, he frowned slightly, took two quick steps, grabbed Fang Yan's arm, and whispered:

“The person was transferred by Director Sun, and we’re going directly to Vice Minister Li without him… This is probably adding fuel to the fire! He’s already dissatisfied with the staffing allocation, and what if he uses this as an excuse to say your procedures were irregular…”

Fang Yan paused, turned around and stared directly at Zhao Xiwu, his eyes sharp as knives:

"Precisely because he was transferred by Director Sun, we must not look for him!"

"Helian Zhang dared to publicly berate his comrades today, calling them 'who they are' and engaging in regional separatism. This is a political incident that undermines the country's foreign exchange earning strategy! Director Sun, as the person primarily responsible for the personnel transfer, will bear the brunt of the blame for his negligence in personnel selection!"

"If I report it to him according to the normal procedure, what will he do? He will either suppress the report and force me to swallow my anger, or he will downplay the regional discrimination as inappropriate language, but our project cannot afford this kind of muddling through!"

"As the project's top leader, Vice Minister Li directly shoulders the political risks of the foreign exchange earning task! Reporting emergencies to the highest-ranking leader directly under him is compliant, reasonable, and justifiable!"

"Huang Li took a detailed record of the entire process today, with all the witnesses and evidence present! If Director Sun dares to obstruct the proceedings..."

"If I don't mind causing Helian Zhang to split up, I'll also lay out the issue of his 'perfect' personnel transfer list and explain it all clearly!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiwu finally nodded slowly.

His brow relaxed, and he said to Fang Yan:

"You're putting Director Sun on the spot..."

"But it's the right thing to do! I don't believe they dared to cause trouble for me today without anyone backing them up."

“Characterizing Helian Zhang’s actions as undermining the country’s foreign exchange earning strategy goes far beyond ordinary personnel disputes and is in line with the emergency procedure of reporting directly to the relevant ministerial-level leader.”

He spoke in dialect:

"Okay, then we'll do it your way!"

Then Fang Yan went to make a phone call.

The moment the call connected, the sharpness on his face softened slightly, and his tone became firm:

"Minister Li, this is Fang Yan. I have an urgent matter to report to you..."

Upon hearing the dialect, a soft rustling of papers came through the receiver, followed by a pause, and then Vice Minister Li's voice:

"Xiao Fang? What happened?"

The dialect gets straight to the point:

“Three minutes ago, I dismissed He Lianzhang, an expert from the Shenyang Institute. This person publicly insulted the returning experts at the project launch meeting today, calling them ‘who they are,’ inciting regional antagonism and undermining the foundation of the foreign exchange earning project cooperation.”

“I suspended him on the spot on the grounds of ‘undermining the country’s foreign exchange earning strategy.’ The evidence was recorded in the whole process by my colleagues. The institute leaders were also present. The report on the handling will be submitted to the ministry later.”

“Now I want to request that the Shenyang Institute replace the personnel within three days, as per the agreement, but Director Sun is the person in charge of Helian Zhang’s transfer…”

There was a sudden silence on the other end of the phone; even the sound of breathing seemed to have disappeared.

A few seconds later, Vice Minister Li's voice suddenly deepened by eight octaves:

"Was Helian Zhang's transfer file marked as 'priority recommendation' by the Science and Technology Department?"

"Yes," Fang Yan said.

The attached document to the transfer order stated that he had "outstanding political qualities".

"What a fine 'outstanding'!" Vice Minister Li sneered, Fang Yan could almost picture him throwing down his pen.
"Fang Yan, you did the right thing by skipping the Science and Technology Department and reporting directly to me! If your hands are clean, why are you afraid of being seen?"

The sound of a drawer being violently pulled open came from the receiver. Vice Minister Li then said:
"Have your report sent to my office as soon as possible! I want to see which link in the chain managed to whitewash the files of this separatist!"

“Okay!” Fang Yan agreed.

Then Vice Minister Li said:

"You focus on stabilizing the team now. I'll nominate a replacement for Shenyang directly. After that, who will dare to use procedural issues to stop you..."

He spoke each word:
"Just tell him that I approved your decision to act first and report later! The front lines of foreign exchange earnings don't need bureaucrats, they need soldiers!"

The dialect should be:

"Understood! Thank you for your support, leader."

Fang Yan had essentially obtained a powerful authority from his superiors. After communicating with them and hanging up the phone, Fang Yan immediately arranged to deliver the items to the Ministry of Health.

Fang Yan didn't send Huang Li, but instead invited Meng Jimin. Compared to Huang Li, Fang Yan trusted Meng more.

Furthermore, Huang and Li will have to pay the price later. It's better to let your own people have the opportunity to show off in front of the leaders. At least it lets the leaders know who their subordinates are.

After receiving the task, Meng Jimin immediately agreed. Fang Yan gave him his car keys and told him to take the notes Huang Li had made directly to the location.

After making the arrangements here, Fang Yan led everyone back upstairs.

However, they didn't go in; they just stayed in the hallway outside, listening to the discussions inside.

The three people speaking now are from Guangzhou, speaking Mandarin with a slight accent.

Fang Yan heard Huang Mingcan's voice coming: "Our group is going to focus on the Bone Injury Relief Patch! Engineer Kuang, Engineer Xian, come with me! The pharmacological analysis work is the most demanding. Expert Qin from Shanghai, your team is excellent in toxicological analysis, why don't you come and work with us?!"

Then, Xian Molin, who is also from Guangzhou, said:

"Um... Comrade Yang Bingyi! The low-temperature extraction method you mentioned earlier at the medicinal herb processing institute can solve the problem of patch adhesion! I think you should join our group!"

The dialect revealed that the Guangzhou trio was forming a team, and they had invited Qin Guanhai from Shanghai.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Jiang Yansheng from Nanjing, having abandoned his arrogance, proactively extended an olive branch to Shen Yanzhi, who had just been humiliated:
"Mr. Shen, you just mentioned that you have experience with the Nanyang Standards certification process. Our team needs your support in this area. We are also fully committed to cooperating with any other needs you may have!"

Cui Jingzhou from Tianjin, who was also in the same group as him, quickly seized the remaining resources:
"By the way, it's not just Engineer Shen, but also Comrades Chen Shoupu and Wu Qiyuan, as well as Engineer Jiang and me! One of you understands microbial testing, and the other is thoroughly familiar with the pharmacopoeia's incompatibilities. The bacterial control and formulation safety of the capsules depend on the two of you!"

Fang Yan listened at the door as they gradually divided the group into groups, and roughly understood what was going on.

The first group is a top-tier team from Guangzhou and Shanghai, led by Huang Mingcan. This group has four top experts, and the others are experts who have returned from Beijing.

The second group was the Nanjing-Tianjin combination, led by Jiang Yansheng. Apart from him, Cui Jingzhou was the only other top expert in this group. The eighteen people on site were quickly assigned to different groups according to their respective situations.

Fang Yan checked the time; it had been about half an hour.

So he led the others inside.

As soon as the door opened and he appeared, the room, which had been filled with faint conversations, fell into complete silence.

Top experts such as Huang Mingcan, Kuang Shouzhen, Xian Molin, Qin Guantao, Jiang Yansheng, and Cui Jingzhou, as well as returning experts such as Shen Yanzhi, all stopped writing and discussing, and focused their attention on him.

Having just experienced the storm, everyone's expressions were complex and varied.

There was awe, tension, and speculation. The arrogance that had just been felt as if grouping people was a waste of their talents had vanished, replaced by a solemn atmosphere as if awaiting judgment.

Fang Yan walked straight to the head seat, his gaze sharp as he slowly swept across the room before beginning to speak:
"Half an hour has passed, is the coordination over?"

No one spoke. Everyone was a little scared when they saw Fang Yan. They had just dealt with Helian Zhang and witnessed Fang Yan's ruthless methods. They were afraid of offending him.

In the end, Huang Mingcan stepped forward and said:
"Reporting to Director Fang, the group coordination is complete! Two task forces have been initially formed: the first group, led by me, will focus on the Bone Injury Relief Patch; the second group, led by Comrade Jiang Yansheng, will focus on the Sanhuang Qingwen Capsule! The specific personnel list has been finalized."

As he spoke, he handed a piece of paper covered with names to Fang Yan.

At the same time, he didn't forget to call out to Jiang Yansheng, urging him to hand in the list as soon as possible.

Jiang Yansheng had just offended Fang Yan, and he felt very uncomfortable. He lowered his head and handed in the list with Huang Mingcan.

Fang Yan took the list and quickly glanced at it.

The names on the list perfectly matched the division of labor he had overheard outside the door.

He didn't ask for details, nor did he question the rationality of the grouping. The list would speak for itself, and he had already made a clear judgment based on the discussions he overheard outside the door.

Silence itself is a form of invisible pressure.

He pointed to two thick stacks of file folders placed in the corner of the table:

"Very good! Group leaders, immediately distribute the complete data for your respective projects! Pharmacological data, feedback from clinical applications in Southeast Asia, preliminary obstacle analysis of European regulations—all the key data is included!"

"The details and direction of the mission have already been clarified at the kick-off meeting. I will only reiterate three points!"

The meeting room was so quiet that even breathing was done with extreme caution.

"First, the deadline is tight! One month! By this time next month, both teams must produce a complete solution that has been verified in the lab and meets preliminary international standards! I need to see detailed data support, a feasible process route, and a clear international compliance path! Not a single day can be delayed! Daily progress reports must be submitted and archived."

"Secondly, collaboration is the ironclad rule! Within the group, or between groups, if there are any technical bottlenecks or resource needs, go to Professor Zeng, Deputy Director Meng, or me! If anyone is hiding things or trying to sabotage each other..." Fang Yan's eyes suddenly sharpened, like an invisible blade sweeping across the room once again.

“You all know where Helian Zhang’s file has been sent! Anyone who dares to create division, engage in internal strife, or hinder the progress of the foreign exchange earnings mission is standing against the foreign exchange earnings strategy, and their fate will be even worse than his! This institute does not tolerate idlers, much less troublemakers!”

"Comrade Huang Li!" Fang Yan called out as he turned around.

"exist!"

Huang Li subconsciously straightened his back.

"The recorder follows the entire process. Every discussion in the latter two groups, every person's speech, every dispute and resolution must be recorded and archived without missing a single word! I want to see not only the results, but also the process!"

Huang Li nodded and wrote it down.

Fang Yan continued:

"Third, ability speaks for itself, and attitude determines altitude! In the group competition, the final result is tangible. One month later, the group leader whose solution is solid and who is the first to pass international standard certification will become the department head of the corresponding research direction! Outstanding members will not miss out on the technical bonus! Here, seniority is zero; results and collaboration are the only passports!"

After speaking, Fang Yan paused, then looked at the largest group of returning experts and said:
"Finally, to all the returning experts from Beijing, I am well aware of your professional competence in your respective fields. Go for it! Your experience and skills are indispensable to the project! Feeling wronged? Let your results speak for themselves! Here, no one can erase your contributions with just words! If you have real skills, let them shine!"

Upon hearing Fang Yan's words, the pent-up frustration that the returning experts had felt when they were humiliated by Helian Zhang seemed to be dispelled by Fang Yan's last words.

Many people had slightly red eyes, but they nodded vigorously in response to Fang Yan's gaze.

"Jiang and Huang, each group leader, take full responsibility! You've accepted the task, and you've also signed the pledge! Lead your teams well, and I'll see how you perform in a month!" Fang Yan said to the two group leaders.

The two nodded quickly.

Fang Yan continued:

"Comrade Huang Li, the group list is now officially registered. Personnel, return to your positions immediately! Distribute the materials immediately! Each group must submit a preliminary research plan, an estimate of technical difficulties, and a list of resource requirements by today!"

"Yes," Huang Li replied.

Fang Yan said to Zeng Luquan:
"Professor Zeng, you'll be in charge of following up and coordinating!"

Zeng Luquan nodded:
"Understood, Director Fang!"

Fang Yan clapped his hands and said:

"Alright, let's move out! From this moment on, the research institute is entering wartime mode! Every second counts, and our goal is to produce results recognized in the international market and contribute to the country's foreign exchange earnings!"

Almost as soon as he finished speaking, Zeng Luquan and Huang Li had already taken action.

As the file folder was opened, the sounds of rubbing papers and flipping through pages filled the air. Huang Mingcan and Jiang Yansheng, their expressions grave, immediately huddled together with their core team members, their fingers rapidly clicking through the documents.

No one questioned the rules anymore, and no one cared about so-called "seniority." Helian Zhang's public dismissal was like a sword hanging over his head, and the "military order" that required results a month later was an even heavier pressure and opportunity that allowed no failure.

The conference room, which had just been filled with apprehension, was instantly filled with a highly focused sense of urgency.

Everyone was engrossed in their papers, their pens flying across their notebooks. The intense yet restrained discussions blended together, a far cry from the previous arrogance and skepticism.

Fang Yan recalled what the dean had taught him a while ago: "Establish ironclad rules, clarify responsibilities, ensure logistics, divide and conquer, and be firm when necessary!" Today, he put all of that into practice. (See Chapter 1164)
Vice Dean Zhao Xiwu, who had come to help Fang Yan keep things under control, was at a loss for words. He had thought that Fang Yan, this greenhorn, would definitely suffer against these seasoned veterans and that he would have to come and help him in the end. But he didn't expect that Fang Yan's combination of moves would be so skillful.

Even Zhao Xiwu felt that apart from the methods being a bit too ruthless, there was nothing to criticize.

If he were Fang Yan's age, he would probably be driven to illness by these old hands, and he wouldn't have Fang Yan's thunderous methods.

There must be a master guiding them!
Zhao Xiwu thought to himself.

But that makes sense, there are many experts behind dialects, and any one of them would be extraordinary.

Actually, the outcome was quite good for these people if Fang Yan had handled this matter today. But if someone else had helped Fang Yan, the methods would have been much harsher. Apart from Helian Zhang, anyone else who made noise would have had to be dealt with as well.

On the contrary, after Fang Yan took action to rectify the situation, he only needed to deal with Helian Zhang, and the others behaved themselves.

Eliminating only Helian Zhang and keeping Qin Guantao, Jiang Yansheng, and others would avoid paralyzing the team due to a complete purge, since Fang Yan still had to complete the mission.

Fang Yan is about to leave. Being a leader isn't about being a supervisor, nor does it mean doing everything yourself. He's already said enough here today.

After explaining things to the people at the scene, Fang Yan and Zhao Xiwu went out.

Next, Fang Yan plans to invite Xiao Chengzhi and the others to join these R&D teams. These are his core members, and training them is the most worthwhile thing to do.

However, Fang Yan still needs to discuss this matter with Zhao Xiwu and wait for his approval before proceeding.

Upon hearing the request in dialect, Zhao Xiwu said:
"Of course there's no problem. The people in your elite class have all passed the political review, and most of them are from famous families, so they are capable enough."

"And with them around, you can clearly understand the current situation within the team, which is great."

Fang Yan, upon hearing Zhao Xiwu's words, said:
"Okay, I'll let them know."

Then, Zhao Xiwu asked Fang Yan:

"The Japanese delegation is coming the day after tomorrow. They're coming to the graduate school from Kyoto University. You should come and participate too. You did a great job last time, so you have experience."

Fang Yan asked Zhao Xiwu curiously:
"What are they here for this time?"

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

(End of this chapter)