Luo Hanxiang knew best how much influence she truly possessed.
In Secretary Zheng's eyes, she was merely a minor figure who had inadvertently contributed to Chinese traditional medicine alongside her teacher. She had received her due praise and awards, and the matter was considered past.
Now, with Zheng Ming personally coming over, she found it puzzling.
Luo Youkang was immensely pleased. Despite his high standing in society, he was not immune to flattery.
The highest leader in Modu had specifically come to thank his granddaughter; naturally, he was excited.
"Hanxiang, Secretary Zheng will be here soon, so be polite and don't be rash," Luo Youkang instructed her seriously.
"Understood, Grandpa," Luo Hanxiang replied.
She was also flustered. With two important leaders present, she, as a junior, wouldn't have much opportunity to speak.
"It's alright, Secretary Zheng is amiable. Everyone relax and treat this as a simple dinner," Liao Changwei said with a smile.
"Alright, Mayor Liao. I must also thank you for recognizing Hanxiang. Her talent in Chinese medicine is exceptional; her future proficiency will surely surpass mine. Moreover, her current mentor is the divine doctor who participated in the US medical exchange conference last time. She will undoubtedly learn a great deal from him."
Luo Youkang took the opportunity to thank Liao Changwei and also praised his granddaughter's talent.
"With her learning Chinese medicine from Xia Feng now, how could her achievements not be higher than yours?"
"No need to wait for the future; in a year or two, she will leave you far behind."
"Hanxiang, we've never heard of your new professor before. I heard he's quite young. Doesn't Chinese medicine emphasize that the older one is, the more refined they become? Why is it the opposite with Professor Xia?"
Liao Changwei was also very curious. Everyone knew that Chinese medicine practitioners were more respected with age.
This was the reason why Luo Youkang was so well-regarded now.
Chinese medicine placed a great emphasis on seniority; decades of accumulation were needed to possess superb medical skills.
"Mayor Liao, I used to have the same thoughts as you. Chinese medicine indeed improves with age, as you said. However, with Teacher Xia, this notion is completely overturned. Teacher Xia is undoubtedly the leader of Chinese medicine in China."
Luo Hanxiang's transition from skepticism to blind confidence in Xia Feng was due to her personal experience of his medical skills.
"Truly a divine being. Hanxiang, please introduce us when you have time. We need to pay attention to such young and promising talents."
Liao Changwei wished to meet Xia Feng through Luo Hanxiang's introduction.
After all, he was aware of Xia Feng's brilliant performance in the United States, and anyone would want to associate with such a life-saving medical expert.
Despite his position as mayor, Liao Changwei was still a mortal.
Mortals were subject to birth, aging, sickness, and death, and everyone wanted to know such a divine doctor.
"Mayor Liao, Hanxiang cannot do that. My teacher once told us that he did not wish to meet anyone and instructed us not to make introductions."
Luo Hanxiang said helplessly.
"Last time, my grandfather also wanted to meet Teacher Xia, but Teacher Xia still wouldn't see him."
"This might be the reclusiveness of a divine doctor."
"Alas... that is truly a pity," Liao Changwei sighed, feeling a slight disappointment.
At the same time, his curiosity grew. Who exactly was this Professor Xia? He planned to ask the president of Fudan University later.
Through the president's introduction, there shouldn't be any problems, right?
Of course, he couldn't order the president to make an introduction, as their positions were equally high.
For a national university like Fudan University, the president's position was very significant.
After the three chatted for a while, Zheng Ming finally arrived in a hurry.
"My apologies for keeping everyone waiting," Zheng Ming said apologetically the moment he entered the private room.
Everyone was waiting for him to eat, which was indeed improper. However, the situation was urgent, and he had rushed over at the last minute.
"Secretary Zheng."
The three of them stood up simultaneously and called out.
"Secretary Zheng, you've worked hard. You had to travel so far at noon," Luo Youkang said with a smile.
"It's not hard, not hard at all. Please sit down, everyone, don't stand. Don't be so formal," Zheng Ming gestured for them to sit and talk.
"Secretary Zheng is here, shall we start the meal?" Liao Changwei said.
"Alright, I've kept everyone waiting, and I'm truly sorry. Is this the little hero Luo Hanxiang?" Zheng Ming asked, looking at Luo Hanxiang.
"Hello, Secretary Zheng. I am Luo Hanxiang," Luo Hanxiang quickly stood up again to introduce herself.
"Please sit down, don't be formal. You are a hero of Chinese medicine, and by rights, I should stand while speaking to you."
To help Luo Hanxiang relax, Zheng Ming even made a joke.
"Thank you for your praise, Secretary Zheng. Hanxiang doesn't dare to claim the title of hero. The true hero is Professor Xia; it was he who vindicated Chinese medicine internationally."
Luo Youkang still had some self-awareness; his granddaughter had merely ridden on Xia Feng's coattails for credit.
Even if Luo Hanxiang hadn't gone, others could have; Xia Feng was indispensable, but others were replaceable.
"Indeed, Elder Luo speaks the truth. Professor Xia is the true hero of China." Zheng Ming's expression showed extreme respect when he mentioned Xia Feng.
Zheng Ming was not at all perfunctory; he recalled Xia Feng's image and felt a genuine, heartfelt respect.
He still remembered Elder Li accompanying him, and the US delegation visiting China specifically to go to Xia Feng's villa.
"This Professor Xia truly deserves the title of hero. Secretary Zheng, why hasn't Professor Xia received any city commendation? Shouldn't we arrange a gathering to invite Professor Xia to dine with us?"
Liao Changwei was also very curious. Since Luo Hanxiang had received commendation, why was the protagonist of this medical exchange conference virtually unknown?
He hadn't heard of any commendations either.
"No."
Zheng Ming suddenly stopped him with a drastically changed expression.
Zheng Ming's reaction completely bewildered everyone.
What was going on?
Why was Secretary Zheng so flustered upon mentioning Xia Feng?
..................
(PS: There is only one chapter today. Due to health reasons, I cannot write more. This happens once a month, and it's frustrating. My apologies, I love you all~ Muah! (*╯3╰))