Chapter 1204 - 1204: 776 I think I'm going to give birth.

Listen to that! Just listen to what Du Heng said. Is that what a goddamn human being would say?

It's not enough to just increase the quantity; we also need to improve the quality.

TSK TSK!

Wang Pan's expression as he looked at Du Heng changed slightly.

This wasn't just some high-performer he'd recruited to boost results; this was an archangel sent by God, a Bodhisattva delivered by Buddha himself! He felt a sense of warmth, was deeply touched, and utterly at ease.

"Won't you be at too much of a disadvantage if you do this? That's not right, is it?" Wang Pan was suddenly a little flustered by Du Heng's generosity.

But Du Heng firmly shook his head. "Principal Wang, you can't look at it that way. Compared to the effort Sir Sun will have to put in later, what does my contribution even amount to? Just as you said earlier, one paper more or less is of little consequence to me. One more won't get me elected as an academician, and one less won't affect my job. Besides, I'm not the first author, but I *am* the corresponding author."

As Du Heng spoke, he chuckled. "Principal Wang, think about it. I'm Mr. Sun's corresponding author. In a way, aren't *I* the one benefiting here? As for being the second author on a paper in a general publication, that's even more useless."

Hearing Du Heng put it this way, Wang Pan no longer felt so awkward.

Indeed. Having his name as the corresponding author on Sun Renqi's paper would elevate Du Heng's status, almost as if he were a generation senior.

At this time, Du Heng, thinking that since he was already doing a favor, he might as well do it thoroughly, said, "Principal Wang, I have a few more unfinished papers. Do you have any need for them on your end? You could tell me the situation, and I can see about making appropriate modifications. After all, for my project, the more high-level colleagues who get involved, the better the project can develop."

Wang Pan felt incredibly pleased, as if a soft, fine-bristle brush were gently caressing his cheeks, neck, and earlobes.

It was a pity, though.

Wang Pan chuckled. "Mr. Du, you're too generous. I must thank you. But alas, I really have no use for them. It's such a shame."

As soon as Wang Pan finished speaking, Du Heng immediately added, "Principal Wang, please don't worry about me. As I said, these papers aren't of much use to me right now."

Wang Pan felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction. Although Du Heng's actions meant he unknowingly owed him another favor, Wang Pan didn't find this debt repulsive at all. On the contrary, he felt very comfortable with it. This was far more sophisticated than those who simply showed up at one's door bearing gifts.

"I'm truly not just being polite; I really have no use for them," Wang Pan said with a smile. "No one in my family studies medicine, let alone traditional Chinese medicine. My son, daughter, and son-in-law are all in physics."

So that was the reason!

Although the favor hadn't been accepted, Du Heng wasn't disappointed. Making the gesture was what mattered. Hadn't Wang Pan been grinning so widely that his back molars were showing?

When Du Heng returned to the hospital and recounted everything to Lan Changhua, he received Lan Changhua's approval as well. Although this practice of letting others attach their names to one's work was generally frowned upon, it really depended on the specific circumstances.

"Wang Pan is right. If you want to achieve your goal, your main support still has to come from the school," Lan Changhua said slowly, his eyes half-closed. "The school is currently facing a gap in talent. Those two are eighty-eight and ninety-three. Although they seem quite robust in their daily lives, their age is undeniable. No one can say what the future holds, so Wang Pan's anxiety is genuine. As for the hospital, they're not in any hurry. If the hospital were to promote someone, it would undoubtedly be based on seniority, and you wouldn't be at the front of the line. However, if someone recommends you, the hospital would be willing to provide some assistance; they wouldn't be stingy about that."

Du Heng nodded. "That's what I thought too. After all, my main reliance right now is the school, so I just..."

"It's fine. The work is yours, so you can let whoever you want have their name on it. That's far more civilized and ethical than those who steal their students' achievements," Lan Changhua reassured Du Heng, telling him not to feel burdened by it.

If this had happened a year ago, Du Heng might genuinely have felt psychological pressure and been very conflicted. But now, he didn't have a shred of indecision.

Although Lan Changhua offered words of comfort, he himself didn't particularly want to dwell on the matter. After all, it wasn't exactly something to be proud of. So, he changed the subject, "By the way, Xiao Cao's treatment is finished. Do you want to go take a look?"

Du Heng shook his head immediately. "I won't go. With Professor Lan here, what would I have to worry about? That he wouldn't do a good job?"

After lightly patting Lan Changhua's back, Du Heng added, "Professor Lan, I'm truly sorry about today, for troubling you like this."

Lan Changhua waved his hand. "You young people are in the prime of your careers; it's normal for you to be busy. As an Old Man, I'm quite happy if I can still be of help. Alright, since you're back, I'll head home."

Du Heng quickly stood up. "I'll go find Dr. Cao and have him drive you home."

"Alright." Lan Changhua didn't refuse and directly promised. "By the way, Xiao Du, you haven't been home for over a week, have you?"

"Yes, it's been seven days. I haven't dared to go back since that young man was admitted." Du Heng shook his head with a wry smile. "The spinal cord is so delicate, and there are so many crucial structures within it; none of them can afford to be damaged or disturbed. I have to monitor him closely. If any issues like fever or pain arise, I can address them immediately. Otherwise, if I wait for them to notify me, it might be too late by the time I get back."