Chapter 807: Formidable

Chapter 807: Chapter 807: Formidable

Ju Jiahong sat at the head of the table, his face alternating between flushed red and pale white.

Dong Yongnian whispered to Hao Xiangchen beside him, "Truly impressive."

Although Li Xu and Ju Jiahong had only engaged in a brief verbal clash, Dong Yongnian and Hao Xiangchen were seasoned veterans who had been immersed in Xinglin circles for decades. How could they fail to grasp the profound depth of the exchange? Every single one of Li Xu’s questions acted as a heavy hammer, accurately striking the pain points of the current state of traditional Chinese medicine.

Seeing Ju Jiahong fall into deep thought without an immediate reply, Li Xu did not press him further. Instead, he softened his tone and continued. "Actually, the reason I insist that traditional Chinese medicine shouldn’t retreat from the frontlines of critical and severe care is because every treatment method provides patients with an additional option.

"In actual clinical practice, there are simply too many variables. Antibiotic resistance, severe drug allergies, or organ failure that prevents the body from handling the metabolic stress of Western medicine—these situations can occur at any time. In a critical moment, any unknown variable can become a lethal threat. The involvement of our traditional Chinese medicine often adds an extra layer of insurance for the patient, beyond that single ray of hope. With one more option, the patient gains one more chance to survive."

At this point, Li Xu scanned the conference room, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the young doctors. "Aside from supporting our families and seeking recognition, isn’t our most fundamental original intention in studying medicine to fight for another sliver of survival for our patients? Only when the skills of us traditional Chinese medicine practitioners improve and our courage grows will patients have the confidence to choose it when facing the demon of illness.

"In truth, many patients still harbor a deep affection and trust for traditional Chinese medicine today, so why is its status continuing to shrink? It’s precisely because the skills of most practitioners are subpar, and they lack the courage to face severe illnesses. Because they lack self-confidence, they can only settle for second best. Over time, this has led to the current awkward predicament of traditional Chinese medicine being viewed as ’slow doctors’ and ’auxiliary departments’..."

The entire conference room was dead silent, as if even the air had frozen solid. All the young doctors held their breath, quietly listening to this vice director—who was a few years younger than they were—speak with such eloquence and assurance.

In a high-level exchange meeting like this, everyone had a scale in their hearts to measure the merit of a person’s words. For patients in Huaxia, if traditional Chinese medicine were truly reduced to merely a tool for regulating sub-optimal health, it wouldn’t just be the sorrow of the practice itself, but a massive loss for the patients.

Ju Jiahong took a deep breath, his tense shoulders relaxing slightly. He was, after all, a genius who had received a top-tier education. Though proud, he possessed an extremely high level of professionalism. Looking up at Li Xu, the scrutiny in his eyes faded, replaced by a genuine earnestness.

"Dr. Li makes a valid point," Ju Jiahong spoke slowly, his voice deeper than before. "I was one-sided. While my previous mention of ’not competing’ wasn’t entirely a retreat but rather an emphasis on differentiated development, my attitude did, to some extent, represent a subconscious conservatism within me. I must thank you, Dr. Li. Your words have indeed given me much to reflect upon."

In truth, Ju Jiahong’s earlier "auxiliary theory" stemmed from considerations of the current era’s background. However, in the eyes of someone like Li Xu—who had fought his way back from the clinical frontlines of life and death—any "retreat" was a disloyalty to the medical path. Li Xu’s words made this "Saint Heir," who had always sailed smoothly through life, realize for the first time just how pale his perfectly logical theories appeared in front of a true Great Physician for the people.

"Director Ju is too polite." Seeing the other party’s stance, Li Xu retracted his sharp edge, appearing humble and courteous. "Since today is an exchange meeting, it’s meant for mutual discussion. I just spoke whatever came to mind. If there were any offensive words or incorrect statements, I ask Director Ju and all colleagues for your forgiveness."

Ju Jiahong nodded slightly and smiled. "Dr. Li is right. Mutual exchange is inherently meant for learning from one another. Fostering strengths while circumventing weaknesses, discovering our own shortcomings, and then learning from the merits of others—this is the very purpose of our gathering here today."

Through this brief clash, Ju Jiahong had truly begun to take Li Xu seriously. He originally thought Li Xu was merely a "skilled debater" showing off at school through his connections with Director Liang. He never expected this person’s knowledge and realm to run so deep. Now, he was increasingly curious about how Li Xu would perform during tomorrow’s clinical practical session. After all, a good speaker wasn’t necessarily good at treating illnesses. Clinical practice was the sole truth for testing a doctor.

"Well, both Director Ju and Dr. Li spoke excellently, each with their own insights. This is the whole point of our mutual exchange and sparking ideas, isn’t it?" From the seat of honor, Dong Yongnian laughed and smoothly smoothed things over, bringing a satisfactory conclusion to the intense morning debate. As a leader of the association, he was most pleased to witness this kind of high-level academic debate; it was far more valuable than those dry, by-the-book reports.

The meeting adjourned temporarily, and staff guided everyone to the hotel restaurant for a meal. In the hallway, the young doctors who had gathered in small groups were now entirely focused on Li Xu. Some of those sitting on the periphery who hadn’t taken the Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine seriously were now looking at Li Xu with awe.

"Li Xu, you’re awesome." Liu Haodong quickly walked up to Li Xu, unabashedly giving him a thumbs up with a chuckle. "In all these years, within the circle of young traditional Chinese medicine doctors in Feng City, you’re the first person capable of leaving Ju Jiahong speechless. To make him publicly admit his own shortcomings... tsk, tsk, this achievement alone is enough for you to brag about for a lifetime."

"Actually, Director Ju took the initiative to ask, which is why I said a few extra words." Li Xu smiled helplessly. His personality had always been ’I won’t attack unless attacked.’ Had Ju Jiahong’s words not touched upon the "foundation" and "confidence" of traditional Chinese medicine, he probably would have chosen to sit in the corner as a quiet observer the entire time.

"You don’t understand; Ju Jiahong came here targeting you this time," Liu Haodong reminded him in a lowered voice. "He’s surrounded by admirers at the Renmin Hospital and has never suffered a loss like this. During tomorrow’s clinical case exchange, he’ll definitely find an opportunity to ’spar’ with you again. You need to mentally prepare yourself. That guy has a ton of complex cases in his hands."

Li Xu nodded, his eyes calm. If it was sparring, then so be it. He was also quite interested in an opponent like this.

...

Inside a private room in the restaurant, the atmosphere was elegant. As the leading figure of the hosting party, Ju Jiahong naturally sat alongside Dong Yongnian and Hao Xiangchen.

While eating the exquisite Huaiyang cuisine, Dong Yongnian looked at Ju Jiahong with a half-smile and teased, "Jiahong, I didn’t expect that Li Xu to be truly capable. He sees problems with absolute clarity, and his cognitive insights are quite profound—even a bit ’seasoned,’ I’d say."

As Dong Yongnian spoke, he kept a close eye on the shifts in Ju Jiahong’s expression.