Chapter 177 Doctoral Assistant
Chen Xu was relieved, relieved that he had just heard Gao Xiaojie mention Dr. Li Liangyan's name... Otherwise, if Lao Gao suddenly mentioned this person's name and he was completely clueless, wouldn't that be incredibly embarrassing? It would be so disrespectful to him!
So Chen Xu quickly put on a flattered look and said, "Hello, Dr. Li!" But in his heart he kept thinking, "Why does this old man want to get to know me if he has nothing else to do?"
Dr. Li Liangyan looks quite old, although he's about the same age as President Zhang of Hexie University... and they were classmates! But he does look much older.
His hair was thinning, and even combing it back didn't make him look very energetic. His skin was also very old, with an unhealthy dark yellow color, and there were even some... um, could they be age spots? No way, Dr. Li Liangyan is only under fifty years old this year. Look at Principal Zhang's shiny face, they are clearly not of the same generation!
What made Chen Xu even more embarrassed was that when Dr. Li Liangyan smiled, uh, he had a mouthful of yellow teeth! Two of them were even missing... How old is he anyway, how come he's already losing teeth?!
Sensing that Chen Xu's gaze was focused on his teeth, Dr. Li chuckled and said, "This tooth was chipped after an accidental fall; I didn't have time to get it fixed."
Chen Xu breathed a sigh of relief, but he was also thinking to himself, "The famous Dr. Li Liangyan... he's too scary, he's really too scary!"
Alas, how many fans' idols are about to be shattered!
Dr. Li chuckled: "You must be Chen Xu, right? Ha, the famous one, discovering rabies patients. Collaborating on the development of the Jin Yong Heroes game, and independently completing that... ha, I forgot the name. But to make money from a web game developed by a student, you're really something."
Chen Xu scratched his head sheepishly. Goodness. Comparing himself to Dr. Li Liangyan, who's so famous… Hmm, that's really hard to say. Haha, SMMH is indeed famous, but many people who know SMMH don't even know who Li Liangyan is. Hehe.
Old Gao winked at Dr. Li Liangyan and said, "Chen Xu, I haven't been feeling well lately. Hmm, I'd like you to come and check me out, you know. Going to the hospital for a checkup is too expensive and troublesome, so I'll have to trouble you."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xu almost fell to the ground, thinking, "Could it be that I was called here just for this little thing?"
However, since the teacher had spoken, Chen Xu couldn't refuse. So he nodded and said, "I'm going to wash my hands. Teacher Gao, please wait for me."
Chen Xu ran to the bathroom, set up his watch, and then plugged a tiny Bluetooth earpiece into his ear... It was a small earpiece he'd bought from a computer store, with no other functions... but it allowed Xiao Min to receive the test results via audio transmission through the earpiece. That way, he wouldn't have to pretend to look at the watch anymore.
Chen Xu washed his hands and came back to find Lao Gao sitting in a chair, with Dr. Li looking at him with great interest. He wondered if this was some kind of test, and what the prize would be if he succeeded.
So Chen Xu asked, "Professor Gao, are you feeling unwell?"
Old Gao pointed to his abdomen, and Chen Xu immediately recognized the liver. He reached out and touched it, actually intending to have Xiao Min perform an ultrasound examination. Xiao Min's voice quickly reached the earpiece: "The left liver is 6.6 cm long and 5.9 cm thick, the right liver has an oblique diameter of 12.4 cm, the liver shadow is slightly enlarged, and the liver tissue has increased echogenicity... These are early signs of liver fibrosis."
Chen Xu immediately understood what was going on. Xiao Min was explaining some treatment methods, which he carefully memorized. Then, he pretended to take Lao Gao's pulse by pinching his wrist... You see, Chen Xu was always considered a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine requires pulse diagnosis. Otherwise, knowing the result just by touching it a couple of times would be too exaggerated!
After filming their scenes was nearly complete, Chen Xu said seriously, "Teacher Gao, your current symptoms indicate early-stage cirrhosis. You must go to the hospital for a checkup immediately and take good care of yourself, otherwise the consequences could be dire!"
Cirrhosis is no minor illness, but after exchanging a glance, Lao Gao and Dr. Li burst out laughing. Lao Gao patted Chen Xu on the shoulder and said, "It's you!" Dr. Li was also looking at Chen Xu and smiling.
Uh, what's going on?
Old Gao patted Chen Xu on the shoulder and laughed, "You're something else! I just found out about my early-stage cirrhosis at the hospital yesterday, and I didn't expect you to find it so quickly, amazing! What do you think, Dr. Li? The guy I recommended is great, isn't he? Look at this young man, he's in excellent health, definitely meets your requirements, right?!"
Dr. Li nodded and smiled, "Perfect fit, absolutely perfect fit! Chen Xu, may I ask, would you be willing to be my lab assistant?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xu was stunned.
Laboratory assistant?!
At this moment, Lao Gao slapped Chen Xu hard on the shoulder: "What are you standing there for? Dr. Li has been back for three months this time. Being his lab assistant is something you can only dream of! Do you know how many people are fighting tooth and nail for this position? Do you know how many companies will be vying for you once your assistant status gets out?"
After saying the last sentence, Lao Gao was stunned for a moment. He naturally knew what Chen Xu's father did. This kid had billions in assets and would still need to find a job in the future.
So Lao Gao immediately changed his tune: "Well, Dr. Li is a leading figure in life sciences. This is a very rare opportunity. You can learn a lot from him, and you might even get to know the most cutting-edge technologies today. This opportunity is gone forever. Why don't you agree?"
Dr. Li waved his hand and smiled, "That also depends on Chen Xu's own willingness. Well, Chen Xu, I'm very satisfied with you. Today I came to see Professor Gao, hoping he could recommend a student who excels in all aspects to be my assistant. I think you're excellent—a strong physique, a brilliant mind. Well, I'm not an expert in computers, but your current achievements are definitely not accidental. I believe that without any assessment; you're absolutely capable of handling the job. Another outstanding aspect is your extensive knowledge of medicine. That's excellent, so I sincerely invite you to be my assistant director for the next three months while I'm back in China. You can consider it before deciding whether to accept."
Chen Xu remained in a daze.
Because he never expected it to be like this!
To be Dr. Li's assistant? That's right! For a college student, being fortunate enough to become Dr. Li's assistant would be like taking off into the sky. Of course, such a meteoric rise wouldn't be unusual for me. But it would still be a rare experience.
So Chen Xu thought for a moment and then asked, "What kind of work will I, as an assistant, do?"
Dr. Li smiled and said, "It's mainly to help me with some experimental records, such as the onset time of drug reactions, etc. It's very easy, so you don't need to worry too much."
Finally, Dr. Li added, "Because I am currently developing a brand-new drug that could have a significant impact on the world, I will be testing it on animals. Your task is to observe and record the results... Of course, this is not a task for you alone. The principal has also found several students to help me, and your main task is to integrate the data they collect and report directly to me, understand?"
"This is the Secretary-General!" Old Gao said in a low voice from behind, though lowering his voice was pointless in the room. "So, you're the head of this group of assistants, understand?"
"I see," Chen Xu thought for a moment, "So, do I get a salary?"
Old Gao's expression immediately changed!
Good heavens, he actually dared to ask for wages during such a rare opportunity?! Has this guy lost his mind?
Dr. Li, being a returnee from overseas, didn't object to the statement and laughed, "Of course there is. The daily wage is three hundred. If you think that's not enough, we can discuss it." After all, in foreign universities, many people who work on research projects with professors are paid, but three hundred a day is not a small amount.
Actually, Chen Xu was just asking casually. Three hundred a day, nine thousand a month, that's not a small amount. And he knew that if he didn't agree, Lao Gao behind him would kill him, so he quickly nodded and said, "That's enough, that's enough. But I have classes to attend... Is the time okay?"
"Go to hell with your classes!" Old Gao yelled. "Don't play dumb with me, kid. I've asked a few teachers, and they all say you're not paying attention in class. You think earning three hundred a day is so easy?"
Dr. Li chuckled and said, "Heh, it's not that exaggerated. Your main task as assistant director is to organize the data collected by others, and of course, you'll also participate in the experiments yourself. As for the work, you only need to work eight hours a day. You can free up that time in the evenings when you don't have classes. It shouldn't interfere with your regular studies, but it might be a bit tiring."
"No!" Chen Xu quickly said, "I'll come during class."...Wow. What a perfectly legitimate reason to skip class! Anyway, Chen Xu doesn't really pay attention in class anyway, hahaha!
Dr. Li smiled and said, "You can arrange that yourself. This is the key to my lab. Since you get up very early every day, I'll leave the task of opening the lab door to you. My lab is on the 25th floor of the Life Sciences Research Building, which is the very top floor. You can come with me to take a look later. Um, there are a few things I need to tell you about, since many of the instruments there are very expensive."
Wow, an entire floor is his laboratory!
Chen Xu thought to himself, "This is a real genius, a true genius... You know, Dr. Li only comes back for three months each year, spending most of his time abroad, and this guy has specially reserved an entire floor of his lab for him. What else could he be but a genius?!"
This 25-story life science research building was completed by Hopson University two years ago with a large investment of funds, including government funding... because Hopson University's life science program is indeed very strong, and many graduates who go abroad have achieved excellent results and have a very high reputation in this field.
Therefore, the Department of Life Sciences is not only a hallmark of Hexie University, but also a major hallmark of Hexie City.
What's most important in the 21st century? Talent!
Therefore, the city of Hexie, together with Hexie University, built this luxurious laboratory building with the aim of attracting renowned alumni from overseas back to the city. Firstly, it would enhance their reputation. Secondly, it would create greater value… Even a single research project from them can cause a sensation in the international market and generate significant economic benefits, let alone top experts like Dr. Li.
Chen Xu followed Dr. Li Liangyan into the research building, a place normally inaccessible to students. Dr. Li gave him an identification card, requiring him to verify his identity with fingerprints, palm prints, and voiceprints… It was extremely advanced and rigorous, given the immense value of the equipment and data within the building. Therefore, retired special forces soldiers were hired as security guards, providing 24-hour protection; ordinary students had no chance of entering.
Upon reaching the 25th floor, Chen Xu finally witnessed the legendary laboratory, which was incredibly luxurious.
Optical electron microscopes are nothing compared to other instruments like protein electrophoresis apparatus, ultracentrifuges, X-ray instruments, magnetic resonance spectrometers, positron emission tomography scanners, and so on. These instruments are invaluable.
Of course, there are already some research staff in the lab, and these professionals are the ones actually doing the operations. Chen Xu and his colleagues are just there to do odd jobs, record data, clean up... There's no way they have the skills to do the actual research.
Chen Xu thought about it for a moment. This job was actually quite easy and didn't require much technical skill. He didn't need to meticulously collect and record data like the other assistants. All he had to do was integrate the data records and input them into the computer... which was really a waste of his talents.
However, besides Chen Xu, Dr. Li also called ten assistants to work on different days in shifts, with five people per group... However, Chen Xu was the only group leader. Anyway, he didn't have much work, and since Chen Xu reported directly to Dr. Li, having more people would be counterproductive.
These ten people were all hunks from the Life Sciences department—six boys and four girls… But don't think the Life Sciences department is full of pushovers. The six boys' average height is over 178cm; you'd practically find someone shorter than Chen Xu. Even the girls were in good shape; they often went out to exercise and play sports… This puzzled Chen Xu. Why did they need such good physiques just to be assistants?
Dr. Li smiled and pushed up his glasses: "Chairman Mao said that health is the foundation of revolution. Although our experiments do not involve any dangers such as radiation, I hope to use them to help students strengthen their physique. Otherwise, if you focus on research like I do, it will be too late by the time you start to pay attention to your health."
Wow, no wonder he's a PhD, the way he talks is really something!
But what will others think if Dr. Li puts Chen Xu in this position?
You see, the remaining ten assistants are all from the Life Sciences department, and all ten of them have to take orders from Chen Xu… If he were from the Life Sciences department, it wouldn't be so bad, but he happens to be from the Computer Science department. This makes these guys feel incredibly ashamed.
Because this internship was of great importance, and because students are generally naive, they might be unhappy, but they could only let it be, at most just ignoring Chen Xu.
If this were in a future society, a group of people would have already been plotting to trip up Chen Xu and drive him away!
But it's fortunate that way... Chen Xu is a troublemaker? Who knows who will be driven away in the end!
Dr. Li's arrangement did indeed frustrate the dean of the School of Life Sciences, while making the dean of the Department of Computer Science very happy. However, the dean of the Department of Life Sciences had spoken to Dr. Li several times, but Dr. Li refused. As a returnee from overseas, Dr. Li did not care about such so-called face-saving issues, which made Chen Xu the public enemy of the entire School of Life Sciences.
Chen Xu didn't care about these things. His current job was very new to him because there were many interesting instruments... For example, Chen Xu's favorite thing to do was to pluck a leg hair and put it under an electron microscope to see what it looked like. Heh, although these things were very childish, the staff in the research lab were quite easy to get along with. Moreover, Chen Xu was a very outgoing person with a sweet tongue, so he quickly became friends with everyone. During breaks, if Chen Xu wanted to tinker with these instruments, there would be staff members to guide him, so he couldn't make any mistakes.
Actually, these things can be completely simulated in a virtual reality, but it's never as fun as it is in real life... And the biggest problem is that sharing is worse than enjoying alone. Chen Xu has done a lot of things that he enjoys alone, and he always does them secretly... If you ask Chen Xu to tell others that he has flown an American B-2 bomber, they will definitely think he is an idiot, but the problem is that he really has flown one... he just hasn't actually flown it.
While Chen Xu was fiddling with these machines, several newbies stood by, gritting their teeth and glaring angrily... They had been given strict orders by the college leadership: don't touch things you shouldn't touch, don't ask questions you shouldn't ask, and don't say things you shouldn't say!
Sigh, these three insurmountable burdens are weighing heavily on these women and animals, making them incredibly frustrated. Watching Chen Xu happily having so much fun, they feel so stifled! How can there be such a huge difference in how people behave when they're both assistants?!
Dr. Li's experiment can be broadly summarized as a study of a drug. It involves injecting the drug into mice and rabbits and observing their reactions… Of course, this drug is not poison, unlike Unit 731, which exhibited extremely precise timing, down to the exact second of death.
However, as the person who compiled these records and reports, Chen Xu couldn't figure out what the purpose of this drug trial was at all!
Chen Xu wasn't unfamiliar with drug trials, as his father owned a pharmaceutical factory. He had some understanding of this field... This was also a significant reason why Dr. Li sought him out as an assistant.
For common antiviral drugs, if administered intravenously, time is allocated for blood tests to observe the drug and other components in the blood. This information is then used to calculate the dosage and severity of the drug.
However, after this drug was injected into the animal's body, what was observed was a bunch of random things.
For example, you could let small animals navigate a maze, or present them with several strange pictures to choose from. Or you could conduct tests such as conditioned reflex tests.
In short, it's extremely strange what this drug is used for and what its function is.
Chen Xu asked this question to many people in the lab, but no one could answer it. They even solemnly told Chen Xu: Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask.
Judging from the level of importance Dr. Li attaches to this, this drug must be very valuable, which explains why it is kept so mysterious.
Chen Xu worked in the lab for three days. Almost everyone in the school knew that this popular figure had become famous again. Every time Chen Xu returned to his dormitory, people would rush over to ask him what Dr. Li was researching, like curious kindergarten children.
Chen Xu had no idea what they were researching, so he could only feign mystery: "As Buddha said, it cannot be spoken, it cannot be spoken..."
However, this tactic was completely ineffective against Guan Yi and Gao Xiaojie; the two women's methods were simply outrageous. So Chen Xu had no choice but to beg for mercy and tell the truth. Guan Yi frowned and speculated, "Could they be testing the intelligence of small animals?"
Chen Xu had considered this answer before, but he scoffed at it: "How could that be? If such a drug really existed, wouldn't there be no more idiots in the world? Or would it mean that you two could be saved?"
Guan Yi and Gao Xiaojie were both smart people, and they immediately realized that Chen Xu was indirectly insulting their intelligence. As a result, Chen Xu inevitably suffered a beating.
Actually, Chen Xu wasn't being sarcastic or trying to provoke the two women. He just knew that such a joke wouldn't make them angry. However, occasionally teasing them and enjoying the feeling of their warm little hands touching him was quite enjoyable.
But at this moment, someone suddenly approached Chen Xu... This was an old acquaintance of Chen Xu's, Director Wang of the Public Security Bureau!
Is this from Chapter 178 of the main text? Fight them anyway!
Chen Xu, filled with curiosity, took a taxi to the Public Security Bureau. Director Wang personally stood at the door to greet him, which made Chen Xu feel very flattered. However, as soon as Chen Xu got out of the car, before he could even speak, Director Wang hurriedly pulled him inside, looking all mysterious.
When Chen Xu recalled that Director Wang had specifically instructed him not to tell anyone when he made the phone call, he found it strange. Why did everything have to be done so secretly?
Upon entering Director Wang's office, two people were already seated inside, both impeccably dressed in suits. One was probably in his forties, while the other was quite young, around twenty-five or twenty-six. Seeing Director Wang lead Chen Xu in, the middle-aged man quickly stood up to greet him, while the younger man hesitated for a moment before also standing up, his face expressionless.
His hesitation did not escape Chen Xu's notice, because Chen Xu, now trained by the one-eyed instructor, had developed the habit of observing the surrounding environment as soon as he entered a room... observing the surrounding environment, the people, and what could be used to kill someone, and where it would be best to retreat... which made Guan Yi say these past few days, "Why are you always staring at my neck lately!"
"..." Because the neck is a vital area!
Upon entering, Director Wang introduced them, saying, "Let me introduce you. This is Comrade Deng Ken, and this is Comrade Xu Jiang. Both of you are special envoys from the Central Committee."
Wow, this is someone with a very powerful background!
A special envoy from the Central Government, from the National Security Bureau? No wonder Director Wang, a high-ranking local official, was so respectful; in ancient times, he would have been an imperial envoy!
But what business is it of his to be an imperial envoy, and why does he want to see him?
The older Deng Ken shook hands with Chen Xu and said, "Chen Xu, is that right? Hello, I invited you here today because there's something I need to discuss with you."