At three o'clock in the afternoon, the symposium finally began.
The annual International Medical Symposium was of great significance to the entire world, and for every doctor it was a kind of baptism of medical skill. Those who could attend were all top experts from around the globe. Each of them offered their own opinions on every case discussed, turning the exchange itself into a form of invaluable experience.
As per tradition, this session was also chaired by Spennty. More than thirty invited doctors were already seated around the round table. The hotel had provided sweet pastries, fruit, and beverages of various flavors, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Spennty began in English, "this symposium has three main topics. First, discussion of recent sudden and unusual cases occurring around the world. Second, cooperation between the Alliance and Chinese medical institutions. Third, the planning of work for the coming year. Now, let me first introduce Mr. Mu from China's Ministry of Health. Please welcome his participation and support."
Spennty was a decisive man who disliked procrastination. Perhaps this was a common trait among doctors—on the operating table, every second mattered, and there was no room for wasted time or meaningless effort. This temperament was shared by almost all physicians within the Alliance.
Mu Changxin stood up to return the courtesy and said a few words in response. Perhaps he was not yet fully accustomed to such an occasion, so unlike his usual speeches at meetings, he did not speak at length. He merely welcomed the doctors' arrival and expressed his hope that the symposium would be a success—just a few brief remarks.
When Spennty announced the start of the first topic, a middle-aged female doctor immediately raised her hand and asked, "Mr. Chairman, we've recently heard that China successfully completed a groundbreaking surgery involving dual-organ cancer. We'd like to learn more about the details. May I ask which of you has access to the relevant data?"
This surgery had been completed by Guan Xing. The specific surgical procedures were known only to him. Normally, a detailed report would be written after each operation, but due to certain violations, Guan Xing had delayed submitting his report. As a result, even now there was no complete set of data. What little information was known had come from assistant doctors present in the operating room that day, and a small portion published in newspapers.
Another doctor soon stood up—a short, elderly man with thick glasses and graying hair. He echoed her sentiment enthusiastically. "Chairman Spennty, I've been wanting to know about this as well. This surgery has opened a new chapter in world medicine. For China to have such a doctor is truly remarkable."
With these two questions raised, doctors from various countries began discussing among themselves. Mu Changxin, however, was overjoyed. Previously, he had not placed too much importance on this surgery. To him, it was still something unfamiliar and difficult to fully understand. But to the world, it represented a milestone.
"Since Mr. Mu is here, I'm sure he can satisfy everyone's curiosity. Such a miraculous case must have been taken very seriously by the Chinese government," Bores was just about to stand up when Spennty shot him a glance, then rose himself and smiled warmly at Mu Changxin.
Taken seriously, my foot. In truth, because of this surgery, Guan Xing had almost lost his medical license back home. If Mu Changxin hadn't stepped in personally, it would have been questionable whether Guan Xing could even appear here today. Mu cursed inwardly, but such thoughts could never be voiced at this moment.
Still, he was secretly relieved that saving Guan Xing had been the right decision. If higher authorities were to find out that the doctor who completed such a crucial surgery had been punished by health officials and stripped of his license, his own career as Minister of Health would have ended as well.
Mu Changxin stood up and said with a pleased smile, "Yes, the surgery was highly successful, and the patient's recovery exceeded expectations. The doctor who performed this operation is here today. It would be best for him to explain the details personally—I believe everyone will understand it more clearly that way."
At this moment, Mu Changxin had no choice but to appear gracious and supportive of Guan Xing, even though heaven knew that because of this operation, Guan Xing had nearly wanted to beat certain officials in the Ministry of Health half to death.
"China Star—"
"It was China Star who did it? My goodness, that makes sense. Who else could have such ability?"
Under Spennty's invitation, Guan Xing stood up. The moment he did, the room erupted into chatter. Even though everyone present was a renowned figure, they couldn't help themselves.
Not everyone knew the title "Divine Hand of the East," but the name "China Star" had spread to every corner of the Medical Alliance. They all knew he was an Eastern doctor with exceptional skills, favored by Chairman Spennty, and one of the Alliance's thirty-six key members with full physician qualifications.
"In our country, Oriental Star has a title—we call him the Divine Hand of the East," Spennty said, reintroducing Guan Xing as he spoke.
"The Divine Hand of the East—the surgeon behind three heart operations."
"So Oriental Star is the Divine Hand of the East. Star, you've really kept things hidden. Truly amazing."
As expected, another wave of discussion broke out. Whether they knew Guan Xing or not, everyone looked at him with eyes full of curiosity.
"Everyone, I believe you've all read the reports on the three heart surgeries, so there's no need to repeat those," Guan Xing said calmly in English. "As for the dual-organ cancer surgery, I'll introduce it to you now."
His English was so clear and fluent that even Mu Changxin, who prided himself on his language skills, couldn't help but admire it—it sounded almost as natural as his Chinese.
The discussion immediately stopped. Everyone picked up their laptops. Such a surgical case report was extremely rare, and not every doctor was generous enough to share their experience so openly. No one wanted to miss a single word.
Without wasting time, Guan Xing finished his explanation in twenty minutes and also answered three questions related to the surgery, withholding nothing.
A German doctor then stood up and said loudly, "Mr. Chairman, and friends, I have a proposal. Mr. China Star's two surgeries have already become classics in our medical field. To establish a spiritual role model for doctors worldwide, I suggest that the Alliance include Mr. China Star and his two surgeries in our official bulletin and distribute it to all countries. This would not only be his personal honor, but the honor of all humanity."
As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause filled the room. There was no need to ask—everyone agreed.
Spennty stood up and signaled to the secretary in charge of records. "Very well. This will be considered a resolution. It has passed unanimously. Record it and execute it immediately after the meeting."
Guan Xing hadn't expected the symposium to turn into a personal commendation session. Seeing the envious looks around him, he felt a little embarrassed. Mu Changxin, on the other hand, was glowing with pride. Never before had he felt such a strong sense of honor—honor for China.
Next came the discussion of global epidemic cases. Just as Guan Xing had anticipated, a doctor brought up several unusual edema cases that had occurred in the Americas, sparking heated debate. The opinions were largely the same as those reported in the newspapers.
Guan Xing did not join the argument. Instead, he chatted quietly with Bores beside him about their respective situations over the past year.
"Star, what do you think about this case?" Spennty asked softly, seeing that the discussion had reached an impasse and no one could convince anyone else.
In truth, Guan Xing hadn't personally examined the patients and therefore couldn't be certain. However, over the past few days, he had studied the available data on several cases and noticed some issues.
Without hesitation, he spoke clearly, "I have a small opinion, though without seeing the patients directly, it can only be considered a hypothesis. This edema appears to be a kind of mental illness—the degree of swelling seems to be determined by the patient's psychological state."
The moment his words fell, the entire room was in an uproar. Edema—physical deterioration of bodily function—caused by mental factors? It sounded far too mysterious.
If not for Guan Xing's previous miracles, someone would probably have already stood up and called him crazy.
Spennty, however, was intrigued. "Star, you say it's caused by psychological factors. What evidence do you have?"
That was exactly what everyone wanted to know. Even Mu Changxin leaned in with interest. These strange cases in the Americas had already attracted serious attention from many countries, prompting active preventive measures. He himself had received direct instructions from higher authorities to strengthen disease prevention and control, with official directives having been issued not long ago.