godfather of surgery

Chapter 1342 The Affairs of the World Are Vast and Unpredictable
Shortly after Li Gaoyang delivered his speech, he contacted Huang Jiacai of Ruixing, hoping to meet with Huang Jiacai and members of Professor Yang's team. Yang Ping agreed to this request.

The penthouse suite at Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore.

The meeting was not held in a conference room, but in a private living room, with only six people in attendance: Huang Jiacai, Tang Shunhe's lawyer, the other three—Li Gaoyang, his chief strategy officer Elena Chen, and a low-profile legal advisor.

There were no media, no assistants, and not even hotel staff; Elena prepared the tea herself.

“Mr. Huang, Dr. Tang, thank you very much for agreeing to meet.” Li Gaoyang extended his hand, his handshake firm and steady, his face ruddy, showing no signs that he had ever been a terminally ill patient. “I am Li Gaoyang, this is Elena Chen, my head of strategy. This is David Lee, our legal counsel, responsible for the compliance part of this cooperation framework.”

After shaking hands, there were no pleasantries; we got straight to the point.

“I watched your video.” Huang Jiacai sat down on the sofa, looking calmly at Li Gaoyang. “Honest, powerful. But I have a few questions I need to confirm.”

"Excuse me," Li Gaoyang said, leaning forward slightly to show his focus.

"First, have you personally benefited from K therapy, and has this influenced your and the giant group's business judgment? Or, to what extent was this cooperation proposal based on personal gratitude, and to what extent was it based on the group's long-term strategy?"

The questions are sharp and directly address the core motivations.

Li Gaoyang did not hesitate at all: "Both are factors, but strategic considerations take precedence. Without the attraction of strategic interests, no matter how much I personally advocate for it, the board of directors will not pass my resolution. Mr. Huang, I have been in charge of this company for more than fifteen years, and I have seen too many technological waves. From monoclonal antibodies to immune checkpoint inhibitors, to gene editing. Every time, the real winners are not the resisters, but the earliest adopters and leaders."

He gestured for Elena to turn on her tablet and project a set of data onto the screen on the wall.

"This is an analysis that our internal research department has done over the past three years." The screen displayed complex curves and models. "Traditional targeted drug development costs an average of $26 billion, takes 12 years, and has a success rate of less than 10%. Moreover, with the increasing complexity of diseases and the emergence of drug resistance, the marginal benefits of this approach are decreasing sharply."

The screen switches to display a logical framework diagram of the system regulation theory.

"Systemic regulation offers a completely different approach to problem-solving: instead of attacking a single target, it repairs the system's own regulatory capacity. This means that once we master the core principles and tools, we can address a wider spectrum of diseases at a lower cost and faster speed, including complex chronic and rare diseases that traditional methods cannot handle. K therapy is a successful application of the systemic regulation theory."

Li Gaoyang's eyes lit up; it wasn't the gratitude of a patient towards their savior, but the excitement of a top entrepreneur seeing a blue ocean market.

“From a business perspective, this is a shift in business models. Resisting it is like Kodak resisting digital photography, or Nokia resisting Android. Embracing it could make you the new generation’s ‘Apple’ or ‘Tesla’. My personal experience has simply made me realize this earlier and more deeply, giving me extra determination and persuasiveness to drive change,” he frankly stated.

Huang Jiacai nodded slightly.

"Secondly," Huang Jiacai continued, "what exactly do you mean by comprehensive cooperation? What do these giant corporations hope to gain, and what are they willing to give in return?"

This time, Elena Chen answered. She is an Asian woman in her forties with sharp eyes and speaks very quickly.

“Mr. Huang, we envision a phased, multi-dimensional strategic alliance.” She pulled up another detailed framework diagram. “The first phase is deep technology integration and clinical implementation. We hope to obtain full authorization and joint development rights for systemic modal therapy in major global markets, but it is not a simple transaction. We propose to establish a joint R&D center. The location can be designated by you, and we will be responsible for funding, equipment, and operation, while your team will have control over the research direction and leadership.”

"In the second phase, we will jointly build a systems medicine education system. We are willing to fund the establishment of the 'International Institute of Systems Medicine' to collaborate with your Sanbo Institute and international partners such as Professor Mainstein to develop global certification standards and train doctors and researchers. This is not only a public service, but also a way to cultivate a talent ecosystem for the future market."

"The third phase involves the co-development and commercialization of new therapies. Based on the theory of systems regulation, we will develop new therapies for major diseases outside of cancer, such as Alzheimer's disease, metabolic syndrome, and autoimmune diseases. Intellectual property rights will be shared, and commercialization revenue will be distributed according to an agreed ratio. We can provide a global clinical trial network, regulatory approval experience, and market channels."

She paused, then looked at Huang Jiacai and Tang Shun: "As for what we are willing to give, in addition to the aforementioned funds, resources, and channels, the most important thing is: a public stance and industry influence. We will use our voice to fully support the scientific status of the systemic regulation theory in industry associations, regulatory dialogues, and international forums. We will publicly share data from our past attempts to 'imitate and fail' to prove the irreplaceable nature of the complete theoretical system. We will help establish a reasonable regulatory framework, rather than confronting it."

Tang Shun quickly took notes, deeply impressed. The breadth, depth, and sincerity of this proposal far exceeded his expectations. The giant corporation not only wanted the product, but also wanted to integrate into the core of the theoretical system, and even jointly define the future.

Huang Jiacai paused for a moment before asking his third question, which was also the one he cared about most: "So, what about the leadership and control of the theory? In your envisioned collaboration, who will define the direction of the development of the system regulation theory?"

This problem caused the air in the room to freeze.

Legal counsel David Lee spoke for the first time, his voice calm and professional: "Mr. Huang, from a legal and business perspective, such a deep collaboration usually requires the establishment of a joint venture entity and a board of directors for joint decision-making. However, Mr. Rikoyan has given specific instructions..."

Li Gaoyang raised his hand, interrupting the consultant. He looked directly at Huang Jiacai and said, word by word:
"The dominance and control of the theory must, and can only, belong to its creators and those who understand it most deeply—that is, Professor Yang and his core team. This is the non-negotiable cornerstone of cooperation."

He leaned forward, his tone incredibly solemn: "We neither want to nor have the ability to lead a scientific revolution that we don't yet fully understand. What we want to do is empower and accelerate. Like the best venture capitalists, they don't interfere with the specific research of brilliant scientists, but rather provide resources, remove obstacles, and help turn great ideas into world-changing products. To put it bluntly, we just want to use our resources to invest, and ultimately hope to share in this market."

"Therefore, we propose the establishment of an independent 'Global Development Committee for Systems Medicine,' with Professor Yang serving as its lifetime chair. The committee will be responsible for developing a roadmap for theoretical development, reviewing all collaborative research and development projects, overseeing the quality of the training and certification system, and possessing the final decision-making and veto power over any misuse or misinterpretation of the theory. Major corporations will serve as founding members and key executive partners of the committee, but the committee's structure will ensure academic independence and integrity."

Elena added, "Regarding the specific legal structure, we can design a principal-agent model, delegating key decision-making power to this committee led by you in a legally binding manner. We will ensure its effectiveness under the major legal systems around the world."

Huang Jiacai leaned back on the sofa, lost in deep thought. Outside the window, the lights of Marina Bay began to twinkle, and boats on the sea left white trails.

Li Gaoyang's proposal was bold to the point of naivety, yet impeccably realistic. He was not only seeking cooperation, but also attempting to build a new type of industry-academia-research relationship: capital fully recognizes and respects the core leadership of scientific innovation, willingly playing the role of supporter and service provider in exchange for the opportunity to participate in the future and share long-term returns.

This requires immense foresight, courage, and self-control. In fact, Huang Jiacai understood that Li Gaoyang had his reasons for doing this. He had already experienced Professor Yang's superior technical skills and the true strength of Ruixing. In the face of absolute power, any conspiracy or trickery is futile and will only backfire in the end.

"Why?" Huang Jiacai still asked. "Why choose this method? Giant corporations can easily use their capital to try to replicate, imitate, or even acquire these companies. Many companies in history have done this."

Li Gaoyang smiled, a smile that held both vicissitude and clarity: "Because we've already tried, and it was all in vain. We don't want to waste any more time and money. Mr. Huang, we've crossed paths twice before, and we were the ones who failed. Based on our pragmatic principles, we don't want to fail a third time."

He paused, his voice lowering: "More importantly, I experienced a near-death experience and was pulled back by this theory. This gave me a different perspective on the meaning of life, medicine, and business. The success of business should ultimately serve a greater goal. And leading human medicine into the era of systems is a goal great enough. I hope that the giant group can complete this transformation during my tenure. This may be the most valuable legacy I can leave behind."

"Finally, I'd like to borrow a famous Chinese saying—'The affairs of the world are vast and unstoppable...'"

In these words, the patient's gratitude, the entrepreneur's ambition, the rethinking of the meaning of life, and the helplessness in the face of reality are intertwined, forming a complex and credible motivation.

The meeting lasted four hours. The two sides engaged in in-depth, even heated, discussions on framework principles, potential risks, and bottom-line issues. Huang Jia Cai's caution and principled approach, and Li Gao Yang's pragmatism and foresight, gradually honed into a framework of mutual understanding through these clashes.

Ultimately, no documents were signed, but a key verbal understanding was reached: both parties will each form teams to draft a detailed "Global Strategic Cooperation Framework Letter of Intent" within three months, based on the principles discussed tonight. During this period, the giant group will take a series of "goodwill actions," including releasing more supporting data, withdrawing support for certain controversial regulatory proposals, and using its influence to facilitate pragmatic dialogue between other pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies.

As they parted, Li Gaoyang shook Huang Jiacai's hand again: "Mr. Huang, I know that trust takes time to build. We will not rush it. We will prove with our actions that Giant Group is a trustworthy and pragmatic partner, not just another capitalist trying to control science."

Huang Jiacai nodded: "We'll wait and see."

After returning to Nandu, Huang Jiacai gave Yang Ping a detailed report on the meeting.

"Professor, do you think... he is sincere?" Tang Shun asked.

“At least for now, yes,” Huang Jiacai continued. “But sincerity will be tested over time, under pressure, and with changing interests. He may be sincere personally, but behind him is a vast business empire with a board of directors, shareholders, and a complex network of interests.”

"Should we continue?" Lu Xiaolu asked.

Huang Jiacai was firm: "We must move forward, but with greater caution. The legal provisions must be extremely rigorous, and the checks and balances mechanism must be deeply ingrained. This is an opportunity, but also a risk. The theory of systemic regulation needs to reach a wider world. We need international resources and platforms, but we must ensure our core interests."

Just as Huang Jiacai was secretly meeting with Li Gaoyang, global public opinion and industry landscape were undergoing a violent earthquake due to the "betrayal" of the giant.

The other six major pharmaceutical companies have found themselves in an unprecedentedly passive position.

Novartis' senior vice president of research and development privately complained to the media: "We also have voices within us supporting systems medicine, but they were suppressed before. Now, we need to reassess."

A heated debate erupted within Roche's board of directors, with radicals demanding an immediate change in strategy and conservatives fearing that "inconsistency would damage the alliance."

Professor Horton, who was previously seen as the "spiritual leader," is now in the most awkward position. He attempted to publish an article refuting Li Gaoyang's "betrayal," accusing the giant corporations of "abandoning scientific rigor for short-term gains," but received little response. Conversely, more and more scholars began to publicly support the system regulation theory, including many of Horton's former collaborators.

A New York Times analysis stated, "Rigoyan's statement toppled the first domino. It not only commercially isolated the resisters but also morally and narratively stripped them of their footing. While obstacles remain on the road for system regulation theory to return to the international mainstream, the biggest conceptual barrier has collapsed."

At the same time, Walker’s patient alliance seized this opportunity.

They no longer need to personally charge into battle. Instead, they begin to play the roles of "coordinators" and "supervisors."

Walker had a private phone call with Rikoyan. The content of the call remains unknown, but afterwards, the conglomerate accelerated its communication with regulatory agencies in various countries, while the public pressure from the patient alliance eased in a timely manner, shifting to "expecting concrete results."

It was a subtle tacit understanding: the patient alliance flexed its muscles, the giant corporations provided solutions and steps, and regulators, under pressure from both inside and outside, naturally began to make substantial changes.

Two weeks later, the FDA issued a “supplementary statement” clarifying that the previous guidance was “not intended to restrict genuine systems medicine research and application”, and announced the establishment of an “Advanced Therapy Evaluation Working Group” composed of multiple stakeholders, with Yang Ping’s team invited to give a special report at the first meeting.

The European Medicines Agency followed suit, stating that it would "reassess" the regulatory classification of systemic therapy and consider introducing a "gradual authorization" mechanism.

The most dramatic shift was in the attitude of Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. A director who had previously taken a hard line was transferred, and the new head publicly stated that "Japan should not fall behind in the medical revolution."

Sanbo Research Institute, team meeting.

Tang Shun reported the latest progress: "...Basically, of the sixteen countries on the list, eleven have proactively contacted us, expressing their willingness to renegotiate cooperation, and their conditions are much more lenient than before. The remaining five are also under intense internal discussion. Horton's 'protection alliance' is practically defunct. Several major pharmaceutical companies are privately contacting us, trying to find out the specific model for cooperating with the giants, fearing being completely left behind."

Lu Xiaolu laughed and said, "Now we've gone from being besieged to being fought over."

“It’s not that simple.” Song Ziming shook his head. “Now is the real test for us. Choosing who to cooperate with, how to maintain balance, and how to avoid being praised to the point of exhaustion—the issues are much more complicated.”

“Let Huang Jiacai handle these things; they are the professionals. We just need to focus on our research and start discussing the difficulties we’ve encountered in our recent experiments,” Yang Ping said casually.