From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

Pei Lin grabbed the cup of coffee, wanting to throw it in his face, but ultimately restrained her impulse and left the room. At this moment, all she wanted was to escape quickly and stay far away from this scoundrel.

In the elevator, she turned to look back, noticing that Yang Mufeng hadn’t followed, which allowed her to slightly relax, hoping his pestering would end here.

A notification sound came from her phone. Pei Lin glanced at WeChat, her face filled with shame and anxiety.

The snowfall on Weishan Island arrived suddenly, just before the Lunar New Year. Most of the construction sites on the island had already stopped work and gone on holiday. Without the roar of machines and the hustle and bustle of vehicles, the entire Weishan Island became quiet.

With a sudden decrease in workers, the small island felt desolate.

Xu Chunliang looked at the white island in front of him, feeling a refreshing sense of novelty. This time, President Ding Si of Dingli Construction came with him. The construction team he sent had already moved into the site the day before yesterday, setting up temporary housing.

CEO of Huayuan Group, Tang Jinglun, issued a strict order that the Healthy Elderly Care Hospital project must commence within a week. Everyone understood that work would face a break soon due to the holiday, but Tang Jinglun insisted on proceeding. He needed to administer a strong dose of reassurance to Changxing Group before the Lunar New Year.

Zhang Haitao, driving the Audi Q7 rented from Xianhong Farm, had been waiting at the dock. Ding Si hurried over to help Xu Chunliang open the car door.

Zhang Haitao was a step slower. Looking at this tall and intimidating figure, it was clear he was a man of the world.

Xu Chunliang chuckled, "President Ding, you’re too kind." He introduced the two to each other.

Ding Si pulled out two packs of Chinese cigarettes from his pocket, placing them on the passenger seat: "Master Zhang, we appreciate your hard work."

Xu Chunliang said, "Haitao is the head of our branch’s logistics department."

Ding Si quickly corrected himself, "Director Zhang, I didn’t recognize Mount Tai; please forgive my oversight."

Zhang Haitao replied, "I roll with Dean Xu." Since there were no outsiders, even if there were, it wasn’t embarrassing. Being with Xu Chunliang was a source of pride.

Ding Si laughed, "We’re the same."

The two laughed together, and Xu Chunliang joined in. Recognizing the times makes one a wise person. Though neither was particularly outstanding, they both understood the bigger picture.

Zhang Haitao routinely briefed Xu Chunliang on the past two days’ events. Nothing significant happened on the island; most sites had stopped work and gone on holiday, leaving only their team operating contrarily.

Ding Si wanted to visit the construction site first, aligning with Xu Chunliang’s thoughts.

Arriving at the construction site, two double-story temporary houses had already been erected, with the enclosing walls set in place. Outside stood a billboard displaying the planned Healthy Elderly Care Hospital’s renderings, a practice learned from Da Heng, an opportunity too good to miss.

Workers were busy with preliminary preparations. The foreman approached upon seeing Ding Si’s arrival, handing over three safety helmets.

Accompanied by a group of people, Xu Chunliang inspected the yet-to-be-officially-opened site, reminiscent of his time as the Five Poison Sect Leader.

Ding Si said, "Being on the island, transporting materials is slightly tricky, so these upcoming days are for preliminary preparation. I estimate it will be resolved within a week." They weren’t constructing the Healthy Elderly Care Hospital yet; instead, it was the demonstration area and project headquarters, with limited actual construction.

Mainly, Changxing Group was pushing hard. The starting date was very awkward, right before the Lunar New Year, forcing them to consider starting momentarily, only to soon halt work. According to Ding Si’s suggestion, it would be best to first receive materials, hold a groundbreaking ceremony, and start real work after the fifteenth.

Xu Chunliang has relayed his thoughts to Tang Jinglun, but has not yet received a reply.

Wang Fangtian was in the site center, discussing something with two site technicians. Upon seeing Xu Chunliang, he exchanged a few words and approached with a smile, "You’re back!"

Xu Chunliang said, "Thank you for all your hard work, Engineer Wang."

Wang Fangtian replied, "It’s my duty." Since arriving, he had been fully engaged in design and work. Though busy, his days felt fulfilling, and he rediscovered his self-value.

Wang Fangtian informed Xu Chunliang that the initial draft design was complete. He was puzzled by the sudden urgency to begin construction.

Xu Chunliang conjectured it related to Tang Jinglun’s current pressure. He needed to take action to boost market confidence and alleviate Huayuan Group’s recent crisis.

Xu Chunliang gathered key management to the temporary office for a brief meeting, clearly stating the construction date was set for three days later. High-level representatives from Huayuan Group and Changxing Hospital would attend, possibly including leaders from various levels.

Confirmed attendees included Changxing Hospital’s Dean Zhao Feiyang, Huanyan Health’s chief executive Dong Changhao, and project director Tang Tianyi.

Xu Chunliang’s main tasks over these days were to prepare the opening ceremony and arrange the reception for the day, with specific duties assigned to others.

Geng Haiyan also joined the meeting. The launch of the Healthy Elderly Care Hospital was a milestone under her tenure, necessitating her involvement.

The meeting lasted an hour, during which Xu Chunliang delegated various tasks. Just as he was about to announce the meeting’s end and everyone was preparing to head to the canteen, a notice arrived from the town, stating the mayor had urgent matters to discuss with Xu Chunliang.

Xu Chunliang was a bit puzzled, he had just arrived, and the town already knew? Qin Zhengyang really had sources; he didn’t really want to go, especially since it was almost time to eat. However, the staff responsible for notifying him sounded very formal, telling him to come over immediately as if it were an emergency.

Xu Chunliang arrived at Hu Shan Town Government and saw many staff members sweeping snow in the yard. The north wind swayed the branches, causing the accumulated snow to fall with a shush. A few flakes landed on his head, and nearby the yellow wintersweet was blooming beautifully amidst the snow, reminding Xu Chunliang of Mei Ru Xue.

How was she handling her work matters? Did Elder Qiao agree to let her return to Dongzhou?

As he entered the main door of the government office building, he ran into the hurried Secretary Kong Xiangsheng. Xu Chunliang wanted to greet him, but Kong Xiangsheng was hanging his head low and didn’t see him, brushing past him.

Xu Chunliang found it odd. He turned back to look at Kong Xiangsheng and noticed he quickly walked into the parking lot and got into a Great Wall car. That car belonged to the town government. Even stranger, none of the many town staff sweeping snow outside greeted Kong Xiangsheng first, which was unimaginable before, given that he was a top official in Hu Shan Town.

Xu Chunliang thought of Qin Zhengyang, as external rumors suggested Qin Zhengyang was soon to replace Kong Xiangsheng. It seems the rumors were not unfounded; in this system, out of sight, out of mind. From what he observed, Qin Zhengyang had, in all likelihood, already been officially appointed.

Xu Chunliang arrived at Qin Zhengyang’s office and knocked on the door. There was no response inside. He glanced at the slightly ajar door of the town mayor’s office opposite.

Xu Chunliang boldly speculated that Qin Zhengyang had been appointed to the official position, and the office originally belonging to Mei Ru Xue was now his.

Xu Chunliang walked over and lightly knocked on the door, "Town Mayor Qin, I’m here."

There was still no response, so Xu Chunliang pushed the door open a bit more. He fixed his eyes on the scene ahead, only to see a beautiful woman in a gray suit sitting behind the desk. Who else could it be but Mei Ru Xue?

Xu Chunliang squinted hard, muttering to himself, "Am I seeing things?" As he spoke, he locked the door behind him with a reverse-handed motion.

Mei Ru Xue said, "What’s wrong with you? What are you doing?" Watching Xu Chunliang approaching step by step, her pretty face flushed. She stood up and hid behind the filing cabinet, only to be embraced by Xu Chunliang’s strong arms.

Mei Ru Xue scoffed, "We’re at work..."

Her cherry lips were already sealed by this rascal.

Mei Ru Xue struggled symbolically for a moment, then gave up resisting.

Xu Chunliang felt his heart pounding strongly in his chest. Mei Ru Xue also sensed his heartbeat, whispering, "Behave yourself."

Knowing she was thin-skinned, Xu Chunliang decided to quit while he was ahead. He let her go and whispered beside her delicate and soft ear, "I missed you so much."

Mei Ru Xue frowned slightly, her beautiful eyes shimmering with soft light, "Dean Xu, please have a seat!"

Xu Chunliang lifted her gracefully curved chin and lightly brushed her soft lips again, like a dragonfly skimming the water. Only then did he regain his dignified appearance, unlocked the door, and went to sit in the sofa area.

Mei Ru Xue picked up her phone to check her makeup, her face tinged with a rosy hue. If someone were to come in now, they might guess something had happened.

Mei Ru Xue took a breath and turned to the water dispenser to pour him a cup of tea.

Xu Chunliang was now sitting up straight, looking like a serious person.

Mei Ru Xue handed him the tea, and Xu Chunliang received it with both hands, "Thank you, Town Mayor Mei!"

Mei Ru Xue wanted to laugh; this rascal was quite the actor. She returned to her seat, "Dean Xu, I heard the Healthy Elderly Care Hospital is about to start construction."

Xu Chunliang replied, "I found it sudden too, but it’s a decision made by Huayuan Group’s higher-ups. I’m just responsible for carrying it out. Whatever the leadership says, I do."

Mei Ru Xue said, "Since when did you become so obedient?"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "Must have been changed by someone."

Mei Ru Xue knew he was referring to her, and her heart felt a sweet warmth.

She didn’t ask him over to discuss work; it was to surprise him. Upon seeing Mei Ru Xue, Xu Chunliang practically forgot about work. Were they not in the town government or the town mayor’s office, he would have savored the moment more.

Xu Chunliang asked, "Did your family agree to let you return to continue working?"

Mei Ru Xue shook her head, "I came back this time for a handover. After discussion by the county leadership, Comrade Qin Zhengyang has been decided to replace Comrade Kong Xiangsheng and also take on the town mayor position."

Xu Chunliang didn’t care about Qin Zhengyang’s appointment; he was concerned about Mei Ru Xue’s stay or departure. It seemed she ultimately had to leave Hu Shan Town, leaving him a bit disappointed.

Mei Ru Xue said, "The leadership has other plans for my work. After the new year, I will go to work in Dongzhou City’s High-Tech Zone."

She will take on the position of vice district governor in Dongzhou High-Tech Zone, in charge of education, culture, and health.