From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

They continuously hype up the concept of "Big Health," pushing valuations higher and going public; ultimately, their aim is to make money.

Zhao Feiyang realizes the truth and acknowledges the significant differences between him and the Huayuan leadership.

Xu Chunliang said: "Dean Zhao, if Huayuan Group can’t hold up, will we at Changxing get dragged down?"

Zhao Feiyang laughed: "Huayuan won’t fall; I believe the current crisis is temporary. The province won’t let such a large group collapse."

Xu Chunliang sighed: "The debtor is the boss; this has been true since ancient times."

Zhao Feiyang said bluntly: "Tang Jinglun is not pragmatic; I am not optimistic about him. You should be more cautious at Huanyan Health."

Xu Chunliang nodded: "Rest assured, Dean Zhao; he’s not going to trick me so easily."

Zhao Feiyang said: "Although the Healthy Elderly Care Hospital construction has started, Changxing’s second phase has been halted. The group currently has limited funds, and it’s impossible to address everything."

Xu Chunliang said: "Actually, many are interested in investing. I even discussed it with Old Tang, but he rejected me."

Zhao Feiyang said: "Tang Jinglun has his own thoughts. Though Huayuan’s situation isn’t great, it hasn’t hit rock bottom yet."

Xu Chunliang could tell from Zhao Feiyang’s words that he probably knows the details of Huayuan’s current situation. Zhao Feiyang’s stance indicates he’s at odds with Tang Jinglun.

Despite being the dean of Changxing Hospital, Zhao Feiyang lacks the power to go head-to-head with Huayuan’s CEO, unless he has backing.

Xu Chunliang thought of Tang Jingwei, who recently faded from the scene due to scandals. Zhao Feiyang seemingly chose to side with him. Where there’s people, there’s conflict, and everyone makes choices that best serve their interests.

Xu Chunliang asked: "Has the wedding date been set?"

Zhao Feiyang nodded: "Yes, it’s in February, right after New Year."

Xu Chunliang inquired about the specific date, surprised to discover it clashed with Lu Qi’s, making things a bit hectic for him.

Zhao Feiyang said: "I discussed with your sister-in-law. We plan to have a wedding trip instead and not make it too grand."

Xu Chunliang said: "I remember she said she wanted a grand wedding last time."

Zhao Feiyang sighed: "She’s changed a lot recently, sacrificing and compromising for me in many ways." Perhaps because he had a few drinks, he openly mentioned how Yang Mufeng’s position was initially prepared by Tang Jinglun for Pei Lin.

Xu Chunliang thought to himself about Tang Jinglun’s scheming nature. If Pei Lin had taken the position, she would be under Tang Jinglun’s control, forcing Zhao Feiyang to comply with his orders henceforth. No wonder Tang Jinglun ruthlessly ousted Zhao Feiyang today.

From an outsider’s perspective, Pei Lin’s choice to sever ties with Changxing for less trouble for Zhao Feiyang is wise.

Xu Chunliang raised his glass: "I wish you happiness!"

Zhao Feiyang clinked glasses with him but internally questioned himself: Am I happy now? He wasn’t sure; he hadn’t contemplated such matters for a long time.

They didn’t delve into a deep discussion. Despite Zhao Feiyang’s intention to ally with Xu Chunliang, he knew Xu Chunliang was a strong character that required careful engagement.

Xu Chunliang had long understood that he and Zhao Feiyang would never become true friends, given Zhao Feiyang’s guarded nature.

After finishing a bottle of wine, Zhao Feiyang suggested opening another one. Xu Chunliang stopped him voluntarily: "No more, I have to accompany my grandfather to the grave early tomorrow."

Zhao Feiyang knew with New Year close, everyone was busy and remembered Pei Lin waiting at home, so he planned to leave early, too.

After the two stepped outside, they noticed Pei Lin out for a walk. Xu Chunliang greeted her: "Sister-in-law."

Pei Lin smiled and nodded: "Ending so early? I thought you’d be drinking until late."

Xu Chunliang said: "Dean Zhao said that he worries about you being alone at home, so he’s heading back early to accompany you."

Pei Lin laughed: "What’s there to worry about? I was watching TV earlier, now out for a stroll."

Xu Chunliang planned to take the subway home, and Zhao Feiyang proposed that he and Pei Lin walk him to the subway station.

After a few steps, Zhao Feiyang’s phone rang. He went aside to answer, letting Xu Chunliang and Pei Lin walk ahead, promising to catch up.

Xu Chunliang walked a bit with Pei Lin, then paused as they noticed Zhao Feiyang still on the phone. Pei Lin said: "I heard Huanyan Health was established today?"

Xu Chunliang nodded: "Just a name change, really."

Pei Lin asked: "Is Dong Changhao in charge?"

"Dong Changhao is overseeing it overall. Also, a newly appointed deputy named Yang Mufeng."

Pei Lin said: "I know him; I interacted with him when I was a pharmaceutical rep in the past." She glanced at Zhao Feiyang, who appeared in good spirits, pacing and chatting with a smile.

Pei Lin sighed quietly, realizing she hadn’t seen him at ease for a long time. For some reason, she suddenly thought of someone.

Xu Chunliang asked: "How capable is he?"

Pei Lin said: "He used to be the head of cardiology at Hai Zhou Second People’s Hospital, outstanding professional skills. Not sure why he resigned though."

Xu Chunliang said, "You’re not the one who introduced him, are you?"

Pei Lin felt a sharp stab in her heart, she shook her head vigorously and said, "No! It wasn’t me!"

Her firm denial made Xu Chunliang feel something was off; he looked into Pei Lin’s eyes, and she immediately avoided his gaze.

Perhaps worried that Xu Chunliang might notice something, Pei Lin waved towards Zhao Feiyang in the distance, signaling him to hurry up.

Zhao Feiyang waved back in response, but he still wasn’t quick to catch up, indicating that this phone call was very important.

Xu Chunliang said, "I heard that Yang Mufeng’s position was originally reserved for you."

"I refused! I have nothing to do with Changxing now."

Xu Chunliang said, "That’s good, avoids a lot of rumors."

His phone rang, and seeing that it was Secretary Zhou calling, Xu Chunliang quickly answered, "Secretary Zhou!"

On the other end, Secretary Zhou’s unhurried voice came through, "Xiaoxu, are you in Dongzhou?"

Xu Chunliang said, "I’ve been back for a while!"

Secretary Zhou said, "Back and didn’t even think to call me."

In his heart, Xu Chunliang thought that Secretary Zhou’s words were clearly an attempt to strengthen ties. Considering our positions, if I were to call you first, you’d definitely think I needed something from you, or that I’m trying to cozy up. Though he thought this, he said, "I wanted to, but thinking about how busy you are with work, I didn’t want to disturb you."

Secretary Zhou said, "There’s something I need your help with."

"Go ahead!"

Secretary Zhou called because he needed a favor. His mother recently suffered from headaches, which in the past were relieved with a few Japanese-made White Rabbit EVE pills, but this time, despite taking them for several days, they didn’t work.

They went to the hospital for a CT scan and cerebral angiography, but found no organic problems. The doctors prescribed some medication and suggested she rest at home, but there was still no improvement; now, the headaches are seriously affecting her sleep.

Secretary Zhou is a filial son, and thought of Xu Chunliang, so he made this call.

Xu Chunliang agreed without hesitation. Secretary Zhou mentioned it was already late, and his mother just managed to fall asleep. They agreed that Secretary Zhou’s secretary, Zhang Song, would come pick Xu Chunliang up the next morning.

Pei Lin was listening on the side. In Dongzhou, there’s only one universally acknowledged Secretary Zhou, and she wondered if Xu Chunliang actually knew Secretary Zhou.

Zhao Feiyang finally finished his call and came over, smiling at Xu Chunliang, "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Xu Chunliang pointed to the subway station not far away and said, "I’m heading back. You two continue your walk."

Zhao Feiyang nodded. He and Pei Lin watched Xu Chunliang enter the subway station, and Zhao Feiyang suggested, "Let’s head back."

Pei Lin asked, "Does Xu Chunliang know Secretary Zhou?"

Zhao Feiyang was momentarily stunned, then nodded, "Mei Ru Xue is his girlfriend. She helped him resolve a few issues before, and it’s said he once rushed into Enheng Headquarters to fiercely beat up Sheng Chaohui, which even startled Secretary Zhou to get involved." After saying this, he added, "Why did you suddenly think of asking this?"

Pei Lin said, "It’s nothing, just heard him on the phone mentioning Secretary Zhou, so I got a little curious."

Zhao Feiyang said, "If he and Mei Ru Xue get married, his future would be limitless."

Pei Lin pouted, "Are you jealous?"

Zhao Feiyang laughed heartily, "What’s there to be jealous of? I’m very happy right now." He held Pei Lin’s hand and walked toward home.

Pei Lin felt the warmth in Zhao Feiyang’s palm. She cherished this feeling dearly. Today’s happiness wasn’t easy to attain; all the more, she didn’t want to lose it.

When Xu Chunliang returned home, his grandfather was already asleep. His aunt, Xu Jiawen, was organizing papers on the desk. Seeing him come back, she stood up and said, "I’ve prepared some hangover soup for you. Sit down; I’ll warm it up for you."

"Auntie, it’s not necessary."

Xu Jiawen said, "Your grandfather arranged for it. I’m just following orders."

Xu Chunliang had no choice but to sit obediently and wait for her to bring the hangover soup. Under her watch, he finished the bowl.

Xu Jiawen said, "Chunliang, you’ve had quite a few drinking parties lately."

Xu Chunliang said, "It’s the nature of the work, and with the New Year approaching, there’s one almost every day."

Xu Jiawen advised earnestly, "Young people should learn to take care of their health. Avoid unnecessary gatherings."

Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t worry, Auntie. I know what I’m doing."

Xu Jiawen sighed, "I know you don’t need me to worry. Out of all the kids, when it comes to dealing with people, you’re the one who reassures me the most."

Xu Chunliang laughed, "Auntie, you flatter me. I’m just clever; they’re the ones with the real wisdom."

Xu Jiawen said, "I’ve been teaching for so long; I still know a thing or two about judging people."