From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

Xu Chunliang said, "It’s not appropriate. I’ve been disciplined by Changxing, and now I’m going to work there? That would just cause trouble for them." Yan Huaiyi admired him, no doubt, and had previously contacted him several times to ask if he was interested in working at the Infectious Disease Hospital, but Xu Chunliang had politely refused.

Times change. Currently, Xu Chunliang is in the spotlight, and probably no one wants to take on this trouble. These days, there are many who enjoy adding to the success of others, but few willing to help in times of need.

Gao Xinhua said, "Think about it carefully, and I will discuss it with Dean Zhao."

As Gao Xinhua was leaving, he saw Xu Changshan sunbathing in the small garden. He initially wanted to greet him but decided against it, realizing that Elder Xu was clearly unhappy, and thought it best not to upset him further.

After sending off Gao Xinhua, Xu Chunliang returned to his grandfather’s side and placed his hands on his shoulders to massage him.

With his eyes closed, Xu Changshan thought to himself that his grandson’s technique was excellent, and Elder Xu let out a long sigh of relief, saying, "Did your Uncle Gao leave?"

Xu Chunliang replied, "With your face as stern as Changbai Mountain, he didn’t dare to bid you goodbye."

Xu Changshan said, "I don’t blame him. I’m just worried about you, Chunliang. Is it the hospital planning to deal with you?"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "Who dares to deal with me? Don’t they know whose grandson I am?"

Xu Changshan opened his eyes, "Don’t flatter me. I’m just an ordinary old man, with no power or influence, getting old, and I can’t help my grandson when he runs into trouble."

Xu Chunliang said, "Listen to yourself. It’s not a big deal. I haven’t broken the law or violated regulations; I just happened to do some good at the wrong time. Worst case, I’ll quit and come back to run Huichun Hall."

Xu Changshan looked at him meaningfully, "Don’t fool me. With your temperament, I doubt you could settle down to run Huichun Hall peacefully. To be honest, I don’t believe it."

Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t regret it later and certainly don’t say there’s no one to carry on the legacy."

Xu Changshan said, "If you truly aren’t happy, then forget it. I’ve realized, with your abilities, you can make a name for yourself anywhere."

At this moment, a gentle voice came from outside, "Is Mr. Xu here?"

Xu Changshan found the voice somewhat familiar, but he didn’t immediately recall who it was.

However, Xu Chunliang reacted instantly, turning around to go outside to greet the guest. Xu Changshan was a bit puzzled, who could make his grandson so anxious?

An elderly man with white hair stood at the door, hands behind his back, and a face that wore a smile, exuding a gentle yet authoritative presence.

Xu Chunliang blinked in surprise, "Elder Qiao, what brings you here?" He looked behind Elder Qiao but did not see Mei Ru Xue.

The driver, Xiaowu, was carrying a case of alcohol from a Mercedes-Benz SUV.

Elder Qiao said, "Xiaoxue doesn’t know I’ve come."

Xu Changshan came out with a delighted surprise, "Oh, isn’t this Elder Qiao? What brings you here?"

Elder Qiao smiled, "I was heading to Nanjiang and passed by Dongzhou. I thought of you, my old friend, so I came to visit. You wouldn’t deny me a warm welcome, I hope?"

Xu Chunliang never told his grandfather about Elder Qiao’s true identity, fearing that if he knew, their interactions wouldn’t be as relaxed.

Xu Changshan laughed heartily, "When a friend comes, we have good wine."

Elder Qiao said, "I brought wine, an exclusive tribute, which you probably haven’t tasted."

Xu Changshan said, "I’ll handle lunch. Chunliang, call your Uncle Zheng to cook, and we’ll eat at home."

Elder Qiao said, "Home is best."

Xu Chunliang took the case of wine from Xiaowu’s hands, knowing it was produced by the Moutai Group, definitely not cheap.

Elder Qiao said, "Xiaowu, go pick up Xiaoxue."

Xiaowu nodded and turned away.

Xu Changshan looked at Xu Chunliang in astonishment. Hearing the name Xiaoxue, he connected it to Mei Ru Xue, suspecting some unknown relationship involved here.

Only then did Xu Chunliang introduce, "Grandfather, Elder Qiao is Mei Ru Xue’s biological grandfather."

Xu Changshan finally understood the relationship and scolded, "You should have said so earlier! Xiaoxue’s grandfather!"

Elder Qiao laughed, "Don’t I look the part? Don’t blame the kid; he didn’t know either. I initially didn’t know he and Xiaoxue knew each other."

Xu Changshan chuckled, "Not just acquaintances, the two of them ha-ha... my good brother, it seems we’re about to become even closer family."

Elder Qiao said, "Show me around."

Xu Changshan said, "Pardon my rudeness. Please, come inside."

Xu Chunliang first called Mei Ru Xue, who was quite surprised to hear that her grandfather had come. It seemed her grandfather’s timing was unfortunate, just as Xu Chunliang had gotten into big trouble, making it impossible to hide.

Zheng Peian hurried over, and along the way, bought some fresh vegetables, as it was already the 28th of the lunar month, and vegetable prices were skyrocketing.

Elder Xu specifically instructed that important guests were coming; otherwise, he wouldn’t have summoned him so quickly.

While Xu Chunliang was helping to peel onions and garlic, Pei Lin sent him a long message, essentially saying that due to current public opinion, they had to do some surface work, and suspending Xu Chunliang was an unavoidable measure.

Xu Chunliang didn’t bother replying to her. He figured she and Zhao Feiyang had discussed it already. Zhao Feiyang might have had the spirit of "shedding tears before executing Ma Su," but Pei Lin certainly couldn’t wait for him to leave. With him at Huanyan Health, her future work wouldn’t go well, not just because of his fearless nature but also because he knew about the past between Pei Lin and Yang Mufeng.

Of course, Xu Chunliang wouldn’t use this to threaten Pei Lin, but how Pei Lin sees him is unclear. This woman now just wants him gone yet fears offending him.

In fact, many from the Huayuan Group don’t see him in a good light. Tang Tianyi wouldn’t miss the chance to kick him while he’s down. Even CEO Tang Jinglun said they’d rather go without than compromise. The former was due to old grudges, and the latter because Tang Jingwei had kicked him out of Huayi Medical. With this incident, he’s taking the opportunity to vent his grievances.

Private enterprises don’t care about personal relationships. When your presence affects them, they’ll cut ties without hesitation.

Mei Ru Xue arrived at Huichun Hall at eleven, dressed in a black suit with a bright party emblem pinned on her collar, looking noble and dignified; it was clear she had just finished work since this wasn’t her usual attire.

"Where’s my grandpa?"

Xu Chunliang pointed upstairs. "He’s checking out the Xu Family’s book collection."

Mei Ru Xue smiled, "He didn’t come all this way just to look at your bookshelf, did he?"

"Book collection!" Xu Chunliang corrected.

Mei Ru Xue said, "You’re being so proper today, not going out to have fun?" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Xu Chunliang replied, "One must be low-key."

"Now you know to be low-key? Too late! Director Xu is now a famous figure in Dongzhou, no, a national celebrity."

"Director Mei, can we have a proper chat? Your sarcastic remarks towards a commoner might be too inhumane, right?"

Mei Ru Xue laughed, "Did you consider being humane when you were fighting? You’ve got some nerve, slapping people around like that."

Xu Chunliang said, "Peel the garlic! Quickly!"

Mei Ru Xue glared at him but sat down obediently to help peel garlic.

Taking the opportunity when no one was looking, Xu Chunliang snuck in a quick kiss on her pretty face. Mei Ru Xue blushed and spat, "Shameless!"

Xu Chunliang said, "I’m furious, bear with it."

Zheng Peian’s voice came from the kitchen, "Chunliang, is the garlic peeled yet?"

Xu Chunliang quickly took the peeled pile over, then returned to Mei Ru Xue, whispering, "Don’t worry, I’m fine."

Mei Ru Xue replied, "It’s not a big deal, but the timing is bad. Secretary Zhou just had a meeting demanding city-wide joint remediation, and you stirred things up, making such a big impact. If this issue goes ignored, it won’t be easy to explain."

Xu Chunliang said, "Someone deliberately fanned the flames. If I find out, I won’t let them off."

Mei Ru Xue said, "The hype from the BMW hitting Audi was completely overshadowed by you. This proves someone is targeting you deliberately. The mastermind behind this must be very clever and knows you well enough to use social opinion to cause you real trouble. Don’t you find this tactic very familiar?"

Xu Chunliang nodded. Previously during the Da Heng rights incident on Weishan Island, social opinion was also used to drive the situation, likely propelled by Equatorial Capital.

Mo Han probably wouldn’t use this tactic on him, but just because she wouldn’t doesn’t mean others won’t. In the information age, this tactic is commonplace but effective.

Fortunately, the hype is subsiding quickly. Once the online promoters stop acting, the issue itself won’t draw sustained attention.

Xu Chunliang shared the hospital’s opinions with Mei Ru Xue. She understood, but she also felt Xu Chunliang deserved more, considering all he had done for Changxing — he did have his efforts, if not merits.

It’s understandable for Huayuan Group to want to sever ties, but Zhao Feiyang not speaking up for him was somewhat ungracious.

In Mei Ru Xue’s view, a leader shouldn’t disregard public opinion entirely, but they also shouldn’t fully succumb to its pressure. Zhao Feiyang’s stance showed a lack of courage, and perhaps he had reservations about dealing with someone like Xu Chunliang, whose character wasn’t something just anyone could handle.

Mei Ru Xue asked, "So what are your plans?"

Xu Chunliang said, "If someone gets fired, I’m the one firing Changxing."

Mei Ru Xue laughed; she liked him just the way he was.

"Sometimes you must break something to rebuild it. Huayuan Group is facing a debt crisis, and Changxing Hospital will definitely be affected. It’s wise not to stand under a perilous wall. Leaving might not be a bad thing."

Xu Chunliang said, "I haven’t told Grandpa. I got this job at the cost of him giving up the old Huichun Hall."

Mei Ru Xue whispered, "You’re worried quitting would squander his effort and disappoint the old man?"

Xu Chunliang said, "You know me too well. I feel completely exposed in front of you, with nothing for you not to see."

"Who wants to look at you!" Mei Ru Xue blushed slightly.

Thanks to Chen Zucheng for the generous support, here’s an extra update, and thanks to all the brothers and sisters supporting Octopus. It’s the second day of the month, please support with your monthly votes! The guaranteed monthly votes at the beginning of the month are very important!