From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor-Chapter 311 - 286: Besieged Fortress

Gao Xinhua didn’t come empty-handed; he brought a prescription for Zhao Feiyang, which he specially asked Xu Changshan to help prepare. The formula has calming and sleep-aiding effects.

This was mainly because, while chatting with Zhao Feiyang a few days ago, Zhao Feiyang unintentionally mentioned his recent sleep troubles, and Gao Xinhua is a thoughtful person.

Zhao Feiyang put away the prescription and smiled, "Brother Xinhua, thank you."

Gao Xinhua said, "Do we still need to be so formal?"

Zhao Feiyang took out two boxes of tea, which he had prepared in advance, to give to him.

Gao Xinhua said, "I haven’t even finished the last batch you gave me."

Zhao Feiyang replied, "This tea garden is run by Pei Lin and her friends; give it a try. If it’s good, help spread the word."

Gao Xinhua laughed, "She’s into tea now?"

Zhao Feiyang smiled with a hint of helplessness. Ever since their relationship went public, Pei Lin stopped working in the pharmaceutical sales business. But that was just on the surface; in reality, she retreated to work from behind the scenes. She kept saying she wanted to be the woman behind him, supporting his career, but as time went on, Pei Lin began getting involved in Changxing’s affairs.

The medical aesthetics center and the traditional Chinese medicine center both had her influence behind them, which is one reason Zhao Feiyang hadn’t gone after Zhou Yisheng right away.

Gao Xinhua said, "This prescription is from Mr. Xu of Huichun Hall. It should be beneficial for your insomnia."

Zhao Feiyang asked, "Xu Chunliang’s grandfather?"

Gao Xinhua nodded.

Zhao Feiyang remembered the trouble Huichun Hall had encountered a few days ago and asked about the progress. He learned that the issue had been resolved and that Xu Chunliang had returned to Dongzhou. Zhao Feiyang realized he should reach out since Xu Chunliang was his friend.

At the thought of the word ’friend,’ Zhao Feiyang couldn’t help asking himself inwardly, are he and Xu Chunliang truly friends? Actually, he already knew the answer. Before Xu Chunliang beat up Sheng Chaohui, the CEO of Enheng Pharmaceutical, he had never considered wanting to be friends with Xu Chunliang.

When that incident happened, and Xu Chunliang emerged unscathed, it was the first time Zhao Feiyang considered befriending him, hence the invitation to Hua Jian Japanese Cuisine.

Zhao Feiyang said, "That guy came back and didn’t even check in with me."

Gao Xinhua said, "He’s been busy handling matters at Huichun Hall. His father also returned from abroad, and they have their hands full."

Gao Xinhua emphasized this deliberately, actually suspecting that the issues at Renhe Hall might be related to Xu Chunliang, as he had heard about the grievances between Renhe Hall and Huichun Hall.

Zhao Feiyang said, "Brother Xinhua, we need to set up a meeting with Director Lu quickly."

Gao Xinhua said, "I came to talk to you about this. I got to know Lu Ming through Xu Chunliang. I think it’s best to reach out through Xu Chunliang; you young people definitely have a lot in common."

Zhao Feiyang could sense the hidden reluctance in Gao Xinhua’s words, as well as the subtle hint aimed at him. You young people? Is Gao Xinhua categorizing me and Xu Chunliang together?

Zhao Feiyang didn’t push it and nodded, saying, "Alright, then I’ll ask Xiaoxu later."

Gao Xinhua said, "Dean Zhao, the recent incident with the traditional Chinese medicine center causing such an uproar, this isn’t the first time Changxing has faced such issues. I think we need to pay more attention to the irregularities within the hospital."

Zhao Feiyang replied, "I just had a stern talk with Zhou Yisheng. If a similar incident happens again, he’s out."

Gao Xinhua noticed that Zhao Feiyang had changed. In the past, he wouldn’t have tolerated such issues. Gao Xinhua reminded him that the news exposing Renhe Hall was factual. Renhe Hall doesn’t even have a 400-year history; even the famous Tongrentang only has over 300 years of history.

Renhe Hall’s founder was Zhou Renhe, who used to be an apprentice at Huichun Hall. He had a notorious past, leading actions against Huichun Hall and criticizing his master.

Such a person isn’t a revered National Medical Master. It’s not an exaggeration to say he betrayed his teacher and heritage.

Listening to Gao Xinhua’s explanation, Zhao Feiyang regretted it a bit. It’s true that inviting trouble is easier than getting rid of it. Pei Lin never told him any of this. If he had known, he wouldn’t have let Renhe Hall oversee the TCM department.

In front of Gao Xinhua, Zhao Feiyang certainly wouldn’t admit to his mistake. He stressed that the rumors from outside aren’t necessarily true. Renhe Hall’s strength is evident; with so many branches nationwide and solid annual sales, if their ointments had issues, they wouldn’t have received approval.

Even the state recognizes their ointments as authentic and effective, proving that the news about Renhe Hall selling fake medicine is merely a rumor.

Seeing Zhao Feiyang still defending Renhe Hall, Gao Xinhua decided not to spare his feelings: "Dean Zhao, I recently heard a rumor..." He deliberately paused, then lowered his voice, "I’ve heard that Zhou Yisheng and Pei Lin are relatives."

Zhao Feiyang’s heart sank. He was fully aware that there are no real secrets in the world; this matter would eventually become known. But only someone like Gao Xinhua would dare to expose it in front of him; others wouldn’t dare to clarify it.

Zhao Feiyang shook his head and said, "There’s nothing going on, I really can’t believe these people, they can link anything to Pei Lin. Secretary Gao, to avoid suspicion, Pei Lin doesn’t even work as a medical representative anymore."

Gao Xinhua heard him change his address to Secretary Gao, and knew his words had caused displeasure, but since Gao Xinhua had already broken this layer of ice, he wasn’t afraid of offending Zhao Feiyang; he was doing it for Feiyang’s own good.

"Dean Zhao, I also heard it from others, if it’s not true, you don’t need to worry about it."

Zhao Feiyang sighed, "Since I decided on the reform, rumors around me have never ceased. But the truth is, most of them are fabrications, saying I have promiscuous relationships, saying I engage in corruption and bribery. Which of these is true? If I were afraid of what others say, Changxing’s reform could never succeed. Changxing would never have achieved development, would not have the thriving scene it does now."

Gao Xinhua was somewhat speechless, was Zhao Feiyang gloating? Does he think Changxing’s reform has already been successful? It’s overly optimistic. Recently, Changxing’s outpatient visits and bed turnover rates have indeed increased, but so have those in other hospitals. It’s like suddenly entering a bull market—every medical stock in the race is rising, you only see yourself, but others have risen even more than you have.

Zhao Feiyang realized his reaction was a bit excessive and laughed after he finished speaking, "Forget it, how can one live without being talked about? Especially someone in my sensitive position."

Gao Xinhua nodded, excusing himself with a party organization meeting he had to attend, and took his leave.

After he left, Zhao Feiyang realized he had forgotten to take the two boxes of tea given to him.

Zhao Feiyang thought carefully but in the end did not call Xu Chunliang. With his connections, he didn’t necessarily need to go through Xu Chunliang to contact Lu Ming; he had other means. Those two boxes of tea changed his mind; he thought Gao Xinhua definitely didn’t forget but did it on purpose.

Many relationships can never go back to how they were. Since he resigned from public office, he and Gao Xinhua made different choices. Although they both worked at Changxing, they in fact belonged to different camps. He was wary of Gao Xinhua, and Gao Xinhua was intentionally distancing himself from him.

The same goes for him and Pei Lin. If time could go back, he should have drawn a clear line with Pei Lin. He’s increasingly realizing Pei Lin isn’t as easy to control as he imagined.

The fruit of love?

Who knows who invented this phrase, but actually more than half of these ’fruits’ aren’t due to love, but because of passion.

Zhao Feiyang looked at those two boxes of tea, pondering what to do next. If it wasn’t accidental, then Pei Lin intentionally got pregnant with this child. She wants to use this child to press him, to force him to give their ’fruit’ a legitimate identity. To achieve this, they would have to get married.

Zhao Feiyang painfully closed his eyes. Those inside longing to get out, those outside wanting to get in, yet those who have already left are caught again in a siege; how foolish.

Before Xu Jiaxuan returned to North America, his elder sister Xu Jia’an finally managed to rush back to Dongzhou before his departure. The reason she hadn’t returned immediately was that her mother-in-law was hospitalized.

Seizing the moment when all three children were present, Xu Changshan called a family meeting. Among the grandchildren, only Xu Chunliang was at home, so he was also invited to attend.

Xu Changshan first had the children offer incense to the ancestors.

After offering incense one by one, everyone gathered in the study, sitting around the old man.

Xu Changshan’s eyes swept over their faces one by one; seeing Xu Jia’an, she lowered her head in shame, unable to come immediately when her father was in trouble, no excuse really justified her absence.

Xu Changshan said, "I am very happy that you could all come to see me despite your busy schedules."

Xu Jia’an said, "Dad, I’ll visit you more often in the future."

Xu Changshan smiled, "You all have your own careers, your own families. As long as you remember there’s a father in Dongzhou, that’s enough." Saying this, he wasn’t feeling well inside. In his old age, none of his three children were by his side, let alone to inherit his legacy.

Xu Jiaxuan chuckled, "Look who’s talking, we could never forget you."

"Shut your mouth!" Xu Changshan glared at him sharply. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Xu Jiaxuan sheepishly closed his mouth, feeling like he had the lowest status, his presence barely surpassing that of his own son.

Xu Changshan said, "While you’re all here, I want to officially announce one thing, I have decided to close Huichun Hall."

Xu Chunliang said in surprise, "Grandfather, when did this happen? How can you just close it?" Although he knew this incident had hit the old man hard, he didn’t expect such a rapid decision.

Xu Jiaxuan said, "If he wants to close it, then close it. Your grandfather must have his reasons."

Xu Chunliang gave him a look, "What business is it of yours?"

Xu Changshan said, "Yes, what business is it of yours? Shut up!"

Xu Jiaxuan was completely speechless; was he even their real son? If it didn’t concern him, why was he asked to sit there? Xu Jiaxuan looked at his son with a face full of grievance, thinking, I’m your dad, I just bought you a villa, can’t you show me some respect?