From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

Although Wu Fajun and Ding Si have nothing to do with this matter, it does not mean that Ding Si being stabbed was just an accident. Dong Xibiao and his gang are clearly a group dedicated to illegal activities. They frequently engage in unlawful activities to gain illicit profits. This time, we must follow the clues and uncover the entire gang, and settle both new and old scores.

Xu Chunliang went to visit Ding Si, who had just woken up. Ding Si’s spirits were alright, but having just undergone surgery, he still had to lie in bed honestly.

Shu Yuanhang was also in the ward, personally instructing the companions on some post-operative care. Normally, these matters wouldn’t require his presence, but since it was Xu Chunliang’s friend, he took it upon himself, which greatly moved Ding Si’s family.

Xu Chunliang left the ward with him, and once they were outside, Xu Chunliang said, "Brother Yuanhang, thank you."

Shu Yuanhang said, "No need to be so formal with me."

Xu Chunliang proposed treating him to dinner that evening. Shu Yuanhang shook his head, indicating that Zhao Feiyang had already arranged to meet him that night with someone from a medical investment company for dinner. The other party wanted to meet him, and although he hadn’t planned to attend, Zhao Feiyang earnestly invited him, so he couldn’t refuse.

Xu Chunliang couldn’t help but think of Wu Fajun’s earlier words. Was the other party from Xiangjiang Jishi Medical Investment Company? Xu Chunliang didn’t ask further. Even if he did, Shu Yuanhang probably wouldn’t know, as he was devoted to academia and not very interested in matters outside of medicine.

When he got to the parking lot and before he could start the car, Bai Lan called, saying she wanted to meet him. If possible, they could have dinner together.

Xu Chunliang pondered it briefly and agreed. Since Bai Lan had come to Dongzhou, regardless of her true purpose, it was proper for the host to show some courtesy.

Xu Chunliang said he would choose a place immediately and send her the location once he picked one.

Just after hanging up the phone, Bai Lan sent an address. Apparently, she had already chosen a place at Nanhulv View near the government center, a private kitchen restaurant located on New City South Lake Heart Island. Since she had already made arrangements, indicating she was prepared, Xu Chunliang didn’t argue. He remained wary of Bai Lan; she was certainly not an ordinary writer.

Xu Chunliang called Mo Han, asking her to investigate the background of Xiangjiang Jishi Medical Investment Company.

Mo Han was in Nanjiang. Upon hearing Xu Chunliang inquire about this matter, she softly said, "I haven’t heard of this company. It either isn’t very influential, or it has just been established."

Xu Chunliang told her that the company might be investing in Changxing, and Mo Han also thought that this suddenly emerging investment company must have some background. She immediately began her investigation and would inform him as soon as she had any news.

Xu Chunliang explained to her once again the hospital’s current plan to proceed in two steps, which he had previously hinted at.

Mo Han did not react strongly to this. Collaborating with a public hospital like the Infectious Disease Hospital didn’t hinge on the hospital itself because its authority was limited, so they must start with the higher-ups.

Mo Han believed that if this medical investment company took over Changxing, it might not be a bad thing, meaning that Changxing and the Huayuan Group would sever ties, eliminating the negative impact of Huayuan Group’s debt crisis. With Changxing’s problems resolved, and with both previous and planned paths in place, their cooperation would become much smoother.

Mo Han also informed Xu Chunliang of a new situation. Luan Yuchuan suggested that in their integrated hospital district project, they should downplay the infectious disease concept. While they were recognized for treating infectious diseases, featuring it as a specialty in a comprehensive hospital wouldn’t achieve the desired effect, as the public generally fears infectious diseases. It’s recommended to involve a third-party collaboration, preferably with a provincial-level authoritative hospital, to enhance the hospital’s value.

The Infectious Disease Hospital is currently just a Grade 3B specialized hospital, lacking in both influence and appeal. Its reputation alone is not sufficiently prominent.

Xu Chunliang immediately thought of Luan Yuchuan’s connection with the Provincial People’s Hospital. Could they be using this investment opportunity to have the Provincial People’s Hospital intervene in managing the new hospital? Businesspeople pursue profit, and they might set aside their partners once the stage is set, as seen with Changxing.

Xu Chunliang said, "Cooperation is possible, but our hospital must take the lead, and the management rights must stay with us."

Mo Han said, "I knew you would react this way. Can’t you have a broader perspective? As long as there’s profit, who cares who’s in charge?"

Xu Chunliang said, "That’s different. The hospital entrusts me with this task, so I am responsible for the hospital. I can’t sell it out for a few coins like some people do. It’s called having a bottom line; do you understand?"

Mo Han said, "I didn’t expect you to be someone with principles."

Xu Chunliang said, "That’s the biggest difference between you and me."

Mo Han said, "Aren’t you afraid of offending me, causing the company to abandon its investment plan with your hospital?"

"A forced melon is not sweet; invest or don’t as you please. I can say that even without your Equatorial Capital, I can still build the new hospital. It’s about freedom of choice and willingness. Making a lot or little money doesn’t matter. The hospital needs to make money, but the purpose of making money is not to fill our own pockets but to better serve the public and improve our country’s overall epidemic prevention capabilities."

Mo Han said, "Xu Chunliang, it’s only now that I realize after knowing you for so long, you’re a person with passion."

Xu Chunliang said, "If you’re all about making money with no passion, can you even call yourself human?"

Mo Han surprisingly wasn’t angry and softly said, "When both parties share the same goals, working together for a common good, that’s what cooperation is."

Xu Chunliang was silent for a while and then said, "Are you trying to seduce me?"

"Xu Chunliang, go to hell!"

Bai Lan sat beneath a sunshade umbrella, gazing at the sunset-covered Nanhu Lake, immersed in the infinite beauty of the lotus leaves touching the sky.

In casual attire, Xu Chunliang appeared behind her, "Miss Bai, you have quite the taste."

Bai Lan said, "It’s my first time in Dongzhou. I thought it was a small place, but I didn’t expect there to be such a picturesque spot hidden away."

Xu Chunliang said, "Dongzhou’s natural scenery doesn’t rank highly in Pinghai, but it’s not a small place. If you have even a slight understanding of China’s ancient history, you wouldn’t think so. Dongzhou has a history of over six thousand years and a city-building history of over two thousand six hundred years."

Bai Lan said, "That’s about the same as our country’s history."

Xu Chunliang burst into laughter.

Bai Lan didn’t understand why he was laughing, "What are you laughing about?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Miss Bai, you’re quite humorous. I may not write novels or know much about your country’s history, but I do know your country was founded in 1948."

Bai Lan said, "From Tan Jun’s nation-building to now, our country’s history is also over six thousand years."

Xu Chunliang said, "Tan Jun is just a mythical figure, right? According to the ’Records of the Grand Historian,’ King Zhou of Shang’s uncle, Jizi, led five thousand Shang dynasty remnants to the northern part of the Peninsula and established a nation after King Wu of Zhou conquered Zhou, being appointed as the monarch by King Wu. I find this view more credible."

Bai Lan acknowledged that there is indeed such a narrative.

Xu Chunliang said, "However, your North and South are two countries, so the history you’re referring to belongs to the North. Your history only starts in 1948, which is the view held by most people internationally. Miss Bai, you won’t be angry, will you?"

Bai Lan took off her sunglasses, her beautiful eyes gazing at Xu Chunliang, "Everyone has their own interpretation. The charm of history lies in its interpretation from different perspectives. Let’s put aside disputes and talk about friendship only. Thanks to Mr. Xu for guiding me today, otherwise, we wouldn’t know how much detour we would have made."

Xu Chunliang said, "How do you find the on-the-spot inspection at Qingshan Mine, Miss Bai?"

Bai Lan said, "The scenic area is undergoing renovation and closure, and we weren’t granted entry."

Xu Chunliang only then realized that Bai Lan was venturing in vain.

At this moment, a waiter came over to inform them that dinner was ready.

The two entered a waterside elegant room and chatted while eating. The environment was fine, the dish presentation was good, but the taste could only be deemed average. Xu Chunliang evaluated the dishes here as form over substance.

Xu Chunliang believed Bai Lan was not here just for a holiday, nor to express gratitude.

Bai Lan raised her glass, "I haven’t had time to thank you for the book signing event in Capital City, and again this time for your help. I truly owe you more and more favors, and I’m worried that one day I won’t be able to repay them."

For anyone else, Xu Chunliang might seize the opportunity to banter, but he had no interest in Bai Lan, not because she wasn’t attractive, but because he sensed her motives for approaching him were not pure.

Xu Chunliang clinked glasses with her, "You don’t owe me anything. These two matters were no hassle, and I would help anyone just the same."

Bai Lan said, "To be honest, I was invited by the Lexus Group this time. The president of the Lexus Group, Mr. Li Bingxing, spent part of his childhood at Qingshan Mine. Mr. Li’s parents and siblings were killed by Neon people at this mine."

Xu Chunliang said, "Did he ask you to write a book and chronicle his family’s history for them?"

Bai Lan said, "History should not be forgotten."

Xu Chunliang said, "If you’re writing a novel, be sure to respect history and don’t change it."

Bai Lan laughed, "It seems you’ve had a preconceived notion about me—perhaps about my country."

Xu Chunliang said, "It’s not quite a ’preconceived notion.’ Most of the laborers at Qingshan Mine were from our country, those exploited cruelly by the Japanese were also them, and those who ultimately led the Qingshan Mine uprising and fought the Japanese were our people. I hope you write truthfully and don’t change the facts to highlight that president, whatever his name may be. It’s a habit of Peninsula people to attribute others’ achievements to themselves; they don’t even feel shame but instead take pride in it."

Bai Lan said, "Our perspectives differ. If I’m going to write, I will certainly respect historical truth, but the theme of the novel will revolve around Mr. Li’s family and their destiny. By the way, do you have any relevant historical materials you could provide me?"

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