Chapter 941 - 907: Social Gathering for Appearances

Ye Qingya thought to herself, this secret is really too awkward. Actually, without Xu Chunliang explaining, she wouldn’t say anything either. This matter is hard to bring up. Looking at the time, it’s been over an hour. Isn’t that a bit too long? Hopefully, there’s nothing wrong over there.

Ye Qingya whispered, "How about we adjust a bit at the next rest stop?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Do you need to use the restroom?"

Ye Qingya replied, "No, I want you to get out and walk a bit, relax."

Xu Chunliang said, "No need, I can’t be seen like this. If someone misunderstands and thinks I’m armed, wouldn’t that be troublesome?"

Ye Qingya couldn’t hold back her laughter, then felt embarrassed and punched Xu Chunliang lightly, "You’re such a rascal."

Xu Chunliang looked innocent and said, "It’s not my fault. If there’s a culprit, it’s you."

Ye Qingya said, "Alright, don’t pin it on me."

Xu Chunliang said, "It’s all because of that Red Bull."

Back at the hotel underground parking, the journey took over two hours. Xu Chunliang kept looking forward the entire time, and Ye Qingya was really worried he’d have an issue. Xu Chunliang hunched over, holding his stomach as he entered the elevator, waving to Ye Qingya.

Even Xu Chunliang himself was a bit puzzled. What’s wrong today? Even if Ye Qingya is enchanting, he should have better self-control. It’s likely the physical reaction from advancing in the Innate Realm, coincidentally triggered by that Red Bull.

This shows that the Innate Realm is quite a mysterious subject.

Xu Chunliang returned to the hotel and took a cold shower, finally calming his excited mood, changed clothes, and saw two missed calls on his phone, both from Zhao Feiyang.

He called Zhao Feiyang back, saying he’d be there soon and telling them to start first.

As he was about to leave, he received a message from Ye Qingya, asking how he was feeling.

Xu Chunliang replied, saying he had tamed the wild dragon and that occasionally teasing this serene sister was quite fun.

Ye Qingya soon replied, "Oh brave one, do you need me to take you to your rendezvous?"

Only then did Xu Chunliang realize she was still in the underground parking lot and decided to accept Ye Qingya’s kind offer, appreciating that even this serene sister knew the game of slaying dragons.

Ye Qingya saw through the car window the refreshed Xu Chunliang and couldn’t help but glance at the Red Bull soaked area. Seeing that Xu Chunliang had calmed down, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If he were still in that state, she would have suggested he visit a hospital for a shot.

Xu Chunliang sent the dining location to Ye Qingya, and she followed the navigation to drop him off. Traffic was heavy at this time, and the short three-kilometer trip took half an hour.

As Xu Chunliang got out of the car, he heard Ye Qingya sneeze twice and advised her to go back quickly and take a hot shower to avoid catching a cold.

After Ye Qingya drove away, Xu Chunliang entered the hotel and went to the room, seeing Zhao Feiyang and Fu Guomin still waiting for him.

Xu Chunliang made a faux nervous expression and shook hands with both of them: "Sorry, I was out on errands and got caught in the rain. You all start, no need to wait for me."

Fu Guomin laughed, "It was Dean Zhao who insisted on waiting for you."

Zhao Feiyang invited everyone to sit and asked the waiter to serve the food.

Zhao Feiyang said, "We’re all friends here, no outsiders. While you weren’t here, we were just chatting."

Xu Chunliang laughed, "Chatting about things you didn’t want me to hear?"

Zhao Feiyang laughed heartily, "You guessed it! But you’re not the last to arrive."

Xu Chunliang then realized there was someone else tonight and curiously asked, "Who else?"

Zhao Feiyang replied, "An old friend. You’ll know when they arrive."

Xu Chunliang said, "Shall we wait to serve the food?"

Zhao Feiyang said, "They should be here." Just as he finished speaking, the last guest arrived.

Xu Chunliang saw that it was indeed an old acquaintance, Zhao Feiyang’s close confidant, Xu Ying.

Xu Chunliang quickly stood up, "Sister Xu, you’re in Capital City too!"

Xu Ying smiled, "I came for an art exhibition. After arranging a meal with Feiyang, I found out you’re studying in Capital City too."

Zhao Feiyang said, "I kept it a surprise just to give you a pleasant surprise."

Xu Chunliang mused to himself, Xu Ying has had a crush on Zhao Feiyang for years, and now Zhao Feiyang is a newly minted widower, which means she has another chance. I wonder if they’ve arranged something?

Fu Guomin and Xu Ying also knew each other and exchanged greetings.

Xu Chunliang noticed that Zhao Feiyang looked good and had clearly emerged from the recent slump. He had heard about Zhao Feiyang’s recent activities, about Zhao Feiyang teaming up with Xiangjiang Jishi Medical Investment Co., Ltd. to put pressure on Huayuan Group, trying to buy 80% of the shares.

Although Huayuan Group is having a tough time now, they’re reluctant to let go easily. After all, Changxing Hospital is one of the few valuable assets they still have.

After sitting down and drinking three glasses, Zhao Feiyang first had a drink with Fu Guomin: "Old Fu, I really didn’t expect you’d follow in my footsteps and resign from your public position as well."

Fu Guomin had formally submitted his resignation paperwork and laughed: "I dare not compare myself to you."

Zhao Feiyang said: "You have more determination and drive than me." He resigned from his public position only after negotiating good terms and continued as the dean of Changxing Hospital, whereas Fu Guomin resigned without having a fallback plan.

Xu Chunliang asked: "Brother Fu, is everything settled?"

"I’ve submitted the resignation paperwork, and the transfer contract for the BBQ restaurant is signed."

Zhao Feiyang said: "Are you really planning to do BBQ? Guomin, you studied management and have been in a leadership position for so many years, isn’t it too much of a pity to give up like this? Why not come to Changxing, and we can work together as brothers."

Fu Guomin laughed: "I’ve spent the first half of my life being managed by others, and now I want a different kind of life. Later on, I’ll focus on running this BBQ restaurant, work for myself, be my boss, no need for clocking in or out, have free time, and just thinking about it makes me happy."

Zhao Feiyang said: "When it comes to the catering business, Xu Ying has experience; you might want to consult her."

Xu Ying said: "I wouldn’t dare to presume; running a Japanese restaurant and BBQ is two different things."

Zhao Feiyang said: "That’s right, Japanese cuisine emphasizes ceremony, while BBQ is about being down-to-earth."

Xu Chunliang had a different viewpoint on this: "In my opinion, BBQ is more about substance over style, while Japanese cuisine is more about style over substance. In the end, food is judged by taste rather than flashy stuff."

Xu Ying laughed: "Xiaoxu is right, but consumer demand is varied, whether it’s Japanese food or BBQ, you must identify your target consumers. Only with accurate positioning can you ensure profitability."

Fu Guomin said: "Miss Xu’s words are enlightening."

Zhao Feiyang said: "I agree, actually when we manage hospitals, it’s the same concept. We must choose our consumer group wisely, play to our strengths, and fully develop and expand the hospital’s specialties. Chunliang, don’t you think?"

Xu Chunliang sensed that Zhao Feiyang was hinting at hitting on him, which made him unhappy. He’s not your boss anymore, so why act like he is.

Xu Chunliang smiled and said: "Changxing’s cardiothoracic surgery department has already become a gold-standard brand."

Zhao Feiyang said: "Speaking of this, it’s thanks to you for recommending Dr. Shu to us. However, Changxing is a comprehensive hospital, and there are many advantage projects. In the past, I really wanted you to come back to Changxing, but I didn’t expect you to go to the Infectious Disease Hospital."

Xu Chunliang thought to himself, Old Zhao, what a dishonest statement. You never wanted me to come back, yet here you are speaking niceties. I came to drink today only to save Fu Guomin’s face, and yet you Zhao Feiyang decided to throw me under the bus.

Xu Ying said: "I heard Xiaoxu is developing pretty well at the Infectious Disease Hospital."

Xu Chunliang nodded and said: "Mainly because I met someone helpful. Dean Yan was my former leader, he actively wanted me to come over and entrusted me with heavy responsibilities. Now I hold multiple positions and am busier than when I was at Changxing."

Fu Guomin said: "Gold will shine wherever it goes, Chunliang is capable, no matter which institution he joins, he’ll make something of it."

Zhao Feiyang also acknowledged Xu Chunliang’s ability and actively drank a glass of wine with him: "Chunliang, I heard that your new hospital at the Infectious Disease Hospital is about to begin construction."

Xu Chunliang laughed: "The first phase is about to begin because the Infectious Disease Hospital is a key supported unit in the city, so the city has given us great attention and support in our construction."

Zhao Feiyang said: "The first phase is the new Infectious Disease Hospital project, right? Is there any progress on the second phase?"

Xu Chunliang said: "We’re working to simultaneously begin the second phase construction. There’s no issue with funding, and our second phase comprehensive hospital might even be completed before Changxing Shareholding Hospital." You’re asking for trouble, Zhao Feiyang, if you offer your face up and I don’t slap you, then I’m letting you down.

Zhao Feiyang’s expression looked a bit awkward; Xu Chunliang was clearly targeting Changxing. The Changxing Shareholding Hospital project started a while ago but its progress isn’t satisfactory, ultimately because Huayuan Group is facing financial problems.

Xu Ying, being empathetic, quickly helped Zhao Feiyang out of the predicament: "I heard Huayuan Group’s situation is really bad, their first debt restructuring failed, and the new plan was rejected by the provincial authorities. Did this affect Changxing adversely because of it?"

Zhao Feiyang said: "The issues with Huayuan Group are quite serious, but the city has noticed the hospital’s predicament and is helping solve this problem. As the leader of Changxing Hospital, I will certainly do everything possible to protect the interests of the medical staff."

Tonight, the three attending the dinner were all well-versed in the past and present of Changxing Hospital, especially Xu Ying, she felt embarrassed for Zhao Feiyang. How does he have the audacity to say such things? The situation at Changxing Hospital ended up so awkward mainly because he was orchestrating the downfall.

Fu Guomin was determined to leave the system, so he wouldn’t comment on Zhao Feiyang’s affairs. Even if he weren’t resigning, he wouldn’t conveniently comment. Zhao Feiyang invited him tonight out of nostalgia, but Fu Guomin didn’t want to come. Such gatherings aren’t enjoyable, and he was here only to fulfill social obligations.

Xu Chunliang said: "Dean Zhao, as a veteran employee at Changxing Hospital, I thank you on behalf of all the staff." Thinking to himself, Zhao Feiyang, do you really have no self-awareness? Do you know how many people in the hospital curse your ancestors for eighteen generations?