Chapter 773 - 742: Barbecue Inspection
The preparations for Changshan Hospital are basically complete, and the trial operation is set for May 1st. Gu Houyi believes that during the trial operation, the focus should be on building a good reputation rather than making it too grand. Xu Changshan agrees with this approach.
Of course, there are differing opinions. For example, Zheng Peian got inspired by the explosive popularity of Dongzhou Barbecue and believes that in today’s era, traffic is king. He suggests they should also advertise on online platforms, following the Dongzhou Barbecue model.
Xu Chunliang couldn’t help but laugh after hearing Zheng Peian’s ideas.
Zheng Peian said, "Don’t laugh. You’re the major shareholder of the company. Do you think my idea is right or not?"
Xu Chunliang replied, "Have you forgotten Dean Gu’s eight-character strategy?"
Zheng Peian, feeling half amused and half at a loss, said, "High-profile in medicine, low-profile in life? What era is this? It’s not okay to be too low-profile now. Dongzhou Barbecue has been around for so many years, and why didn’t people join the fun before? It’s because it lacked publicity."
Xu Chunliang said, "Changshan Hospital is all about building a reputation. Don’t worry, once the good reputation spreads, there won’t be a shortage of business."
Zheng Peian saw that he had no intention of high-profile promotion and gave up.
Xu Chunliang went to Gu Houyi’s office, where Gu Houyi was reviewing the trial operation process. Seeing him come in, he greeted, "You came at the right time. During the May Day holiday, I’m planning to organize a free medical consultation event. What do you think?"
Xu Chunliang said, "You’re the dean, you have the final say. I won’t interfere with things here."
Gu Houyi laughed, "You’re really getting yourself some peace." He made a cup of tea for Xu Chunliang.
Xu Chunliang quickly took over, telling him not to trouble himself.
Gu Houyi inquired about Zhao Feiyang, and Xu Chunliang briefly recounted recent events.
Gu Houyi sighed, "One could say Zhao Feiyang is quite unfortunate. Recently, I heard that some old employees of Changxing Hospital have gone to the bureau to protest again."
"Changxing has been unsettled since it started the public-private partnership." Xu Chunliang thought to himself, Zhao Feiyang is having a hard time, facing troubles both internally and externally. Pei Lin’s extreme actions disrupted the police investigation but couldn’t completely remove the negative impact on Zhao Feiyang.
However, this time, the Qiao Family owes Zhao Feiyang a favor, so they’re unlikely to sit idly by while Zhao Feiyang is in trouble.
At this moment, Ding Si came over. He came to ask Gu Houyi if there should be any grand events for the trial operation on May 1st. Ding Si is also a shareholder of Changshan Hospital, and he wants to organize a grand opening ceremony.
Gu Houyi explained that they are now in trial operation, not the actual opening, and unlike other businesses, a grand opening ceremony for a hospital means nothing if the medical standards don’t match. It’s all about the reputation in healthcare.
Xu Chunliang asked Ding Si why he had time to come over today. Wasn’t he busy organizing free shuttle services for tourists from other places these days?
Ding Si scratched his head with some embarrassment and awkwardly explained the reason. He’s been eating too much barbecue, with lots of chili and alcohol, so his hemorrhoids acted up. He remembered he invested in Changshan Hospital, which specializes in proctology, so he came to check it out.
Zheng Peian had just given him a prescription for both internal and external use.
For internal use: 30g each of raw diyu, hibiscus leaves, honeysuckle, dandelion, forsythia, and bupleurum; 12g each of raw gardenia, astragalus, and horehound; 10g each of peach kernel, safflower, licorice, turtle shell, soapberry, and Angelica dahurica; 15g red peony root, 100ml white wine, soaked in cold water for 1 hour, quickly boiled for 7 minutes, taken in two divided doses, three doses total.
For external use: 30g each of snake gourd, dandelion, forsythia, hibiscus leaves, sophora, and licorice; dissolve 20g each of mirabilite, alum, and borax in the decoction, a basinful for fumigation and sitz bath.
This internal and external treatment can relieve acute symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Xu Chunliang took the prescription, glanced over it, and recognized these as ancient remedies that he’d later improved upon. With a combined approach, they provide quick relief, though these methods alone can’t fully eradicate the problem.
Actually, Xu Chunliang had arranged for Sheng Chaohui to help produce a batch of Hemorrhoid Relief Pills, which hasn’t been delivered yet.
Ding Si said, "No publicity is fine; our hospital won’t lack patients anyway."
Gu Houyi couldn’t help but laugh, "You’re that confident?"
Ding Si said, "Of course. With Dongzhou Barbecue booming, so many people are bingeing on skewers and drinks, so those like me with hemorrhoids will only increase."
Xu Chunliang laughed, "Don’t talk nonsense. You have it and just want everyone else to have it too."
Ding Si said, "I’m done talking. I’m going home to take my medicine. No exaggeration, but I even had to use sanitary pads today."
Xu Chunliang didn’t send him off and said to Gu Houyi, "What Ding Si said can’t be ruled out as a possibility."
Gu Houyi said, "I just don’t get the appeal of barbecue—it’s unsanitary and unhealthy."
Xu Chunliang said, "You’re approaching it from a personal health perspective, but we’re looking at it from the cultural and tourism angle. Dongzhou Barbecue’s popularity isn’t just good for cultural tourism, but it also positively impacts Dongzhou’s economy."
Gu Houyi nodded, "To speak frankly, I always feel that this internet celebrity economy can’t last. The faster the hype rises, the quicker it fades."
Xu Chunliang said, "That’s why we should seize the opportunity while it’s hot. Once Dongzhou’s cultural tourism image is established, we won’t lack visitors in the future."
At this moment, Fu Guomin called, notifying that colleagues from Jiangdu City’s Cultural and Tourism Bureau are coming on Monday for a study visit, and asked him to accompany in receiving them.
Xu Chunliang currently has no other work arrangements, so he immediately agreed.
As he left Gu Houyi’s office, he ran into Tang Mingmei in the corridor. Tang Mingmei’s expression clearly seemed a bit unnatural. Xu Chunliang, aware of the situation with her and his father, smiled at Tang Mingmei and said, "Sister Tang, busy?"
Tang Mingmei replied, "Isn’t the trial operation about to start? All departments are coordinating operations, and no one has had time to rest even on Sunday."
Xu Chunliang said, "Sister Tang, you’ve worked hard. I’ll apply to Dean Gu to give you all a bonus."
Tang Mingmei laughed, "Alright, I’m just here to help. As long as I can help the hospital get on track quickly, nothing else matters."
Xu Chunliang said he had something to do and was about to leave when Tang Mingmei called him again, "Xiaoxu."
Xu Chunliang stopped in his tracks, "Sister Tang, anything else?"
Tang Mingmei asked, "When did your dad leave?"
Xu Chunliang replied, "A few days ago. Why? Didn’t he mention it to you?"
Tang Mingmei smiled, "I was just asking casually, you can go ahead."
Xu Chunliang sighed inwardly, old Xu, you’re too irresponsible, leaving after flirting like that, then and now. But Tang Mingmei isn’t bad, not that past relationship matters are his business.
Seeing that it was almost time, Xu Chunliang called Qin Zhengyang.
As soon as Qin Zhengyang answered the phone, he started complaining, "Chunliang, you’re not being nice, leaving me alone. I had such an awkward meal."
Xu Chunliang laughed, "Bro, you’re like my real brother, don’t blame me. Just seeing Li Changyou makes me angry, I was afraid I couldn’t help but hit him if I stayed longer."
Qin Zhengyang said, "By your logic, I should thank you for saving face for me."
Xu Chunliang said, "Mad at me? Don’t be, I’ll treat you to dinner tonight and apologize in person."
Qin Zhengyang replied, "No need, I know you well. I’ll be at home serving your sister-in-law honestly tonight."
Xu Chunliang said, "Yeah, coming back only once a week, you should serve well."
"What do you mean by that?"
Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t overthink it."
Qin Zhengyang said, "You, boy, I must tell you, Mingde Group’s cooperation with Da Heng has been approved up top. They’re excluding Renhe Hall now and are drafting a new cooperation agreement. We have no reason to oppose it now, do we?"
Xu Chunliang replied, "I hold the trademark for Renhe Hall; they have no choice. Secretary Qin, don’t you think it’s strange? Is Weishan Island so attractive? Why is Mingde Group so insistent on investing?"
Qin Zhengyang said, "What’s wrong with Weishan Island? Didn’t Mu Tian Group also invest?"
Xu Chunliang said, "I just feel there’s something fishy. Mingde Group certainly has ulterior motives. You need to be cautious with this project."
Qin Zhengyang said, "I know how you feel, but I have limited power. What can I do when the pressure comes from up top? Moreover, they are investing real money, and Da Heng is in this situation. If not for Mingde Group’s investment to save it, the land Da Heng acquired would likely become unfinished, and they wouldn’t be able to build the theme park. Mingde has already agreed to provide an additional two billion in funding if the agreement is signed successfully."
Xu Chunliang said, "No one is a fool; they’re investing two billion to get back several or even dozens of times the return."
Qin Zhengyang said, "If you think something’s off, investigate it yourself." He lowered his voice, "I’ve heard Zhou Guangda is related to our leader."
Xu Chunliang thought to himself, Secretary Zhou should not be someone who abuses power. Qin Zhengyang wasn’t wrong, his power is limited, and there’s nothing he can do when pressured from above.
After hanging up, Xu Chunliang pondered the situation. Mingde Group’s investment in Weishan Island isn’t just for real estate business. What are they after? What secret does this land hold? First, it was Equatorial Capital and Mu Tian Group, and now Mingde Group. Plus, there’s Chen Qianfan who coveted the distillery before.
The more Xu Chunliang thought, the stranger it seemed. To figure this all out, he needed to find a breakthrough.
That evening, Xu Chunliang went to the bustling Leizi Barbecue. The place was reserved by Fan Lidada, who also invited Fu Guomin. Their visit had a bit of an undercover investigation feel to it, to see firsthand the quality and service attitude of Dongzhou Barbecue.
Xu Chunliang was the second to arrive. When he got there, Fan Lidada was ordering food, and Xu Chunliang noticed the person taking the order was someone he knew, Li Quanguai, who used to run Dongzhou Barbecue on the street behind the Beijing Office.
Li Quanguai also recognized Xu Chunliang, "Ah, it’s you! What a coincidence meeting you here."
Xu Chunliang said, "Your shop?"
Li Quanguai replied, "It’s my brother’s, his name is Li Quanlei. I’m back home for some tasks, and he asked me to help out. Where are you guys sitting? Let me arrange something nice for you."
Fan Lidada gave the private room number, and Li Quanguai asked how many people there were. At this time, Fu Guomin also arrived and recognized Li Quanguai.
Li Quanguai, with his high emotional intelligence, let them go sit in the room first and said he would take care of ordering for them.