From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

Wang Fangtian pointed ahead: "Why are there still tombs over there?"

Xu Chunliang followed his direction and indeed saw five tombs scattered within the land plot, seemingly old. He took pictures with his phone; this is likely to become a future issue.

The three of them strolled to the entrance of Qingshan Mine and saw construction trucks going in and out, transporting building materials. Xu Chunliang tossed two boxes of cigarettes to the gatekeeper, indicating his wish to take a look around.

The old man warned them to be careful.

Following his previous memory, Xu Chunliang arrived near the Tomb of the Seven Heroes and saw that a road had indeed been built there. The cemetery had been renovated, and a memorial stone was erected, detailing the feats of the seven heroes. Xu Chunliang recognized Elder Qiao’s handwriting on the stone.

Ding Si said: "I’ve been in Dongzhou for so many years and never knew there was a cemetery for martyrs here."

Wang Fangtian remarked: "Luckily, the land for the Infectious Disease Hospital didn’t include this area, otherwise they’d have to give it back." He spotted an engineering introduction at the site, and after reading it for a while, he exclaimed as if he had discovered a new continent: "Chunliang, the cemetery’s green area overlaps with your hospital’s land!"

Xu Chunliang went to take a closer look but didn’t understand it. Wang Fangtian marked the specific overlapping areas. According to the cemetery’s plan, a road would pass north of the Infectious Disease Hospital, and this road’s planned location was already within the land approved for the hospital. Furthermore, the Tomb of the Seven Heroes would separate from the Qingshan Mine site in the future, and a north gate — the main gate — would open directly facing the hospital.

Had Xu Chunliang inspected it himself, he certainly wouldn’t have discovered so many problems. But Wang Fangtian, being a professional, uncovered multiple issues upon his on-site survey.

According to the hospital’s plan, its main entrance was to face south, meaning the hospital’s main door and the cemetery’s main door would eventually face each other.

Ding Si said: "With the hospital entrance facing south, poor patients will sneak in, while the cemetery gate is about facing north; now they’re in conflict."

Wang Fangtian nodded: "President Ding understands a bit of architectural feng shui."

Xu Chunliang thought to himself that this matter might be troublesome. The renovation and expansion of the Tomb of the Seven Heroes surely had Elder Qiao’s influence behind it. It’s not just about the hospital’s planned land being occupied; the land could even be reclaimed.

However, Xu Chunliang didn’t back down because of this. His breakup with Mei Ru Xue caused significant resentment towards the Qiao family. What’s so special about the Qiao family? Do they really think they can dominate everything?

Without even noticing, it was noon. Ding Si was sweaty and suggested going to Worker Village for a meal, knowing a beef soup shop there was very popular.

The three went back to get the car and it was already twelve thirty by the time they arrived. As Ding Si had said, the beef soup shop was indeed bustling; there were no seats when they got there, so they decided to wait on-site.

While waiting for seating, someone called out to Mr. Xu.

Xu Chunliang smelled a fishy scent and turned around to see Zhou Meng, whom he had met last time accompanying his grandfather and even treated Zhou Meng’s mother.

Upon hearing that Xu Chunliang was here for a meal, Zhou Meng immediately went inside and spoke to the owner, who shortly freed up their tea room, which normally isn’t open to guests.

Zhou Meng, grateful for the Xu family’s grace, insisted on treating them to lunch.

Ding Si, seeing Zhou Meng’s sturdy build, thought he’d be a great asset as a laborer on construction sites.

Xu Chunliang inquired about Zhou Meng’s mother’s condition, and Zhou Meng laughed: "My mom’s health is fantastic now. I even signed her up for a tour group recently; she’s off to Nanwan for a trip and won’t be back until next week."

The owner personally brought in large dishes and bowls, which were far larger in portion than those in the city.

Xu Chunliang asked: "You’re not working today?"

Zhou Meng shook his head and said: "Old news, I quit. I was only an external staff member, so there’s nothing to regret. I’m just running a small business now."

Xu Chunliang said: "Fish trading?"

Zhou Meng embarrassedly laughed: "Could you smell it?"

Ding Si chuckled: "Not just Director Xu, I could smell it too."

Zhou Meng uneasily rubbed his hands: "I didn’t have time to shower after the morning market, my apologies."

Ding Si said: "No need to apologize, brother. I actually like this smell. Come on, let’s have a drink."

The three of them agreed beforehand that Wang Fangtian would drive back, so Ding Si dared to drink freely.

Zhou Meng arranged for the old glass-bottle Fenjiu. Ding Si had alcohol in his car, but Xu Chunliang wouldn’t let him take it out, out of respect for their host.

Zhou Meng drank his spirits as his name suggested, downing the glass in one go.

Ding Si laughed: "Brother, you can hold your liquor!"

Zhou Meng replied: "I drink liquor like water, doesn’t affect me much."

Ding Si asked: "How’s your income from fish trading?"

Zhou Meng said: "It’s okay, much better than working as a forest ranger. But the nearby market is about to be closed; I heard the city plans to develop a high-speed rail zone here, so I probably can’t continue much longer."

Ding Si, also from humble beginnings, greatly admired Zhou Meng’s physique and character, and offered to help him find a new job.

Zhou Meng had no immediate plans to leave the mining area, as he was used to living with his mother.

The group was having a delightful time drinking at noon.

Xu Chunliang was concerned about his grandfather, so he secretly called Gao Hong Hall to ask him to reach out to his grandfather. Soon, Gao Hong Hall reported back, saying he had connected with Elder Xu, advising him not to worry, though it was clear from his tone that he wasn’t pleased; he planned to keep him in the Capital City for a few more days for counseling.

Xu Chunliang concluded his grandfather had secretly gone to see the Qiao family, feeling both moved and saddened. He was touched by Elder Xu’s dedication for him, yet saddened that at his advanced age, his grandfather had to humble himself before the Qiao family. In his heart, Xu Chunliang swore he’d never let his grandfather suffer such indignity again.

After returning, Xu Chunliang compiled the issues he discovered and first reported them to Yan Huaiyi.

Yan Huaiyi listened to his report, looked at the onsite photos, and couldn’t help but frown deeply: "I don’t even know what they’ve been planning or discussing day in and day out... what? So many issues overlooked, yet they’re confidently aiming... aiming to start construction by the end of the year... without solving these problems, how can construction begin?"

Xu Chunliang smiled: "Dean Yan, let’s be honest here, are you not very interested in building the new hospital?"

Yan Huaiyi replied: "It’s not that I’m disinterested; I do want to build the new hospital. But... but the reality is right here... just take Pan Junfeng for instance, always insisting on farsighted planning, building... building a hospital that lasts fifty, even a hundred years without becoming obsolete; yet where’s the money? Relying solely on state funding might just be enough to construct an infectious disease specialist area. Their plan for a comprehensive ward building is simply impossible. I’d say instead of spreading too thin, it’s better to concentrate all resources in one area and focus... focus fully on the infectious disease work, achieving that would already be commendable."