From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

Zhang Song only entered the office cautiously after receiving permission. Upon entering, he first glanced at Secretary Zhou’s teacup and then went to refill it; his role as a secretary was done conscientiously.

Secretary Zhou waited until Zhang Song had walked to the water dispenser before saying, "No need to fill it, I should be leaving."

Zhang Song was momentarily stunned; his work required him to ponder over every word from the leadership. It seemed Secretary Zhou’s words had a hidden meaning.

Nevertheless, Zhang Song still filled the cup. Just by the color and texture of the tea leaves, he could tell this jasmine tea was only the second brew, far from the time to replace the leaves. Having been by Secretary Zhou’s side for years, he knew precisely what should and shouldn’t be done, which was the reason Secretary Zhou kept him around.

He respectfully placed the refilled tea in front of Secretary Zhou with both hands: "Secretary Zhou, I’ll arrange for the car now."

Secretary Zhou looked at Zhang Song: "You have a good relationship with Zhao Feiyang, don’t you?"

Zhang Song said, "We’ve known each other for a while, but we weren’t close; it’s only recently that we’ve been in contact a bit more."

Secretary Zhou nodded: "Because of Qiao Rulong’s matter, I presume?"

Zhang Song responded, "Yes!" During Qiao Rulong’s hospitalization, he had orders from Secretary Zhou to visit Changxing Hospital almost daily, his phone calls never stopping.

Secretary Zhou said, "It’s quite fortunate that Qiao Rulong was able to survive."

Zhang Song smiled: "Good people have the protection of the heavens."

Picking up his teacup and drinking a sip, Secretary Zhou remarked: "Not all good people get rewarded."

Zhang Song smiled slightly and remained silent, as such a statement from Secretary Zhou was challenging to respond to.

Secretary Zhou asked, "By the way, did you come to see me for something?"

Zhang Song nodded.

Secretary Zhou said, "Let me guess, was it Wang Heyi who sent you to look for me?"

Zhang Song replied, "Secretary Zhou, you’re indeed prescient."

Secretary Zhou glanced at the phone on the desk: "I knew it was him calling, I just didn’t want to answer."

Zhang Song pressed his lips together; from this statement, he understood that Secretary Zhou had formed quite a strong opinion of Wang Heyi. It was Wang Heyi who had initially suggested diverting attention. Matters among those in power were not for him, the secretary, to comment on.

Secretary Zhou asked, "When was Fu Guomin’s economic problem discovered?"

Zhang Song answered, "Just recently."

"Nonsense!" Secretary Zhou suddenly burst out.

Zhang Song swallowed his saliva and fell silent, as if treading on thin ice.

Secretary Zhou demanded, "Is the process for appointing cadres just a formality? Nomination, recommendation, investigation, discussion and decision, final appointment—if Fu Guomin had economic issues at the Beijing Office all along, how did he manage to make it through each stage and reach his current position?"

Summoning his courage, Zhang Song said, "Perhaps he disguised it quite well."

Secretary Zhou shook his head: "No one can disguise themselves that well; only two possibilities exist. Either the problem wasn’t significant and was magnified for political gain, or someone deliberately turned a blind eye during the selection process to set a long-term trap."

Zhang Song listened quietly, as he could only listen quietly. He was not fit to express an opinion, nor did Secretary Zhou require one from him.

After a sip of water, Secretary Zhou calmed down quickly: "Who do you think is most suitable to succeed me?"

Zhang Song smiled: "Secretary Zhou, you’re putting me in a difficult position here. I have no authority to comment on this matter."

Secretary Zhou said, "Go on, it doesn’t matter if you’re wrong."

Zhang Song said, "Typically, Wangshi has the greatest chances."

Secretary Zhou laughed: "He probably thinks so too."

Zhang Song said, "I’m not aware of that."

Secretary Zhou said, "My time in Dongzhou is limited, but you can continue to stay."

For the first time, Zhang Song looked directly into Secretary Zhou’s eyes, his gaze full of grievance and confusion. Was Secretary Zhou suggesting they draw a clear line between them? Zhang Song said, "I want to stay by your side and continue learning."

Secretary Zhou chuckled mildly: "Learn what? Chess or fishing? You’ve already surpassed me in both. Xiaozhang, remember: in the system, if you want to go far, you need to be grounded; especially for someone like you, without a background."

After finishing, Secretary Zhou picked up the phone on the table and dialed Wang Heyi’s office: "Heyi, I’ll be out tomorrow, so matters in Dongzhou are in your hands." Without waiting for a response from Wang Heyi, Secretary Zhou decisively hung up the phone.

Zhang Song seemed to see Wang Heyi’s awkward expression. He didn’t believe that Fu Guomin’s issue was orchestrated solely by Wang Heyi, but Secretary Zhou was evidently incensed.

When Xu Chunliang returned home, Gao Xinhua and Tong Guangsheng were both there. Today, Tong Guangsheng was a bit over the top, bringing a chef specifically, who was busy in the kitchen alone while everyone else chatted with Elder Xu in the living room.

Xu Chunliang greeted them, Gao Xinhua made an excuse that he had something to discuss, and followed Xu Chunliang into his room, closing the door to share the idea of him returning to Changxing.

Xu Chunliang said, "You didn’t tell Elder Xu, did you?"

Gao Xinhua shook his head, "It’s not a good thing, I know better, I always keep from him the bad news."

Xu Chunliang gave Gao Xinhua a thumbs up.

Gao Xinhua said, "Give me a straight answer, are you going back?"

Xu Chunliang said, "If I go back, Zhao Feiyang will be so uncomfortable, I already have another place to go."

Gao Xinhua blinked, "What’s the situation?"

Xu Chunliang told him about his decision to go to the Infectious Disease Hospital. Gao Xinhua nodded repeatedly. He had actually suggested Xu Chunliang to go to the Infectious Disease Hospital long ago since Yan Huaiyi, although of average ability, would rely more on Xu Chunliang. Their past cooperation at Weishan Island Hospital was proof of this.

Another advantage of Xu Chunliang giving up the return to Changxing Hospital was avoiding a direct conflict with Zhao Feiyang. Zhao Feiyang’s attitude showed he wasn’t a broad-minded person. If Xu Chunliang returned to Changxing, he would inevitably face difficulties.

Xu Chunliang advised Gao Xinhua not to mention this for now. Once everything was settled, he would personally inform his grandfather.

The two returned to the living room. Xu Changshan said, "Why didn’t you call Xiaoxue to have dinner?"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "She’s still in out-of-town training."

Xu Changshan said, "Don’t lie to me, I just saw her on the news."

Xu Chunliang was taken aback. His grandfather wouldn’t lie, his first thought was that it might be the news on Pinghai Satellite TV, but after thinking a bit more, he felt it was impossible. Given Mei Ru Xue’s status, she wouldn’t be on provincial news.

Shu Yuanhang nearby said, "She called me this morning, primarily to update me on Qiao Rulong’s recent situation. I remember she said she was in Dongzhou and also mentioned arranging someone to send me something to express gratitude tomorrow. I thought it was you arranging to send me a gift."

Xu Chunliang laughed, "Would you dare to accept a gift from me?" In his heart, he was feeling a bit off. Mei Ru Xue had returned, yet didn’t inform him, especially when he was currently down on his luck. It logically shouldn’t be this way. Was she really so busy she couldn’t spare the time? Or was she intentionally keeping her distance?

The mistake he made wasn’t so significant, hardly deserving such an exaggerated reaction. Could he have unwittingly offended her somehow?

After completing the procedures at the Health Bureau, Xu Chunliang was about to leave when he unexpectedly received a call from Qiao Rulong, inviting him to meet at South Mountain Return Lodge.

Xu Chunliang had initially planned to meet Mei Ru Xue today. Now that Qiao Rulong called, it would be good to have a meeting too, especially since he felt the rift between him and Mei Ru Xue might have something to do with Qiao Rulong.

When Xu Chunliang arrived at South Mountain Return Lodge, Qiao Rulong had already been there for a while, reading the newspaper. Xu Chunliang noticed it was a copy of Dongzhou Daily.

In this day and age, fewer and fewer people read newspapers, especially political ones. Perhaps it was due to the political genes of the Qiao family.

Qiao Rulong put down the newspaper and smiled at Xu Chunliang. From his rosy complexion, it was apparent he was in a good mental state and recovering well post-operation.

"Brother Long, you seem to be in great shape," Xu Chunliang smiled and extended his hand, intending to use a handshake to gauge Qiao Rulong’s current physical condition.

Qiao Rulong didn’t extend his hand, maintaining a courteous smile on his face, "Sit!"

Xu Chunliang retracted his hand, nodded, and sat opposite Qiao Rulong. He had a feeling that Qiao Rulong meant no good today.

Qiao Rulong adjusted his glasses. In Xu Chunliang’s memory, he never used to wear glasses, but with them on, he appeared even more refined.

Qiao Rulong poured Xu Chunliang a cup of tea, "I’ve heard about your situation."

Xu Chunliang asked, "Which one are you referring to?"

Qiao Rulong picked up his teacup, took a sip, and gave a profound smile, "You seem to have quite a few issues."

Xu Chunliang replied confidently, "Everyone faces challenges in life, my issues are nothing compared to your experiences."

Qiao Rulong pursed his lips, raised his eyebrows, and showed a disdainful expression. He clearly caught the underlying counter in Xu Chunliang’s words.

Qiao Rulong said, "Indeed, it’s hardly worth mentioning, but some things are best clarified."

Qiao Rulong took a stack of photos from his pocket and handed them to Xu Chunliang. As Xu Chunliang glanced through them, there were photos of him with Su Qing, him with Hua Zhuyue, him with Mo Han, him with Gao Xiaobai, and even with Bai Lan.

All these photos proved one thing: Qiao Rulong was investigating him.

Xu Chunliang said, "Investigating me?"

Qiao Rulong shook his head, "I wouldn’t waste my efforts on such trivial things."

Xu Chunliang sharply responded, "Could it be the same people investigating you?"

This Chapter has been revised, two updates sent for your monthly votes of support!