Chapter 811 - 780: The Commission
On the day Xu Chunliang and Lin Sijin met, something unexpected happened: Chen Jianxin from Enheng Pharmaceutical leaped from the rooftop of Jingfu Building, ending his young life.
This incident did not attract much attention in the Capital City; in the vast Capital City, lives come and go every day, and some people are destined to make little impact.
One day before his death, Chen Jianxin had been dismissed by Enheng, which gave his death a reasonable explanation.
However, Xu Chunliang always felt there was more to Chen Jianxin’s death, as someone who could sell their soul and pride wouldn’t easily choose death.
On the very day Chen Jianxin died, Liang Wenjing had communicated with him, informing him of his dismissal. Chen Jianxin was indeed suspected of leaking company secrets, but he refused to admit it. Liang Wenjing stated that the investigation would continue and did not rule out the possibility of future prosecution.
Xu Chunliang knew the relationship between the two, and in his view, Liang Wenjing was perhaps the happiest about Chen Jianxin’s death; only Chen Jianxin’s death could keep their secret safe.
Xu Chunliang couldn’t help but think of Pei Lin, for if Chen Jianxin were alive, it’s not impossible this scoundrel could become another Yang Mufeng.
There were not many doubts surrounding Chen Jianxin’s death; many people had witnessed him jumping from the building, and the police tried to rescue him but failed to prevent his jump.
When Chen Jianxin jumped, Liang Wenjing had already returned to Dongzhou, and the timeline showed she was not involved.
Also on this day, the direction of public opinion began to subtly reverse. First, Huang Wanglin joined forces with several respected Fire God Sect masters in the Capital City to counter the recent criticism about the use of aconite.
After the incident at Huiren Hall, Shuimu Professor Qu Chuanfu, who had been the most outspoken, suddenly published an article advocating a balanced view of traditional Chinese medicine culture, admitting he wasn’t a specialist and that some of his previous articles were biased. His stance had shifted too quickly, transforming from an initial skepticism of Chinese medicine to a defender of traditional culture.
Meanwhile, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration issued a document on protecting national traditional medicine culture, similar to past declarations. At this critical juncture, the reiteration strongly demonstrates their stance of supporting traditional medicine.
In a quaint courtyard in Seoul’s Jiangnan District, Huang Youlong kneeled on the floor, accompanying an elder with crane-white hair yet youthful complexion for tea, the elder being his father-in-law, Lexus Group’s founder, Li Bingxing.
The Li Clan holds significant influence on the Peninsula, and Huang Youlong elevated his status by marrying Li Bingxing’s daughter, Li Changji.
Li Bingxing gently set down his teacup: "I heard someone jumped from the roof of Jingfu Building?"
Huang Youlong replied: "Such things happen often; although it may have some impact, I’m sure it will soon pass—you could say it’s just a coincidence."
Li Bingxing raised his eyes, and his originally murky gazes suddenly emitted two sharp glints: "A coincidence?"
Huang Youlong knew his father-in-law well; despite being over eighty, he still maintained vigorous energy and ambition. Even though he had seemingly retired from all positions, he still held a firm grip on Lexus, occasionally interfering even in Mingde Group’s affairs.
Huang Youlong said: "Please don’t worry, father-in-law. I will take care of it."
Li Bingxing said: "You are too weak in doing things, but of course, that is the common fault among your people."
Inside, Huang Youlong felt as if stung by a scorpion. Though he had acquired Korean citizenship, he inherently looked down on this country; he had to bow down, though the real reason was wealth.
Huang Youlong said: "Each country has its specific situation, and the way of handling things also varies." He thought to himself, "Old man, do you really think money can clear every path? The expansive China, rich with talent, can hardly be compared to your tiny speck of land."
Li Bingxing said: "Youlong, I’ve always looked favorably on you, which is why I gave my favorite daughter to you. When I made this decision, everyone in the family opposed it. Do you know why I held firm in choosing you?"
Huang Youlong knew clearly; it was because I saved your life. If not for me, how could you still be alive? You chose me as your son-in-law essentially as insurance for your life.
Li Bingxing said: "Because you are smart. I entrusted Mingde to you, hoping you would use your advantages to meld and enrich both Chinese and Korean medicine, expanding Mingde. Over the years, how have I treated you? I’ve never capped your research funding, fully supported your ventures in China, but I’ve yet to see your progress."
Huang Youlong said: "This matter cannot advance too swiftly; if the steps are too large, it might alert the concerned departments, making things even more troublesome then."
Li Bingxing said coldly: "I’m eighty-four years old, with not much time left."
Huang Youlong said: "Please rest assured, father-in-law; it won’t take long—the dragon bone matter has already shown progress."
Li Bingxing extended a finger: "One year—I give you one more year. If you continue to disappoint, don’t blame me for not giving you another chance."
Huang Youlong deeply bowed, taking his leave.
Li Bingxing picked up the tea cup, his expression growing more shadowed. He picked up his phone and dialed a number: "Bai Lan, I need you to do something."
While driving, Pu Jian nudged Xu Chunliang with his elbow and pointed to the side: "Right there, yesterday someone jumped from the roof, splat, shattered into pieces."
This guy was exaggerating, Xu Chunliang couldn’t help but laugh.
Pu Jian said: "You can actually laugh at such a tragic event?"
Xu Chunliang said: "People aren’t made of porcelain, how could they shatter into pieces?"
Pu Jian said: "From such a high building, it’s almost like being a porcelain person. I don’t get it, what could be so upsetting? Is suicide necessary?"
Suddenly, Xu Chunliang noticed a familiar figure and told Pu Jian to pull over.
Pu Jian saw a woman dressed in black holding a bundle of white chrysanthemums, placing them next to the building, and wondered if he knew her.
After Xu Chunliang got out of the car, he waved to Pu Jian indicating he should leave, and Pu Jian pointed at the woman in black with a mischievous smile.
Xu Chunliang ignored him and walked towards the woman in black.
The woman in black wore sunglasses, had an aura about her, placed the bouquet at the corner of the building, and stood there, silently reminiscing.
Xu Chunliang didn’t disturb her, but stood behind her, quietly accompanying her. After a while, the woman in black sensed someone, turned around and exclaimed with surprise: "Chunliang, is that you?"
The woman in black turned out to be Zhao Xiaohui. She had been abroad for childcare, and returned in haste because of Chen Jianxin’s matter. Although Zhao Xiaohui and Chen Jianxin had long since parted ways and she was heartbroken by him, upon hearing of his suicide, she couldn’t help but recall their past and decided to return to pay her respects.
Zhao Xiaohui initially planned not to alert anyone, to come quietly and go quietly, but didn’t expect to run into a familiar face. Fortunately, Xu Chunliang was one of the few people she wanted to meet.
Xu Chunliang said: "Sister Xiaohui, when did you come back?"
Zhao Xiaohui said: "He called me before he died."
Before Chen Jianxin chose to jump off the Jingfu Building rooftop, he specifically called Zhao Xiaohui. During the call, he cried bitterly, repented for his past actions, and shared some secrets of his heart, revealing that Zhao Xiaohui was the person he loved most in his life.
Zhao Xiaohui originally didn’t want to deal with him, but hearing something amiss in his tone, she tried to console him about their past. Unexpectedly, Chen Jianxin cried even harder, and after hanging up, Zhao Xiaohui couldn’t reach him again.
Before long, news of Chen Jianxin’s jump broke, prompting Zhao Xiaohui to book a ticket back immediately. After much reflection, she decided to visit the place where Chen Jianxin left this world and place a bunch of flowers to express her condolences, effectively putting an end to the love and hate between them following Chen Jianxin’s death.
Xu Chunliang said: "Now that it has happened, you shouldn’t be too sad."
Zhao Xiaohui sighed and said: "I’m not really sad. Chen Jianxin was driven to desperation and chose a dead end."
Xu Chunliang asked: "What do you know?"
Zhao Xiaohui shook her head: "He didn’t say much, just apologized to me for the foolish things he did in this lifetime. Let’s not talk about it anymore."
Xu Chunliang asked where she was staying, Zhao Xiaohui said she booked a flight for tonight, and had to hurry back as her child was still young, and the longer she’s gone, the more worried she gets.
Zhao Xiaohui was quite aware of Chen Jianxin’s family situation, knowing they were in hardship. With Chen Jianxin choosing the path he did, his family’s condition must be even worse. Zhao Xiaohui preferred not to meet the Chen Family anymore but happened upon Xu Chunliang, entrusting him with a small favor to contact the Chen Family and send them some money, considering it a closure on their past relationship.
Xu Chunliang naturally couldn’t refuse and agreed, Zhao Xiaohui handed him the prepared bank card and password.
Xu Chunliang couldn’t help but wonder, if she hadn’t encountered him, wouldn’t she have had to go personally?
The two stood in front of Jingfu Building chatting for a while, then parted ways, going in different directions.
Since Xu Chunliang accepted Zhao Xiaohui’s request, he should handle her matter properly. Zhao Xiaohui told him some details about the Chen Family, mentioning Chen Jianxin had a sister, Chen Zhiyun, who was studying in Capital City and currently arranging Chen Jianxin’s funeral.
Following the contact information Zhao Xiaohui provided, Xu Chunliang called Chen Zhiyun.
The girl’s voice answering the phone was a bit hoarse, likely from sadness. Since Xu Chunliang claimed to be a friend of Chen Jianxin, she didn’t suspect anything and told Xu Chunliang she was currently at the funeral parlor handling her brother’s funeral.