Chapter 802 - 771: Sanctimonious
Liang Wenjing held the coffee cup with both hands, the coffee was still warm, but her palms were ice-cold. She had worked hard, starting Enheng Pharmaceutical from scratch, but faced her husband’s betrayal, and now even Chen Jianxin had betrayed her. Suddenly, she felt her life was a failure.
Liang Wenjing said, "I don’t understand what you mean by ’united front’."
Xu Chunliang said, "Some things don’t need to be said outright. Regarding the use of Aconite, the saying of a double-edged sword has existed from ancient times to the present, but medicine has its toxicity, the key lies in its use. This incident at Huiren Hall is not a coincidence, someone is plotting an attack. The target of the attack is not only Huiren Hall but also your Enheng Pharmaceutical. I suspect this matter is related to Mingde Group. Their true motive is to use this incident to create an article, stigmatize our traditional Chinese medicine, and even attempt to destroy domestic pharmaceutical companies to take over our medical market."
Liang Wenjing didn’t speak, but inwardly agreed with Xu Chunliang’s conjecture.
Xu Chunliang said, "If President Liang doesn’t want to face this with us, I won’t force it."
Liang Wenjing said softly, "What idea do you have?"
Xu Chunliang knew she had been convinced by him and smiled, "Before addressing external threats, we must secure ourselves internally. We first catch the traitor, clear up the opponent’s routine, and then counterattack to strike at the enemy’s weakness."
Liang Wenjing said, "You suspect Chen Jianxin is the traitor?"
Xu Chunliang said, "I’m just speaking casually. Whether he has betrayed Enheng, you need to make that judgment yourself."
Liang Wenjing nodded, added Xu Chunliang on WeChat, and sent him some lists, which included expert professors involved in the analysis and demonstration. These people played a role in aggravating the situation, writing many articles to prove Huiren Hall’s medicine was toxic. Among them, an expert named Qu Chuanfu was particularly active; he was also one of the flag bearers for the uselessness theory of Chinese medicine, currently employed at Shuimu.
Xu Chunliang found this person’s name familiar, thought for a moment, and remembered. Isn’t it that fake gentleman with ill intentions towards Gao Xiaobai under the guise of caring for female students?
Xu Chunliang had warned Qu Chuanfu before, and he even complained about Xu Chunliang because of it. This matter was finished, but unexpectedly, they crossed paths again. Xu Chunliang thought this person was an inside-out traitor and public intellectual. I almost forgot you, yet you shamelessly came back into my orbit. If I don’t teach you a lesson this time, I will shame my ancestors.
After leaving the Four Seasons Hotel, Xu Chunliang contacted Gao Xiaobai.
Gao Xiaobai was very happy to hear he was in Capital City and took the initiative to invite him out.
Xu Chunliang asked Gao Xiaobai not to tell her family because he needed her help.
Gao Xiaobai owed him a lot of favors, and as soon as she heard he needed her help, she agreed, not knowing what she could do for him. Xu Chunliang impressed her as seemingly omnipotent, while she was just a graduate student, unable to match Xu Chunliang in social experience or connections, but she would definitely try her best with whatever she could do.
Unconsciously, Xu Chunliang had disrupted Gao Xiaobai’s usual impression of him. If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, Gao Xiaobai could hardly believe Xu Chunliang was the same person now and in the past.
The two arranged to meet at Mei Garden Restaurant near Shuimu.
Gao Xiaobai was nearby; she hung up the phone, rode her bicycle over, and had already ordered when Xu Chunliang arrived. She said with a smile, "Don’t fight with me today, it’s on me."
Xu Chunliang knew most of the students from around would come here to eat, and the expense wouldn’t be too high, so he nodded and said, "Sure, don’t be too extravagant."
Gao Xiaobai laughed, "You can’t be extravagant even if you want to."
Xu Chunliang said, "That’s not necessarily true, everyone’s standard of extravagance varies. Having a meal with a beautiful master’s student like you is extravagant enough."
Gao Xiaobai’s heart felt warm upon hearing this, secretly praising his emotional intelligence. Speaking of emotional intelligence, it truly isn’t closely related to education. Her father often urged her to learn from Xu Chunliang. Gao Xiaobai’s initial unwillingness has turned into sincere admiration. She knows her father likes Xu Chunliang and wants to match them up, but Gao Xiaobai is very clear-headed. She admits Xu Chunliang is excellent but also recognizes that she and Xu Chunliang are not suitable for each other.
Gao Xiaobai said, "No wonder Mei Ru Xue is so taken by you."
Xu Chunliang said, "What do you mean by that? We are a perfect match, both completely willing. I didn’t sweet-talk her."
Gao Xiaobai said, "I heard that women are swayed by sweet talk."
Xu Chunliang laughed, "So you need to be vigilant."
Gao Xiaobai’s face grew hot; she had almost fallen into Li Changmin’s trap recently, but fortunately met Xu Chunliang. Though she didn’t say it, she was deeply grateful to him.
The waiter came to serve dishes, and Gao Xiaobai asked if he wanted to drink alcohol.
Xu Chunliang shook his head. He came today mainly to talk business, and besides, Gao Xiaobai wasn’t the best drinking partner.
Gao Xiaobai ordered a pot of chrysanthemum pu’er tea, and they drank tea instead of alcohol.
The flavors at this nearby school restaurant were not astonishing, but what mattered was the value for money.
Xu Chunliang wasn’t here primarily for the meal; after eating a few bites, he turned to the main topic.
"Xiaobai, do you know Qu Chuanfu well?"
Gao Xiaobai recalled that last time Xu Chunliang warned her to be wary of Qu Chuanfu and even sent his profile to her. At that time, Gao Xiaobai was quite upset, thinking Xu Chunliang was meddling, but afterward, she learned that the appearance-wise Professor Qu indeed had a poor reputation.
Since then, Gao Xiaobai had deliberately distanced herself from Qu Chuanfu, who had also been warned by Xu Chunliang and dared not make undue overtures.
Gao Xiaobai said, "I actually got to know him through you."
Xu Chunliang said, "This guy is nothing good."
Gao Xiaobai chuckled, thinking Xu Chunliang didn’t come looking for him just to vent about Qu Chuanfu, right? Knowing Xu Chunliang’s character, if he really dislikes someone, nine times out of ten he’ll want to take action.
Xu Chunliang said, "I want you to help me arrange a meeting with him."
Gao Xiaobai blinked, "Me arrange a meeting with him?"
Xu Chunliang nodded and elaborated on how Qu Chuanfu had been using the Huichun Hall incident to recklessly attack traditional Chinese medicine, of course, he had to embellish the story, otherwise Gao Xiaobai might question what Qu Chuanfu’s attacks on Huichun Hall have to do with them.
Xu Chunliang found a solid reason and explained to Gao Xiaobai that Qu Chuanfu had attacked both Renhe Hall and Huichun Hall indiscriminately, like a rabid dog snapping at anyone in its path. Being the heir of Huichun Hall and the actual trademark holder of Renhe Hall, Xu Chunliang certainly had to have a talk with that guy.
After hearing this, Gao Xiaobai was also indignant. Although she was not involved in medical work, her father Gao Xinhua worked in a hospital, and with Xu Chunliang’s passionate speech, Gao Xiaobai felt that Qu Chuanfu was a traitorous public intellectual with no morals.
Xu Chunliang looked at Gao Xiaobai and said, "That’s basically the situation. If you are willing to help, do so; if you think it’s difficult, don’t force yourself."
Gao Xiaobai said, "There’s nothing to force; it’s just about arranging a meeting. When?"
"Of course, the sooner the better."
Gao Xiaobai said, "Then I’ll call him now."
Xu Chunliang thought that would be perfect.
Gao Xiaobai called Qu Chuanfu in front of Xu Chunliang and put the phone on speaker.
As soon as the phone rang, Qu Chuanfu answered, his voice particularly gentle, "Xiaobai, what’s up?"
Gao Xiaobai glanced at Xu Chunliang, "Professor Qu, am I interrupting your rest?"
"No, go ahead. I like diligent students like you."
Gao Xiaobai said, "It’s hard to explain over the phone. How about meeting sometime to discuss it?"
Qu Chuanfu enthusiastically said, "There’s no time like the present. I’m still at the school office; you know the place, and I happen to be free now. You can come find me."
Gao Xiaobai said, "Is it convenient?"
"Convenient, absolutely. You just come over; the coffee here is great."
Gao Xiaobai murmured in agreement and hung up the phone.
Xu Chunliang listened and imagined Qu Chuanfu’s sneaky old face. He felt an urge to yank the guy out of the phone and give him a good beating.
Gao Xiaobai said, "Should I go over?"
Xu Chunliang nodded, "I’ll go with you later."
Gao Xiaobai said, "No problem, it’s at school; he won’t dare do anything."
Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t underestimate these shameless professors."
After eating, Gao Xiaobai paid the bill, and she and Xu Chunliang entered the campus. On the way, Xu Chunliang briefed her on several key points. The two agreed that Gao Xiaobai would first talk to Qu Chuanfu and try to extract some information from him.
Gao Xiaobai arrived at the door of Qu Chuanfu’s office and saw the lights on inside. She took a deep breath and glanced back; Xu Chunliang made a victory gesture at the stairwell entrance.
Gao Xiaobai knocked on the door. Before she could speak, Qu Chuanfu opened the door with a smile, "Xiaobai, why took you so long? I’ve been waiting for ages."
As Qu Chuanfu ushered Gao Xiaobai into the office, he didn’t forget to check the surroundings. This guy was quite vigilant.
Entering Qu Chuanfu’s office, Gao Xiaobai was greeted by the aroma of coffee, calming her racing heart slightly, though the sound of the door closing behind her startled her anew.
Qu Chuanfu said, "Don’t be shy; make yourself at home." He gave Gao Xiaobai a pat on the shoulder.
Gao Xiaobai felt uneasy; this guy was blatantly taking advantage.
Gao Xiaobai sat down on the sofa.
Qu Chuanfu said, "This coffee machine is newly purchased; my coffee beans are far better than those at Starbucks." He began making coffee.
Gao Xiaobai said, "Professor Qu, no need to busy yourself. I just came to ask a few questions; I won’t take up much of your time."
Qu Chuanfu said, "How can it be a bother? I really appreciate you—smart, sensible, focused on your academic studies, and ambitious in life."