Chapter 1051 - 1016: The Purpose of Returning

Past experience told Xu Chunliang that the smoother things seem and the more perfect they appear on the surface, the more likely they harbor unknown conspiracies. Especially this Zhai Pingqing, one of the four elders of the tired sect, whose background is extremely complex.

Xiahou Mulan is also investigating, but Zhai Pingqing maintains a good reputation both in the public eye and within the tired sect. Even if this kind of person has a conspiracy, it’s hidden very deeply and won’t be easily exposed.

Xu Chunliang said: "No matter who invests, it’s the same, but I still have to remind everyone that Changxing Hospital is our cautionary tale. The contract must be reviewed by someone who understands the field to avoid loopholes, otherwise, we’ll end up being passive in the future."

Pan Junfeng said: "Don’t worry, the city has considered this. The current intention is for Kangjian Group to handle investment and construction, but management in the future will still primarily fall on us."

Xu Chunliang asked: "They want to handle construction too?"

Pan Junfeng replied: "They’re investing so much money, of course, they want to personally oversee the engineering. Kangjian Group has a specialized engineering team dedicated to medical construction. For now, it’s just a plan; the specific contracts are still under negotiation. Oh, let me tell you some good news—Kangjian originally wanted to invest thirty billion in the first phase, but the city demanded fifty billion from them."

Xu Chunliang asked: "They agreed?"

Pan Junfeng answered: "President Zhai said money is not an issue."

Xu Chunliang squinted at the land, lost in thought: "In other words, no matter what the cost, he wants to acquire this land. Doesn’t this sound familiar?"

Pan Junfeng was puzzled: "What?"

Xu Chunliang said: "Back then, Lexus Group couldn’t take this land from us, but they also had the idea to invest in our new hospital. Bai Lan called me when you were there."

Pan Junfeng nodded, recalling the night they drank together, with one beautiful woman after another stepping up, talking about investments starting at ten billion, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

Pan Junfeng said: "Actually, back then, we should’ve struck while the iron was hot and signed the investment agreement with Equatorial Capital." This was his honest thought; if they had pressed forward then, they wouldn’t have faced Equatorial Capital’s change of heart later, nor would Kangjian Group have gotten involved. Xu Chunliang delayed things himself, feeling overly confident and indifferent to Equatorial Capital’s thirty billion investment, and it all fell through.

Xu Chunliang said: "Dean Pan, do you know why I wasn’t in a hurry to sign with Equatorial Capital? Because I suspected they had other motives behind their investment. We need investors who sincerely want to build and manage a hospital, not those with ulterior purposes."

Pan Junfeng laughed: "What purpose could they have? Apart from this land, we don’t have much advantage."

Xu Chunliang sighed inwardly. It was precisely this land that attracted so much attention. He still couldn’t determine Zhai Pingqing’s true intentions, but nine times out of ten, Zhai Pingqing also wanted this land.

At noon, Sheng Chaohui called, wanting to discuss something with Xu Chunliang. Xu Chunliang told him the location, and since he was eating there at noon, invited Sheng Chaohui to try the food at their construction site cafeteria.

Sheng Chaohui arrived after eating, and Xu Chunliang received him in his temporary office.

Sheng Chaohui shut the door and, looking forlorn, said: "Director Xu, I need your help this time."

Xu Chunliang guessed right away it was probably related to Zhao Xiaohui’s return, grinning as he poured him a cup of tea: "You have money and power; what could I possibly do to help you?"

Sheng Chaohui said: "Zhao Xiaohui, she’s back again and wants to work at Dongzhou TV Station. Isn’t she just causing trouble?"

Xu Chunliang said: "She’s an adult; she can make her own decisions. Besides, what’s your relationship with her? What’s my relationship with her? Why should we interfere?"

One sentence took Sheng Chaohui aback. He took a sip of water and said: "Director Xu, you know about my relationship with her." He lowered his voice: "I really gave her no small amount of money; of course, willingly, I just wish she could focus on raising the child. She doesn’t need to worry about anything else, but she insists on coming back, saying a woman cannot be without a career, and she wants to regain everything she lost."

Xu Chunliang said: "What she says isn’t wrong, either."

Sheng Chaohui said: "Her purpose isn’t that at all."

Xu Chunliang couldn’t help but laugh: "You’re saying she’s coming back for you?"

Sheng Chaohui shook his head: "No, she’s coming back for my wife."

Xu Chunliang leaned back, truly uninterested in this domestic strife.

Sheng Chaohui said: "She suspects the car accident back then was orchestrated by my wife, so she’s returning to uncover the truth and seek revenge."

Xu Chunliang’s heart sank. If Liang Wenjing truly orchestrated that car accident, she’s heartlessly ruthless.

Sheng Chaohui said: "Zhao Xiaohui won’t possibly stand a chance against Liang Wenjing. I don’t want her to make a mistake; if something happens to her, what will happen to my son?"

Xu Chunliang looked at Sheng Chaohui, whose face was a mask of gloom: "Director Xu, I know it’s not right to burden you with my family affairs, but Zhao Xiaohui is too stubborn. I know she only listens to you. Could you persuade her? It’s for her own good. You don’t know Liang Wenjing; she’s very resourceful. Zhao Xiaohui wouldn’t stand a chance against her."

Xu Chunliang said: "Old Sheng, these are your sins. Instead of resolving them yourself, you’re asking me to."

Sheng Chaohui said: "I regret it deeply now. I’ve already filed for divorce from Liang Wenjing, but she won’t agree."

Xu Chunliang said: "She naturally won’t agree, not wanting to split the painstakingly built career with you."

Sheng Chaohui said: "That woman is ruthless."

Xu Chunliang said, "Was Zhao Xiaohui’s car accident really caused by her?"

Sheng Chaohui shook his head vigorously like a rattle-drum: "No, it shouldn’t have been. She wouldn’t do such a thing."

Xu Chunliang said, "Alright, I’ll have a chance to advise her."

Sheng Chaohui said, "Do it quickly, definitely quickly, before she signs a contract with Dongzhou TV Station."

Xu Chunliang called Zhao Xiaohui in front of him, inviting her for afternoon tea. Zhao Xiaohui happily agreed over the phone.

Sheng Chaohui listened with a delighted expression. When Xu Chunliang hung up the phone, he repeatedly expressed his gratitude.

Xu Chunliang said, "Old Sheng, do you know Zhai Pingqing well?"

Sheng Chaohui said, "Yes, I’m familiar with him. We’ve always had business dealings. His business is big. Oh, I heard he’s planning to invest in your hospital."

Xu Chunliang said, "He said he would come up with five billion."

Sheng Chaohui said, "No problem, he has the capability. Kangjian has thrived in the elderly care industry over the years; he has connections and influence."

Xu Chunliang’s heart was moved. He asked seemingly casually, "What kind of background does he have?"

Sheng Chaohui said, "In civil affairs, he has everything going smoothly. Haven’t you heard? Health and elderly care aren’t even his most profitable ventures. He collaborates with the civil affairs departments in various places to develop cemeteries, which is a highly profitable business."

Xu Chunliang said, "With so many profitable industries, why would he invest in our hospital?"

Sheng Chaohui said, "I don’t know about that. I remember discussing Changxing with him once. He even said Tang Jingwei’s investment judgment was poor, saying such projects have long investment cycles, low returns, and high risks. I didn’t expect him to start investing in hospitals himself now."

"What is this person’s character like?"

Sheng Chaohui said, "When he does things, no mistakes are made; he maintains a careful distance in relationships. In summary, he’s a hypocrite. But his brilliance lies in, you clearly know this person is insincere, yet you can’t fault him."

Sheng Chaohui’s assessment of Zhai Pingqing was similar to Xu Chunliang’s impression. Xu Chunliang said, "Who exactly is his backer?"

Sheng Chaohui shook his head: "I really don’t know."

When Xu Chunliang arrived at Waku, Zhao Xiaohui was already there waiting for him, video chatting with her son. Upon seeing Xu Chunliang come over, she gestured for him to sit, and after talking for a while longer, she reluctantly hung up the phone.

Xu Chunliang said, "Arrived so early?"

Zhao Xiaohui said, "It depends on who’s asking me out. If it’s you, I must take it seriously." She picked up the teapot and poured tea for Xu Chunliang.

Xu Chunliang said, "Have you settled on returning to Dongzhou?"

Zhao Xiaohui nodded: "It’s settled. Director Ma agreed to take me in, asking me to quickly go through the onboarding process. Once finished, I can start work anytime."

Xu Chunliang said, "I heard from Su Qing that she wanted to introduce you to the provincial station, but you declined."

Zhao Xiaohui said, "I’m not that ambitious. Besides, I’m more familiar with the working environment at Dongzhou TV Station, so I don’t have to spend time building colleagues’ relationships."

Xu Chunliang said, "Is there another reason behind your return this time?"

Zhao Xiaohui’s gaze fell. She didn’t look at Xu Chunliang and took a sip of tea: "No, I’m just too bored and simply wanted to find something to do."

Xu Chunliang said, "Sheng Chaohui just came to see me."

Zhao Xiaohui looked up, somewhat angrily: "What does he want with you? This man is truly shameless. Is he worried I’ll cause trouble for him by coming back? I have no connection to him anymore."

Xu Chunliang said, "He has his concerns. He believes you’re returning for revenge."

Zhao Xiaohui said angrily, "He’s spouting nonsense; don’t pay attention to him."

Xu Chunliang looked at her quietly. Zhao Xiaohui was clearly a bit flustered, avoiding Xu Chunliang’s gaze: "I really don’t have other intentions."

Xu Chunliang said, "He said it’s because of the car accident years ago. I don’t think so. Since you left after the accident, it proves you’ve let that go. You’re returning because of Chen Jianxin, right?"

Zhao Xiaohui’s hand instinctively tightened around the teacup. She turned her face away, fearing Xu Chunliang would see her expression at this moment.

Xu Chunliang said, "Really, I shouldn’t interfere in your personal affairs. But I always feel your return isn’t wise. As a friend, I ought to advise you: Let the past be the past."