Chapter 345: A Bountiful Harvest

Zhao Jiefang's swift agreement took Wang Chenning completely by surprise.

"Then thank you, Grandpa Zhao!" He didn't bother with false modesty and thanked him directly.

"To have achieved so much in just over a month, all through your own efforts... I doubt anyone else could compare!" A smile remained on Zhao Jiefang's face, his eyes fixed on Wang Chenning. "You have great ambition and even greater determination. Plus, you're not bound by convention and are willing to do what it takes. If someone were to give you a little push, you would surely accomplish great things."

"Thank you for thinking so highly of me, Grandpa Zhao!" Wang Chenning stood and bowed respectfully to Zhao Jiefang. "I will not let you down!"

"You're extending my life!" Zhao Jiefang waved his hand, motioning for Wang Chenning to sit down. "Between us, there's no need for thanks!"

Wang Chenning replied earnestly, "I must still thank you, Grandpa Zhao, for not judging a young man like me by ordinary standards."

"That's because you *are* extraordinary!" Zhao Jiefang settled back down, looking relaxed. "I knew you were different from the moment I first saw you. I'm just curious. You haven't gone through any major life events, so how did you develop this kind of mindset?"

Zhao Jiefang had ordered a detailed investigation into Wang Chenning's background but found no fateful encounters or special mentors guiding him.

'To have such a mind without the guidance of a master... it can only mean his natural talent is exceptional.'

'For a person like this, if you can't make them your own, the best solution is to destroy them.'

But Wang Chenning's overall impression on Zhao Jiefang was that he could bring immense benefits to the Zhao family without posing a threat.

Zhao Jiefang couldn't tell if this was Wang Chenning's true nature or if he understood this principle and was acting this way intentionally.

But regardless, the Wang Chenning of today was a useful asset, and Zhao Jiefang had no intention of destroying him.

Still, he wanted to observe the young man himself, to get a clearer picture of his character through their conversation.

Wang Chenning's words and actions were indeed very different from his peers, possessing the calmness and wisdom of a middle-aged man.

When communicating with Wang Chenning, Zhao Jiefang didn't feel a generation gap. He even felt very relaxed and could talk casually.

None of the younger generation in the Zhao family gave him the same sense of satisfaction that Wang Chenning did.

'What a pity he isn't a scion of the Zhao family.'

"So, how are things between you and Xiao'an?" Zhao Jiefang changed the subject. "Do you want to marry her?"

"We've only known each other a short while. Any talk of marriage, whether from my side or hers, would be premature." Wang Chenning didn't answer directly, instead stating his opinion tactfully. "And I'm sure most of the Zhao family wouldn't want me as their son-in-law—including you, Grandpa Zhao. Am I right?"

Wang Chenning's statement once again surprised Zhao Jiefang.

"Tell me your reasons for thinking that." He was growing even more interested in Wang Chenning.

"You must think that Xiao'an can't control me. That if we got together, she would likely become my subordinate, perhaps even harming the Zhao family's interests to please me. You're also afraid I might use her to steal what belongs to the Zhao family, or even take control of the family itself." Wang Chenning watched Zhao Jiefang with a faint smile. "From a purely practical standpoint, you must have concluded that the best option is for Xiao'an and me to remain lovers, not get married. You've probably even considered using her to control me, to make me burn brightly for the glory and growth of the Zhao family."

"Heh heh!" Zhao Jiefang chuckled. "Your way of thinking is truly out of the ordinary."

Wang Chenning smiled as well, knowing he had just hit the nail right on the head regarding Zhao Jiefang's concerns.

'Even if Elder Zhao's thoughts weren't exactly that, they must have been close.'

'It was enough to just touch on the subject.'

The two of them chatted alone for a while before Zhao Xiao'an, carrying a platter of fruit and tea, peeked her head in at the door. Wang Chenning quickly called her in.

"Grandpa, Chenning, what did you talk about?" Seeing the old man and the young man both looking relaxed and happy, Zhao Xiao'an let out a sigh of relief. "Were you saying bad things about me?"

"How could we say bad things about you?" Wang Chenning took the tea from Zhao Xiao'an with a broad smile. "I would never say a bad word about you, in public or in private. After all, there are no bad things to say. You're too outstanding!"

"Hmph, you flatterer!" Zhao Xiao'an huffed playfully and sat down next to Zhao Jiefang. "Grandpa, Uncle Yajun just said he's already handled the matter. Those three people admitted their mistake and offered to compensate us for our losses. Uncle Yajun lectured them a bit and didn't accept their compensation."

"Then it's all settled!" Zhao Jiefang patted Zhao Xiao'an's hand and started making small talk.

After the old man and the two young people sat together making small talk for a while, Zhao Jiefang suggested they go in for dinner.

After dinner, they would sit and chat a bit more, and then he would have Wang Chenning give him his treatment. After the treatment, he could go to sleep.

Zhao Xiao'an and Wang Chenning immediately helped Zhao Jiefang up, and the three of them went back into the house.

Dinner was lavish, and Huang Yajun also sat and ate with them.

During the meal, he explained the outcome of the situation and told Wang Chenning not to pursue the matter any further.

Of course, Wang Chenning agreed.

After dinner, the old man and the two young people sat and chatted for a while longer.

After Huang Yajun finished handling his business, he came and sat with them.

In a proud tone, Zhao Xiao'an brought up how Wang Chenning had trounced people from South Korea and Japan abroad. She added confidently that, given a little more time, Wang Chenning would surely have a huge impact on the traditional medicine and culture of both countries.

She also believed Wang Chenning's standing in the world of Huaxia's traditional medicine would only continue to rise.

If the national-level laboratory that Wang Chenning was slated to lead could be approved and built, its potential for achievements would be limitless.

Then she took the opportunity to mention what Luo Yuqing had told her—about how the Lin family was deliberately obstructing the lab's approval.

"This kind of thing should be encouraged. How can they put up obstacles?" After hearing this, Zhao Jiefang stated his position on the spot.

Seeing that Zhao Xiao'an wanted to say more, Wang Chenning gently tugged on her sleeve and then expressed his thanks to Zhao Jiefang.

Zhao Xiao'an didn't mention the matter again.

After chatting for over an hour, Wang Chenning gave Zhao Jiefang another treatment.

After the treatment, Zhao Jiefang's condition was excellent again. After telling Wang Chenning and Zhao Xiao'an how he felt, he quickly fell asleep.

Wang Chenning and Zhao Xiao'an then took their leave.

"What did you and my grandpa talk about?" In the car on the way back, Zhao Xiao'an asked Wang Chenning curiously. "Did he agree to attend the master-disciple ceremony tomorrow?"

Wang Chenning nodded. "He agreed. He said he's free tomorrow and will come join the fun!"

"Then tomorrow's media event must be handled with the highest priority!" Zhao Xiao'an had Wang Chenning take her back to CCTV headquarters. She needed to report this overnight and make preparations.

"Is that really necessary?" Wang Chenning felt for Zhao Xiao'an and wanted her to go home and rest sooner.

"It'll be quick, half an hour at most." Zhao Xiao'an gave a sweet smile. "You can just wait for me. I'll need a ride back with you later anyway. I'm a bit tired from work today, so you can give me a massage!"

Seeing the alluring look on Zhao Xiao'an's face as she spoke, Wang Chenning readily agreed.

"You performed well today. I'll reward you properly. I'll give you a queen's treatment and teach you a few new positions while I'm at it!"

Zhao Xiao'an scoffed, her face blushing as she huffed, "Pervert!"

Then she leaned close to Wang Chenning's ear and whispered, "But I like your perverted side. Tonight, you can be as shameless as you want!"