Chapter Twenty: Cards

Over the years, these old fellows have lived in seclusion, keeping themselves out of worldly disputes. Yet, because traditional Chinese medicine is shrouded in secrecy and requires years of accumulation to truly master, the market has been overrun by frauds, tarnishing its reputation. No matter how indifferent one is to fame and fortune, being part of this field, seeing traditional medicine first mythologized and then maligned ignited an inexplicable anger in Xuanyuan Datang.

“Wan’er, book the tickets. We’re going to Linhai as well.”

Xuanyuan Datang, his silver hair framing a kindly face, nonetheless exuded an unspoken authority as he spoke. Even the potted plant on his desk seemed to bow its leaves, and Lin Wan’er, who had followed him for years in her medical studies, held her breath and nodded silently, not daring to make a sound.

The titans of both traditional and Western medicine had all booked flights to Linhai, and the medical world was thrown into a sudden uproar.

At that moment, Ye Qiu and his companions were unaware that their heated dispute had sent ripples through the entire field. Xiao Yuru watched Ye Qiu nervously as he spoke fluent English to a woman called Priestess.

Liu Yiran and Xiao Yuru, clearly understanding Ye Qiu’s conversation, were intrigued by his tone. From the dialogue, it was obvious that their somewhat surly little brother became even more arrogant when making calls—speaking to the woman in a cold, commanding way. If either of them had encountered such arrogance, they would have blocked his number long ago.

“You want to deliver it in person?”

Upon hearing Priestess insist on delivering the new drug herself due to its value, Ye Qiu hesitated. Priestess’s identity was unusual—if she entered China, it could draw significant attention, perhaps even from the United States.

“Master, the new drug is of great importance. Besides, this is simply the Sophia family’s regular investment in China; no one will object.”

“Let 01 deliver it,” Ye Qiu decided after some thought, refusing Priestess’s offer. The Sophia family’s arrival would cause too much of a stir, inevitably attracting scrutiny.

“But 01…”

Priestess wanted to protest. Though 01’s family was less prominent than the Sophia family, would it not also attract attention? It seemed unfair.

She had barely begun when Ye Qiu’s voice turned cold, “Are you questioning my decision?”

“Master, I wouldn’t dare.”

Priestess’s voice faltered.

“That’s settled.”

Ye Qiu hung up, then turned awkwardly to Liu Yiran and Xiao Yuru. “Second Sister, the new drug will arrive in three days. In the meantime, I’ll gather related information. If necessary, I can have someone from Deepsea sent over.”

Xiao Yuru nodded in confusion. The change in that stubborn leaf was truly remarkable.

But… just now… how fascinating.

…

“I’m sorry, without an appointment you can’t go upstairs.”

The receptionist pressed the alarm, and two security guards approached, fixing their gaze on the man before them. If he hadn’t been a brown-haired foreigner, they would have already brandished their electric batons.

“You should leave now—they really will throw you out,” the receptionist winked at him, feeling a little regret. Brown hair, blue eyes—he was too handsome. If this were a bar instead of work, she’d gladly take him home.

The man seemed unsurprised, producing a palm-sized gift box and handing it over. “Please give this gift to Miss Mary. Once she sees it, she’ll come to meet me.”

“Items that haven’t been inspected are not allowed into the building,” a security guard said, pulling out his baton. “Leave now, or we’ll arrest you.”

Who did he think he was—Jim Carrey? A little gift box wasn’t going to get him inside. Who knew what was in it? They were a professional security team.

“Just give this to Miss Mary,” the man said, lips curving into a charming smile directed at the receptionist. “Trust me, she’ll be delighted when she sees it.”

The receptionist hesitated. This went against company policy. But he was simply too handsome. Her heart seemed to melt when he smiled.

“Lucy, do you realize the consequences of what you’re doing?”

The security guard’s expression changed as he saw Lucy accept the gift box.

“I’ll take it to the quarantine department first. Once it’s cleared, I’ll deliver it to the president.”

Lucy decided to help this man. Someone this handsome couldn’t possibly be a bad person. Of course, Lucy made sure to actually have the gift box inspected by the quarantine department.

Deepsea Corporation owns countless industries, especially in cutting-edge technology, and boasts the world’s safest security systems. Its executives are guarded by the most professional bodyguards.

“Miss Lucy, there’s no problem.”

Of course, someone so handsome couldn’t be a villain.

Lucy brought the gift to the 61st floor, gently knocking on Mary’s office door. Inside, a dozen executives wore serious expressions and all turned to look at Lucy, making her heart pound in her chest.

“President, someone downstairs asked me to deliver this to you,” Lucy said timidly, glancing at Mary, then added, “It’s already been through quarantine.”

“Put it down. You’re fired.”

Mary didn’t even rise from her comfortable chair, her delicate feet dangling in gemstone-studded blue heels. Her sapphire-like eyes merely glanced at the receptionist who could easily be a model, then she issued her order.

Lucy pressed a hand to her mouth in shock, tears welling in her eyes. Many envied her job at Deepsea, but she had let her guard down for that handsome man, forgetting the company’s strict rules: no one was allowed to leave their post unless absolutely necessary.

A male executive sighed sympathetically and took the gift box. The receptionist was curvaceous and pretty—what a pity. But most executives ignored her, some even sneering at Lucy.

“I’m sorry, President,” Lucy apologized meekly, only making Mary’s expression colder. With a snap of her fingers, two fully armed elite security guards appeared behind Lucy. One gazed at her with icy indifference, as if she were prey. “Please leave immediately.”

Even after half a year at Deepsea, fully aware of its rigorous and merciless nature, she hadn’t expected to be escorted out of the office building.

Lucy was stunned, moving mechanically toward the elevator under the watchful eyes of the security guards.

“What kind of person is so childish? Such an exquisite gift box, and there’s only a card inside,” the executive who took the box said, tossing the card into the trash with a sneer. “And this card is ugly, too.”