Chapter 1022: Peeling Shrimp

Chapter 1022: Chapter 987: Peeling Shrimp

Xu Chunliang shoved another shrimp into Mo Han’s mouth. Mo Han acted very cooperatively, proving that she was listening intently and not paying attention to other things, also proving that the lobster was indeed delicious.

Xu Chunliang recounted the incident when he met Xue Anning again. Mo Han said, “It’s normal for people to do archaeology; after all, all procedures are legal and compliant.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Have you heard of the name ‘Southern Xue, Northern Xie’?”

Mo Han shook her head.

Xu Chunliang said, “Northern Xie refers to Xie Boxiang, whom you’ve met. Southern Xue is Xue Renzhong, the father of Xue Anning. In the past, neither Southern Xue nor Northern Xie engaged in legitimate business. Especially this Southern Xue, he went in several times. Later, he claimed to have reformed, but I just don’t believe a leopard can change its spots.”

After saying that, he skillfully stuffed another shrimp into Mo Han’s mouth.

Mo Han frowned; what good intentions could he have: “So you suspect Xue Anning too?”

Xu Chunliang said, “Right, Xue Anning has a younger brother named Xue Anliang. You should be quite familiar with him, right?”

Mo Han nodded: “He’s Professor Bai’s student. Why? Is he Xue Renzhong’s son?”

Xu Chunliang smiled at her knowingly. He didn’t believe for a second that Mo Han knew nothing about it. The reason he mentioned their investments earlier was just for fun because Xu Chunliang had long seen through their true target: the “Inner Canon of Huangdi.” If it weren’t for people like me who knew the score in advance, their gains would have been astounding.

Mo Han said, “Don’t look at me like that. I hate it when you do that.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Which look?”

Mo Han said, “You’re too calculating. Superficially you cooperate with me, but inside you’re full of schemes. On the surface, you reveal information to me, but actually, you’re secretly observing my reaction, suspecting me of being involved in these matters.”

Xu Chunliang said, “How come I feel you’re the thief crying ‘stop thief’? Who’s really scheming against whom here?”

Mo Han said, “Let me make it clear to you once again, I’ve already resigned. From now on, I’m no longer working for Luan Yuchuan.”

Xu Chunliang said, “So you’re saying you’re not interested in the dragon bone either?”

“Why would I want that thing? President Luan should be interested. If you want to sell the dragon bone, find him.” Mo Han said, not meaning what she said.

At ten in the morning, the negotiations between Dongzhou Infectious Disease Hospital and Equatorial Capital over investment officially began.

The representatives from Dongzhou Infectious Disease Hospital arrived at the negotiation site on time, but the negotiation representatives from Equatorial Capital had yet to show up.

Yan Huaiyi and Pan Junfeng were noticeably uneasy. This negotiation was initiated by the other party, and both emotionally and logically, they should arrive on time. However, fifteen minutes had passed since the designated time, and there was still no sign of them.

At this point, a young man walked in. He was Xiaocheng, the assistant to the new CEO Ren Tianye. Xiaocheng apologized, “Sorry everyone, President Ren had an unexpected matter come up and cannot be here today.”

Xu Chunliang frowned, “Did President Ren say what it was about?”

Xiaocheng said, “He didn’t say, just mentioned that he would carefully consider your investment requests. Since he’s just taken over Equatorial Capital’s business, he needs some time to understand it. I’m sure everyone will have the opportunity to meet again soon.”

No one here is a fool. When they say something like that, it means they won’t be meeting in Nanjiang this time.

Yan Huaiyi couldn’t hide his disappointment, “Can… you… give… President Ren… Ren’s contact information…”

Xiaocheng smiled, “President Ren said he would get in touch with you all.”

Xu Chunliang stood up, “Dean Yan, Dean Pan, let’s go!”

The three of them left the conference room. Pan Junfeng couldn’t help but complain, “What do they mean? They set up the negotiation, we came, and yet no one came forward, if they weren’t sincere, why ask us to come in the first place?”

Yan Huaiyi said, “Maybe… it’s because there’s… a new leader, so… so they want to… reevaluate the investment plan.”

Xu Chunliang said, “To hell with reevaluating. They don’t care to see us, and I don’t care to see them either. Forget it, if Equatorial Capital doesn’t want to invest, I’ll find another avenue for investment. Without their money, we can still get the hospital built.”

Yan Huaiyi said, “Xiaoxu… don—don’t be angry, good things take… take time.”

In fact, from last night when Mo Han said she had resigned, Xu Chunliang had a gut feeling something wasn’t right, and today it proved true. It seems this new CEO isn’t very interested in investing in the new infectious disease hospital.

Pan Junfeng said, “Xiaoxu, why don’t you contact Miss Mo and see what’s really going on? After all, she used to be the one in charge of our hospital’s projects.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Alright!”

Since such a change occurred, they felt there’s no need to continue staying here. Originally, they planned to return in the afternoon after the negotiations.

Given the current situation, Yan Huaiyi and Pan Junfeng decided to head back immediately. As for Xu Chunliang, his original plan was to stay in Nanjiang for a few days.

Xu Chunliang also didn’t plan to continue staying here. With Equatorial Capital calling off the investment, he didn’t see a need to impose on them. After checking out, he went to Nanjiang Star, where, thanks to the card given to him by Hua Zhuyue, he enjoyed super VIP treatment at all Star Hotels.

According to his agreement with Lu Ming, Lu Ming would also arrive in Nanjiang today, and in the afternoon, he would accompany Lu Ming to visit the head of Pinghai Culture and Tourism, Xing Wenhua.

Mo Han stood at Longgu Museum, admiring the latest relics to arrive. Luan Yuchuan also walked in but didn’t immediately disturb Mo Han.

Mo Han saw Luan Yuchuan reflected in the glass and said calmly, “President Luan, what brings you here today?”

Luan Yuchuan said, “The investment plan for Dongzhou Infectious Disease Hospital has been halted, and Ren Tianye did not attend this morning’s negotiations.”

Mo Han said, “Since we’ve asked him to come back, we should respect his way of doing things.”

Luan Yuchuan lowered his voice, “This man has some unconventional methods; do we need to remind him?”

Mo Han said, “Trust those you use and don’t use those you distrust; you should not interfere in his matters.”

Luan Yuchuan nodded.

Mo Han said, “Bai Mushan found nothing during the archaeological work at Weishan Island Winery last time; aren’t you overestimating this person’s professional capabilities?”

Luan Yuchuan said, “His competence in historical archaeology is beyond doubt.”

Mo Han said, “Then he must be hiding something, knowing but not reporting.”

Luan Yuchuan said, “Why did you resign?”

Mo Han said, “You don’t need to question my affairs, President Luan. Do what is within your responsibility, and it’s crucial to know your boundaries.”

Luan Yuchuan’s expression became somewhat awkward; Mo Han was clearly warning him.

He shifted the topic back to Ren Tianye: “Recently Ren Tianye has been studying the information on Dongzhou Jianjie Square. I wonder if he abandoned investing in Dongzhou Infectious Disease Hospital because he’s targeting Jianjie Square? Based on the information I have, Zhengdao Real Estate is already preparing to take over Jianjie Square. You know their background, competing with them isn’t wise for Equatorial Capital.”

Mo Han said, “Under your name, there’s not just Equatorial Capital; you can direct your focus on other companies in the future. Leave the investments to Ren Tianye; his capability exceeds both yours and mine.”

Luan Yuchuan said, “I always find this person a bit strange, and when I interact with him, I feel uneasy from the bottom of my heart.”

Mo Han said, “That’s why I advise you to stay away from him, and I’ve also chosen to leave Equatorial Capital.”

Luan Yuchuan thought to himself, then what’s the difference if Equatorial Capital is handed over to Ren Tianye? Who exactly is Ren Tianye, and what is his relationship with Mo Han? She would hand over hundreds of billions of funds to Ren Tianye to operate.

From a business perspective, Luan Yuchuan thinks that building a new hospital is much more promising than acquiring a commercial plaza. The current physical retail sector is being severely impacted by online sales, and everyone is transforming; they have no reason to go against the tide.

Mo Han said, “Let’s try to meet less in the future.”

Luan Yuchuan felt increasingly heavy-hearted; Mo Han’s decision to leave Equatorial Capital wasn’t without reason. She’s certainly avoiding some kind of risk.

Although Luan Yuchuan hadn’t met Ren Tianye many times, this person made him feel unfathomable. He suddenly realized what his so-called uneasiness was—a sense of danger.

Footsteps were heard outside; it was Xue Anliang, Bai Mushan’s student, who had arrived.

Luan Yuchuan made an excuse to leave as Bai Mushan wasn’t at the museum today.

Xue Anliang approached Mo Han and respectfully said, “Miss Mo, were you looking for me?”

Mo Han said, “I wanted you to help introduce these newly arrived artifacts.”

Lu Ming followed Xu Chunliang to Xing Wenhua’s office. Without Xu Chunliang’s introduction, Xing Wenhua wouldn’t be interested in meeting him.

Xu Chunliang brought a gift for Xing Wenhua, a specialty from Dongzhou, Han County dog meat.

Xing Wenhua said, “You’ve got some nerve, bringing gifts right into my office. Won’t people say I’m corrupt if they see this?”

Xu Chunliang laughed and said, “Just say your son asked me to bring it for you.”

Xing Wenhua’s son, Xing Yongjin, is currently working in Dongzhou. Xing Wenhua sighed, “He, unfortunately, doesn’t have that kind of tact; his emotional intelligence is too low, no match for yours.”

Lu Ming stood beside, laughing along, truly impressed by Xu Chunliang. The way he manages these relationships seems far from ordinary camaraderie, like long-tested, genuine friendship rather than vulgar social drinking.

Only then did Xu Chunliang introduce Lu Ming to Xing Wenhua.

Lu Ming quickly stepped forward with both hands, “Hello, Secretary Xing, my name is Lu Ming—Lu as in land, and Ming as in clarity. I’ve just been appointed to oversee Dongzhou Culture and Tourism work.”

Xing Wenhua said, “Are you and Xiaoxu good friends?” Clearly, Xing Wenhua understood that Xu Chunliang wouldn’t personally bring someone ordinary to meet him.

Lu Ming nodded repeatedly, “Loyal friends through thick and thin.”

Xing Wenhua laughed, “In our system, brotherhood isn’t popular, but having a relationship of loyal friends can definitely enhance teamwork. Have a seat; you’re not restricted here.”

Xu Chunliang and Lu Ming sat down, and Xing Wenhua’s secretary came to serve them each a cup of tea.

Xing Wenhua said, “Lu Ming, taking up responsible work in Dongzhou Culture and Tourism at this time is somewhat like being called upon in times of crisis. Be prepared to face difficulties.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Secretary Xing, don’t scare him.”