Chapter 1077: Control

Xu Chunliang had just returned to the hotel when he received a call from Pan Junfeng. Pan Junfeng wanted to talk to him alone.

Xu Chunliang knew that tonight’s events surely left Pan Junfeng feeling uneasy and invited him to the executive lounge of the Star.

When Pan Junfeng arrived at the executive lounge, Xu Chunliang was already there waiting for him.

Sitting by the floor-to-ceiling windows, he could see a segment of Capital City’s night view. Pan Junfeng looked outside while Xu Chunliang asked the server to bring the whiskey he had stored there from last time.

After pouring the drinks, the two clinked their glasses, and Xu Chunliang took a sip, saying, “Sorry for the trouble tonight, Dean Pan.”

Pan Junfeng replied, “It’s better to confront the ugly truth early, and you have that courage.”

Xu Chunliang laughed, “Are you worried that the fifty billion investment might vanish?”

Pan Junfeng chuckled awkwardly.

Xu Chunliang said, “If it’s yours, it won’t run away. If it’s not, you can’t ask for it. To be honest, Dean Pan, I have doubts about Zhai Pingqing’s motives.”

Pan Junfeng asked, “Have you heard something? From what I understand currently, there doesn’t seem to be any major issues with Zhai Pingqing or Kangjian Group.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Have you ever heard of an organization called Pimen, Dean Pan?”

Pan Junfeng nodded and said, “I’ve heard of it, but in today’s world, isn’t Pimen just history?”

Xu Chunliang spoke softly, “Zhai Pingqing belongs to Pimen, and he holds a high status.”

Pan Junfeng furrowed his brows, growing increasingly anxious. People like him within the system most feared getting entangled with Jianghu figures. If Zhai Pingqing had a shady background, future cooperation would indeed require careful consideration. But his worries were of no use; Zhai Pingqing’s investment in the new hospital had already gained approval from relevant city leaders, while his network was extensive. Over the years, he thrived in the health and elderly care fields, and recently branched into the funeral industry, all supported by his back connections.

Pan Junfeng was merely a vice director of operations at the Dongzhou Infectious Disease Hospital, and fifty billion in investment landing at his feet was a windfall of extraordinary magnitude for him.

Pan Junfeng honestly stated, “In truth, we don’t have much say in the construction of the new hospital this time around.”

Xu Chunliang replied, “Having little say doesn’t mean we can’t speak up. Zhai Pingqing has backing and connections, and he doesn’t lack good projects. Although our new hospital seems promising, its investment term is long, and the returns don’t match those of his current engagements. Why would he still invest such a huge sum here? I suspect he has undisclosed motives.”

Pan Junfeng said, “I’ve looked into this too. I heard he’s aiming to list Kangjian Group publicly, with the new hospital’s construction serving the purpose of preparing for the listing.”

Xu Chunliang replied, “He mentioned tonight about introducing some Korean medicine and Hanfang.”

Pan Junfeng said, “Perhaps he was just talking. The hospital isn’t built yet; these things won’t be implemented in the short term.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Dean Pan, do you remember the incident where Lexus Group, unable to acquire the land, proposed cooperating to build a new hospital?”

Pan Junfeng said, “Yes, I remember, Miss Bai Lan represented them, proposing a first-phase investment of twenty-five billion.”

Xu Chunliang took another sip of his drink and said, “I suspect there might be some connection between them.”

“I haven’t heard of any,”

Xu Chunliang said, “After we rejected Lexus, they never approached us again. From what I know of Lexus Group, they don’t give up easily. If it were you, what would you do?”

Pan Junfeng thought for a moment and said, “I’d find another partner to act on my behalf.”

Xu Chunliang nodded, “Equatorial Capital withdrew their investment plan, and shortly thereafter, Zhai Pingqing came to us; the timing was almost without delay. A fifty billion project doesn’t just make a sudden decision like that; he had never shown interest in the new hospital before.”

Pan Junfeng said, “Maybe he was interested but felt he couldn’t compete with Equatorial Capital.”

Xu Chunliang said, “He wants exclusive investment rights and also intends to take over the construction of the new hospital. His every move seems abnormal, and I definitely think he has other motives.”

Pan Junfeng smiled bitterly, “Do you have any evidence?”

“I’ll eventually find it,”

Pan Junfeng said, “Even if you think there’s a problem with him, try not to show it too visibly. If Zhai Pingqing makes an issue out of this and accuses you of deliberately obstructing his investment, it won’t be easy for us to explain to either the health bureau or the city officials. After all, Secretary Wang has repeatedly emphasized the need to improve Dongzhou’s business environment and provide the most convenient conditions for investors.”

Xu Chunliang smiled calmly, “Dean Pan makes a good point. After tonight’s events, I reckon Zhai Pingqing is more than likely to take action to try and edge me out.”

Pan Junfeng sighed, “Xiaoxu, when dealing with these investors, we must be strategic.”

Xu Chunliang knew he was in a dilemma, worried both about losing the fifty billion investment and about him quitting out of spite. Though others might be unreliable, Pan Junfeng still valued his abilities greatly.

Xu Chunliang said, “Dean Pan, if Zhai Pingqing has ulterior motives, he will definitely not give up the investment in the new hospital.”

Pan Junfeng asked, “What if he really withdraws the investment?”

Xu Chunliang said, “If I make a mistake, I’ll bear the responsibility. However, there’s one thing you can rest assured of: if he withdraws, I’ll handle it.”

Pan Junfeng thought to himself, fifty billion is no trivial matter. Initially, you said the same about Equatorial Capital, yet they still withdrew and turned to invest in Changxing Hospital instead. It’s not that he lacked faith in Xu Chunliang, but he doubted his own hospital. Dongzhou Infectious Disease Hospital was merely a Grade 3B specialty hospital, currently striving to become Grade 3A, yet in Dongzhou’s landscape, it didn’t even rank in the top eight for comprehensive strength, leaving little reason for investors to be interested.

At this moment, Xu Chunliang’s gaze was drawn to Hua Zhuyue approaching him. Hua Zhuyue had wavy dark brown hair, wore a silver-gray long dress, skin as smooth as cream, fiery red lips, and was walking gracefully with a pair of sparkling stiletto heels, like a mermaid appearing in the human world.

Hua Zhuyue came closer to the two and smiled, “What a coincidence! Director Xu, when did you arrive in Capital City?”

“Been here for a few days.”

Xu Chunliang introduced to Pan Junfeng, “Dean Pan, this is President Hua of Blue Star Group. She originally planned to invest in our new hospital.”

Hua Zhuyue sat next to Xu Chunliang and had the waiter bring her a glass of wine.

Pan Junfeng was amazed by Hua Zhuyue’s beauty, admiring Xu Chunliang’s wide network while envying his charm with women. He took out his business card and handed it to Hua Zhuyue, “Nice to meet you, President Hua. Here is my business card.”

Hua Zhuyue smiled gently, “Dean Pan, don’t waste it. If there’s anything, I’ll go through Director Xu.”

Pan Junfeng felt a bit awkward but adjusted his mood well and smiled, “Alright, is President Hua also interested in our hospital?”

Hua Zhuyue said leisurely, “I was interested before, but not anymore. I heard you’ve already signed an exclusive cooperation agreement with Kangjian Group.”

Pan Junfeng glanced at Xu Chunliang, who replied, “Dean Pan, don’t look at me. I didn’t reveal our hospital’s secrets.”

Hua Zhuyue helped to explain, “It has nothing to do with Director Xu. In the business world, it’s all about information. Zhai Pingqing, the CEO of Kangjian Group, has already announced it.”

Pan Junfeng said, “President Hua’s information is quite up-to-date.”

Hua Zhuyue said, “Originally, we were interested, but since Kangjian stepped in, I had to give up. No need for exclusive investment; frankly, I’m not keen on partnering with businessmen who earn from elderly folks.”

Pan Junfeng laughed, “President Hua speaks directly.” Realizing he wasn’t suited to stay longer, he stood up to leave.

Xu Chunliang escorted him to the door, but Pan Junfeng insisted he not go further, aware that some of Xu Chunliang’s circles were beyond his reach in this lifetime.

Xu Chunliang returned to Hua Zhuyue’s side and sighed, “Dean Pan is my superior, you were quite harsh.”

Hua Zhuyue said, “I can’t tell whether he’s your boss or your junior.”

Xu Chunliang said, “You’ve never met my junior?”

“Aren’t you an only child? Where’s your junior…” Hua Zhuyue realized she was trapped by him once again and stomped on his foot with her heel, “You’re going to be the death of me.”

Xu Chunliang clamped her foot with his leg, causing her shoe to fall while she struggled, unable to place her foot directly on the ground and instead stepping on his foot, whispering, “Give it back.”

Xu Chunliang hooked her shoe with his foot towards himself, making Hua Zhuyue even farther from her shoe.

Hua Zhuyue crossed her arms and intentionally put on a stern expression, “Can’t you believe I’ll call security?”

Xu Chunliang said, “Why don’t you call and let me hear.”

Hua Zhuyue lightly stepped on his foot with hers, their eyes met, gaze entwined.

Xu Chunliang said, “Why did you come looking for me so late?”

Hua Zhuyue said, “It’s ridiculous; this hotel is mine, why can’t I come?”

Xu Chunliang said, “I thought you were here just for me.”

“You really are conceited, a horse not knowing its face is long,” Hua Zhuyue said and couldn’t help but laugh.

Xu Chunliang said, “Put your foot on my knee.”

“Why?”

“I’ll help you put your shoe on.”

Hua Zhuyue’s face reddened. Since their trip to Qiaocheng, her relationship with Xu Chunliang had become increasingly ambiguous. Not one to be shy, she lifted her delicate foot and placed it on his knee. Xu Chunliang didn’t put the shoe on her; he grasped her delicate foot in his palm with his free left hand.

Hua Zhuyue said coyly, “What are you doing? We’re in public, surrounded by my employees. You may not care, but I do.”

Xu Chunliang laughed, “Don’t worry, the lights are dim; no one notices what we’re doing.”

Hua Zhuyue said, “Stop fooling around; give me back my shoe.”

Xu Chunliang shook his head.

Hua Zhuyue pretended to be fierce, “Make me angry, and I’ll waste you with one kick.”

Hua Zhuyue felt both love and fear. She still remembered when they first met, when she pretended to consult for illness at Huichun Hall, and Xu Chunliang gave her a foot massage, leaving her in ecstasy and despair. This little punk was likely to pull the same stunt again.