Chapter 1082: Knowing the Score

Xu Chunliang said, “Sister Qingya will come to Dongzhou in a few days to relax, and she’ll stay at my home then.”

He Wanying realized she was overthinking, smiled and said, “Okay, I’ll go see her.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Elder Ye is coming too.”

He Wanying immediately became nervous, “I should tell Jianming.”

Xu Chunliang said, “They don’t want to make too much fuss, they’re just coming over for a personal retreat; Sister Qingya initially didn’t plan to say anything, but later thought about it and asked me to give you a heads up.”

He Wanying said, “Don’t worry, I understand. I’ll discuss it with Jianming later, and when Elder Ye is in a good mood, we’ll visit him. Chunliang, you must keep me updated.”

Xu Chunliang nodded.

Wang Jianming had been coming home very late recently. As soon as he entered, he smelled the strong aroma of herbal medicine and asked with concern, “Wanying, what’s wrong? Are you sick?”

He Wanying came out of the kitchen, “It’s nothing. Don’t jump to conclusions. Chunliang came to my office this afternoon and gave me some medicine to regulate my body. I’m just boiling it now. Wait a moment, I’ll finish filtering the medicine and then talk to you.”

Wang Jianming changed his clothes and saw He Wanying carrying a big bowl of steaming herbal soup. He wanted to help.

He Wanying said, “Sit down, sit down, or you’ll burn yourself. Otherwise, the 9 million residents of Dongzhou won’t agree.”

Wang Jianming laughed heartily, “That kid brought you medicine? He wouldn’t come without a reason.”

He Wanying said, “Don’t say that. Chunliang is quite nice.”

Wang Jianming said, “I didn’t say he wasn’t good. That kid has a quick mind, be careful of his sweet talk.”

He Wanying laughed, “It’s not sweet talk, it’s beneficial medicine even though it’s bitter.”

While waiting for the medicine to cool, she told Wang Jianming about Elder Ye’s visit to Dongzhou for relaxation.

Wang Jianming knew what to do. Since Elder Ye’s visit was personal, he shouldn’t disturb him proactively. He would pretend not to know for now. His wife handled it well and, at the right time, let Xu Chunliang arrange a meeting at the Xu Family’s place with Elder Ye.

He Wanying sighed, “Qingya is quite unfortunate, having just divorced Qiao Rulong and now she has lost her father.”

Wang Jianming said, “No one can sail through life smoothly. Qingya has always grown up with care, but sooner or later she’ll have to face the world’s harshness.”

He Wanying nodded, remembering how her husband lost his parents at a young age. His experiences had shaped him into an independent person.

Wang Jianming reminded her it was time to drink her medicine. After He Wanying finished the medicine, Wang Jianming had already prepared a glass of honey water for her.

He Wanying shook her head, indicating that Xu Chunliang had specifically instructed her not to dilute with water within ten minutes after taking the medicine.

Wang Jianming guessed from her grimace that the medicine must be very bitter, asked with concern, “It’s particularly bitter, right?”

He Wanying said, “Then I’ll need Secretary Wang to sweeten it up with some sweet words.”

Wang Jianming laughed, whispering, “You’re still as beautiful as ever.”

He Wanying said, “You’re so cheesy, stop it. I didn’t ask you to anesthetize me.”

The couple laughed together. After years of marriage, romantic words seemed a bit awkward.

Wang Jianming said, “By the way, has your school signed a contract with the Infectious Disease Hospital?”

He Wanying said, “Yes, we have. Both sides are currently preparing for construction, so no public announcement yet. They wanted you to make an appearance, but I refused.”

Wang Jianming said, “You guys accidentally picked a good investment. Kangjian Group plans to invest 5 billion for the new hospital’s construction.”

He Wanying said, “The contract is signed? The funds are in place?”

Wang Jianming said, “There shouldn’t be any problem.”

He Wanying said, “I heard from Xu Chunliang that he had some disagreements with the investors, so he proactively withdrew from the new hospital’s construction.”

Wang Jianming was unaware, as such small issues wouldn’t reach his ears. But now that He Wanying mentioned it, it naturally caught his attention, “Is this the reason he came to see you?”

He Wanying said, “Don’t overthink. He didn’t ask for your help, he chose to withdraw on his own.”

Wang Jianming said, “It’s good to withdraw. He’s quite capable. I’ve long suggested he go to Weishan Island to explore. The sky is wider there. The Dongzhou Infectious Disease Hospital is too small for him.”

He Wanying said, “You always say to finish what you start. The new hospital isn’t even built, and if he leaves now, wouldn’t that make him a deserter?”

Wang Jianming said, “The land issue has been quite turbulent…” He seemed to realize something as he said this.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Whoever visited at this time was definitely someone familiar. Wang Jianming checked the video doorbell and saw it was his cousin, Wang Jiancheng.

Wang Jiancheng brought fruits and pastries with him, knowing well his brother’s temperament. If he brought anything expensive, Wang Jianming might not even let him in.

After entering, he also smelled the herbal aroma, “Wow, what’s going on? Such a strong herbal smell?”

He Wanying said, “It’s autumn, I’m taking some herbal medicine to nourish myself.”

Wang Jiancheng said, “All medicine is somewhat poisonous, sister-in-law. You can’t just take any medicine. Why don’t I arrange for an expert to check on you tomorrow?”

He Wanying said, “No need, you two brothers talk, I’ll go wash the dishes.”

Wang Jianming said, “How come you didn’t give me a heads up before coming over?”

Wang Jiancheng laughed, “Do I need to announce my visit to see my brother? I just happened to pass by. This shop’s pastries are good, I brought some for Sister-in-law to try. I wasn’t coming over for you.”

Wang Jianming said, “You’re quite considerate.”

Wang Jiancheng mysteriously said, “I’m thinking of asking Sister-in-law to play matchmaker for me.”

Wang Jianming immediately understood he was referring to the matter of Ye Qingya and sighed, “You really are persistent. Aren’t you afraid the feeling might not be mutual?”

Wang Jiancheng said, “As the clouds clear, the moon will be seen. Sincerity can break even the hardest stone.”

Wang Jianming couldn’t help but dampen his spirits, “I guess Ye Qingya might not be in the mood to consider romantic matters right now.”

Wang Jiancheng said, “I know her family has been through a lot. But it’s times like these that she needs someone to care for her even more.”

Wang Jianming said, “She has plenty of people caring for her. It doesn’t have to be you.”

Wang Jiancheng said, “What do you mean, brother? Why can’t it be me? What’s so unmatched between the Wang Family and the Ye Family?”

Wang Jianming pointed out, “That’s not right, you shouldn’t measure things by family. Grandpa and Elder Ye have been friends for years. Don’t drag family matters into your own personal relationships.”

Wang Jiancheng said, “Alright, I admit I misspoke.”

Wang Jianming said, “I heard that Uncle caused some trouble for Ye Qingya recently.”

Wang Jiancheng said, “That was my fault. The painting I bought from Qingya was given to Tang Jingwei by my dad. I never expected Tang Jingwei to have an issue and bite back at my dad. The truth is, the painting Tang Jingwei gave was a fake, and it turns out my dad was at a loss.”

Wang Jianming said nothing. Knowing his uncle, he would never willingly suffer a loss. He even believed that giving Ye Qingya’s painting to Tang Jingwei was not accidental. In the Wang Family, he couldn’t say he knew Uncle best, but only Grandpa knew more than he did, not even Wang Jiancheng.

Wang Jianming said, “Did you resolve the issue with Jishi Medical?”

Wang Jiancheng said, “Considering I don’t have many shares, I don’t plan to sell them.”

Wang Jianming was slightly taken aback.

Wang Jiancheng said, “After conducting a comprehensive assessment of Changxing Hospital, I think this hospital has great potential.”

Wang Jianming didn’t really want his family to have too much presence in Dongzhou, but he also knew if the Wang Family took the formal investment route, he couldn’t stop them. He reminded, “Changxing Hospital is quite complex, and you didn’t have investment experience in this area before.”

Wang Jiancheng said, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

Wang Jianming said, “I won’t give you preferential treatment, hope you understand.”

Wang Jiancheng laughed, “Brother, I know you’re impartial. I won’t cause you any trouble.”

Wang Jianming knew very well, even if Wang Jiancheng wasn’t directly seeking his help, just by their relationship, anyone in Dongzhou would give him some respect. Thinking about this, his mood turned heavy.

Wang Jiancheng said, “Brother, I won’t disturb your rest further. I’ll head back to the Capital City tomorrow. Is there anything you need me to do?”

Wang Jianming remembered, “Your sister-in-law and I bought Grandpa two cashmere sweaters. Can you take them back? I forgot when I went to the Capital City a few days ago.”

“Sure!” Wang Jiancheng took the cashmere sweaters and called towards the kitchen, “Sister-in-law, I’m leaving.”

“Why not stay a bit longer? Wait, I’ll wash my hands and see you out.”

Wang Jiancheng laughed, “No need.”

Wang Jianming saw him to the door and closed it, only to see his wife coming out of the kitchen. He Wanying clearly had no intention of seeing her brother-in-law off, otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken so long.

Wang Jianming knew the relations between his wife and his family had always been lukewarm, and her attitude towards Wang Jiancheng was warm on the surface and cold inside.

He Wanying said, “No visit without a reason. What’s he after this time?”

Wang Jianming laughed, “He bought something for you.”

He Wanying said irritably, “I don’t want it. He just wants me to help match him with Ye Qingya. But Qingya doesn’t like him at all. I tried once and got shut down on the spot. I don’t have the face for that.”

Wang Jianming said, “Pursuing love isn’t about having a thick skin.”

“If he’s pursuing love, he should do it himself, not through me. Wang Jianming, you’re siding with your brother.”

Wang Jianming chuckled.

He Wanying also smiled as she looked at him, “I have to say, your Wang Family is quite persistent when it comes to love.”

Wang Jianming said, “That’s not a flaw, right?”

He Wanying said, “Let’s not talk about it. He didn’t come over for the Ye Qingya matter. Did he want your help again?”

Wang Jianming said, “No, Jiancheng is aware of these things. I can honestly say since I took office in Dongzhou, he hasn’t asked for one personal favor.”

He Wanying said, “Alright, he may not ask you, but who doesn’t know he’s your brother? And your uncle, knowing you’re in charge here, still wants to take a slice of the China-Korea Industrial Park. Isn’t it clear as day he wants to use your influence?”