Chapter 419: Hope

The purpose of her mentioning the banned drugs was to stall for time. She had heard others talk about Lu Ming Corporation, a rather large, powerful company. However, she felt that such a company would definitely have something to hide. So she used this excuse. She thought perhaps she had really guessed correctly. If that was the case, she would have done a great service and could justify not approving the medicine!

This would also please the higher-ups and cause the Lu Ming Corporation to become the subject of negative public opinion.

However, as always, reality turned out to be a little different. Not only did he not use banned drugs, but he even checked the ingredients carefully before handing the medicine over for review! She felt a headache coming on and held her forehead. Are all bosses so hands-on these days? He’s actually so cautious. Even if she wanted to slander him, she could not find an excuse!

“Ah, well…”

She did not say a complete sentence for a long time. Lu Ming put on a smiling expression, and his eyes flickered with coldness. It made her feel cold all over. She should be glad that the two of them were talking on the phone. If they were face to face, she would have caved in long ago.

“Huh? Why aren’t you saying anything? Weren’t you speaking with conviction just now? Actually, I think what you said makes sense. I just hope that you can produce evidence the next time you say this or not open your mouth. Otherwise, I may think you’re deliberately making things difficult for me.”

There was a distinct gasp from the other end. It was obvious that the latter sentence had hit the other party’s soft spot.

The woman’s expression turned even uglier. She had failed to frame him and her true motive was exposed. She instantly felt that she had a thorny problem at hand. If only there was a kind person who could help her handle the phone call.

“I-I’m sorry!”

The words of apology slipped out of her mouth. Perhaps the pressure Lu Ming gave her was too strong, or perhaps she was too timid, so she was now weak and helpless. Was today her nightmare day? She even felt that her vision was darkening, but how could Lu Ming let her off so easily?

“So, if my medicine is fine, can you pass the review?”

These words pulled the woman back to reality again. She almost wanted to vomit blood, and her stomach began to ache. Who told her that this Boss Lu was easy to get along with?! This temper? Although he did not say anything harsh, his sharp words were like a sharp sword aimed at her fatal weakness.

It took her breath away.

This feeling… was too scary! She might have to rest for a while after taking this call. At least, she couldn’t look at the words “Lu Ming Corporation” in the short term! After mentally preparing herself for the umpteenth time, she said with trembling lips, “I…”

“Sorry, no way!”

Just saying a few words exhausted the remaining strength in her body. She panted heavily as if she had just survived a calamity. She was overjoyed. She had finally said it! She had overcome her fear! This was finally a big step forward! If it wasn’t for the wrong occasion, she would have danced and celebrated.

However, before she could be happy for long, Lu Ming raised his eyebrows and asked, “What’s the reason? Don’t tell me your Drug Administration has already become so arrogant? There’s no problem with my medicine, but you said that you wouldn’t approve it. Could it be that the review center is now under your purview?”

These words instantly made the woman feel cornered! This time, she was at a loss what to do. She held it in until her face was red before she thought of an unreasonable reason. She said, “It’s, it’s the name! Yes, it’s the name. Why don’t you think of a more interesting name?

It’s a little too simple now. What if it doesn’t attract customers?”

What’s the deal!?

Lu Ming was speechless. He said, “Miss, this joke is meaningless. There are very few preventive drugs on the market now, especially a preventive drug like Lu Ming Corporation’s that doesn’t have any side effects. Do you think people won’t buy it just because the name doesn’t sound good? They’re buying medicine, not the name ‘This Place No. 1!”

The woman seemed embarrassed. Just as she was wondering what to say, he continued, “Forget it, I won’t make things difficult for you. I can give you anything you want, provided you help me pass the review. Or rather, I can give you five million now.

There’s nothing wrong with my medicine. It’s very simple to pass the review, right?”

The two of them knew very well whether there was a problem with the medicine. When the woman on the other end of the line heard that it was five million yuan, her eyes widened in disbelief. She thought the wealthy Lu Ming Corporation was indeed worthy of its name to be able to give so much in one go. She had to admit that she was tempted! And she was wildly tempted!

However, she thought about the orders from above. If she passed the drug without permission, she would definitely not be able to keep her current position. Moreover, she was not the only one in charge of this process. It was not enough to bribe her. She was just an ordinary employee. How could she be so capable? She weighed her abilities and finally chose to give up.

This was not something she could handle.

However, Lu Ming’s sincerity gave her a favorable impression of Lu Ming Corporation. After all, most companies were money-grubbing these days. There were really not many companies that would put the people’s interests above their own. Thinking of this, she said helplessly, “Mr. Lu, why don’t you reflect carefully? Did you offend a big shot?

It’s useless even if you give me 10 million yuan. I can only pass the stage that I’m in charge of. There are still so many people stopping me after that. I’ll be honest with you. This matter isn’t something that we employees can decide. The higher-up has said that without his orders, we can’t let you release your medicine.”

She paused for a moment and suggested, “Why don’t you give in to the other party and say a few nice words before stuffing some money in? I think that should be enough. Since there’s no problem with your medicine, we’ll definitely let you pass in the shortest time because… I, no, we all hope that This Place No. 1 can be sold smoothly.”

These were her heartfelt words. She had heard too many similar words in the past few days. If they were the directors, they would definitely help Lu Ming Corporation without hesitation. Unfortunately, they were not.

Naturally, Lu Ming could tell that Fang Tiancheng was behind this. He had suspected it before, but now he was sure that this was definitely Fang Tiancheng’s doing. Other than this person relying on his old leader as a backer, who else would use such a shameful method?! He thought that Fang Tiancheng would give him some face on account of his godfather. He did not expect him to be so despicable!