Chapter 1228 - 1228: 786 Can this be described as excessive?_2

"Moreover, nominating someone as young as Xiao Du for academician would be like slapping these people in the face. It would make everyone look bad."

Sun Jiaxiang glanced, speechless and annoyed, at the old man who had spoken. At this point, he's still worrying about face; he's really something else. But the man is already approaching eighty. The perceptions and habits formed over a lifetime are unchangeable at this stage. Sun Jiaxiang knew this well and couldn't be bothered to dwell on the issue. He whispered, "But do you have any better candidates? Among your disciples and mine, who can match Xiao Du's achievements?

Even if they could achieve half of it, I wouldn't be having this conversation with you today.

It's precisely because we're aware of Xiao Du's situation that we need to give him a hand. First, let's get Xiao Du into the Health Group to bring him to the attention of the higher-ups.

I believe that with Xiao Du's abilities, he'll quickly be noticed by certain influential people.

At that point, those external issues you're worried about will cease to be problems."

The old man beside him remained silent this time, merely following Sun Jiaxiang out.

After a long while, he finally said slowly, "I still think it's a bit risky. And Sir Sun, today you completely humiliated Li... Old Li. He's definitely going to cause trouble."

Sun Jiaxiang sighed heavily. "You think he wouldn't cause trouble if I hadn't confronted him today?

You know the style of that scoundrel's faction. They pose as practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, but everything they do is aimed at suppressing, even destroying, traditional Chinese medicine.

But they have backers and capital. We can't do anything about them. We can only endure it and try our best to preserve the fruits of our hard work.

However, his followers are much like our own—mostly incompetent. It's not out of the question to simply outlast him.

But the current problem is that this scoundrel has a student who, it's said, might lead the Finance Division of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration Bureau."

"Really?" The old man's eyes widened. "They wouldn't put someone so obviously biased in such an important position, would they?"

"The news is already out there; we can't afford to be complacent," Sun Jiaxiang said calmly. "And you saw Xiao Luo's reaction earlier.

Previously, if a major fallout seemed imminent, Xiao Luo would step in as a mediator. But today, he didn't; he tacitly allowed events to unfold."

The old man's eyebrows twitched. After a moment of reflection, he said, "You mean..."

"Correct. Xiao Luo is leaving. But I've heard that among the candidates for the next head of the Health Bureau, there are still students of this scoundrel." Sun Jiaxiang turned and stared intently at the old man, saying, "Tell me, if we don't bring this scoundrel down and ruin his reputation, will things be good for us when his followers rise? Will traditional Chinese medicine prosper? Will Traditional Chinese Medicine products fare well?

All this progress we've painstakingly made could be wiped out overnight."

After saying this, Sun Jiaxiang fell silent. The old man beside him also said nothing. The two of them walked in silence to their respective cars.

Just as they were about to part, the old man finally spoke, "Sir Sun, I'll start making preparations on my end then. You'll have to bear more of the burden and keep in close contact with Xiao Du."

Sun Jiaxiang nodded but said nothing, simply bending down and getting into the car.

「Meanwhile」

Du Heng had no idea that Sun Jiaxiang, whom he had only met once, would soon offer him a huge favor. He was currently mulling over how to call Wu Shengnan and explain the situation. It was already lunchtime, but Du Heng still hadn't figured out what to say. Even when Cao Binghe came to call him for the meal, he was in no mood to eat.

But procrastinating was clearly not a solution. Wu Shengnan, waiting for him at home, called him when he was late and hadn't phoned.

"Husband, where are you? Your Sister-in-law and I are still waiting for you to buy some things to bring back." Wu Shengnan's voice came through as soon as the call connected.

However, her tone lacked the urgency that would make Du Heng's heart pound; instead, it held a startling calmness.

Du Heng gritted his teeth and, steeling himself, began, "Sweetheart, I... I..."

Hearing Du Heng's hesitant voice, Wu Shengnan on the other end of the line continued calmly, "You couldn't get the time off, so you can't come back, right?"

Du Heng hummed softly in affirmation but didn't explain why. He knew it was useless; anything he said would just sound like an excuse, so it was better to say nothing. Besides, Wu Shengnan wasn't the type of woman to make an unreasonable fuss. She would surely understand that if he couldn't return, it must be due to circumstances beyond his control.

Sure enough, Wu Shengnan on the other end just sighed lightly. "When I didn't get your call and you didn't show up, I knew things had fallen through."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize to me. You should apologize to your daughter. This is the first truly important holiday of her life, a once-in-a-lifetime occasion."

Hearing this, Du Heng actually felt a sense of relief. Neither he nor Wu Shengnan were overly sentimental people. All this talk of a 'unique,' 'important' holiday was nonsense for a baby that young. She wouldn't know if it was important or not; that was up to him and Wu Shengnan, her parents, to decide. If they were to talk about true importance, then their daughter's coming-of-age ceremony would be the most important. That was something they absolutely couldn't miss.

Wu Shengnan sighed softly on the phone. "Alright, you go attend to your business. Your Sister-in-law and I will start packing.

But remember to come home early tonight for dinner with us."

A wave of relief washed over Du Heng. With a smile, he quickly replied, "Don't worry, I'll definitely be home on time. Definitely."

Hanging up, Du Heng let out a long breath.

「In the afternoon」

Du Heng was full of energy at work, quickly handling matters that should have been Director Wu's responsibility.

Although many tasks were new to him, he encountered no obstacles. At most, items requiring a signature necessitated a call to Director Wu for confirmation.

Of course, there weren't many such instances—just one, in fact.

Wu Shengnan and Zhang Sumei moved quickly, preparing their luggage for departure that same day.

「The next day」

They set off directly for Jinzhou. Back in the Capital, only Du Heng and the nanny, who could cook for him, remained.

This was fine, however, as it at least meant there was no worry about Du Heng neglecting his meals or just making do with whatever.

With his wife and child gone, Du Heng felt an emptiness whether he was at work or off duty; a sense of disquiet settled in his heart. Whenever he had a free moment, he couldn't help but miss his 'little cotton jacket.' In just one short month, he realized he was already somewhat inseparable from her.

「On the third day after Wu Shengnan left」

Du Heng, finding himself with some free time, hesitated about whether to video call Wu Shengnan. He was starting to miss their daughter again. However, Wu Shengnan had become a bit annoyed with his constant video calls. In fact, during their conversation an hour ago, she had sharply criticized his behavior, which made Du Heng hesitant to dial now.

Just as he was agonizing over whether to make the call, the caller ID on his phone suddenly displayed 'Sir Sun'.

A call from Sun Jiaxiang. Du Heng was a little surprised but answered quickly, "Hello, Sir Sun."

"Xiao Heng, are you busy this afternoon?"

"Not too busy. Is there something you need, Sir Sun?"

"If you're free, come to the School. I have something to discuss with you."