Chapter 331: with translation of chapter title

During this period, Huo Guangyao also brought this grandson into the company and introduced him very solemnly to all board members.

At the same time, he appointed Xu Mingchuan—oh no, nowadays he should be called Huo Mingchuan—as the chief executive officer of the company's subsidiary Tianyu Pharmaceutical.

That is, the commonly called president.

After Huo Mingchuan took office, he began a sweeping overhaul, dismissing all the do-nothings, the slackers, and those who got in through nepotism and occupied positions without contributing.

Besides that, he vigorously promoted new drugs to seize market share.

Among them, there was one drug he was particularly interested in.

That drug was just developed by Dunhuang Biotechnology Company; after countless clinical trials proving its efficacy, it is highly effective against the currently high-incidence gastric cancer worldwide, and also has high safety.

It has already obtained a license from the Drug Administration Bureau, also applied for a patent, and is now seeking partners.

One can easily imagine that once such a miraculous drug hits the market, it will cause a huge sensation and frenzy, bringing considerable profits.

How could Huo Mingchuan let such a good opportunity slip by?

He immediately contacted them and set a time to meet.

Chinese people, after all, always like to discuss matters over a meal; there's nothing that can't be settled with one meal, and if there is, then two.

On the appointed day, just as Huo Mingchuan was preparing to set out, Huo Mingzhen suddenly appeared.

Huo Mingzhen is the eldest son of the main branch and the most legitimate heir of the Huo conglomerate.

He voluntarily offered to go with Huo Mingchuan, reasoning that Huo Mingchuan had just taken over the company and was still unfamiliar with the business, fearing he might mess things up, so he wanted to help.

Huo Mingchuan naturally didn't believe his cousin's nonsense.

The useless workers and waste he had just laid off were basically people planted by the main branch; they probably bore grudges, so how could they be so kind-heartedly inclined?

There must be a conspiracy.

Huo Mingchuan directly refused.

Afterward, he personally brought his people and rushed to the agreed location.

Yet he still underestimated Huo Mingzhen's thick skin; he had just entered the private room when Huo Mingzhen followed in, and in front of everyone staged a show of deep brotherly affection.

Huo Mingchuan felt unhappy inside, but he had to maintain composure outwardly, because if a scene were made, not only Huo Mingzhen would lose face.

And also the Huo conglomerate.

As he expected, Huo Mingzhen indeed came to cause trouble; he first, in front of the other party's senior executives, loudly discussed Huo Mingchuan's background, saying that although he was an illegitimate child and not presentable, he was very capable, urging everyone not to look down on him.

Then he went even further with his actions.

Namely, he kept urging the young, beautiful Chief Pharmacist of Dunhuang Technology to drink, and also verbally teased her, making physical advances.

Seeing this scene, Huo Mingchuan could no longer bear it.

He stood up, ready to give Huo Mingzhen a heavy blow that would make his own mother not recognize him.

But he was still a bit slow.

Someone had already acted before him.

The female pharmacist calmly pulled out a bottle of Anti-Wolf Spray from her bag, aimed it at Huo Mingzhen's lecherous, greasy big face, and sprayed three times in a row.

The effect was very significant.

Huo Mingzhen immediately screamed, and in an instant his face swelled up like a pig's head.

Not only his upper part suffered, but also his lower part.

The medicinal effect traveled down his skin all the way to his tool for continuing the lineage, causing an agonizing itch.

Perhaps it really was painful; Huo Mingzhen suddenly picked up the fruit knife on the table, and in full view of everyone, swung the knife to chop his own vital part.

Everyone was stunned.

At the critical moment, Huo Mingchuan kicked the knife away, saving Huo Mingzhen's descendants.

The female pharmacist turned and left.

Huo Mingchuan hurriedly chased after her, about to say something, when she coldly said, "Mr. Huo, you don't need to apologize for your brother; if you want to sue, I'll accompany you; as for cooperation, it ends here."

Having said that, she left without looking back.

Huo Mingchuan could only smile helplessly.

Actually, from the first glance at this female pharmacist, he recognized her. Although they hadn't seen each other for ten years, she had gained a bit more of a fierce businesswoman's edge and a touch of mature charm, but some people are etched in the mind; no matter how she changes, he can recognize her at a glance.

Unfortunately, she did not recognize Huo Mingchuan.

Not only did she fail to recognize him, but she also took out her anger on him because of Huo Mingzhen's actions, blaming him as a fellow Huo family member.

Huo Mingchuan could only temporarily abandon the plan to reunite, first going to settle the mess caused by Huo Mingzhen.

Huo Mingzhen was quickly sent to the hospital; after diagnosis, aside from feeling awful all over, there was nothing serious, and he was discharged the same day.

This matter naturally also reached Huo Guangyao's ears.

Huo Guangyao flew into a rage, severely scolded Huo Mingzhen, and relieved him of some of his duties as punishment.

Huo Mingzhen couldn't tolerate this anger.

The next day, Huo Mingchuan occasionally heard him making a phone call in the study, his tone extremely vicious: "Find someone to kill that slut for me! Do it cleanly, leave no evidence!"

Huo Mingchuan instinctively felt this matter was related to Du Ruo, and immediately rushed to rescue her.

Unfortunately, he was still a step too late.

He could only watch helplessly as Du Ruo's car, under the violent impact of two white vans, fell into the moat.

Without time to think, Huo Mingchuan also jumped in after her.

He exerted all his strength to try to save her, but ultimately could not, and finally sank together with Du Ruo to the bottom...

"So it's you!" Upon hearing this, Du Ruo finally understood everything.

"Are you stupid? How did I teach you before? No matter the circumstances, you must always put yourself first, because no one is worth you sacrificing your life—have you forgotten all that?"

Saying this, Du Ruo's eyes suddenly welled up.

The pain and despair of falling into the water still cause her to have nightmares whenever she recalls it, and the man who tried to smash the window to rescue her, she always thought was a hallucination before death.

But I never expected it to be my childhood playmate…

"Oh, moved?" Zongzheng Yun tilted his head to look at Du Ruo's face, smiling half-sincerely, half-teasing, and said, "Why not promise yourself to me?"

"Dream on." Du Ruo's moist eyes dried instantly, "Then why don't you explain why you're stopping your dear cousin from castrating himself with a knife?"

Zongzheng Yun pushed the meat bun in front of him toward her, "Still saying I'm stupid? I think you're the stupid one. If Huo Mingzheng really became a eunuch, do you think the Huo family would let you off? Don't underestimate the power of capital; with the Huo family's strength, there are plenty of ways to make you die mysteriously."

Du Ruo snorted.

"In the end, isn't it still a mysterious death?"

Zongzheng Yun: "……"

It was his oversight; who knew Huo Mingzheng was so vicious, saying he'd kill and then killing.

However, the situation isn't too bad; at least I've already found Du Ruo, and as long as she's by my side, it doesn't matter which world I'm in.

Zongzheng Yun looked at Du Ruo, chose his words, "Um, Tangtang, would you like to go to the capital with me?"

Go to the capital?

Du Ruo wondered, "What would we do there?"

"Go there… I'll support you." Zongzheng Yun carefully observed her expression.

Du Ruo chuckled.

"You don't still remember what you said as a kid, do you? 'When you grow up, I'll take half of your earnings'—that was just a joke."

She stuffed the last bite of the meat bun into her mouth, let out a satisfied burp, "Besides, I'm not a lone wanderer anymore; I'm married, and as the saying goes, marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog—where could I run to?"

Zongzheng Yun knew about Du Ruo's marriage.

Moreover, he knew who she married.

Why did it have to be Jiang Li? If it were another man, even a bit ugly would be fine, or a bit weak-willed, a bit lecherous, a bit fickle.

Then he could righteously take Tangtang away.

Besides being a bit poor, Jiang Li really has no faults.

Really infuriating.

"These ancient men are all big pig's trotters; once he becomes successful someday, he'll definitely take many concubines—are you sure you can tolerate that?"

Zongzheng Yun persistently coaxed, "Why not just leave him early? I'll take you to the capital for a carefree, happy life—isn't that better than being stuck at home as a cook?"

Gritting his teeth, he added, "If you really want a man, I'll personally find you one in the capital—handsome, wealthy, and attentive to the smallest detail—I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

"Alright, I know you mean well." Du Ruo laughed loudly, "But I don't have such lofty ambitions; I just want a home, family, and love—that's enough for me."

She looked up at the sky, "It's getting late; I need to hurry back, or they'll worry."

Zongzheng Yun didn't want to let her go.

But he also knew he couldn't keep her, otherwise if word got out that Du Ruo had spent the night at his place, her reputation would be ruined.

"Alright, then I'll have Ziyu see you off."

Du Ruo nodded.

The two walked out of the waterside pavilion side by side; Ziyu had already been waiting there, with Longdan standing beside him with a stern expression.

As they were about to leave, Du Ruo suddenly thought of something.

She called Zongzheng Yun aside and asked in a low voice, "If I come into conflict with Shen Jing Bin, which side would you take?"

"Isn't that obvious? Of course I'd be on your side."

Zongzheng Yun said solemnly, "Not to mention Shen Jing Bin—even if you were against the whole world, I'd still be on your side!"

Du Ruo's eyes immediately crinkled with a smile, "Then I can rest easy."

After saying that, she left the manor under Ziyu's guidance, got into a carriage, and headed to the county office.

Behind her, Zongzheng Yun gazed in the direction Du Ruo had gone, standing still for a long time.

No one knew what he was thinking.

"Master, have you forgotten your identity?" Seeing his lost and dejected appearance, Longdan suddenly spoke up to remind him.

Zongzheng Yun narrowed his eyes at him, his tone oppressive, "I think you're itching for a beating."

How dare you speak to him like that!

Longdan fell to his knees with a thud, "My lord means, you are the son of the Holy Emperor; under heaven, besides the emperor's women, no one is off-limits—you can have whoever you like and get what you desire."

He paused, then continued, "The husband of the Du clan comes from a humble background and holds no office; if you merely hint at it, he will surely offer up his wife with both hands…"

Zongzheng Yun's face instantly turned cold.

"Shut up! Still talking about handing her over with both hands—what do you think Tang… the Du clan is? She's a person, not an object to be passed around; if I hear you spouting nonsense again, I'll cut out your tongue!"

Longdan lowered his head, "Yes, my lord."

Zongzheng Yun snorted, turned, and walked toward the study.

As he walked, he pondered in his heart.

Longdan's suggestion was certainly not advisable, but after thinking it over, giving it a try wouldn't hurt—it just so happens we can see whether Jiang Li is a man who sells his wife for glory. If he is, Tangtang will surely be disappointed and leave without anyone needing to persuade her; if not……

That would prove Tangtang has found a man worthy of entrusting her life to.

Then I could rest easy as well.

Hmm, let's do that!

At dusk, Du Ruo returned to the Wutou County inn.

Jiang Zhan and the others all breathed a sigh of relief.

When asked about what happened, Du Ruo only briefly mentioned a few sentences, saying that Zongzheng Yun had her come over just to ask about the medicine's usage, and besides that she stayed for a meal; nothing else.

Jiang Zhan and Master Jiang had no suspicion whatsoever.

Only Lao Tietou gave Du Ruo a meaningful glance and remained silent.

That night, Du Ruo went to bed early.

Perhaps it was because she had reunited with her old childhood friend in another world, and that friend was a high and mighty prince, so now she had someone to rely on; Du Ruo felt extremely excited, tossing and turning, and could hardly sleep.

Only when the clapper of the third watch sounded from downstairs did she finally fall into a deep sleep.

Time passed little by little.

The night was dark and the wind high,

All sounds were silent.

Suddenly a black shadow leapt onto the large tree beside the county inn, then with a few agile bounds sprang onto the roof.

Finally it landed on the corridor of the third floor.

The wall lamp on the corridor flickered on and off, casting that person's tall silhouette on the wall, vague and indistinct.

That person lingered briefly at the doors of several guest rooms, then gently pushed open one of them.

In the room, Du Ruo was sleeping soundly.

The shadow walked to the bedside, took off the cool outer garment, lifted the blanket, carefully lay down, and reached out to hold her in their arms.

(Regarding the people and matters of the Huo family, it's quite lengthy, though not entirely filler; it will be useful later.)