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Chapter 320 No Compromise (First Update)
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The solemn national emblem hung on the wall above the dais. The entire conference room was filled with a solemn atmosphere.
"Due to personal reasons, I requested to recuse myself from the organization."
Song Chengxuan raised his head coldly and looked at the Minister of GA on the podium.
Choosing to avoid the situation was a decision made after a long talk with the old man at home that day. It seemed that Minhong Pharmaceuticals did not intend to change its existing behavior, while the instructions from above were indeed to force Minhong to back down. Caught in the middle, Song Chengxuan was very distressed. The old man solved the problem with a single sentence.
“Since you have confidence in Minhong, then stay out of it and let them do it. That young man looks like he has a plan. Just don’t get involved. Help him out when it matters. That’s the right way to do things.”
"Dad, should you step in and say a word for Minhong?"
Song Chengxuan personally leans towards Minhong, but when representing the organization, he has to make choices in his attitude and stance, which is why he had a direct confrontation with Lin Yao.
“What authority do you think an old man like me has? I can have a say in other matters, but when it comes to personal health, how long I can live, and how well I can live, those old friends will turn their backs on me.”
Old Master Song's voice was weathered, carrying a hint of disdain and world-weariness: "Decades of friendship are not as important as one's own life. These people are all selfish!"
"If anyone's to blame, it's that young man, Lin, is too stubborn. He doesn't know how to be flexible, and he's unwilling to be flexible. He's so single-minded, and the path he chose is not smooth!"
After a pause, Grandpa Song continued, "Look at me, I've been bedridden for two years, and now I'm healthier than my best old friends. I can even drink to my heart's content. That's what those old men and women envy the most. Although they enjoy the best medical services and the best experts in the country, none of them live as healthily and freely as I do."
"When people can live life to the fullest, who would want to die? Even I have the thought of going back to work and experiencing that feeling of being in control again. Of course, it's just a thought, but who can guarantee that those old people won't be unwilling to relinquish their power? If we stand firmly with Minhong now, we are clearly opposing those powerful figures with whom we used to have good relations."
"You need to think this through carefully."
The old man's words enlightened Song Chengxuan, leading to his statement at this special meeting, in which he chose to recuse himself.
Ten pairs of eyes focused on Song Chengxuan's face. They were the gazes of the minister, the many vice ministers like him, and the party members, including the chairman of the trade union.
As the most well-informed department in the country, everyone present knew the details of Min Hong and Lin Yao. They also knew how Song Chengxuan's grandfather had recovered his health, which was the main reason why the higher-ups had ordered the crackdown on and restrictions against Min Hong. Everything was aimed at making Lin Yao back down and accept a responsibility: to protect the health and lives of a large number of powerful and influential people.
“Vice Minister Song has stated that his application is entirely reasonable and legal in accordance with organizational principles.” The minister, sitting at the head of the table, spoke up. “On behalf of the organization, I accept Vice Minister Song’s application for recusal. Now, who will take the lead in this work? Anyone with ideas can bring them up.”
As soon as the minister finished speaking, the entire conference room became even quieter.
There was no whispering, no discussion, and no movement; everyone seemed frozen in place.
Those present are all seasoned veterans, whose political acumen and interpersonal experience are at an extremely high level. At this point, if they simply think things through on their own, weigh the gains and losses, and then take their own actions without consulting others, that would be a sign of political immaturity.
After a long silence, a voice rang out, “Minister, although Minhong Pharmaceutical’s actions can be found to fit within the legal framework, the specific methods and approaches are quite different. We should thoroughly investigate whether the major case that shocked the nation at the end of last year, as well as the recent case in Luoyang involving malicious damage to others’ property with extremely negative social impact, are directly related to Minhong.”
"Once it is found that Minhong Pharmaceutical has a direct or subjective connection with these matters, the GA department should take decisive action to maintain the stability and order of a harmonious society."
As soon as he finished speaking, he was met with applause in the conference room, and even Song Chengxuan applauded in affirmation.
"Anyone can spout empty platitudes, it all comes down to how you actually do things. You probably won't even know how you failed!" Song Chengxuan thought to himself as he clapped his hands, a warm smile on his face that seemed to be praising a colleague, but a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes, making him quite intriguing.
"Vice Minister Qi is quite right. Then Vice Minister Qi will take over Vice Minister Song's work. Does anyone have any objections?"
The minister spoke, looked around and saw only nods, but heard no voices of agreement. "It seems everyone supports Vice Minister Qi taking charge of this work. So it's settled. Now let's move on to the next item on the agenda."
※※※※※
The steam rises from the coffee cup, and a thin layer of tiny bubbles gathers on the brownish-red surface of the coffee, looking like strands of condensed milk floating on the surface, carrying the unique aroma of coffee that makes people feel good.
"Kobayashi, can't you really make an exception?"
Gan Mei was dressed in a formal suit today, exuding a professional and capable air. However, her furrowed brows suggested that she had a difficult matter to resolve.
"Aunt Gan, I'm sorry, but I can't make an exception." Lin Yao smiled apologetically, his expression calm and composed. "Birth, aging, sickness, and death are things that everyone must accept in life. Without a special reason, I won't intervene."
After a pause, as if sensing Gan Mei's extreme frustration, Lin Yao continued to explain, "From your own description, you should know that the patient does not meet my criteria for treatment, so you shouldn't have spoken up. You should know what kind of person I am, and I won't change my principles because of these things."
Gan Mei stared blankly at Lin Yao, then sighed, "I know, but if I didn't come to find you, I wouldn't be able to get over this in my heart. I had already thought about this outcome before I came."
"Although the other party's behavior was somewhat inappropriate in the past, and in some aspects could even be described as... well, not good. But he is an uncle or elder who watched me grow up, so even in a personal capacity, I should talk to you about it."
“The old man’s immune function has basically been lost. He is now surviving on the drought-resistant drink he bought from Situ Hao. However, this drink only has a shelf life of three months, and as you said, once it’s sold out, it’s gone. Judging from the sales volume from Situ Hao, it can only last for another three or four months. I have also consulted Situ Hao about this number.”
Gan Mei's expression was somewhat sad. "Now it's not just my uncle, but a large number of elderly people I know rely on the drinks Situ Hao sells to maintain their health. These people's influence is not to be underestimated. What you're doing will bring Min Hong trouble, a lot of trouble!"
"Thank you, Aunt Gan!" Lin Yao smiled, showing no sign of nervousness. "Min Hong had already anticipated these difficulties, so there shouldn't be any major problems."
"Then... could you give me a few more 'Life-Giving Pills'?" Gan Mei pondered for a long time before gritting her teeth and making her request. "I'll pay for them. I'll buy three for six million. That patient is only being taken care of because my father is pressuring me so much."
Lin Yao didn't immediately respond to Gan Mei's request. He stirred his slightly cooled coffee with a small steel spoon, looked up at Gan Mei's eyes, and said, "Aunt Gan, if I told you that 'Sheng Sheng Dan' is worth ten million now, and it's in short supply, would you believe me?"
"Ten million?!" Gan Mei's eyes widened in surprise. She covered her mouth with her left hand, which was not holding the soup spoon, and it took her a long time to squeeze out a few words, "I believe it. That pill is too miraculous. You gave me three pills before, and I saved three people's lives, at least allowing them to live healthily."
"It's US dollars."
Lin Yao dropped another bombshell, shocking Gan Mei so much that her already wide eyes widened even more, and wrinkles appeared on her smooth forehead.
Gan Mei knew exactly what ten million US dollars meant. Based on her experience, even if Lin Yao gave up those conditions for making the sale, not many people could easily come up with that amount of money to buy medicine.
Moreover, even if one were to purchase the "Life-Giving Pill" for ten million US dollars, without Lin Yao's personal intervention, it would only barely maintain basic health. The patient might be much better off than before taking the pill, but it would never be as rumored—that Lin Yao could instantly cure all diseases and allow the patient to live better than ever before.
The treatment afforded to international friends is something few people in China can enjoy, because of Lin Yao's damned conditions for making a move.
These days, people who can come up with such a huge sum of money are definitely not clean officials. Those who have become rich overnight are also generally not included in this category, unless they are like Jack Ma who made their fortunes through solid technology and keen market insight. Other nouveau riche have all taken advantage of policy loopholes or even engaged in speculation and profiteering that harmed the interests of the country and the people in order to make their fortunes quickly.
Lin Yao's statement clearly excluded almost all of the country's powerful and wealthy from his reach! This meant he was going against a large group of the most influential people!