From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor-Chapter 350 - 325: Tang Jinglun’s Plan

Xu Chunliang noticed it was getting close to evening and guessed that Tang Jinglun wouldn’t leave tonight. After asking, he found out that was indeed the case, so he immediately called Zhang Haitao and asked him to arrange a reception at the hospital cafeteria.

Accompanying Tang Jinglun, they took a tour around the hospital area, pointing out all the places that exceeded boundaries. Tang Jinglun looked very carefully. There wasn’t much to argue about regarding the demolition of illegal structures; the town government was acting according to the law, and the logic held up no matter where you went.

Tang Jinglun also expressed a desire to see Da Heng Group’s construction site in progress. Xu Chunliang drove him around in his Santana 2000. As soon as Tang Jinglun got in the car, he realized Xu was a novice driver and tactfully asked, "Xiaoxu, how long have you had your driver’s license?"

Xu Chunliang truthfully replied, "Almost half a month. How’s my driving?"

Tang Jinglun was at a loss for words; such a poor driving skill set was beyond comment, but he hypocritically praised him, saying he had potential.

Xu Chunliang hadn’t told him that he actually got his driver’s license through some backdoor operations.

Tang Jinglun refrained from evaluating his driving skills, merely smiling and saying, "This car is too old; I’ll apply for a better one for the branch later."

Xu Chunliang parked near the construction site. His driving style could only be described as aggressive.

Getting out of the car, Tang Jinglun felt as if he’d narrowly escaped death. It goes to show that people are different; some are fit to be drivers, others fit to be thugs. Xu Chunliang seemed to have channeled the fierce energy of a thug into his driving. Throughout the ride, it seemed like he was wrestling with the accelerator, probably because the fuel was reimbursed by the company, so he didn’t care at all.

Tang Jinglun paused before the planning map of Da Heng Group, examining it for a while. Pointing to the road cutting through the Weishan Island Hospital, he asked, "Is this the road in the plan?"

Xu Chunliang nodded and said, "If the plan goes through, a large chunk of our hospital will be dug out, and this area would basically be wasted."

Tang Jinglun said, "The town government can’t ignore our group’s interests, can they?"

Xu Chunliang said, "I went to the town and talked to a relevant leader. They said the plan hasn’t been completely finalized, but they have critical opinions about our progress rate. Take Da Heng Group, for example; they acquired the land later than us but have already started construction. The reason we were able to persuade the town government to acquire the property rights of Weishan Island Hospital was ultimately because the plan for an elderly care hospital moved them."

Tang Jinglun nodded. Although the Hu Shan Town Government’s actions seemed a bit forceful, it was indeed related to their passive attitude.

Xu Chunliang said, "Vice Dean Yuan Peiqiang also came once before, proposing some land-for-land exchange scheme to Da Heng Group. President Tang, tell me honestly, does the group still want to build the elderly care hospital?"

"Medical and elderly care definitely have potential. I personally fully support the construction of an elderly care hospital." Tang Jinglun was very smooth, deliberately emphasizing the word ’personally.’

Xu Chunliang picked up on the implication and smiled, "To be blunt, can your personal opinion represent the group’s opinion?"

Tang Jinglun burst into laughter, "Just say it; you’re saying my words don’t count."

"I didn’t mean it like that; I was just being honest," Xu Chunliang was indeed implying that. He thought that Tang Jinglun’s opinion didn’t count much, as his standing within the Huayuan Group didn’t even rank in the top three.

Tang Jinglun said, "Though my elder brother is the president of Huayuan Group, some decisions still need a board meeting to decide."

Xu Chunliang understood the underlying meaning—President Tang Jingwei couldn’t decide everything either, and it ultimately depended on the board’s decision. This sentence revealed that the relationship between Tang Jinglun and Tang Jingwei brothers wasn’t so harmonious, which was a delightful surprise for Xu Chunliang. After all, history has shown sibling rivalry is quite common, especially in wealthy and powerful families, where internal competition dictates the dynamics.

Xu Chunliang felt that there wasn’t much to see at Da Heng’s construction site and, noticing the sky was growing dim, reminded Tang Jinglun it was time to head back for dinner.

Compared to Yuan Peiqiang’s last visit, which was met with cold reception, this time Tang Jinglun was treated like an honored guest. Xu Chunliang specifically instructed Zhang Haitao to make careful arrangements.

As Huayuan Group’s CFO, Tang Jinglun behaved very down-to-earth in front of Xu Chunliang, showing no airs as he ate local dishes and drank local wine.

Tang Jinglun had an average alcohol tolerance. After a few drinks, his face was already flushed. He patted Xu Chunliang’s shoulder and said, "Xiaoxu, are you somewhat dissatisfied with the group?"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "I’ve always been someone who distinguishes between public and private matters. I have no complaints about the group; otherwise, I would have packed up and left long ago. Why would I be here working so hard for you all?"

Tang Jinglun said, "I admire your straightforwardness. You speak frankly without holding back, which makes you more straightforward than Zhao Feiyang."

Xu Chunliang laughed, "President Tang, if Dean Zhao heard that, wouldn’t he make things difficult for me?" Tang Jinglun’s words of praise and criticism were clearly inciting, attempting to stir trouble. When playing tricks, one must know the target. Xu Chunliang was very cautious with Tang Jinglun; what was his real purpose for coming? Evaluation? This broken hospital has been evaluated 800 times without any conclusions. Trying to make friends with me? It doesn’t seem like I’m of a high enough position for that yet.

Tang Jinglun smiled and said, "With those feet of yours, what kind of small shoes could possibly restrain you?"

Xu Chunliang realized he didn’t know much about Tang Jinglun. Surprisingly, Tang was a perceptive person. Xu toasted Tang Jinglun with a glass of wine and said, "President Tang, you should be aware of the matter between me and your nephew, right?"

Tang Jinglun shook his head, "He’s not my biological son; I don’t care." This statement clearly indicated, feel free to beat him up; he’s not my biological son, so I don’t have any feelings for him.

Xu Chunliang said, "President Tang is also someone who distinguishes between public and private matters."

The two exchanged a glance, understanding each other, and then burst out laughing. Really, two smart people don’t need to beat around the bush, especially when they have a mutual understanding on some viewpoints.

Xu Chunliang didn’t like Tang Tianyi, and neither did Tang Jinglun. In Tang’s eyes, his nephew was a lazy good-for-nothing. His elder brother was still trying hard to leave the Huayuan Group to him. Would only failing the business to the ground make him happy?

Tang Jinglun said, "The suggestion to venture into the big health industry was initially mine. I put in a lot of effort and did my homework in this area."

Xu Chunliang heard the regret in his voice. Tang Jinglun had planted the fruit trees, and just as it was time to pick the peaches, his brother, Tang Jingwei, seized the results. It was not only because Tang Jingwei liked to take credit but also because his reputation within the group hadn’t been good in recent years. He urgently needed achievements to consolidate his leadership position, and entering the big health industry was undoubtedly a decision that best reflected his strategic vision.

In fact, this transformation was widely recognized within the group and received general support from the board of directors. The stock price of Huayuan finally stopped falling.

Xu Chunliang said, "The Hu Shan Town Government isn’t so easy to fool. No matter how good the plan is, if the project doesn’t materialize, they think we are just drawing empty pies. They handed over the hospital property to us with added conditions: one, we can’t casually change the nature of land use; two, we must start the project within two years. To speak frankly without fearing offense, Vice Dean Yuan Peiqiang’s approach to discuss land exchange with Da Heng was a major blunder."

Tang Jinglun nodded, "I also see it that way. It lacks long-term vision and has a hint of trying to get something for nothing." It turned out that Da Heng used this matter against them, causing Hu Shan Town Government to have a very negative view of Huayuan Group.

"Isn’t the Huayuan Group out of money?"

Tang Jinglun said, "The company indeed has had some difficulties in recent years, but there’s no problem with funding for the elder care hospital. The main issue is that opinions within the company are not unified on this matter; most believe that too much has already been invested in medical projects and want to first see how the other two projects go before proceeding. Putting all eggs in one basket is a big no-no in investing."

Xu Chunliang thought to himself, they still lack money. If they really didn’t, why would they be fussing over such a small amount for building the elder care hospital? He poured Tang Jinglun another glass of wine and asked, "What’s your personal opinion about the elder care hospital project?"

Tang Jinglun said, "I’ve always believed that there is great potential in healthcare and elder care. However, after today’s on-site visit, my views have changed."

Xu Chunliang blinked, wondering if Tang Jinglun had a bad impression of Weishan Island and gave up on building the elder care hospital. If they didn’t build it, all their previous efforts would have been in vain. Of course, the biggest loser wouldn’t be himself. Someday, Huayuan Group will pay for their foolish decision.

Tang Jinglun said, "I believe building the elder care hospital has become urgent. If we delay further, we will lose our first-mover advantage."

He wasn’t just saying this under the influence of alcohol. Before coming here, Tang Jinglun had conducted extensive research on the current status of elder care institutions in Dongzhou and even studied Da Heng Group’s Hot Spring Town.

Speaking of said Hot Spring Town, it was essentially just playing at the edges of the elder care concept while mainly aiming to sell properties. Interestingly, it was Huayuan that had inspired Da Heng Group. If Huayuan’s elder care hospital never got built and allowed these pseudo-elder care models to flourish, wouldn’t that mean letting a bad currency drive out a good one? Wouldn’t their creativity benefit others?

This trip to Dongzhou reinforced Tang Jinglun’s thoughts. He wanted to change Huayuan Group’s decline and gain control over the group, or at least over the big health sector. His brother’s conservative approach had severely impacted the group’s development.

The nine hundred and ninety-nine roses sent by Tang Tianyi caused a sensation at the TV station, but Su Qing firmly refused to accept them.

Tang Tianyi wouldn’t give up, finding out Su Qing’s address and waiting for her at the apartment complex entrance. This guy’s method for pursuing girls had always been through lavish spending coupled with relentless pursuit, and past experience had shown that this tactic almost always succeeded.