From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor-Chapter 380 - 355: The Eccentric Pu Jian

Ye Qingya said, "Dongzhou City District?"

Xu Chunliang replied, "My specific work location is at the Weishan Island Branch."

Ye Qingya feigned surprise, "Weishan Island? Do you know Mei Ru Xue?"

Xu Chunliang knew she was asking a question she already knew the answer to.

Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "She’s the mayor of Hu Shan Town. Why? Does Miss Ye know her too?"

Elder Ye said, "Old Qiao’s granddaughter?"

At this moment, the guard brought him the phone, and Elder Ye went to answer it.

Ye Qingya looked at Xu Chunliang and said, "Regardless of your intentions, I’d advise you not to be stubborn."

Xu Chunliang said, "If I say that today’s events were purely coincidental, you wouldn’t believe it. However, since we’ve met, it proves that we have some fate. In light of me helping your father alleviate his pain, shouldn’t you give me a little bit of a reward?"

Ye Qingya said, "I won’t interfere in matters between you."

After lunch, Xu Chunliang again guided Elder Ye on the movements of the Five Animal Frolics. Improper movements can’t achieve the fitness effect. On the way back, Secretary Zhou was in a good mood. He proactively added Xu Chunliang’s contact information. No one would refuse the number of a highly skilled doctor; even Elder Ye kept Xu Chunliang’s number, showing his great fondness for him.

Secretary Zhou found that this young man had quite a knack for dealing with people—neither humble nor overbearing just right. Moreover, he was good at observing others’ behavior and catering to their interests.

For instance, he had just spent an hour discussing the Five Animal Frolics with Elder Ye, which was actually to help correct Elder Ye’s somewhat inaccurate postures. To get close to someone, one first needs to find an area of mutual interest—this is called catering to preferences. It’s easier said than done.

In the bureaucracy, when communicating with superiors, language alone often doesn’t achieve the desired effect. Finding an appropriate entry point is crucial.

There’s an old saying that it’s better to give someone the gift of health than any material gift. Secretary Zhou contentedly gazed out the car window. The sun in Capital City shone especially bright today, and he could feel the warmth of the sun through the window.

Bringing Xu Chunliang to see Ye Changyuan was just a bold attempt by Secretary Zhou. He had known Ye Changyuan for a long time, though calling them friends was more one-sided on his part. He didn’t believe that Ye Changyuan considered him a friend; their backgrounds and future prospects were different. Secretary Zhou was already fifty-four and knew very well that his political career had no further upward potential.

Although Ye Changyuan was not young either, the importance of the department he controlled was in a league of its own.

The approval of Dongzhou’s Phase 2 and Phase 3 metro plans was Secretary Zhou’s main concern. During his tenure, he wanted to do more for this ancient city of Dongzhou, which was the oldest city in Pinghai. Historically a strategic battleground, it had already fallen behind in the past few decades of development. The province’s policies favored the south and neglected the north, forcing Dongzhou to join hands with a few neighboring cities that were also lagging behind, creating the so-called Dongzhou Core Economic Zone.

Without national policy support, development is not easy. These past few years, Secretary Zhou had been worrying about Dongzhou’s development.

The first phase of the metro project was smoothly constructed, and Lines 1 and 2 had already opened. He thought that the second phase was a done deal, but it had been awaiting National Development and Reform Commission approval for a long time, amid current policies strictly controlling urban metro construction. Another primary task of Secretary Zhou’s trip to Capital City was to strive to resolve this issue.

Dongzhou, whether in population or city positioning, meets the conditions for metro construction. The line design is complete; now it’s just waiting for approval from the National Development and Reform Commission.

Secretary Zhou had once been Ye Changyuan’s deputy, though they hadn’t worked together for long. He knew Ye Changyuan was a person who handled matters fairly and diligently. The consensus was that he was someone who valued his reputation and showed no partiality.

Dealing with someone like this isn’t easy. However, persistence pays off, and Secretary Zhou finally found the right way to approach him.

He didn’t specifically express his gratitude to Xu Chunliang. When they parted at the Beijing Office, he shook hands with Xu Chunliang and said, "If Dongzhou encounters any difficulties in the future, come to me directly."

This statement fully acknowledged Xu Chunliang’s achievements today. Xu Chunliang hadn’t yet realized the great contribution he had made to Dongzhou.

When Secretary Zhou shook hands with Xu Chunliang downstairs, many people noticed it. It wasn’t that they particularly wanted to see it; it was just that Secretary Zhou was the biggest star at the current Dongzhou Beijing Office. His every move attracted attention, which led to noticing Xu Chunliang, who got out of the car with him and shook hands in farewell.

When Xu Chunliang returned to his room, he ran into Dongzhou Beijing Office Director Qian Aijun in the hallway. They had seen each other once at the gym but hadn’t spoken. Qian Aijun greeted him from afar, "Dean Xu is back."

Xu Chunliang immediately knew that his background had been thoroughly checked and stopped to respond, "Hello, Director Qian!"

Qian Aijun shook hands with Xu Chunliang, "Dean Xu, I have something to discuss with you."

Xu Chunliang smiled, "Go ahead!"

Qian Aijun glanced at Xu Chunliang’s room door, and only then did Xu Chunliang realize he wanted to go in. He smiled and said, "Sorry, please come in."

He took out his room card, opened the door, and invited Qian Aijun inside.

Qian Aijun said he had a stiff neck from sleeping last night and wanted Xu Chunliang to give him a massage.

Xu Chunliang found it hard to refuse such a request. After pressing twice with his hand, he immediately judged that Qian Aijun wasn’t suffering from a stiff neck; he just wanted an excuse to build a connection with him. The best way to form a relationship with someone is to ask for a favor. The system is indeed complex.

Xu Chunliang didn’t expose him and pretended to help Qian Aijun with a few presses, letting Qian Aijun move his neck a bit to see how it felt.

Qian Aijun also pretended to move his neck a few times, showing a look of astonished relief: "It’s miraculous, my neck doesn’t hurt at all now. You’re truly a godly doctor, your reputation is well-deserved."

Xu Chunliang chuckled inwardly, knowing full well the guy wasn’t hurt in the first place, and he himself hadn’t used any strength. Keep pretending.

Qian Aijun took out a cigarette, and Xu Chunliang waved his hand to indicate he didn’t smoke.

Qian Aijun plopped himself down on the sofa: "Dean Xu, you look very young."

Xu Chunliang replied: "Twenty-two."

"You certainly are young and promising. I’m forty-six, two zodiac cycles older than you."

Xu Chunliang said: "You hold a high office; I doubt I’ll reach your level even by forty-six."

Hearing this, Qian Aijun felt rather pleased, though outwardly he remained humble: "Not at all, not at all. At my age, there’s hardly any room for advancement." He looked around Xu Chunliang’s room, knowing full well it was arranged by Fu Guomin.

Qian Aijun said: "Dean Xu..."

Xu Chunliang replied: "You better call me Xiaoxu. I’m just a small branch dean in Changxing."

Qian Aijun said: "Then I’ll be frank. Since I’m much older, from now on I’ll call you Chunliang, and you can call me Brother Jun."

"Is that appropriate?"

"It’s perfect. I love making friends with young people. By the way, I’ll arrange for a better room for you later."

"Director Qian, you’re too kind..." Xu Chunliang thought to himself why you hadn’t shown this much enthusiasm earlier.

"Call me Brother Jun. You’ve helped me so much; helping you change rooms is a piece of cake."

Xu Chunliang knew very well that it wasn’t because of him personally, but because he was seen as close to Secretary Zhou, hence he was given special attention. Nevertheless, Xu Chunliang didn’t act overly cordial.

"Brother Jun, let’s not change rooms. I’m already used to living here." The room was arranged by Fu Guomin, and Xu Chunliang felt that changing it now wouldn’t be appropriate, besides, he didn’t find anything wrong with it.

"Alright, let me know if you need anything." Qian Aijun didn’t linger and took his leave.

Xu Chunliang escorted him to the door and opened it, just in time to see Yan Jingsong approaching. Qian Aijun and Yan Jingsong exchanged glances, both understanding the other’s purpose, and nodded as a greeting.

After Qian Aijun left, Yan Jingsong walked in.

Xu Chunliang said: "Brother Yan, weren’t you going to Mutianyu? You’re back so soon?"

Yan Jingsong replied: "Without you, it was boring to go alone. Got any plans tonight? A good buddy of mine is treating us to roast duck."

Xu Chunliang laughed: "I shouldn’t intrude if your friend is treating."

"Hey, my buddy is really something. Getting to know him could be beneficial for you. He has a wide network of connections in the Capital City, even knows many high-level officials. Also, he knows Mei Ru Xue."

Initially, Xu Chunliang had no interest in going, but upon hearing this, he was tempted. Although he had found Mei Ru Xue’s sister-in-law, Ye Qingya, she was unwilling to help. That path had hit a dead end, with little hope in sight.

Given Xu Chunliang’s understanding of Mei Ru Xue, there must be a reason she refused to see him. She might be in some trouble and doesn’t want to involve him. Xu Chunliang had confidence in himself, and he also trusted Mei Ru Xue.

Yan Jingsong’s friend was named Pu Jian, described as a remarkable person. He dealt in antique business. After graduating from university, he moved to the Capital City, initially dreaming of finding work there and starting his entrepreneurial journey. However, his 211 university degree wasn’t impressive there.

After struggling in the job market, he decided to venture into a sideline. His grandfather had been in the antique business, immersing him in it since childhood, and he had deep knowledge in jade and jadeite appraisal.

Unable to go the conventional way, he chose another path. Starting with setting up a stall and later authenticating pieces for others, he developed a gift for eloquence and promotional packaging. Through his trade, he met several wealthy businessmen, and some who didn’t know his background mistook him for a second-generation rich or esteemed him as an expert due to his finesse.

Going to Quanjude for roast duck was Yan Jingsong’s idea. Pu Jian thought this kind of thing was just to entertain outsiders, questioning what could possibly be so special about roast duck. He believed Dongzhou’s local fried duck was better, and no locals in the Capital City would go to Quanjude.

Slogging through two Chapters with swollen hands like kneaded buns, I’m requesting everyone’s support with monthly votes. I feel the breakthrough is near, so I’ll endure a bit more today.