Chapter 9 Grocery Shopping (Revised)
A product called "Qingyanlu" has emerged as a new force in the skin care industry.
Slightly cheaper than Ice Cream, yet boasting more pronounced effects, many working-class individuals, upon hearing its rave reviews, decided to bite the bullet and buy a bottle to try. As a result, Clear Face Dew quickly captured a significant market share.
Colleagues all tried to find out about Qing Yanlu's company, and found out that it was also newly registered, named "Qingquan". The bosses of the same industry were so upset that they were all muttering in their hearts.
What's going on lately? Are all new companies so R&D-savvy? Their products are all so effective, one after another... Fortunately, they're still in the low- and mid-range markets, so they can still make a living.
Late at night, the lights in the Glacier Pharmaceuticals conference room were on, and there was a depressing atmosphere in the air.
Li Fubin's face wrinkled like a bitter melon, and he sighed, "We just got back our investment, and we ran into a challenger, and we actually lost. Brother Yuanchuan, the herbs you need for this recipe are too tricky."
Chen Yuanchuan had no other options; this was the only recipe in the system. After hearing the bad news from Li Fubin, he said in a hoarse voice, "What's the current financial situation?"
Li Fubin shook his head bitterly, "The funding chain is about to break."
Originally, it was just a significant reduction in sales, which was not as serious as a broken capital chain. But the bad thing was that Li Fubin and Chen Yuanchuan had just decided to expand the production scale some time ago and spent a lot of money to buy several empty factories and a batch of production lines, and Qingyanlu suddenly came out.
Bingji Cream is slightly inferior to Qingyanlu in terms of efficacy, price and output, and has become the precise target of Qingyanlu.
During this period, the number of people buying Ice Cream dropped sharply, and the large amount of medicinal herbs stored in the warehouse were about to miss their peak effectiveness. However, making Ice Cream also requires manpower and material resources, which will continue to burn money.
Chen Yuanchuan sighed softly and pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance.
Is it true that his first business venture is beyond recovery and he has to declare bankruptcy?
Even though his business venture failed, he still had to continue his internship. Chen Yuanchuan didn't want to be unable to graduate because he didn't have an internship certificate.
In the evening, a Maybach passed silently among the busy crowd and stopped on the side of the road, attracting the attention of passers-by waiting for the bus.
Xi Qing had been secretly observing the surveillance cameras in the cardiology department in the afternoon. When he saw Chen Yuanchuan press the elevator button, he immediately rushed to the underground parking lot to drive the car out. His purpose was now.
Not far away, Chen Yuanchuan, dressed in a beige cotton jacket and jeans, stood in a daze, completely unaware of the approaching suspicious vehicle until it drove right in front of him, lowered the window, and revealed Chen Qing's sinister smile.
"Get in the car."
"What are you doing?" Chen Yuanchuan subconsciously took a step back, and his expression, which had been relaxed after getting off work, suddenly became alert.
Xi Qing smiled meaningfully, "I have something to talk to you about."
Although Chen Yuanchuan was reluctant, he knew that he was able to work at Chunzhi entirely because of a favor given by Xi Qing, so he had to sit in the co-pilot seat reluctantly.
The car, which was simple on the outside but luxurious on the inside, blocked out the howling cold wind outside and was filled with a faint scent of perfume. It was the first time for Chen Yuanchuan to sit in such a luxury car, and he couldn't resist the urge to look at the car's interior.
"Where is your home?" Xi Qing asked.
"Just tell me what's going on." Chen Yuanchuan crossed his arms over his chest, revealing his resistance to being alone with Xi Qing in a small space.
"Okay, this is what I mean." Xi Qing sighed helplessly, started the car, and drove to a relatively deserted alley. "Chunzhi has started an innovative medical project for cancer treatment, and I want you to participate in the clinical trial."
Chen Yuanchuan was surprised by Xi Qing's proposal. This kind of high-tech project would undoubtedly be a huge benefit for a budding doctor. Besides gaining valuable experience, it would also be highly valuable when included on a resume.
So it's inevitable that I was tempted, but then I thought, he's just an intern, what can he contribute?
Chen Yuanchuan asked the question truthfully.
"This project does require three or two interns to help, but it is also a good learning opportunity. Don't miss it." Xi Qing's words added a feather to Chen Yuanchuan's heart, arousing his desire.
Chen Yuanchuan pondered for a moment, countless thoughts flashing through his mind. Since he was already working at Xi Qing's hospital, why bother pretending to be so reserved? In the end, he decided to put aside his hesitation and said softly, "Well, thank you."
"It's okay. In fact, I'm very happy that you are willing to come to Chunzhi." Xi Qing said in a light tone, as if the two of them did not have any deep hatred or grudge.
Hearing Xi Qing's words, Chen Yuanchuan's mouth twitched slightly, and he snorted softly, but didn't say anything else. Perhaps he hadn't yet realized that he and Xi Qing were gradually developing a new tacit understanding.
The coldness grew stronger, and in a blink of an eye it was the winter solstice.
Whether it was due to Xi Qing's private instructions or the company's own sound management, Chen Yuanchuan never again encountered anyone with the same low moral character as his former instructor. His colleagues got along well, and senior colleagues were happy to share their experiences.
The biting cold wind penetrated into the thick cotton-padded jackets, but it could not dispel everyone's enthusiasm to go to the streets to buy New Year's goods.
Men, women, young and old are all smiling, the shops on both sides of the street are decorated with lights and colorful lanterns, and every household has the word "Fu" pasted on their doors. No matter where you go, you can feel the festive atmosphere of the New Year.
Although Chunzhi is a private hospital, it often gives back to the community by carrying out public welfare projects in the city. Today, it is holding a free clinic for the Wuyuan neighborhood.
In the tall tent, medical staff, wrapped in thick clothes and thin white coats, sit in a row behind a table with various medical instruments, measuring blood pressure and blood sugar for the middle-aged and elderly people in line, and patiently answering their health questions.
After the diagnosis and treatment, we will give the elderly a cold-resistant gift package and a few eggs in front of their expectant eyes, making them smile.
Outside the tent, strings of small red lanterns swayed gently in the wind, exuding a festive atmosphere, hanging from the cold mist in the early morning to the setting sun in the evening.
Chen Yuanchuan, in his white lab coat, gently rolled up the old woman's sleeve, exposing the upper part of her arm. He then took the blood pressure cuff and placed it around her arm from the bottom. After ensuring it was just the right tightness, he gently pressed the cuff, and it began to inflate.
After completing the measurement, Chen Yuanchuan carefully recorded the blood pressure value, then explained the meaning of the blood pressure reading to the old woman in plain language and gave professional advice.
This heartwarming scene was witnessed by Xi Qing, who came to offer his condolences. Xi Qing got out of the car, opened the trunk, and walked towards the tent carrying a large foam box. Several male doctors quickly came over to take it, which contained hot drinks packaged from a nearby milk tea shop.
Xi Qing helped with the distribution, and the doctors and nurses, who were tired after a day of work, thanked Xi Qing repeatedly.
"Thank you, Dean Xi~"
"Dean Xi, you are so kind~"
Men and women were not as afraid of Xi Qing as the management was, and they all came to make fun of him, and Xi Qing responded with a smile.
"What would you like to drink?" Xi Qing came to Chen Yuanchuan and treated him like an ordinary employee.
"Pearl milk tea will do." Chen Yuanchuan pursed his lips and busied himself with picking up the scattered medical equipment.
"Here, for you." Xi Qing took out the pearl milk tea from the foam box and handed it to Chen Yuanchuan with a smile.
Xi Qing touched Chen Yuanchuan's palm intentionally or unintentionally. She caught a glimpse of his hand shaking, and the smile between his eyebrows became more intense.
Suddenly, a voice that could hardly conceal the excitement and vicissitudes of life sounded, interrupting the time they were together.
"My two great benefactors, I finally found you!"
Xi Qing and Chen Yuanchuan turned their heads at the same time, and what caught their eyes was an old man in a dark gray cotton coat. They both had met him once before. He was the old man with heat stroke whom they had saved half a year ago.
The old man's face was filled with joy and surprise. He enthusiastically took Xi Qing and Chen Yuanchuan's hands and said in a loud voice, "My savior, why don't you want my reward?"
Xi Qing responded gently: "Old man, look, we are doctors. It is our duty to save you, and it's free." Chen Yuanchuan also nodded in agreement.
The old man was unhappy and said, "We were not in the hospital at that time. Can't I repay you just because I want to? I'm afraid I will regret it for the rest of my life!" After that, he wailed loudly on the spot.
The old man's sudden movements made Xi Qing and Chen Yuanchuan unable to cope. They glanced around and found that their subordinates and colleagues were all drinking milk tea and watching the fun.
Xi Qing and Chen Yuanchuan: "..."
Xi Qing thought of a compromise, "How about this, old man, you treat us to a meal as a token of your gratitude." After he finished speaking, he turned his head and looked at Chen Yuanchuan.
Chen Yuanchuan saw Xi Qing's gaze, raised his eyelids and nodded.
Seeing that the two agreed, the old man was finally satisfied. He happily said that he would invite them to his home for a simple meal to taste his cooking skills which he had accumulated after forty years as a chef.
At this time, the subordinate colleagues were more considerate and said in unison that they would finish the remaining work.
Xi Qing and Chen Yuanchuan couldn't refuse the old man's kindness, so they had to follow him.
While riding in Xi Qing's Maybach, they learned through conversation that the old man's name was Wang Mingjun, so they called him Uncle Wang.
At the vegetable market.
Uncle Wang, followed by two little tails, looked very proud. He muttered to himself while moving around the crowded stalls with ease. His hands and feet were so agile that the two young men were almost left behind by him.
When Xi Qing, dressed in a suit and tie, passed by the fish stall, half of his clothes were wet by the dragon-like tail swing of an overly fierce tilapia. Now it was wet, and it felt cold and uncomfortable against his skin, and it also emitted a faint fishy smell.
Xi Qing felt the smell overwhelming his nose and lungs, causing him to vomit and retch. Chen Yuanchuan walked calmly next to Xi Qing, seemingly not looking away.
After walking for a while, Xi Qing glanced at Chen Yuanchuan helplessly and said loudly, "Have you laughed enough?"
There was a cacophony of bargaining and haggling all around, and you couldn't hear anything unless you spoke louder.
Chen Yuanchuan was a regular at this market, but seeing Xi Qing squeezed in with the crowd, his expression peculiar, he knew he wasn't used to this environment. And rightly so, someone like him, born with a silver spoon in his mouth, had only ever been around glittering skyscrapers. How could he possibly adapt?
But then again, was it really that obvious that I was holding back my laughter? Chen Yuanchuan began to doubt his own facial expression control.
Considering that Xi Qing was his boss now, he had to give him some face. Chen Yuanchuan also raised his voice and said, "There's a clothing store outside the vegetable market. You can make do with that for now."
As for the style of the clothes... those who know will understand, so Chen Yuanchuan deliberately didn't mention it.
Xi Qing looked at the enthusiastic Uncle Wang. He had already bought a lot of fresh ingredients. Xi Qing was embarrassed to ask for an appointment next time, and his assistant happened to be on vacation, so there was no other way.
Chen Yuanchuan knew from his reaction that he had agreed. He quickly stepped forward and gestured to Uncle Wang and said a few words. Uncle Wang nodded and said yes.
"Okay, tell me to meet you at your parking place in half an hour." Chen Yuanchuan walked back with several large bags of relatively dry ingredients in his hands.
Seeing that the plastic bag's handle had turned Chen Yuanchuan's fingers white, Xi Qing bent down to help him take half of the weight. "What did you say to him?"
"Just tell me the truth. I told you that you are delicate and can't stand the smell of fish." Chen Yuanchuan's half-closed eyes were filled with mischief.
Xi Qing didn't say anything.
Chen Yuanchuan tilted his head and glanced at him, and Xi Qing stared back at him expressionlessly.
Chen Yuanchuan put on an innocent expression and shrugged his shoulders, feeling gloating in his heart. He finally made that bastard Xi Qing suffer a defeat.
A few stalls away from them, Xu Shu, a freshman who had just had his winter break, was carefully selecting vegetables. When he looked up, he caught Chen Yuanchuan happily interacting with his friends.
His friend was obscured by the stall in front of him, and Xu Shu's eyes and heart were filled with his childhood sweetheart. He hurriedly paid the boss, and in the blink of an eye, Chen Yuanchuan had disappeared. Xu Shu's eyes were filled with disappointment, and he pouted unhappily.
Damn you, Brother Yuanchuan! You haven't come to play with me in such a long time! I need to tell my brother!
Xu Shu's biological brother is none other than Xu Yingran. Since childhood, the two families have lived close together, and their children are of similar age. In the blink of an eye, the friendship between the three has continued to this day.
…
Chen Yuanchuan was unaware of the girl's anger, and led Xi Qing out of the vegetable market. Not far from the exit, there was a clothing store called "Liu Li Clothing".
The embossed sign above the storefront had lost a few strokes, and clothes were piled from the storefront to the center of the road, as if there was no such thing as blocking traffic.
Today, Xi Qing was like Granny Liu visiting the Grand View Garden. For the first time, she saw that the clothes for sale were not quietly worn on mannequins or hung on horizontal bars, but piled up in mountains above the nylon cloth on the floor, and some were hung on woven nets.
And the style... Xi Qing finally understood why Chen Yuanchuan snickered when he first proposed it to him.
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