Academician Zhang Lin nodded slightly, gesturing for Li Yang to sit.

He cleared his throat and was the first to speak. "Reporter Li, I’m sure you’re aware of the recent Influenza A situation. It’s severe. Infection rates are continuing to rise, and we’re even seeing some critical cases."

Li Yang nodded, holding out her microphone at the opportune moment. "Yes, Academician Zhang. However, many people have reported that the Lianhua Granules you previously recommended weren’t very effective, and in some cases, even delayed proper treatment. What are your thoughts on this?"

There wasn’t the slightest trace of embarrassment on Zhang Lin’s face, as if he had long anticipated this question.

He smiled faintly, his tone carrying a calm that suggested he had seen it all coming. "An excellent question, Reporter Li. I’ve actually been keeping a close eye on the efficacy of the Lianhua Granules. Our latest research has found that the Influenza A virus has mutated again. This has caused some previous traditional Chinese patent medicines, including Lianhua Granules, to become significantly less effective against this new variant. One could even say they are now powerless against it."

Li Yang scoffed internally. ’A virus mutation? What a pompous excuse.’

Academician Zhang Lin paused, putting on a "deeply grieved" expression. "What’s even more worrying is that some copycat products have appeared on the market, like those ’Lianhua Suanzaoren Granules,’ for instance."

These products use the ’Lianhua’ name, attempting to mislead the public.

"Even if they might have had some slight effect before, they have also lost their efficacy after the virus mutated. They might even delay a patient’s timely treatment."

Hearing Academician Zhang Lin disparage the Lianhua Suanzaoren Granules, Li Yang’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

She had recently heard some positive feedback about the Lianhua Suanzaoren Granules herself and was surprised that Academician Zhang would reject it outright.

"In that case, Academician Zhang, under the current circumstances, which medication do you believe we should take to effectively treat Influenza A?" Li Yang asked the key question.

Zhang Lin’s expression turned serious. "In response to the current mutated Influenza A virus, we’ve conducted extensive clinical trials and research. We found that an imported drug—Tamiflu Granules—has shown outstanding efficacy.

It can effectively inhibit viral replication, shorten the duration of the illness, and reduce the risk of severe symptoms.

One could say that at present, only Tamiflu Granules can truly and effectively treat this strain of Influenza A."

"But, Academician Zhang, from what I understand, Tamiflu Granules are an imported drug and very expensive. That would be a significant burden for the average person."

Li Yang pointed out the drawback of the Tamiflu Granules. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Academician Zhang Lin sighed, putting on a look of great compassion. "Reporter Li is absolutely right; the price of Tamiflu Granules is indeed steep. We are actively working to get it included in the medical insurance directory as soon as possible to alleviate the financial pressure on patients.

However, this process takes time, and I’m afraid it won’t be realized in the short term.

But life is priceless. When faced with matters of life and health, financial difficulties can be overcome.

I suggest that everyone, for the sake of their own health, buy and take it first. Treating the illness is the priority."

After the interview, Li Yang had mixed feelings.

She found Zhang Lin’s self-righteous act utterly absurd.

However, she also knew that Academician Zhang Lin’s identity and status gave his words immense influence.

Because Influenza A was running rampant, Li Yang’s interview video was rushed through editing and broadcast the very next day.

It quickly spread across all major media platforms.

"Academician Zhang Lin: Influenza A Virus Has Mutated, Traditional Chinese Medicines Are Ineffective, Tamiflu Granules Are the Only Hope!"

Headlines like this immediately caught the public’s eye.

Public opinion exploded once again.

Some people, who blindly trusted experts, were thoroughly convinced by Academician Zhang Lin’s words.

They began to shun all traditional Chinese patent medicines, turning their attention instead to Tamiflu Granules.

"See? I told you Lianhua Granules were useless. Turns out the virus mutated."

"Good thing Academician Zhang warned us in time. Otherwise, I might have actually been fooled by those copycat ’Lianhua Suanzaoren Granules.’"

However, some people were skeptical of Academician Zhang Lin’s claims.

Some of them had personally experienced the efficacy of the Lianhua Suanzaoren Granules or had seen cases of recovery among people they knew, and they were baffled by Academician Zhang Lin’s complete dismissal.

"What virus mutation? I took Lianhua Suanzaoren Granules and got better in a day. Did Academician Zhang take a bribe?"

"Last time he recommended Lianhua Granules, this time an imported drug. Can we even trust this expert anymore?"

The court of public opinion was in chaos, but the promotional campaign for Tamiflu Granules had already been fully rolled out.

An overwhelming barrage of advertisements, combined with the fact that some people did feel an effect after taking it, allowed the expensive imported drug to quickly capture the market.

「...」

Li Xu had just finished another busy day at the clinic.

That evening, with some free time on his hands, he opened his phone and scrolled through the news.

When he saw the report on Academician Zhang Lin’s interview, Li Xu was rendered speechless with anger. "He’s telling blatant lies."

"To so arbitrarily discredit an effective drug without any evidence or clinical data... it’s a disgrace to the academic world."

He wanted to refute it, to expose Jide Pharmaceutical’s conspiracy, to clear the name of Lianhua Suanzaoren Granules.

But his voice was too faint.

Even the voices of Professor Gao and Dean Zhang had been suppressed.

Faced with the torrent of capital and public opinion, what could a small figure like him possibly do?

Li Xu slumped into his chair, a bitter taste in his mouth.

Jide Pharmaceutical was too powerful.

Although their "praise-to-kill" strategy had been disrupted,

if they didn’t come up with a new strategy,

in a month at most,

Tamiflu Granules would completely take over the market.

’What should I do?’

Faces flashed through Li Xu’s mind. He had already asked everyone he could for help. Who else could step forward?

Suddenly, a name crossed his mind—Professor Wang Tao of Jinmen University.

He had previously helped Professor Wang Tao perfect the "Clearing Qi and Stabilizing Blood Formula," so the two had a connection.

And Professor Wang Tao’s influence in the academic world was not to be underestimated. Perhaps he would have a solution.

Li Xu immediately picked up his phone and dialed Professor Wang Tao’s number.

"Hello, Professor Wang. This is Li Xu."

"Ah, Xiao Li! What makes you call me all of a sudden? What have you been busy with lately?"

Li Xu didn’t have time for pleasantries. He got straight to the point and gave Professor Wang Tao a detailed account of Academician Zhang Lin’s interview, as well as the research, development, and clinical efficacy of the Lianhua Suanzaoren Granules.

The medical community wasn’t small, but it wasn’t huge either.

Many people in the know were well aware of what was going on.

Wang Tao was not surprised.

He pondered for a moment before saying, "Xiao Li, I’ve also taken notice of these ’Lianhua Suanzaoren Granules’ you mentioned. The feedback for this drug from Ding’s Pharmaceutical Factory has been quite good in some local hospitals and pharmacies. I’ve also looked into some data and found that its formulation is indeed a very good match for the pathogenesis of this current strain of Influenza A, showing significant clinical efficacy. You’ve done well. This drug is very timely."