Zheng Peian said, "That’s why I’m discussing this with you. If I open a hospital, I won’t be able to manage Huichun Hall anymore. You haven’t been to the Chemical Machinery Factory; it’s a big place. My idea is, if we can acquire it, we can do two things with it: one, maternity care, and two, a Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital."

Xu Chunliang understood. If Zheng Peian contracted the hospital, he wouldn’t be able to focus on Huichun Hall in the future, so he was trying to gauge the old master’s thoughts through him.

Xu Chunliang advised him to calm down, saying that haste makes waste. Grandpa is very traditional; if Zheng Peian moves too fast, he might just anger the old man. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Zheng Peian was only considering it in the early stages. Despite saving some money over the years, he still lacked the strength to open a specialized hospital. Because of Xu Jiawen’s rejection, more than ever, he wanted to prove himself, to build a career, to let Xu Jiawen see his ambition, and to outshine Xu Jiawen’s ex-husband.

As expected, Zheng Peian drank too much that night. Xu Chunliang helped him to Huichun Hall and put him to sleep in his bed.

Xu Changshan came to check, and after Xu Chunliang had settled Zheng Peian, father and son quietly went out.

Xu Changshan reproached, "How did you let him drink so much? Your Uncle Zheng isn’t young anymore, what if something happens to him because of drinking?"

Xu Chunliang quickly said it had nothing to do with him; Old Zheng had something on his mind.

Xu Changshan actually understood the reason and sighed, saying, "Had a spat with your aunt?"

Xu Chunliang nodded with a chuckle.

Xu Changshan sighed, "They’re almost ninety years together, what could there be to argue about? Peian, at his age, still can’t see things clearly?" He understood Zheng Peian’s thoughts very well, but you can’t force matters of the heart. Even if he liked Zheng Peian a lot, he couldn’t dictate his daughter’s life.

Xu Chunliang accompanied his grandfather back to his room. He had been busy this whole Spring Festival, and they hadn’t seen much of each other. It was a good time to chat with him.

Xu Changshan asked about his trip to Hu Hai, and Xu Chunliang only said everything was fine. He had also instructed Zhen Chun not to speak ill of his aunt to avoid worrying Grandpa. Despite her rebellious nature, Zhen Chun had a lot of admiration for him and readily listened and obeyed.

Xu Changshan said, "Your aunt has been busy recently, hasn’t she?"

Xu Chunliang knew Grandpa missed her and nodded, "She’s caring for the whole family, both old and young, all rely on her."

Xu Changshan sighed, "It’s truly not easy." He felt a bit disappointed that even if his daughter was busy, couldn’t she spare two days?

Xu Chunliang wanted to let him rest early, but Grandpa still wanted to talk about something, patting the bedside for him to sit down.

Xu Changshan said, "Do you remember I mentioned wanting to close Huichun Hall before?"

Xu Chunliang certainly remembered, but after Grandpa took Zheng Peian as a disciple, the matter wasn’t brought up anymore. Now, Grandpa had significantly reduced his consultation hours, usually relying on Zheng Peian, Liu Shanmin, and Li Jia Kuan to help. While Huichun Hall’s business was not as good as before, it continued to operate normally.

Xu Changshan said, "I’ve thought it over, and I still want to close Huichun Hall."

"Why?"

Xu Changshan said, "Huichun Hall has been passed down through the Xu Family, and I naturally don’t want it to end with me. But by your father’s generation, no one wanted to study medicine. I know you’re filial and highly gifted, but I also see it’s not your passion. I can’t tie you to the small Huichun Hall. If I force you to sacrifice your career to inherit the family business, I’d be too selfish."

Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t forget you still have a disciple."

Xu Changshan sighed, "I can see through Peian’s thoughts. Even though he’s older than you, both in perception and determination, he’s not as good. Even if I’m willing to teach, he might not learn. You’ve seen the situation these days; I’m low on energy, usually relying on them to help. This isn’t sustainable, as it wastes their valuable time. Time is money; how can I bear that?"

Xu Chunliang said, "You’re worried they won’t earn enough sitting in consultations here?"

Huichun Hall’s recent operations only barely scraped by. Grandpa didn’t charge high consultation fees, and the prescriptions were mostly affordable herbs. He often reduced fees for patients in difficult circumstances, which means that if the shop wasn’t owned, they might even be operating at a loss.

Xu Changshan said, "Old age is old age. I used to believe that as long as my skills were solid and I had a clear conscience, I’d never be short of business. I didn’t aim for great wealth, just enough to feed myself and raise you would suffice. But times have changed, and fewer people believe in traditional Chinese medicine. What they call ’Chinese medicine’ today is far from my understanding. I’m too old to change my ways, but I can’t expect you all to live your lives tied to this small practice."

Xu Chunliang understood his grandfather’s concerns and smiled, "The reason you want to close Huichun Hall has another aspect, right? You’re worried we might not uphold Huichun Hall’s reputation and disgrace the Xu ancestors."

Xu Changshan smiled as his grandson read his mind, "I’ll make some sobering soup for your Uncle Zheng."

Xu Chunliang said, "You should rest, I’ll do it."

"Let’s go together."

The two went to the kitchen; Xu Changshan watched his grandson skillfully prepare the ingredients for the sobering soup and put it on the stove. He thought to himself, if Chunliang focused on medicine, he would surely succeed.

Xu Chunliang said, "Grandpa, I agree with closing Huichun Hall, but I plan to open a hospital with Uncle Zheng and the others." He didn’t mention it was Zheng Peian’s idea, taking the responsibility on himself to ease the burden on Old Zheng.

"What?"

"Don’t worry, we won’t use the Huichun Hall name, unless you believe the hospital is worthy of bearing Huichun Hall’s name, in which case I’ll hang the Xu Family’s sign again."

Xu Changshan said, "Opening a hospital? You’re not joking, are you?" The old man has been a doctor all his life but never thought of turning this clinic into a hospital. In his view, opening a hospital involves huge investments and significant risks, leaving him to marvel at today’s young people for daring to dream and act.

Xu Chunliang replied, "I’m not joking. I have experience in managing hospitals."

Zheng Peian woke up to find himself lying on Xu Chunliang’s bed. His first reaction was to check his clothes, which were neatly worn. He had an indescribable dream last night.

Xu Chunliang knocked on the door and walked in, "Awake?"

Zheng Peian coughed awkwardly twice, "I didn’t make a fool of myself last night, did I?"

Xu Chunliang said, "No."

"What did I say?"

"You were talking about contracting the Chemical Hospital and asked me to persuade Grandpa."

Zheng Peian got a bit nervous, "You told him everything?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Grandpa plans to shut down here."

Zheng Peian was so frightened he got up from bed, "Is Master angry with me? You little rascal, what exactly did you tell him?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Shutting down Huichun Hall has nothing to do with you contracting the hospital. I didn’t dare mention you; I said I was the one leading the charge. Grandpa not only doesn’t oppose, but he’s also very supportive. He even mentioned investing his savings to join us."

"Really?"

Xu Chunliang nodded, "But he has one condition: it can only be a Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital."

Zheng Peian said, laughing and crying, "Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital doesn’t make money; it’s better not to open one."

Xu Chunliang said, "Others may not make money, but we definitely will. I’ve thought it over and decided to start with a proctology specialty."

Zheng Peian said, "You mean opening a proctology specialty hospital?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Li Jia Kuan is the director of the proctology department at Gusu Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, and Liu Shanmin also has a unique approach to treating hemorrhoids." He leaned over and whispered to Zheng Peian, "You know my skills; I draft the prescriptions, and you perform the procedures. Not to brag, but within three months, we can carve out a bloody path in Dongzhou’s proctology field."

Zheng Peian shivered, feeling a bit eerie.

Xu Chunliang said, "There’s a premise: we can’t use the Huichun Hall name, you will be the dean, and decision-making power is mine."

Zheng Peian said, "No problem, but starting a hospital requires initial capital. I have about two million in hand, combined with Master’s savings it seems insufficient."

Xu Chunliang said, "I will solve the investment aspect."

In the morning, the three of them went together to Hidden Lake Villa to inspect and receive the house. Xu Changshan really liked the villa; it was fully furnished and beautifully decorated.

Zheng Peian knew the house was bought through Mo Han, and he quietly reminded Xu Chunliang, Mo Han likely prepared it as her own wedding house. She’s probably set her sights on Xu Chunliang.

He teased Xu Chunliang, who didn’t let it slide, and whispered back, "If you have the ability to marry my little aunt, I’ll allow you to move in."

Zheng Peian said, "A gentleman’s word is his bond; I’m serious!"

The two chatted merrily, then Mo Han walked in, and Zheng Peian nudged Xu Chunliang with his elbow, suggesting he’d guessed right.

Mo Han rarely showed a smile, "How do you feel? Are you satisfied with the house renovation? Let me know any shortcomings, and I’ll arrange for immediate corrections."

Xu Chunliang said, "How did you know we were checking the house today?"

Mo Han said, "President Luan asked me to personally oversee the progress of this villa. The renovation style was set by me, and I chose all the furniture."

Xu Chunliang thought to himself, Zheng Peian really hit the mark; this girl might indeed have some ulterior motive, but she’s definitely not after me; it’s the dragon bone she’s after.

Zheng Peian found an excuse to go see the old man in the garden, giving them some space for a private conversation.

Xu Chunliang said, "You’ve given me such a big favor; I don’t know how to repay it in the future."

"No favor is greater than a life; don’t be fake. When you asked for help, did you ever think of repaying it?" Mo Han finished speaking, couldn’t help but add, "Shameless!"