Chapter 80
Collision
"Xue'e has brought people?"
Huo Shaochong was still pondering who this person was that made Elder Zhuang make such a boastful promise.
Upon hearing that Zhuang Xue'e had arrived, his mind immediately began to race: "Who is it?"
The deputy manager knew his identity and, of course, spoke respectfully: "I heard from the Fourth Miss that he is the doctor who saved Old Master Zhuang before."
"He also brought his own unique medicinal formula today, seemingly to seek investment from Miss Fourth."
The internal senior management basically knew about Zhuang Huaisheng's previous incident of being poisoned and fainting in the hotel, and how Qin Mo rescued him.
The poison was administered by one of the bookmakers' rivals, who bribed the hotel's doorman to administer the poison.
The doorman has been dealt with.
However, to avoid the other party having any further tricks up their sleeve, Zhuang Huaisheng was unable to personally thank the young miracle doctor.
Unexpectedly, Zhuang Xue'e brought him here today.
However, Huo Shaochong's expression immediately changed upon hearing this person's name.
He hadn't forgotten how humiliated he was at the club that day.
"Ha, a barefoot doctor who studied traditional Chinese medicine for a few days, got lucky and saved Grandpa Zhuang, and now dares to come to his door asking for investment?"
"I think he's more likely trying to take advantage of someone's kindness."
"Grandpa Zhuang, that kid is a doctor, but he might not be good at research. Let's just give him some money and send him away."
As he spoke, he made way for the few people behind him.
"Grandpa Zhuang, look, I heard that Xue'e wants to set up her own research lab, so I specially invited a few researchers for her."
"These individuals are all graduates of the Columbia Institute of Technology; each one is a highly skilled and specialized talent."
"And this time, they even brought their newly developed Qingxin Capsules, which will definitely help Xue'e keep the branch company afloat!"
Huo Shaochong was full of confidence. The people he brought were all elites, especially Professor Liu, who was a top-notch researcher.
He spent a lot of manpower and resources, and even used the name of the Divine Dragon Army, to invite them.
Zhuang Huaisheng gave him a meaningful look and sighed:
"Shao Chong, I know you're a good kid, but when it comes to matters of the heart..."
"Alright, let's take a look first."
"Perfect timing, I'd also like to meet my savior."
They didn't go downstairs; instead, they stood by the French windows and saw Qin Mo and Zhuang Xue'e enter together.
The researchers Huo Shaochong brought went down with the deputy manager, and the two sides happened to meet.
"Manager Yang."
Zhuang Xue'e brought Qin Mo in and warmly introduced him to both sides: "This is my friend, Qin Mo."
"I brought him here today so you could see the new drug he's researching."
"If I could, I'd vote for him!"
Manager Yang was very polite to her, but his gaze swept over Qin Mo.
"Fourth Miss, this is no small matter. I'm afraid I can't make a decision on my own."
"Perfect timing! Several professionals have come to our lab today, and they've brought along a new drug they've been developing."
"How about... you two have a chat?"
After saying this, he stepped aside to let the people behind him pass.
Qin Mo looked up and saw several men and women wearing white coats.
The leader was a man in his forties who wore glasses and had a receding hairline.
Following him were young men and women in their twenties and thirties.
Everyone there looked like a social elite, with outstanding demeanor.
Especially the man and woman following him closely; both of them were good-looking and had an arrogant air about them.
Their gazes fell upon him with a hint of disdain.
They had all overheard Huo Shao and Zhuang Lao's conversation on the second floor.
This person was just a barefoot doctor.
Moreover, the research focuses on traditional Chinese medicine.
Who doesn't know that traditional Chinese medicine is rubbish and only knows how to deceive people?
Despite their aloof attitude, Qin Mo still took the initiative to extend his hand to them.
After all, these are outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field.
"Hello, Professor Liu, I am Qin Mo."
However, Professor Liu, who wore thick glasses, did not shake his hand.
He raised his hand to push up his glasses, glanced at Qin Mo with a scrutinizing gaze, and then let out a cold snort.
"Ha! At such a young age, instead of learning good things, they've chosen the path of swindling and cheating!"
Professor Liu is a highly respected figure; even Manager Yang has to give him face.
Zhuang Xue'e knew who he came from and quickly explained, "Professor Liu, what are you saying? Qin Mo is not a fraud!"
"He was the one who saved my grandfather when he was poisoned before."
"Don't let his young age fool you, he's a truly amazing doctor!"
But Professor Liu wouldn't listen at all and waved his hand impatiently.
"Miss Zhuang, you don't need to explain to me. I can distinguish right from wrong."
"Even if what you say is true, he really is a doctor."
"But you're an outsider; you don't understand that there's a wall between medicine and pharmaceuticals."
"Even the most skilled medical physicians in the imperial court may not be able to develop effective medicines."
He looked at Qin Mo, his expression fierce but his voice weak: "And you, you've never even stepped into the lab, yet you dare to cross boundaries. That's irresponsible towards your patients!"
Zhuang Xue'e looked somewhat embarrassed.
Huo Shaochong upstairs, however, was all smiles.
Yes, this Professor Liu Xueyi is a notoriously old-fashioned person.
Let alone Zhuang Xue'e and that brat, he would dare to speak his mind even in front of Old Master Zhuang.
Show no mercy to anyone!
As expected, Liu Xueyi ignored Zhuang Xue'e's explanation and simply waved his hand dismissively.
"Ms. Zhuang, the reason I brought my team here is because of Zhuang's reputation in the pharmaceutical industry."
"Even if it's just a branch office, I'm willing to give Mr. Zhuang face and come help you out."
"But if this is your irresponsible attitude—producing drugs indiscriminately to repay favors and rip off patients—then I can't condone it!"
Liu Xueyi spoke with righteous indignation, though he did not say it explicitly, everyone present understood.
Zhuang Xue'e can only choose between him and Qin Mo.
But who would choose a barefoot doctor of dubious origin over a pharmacy professor with several research achievements?
His two students also stepped forward and stood on the same side as Liu Xueyi.
"Ms. Zhuang, you should know that my teacher has a great reputation in the industry."
The female student looked serious, but her tone carried a hint of pride:
"Before the Zhuang family, Shenzhou Pharmaceuticals also invited us, but our teacher declined."
"You wouldn't joke about the reputation of the Zhuang family, would you?"
The male student was even more direct, letting out a sneer at Qin Mo.
"Miss Zhuang, you're not the kind of person who would mistake a fish eye for a pearl, are you?"
"We can't let the desire to repay a debt of gratitude cloud our judgment and prevent us from distinguishing right from wrong."
The other researchers watching from the sidelines also showed distrust towards Qin Mo.
After all, compared to Liu Xueyi, Qin Mo seemed unreliable no matter how you looked at it.
Zhuang Xue'e suddenly became furious.
She hadn't expected that before she could even say a few words, these people would shut her up and belittle Qin Mo to nothing.
Just as she was about to throw a tantrum, a hand grabbed her.
"Xue'e, don't be angry."
Qin Mo patted the back of her hand and said calmly:
"If you deny my work based solely on my age and status, without even having seen my achievements, then you are wrong."
"We shouldn't be the ones laughing at people for our attitude towards research."
"It is them."