From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

Chapter 650 - 621: Show Some Sincerity

Huang Wanglin nodded and said, "It’s better to avoid unnecessary trouble. I always feel there’s something complex behind this dragon bone, and it’s also an ominous object. Sun Changli’s fate is the best proof."Xu Chunliang laughed and said, "That’s because he was a gambler, it has nothing to do with the dragon bone itself."

Huang Wanglin said, "Last month, there was a theft at my Linzheng Hall."

Xu Chunliang asked with concern, "Did you lose any important artifacts?"

Huang Wanglin shook his head and said, "The thief triggered the alarm system, so the theft was unsuccessful. After our analysis, we found that what he wanted to steal was the dragon bone rubbing."

This is what troubled Huang Wanglin. Linzheng Hall’s collection is extensive, and the dragon bone rubbing is not particularly noticeable among them. However, the thief ignored other priceless artifacts and wanted to steal the dragon bone rubbing, proving that in his eyes, it was far more valuable than the others.

Huang Wanglin has now sealed all the dragon bone rubbings, because with Mo Han purchasing dragon bones at high prices, the market for dragon bones has been on the rise recently.

According to Zhou Renhe’s map, Xu Chunliang has already unearthed another part of the dragon bone left by Huichun Hall, from which he selected sections related to the lower Chapters of "Tianyang Chapter." He has mastered about ninety percent of it, and even if he doesn’t find the remaining part, Xu Chunliang can deduce the cultivation method of the Book of Changes. Therefore, he is not as eager for the lost dragon bone as he once was.

Huang Wanglin is highly respected, and Xu Chunliang doesn’t want him to get embroiled in trouble because of the dragon bone. So, he asked him not to inquire about it anymore. He also extended an invitation on behalf of the Dongzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau, hoping Huang Wanglin could take some time to visit Dongzhou and offer advice for the culture and tourism work there.

Xu Chunliang had already discussed with Fu Guomin before coming to the Capital City, planning to hire more famous individuals as cultural advisors for Dongzhou. Huang Wanglin was at the top of his list.

Huang Wanglin agreed straightforwardly.

When Xu Chunliang left Linzheng Hall, he found Pu Jian and Chen Qianfan still waiting outside for him.

Pu Jian said, "Why did it take so long? Did Third Master show you some treasure?"

Xu Chunliang laughed and said, "I’m not telling you."

Pu Jian said, "Fine, don’t tell. Sooner or later, I’ll find out."

Chen Qianfan laughed and said, "Third Master regards Chunliang as a friend despite the age gap. I saw that tonight, Huang Gongxian was in an awkward position."

Pu Jian said, "His father and Xu Chunliang are good friends. By rights, he should address him as an elder."

Chen Qianfan said, "Aren’t you planning to take Third Master as your mentor? If that happens, wouldn’t you have to call Chunliang an elder?"

Pu Jian said, "We’ll each call as we please!" Then he wrapped his arm around Xu Chunliang’s shoulder and said, "We didn’t drink enough tonight, let’s continue somewhere else."

Chen Qianfan said, "I know a good spot."

Chen Qianfan said, "I know a good spot."

Xu Chunliang said, "I have class tomorrow, so let’s call it a night and get some rest early."

Chen Qianfan looked slightly disappointed. Ever since the incident with the Weishan Island Winery, he had been wanting to have a good talk with Xu Chunliang.

Pu Jian said, "Chunliang, what’s going on today? It’s a bit of a letdown!"

Just then, Xu Chunliang’s phone rang. It was Gao Xiaobai calling. As Xu Chunliang answered the call, Pu Jian leaned in and heard a woman’s voice. He shook his head at Chen Qianfan and whispered, "Choosing love over friends," but it was understandable. This was a typical occurrence for Xu Chunliang.

If it weren’t for Gao Xiaobai’s call, Xu Chunliang might have completely forgotten what Gao Xinhua entrusted to him. Mainly because since coming to the Capital City, he had been too busy to deal with other matters.

Gao Xiaobai wasn’t calling to ask for what he was supposed to deliver. It was mainly because her father sent her a message, and she thought it was only polite to call and ask. But she had called several times during the day, only to find his phone off. She was worried that Xu Chunliang might be in some trouble, so she called again in the evening.

Xu Chunliang told her that he had been attending a medical equipment expo for the past couple of days, and they arranged to meet the next day at school where he would bring the items Gao Xinhua had entrusted to him. Gao Xiaobai said she wanted to treat him to a meal, but Xu Chunliang said not to trouble herself, and that a cafeteria lunch would do.

Pu Jian and Chen Qianfan were standing there, waiting for Xu Chunliang to finish his call. Pu Jian said, "What’s the plan? Each of us heading home separately?"

Seeing that they had been waiting for him for quite a while, Xu Chunliang felt bad ruining their mood, so he suggested they go get some barbecue near the Beijing Office.

Chen Qianfan had the driver take them to the place, and when they arrived, wow! It was bustling. Even at this late hour, they had to take a number to eat barbecue. He remembered that on his last visit, it wasn’t nearly this crowded. How did it suddenly become so popular?

Pu Jian went over to chat with the owner, and since they were all from Dongzhou, the owner temporarily set up a table for them.

The three of them sat down at the noisy barbecue place. Xu Chunliang was puzzled, as business hadn’t been this good the last time he came.

Pu Jian said, "It’s really strange. In Dongzhou, there are barbecue places like this everywhere, and none have lines."

Chen Qianfan said, "This is what they call ’rarity makes something valuable.’"

Pu Jian told the two of them to sit while he went to order food. If he didn’t take the initiative, they’d probably be waiting forever for someone to serve them.

Chen Qianfan opened a beer and handed it to Xu Chunliang, and the two of them started drinking straight from the bottle.

Chen Qianfan said, "I heard from Pu Jian that you’ve been transferred to the Culture and Tourism Bureau now? Congratulations! We’ll have to call you Section Chief Xu from now on."

Xu Chunliang said, "Brother Chen, keep your voice down. This is the Capital City." In this city, section-level cadres barely have any presence, let alone him, who is just a deputy section level.

Chen Qianfan laughed, "A local official is always more important than a visiting supervisor. The same rank in different positions holds vastly different power."

Pu Jian had a worker bring a stove and a big plate of unprocessed meat skewers, waiting for them to grill; it’s better to grill your own meat.

Just as he was about to roll up his sleeves and get going, he suddenly heard someone shout, "Chunliang! When did you come to the Capital City?"

Xu Chunliang looked up, and surprisingly it was Zhou Deming. Zhou Deming wasn’t alone; he had two male and one female classmates with him. They were here for barbecue too, but they arrived earlier, had finished, and were about to settle the bill and leave.

Pu Jian had also met Zhou Deming and invited him over for drinks. Zhou Deming told his classmates to go ahead first, and when he returned, he informed Xu Chunliang that he had already settled the bill.

Xu Chunliang laughed, "You’re just a student, competing with us to pay the bill? That’s like looking down on us!"

Pu Jian said, "You’re such a gentleman, brother; I toast to you."

Zhou Deming laughed, "I don’t drink outside. Here, I’ll take a bottle of Dayao."

Knowing he was always a good kid, Xu Chunliang didn’t insist.

Zhou Deming often came here for meals, and meeting Xu Chunliang in this vast sea of people was fate, but he hoped more to meet Zhen Chun. Currently, Zhen Chun had returned to Hong Kong for school. Though they hadn’t lost touch, Zhou Deming always felt their relationship was at a standstill, as if Zhen Chun only saw him as a brother.

Even if not meeting Xu Chunliang tonight, Zhou Deming planned to ask him about Zhen Chun.

Xu Chunliang saw through the guy’s thoughts and clinked glasses with him, "Have you been in contact with my cousin lately?"

Zhou Deming’s face turned warm as Xu Chunliang was so direct; he nodded, "Occasionally chat on WeChat."

Xu Chunliang laughed, "She’s heartless in what she does, bear with her."

Pu Jian and Chen Qianfan exchanged glances, and both understood. Pu Jian said, "Xu Chunliang, you should introduce him properly then; seems like Deming is your future brother-in-law."

Zhou Deming’s face turned red instantly.

Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t talk nonsense, they’re just regular friends."

Pu Jian said, "Zhen Chun, yeah, I’ve seen her, she’s pretty. Zhou Deming, if I were you, I’d ignore everything else and acknowledge the big brother-in-law first. Hurry up, serve your big brother-in-law a drink."

Chen Qianfan chimed in, "Being bold is key for chasing girls; first make her family your friends. Xiaozhou, you’re quite clever, your ’curve to save the nation’ is impressive."

These two were coaxing Zhou Deming in unison.

Zhou Deming said, "I... I..." He wanted to say he didn’t mean it, but it was clear he did, and it was awkward to deny it in front of Xu Chunliang. Although Zhou Deming didn’t talk much, he had a plan, picking up a bottle of Dayao in front of him, "Chunliang, I toast to you."

Pu Jian was delighted; Zhou Deming, this guy, didn’t say much but was bold. He even dared to have ideas about Xu Chunliang’s cousin.

Pu Jian, thrilled by the potential drama, urged, "Show some sincerity, you should drink too."

Xu Chunliang quickly tried to stop it, but Zhou Deming took the drink from Pu Jian and drank first.

Zhou Deming couldn’t handle his liquor well, and after a few drinks, he felt a bit tipsy, "Chunliang... does Zhen Chun... does she have a boyfriend right now?" He dared to voice what he wouldn’t normally.

Pu Jian said, "Chunliang is no way for you to call him; you should say brother!"

Zhou Deming said, "Brother!"

Xu Chunliang was speechless; Pu Jian was quite the instigator, and Zhou Deming had the courage even to call him brother, despite being older than him. Just from this, the kid had some potential, at least had the courage to adapt.

Chen Qianfan cheerfully said, "He’s already called you brother, so you should answer."

Xu Chunliang shook his head, "As far as I know, she doesn’t have one right now."

Zhou Deming felt relieved hearing this, "That’s great."

Pu Jian said, "What’s great about it? You’re in the Capital City; she’s in Xiangjiang. Just because she doesn’t have one today doesn’t mean she won’t have one tomorrow. No matter the era, place, or society, beautiful girls are in short supply. Many people are interested. More wolves than meat, you know? Whoever makes the first move gets her."

Xu Chunliang gave Pu Jian a glare, "Dude, enough is enough, don’t lead him astray."

Pu Jian said, "I’m helping him out, right, brother-in-law?"

Zhou Deming, a little drunk, nodded woozily.

Chen Qianfan burst into laughter.

Xu Chunliang said, "See, you drank too much, didn’t you?"