At Haizhou Pharmaceutical Group's factory, the scene was bustling with activity.
In the modernized workshop, machines roared as the computer-controlled production line operated smoothly. Dressed in a white uniform, Guo Xiaopeng inspected the production process with Fei Jingwei and other technical leaders.
Turning to Fei Jingwei, Guo Xiaopeng asked, "Chief Fei, how far along is the approval process for the Detox Pill?"
Fei Jingwei replied, "We're just waiting for the approval from the Ministry of Health's Drug Administration."
Guo Xiaopeng, slightly raising his voice in dissatisfaction, said, "So, we still lack the most crucial authorization?"
Fei Jingwei earnestly responded, "From conception, innovation, research, to expert evaluation, human trials, and clinical trials, it's only taken a year and a half. This is already very fast. In the past, this process often took several years, even decades."
"This is the information age. A thousand years is too long; we must seize the day! We can't wait, we need to expedite!" Guo Xiaopeng turned to Lin Xiaoliang, "Xiaoliang, you should make more trips to Beijing. Chief Fei isn't good at public relations."
As they spoke, the group exited the workshop and arrived at the Mercedes parked by the factory's main road.
As Fei Jingwei shook hands with Guo Xiaopeng in farewell, he seemed hesitant to speak. Realizing Fei had something sensitive to discuss, Guo Xiaopeng said to the others, "You all go ahead." Then he invited Fei Jingwei into the car.
Duan Hai, seeing the chairman and Fei Jingwei getting into the car, sensed a confidential discussion and tactfully left.
Inside the car, Guo Xiaopeng said, "Jingwei, we've been classmates since childhood and colleagues for years. Is there something you can't say?"
Adjusting his glasses, Fei Jingwei hesitantly said, "Chairman, my former institution, the Provincial Biochemistry Research Institute, has an opening for a senior position. To be eligible, one needs to participate in a national research project. The institute has such a project, but lacks funding."
Guo Xiaopeng asked directly, "How much are they asking for?"
"Two hundred and fifty thousand," Fei Jingwei replied.
"What kind of project is it?" Guo Xiaopeng inquired.
"A genetically modified product, part of the National 863 Program," Fei Jingwei explained.
Guo Xiaopeng said, "If I give them five hundred thousand, can Haizhou Pharmaceuticals become a co-developer of this project?"
Overjoyed, Fei Jingwei replied, "Of course, no problem. The project leader, Professor Wu Yusheng, is my mentor and an academician. He holds you and Haizhou Pharmaceuticals in high regard."
Guo Xiaopeng added, "Also ask Professor Wu if he's willing to be a senior consultant for Haizhou Pharmaceuticals."
"Professor Wu graduated from Southwest United University and is over seventy now. He may not be able to do hands-on work," Fei Jingwei truthfully said.
"Being a consultant means having a title. A monthly salary of three thousand yuan. Having an academician's title will enhance Haizhou Pharmaceuticals' intangible assets. He just needs to chat with me a few times a year," Guo Xiaopeng said.
Secrets Unveiled
The manager's office at Haizhou Tower was silent. Wang Jingfei worked tensely at her laptop. With light keystrokes, the screen displayed: Haizhou Tower Financials 1998. She clicked the mouse, and various detailed accounts appeared, followed by 1999 and 2000. She muttered to herself, "Impenetrable, flawless." She continued typing, and the screen displayed: Haizhou Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. She entered a password to connect to the computer center, but the screen read: Authorization Required.
Picking up the phone, Wang Jingfei said, "Computer Center? This is Wang Jingfei, General Manager of Haizhou Tower."
A young woman's voice responded, "Hello, Ms. Wang. How can I help you?"
"I need to access the company's sales summary," Wang Jingfei said.
The woman politely replied, "I'm sorry, that requires authorization from the chairman."
Wang Jingfei tightened her grip on the receiver, "I'm the full representative of Hong Kong Hualong Group. Do I need authorization too?"
In a sweet voice, the woman replied, "This is the group's policy. Please forgive me for being unable to assist you. Goodbye." The woman courteously hung up.
Wang Jingfei took a deep breath, feeling as if she was facing an unbreakable iceberg.
Shadows of the Past
In an abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city, the area was desolate and overgrown with weeds. The roof of the tall factory building was covered with crows.
Under a rusty furnace tower, Yang Chun, in greasy work clothes, sat on an iron chair cleaning his gun. A small-framed man squatted nearby, watching Yang Chun's expressions, clearly a gun dealer. Admiring the shiny gun, Yang Chun squinted at the sight, "I just love the Type 77 pistol!"
The man flattered, "Mr. Yang, with your money, why not use a better gun?"
Yang Chun glanced at him, reprimanding, "No wonder they call you Fool Wang, you really are an idiot! What is a good gun? A gun that works well is a good gun! The bullets for this gun are easy to find, and the police can't trace the owner easily! Got it?"
Fool Wang nodded eagerly, "Yes, yes! I spent a lot to get this. The police are very strict."
Yang Chun extended his hand, "Bullets."
Fool Wang hesitated, "Mr. Yang, you haven't paid yet!"
Yang Chun tossed a bulging wallet to him, "The wallet's yours too!"
The money obviously exceeded the gun's value, making Fool Wang feel secure. He handed over two heavy oilpaper packages to Yang Chun, asking with concern, "Mr. Yang, who are you hiding from? Didn't you say the police wouldn't dare touch you?"
Yang Chun's face darkened, "There are probably more than a few in Haizhou who want me dead."
"If I were you, I'd have fled long ago to enjoy life elsewhere, never to return!" Fool Wang said, trying to be clever.
Yang Chun's expression grew even more severe, his voice low and threatening, "You have no idea the kind of people we're dealing with."