Returning after 10000 Years Cultivation - Chapter 81

“Mr. Jiang’s medical skills are nothing short of miraculous. He once cured Old Master Tang’s critical illness—who wouldn’t respect him?” Long Gaitian said solemnly.

“Oh, so that’s how it is!” Fu Lanjun clicked her tongue in amazement. “No wonder people were saying Old Master Tang was on his deathbed a month ago, yet now he’s out and about again!”

“And just because of that, you grovel before Jiang Tian like a dog?” Before Long Gaitian could finish, Liu Tianle cut in with a sneer.

Among the young elites, factions existed. Liu Tianle, coming from an official’s family, was closer to Tang Jianfeng and kept his distance from wealthy heirs like Long Gaitian and those from underground circles.

“You don’t know a damn thing! Keep messing with Mr. Jiang, and you’ll end up with nowhere to bury your corpse!” Long Gaitian flew into a rage. He had initially intended to warn Liu Tianle, but now he couldn’t be bothered. Revving his engine, he sped off.

“Hah! So that’s why the Tang family treats him with such respect?” Liu Tianle scoffed.

“But that’s only because they need him. Once Old Master Tang fully recovers, he’ll be tossed aside like yesterday’s trash!”

“Exactly! He’s just riding the Tang family’s coattails—nothing to worry about!” Fu Lanjun chimed in, her face twisting with disdain as she relaxed.

Liu Tianle’s eyes gleamed as he fanned the flames. “Lanjun, if you marry Jianfeng, you’ll be Tang Linglong’s sister-in-law. Yet tonight, she publicly threw you out of the socialite club—how humiliating!”

“Hmph! Jianfeng told me that the Tang family will soon hold a grand ceremony to formally acknowledge their master. He’ll return for it, and I’ll have him deal with Jiang Tian properly!”

“Not even Tang Linglong will be able to stop him then!” Fu Lanjun’s eyes burned with resentment, her delicate frame trembling under Liu Tianle’s provocation.

For some reason, seeing Jiang Tian succeed filled her with bitterness. His cold arrogance gnawed at her heart.

Years ago, the Jiang family had approached Fu Lanjun, hoping to arrange a marriage between her and Jiang Tian. Back then, Jiang Tian—and the entire Jiang family—had fawned over her. But she had looked down on him, dismissing him as worthless trash.

Now, this same good-for-nothing was outshining her. The injustice of it made her blood boil.

“Liu Wangfeng and Wu Zhaohui died under mysterious circumstances. Even Long Gaitian was forced to kneel before him…” Liu Tianle sighed, his gaze distant.

“Among the younger generation in Linzhou, only Tang Jianfeng can suppress him now.”

The Next Day

As soon as Zhao Xueqing arrived at work, Wei Fang summoned her to the chairman’s office.

“Qing’er, why haven’t you divorced Jiang Tian yet? I’m only thinking of your best interests!” Wei Fang coaxed.

“Jiang Tian has recovered. The formula for the Muscle-Regenerating Ointment was his improvement!” Zhao Xueqing lifted her chin proudly.

“Don’t lie to me! How could he possibly be cured? Besides, the patent is registered under your name. You must’ve convinced Professor Li to lie for you, didn’t you?” Wei Fang refused to believe her.

“I’m not lying. Jiang Tian really is better now. He just doesn’t like the spotlight, so he transferred the patent to me.” Zhao Xueqing smiled faintly, no longer interested in arguing.

What did others’ opinions matter? She was happy with Jiang Tian—that was all that counted.

“Still, Xueqing, the formula was submitted to the Drug Administration for approval, but it was rejected. No production license or approval document was issued. You’ll need to negotiate this yourself.” Wei Fang frowned.

“The results were outstanding, and it passed clinical trials. Why was it rejected?” Zhao Xueqing’s heart sank in disbelief.

Millions had been invested in this patent, with dozens of researchers working tirelessly for months. After Jiang Tian’s improvements, it was finally perfected—only to be blocked? Would all their efforts go to waste?

“They were vague, just citing ‘safety concerns.’ Meet them tonight and find out what they really want.”

“Oh, and bring Jiang Qiushui from the PR department. His uncle, Jiang Jun, oversees production approvals. Maybe he can pull some strings.”

“What? Rejected?”

When Jiang Tian heard the news, he was stunned—but then realization dawned.

“Jiang Qiushui must be behind this,” he said with a chuckle. “He’s always had a thing for Qianru, hasn’t he?”

“Ah, so that’s it.” Zhao Xueqing’s face twisted in disdain. “No wonder Qianru’s been spending so much time with Lu Tianfeng, the district head’s son. Jiang Qiushui must be desperate, using this as leverage!”

“Then I’ll go talk to them. After all, I know this formula best.” Jiang Tian smiled, though a glint of something darker flickered in his eyes.

Was that scumbag Lu Tianfeng already making moves on Qianru?

He immediately sent Zhou Zhenghao a message, ordering a full investigation into Lu Tianfeng.

In his past life, this bastard had sweet-talked Zhao Qianru, played with her emotions, and driven her to a mental breakdown—all while mocking Jiang Tian at every turn.

This time, he’d expose Lu Tianfeng for the fraud he was and leave him with nothing.

“Good idea.” Zhao Xueqing agreed without hesitation.

Jiang Tian was no longer the same man he once was. Even the Tang family treated him as an honored guest—what threat could Jiang Jun possibly pose?

…

That evening, Jiang Tian took a taxi to Zhao Pharmaceuticals to meet Zhao Xueqing and her sister.

“Brother-in-law! You’re here! Look, I tried a gradient lip today—do you like it?”

The moment Zhao Qianru saw Jiang Tian, she dashed over, clinging to his arm and refusing to let go.

“It looks great.”

Jiang Tian smiled at his sister-in-law’s youthful exuberance, though a pang of melancholy struck him.

Who would’ve thought—

“Haha, you have good taste! Here’s your reward!” She planted a loud kiss on his cheek.

Jiang Tian didn’t mind, but Zhao Xueqing blushed furiously. “Qianru, you’re not a child anymore. How can you be so shameless?”

“Hah! You’re jealous!”

Zhao Qianru burst into giggles, leaving Zhao Xueqing flustered.

“Fine, fine! Do whatever you want!” Zhao Xueqing sighed, rubbing her temples.

In the lobby, Jiang Qiushui watched the scene unfold, his heart twisting in agony. “So Qianru really does like Jiang Tian? Damn it! What does he have that I don’t?!”

Unable to take it anymore, he stormed over, jabbing a finger at Jiang Tian. “Stay away from Zhao Qianru!”

“Who the hell are you to talk to me like that? Get lost!” Jiang Tian didn’t even spare him a glance.

“Fine! Jiang Tian, you have no idea who you’re dealing with. Before long, you’ll be begging me on your knees!”

Fuming, Jiang Qiushui rushed to his car and sped off toward the meeting place.

Golden Roc Hotel

Once a government guesthouse, the Golden Roc Hotel had been privatized in the ’90s. Though only four stars, its elegant decor and impeccable service made it a favorite among officials.

As Jiang Tian entered the lobby, a middle-aged man hurried over, bowing respectfully. “Grandmaster Jiang! What brings you here?”

“Ah, Secretary Cai. I’m meeting someone from the Drug Administration.” Jiang Tian replied calmly.

“If there’s anything you need, just say the word. This hotel is under my management!” Secretary Cai said humbly.

Jiang Tian was now Tang Linglong’s master and a VIP of the Tang family—even Secretary Tang had to show him respect. Who was he to act otherwise?

“No need. Carry on with your work.” Jiang Tian waved him off and walked inside.

“Which private room did Grandmaster Jiang enter?” Secretary Cai summoned the floor manager. After getting the answer, he returned to his own room to report to Secretary Tang.

Inside the Private Room

“Miss Zhao, this formula has serious issues. No matter what you say, I won’t approve it.”

Jiang Jun, the deputy director of the Drug Administration, sat imposingly at the head of the table, exuding bureaucratic authority.

Zhao Xueqing presented the clinical results, but he dismissed them outright. “Theoretically, this formula is problematic. There’s no precedent for such usage. Your clinical trials might even be fabricated.”

“Uncle, I work for this company. Chairman Zhao and Madam Wei have treated me well.”

Jiang Qiushui played the mediator, smiling ingratiatingly. “Can’t you make an exception?”

“Doesn’t seem like your relationship is all that great to me.” Jiang Jun smirked coldly.

“Director Jiang, let’s skip the games. What do you really want?” Jiang Tian cut straight to the point.

“Good, you’re direct. Then I’ll be blunt.” Jiang Jun sneered. “Qiushui has always liked Qianru. If they marry soon and you call me ‘uncle,’ how could I not help family?”

“What?! Marry Jiang Qiushui?!” Zhao Qianru’s eyes widened in shock.

“Qianru, I’ve always loved you. I’ll treat you well, I swear!” Jiang Qiushui seized her hand, his face full of desperate hope.

Jiang Jun watched silently, his gaze icy. The unspoken threat hung in the air: Refuse, and I’ll bury your company.

“Qiushui, please—I only see you as a friend!”

Zhao Qianru recoiled, yanking her hand back as if burned.

Jiang Jun’s face darkened. “Zhao Qianru, don’t be ungrateful. The Jiang family is influential in Linzhou, and Qiushui is talented. How is he not good enough for you?”

“If you refuse, mark my words—I’ll shut down Zhao Pharmaceuticals!”

“How can you do this?!” Zhao Qianru’s eyes welled up with tears.

Then, with unintentional hilarity, she muttered, “Is being too beautiful a crime or something?”

Jiang Tian nearly laughed aloud.