From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor-Chapter 354 - 329: Inner Circle

Gao Xinhua wasn’t invited either. In his view, it was normal not to invite him, but not inviting Zhao Feiyang was unusual. Inviting Xu Chunliang was very unusual. As Xu Chunliang mentioned, Tang Jinglun was clearly trying to win Xu Chunliang over to his camp. Using this incident, he played a counter-strategy to alienate Zhao Feiyang and Xu Chunliang. Gao Xinhua advised Xu Chunliang to try not to get involved in such internal power struggles. The more uncertain the policies from above, the more one should remain neutral and not lose one’s head over a bit of sweetness.

Xu Chunliang told Gao Xinhua that he was best at dealing with sugar-coated bullets, and even the sugar coating needed to be assessed for taste.

The dinner arranged by Tang Jinglun at the Marriott was an intimate gathering, with only Dong Changhao and Xu Chunliang invited. Tang Jinglun knew that the relationship between Dong Changhao and Xu Chunliang hadn’t always been harmonious and hoped to use this dinner to smooth things over between them.

In fact, Xu Chunliang didn’t have any particular opinion on Dong Changhao. Ever since Dong Changhao left Changxing, Xu Chunliang had nearly forgotten about him. After all, there was no direct conflict of interest between them. Grandmaster Xu’s scope was vast, but it had no room for such small figures.

Even if there had been some unpleasantness before, it was because they stood on different grounds. Everyone was smart enough not to bring up the unpleasant past.

Dong Changhao took the initiative to toast Xu Chunliang with a drink, saying, "Xiaoxu, I’ll be counting on your support in the future."

Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "Dean Dong, you’re too polite. I’ll be counting on your guidance in the future."

Tang Jinglun looked at the two of them smilingly. Dong Changhao was his trusted aide, and Xu Chunliang was a tiger general whose abilities were already proven. If he could be used for his own benefit, the arrangements in Dongzhou would proceed much more smoothly.

Tang Jinglun had been observing the situation after Changxing’s restructuring. Although the restructuring was successful, seeing results in a short time was not possible. The hospital’s operating mechanism dictated that they must continue investing. With the construction of the new hospital, the financial situation this year and even next year wouldn’t look good.

Although the Huayuan Group ventured into health, at the end of the day, it was still for profit.

The most urgent task Tang Jinglun faced as the company’s CEO was to showcase his abilities to the shareholders. The simplest way was to boost the company’s stock price.

Generally, there are two ways to boost the stock price: one is through good company performance, and the other is by telling a good story.

Improving performance is not something that can be achieved in the short term, leaving only storytelling—to paint a vivid picture that’s not only visually appealing but also enticing enough to make the shareholders feel its worth. Once everyone recognizes the project’s potential and opportunity, anyone blocking their investment would be seen as an enemy.

This was the main focus of Tang Jinglun—the emphasis on health has never been about the hospital. The hospital is merely a physical entity. Be it public or private, no matter how advanced or beautiful the hardware, ultimately, it’s essential to genuinely improve the medical standards. Only by enhancing the overall medical level can widespread social recognition be achieved.

Back then, Tang Jingwei was eager to seize the health industry but didn’t fully understand Tang Jinglun’s comprehensive plan. Changxing was just the core of the health sector. The surrounding health industries built around Changxing were the real deal and profit highlights.

After two drinks, Tang Jinglun said, "Chunliang, I directly appointed you as the director of the preparation office without seeking your opinion; you don’t have any thoughts about this, do you?"

Dong Changhao had followed Tang Jinglun for some years and knew that Tang Jinglun was charming but also cunning. However, he couldn’t figure out why Tang Jinglun insisted on using Xu Chunliang? Knowing full well that Xu Chunliang had once beaten his nephew Tang Tianyi, he still entrusted him with significant responsibility. Wasn’t this openly going against Tang Jingwei? Although Tang Jingwei recently caused a scandal, he was still the company’s chairman. Wasn’t it too hasty for Tang Jinglun, who just became CEO, to act like this?

Dong Changhao also understood Tang Jingwei. Tang Jingwei was power-hungry, having controlled Huayuan for many years, always unwilling to relinquish power. The recent financial downturn of Huayuan Group, steeped in financial crisis, was directly related to his stubbornness.

This time, Tang Jingwei had to relinquish some power due to the scandal, but that didn’t mean he bid farewell to Huayuan’s leadership. Once the scandal blew over, he might re-emerge stronger.

Dong Changhao wasn’t confident that Tang Jinglun could definitely defeat Tang Jingwei, nor did he have the time to ponder this. All he could do was wholeheartedly support Tang Jinglun. Only by delivering results in a short period could the company’s board willingly stand on Tang Jinglun’s side.

Xu Chunliang said with a smile, "President Tang, I have no particular thoughts. My greatest strength lies in my strong execution. As long as the tasks are assigned by the leadership, I can almost always achieve a perfect score."

Tang Jinglun said to Dong Changhao, "See, you have to be confident when doing things. Confidence doesn’t necessarily guarantee success, but without it, failure is certain. Chunliang and I see things the same way."

Dong Changhao laughed, "I’ve experienced Director Xu’s execution ability firsthand."

Xu Chunliang laughed heartily and lifted his wine glass to toast Dong Changhao, "I’ve also experienced Dean Dong’s leadership. Is Zhang Haibin still under you?"

Dong Changhao replied, "When I left the health department, he stayed at your Changxing as an assistant to Yuan Peiqiang. You know better; if you don’t like him, I can dismiss him immediately." To Dong Changhao, someone like Zhang Haibin had long lost his value and could be let go any time.

Xu Chunliang said, "Come on, I was just asking casually."

Tang Jinglun said, "Regarding Huanyan Health, I do need to explain a bit. The Healthy Elderly Care Hospital is set to start construction before the end of the year."

Xu Chunliang was momentarily stunned. After today’s meeting, he realized the elderly hospital might actually be built, but he didn’t expect it to be so soon. Regardless of Tang Jinglun’s intentions, it was a great thing for the Weishan Island Branch, and it was good for Xu Chunliang himself. He had promised Meiru Xue that he would ensure the quick construction of a Healthy Elderly Care Hospital. A promise made must be kept.

Tang Jinglun said, "Actually, I’ve been planning this for a while. After Changhao left the health department, our project didn’t come to a halt. Regarding the Healthy Elderly Care Hospital, we already have a comprehensive plan. All the documents are ready, and I have secured approvals from the relevant provincial and municipal departments."

Xu Chunliang said, "President Tang, you certainly keep things tight-lipped, quietly doing big things."

Tang Jinglun smiled with satisfaction, "I went to see the Weishan Island Hospital a few days ago. The land alone doesn’t meet our requirements for an elder care project. Not to mention, the planned area of Da Heng’s Hot Spring Town next door is three times our size. If we also build a Healthy Elderly Care Hospital, there won’t be any land left for constructing elderly apartments."

Xu Chunliang seized the critical point: Tang Jinglun planned to follow in Da Heng’s footsteps and ventures into elderly real estate. There’s no honest commerce, and you can’t expect these businessmen to have a conscience. Their ultimate goal is money. Tang Jinglun probably envied Da Heng’s profits from the endeavor. Instead of letting Da Heng earn the money, they’d rather earn it themselves.

Xu Chunliang reminded Tang Jinglun that changing the land’s nature for hospitals wasn’t easy. The Hu Shan Town Government would never support such a move. Last time, when Yuan Peiqiang and Da Heng negotiated a land exchange, the town government called it off.

Tang Jinglun nodded, "We can try to secure more land — development land."

Xu Chunliang smiled, "It’s already too late. Everyone knows the city is building a national-level resort area. Now, Weishan Island has become an investment hotspot. Acquiring land won’t be easy. Even if you manage to secure it, the price will definitely be high."

Dong Changhao nodded in agreement, "Land acquisition now follows the public sale process. Xiaoxu is right; the cost would be high."

Tang Jinglun said, "To my knowledge, there’s someone on Weishan Island with foresight, who stockpiled a large tract of land a few years ago."

Xu Chunliang immediately understood that he was referring to Tong Guangsheng. Tong Guangsheng could be considered the largest landowner on Weishan Island currently. When he established Xianhong Farm, Hu Shan Town hadn’t been formed yet, and Weishan Island wasn’t designated as a national-level resort area.

Xu Chunliang suddenly realized that Tang Jinglun was not a simple character. He didn’t just entrust him with heavy responsibility because he appreciated or valued his ability, but because he knew about his relationship with Tong Guangsheng.

If he approached Tong Guangsheng for cooperation, the success of the matter would be certain.

Xu Chunliang pondered that if Tong Guangsheng agreed to collaborate with them, after optimizing and combining their resources, it could truly be a strong alliance with unparalleled influence on Weishan Island.

But isn’t Tang Jinglun’s current idea quite similar to Da Heng’s approach? If it’s simply about selling real estate under the guise of health care, making huge profits by exploiting seniors’ pensions, such methods are too despicable, aren’t they?

Xu Chunliang asked, "President Tang, are you planning to venture into elderly real estate?" 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Tang Jinglun smiled, "I aim to venture into the elderly market. Remember what I said last time? Da Heng is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and what they’re doing isn’t truly elderly real estate. I can’t let them ruin the market and can’t let bad money drive out good."

Xu Chunliang said, "With all due respect, can you guarantee that ours will be the good money?"

Tang Jinglun laughed heartily.

Dong Changhao silently admired Xu Chunliang’s audacity, as he seemed unafraid to offend Tang Jinglun. He wouldn’t dare ask such questions himself.

Tang Jinglun said, "I can’t boldly claim to be a conscientious businessman, but I won’t deceive seniors for their pension money. What I’m interested in is the health market. To be honest, launching Huanyan Health as an independent entity is my near-term plan. Investment in the Healthy Elderly Care Hospital and construction of elderly apartments essentially boils down to service. If we factor in service costs, we might not even profit from this project, or even incur losses, but we not only want to do it but also create a reputable brand."