"Miss Zheng, I have something very precious."
Lin Fan dawdled his way over to Zheng Yue.
"Oh?"
A flicker of joy bloomed in Zheng Yue's heart.
Having been immersed in Chinese culture since childhood, she had read countless tales of humble village youths encountering wise masters who bestowed treasures.
Could Lin Fan have had a change of heart and intended to gift her something rare and extraordinary?
"Unique in the world, seldom seen in this era."
Lin Fan stated truthfully.
"Thank you."
Zheng Yue bowed, her heart brimming with anticipation for the treasure.
"Miss."
Zheng Ke nudged Zheng Yue with his elbow, his eyes signaling Lin Fan's movement.
"You..."
Zheng Yue focused her gaze and was almost beside herself with anger.
Lin Fan was rubbing his thumb and index finger together incessantly.
Your sister-in-law asked you to bring a gift, and you're trying to solicit money!
Zheng Yue's worldview was shattered. How could anyone be like this?
"Xiao Fan, what are you doing?"
Xia Xue asked, puzzled by Lin Fan's inaction.
Zheng Yue pondered for a moment before asking, "You spoke so highly of it. What exactly is it, and what is it used for?"
"A heavenly material and earthly treasure, capable of bringing the dead back to life and mending broken bones... perhaps not to that extent, but it's very effective for saving lives."
Lin Fan whispered earnestly.
Zheng Yue's interest was immediately piqued.
Lin Fan's medical skills were exceptional, so he likely wouldn't lie about something like this.
"How much?"
Zheng Yue asked.
Lin Fan remained silent, instead holding up three fingers.
"Mm."
Zheng Yue was unsure what Lin Fan meant by the three fingers – how much money was he asking for?
However, for the Zheng family, money was merely a number.
At worst, the item might not be worth that much, and she simply wouldn't buy it.
Lin Fan grinned.
It was settled!
"Please wait a moment."
Lin Fan ran off to the kitchen.
Xia Xue's heart sank.
Oh no.
Xiao Fan wouldn't be planning to give away that item, would he?
Thinking of the diminishing supply of Red Blood Ganoderma, Xia Xue felt a pang of distress.
They weren't that familiar with the people. Why give such a valuable item?
There were plenty of local specialties in the medical hall; a bag of those wouldn't cost much!
Tian Mengyao found the situation baffling.
What good things could possibly be in the kitchen?
Tsk tsk, if he pulled out a couple of pickled radishes, that would be an international embarrassment!
With that thought, Tian Mengyao immediately bid farewell to Xia Xue.
"Sister Xue'er, I'll be going back now. The village committee is very busy."
"Yes, thank you for your hard work, Secretary Tian. Once my house is built, I'll go up the mountain to help you."
Xia Xue said earnestly.
"Sure, we'll be companions then."
Tian Mengyao left after speaking.
A short while later.
Lin Fan returned mysteriously, holding a small white porcelain bottle.
The bottle contained the Red Blood Ganoderma.
Lin Fan handed the bottle to Zheng Yue and said, "Here, the item is inside."
"Thank you."
The two exchanged glances before heading into the courtyard.
"How much do you want for it?"
Zheng Yue asked the price first, without even looking at the item.
If Lin Fan quoted an exorbitant price, she wouldn't bother.
"Three million."
Lin Fan thought about it and decided this was a significant price.
"Alright, how should I pay?"
Zheng Yue agreed readily.
"I meant U.S. dollars."
Lin Fan added.
"I didn't say you didn't."
A playful smile spread across Zheng Yue's face.
"Bu... but okay!"
Lin Fan regretted his words, cursing himself for the unfair deal!
He should have asked for more!
Zheng Yue felt a great sense of satisfaction after teasing Lin Fan.
Three million RMB, three million USD – it made little difference to her.
If there was any difference, it would be having to buy slightly fewer designer bags and jewelry. It was inconsequential.
Zheng Yue lifted the lid of the porcelain bottle. Inside lay a blood-red object, about the size of a child's palm, emitting a faint, fresh aroma.
"What is this?"
Zheng Yue felt a wave of disappointment.
Three million U.S. dollars for such a small trinket!
No wonder the bottle felt so light!
"Red Blood Ganoderma, a first-grade spirit medicine. It grows on mountains with jade deposits, often in precarious locations, and can cure all ailments."
Lin Fan said with a mysterious smile, "Don't worry, you'll find it extremely useful once you take it home."
"Oh."
Zheng Yue found the description fantastical and felt it must be worth something. She wouldn't lose out too much.
The three returned to the medical hall.
Following his sister-in-law's instructions, Lin Fan presented Zheng Yue with a large pile of local specialties.
Zheng Yue handed the check to Lin Fan.
Lin Fan was somewhat excited.
This was three million U.S. dollars!
In his life, he had never seen what U.S. dollars looked like. To receive three million on his first encounter was astounding.
Watching his excited reaction, Zheng Yue pursed her lips and smiled, "Regarding the investment, I will discuss it with Secretary Zhou. The ten million U.S. dollars will be secured."
"Also, regarding Borun Pharmaceutical, which you mentioned, I believe the government will grant me some leeway."
Zheng Yue added.
Lin Fan nodded repeatedly. With this, a significant portion of his worries was lifted.
He could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
If nothing else, he could start repaying some of An Hai's debts.
His master's debt could wait.
"When are you planning to depart for Siam? I'll arrange for someone to pick you up."
Zheng Yue's expression turned serious. "My father is very anxious."
Lin Fan's face fell. "I've never traveled abroad before. I heard you need things like passports."
"Don't worry, we have dedicated personnel who will assist with the application process. It will be very quick."
Zheng Yue smiled.
"Let me prepare. Perhaps in a couple of days?"
Lin Fan felt uneasy.
He hadn't dared to tell his sister-in-law about this.
"Three days from now, I will send someone with your documents and plane tickets to pick you up."
Zheng Yue said in a tone that allowed no refusal.
"Alright."
Lin Fan nodded resignedly.
"Then it's settled!"
Zheng Yue happily extended a slender hand.
"Uh."
Lin Fan hesitated for a moment before extending his hand.
"Mr. Lin, are we considered friends now?"
Zheng Yue's eyes were full of expectation.
"Yes, I suppose we are."
Lin Fan, having just received three million U.S. dollars, felt indebted and obliged to agree.
"Very well, when you arrive in Siam, you must come and visit my home."
The "home" Zheng Yue referred to was not the Zheng family residence, but her own small home.
"It's a deal."
Lin Fan nodded.
"Excellent!"
Zheng Yue exclaimed, then released his hand.
Zheng Ke, standing quietly to the side, thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Lin, thank you for the medicine."
"It's just a small thing, nothing to worry about."
Although Lin Fan had initially disliked this arrogant man, after spending some time together, he found him to have a good character, at least being grateful.
After they left, Lin Fan muttered, "I never expected to go abroad."
As soon as he finished speaking, his phone rang.
"Hello, Sister Yu Rou, what do you need?"
"Xiao Fan, how did the matter go?"
Su Yu Rou's voice held a trace of anxiety.
"What do you think?"
Lin Fan teased her.
"Tell me quickly~ I'm anxious!"
Su Yu Rou coquettishly urged.
"With me on the case, why would you need to worry?"
Lin Fan recounted how Zheng Yue had agreed to invest ten million U.S. dollars and also help him resolve the acquisition of Borun Pharmaceutical.
"Really?!"
Su Yu Rou was ecstatic.
A ten million U.S. dollar investment!
The Shimen County government would absolutely not refuse!
Borun Hospital was as good as secured!
"Xiao Fan, you're amazing!"
Su Yu Rou shrieked with joy like a little girl.
"Don't get too excited yet. I owe my master and Vice President An over fifty million. If you want Borun Pharmaceutical, I have to ask when you'll be able to come up with the funds?"
"Uh..."
Lin Fan's words instantly silenced Su Yu Rou.