Seeing the greedy glint in Director Xu's eyes and his lecherous smile, Su Qing's expression softened slightly as she placed the documents she was holding onto the table.
"Director Xu, these are the review materials submitted by our company."
"Hehe, don't worry about that yet, President Su. Please, have a seat and let's chat first."
Director Xu finally tore his gaze away from Su Qing's chest and glanced at his assistant. "Xiao Li, pour a couple of cups of tea for me and President Su."
"Alright." The staff member nodded, giving a brief look to Xiao Chen—whom Director Xu was obviously ignoring—before walking out.
"President Su, your company, Qingcheng, has grown rapidly this past year. Everyone in the industry is talking about what your next big move will be."
"You flatter me, Director Xu. Qingcheng is still developing. Our reach only covers a few nearby provinces; it's far from being influential."
"Come now, President Su, no need for false modesty. Everyone knows Qingcheng's products are of outstanding quality. The word in the industry is that once your company expands, the competition won't stand a chance."
At the mention of quality, Su Qing's delicate face showed a hint of pride. "Quality is the foundation and lifeline of our company. Qingcheng will always focus on making the best products. Please rest assured, Director Xu."
"Oh, I'm not worried. By the way, what kind of cosmeceutical are you submitting this time?" He asked casually, glancing at the file on the table.
"It's a product designed for sensitive skin—repairing, moisturizing, and protective."
"Hehe, sounds like a major project."
As they spoke, Xiao Li returned with two cups of tea—one for Director Xu and one for Su Qing—completely ignoring Xiao Chen.
"Please, have some tea, President Su."
Director Xu smiled and took a sip.
"I don't really like tea," Su Qing said with a small frown, handing her cup to Xiao Chen. "Here, you drink it."
"Oh, look at me! I almost forgot about your male assistant," Director Xu said with a fake laugh, patting his greasy forehead. "My mistake."
Xiao Chen smiled politely and took the cup. He didn't even look at the man; as long as things got done, he didn't care to argue.
"President Su, you're really kind to your assistant," Director Xu said meaningfully.
"Director Xu, when will the review process begin?" Su Qing asked, deliberately ignoring his insinuation.
"Well, we'll need to check if your documents are complete first," he said in an official tone. "You can hand them to Xiao Li later; she'll process them. We'll discuss the review arrangements afterward."
"Can the process be expedited?" Su Qing frowned slightly. The new product line's promotion was already scheduled—any delay would mean huge losses.
"President Su, we have our regulations. If everyone came asking to 'speed things up,' what would that say about our procedures?" Xu said lazily, then smirked. "Of course, since you and I have such a good relationship, I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you, Director Xu."
"Hehe, how about dinner tonight?" Xu asked suddenly, putting down his cup and smiling.
Su Qing froze for a moment. Dinner?
"This…" she hesitated, already sensing his intentions. She had heard about Director Xu's reputation before.
"What's wrong? Are we not close enough to share a meal?" Xu's tone dropped.
"No, it's not that—"
"I just thought we could discuss ways to speed up your review over dinner. But if you're busy, then forget it." His expression darkened.
Su Qing's face stiffened. His meaning was clear: no dinner, no favor.
Before she could respond, Xiao Chen spoke up. "Director Xu, President Su has other plans tonight. How about I have dinner with you instead?"
As a man, he knew exactly what Xu's intentions were—especially after catching him ogling Su Qing so brazenly earlier.
"You?" Xu's face fell, eyeing Xiao Chen coldly.
"Yes," Xiao Chen said with a slight smile. "I promise you'll eat well, drink well, and have a good time. What do you say?"
"You? Have dinner with me? You're just an assistant. Do you even know your place?" Xu snapped, his tone full of contempt.
Xiao Chen's smile faded. He could tell this man wasn't going to be reasonable.
"I'm sorry, Director Xu," Su Qing said quickly, afraid Xiao Chen might lose his temper. "I really have something urgent tonight."
"Oh, fine then," Xu said with a sneer. "But the review must go through the proper procedures. I'm busy now, so I won't see you out."
Su Qing nodded coldly and stood up. "Goodbye, Director Xu."
"Hand the documents to Xiao Li on your way out and follow the standard process," he said flatly, tapping the desk.
"Understood."
Su Qing picked up the file and left the office with Xiao Chen.
As soon as the door closed, Xu's expression turned ugly. "Playing pure and innocent with that little assistant, huh? If she wants approval, she'll have to lie down and let me have her—otherwise, forget it!"
Outside, Su Qing handed the materials to Xiao Li and completed the formalities.
"How long will the review take under normal circumstances?" she asked.
"Two to three days," the staffer replied.
"That's fine," Su Qing said, relieved. That would still leave enough time for testing and market launch.
Xiao Chen, however, shook his head silently. With Xu angry and rejected, would the process really go smoothly? Probably not.
After leaving the Food and Drug Administration, Su Qing looked at Xiao Chen apologetically. "I'm sorry. If I'd known, I would've gone in alone."
"It's fine," Xiao Chen smiled. "Where to next? Back to the company?"
"Yes, let's wait for their notice."
"Alright."
Back at Qingcheng, Su Qing returned to her work, while Xiao Chen headed for his office.
"Brother Chen, I'm here!" a familiar voice boomed as Li Hanhou's massive frame appeared at the door.
"Hehe, Dahan, how's your mother?" Xiao Chen asked.
"She's much better. Dean Li visits her every day. Oh, and Elder Yao checked on her too—said she's recovering well." Li Hanhou grinned. "Brother Chen, I really don't know how to thank you."
"No need for that," Xiao Chen said, waving his hand. "Did Elder Yao say anything else?"
"He said you're like… like a magpie from ancient times—a living Hua Tuo!"
"What?" Xiao Chen blinked. "You mean Bian Que, right?"
"Oh yeah, Bian Que! I always mix them up," Li Hanhou said sheepishly, scratching his head.
"Mix them up? One's a bird, one's a person!" Xiao Chen said with exasperation.
"Eh, same idea."
Xiao Chen sighed and shook his head. "Did Elder Yao mention when he'll be leaving?"
"In two or three days. He said he'll return to Beijing."
"Oh." Xiao Chen nodded, thinking he might visit again before the old man left.
"Brother Chen, my mom says she's fine now, so I can follow you again. What should I do—guard the gate or something?"
"Don't worry about work for now. Stay with your mom first. I'll arrange something later. By the way, have you eaten yet?"
"Not yet."
"Come on, let's go to the cafeteria, then you can head back to the hospital."
"Okay!"
They called Ding Li to join them, and the three went to lunch together. Ding Li and Li Hanhou had become good friends—one admired the other's strength, and the other liked anyone who treated him well.
"Dahan, you're so strong! Can you teach me?" Ding Li asked on the way.
"No, Grandpa said Bajiquan and Piguaquan must be learned from childhood," Li Hanhou replied.
"Oh… I guess it's too late then." Ding Li looked disappointed.
"Don't be discouraged," Xiao Chen said with a smile. "If you really want to get stronger, I can give you a chance."
"Really?" Ding Li's eyes lit up.
"Of course. We'll talk about it soon. Let's eat first."
The three found a nice spot in the cafeteria. As usual, Li Hanhou's enormous appetite drew everyone's attention—he devoured eleven steamed buns in one go. Xiao Chen could only smile wryly.
After lunch, they headed toward the company entrance.
"Dahan, want me to drive you?"
"No need. I'll jog back—got plenty of energy now!"
"…Alright then."
Just as they neared the gate, a security guard ran up, looking alarmed.
"Minister Xiao, someone's here for you!"
"Who?"
"The Bald Snake from the Flying Eagles!"
"Flying Eagles?" Xiao Chen narrowed his eyes. "So, they've finally come."