The Martial Artist Turned Movie Mogul-Chapter 720 - 719. We must win over!

However, from the expression on his face, it was clear that the research was not going smoothly.

"Master Zhao, are you sure that this Anti-Reduction Ointment contains fifteen types of Chinese Herbal Medicine?"

"This... based on the analysis of the ingredients, there are at least four types that we have not identified."

As for more than that, he could not analyze any further.

Upon hearing this, Du An frowned. Even Master Zhao couldn’t figure it out?

"So if we produce it using the remaining eleven types of herbs, how much will the final product differ from Cloudscape Group’s Anti-Reduction Ointment?"

The old man known as Master Zhao fell silent for a moment, sinking into deep thought, before finally letting out a sigh.

"If we only use those eleven types of herbs, the medicine will only be slightly better than the Anti-Reduction Ointment available on the market."

The implication being that there would still be a significant gap compared to Cloudscape Group’s ointment.

This outcome left Master Zhao, who had stayed in the laboratory for several days, somewhat disheartened, and Du An, who had seen the experimental data, was even more disheartened.

"Master Zhao, you are the most formidable senior in our lab, can’t even you figure out their formula?"

This giving and holding back, his capability was actually much higher than my own expectations? How on earth did Cloudscape Group establish a connection with this person?

Master Zhao shook his head. "Alas, we have already done our best, I guess only the people at Cloudscape Pharma would know the exact formula."

Nobody had expected that Cloudscape Pharma, with just a seemingly inconsequential Anti-Reduction Ointment, would snatch up so many orders on the market, even affecting one of Du Corporation’s original products significantly.

Upon hearing this, Du An pressed his lips tightly together, remaining silent.

This person, he must be won over!

***

In a private room in the capital, Mu Ziwei and Wang Zheng sat facing each other.

The atmosphere between the two had changed twice in half an hour, and it was currently a tense moment. Moreover, Mu Ziwei’s attitude had shifted from initial impatience to the current cautious trepidation.

She hadn’t expected that Wang Zheng would still have a card up his sleeve! freēwēbnovel.com

Looking at the photos sprawled all over the table, she was terrified out of her wits.

"Brother Zheng... Now I have already told everyone on Weibo, can’t we just part on good terms?"

"I’d like to part on good terms too, just not sure if Miss Mu is willing."

When Wang Zheng first learned the truth, his rage had subsided, replaced by a face of calm composure. Even Mu Ziwei, who had been around him for several years, couldn’t decipher what he was thinking.

"What does Brother Zheng mean, then?"

"The rules of the circle, let’s settle with money."

That simple?

Mu Ziwei, upon hearing this, was momentarily stunned, still somewhat in disbelief.

Since when was Wang Zheng so easy to talk to?

The person opposite snickered, "Since you’re eager to get rid of me, I won’t go out of my way to trouble you, but if the money is too little, I won’t agree."

Minutes later, the two finally completed their deal, and Mu Ziwei breathed a sigh of relief.

"Please hand over the evidence to me, Brother Zheng."

"Of course."

Wang Zheng passed a USB drive to her, causing Mu Ziwei, who had spent a lot of money just to delete one file, to turn a very awkward shade of red.

"From now on, we go our separate ways, and I hope Brother Zheng keeps his word."

She emphasized it once more, hoping that Wang Zheng would not use these things to threaten her again.

You said the files have already been given to her, right?

Heh, if Mu Ziwei truly believed in that, she wouldn’t have gotten to where she is today.

Giving it to you in front of your face is just to save face for you.

"Fair enough."

The rule of understanding without exposing is something Mu Ziwei knows, and naturally, Wang Zheng knows it too.

Once Mu Ziwei had left the private room, Wang Zheng’s cellphone received a transfer record. Looking at the string of zeroes on the screen, he revealed a meaningful smile.

"Still so young—"

Just because he won’t expose these things in the future doesn’t mean he hasn’t exposed them in the past. If someone else got a hold of something, that’s none of his business.

***

As the 25th of September approached, the 25 participants progressively completed their works for the national calligraphy and painting competition.

The three-day finals were coming up, and swathes of calligraphy and painting enthusiasts flooded into the capital, with hotels and guesthouses near the association almost fully booked.

Of course, most of the guests were there for the excitement; after all, for a national competition like this, even just watching as a spectator could be greatly beneficial, even if you’re not participating.

The day before the finals, Yang Xiaofen, one of the top 25 finalists, specially visited the entrance of the association with her three roommates to scope out the place and get familiar with the competition environment.

"Xiao Fenfen, so this is what the Calligraphy and Painting Association looks like. This building has a style from before the pre-Chinese Republican era~~~"

"Tsk tsk, red bricks and large tiles, buildings no more than three stories high, plus the Vermilion Gate outside, it looks less like an association and more like an ancient large family estate, doesn’t it?"

"To have a place in the capital, where every inch of land is worth its weight in gold, their heritage really can’t be underestimated."

"Xiao Fenfen, you must work hard, and after graduation, work here to make us sisters proud, you know?"

Yang Xiaofen, forced into a job arrangement, rolled her eyes skyward, "Are you thinking too much? Is this a place I can come to just because I want to? Even if there are vacancies, it wouldn’t be my turn!"

She had heard that the average age of the staff at the association is in their forties, and whether it’s in traditional Chinese painting or calligraphy, the older the experience, the better the flavor—

Want to work here?

She reckoned she’d have to work seriously for a good twenty or thirty years to even dare to dream of it.

"I must work here!"

Don’t doubt it, those words were not said by Yang Xiaofen, but by a male student next to her who had also come to visit.

The boy was also surrounded by three people, and like them, he was looking at the vermillion front gate with an equally longing expression.

"Xiao Yuan, I support you, this place is freaking glorious!"

"Standing in front of this door, I feel like I’ve got face!"

"The capital really is the place where the emperor’s feet trod, ying ying ying~~ It was worth it, traveling over mountains and across seas all the way from Yun Province to get here!"

"Pfft! Traveling over mountains and across seas? Brother, do you have no shame? We clearly flew here through the skies!"

The four little girls next to them: "..."

"Fenfen, if your future colleagues are going to be like that, then let’s... not go, okay?"

Song Qingyuan: "???"

***

On the day of the competition, it happened to be the weekend.

When calligraphy and painting enthusiasts from all over the country gathered at the entrance of the association, they were surprised to find that staff had arranged indoor seats for them.

At the entrance, two workers greeted them with smiles:

"Folks, may I ask if you’re here to participate in the academy’s competition, or to watch as enthusiasts?"

"We’re enthusiasts, just here to join in the fun!"