At the hotel, Wu Yangcheng's phone rang.
A message had arrived.
"Mr. Wu, Lin Chen is dining in the private room with Old Song, Old Li, and a group of other influential figures. You know what this means."
Wu Yangcheng's face paled as he read the message.
Unable to leave the country, he had come to the hotel instead of going to the airport. He'd still hoped to find another opportunity to negotiate with the Song Family, even if it meant selling his shares at a steep discount.
Now, what could he do?
The Song Family's actions were a public declaration that they stood with Lin Chen. Even if he gave away his shares for free, they would never support him again.
Moreover, why would the Song Family do this?
If Lin Chen didn't have significant backing, why would Old Song allow him to join the private room and drink with such influential figures?
Even as a drinking companion, not just anyone could join such a gathering!
"It's over. Completely over."
"If this gets out, I'll probably spend another year or two in prison!"
Wu Yangcheng's face darkened with despair.
The law wasn't rigid; it had room for interpretation. In his situation, he would be severely punished—ten years might be the lightest sentence.
Even without the Song Family's help, he might have been able to pull some strings. But now, that was impossible.
Who would risk offending these bigwigs for him?
"Resist and face severe punishment; confess and receive leniency."
The eight characters suddenly flashed in Wu Yangcheng's mind.
If he surrendered now, he might get a reduced sentence!
But surrendering meant going to jail immediately.
If he didn't, he could remain free for a while longer, enjoying the remaining days of his freedom.
***
The banquet was gradually drawing to a close.
Lin Chen had diligently performed his duties as a companion, ensuring everyone's drinks were topped up. Though he excelled in his field, he avoided arrogance—a foolish trait.
Their table remained undisturbed throughout the evening.
Not even a single toast was offered.
It wasn't that the others were unwilling, but rather that Lin Chen's table was filled with such influential figures that individual interruptions would have been inappropriate.
"Xiao Lin, is there anything we old guys can help you with, either professionally or personally? If so, now's the time to ask."
"We'll resolve it on the spot."
One of the senior figures, his face flushed with drink, said warmly.
"Indeed, Xiao Lin. Someone of your caliber deserves our support. Helping you wouldn't be abusing our power."
Another added.
The remaining elders chimed in with similar sentiments.
Lin Chen smiled. "Esteemed seniors, I don't currently require any assistance. However, I do have a small request: May I add you all on WeChat?"
"That's a remarkably simple request."
"Consider it done."
The elders chuckled in agreement.
All the senior figures had WeChat accounts for family communication, and Lin Chen added each of them individually to his personal account.
Had Lin Chen not been so capable, even with Old Song's endorsement, they might have been content to simply call him. They might not have been so willing to add him to their private WeChat contacts.
They were all very willing now.
Old Song could see Lin Chen's bright future, and they could too. They realized that maintaining a good relationship with him might benefit their families in the future.
They were already in positions of high status.
But the youngest among them was nearly seventy. In the next decade or two, they would likely all pass away one by one.
Lin Chen, on the other hand, was young and had decades of life ahead of him!
Lin Chen already had strong connections. What about the future?
Lin Chen wasn't just a growth stock; he was a "monster stock"! How could they miss the opportunity to get in early on such a stock?
"Brother Song, let's have one last drink to celebrate your birthday," said one of the elders, raising his glass.
"Then we'll all have to leave. Some of us have business to attend to this afternoon."
Old Song chuckled. "No problem at all. Xiao Lin, I'll just have a small sip—that should be fine, right?"
Lin Chen nodded slightly at Old Song. The old man's health was poor, but a small sip wouldn't hurt.
Soon, all of them had taken a small sip of wine.
"Old Song, why did you ask Xiao Lin?" someone asked in surprise.
Old Song glanced at Lin Chen. "Xiao Lin, you tell them."
Lin Chen explained, "Old Zhang, I have some knowledge of medicine. I've taken Old Song's pulse and examined him before."
Old Zhang and the others stared at Lin Chen in astonishment.
"When others say they 'know a little,' it usually means they don't know much. But when Xiao Lin says he 'knows a little,' I suspect his skill level is exceptionally high."
"Exactly. If he weren't skilled, he would have simply said he didn't know."
The two elders spoke in unison.
Old Zhang smiled and asked, "Why guess? Xiao Lin is right here. Let's just ask him directly."
"Xiao Lin, just how skilled is your medical expertise?"
Everyone turned to Lin Chen, awaiting his answer.
Lin Chen cleared his throat. "Probably top ten in the country. Given the medical resources you two have access to, you probably won't need my examination for the time being."
Old Zhang and the others stared at Lin Chen in shock.
They believed him!
Given Lin Chen's calligraphy skills, there was no reason for him to lie. His medical skills were far superior.
Old Song exclaimed, "Xiao Lin, you're truly remarkable. Should I call you Grandmaster Lin again, like before?"
"Xiao Lin, should we call you Grandmaster Lin too?" Old Zhang asked playfully.
Lin Chen quickly replied, "Old Song, Old Zhang, please don't do that. Calling me Grandmaster Lin makes me feel old, and I don't want my identity exposed."
"I became a bit famous recently, and a crowd gathered downstairs. I had to take Qianqian and hide for a few days."
The elders nodded.
"Then we'll still call you Xiao Lin, leveraging our seniority. Xiao Lin, do you think your medical skills have room for improvement?" Old Li asked.
Lin Chen nodded. "Probably."
Another elder inquired curiously, "Xiao Lin, how long do you estimate it will take for your skills to reach the national top tier?"
"This—" Lin Chen hesitated. "Three to five years, perhaps?"
In reality, it would take far less time!
His Ancient Medical Techniques were already at the Grandmaster level, and his Western Medicine skills were at the Great Grandmaster level. Even if Lin Xiaoqian didn't fall ill for several months, his Ancient Medical Techniques wouldn't advance.
Playing doctor with Lin Xiaoqian allowed him to improve his Western Medicine skills.
He already had over 50 hours of experience in Western Medicine, and 80 hours would elevate him to the Legendary tier.
If Lin Xiaoqian played for just one hour a day, his Western Medicine skills would reach the Legendary tier in less than a month!
His medical skills would then be unquestionably the best in the nation!
Playing with her doctor's kit for so long every day was unlikely. When inspiration struck, Lin Xiaoqian might play for several days in a row, or she might not touch it for a whole week.
Lin Chen wouldn't pressure her.
"First in the nation in three to five years?"
"Xiao Lin, it seems we might need to rely on you in the future."
The elders, including Old Zhang, looked at Lin Chen with even greater warmth.
Old Song sighed inwardly.
Lin Chen's medical skills were exceptional, yet he hadn't treated him. A sense of unease stirred within him.
"Seniors, once my skills improve and I obtain my medical license, I'll be happy to treat you all." Lin Chen smiled.
"That's all we needed to hear."
"Gentlemen, let's raise a toast to Xiao Lin?" one of the influential figures suggested with a laugh.
The others nodded in agreement.
Soon, Lin Chen and the group finished their final round of drinks. They left the small hall, their voices and laughter echoing in the air.
*This young man is truly remarkable.*
The thought crossed many minds.