Chapter Forty-Five: Recruiting Talent

“So, this so-called artificial intelligence is a sham?” Tong Tiexing’s expression shifted from one shade to another. It was clear to him that Liu Yiran had concocted this lie to maintain the stock price. After decades navigating the business world, having toyed with countless investors, he never expected to nearly be duped by such a small bird. Hmph. A woman is still a woman; her methods lack thoroughness.

With a cold snort, Tong Tiexing dialed Zhang Yu’s number. “Chairman Zhang, has Liu Yiran recently submitted any plans for holding onto her shares at the board meeting?”

“Yes,” Zhang Yu replied crisply from the other end. “Within a year, Liu Yiran will reduce her holdings by five percent, and that Ye Qiu is even more ruthless, reducing his by six percent. If this reduction report is disclosed, I fear our stock price will hit the limit-down again.”

“Are we just going to stand by and let Liu Yiran act so recklessly?” Now that Tong Tiexing had become the third-largest shareholder, his tone had lost some of its previous firmness.

“So what are you suggesting, Mr. Tong?”

“I have a copy of the company’s code here, and according to technical analysis, this so-called artificial intelligence is just an ordinary program, with no capacity for independent thought, let alone thinking like a human.”

“But what about the previous press conference?” Zhang Yu suddenly recalled it—rocket expert Zhou Xianshan was present, and even antique specialists were embarrassed by the AI’s performance.

“Chairman Zhang, you’ve been in the market for years. Can’t you see through such minor tricks?” Tong Tiexing sounded exasperated. “Think about it: if Liu Yiran and Ye Qiu sell at the peak, they could easily reap several hundred million, even over a billion. Spending a few tens of millions to buy off those so-called experts is hardly difficult.”

“Hmm…” Zhang Yu hesitated, forced to admit that Tong Tiexing’s argument was sound—many people had done just that.

After a moment’s thought, Zhang Yu asked, “So your suggestion is—?”

“Liu Yiran’s actions disregard the company’s interests, manipulate the market, and threaten our group’s reputation. We cannot let such unscrupulous profiteers harvest the hard-earned wealth of countless shareholders. I propose we reconvene a shareholders’ meeting and invite the media to witness it. If necessary, we can even live-stream the event, so everyone can see the true nature of Liu Yiran, a woman whose beauty masks a venomous heart.”

“Director Tong, won’t that—”

“President Zhang, now is not the time to be soft-hearted.” Tong Tiexing sighed. “At most, I promise you this: once Liu Yiran and Ye Qiu’s shares are frozen, you’ll have first priority in acquiring them.”

“Well then… I’ll leave it in your hands.”

“Excellent. It’s settled. Tomorrow I’ll convene the shareholders’ meeting.” Tong Tiexing’s voice shifted, becoming sharp and cold. “President Zhang, let me make myself clear: we’re all aboard the same ship. If anyone wavers or betrays us, I may not speak for others, but making sure he can’t walk tall again is easily done.”

Having secured Zhang Yu with both threats and promises, Tong Tiexing thought for a moment and called Zhang Jun as well.

Mary’s arrival had made it impossible for Tong Tiexing to compete with the group financially, so he had to rely on external support.

“Mr. Tong, the bank procedures have been approved. The loan we applied for will be disbursed within five working days.” At that moment, the finance manager entered to report the successful approval of the loan. Tong Tiexing exhaled deeply; with the loan, the cash flow crisis was temporarily eased. Once his hands were freed, several hundred million would soon flow into his pocket.

This gave him even more confidence.

…

“Masters, as soon as the hospital finds a suitable doctor, I’ll head straight to the capital.” At Linhai Airport, Xiao Yuru was seeing Wang Yizhan and Bai Yiheng off to Beijing.

Old Man Xuanyuan was originally in the capital as well, but he chose to stay behind, claiming it was to mentor Xiao Yuru. This alone revealed his prowess—those seeking his medical expertise would traverse any distance to find him, regardless of where he was, and he had little patience for pointless bureaucratic nostalgia. Wang Yizhan and Bai Yiheng, however, were not so fortunate.

They had responsibilities at the hospital, meetings about health standards, medical discussions, and academic conferences.

“Yuru, though we don’t see eye to eye with Old Xuanyuan, let’s be honest—it’s a rare opportunity. Learn from him diligently, master his medical techniques, and then combine them with our Western medicine. That’s your future.”

“Second Master, don’t worry. I’ll study hard under Grandmaster.” In truth, after these few days together, all three elders doted on Xiao Yuru. In Western medicine alone, technology had advanced at lightning speed; many lifelong doctors hadn’t even heard of the latest diagnostic instruments. The top hospitals in the country were worlds apart from ordinary tertiary hospitals in terms of technology.

As for Wang Yizhan, there was no comparison. As the father of modern medicine, his reputation and connections had long surpassed the medical field, encompassing the health system, even international health organizations. As his disciple, Xiao Yuru’s future was truly limitless.

And with Old Xuanyuan as well, even Xiao Yuru knew she had become the darling of medical experts.

“Alright then, we two old men will wait for you in Beijing.” After seeing them off, Xiao Yuru hurried back to the plastic surgery hospital.

Since the last facial reconstruction, their hospital had become the destination not only for Linhai but for celebrities and ordinary people across China seeking consultations and surgery. Xiao Yuru’s surgical schedule was now booked two months in advance.

Such is the advantage of fame in this field.

Zhao Lei was grinning from ear to ear. He was already planning to open a second plastic surgery hospital.

Compared to Zhao Lei, Wu Pipa now wished she could slap herself. Who would have thought Professor Duan was so easily bested, and even that Korean professor nearly failed to make it back to his home country, escaping in disgrace.

Watching Zhao Lei scout locations for the second hospital, Wu Pipa couldn’t sit still.

When Xiao Yuru returned, Wu Pipa hurried up to her. “Dr. Xiao, thank goodness you’re back.”

Xiao Yuru glanced curiously at the sign by the door—it was their own medical aesthetics sign.

Was someone here at her hospital trying to poach staff?

She looked at Wu Pipa, annoyed. “Director Wu, is there something you need? If you want to borrow doctors, that’s not my call. You’ll have to ask Boss Zhao.”

“Not borrowing,” Wu Pipa waved her hand quickly. “I’m here for you.”

“For me?” Xiao Yuru looked at her suspiciously. “What do you want from me?”

“Yuru, honestly—how have I treated you before?”