Merchant and doctor

Chapter 2280 Well-deserved Reputation
There's a saying in the local folklore of Lishi County: If a boy has a particularly formidable mother, he'll likely grow up to be somewhat introverted. If he's also quite intelligent, he'll probably develop good interpersonal skills such as being reserved, knowing when to advance and retreat, understanding right and wrong, and so on.

If you take Bianmu as an example, the local proverbs in Lishi are really quite accurate.

Deep down, Bian Mu was definitely not the kind of arrogant, conceited, and reckless person who would become conceited and ignorant of his own limitations once he achieved a little success. His experience practicing medicine and doing business in the city over the past two years had reminded him from time to time that he had gradually developed a more objective understanding: even if a person's medical skills were superb, it could only mean that he had some expertise in that field, and his fame and fortune would be very limited. As for other aspects, he might not be that outstanding. That stage was often the most critical moment when a person with a little expertise was most likely to stumble and lose luck. Whoever could remain calm and composed would be more likely to walk more steadily and go further in the future!

Based on the fact that none of his old acquaintances encountered this issue, Bian Mu was basically certain that this so-called seminar was definitely too academic and far removed from clinical practice. Otherwise, given Qi Shangqi's usual behavior, he would have received a fairly high-level invitation letter.

Lan Bingru, Zhao Xicheng, Lei Xiaoxuan, and others will definitely be honored guests.

As Bian Mu walked forward, she was still wondering to herself, "Following my line of thought... Professor Meng Shulan should at least show her face, right?! She's a true leading figure in academia, could it be...?"

While I was pondering this, I glanced around casually, and lo and behold! Isn't that Teacher Meng sitting upright in the middle of the fifth or sixth row?!

Bian Mu stopped abruptly, pausing for a moment as he stared at Meng Shulan's seat. Meng Shulan seemed quite perceptive, glancing back at him intentionally or unintentionally. Their eyes met, and Bian Mu quickly waved to Teacher Meng, then gave a slight bow, a proper greeting from a junior.

Meng Shulan smiled calmly, raised her left arm slightly, and waved it twice at Bian Mu as a return gesture.

Bian Mu suddenly felt as if something sharp had gently pricked her face, which was quite uncomfortable.

Clearly, when she bumped into an old acquaintance in this situation, Teacher Meng Shulan was far less delighted and friendly than she had been. Her polite smile seemed somewhat forced. As always, Teacher Meng Shulan probably still regarded Bian Mu as a quack doctor, someone not of high standing!
Fortunately, Bian Mu was quite resilient, and his slight discomfort quickly passed. He turned around and asked the young lady who was waiting for him in a low voice, "Which row are you planning to take me to?! Can you see? Teacher Meng Shulan is only sitting in the fifth row. I can't sit any further forward; it would be impolite."

Upon hearing this, the woman couldn't help but chuckle and sway slightly.

"What era are we living in? There's no need for such outdated formalities. Professor Xi, please sit in the first row, slightly to the left. Originally, the other professors were going to arrange for you to sit in the middle, but... quite a few renowned scholars from all over the country have come, and some of them weren't planning to come at all. So we can only ask you to sit in the side seats. We're really sorry!" The woman's words were quite sincere.

"How dare I! How dare I! I've figured it out. This is a proper academic gathering. I'm just a street quack, a self-taught amateur, not worthy of such a prestigious position. My theoretical knowledge is practically zero. Giving me a seat is already a huge favor. I absolutely cannot sit in the front row." Bian Mu knew the negative consequences of taking a seat rashly, and once he reached this spot, he refused to move any further.

Upon hearing his words, the woman's pretty face immediately showed some embarrassment.

"Teacher Xi has already spoken... If you insist on not taking a seat, you'll have to tell them. Wherever you sit, the seating arrangements will have to be rearranged. Wouldn't that be quite awkward?" The woman politely reminded Bian Mu that it was best not to cause unnecessary trouble for everyone. Every seat was taken?!
An academic extravaganza?! The kind that happens only once every decade or so?! Honestly, judging from the setup, it really does look like one!

The sudden and significant increase in the standards for the manufacture and sale of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) products will affect far more than just pharmaceutical professionals. TCM has always emphasized the inseparable link between medicine and pharmaceuticals. TCM academic research, pharmaceutical research, and clinical practice are all closely interconnected. The butterfly effect is far beyond the imagination of all TCM practitioners. Against this backdrop, the practical significance of today's academic seminar is self-evident!
The old-fashioned seminars that involved just going through the motions, visiting places, having meals, and strolling around famous tourist attractions may really be coming to an end!
At this moment, the image of Teacher Meng Shulan's behavior flashed before Bian Mu's eyes again, like a movie playing in his mind, giving him a slightly prickly feeling.

A slight smirk appeared on Bian Mu's lips, but for some inexplicable reason, she felt much more at ease.

"Then... I'll gladly accept your offer. Which seat is it from the left in the first row? I wouldn't dare trouble you, I can go there myself."

"No! The first seat from the right, Mr. Xi's assistant said that in case we need to consult you at the last minute, it would be more convenient for both of us." Lowering her voice, the woman quickly explained a few words, deliberately keeping her tone as low as possible for fear that other attendees would hear.

Immediately understanding, Bian Mu nodded quickly.

"I was being dramatic. You go ahead and do your thing, I'll just sit quietly in the seat you specified."

"Please don't say that. The teachers all speak very highly of you, and we all respect you. There should have been a special seat for you there! It's well-deserved!"

"I wouldn't dare say that, I'll go over there then!" After saying that, without waiting for the woman to make any further explanation, Bian Mu quickly walked along the wall to the far left of the first row, deliberately lowered his waist and head, and walked over to the first seat from the right.

He had barely sat down when the young woman from before walked up to him again.

"These are all the items needed for the meeting. Please accept them! The people at the registration desk didn't recognize you, which caused this misunderstanding. I apologize on their behalf."

"No need, no need! I'm just here to sit in on the discussion. Please don't make it so formal, it's too stressful..." Bian Mu quickly responded in a low voice. To be honest, he was really nervous in front of so many renowned scholars.

The woman was very sensible. The organizing committee's sincerity had been conveyed, and if Mr. Bian Mu needed to express his gratitude later, he probably wouldn't just walk away! She gave a deep apology and went backstage to attend to her own work.