Merchant and doctor

Chapter 2414 The Inside Story
Five-Flavor Fish is a specialty of the Zhangxin River. This type of river fish is naturally short, about the size of a yellow catfish, with only one main bone. However, it has very thick flesh and looks somewhat rustic, which is why some people jokingly call it a "clownfish". If the cooking skills are not up to par, this small fish will have a fishy smell when cooked, which limits its economic value and makes it unsuitable for formal banquets.

however……

Whether it's cooking or practicing medicine, Bian Mu knows this clownfish inside and out. In a sense, this local specialty fish is an important option in the dietary therapy category of the "numerical medicine" school. Traditional Chinese medicine has always emphasized the balance of the five elements. For patients who lack the earth element and have insufficient body fluids, this clownfish is definitely an excellent choice.

In addition, the chef in the restaurant's kitchen is skilled in the art of seasoning. The raw fish is cleaned thoroughly and cooked with superb techniques. He never bothers to use strong seasonings to cover up the earthy taste. The final dish presented on the table is a delicious combination of sweet and sour, slightly numbing and mildly spicy, with a hint of tea aroma.

Xiao Xiaoqin seemed to know how to eat fish. Using both serving chopsticks and her own, she skillfully removed the single bone cleanly. It was clear that she was a clever and efficient person. If it weren't for her poor family background, she would have done quite well anywhere.

During the conversation, Bian Mu repeatedly confirmed that the middle-aged man who had gotten into a fight with him at the factory gate that night was the so-called Director Sha.

"Director Sha's grandfather was one of the factory's founding members. He should be considered a third-generation factory owner, and he has a lot of prestige among the employees!" Xiao Xiaoqin began to introduce Director Sha's background.

"Grandfather's generation?! Does that mean... his grandfather was half a generation older than Senior Cao Qiling?"

"Pretty much! That's what my grandfather told me too."

"Director? Which part of the factory are you specifically in charge of?" Bian Mu asked with a smile.

"Security, logistics, and after-sales service—he's in charge of all three! He's... an incredible drinker, naturally strong, and I've heard he's never met his match in arm wrestling in the factory area. He's loved playing with stone locks since he was a kid. When he was younger, he went south to do business, and I think he even ran a security company, but it probably didn't make much money, so his grandfather brought him back to the factory. Being a factory kid, he's bound to get promoted faster than others," Xiao Xiaoqin replied with a smile.

"So that's what the director is like! Does he know anything about pharmaceuticals?" Bian Mu asked with a smile.

"Him?! How could that be? He knows absolutely nothing!"

"Oh! So... in your understanding, what are his thoughts on the future direction of the factory?" Bian Mu asked with a smile.

"We'll hire top talent at a high price! We'll take out loans to upgrade our production lines and further transform our workshops! Ultimately, we'll secure a contract manufacturing agreement with a well-known large company in Nanjin to produce best-selling traditional Chinese medicine!"

"Oh...that sounds like some good ideas!"

"Hey! Anyone can talk big! The key is whether they can actually deliver on their promises? Will they ever pay off all those debts?! Actually, he's just deliberately trying to go against Director Ma! The two of them didn't get along when Director Ma first joined the factory. I heard that once he challenged someone to a drinking contest in front of so many people! He made Director Ma lose face on the spot..."

"Really? Isn't Director Ma also following the same approach of hiring capable people?" Bian Mu said with a smile.

“They’re not hiring the same kind of people! Director Ma visited you, and Director Sha plans to hire someone from that big company in Nanjin with a high salary to take charge. Some people in the factory are worried that the company will take over the factory’s shares in the future. According to the older generation, they’re not interested in our factory’s hardware and software conditions; what they really like is the land under our feet!”

"Really? Based on the results of our investigation a few days ago, I think that since they've gone to so much trouble, the surrounding land might also be included in their planning blueprint!"

"So you know everything!" At this point, Xiao Xiaoqin suddenly raised her head and stared at Bian Mu for a couple of seconds.

"No way! It's just a guess, a random guess! From what you're saying, the factory is naturally divided into two factions, with those two in charge?" "More than that! My grandfather and the others who are technically skilled have other plans, but unfortunately, they're too insignificant to make any difference!"

"Oh! Is it convenient for you to tell me? What are Engineer Xiao and the others' plans?"

"Originally, I was thinking of selecting a few representatives to formally negotiate with Cao Xiuyi, and then having her coordinate with Mr. Cao's two junior brothers. I heard that they have a lot of secret techniques that are not passed down to others. Since we are all in the technical field, we can sit down together and discuss how to test-produce those good medicines and make money! Maybe we can even be recognized as intangible cultural heritage!"

"Oh...and then what happened?" Bian Mu asked with a smile.

"They don't even bother to respond. I heard... if Cao Xiuyi doesn't come back, that's fine, but if she does return to her old home, our factory might end up under Cao's name!"

"Is that so! Did you not realize Cao Xiuyi was so amazing!"

"Of course! They're cunning! I've heard they're very petty. In the end, it's their business, and they're the ones who have to worry about it! But they're missing someone who truly cares about the employees and sincerely helps us find a way to survive. It's really something..." At this point, Xiao Xiaoqin frowned slightly.

"If they keep making such a fuss, the factory's overall strength will only continue to decline. Grandpa said... if we don't hurry up with some things, others will beat us to it!" Clearly, she was hinting at something to Bian Mu.

With a slight smile, Bian Mu didn't respond and instead ate a few bites of food.

"By the way, why did your grandpa's factory separate the factory area and the dormitory area so far apart back then? It must have been so inconvenient to go to and from get off work! Could it be that someone deliberately arranged it like this to set up a commuter bus fleet?" Bian Mu asked casually with a smile, recalling an amusing incident.

"Oh! I heard the older generation mention it. It seems that Mr. Cao made this arrangement on his own initiative to prevent employees from treating the factory as their home. This would prevent them from bribing the security guards under the cover of darkness after their night shifts to steal things from their homes. They would steal popular medicines, fine cornmeal, raw materials for making medicine, mops, empty medicine bottles, copper parts... They would steal whatever they could get their hands on. It was impossible to guard against them. And you know what? I heard from the older generation that this trick was really effective back then!"

"Hahaha... Mr. Cao really knows his stuff! Interesting!"

Amidst laughter and conversation, Xiao Xiaoqin introduced Bian Mu to the factory's influential leaders, managers, and notable figures, outlining the general situation of the factory. Bian Mu listened attentively for a long time, feeling that this pharmaceutical factory was indeed much more interesting than "Hongyang" Pharmaceutical Company.

……

Around 5 p.m., at the headquarters of the "New Concept" Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic.

Bian Mu treated a 39-year-old female patient with an eye disease. She was an arts and crafts designer with abnormal intraocular pressure and a much higher degree of anisometropia than normal. She was at risk of going completely blind at any time.

Accompanying her were her husband, her elderly father, and her younger brother.

“I’m currently hospitalized at ‘Mingmou’. A while ago, the head nurse clearly told us that the hospital had already communicated with you and arranged for a special consultation! We wouldn’t have to pay a penny more, and we could even get a consultation from a renowned expert of your caliber. We were so happy! But who would have thought that things would change later? When we asked the head nurse again, she stammered that she hadn’t made the arrangements! We didn’t dare wait, so after asking around for a long time, we took a leave of absence and came here to see you ourselves.” The female patient quickly and simply explained her situation.

Hearing this, Bian Mu couldn't help but wonder if Cai Huaixin had some ulterior motive.