Chapter Thirty-Six: The Miserable Wretch

Towering skyscrapers stood proudly, a dazzling array of modernity. Though the building was only twenty-five stories high—hardly among the tallest—it still commanded a sweeping view of its much lower surroundings. Nearly half of the office was framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, a clever and novel design that allowed gentle sunlight to pour in unrestrained, filling the space with a bright, transparent glow.

Inside the office, four executives clad in blue business attire sat on black swivel chairs, chattering noisily. Heated arguments and angry rebukes echoed off the walls, leaving no doubt about the tense atmosphere of the meeting.

Dressed in a blue athletic top, black jeans, and white sneakers, a woman with a figure to die for stood by the window. The interplay of sunlight highlighted her allure, accentuating her almost supernatural beauty to the utmost.

As fate would have it, Bai Jing was just such an enchantress in the flesh.

If Lin Yang were to see her, clad in this unexpected ensemble, his eyes would surely light up in surprise.

Yet at this moment, a chilling, incongruous aura marred the otherwise idyllic scene. Bai Jing’s face was clouded, her brows knit tightly, her sharp eyes thoughtful. With her right hand pinching her delicate chin, she gazed downward in silence, as if deep in contemplation, letting the sounds of fierce debate wash over her.

Cultivated ginseng had been passed off as wild ginseng, resulting in a direct loss of 2.5 million. While not a catastrophic sum for the company, no boss could be pleased—especially in the cutthroat world of the medical industry, where a business war could erupt at any moment. Such a loss was a cruel blow; after all, this batch of wild ginseng was to be a key ingredient in the coming pharmaceutical innovation. Now, replacing it would be nigh impossible.

“Vice President Bai, I’m afraid the issue is more complicated than it seems.” The statement came first from Manager Wang of the New Drug Development Department, a portly man seated to Bai Jing’s right. As the pharmaceutical supervisor, he abhorred this incident of fake ginseng; without the real ingredient, how could he carry out his oversight? It was the old saying come true: “Even the best cook cannot make a meal without rice.”

Bai Jing turned her elegant gaze to Manager Wang, inviting him wordlessly to continue.

Understanding her intent, Manager Wang straightened up. With all eyes on him, he puffed up like a proud rooster—eager to seize the rare spotlight. His broad mouth launched into a passionate speech, spittle flying, much to the distress of the stunning HR Manager Zhang Meimei seated beside him.

Appearances can be deceiving. Though he looked like an oafish polar bear, Manager Wang’s words were articulate and well-reasoned.

“I suspect there’s an internal leak. The herb storeroom is tightly guarded, and every batch is routinely inspected—wild ginseng, being so precious, is given triple checks. According to the records, it was personally inspected by Manager Li Yang, with his signature here...”

Before Wang could finish, Bai Jing abruptly cut in, her voice icy cold. “Are you referring to Li Yang, the purchasing manager who resigned two days ago?” She reached for the inspection report he handed over, studying the black-and-white document with care. Indeed, it bore Li Yang’s unmistakable signature.

“That’s correct, the very same former purchasing manager. However...” Wang paused dramatically, coughing for effect. Sensing the others’ curiosity, he continued, delivering a bombshell: “However, last night as I passed by the Fangyu Pharmaceuticals building on my way home, I happened to see Li Yang—briefcase in hand—leaving the premises.”

The implication was devastating. Not only did suspicion now fall on the recently departed Li Yang, but blame also shifted onto the up-and-coming rival, Fangyu Pharmaceuticals—an impressive, two-pronged accusation.

Perhaps lost in thought, everyone fell silent, calculating their own private reckonings. Only Manager Wang, flushed with self-importance, let his shifty eyes roam the room, dreaming of a meteoric rise through the ranks. In these times, self-interest was no anomaly; he was determined to make his mark and leap the proverbial dragon gate.

Price wars, new drug research battles, cutthroat competition for raw materials—all these aggressive maneuvers laid bare Fangyu Pharmaceuticals’ ambitious designs on Jin Hai’s pharmaceutical market.

Just then, as silence reigned in the conference hall, Lin Yang finally strolled out of the elevator and entered the office. Though now a shareholder, he carried none of the airs of an executive. He fancied himself a hands-off boss, and after six months of self-discipline, the once brash young man had grown far more reserved, his demeanor bordering on lazy.

Zhang Meimei, the HR manager nearest the door, rose promptly to usher Lin Yang into the meeting.

Feigning indifference to the world’s troubles, Lin Yang found a vacant seat and settled in, folding his hands as if to listen intently. Despite his casual manner, there was an undeniable ease about him.

“Vice President Lin, you’re finally here. Sit down and listen—your big sister’s run into a bit of trouble and might need your help,” Bai Jing said, her words serving multiple purposes: clarifying their relationship, boosting his standing among the other executives, and subtly reminding them that Lin Yang was not to be underestimated.

Lin Yang nodded earnestly, though he clearly had no intention of offering advice. He didn’t even know what had happened—how could he suggest a solution?

Unbeknownst to him, Bai Jing had only just arrived at the office when Manager Wang rushed in to report that a recently delivered batch of wild ginseng had been switched with the cheaper cultivated kind.

“Are you sure you weren’t mistaken?” After a moment’s thought, Bai Jing pressed Manager Wang again. This was no trivial matter—if Li Yang was indeed responsible and had defected to the competition, they faced real trouble. Worse still, she dared not imagine the repercussions; after three years with the company, Li Yang knew too many secrets.

“I couldn’t be wrong. We’ve worked together for three years and crossed paths daily. Even if Li Yang were reduced to ashes, I’d recognize him,” Manager Wang declared with conviction. As heads of their respective departments, the two were as close as partners in crime.

His words, however, bordered on the tactless—what did he mean, ‘reduced to ashes’? Cursing someone to an early grave was hardly polite; the fat man was no saint.

Lin Yang, listening nearby, quickly pieced together the situation: it seemed they were dealing with a corporate spy.

Espionage was hardly rare in the business world. He remembered a similar crisis in his own family’s company—their losses had been dire, and his father had nearly sacrificed a subsidiary.

As the others argued heatedly, Lin Yang had no desire to add fuel to the fire. He had come to Baifu Pharmaceuticals to launch “Golden Silkworm Powder” as a major brand, hoping to ride its success to the top. If the company collapsed, his ambitions would be dashed, and the five-year family challenge would end in defeat—he’d be dragged home by his old man, his dreams of freedom snuffed out.

Seeing that the debate was getting nowhere, Bai Jing finally turned to the silent, seemingly unconcerned Lin Yang.

“Vice President Lin, do you have any suggestions?”

Put on the spot, Lin Yang showed no hint of humility. Spreading his hands and grinning, he replied, “I do.”

“What’s your idea? Let’s hear it.” Bai Jing perked up, eager for a solution.

“Find someone, kidnap Li Yang, and put him through all eighteen forms of torture. If he talks, maybe we’ll get the truth.”

If ever there was an example of infuriating irreverence, this was it. Every executive glared at Lin Yang, their faces as long as mules. Their eyes burned with anger; if looks could kill, Lin Yang would be on his way to the underworld by now—possibly even making friends with the King of Hell.

Bai Jing felt on the verge of tears. After less than two days working with Lin Yang, she was already exasperated by his constant banter and outlandish remarks.

“Vice President Lin, this isn’t the time for jokes. If you have a real idea, please share it so we can discuss,” she said, her patience strained but holding firm.

Realizing he’d pushed the joke far enough, Lin Yang cleared his throat and asked earnestly, “Jing, can you tell me what the original plan was for this batch of wild ginseng?”

The moment he spoke, it was clear he’d hit the crux of the matter—a single question cutting straight to the heart.

Bai Jing and the others were no fools. Only now did they realize they’d been focused on the surface issue—the swapped ginseng—while overlooking the deeper conspiracy.

“This batch was meant to be the primary ingredient in a new drug,” Manager Wang replied, eager to explain.

Lin Yang didn’t respond immediately. He furrowed his brow in thought. He’d only recently learned from Bai Jing and the HR manager that Baifu Pharmaceuticals was in a vulnerable position, but he still didn’t know the full details. Acting rashly would be unwise.

Still, if he failed to offer some ideas and the company went under, his own plans would be for nothing. With this in mind, he began to think in earnest.

Everyone’s gaze fixed on him, eager to see what this newly appointed vice president could do—no one wanted to miss a word.

Lin Yang sighed inwardly at his bad luck; the contract wasn’t even signed yet, and already he was entangled in such a thorny situation.