Upon hearing the words of the Gao family patriarch, Gao Lujie's heart sank. He knew something was amiss, as if the patriarch had discovered something.
"I won't beat around the bush with you. What's going on with Bing Tian Pharmaceutical?"
"Grandfather, that Bing Tian Pharmaceutical is a company with immense potential and a top-tier business project. So many families and forces covet a stake in it. If this company falls into our hands, it will bring us hundreds of billions in profit annually... Especially after the chairman of that company died in a plane crash recently, we felt his successor couldn't control the company. Rather than let it fall into others' hands, we decided to seize it ourselves..."
"And then you resorted to framing and extortion?" the Gao family patriarch's voice was frigid.
"Grandfather, it's really not as you imagine. We didn't resort to extortion. I've already mobilized hundreds of billions in funds to acquire this company. Of course, to facilitate this transaction, I merely used some methods to scare them a little..."
"You scoundrel! Do you know who that person is? You dared to use tactics against someone like him? He's no ordinary person. That Ling Tian is a special-grade imperial physician from the Health Bureau! Furthermore, he has official backing; he's a member of the Special Operations Department! You dared to use tactics against someone like him! What were you thinking!"
"Grandfather, regardless of whether he's an imperial physician or has some other background, in our Gao family's eyes, he's merely a slightly larger ant. Why must you be so enraged!"
"You scoundrel, you scoundrel! Don't you know that just a few days ago, that old man from the Lu family was practically on the verge of his memorial service, only to be pulled back from the brink of death by this kid! Not only that, but the old man is now full of vigor. It's said he has no problem living for another year, and all of this is thanks to this kid named Ling Tian! With this extra year, the Lu family can calmly make their arrangements, and the young men of the Lu family can climb to higher positions. Do you know how great a favor this is to the Lu family! Moreover, countless old men are now seeking this kid to treat them and help them extend their lives! Do you know the influence those old fellows wield? Their lives versus our Gao family's reputation, how would they choose, don't you know?"
"Grandfather, it's not as serious as you say..."
"Do you know that because of your actions, over a dozen people from our Gao family's subordinates have been suspended and are under investigation! That old man Lu has already made his move. He even called to threaten me, saying that if our Gao family continues to bully Ling Tian and his family, he, old man Lu, will risk his life to take all of us Gao family members to see his comrades!"
The Gao family patriarch was helpless. Although he had connections everywhere, the Lu family's influence was no less than their Gao family's. Moreover, that old man Lu hated evil and couldn't tolerate wrongdoing. He was also extremely protective of his own. If he were truly provoked, his words about taking the Gao family members away would not just be empty threats.
"Listen, Xiao Jie, no matter what you did to Doctor Ling Tian, stop it immediately! Otherwise, our Gao family will have to bear the wrath of old man Lu. It's not worth it!"
"Grandfather, but we've already invested a great deal of manpower, material resources, and financial capital for Bing Tian Pharmaceutical..." Gao Lujie dared not tell his grandfather about his plan to assassinate Ling Tian. He could already sense that the Gao family patriarch's emotions were somewhat unstable. If the old man were to know about this matter, the ensuing fury would be something he couldn't bear.
"You scoundrel, I've taught you more than once that doing something you know is futile is the most foolish behavior! Life is like a play; not everything goes smoothly. To deliberately run headfirst into a wall is foolish. If you need to cut your losses, don't hesitate, lest you fall into an abyss from which there is no return!"
"Alright, Grandfather, I understand!" Gao Lujie said, biting his lip, unwilling.
"Xiao Jie, I know you're competitive and unwilling to admit defeat, which is also the main reason you're not pursuing a political career, because you're unwilling to compromise or back down. However, this time, for the safety of the family, you must compromise! Even if you can't swallow this insult, you have to force yourself to. However, this doesn't mean you have to tolerate it forever. That old fellow can live for at most another year. Once he goes to see his comrades after a year, it will be much easier for you to deal with Ling Tian then!"
Upon hearing this, Gao Lujie's eyes lit up.
"Alright, Grandfather, I'll listen to you. I'll endure it for now!" Gao Lujie secretly resolved to swallow his pride temporarily and vowed to seek revenge after old man Lu's passing in a year.
...
The next day, Ling Tian saw Wang Bingxia and his father-in-law Wang Qing Tian, who had been released, at his home. This father and daughter were also bewildered as to how they were released. Moreover, the people who released them were not the same ones who had arrested them that day. It was said that those individuals were now under investigation. Ling Tian called around to all his friends, and they all said the matter had nothing to do with them. Ling Tian, being an extremely intelligent person, immediately grasped the key to the situation. This matter must have been handled by someone from the Lu family.
Two days later, a car arrived in front of Ling Tian's villa. Ling Tian got into the car, and the driver was Lu Weiguo. He had come to pick up Ling Tian for the old man's follow-up examination. In the car, Ling Tian inquired about the matter with Lu Weiguo, but Lu Weiguo merely smiled and did not provide an answer.
Arriving at the western villa district once again, Ling Tian examined the old man's body. His physical condition had recovered very well, and there were no abnormalities for now.
"Doctor Ling Tian, I feel my current physical state is excellent. If I take good care of myself, can I live for more than a year?" the old man Lu asked.
"To be frank, it's very difficult. Your current physical condition is the result of overdrawing some of your lifespan. One year is already the limit. I suggest you enjoy the remaining time and refrain from overexerting yourself."
"Haha, that's what I think too. I've already gained a lot by getting this year back. My descendants are still not satisfied and asked me to ask you."
"Elder, even when defying fate, one must still adhere to the laws of nature. By the way, there's something I need to thank you for. Thank you for helping me resolve my troubles," Ling Tian said sincerely.
"What trouble is this? It's just a small favor!"