"Elder Qin? Are you referring to..."
Before Zhang Chongshan could finish his question, Chen Fan spoke again, "I believe Director Zhang should know who I'm talking about, Qin Shuran's grandfather, the patriarch of the Qin family."
Zhang Chongshan was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Hahahaha, I didn't expect Dr. Chen to be such a devoted lover. Indeed, to go to the Qin family alone for the one you love, your courage truly earns my admiration!"
Chen Fan did not reply, merely offering a faint smile.
Zhang Chongshan pondered for a moment, then advised Chen Fan, "However, Dr. Chen, do you know how terrifying the Qin family's influence is? I believe with your talent and superb medical skills, you can surely find someone better. Why insist on clinging to one tree? Let go of this one, and you'll be surprised to find you have a whole forest."
"But I only like this one tree, and I have no desire for a forest."
Zhang Chongshan sighed, "Alas, I've heard long ago that that young lady from the Qin family had a betrothal arranged since childhood, seemingly related to the Liu family. The other day, when I saw the young Qin lady with you, I wanted to remind you, but it seems I was too late."
"Dr. Chen, you must understand, if you go, you won't just be facing the Qin family, a colossal entity, but also the Liu family. Even Wanhao Group would hesitate to offend these two families lightly."
Chen Fan's eyes were filled with unwavering resolve. "Director Zhang, thank you for the reminder. I've considered the consequences before making this decision."
Zhang Chongshan nodded, "It's hard to say if this spirit is a good thing or a bad thing. Fine, I will help you with this matter. I promise that no matter what happens, Wanhao Group will protect you."
Chen Fan seemed surprised by Zhang Chongshan's words and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Director Zhang."
"You are an external expert for our hospital, and you'll be representing us in the competition. After all you've done, if I, as the director, don't do anything, how can I show my face?" Zhang Chongshan replied with a smile.
He then added, "I will send someone to deliver the invitation to you, but I must remind you, do not act impulsively."
"I understand." With that, Chen Fan left Zhang Chongshan's office.
Watching the door close, Zhang Chongshan shook his head with a hint of helplessness, "His personality is exactly the same."
After leaving Director Zhang's office, Chen Fan went to the consultation room.
Xia Yiting and Zhou Xuemeng were still organizing patient records, as they had admitted twenty patients yesterday, and the hospital beds were already quite strained.
"I have a question for you two," Chen Fan said, sitting down and taking a sip of tea.
"What is it, Teacher?" Xia Yiting looked up at Chen Fan.
"I have a friend whose girlfriend comes from a very wealthy and influential family. Her grandfather is celebrating his eightieth birthday. What do you think he should give as a gift?" Chen Fan asked casually, feigning indifference.
"A gift is about the thought behind it. I think anything would be fine," Zhou Xuemeng replied.
Xia Yiting, however, shook her head. "The wealthier and more influential the family, the more they value the worth of a gift. If the gift is too modest, it will be ridiculed. Therefore, the value must be high."
Zhou Xuemeng sighed, "Sigh, I really don't understand those rich people. Giving a gift is so troublesome. Dr. Chen, your friend is in a tough spot. Before even getting married, he's already going to spend a lot of money."
Xia Yiting smiled, "Xuemeng is right. Dr. Chen, your friend seems to be in for a big expenditure this time. Otherwise, if he makes a bad impression during this first meeting with the family, getting married might become a problem later on."
Hearing their analysis, Chen Fan felt a headache coming on. He had the invitation now, but what about the gift?
He only had a little over twenty million yuan on him, and he truly didn't know what to buy.
As Chen Fan was contemplating, Xia Yiting added, "For elderly people, I think they would prefer antiques, calligraphy, paintings, or perhaps some rare gemstones. You could have your friend try his luck at the antique street."
"Rare gemstones?" Hearing these words, Chen Fan's eyes suddenly lit up. The previous morning, at the jade market, he had brought back a raw stone.
He planned to buy a cutting machine that evening to extract the jade from it and use it as a birthday gift.
Meanwhile, at the Qin family's mansion in Mingzhou City.
The grand mansion was bustling with activity. An elder, dressed in a Tang suit, sat regally on a grand chair, his face beaming with affectionate smiles.
"Grandfather, I wish you boundless fortune as vast as the Eastern Sea and a lifespan as long as the Southern Mountains. This is a jade Ruyi I specially brought from Myanmar, wishing our family prosperity," a man in his thirties said, kneeling before the elder before opening the exquisite wooden box in his hands.
A jade Ruyi, as thick as a wrist, appeared before the assembled guests.
"Xiaodong is such a filial child, gifting such a large jade Ruyi!"
"Indeed, the performance of the branch company managed by Xiaodong in recent years is evident for all to see. In a few more years, I believe the general manager position of that branch company can be handed over to Xiaodong."
"Precisely, Xiaodong has always been the pride of our family, the most outstanding talent among the younger generation."
The elders seated around nodded in praise.
At this moment, another young and beautiful woman stepped forward from the younger generation, holding a scroll in her hand.
"Grandfather, Yuyan also wishes you good health and all the best. This is an ancient painting I asked a friend to find, said to be an authentic work by Tang Bohu." Qin Yuyan also knelt and paid her respects.
"An authentic work by Tang Bohu?! Authentic works by Tang Bohu are rare nowadays."
"It's unexpected that both Xiaodong and Yuyan's gifts are so thoughtful. This makes our own sons feel embarrassed to present their gifts."
"Hahaha, who can blame them? Xiaodong and Yuyan are the children of Eldest Brother. As the saying goes, 'A dragon begets a dragon, a phoenix begets a phoenix.'"
"An authentic work by Tang Bohu is worth around ten million yuan. Yuyan has also put in considerable effort this time!"
"Hey? Why don't we see Shuran? Hasn't she returned yet?"
The elders present began to discuss amongst themselves, but soon, someone noticed with confusion that Qin Shuran was nowhere to be seen.
The younger generation presenting birthday wishes was a long-standing tradition of the Qin family, also serving to showcase the capabilities of the younger generation.
Furthermore, it was done in order of seniority. Qin Xiaodong, Qin Yuyan, and Qin Shuran were all children of Qin Hongguo, making them the first among the younger generation to offer their wishes.
After Qin Xiaodong, it should have been Qin Shuran's turn, but they saw Qin Yuyan step forward to present her gift.
"Yuyan naturally attaches great importance to Grandfather's birthday. These gifts are also Yuyan's token of affection. Unlike Sister Shuran, I haven't seen her since Grandfather's last birthday. Tomorrow is Grandfather's birthday, and today, on such an important occasion for the younger generation to present their wishes, I don't see her. I truly wonder if Sister Shuran still considers this family," Qin Yuyan said with a faint smile, her words clearly aimed at Qin Shuran.