"Hello, Old Qi," Chen Xiao said after the call connected. "I need your help with something."
"Boss Chen, what are you talking about? Just give me the order, and I'll get it done immediately!" Qi Tianhu replied respectfully on the other end of the line.
Chen Xiao got straight to the point. "I need you to help me find some antique collectibles. Their value doesn't matter, but they need to be old."
The older the items, the greater the chance they would contain spiritual energy.
Qi Tianhu immediately responded, "Okay, Boss Chen, I understand." He didn't ask why Chen Xiao needed these items; as long as the boss gave an order, he would do his best to fulfill it.
Chen Xiao added, "Also, notify the other bosses in the various cities. I won't call them all myself." Now that his position as the leader of Jiangbei was solidified, he had to make good use of it.
The next day, after breakfast, Chen Xiao did something unusual: he went to work.
On his way to the hospital, he received a call from Song Zijian.
"Hello, Chen Xiao. Be careful lately. If it's convenient, it's best to go out of town to lie low for a while," Song Zijian said urgently as soon as the call connected.
Chen Xiao couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? What happened?"
Song Zijian explained, "I don't know who destroyed the flower field under Bāhǔ Pass Village... I'm telling you this, but you absolutely must not let it get out. It's said that the flower field was cultivated by a very important figure, and they had already informed the higher-ups. They just didn't expect such a secret location to be discovered."
"The commotion we caused last night has angered the higher-ups. With the flower field destroyed on top of that, it's like adding fuel to the fire. They're in a real mess now, and there are many complicated issues involved. Even what I know is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm worried that if you get involved, someone might target you!"
Hearing Song Zijian's words, Chen Xiao felt that this man was very loyal. Although he was the prime suspect for the destruction of the flower field, Song Zijian didn't mention it at all and even warned him to flee and lie low. Even though they had only met the day before, Chen Xiao remembered this kindness.
At this moment, Chen Xiao suddenly thought of something and asked, "Team Leader Song, have you been punished?"
Song Zijian was silent for a moment before saying casually, "It's nothing. I just got a demerit and was suspended for reflection. It's a small matter. I'll take this opportunity to take a vacation and spend time with my wife and kids."
Song Zijian said it lightly, but Chen Xiao could sense the helplessness and bitterness in his tone. Moreover, the fact that he was risking so much to tip him off made Chen Xiao feel even more grateful.
"Okay, I understand. Team Leader Song, if you encounter any trouble you can't handle, you can come to me. Maybe I can help you," Chen Xiao said earnestly.
"Alright, I got it. That's all for now. I'll hang up," Song Zijian said, hanging up the phone with a smile. He didn't take Chen Xiao's words seriously. Although Chen Xiao was capable, he was still just an ordinary doctor. If Song Zijian himself couldn't solve a problem, what could Chen Xiao do?
Upon arriving at the hospital, as Chen Xiao was walking towards the administrative building, someone suddenly patted him on the shoulder from behind. He turned around, but there was no one there.
From the other side, Wu Feier's gentle voice called out, "I'm over here, silly!"
Seeing Wu Feier, Chen Xiao smiled sheepishly and said, "What a coincidence, Feier~" In fact, Chen Xiao had noticed Wu Feier long ago and was just playfully teasing her. He also felt a bit awkward because after that night, he had been unable to see Wu Feier due to personal matters, making him feel like a scumbag who abandoned his responsibilities. Therefore, he felt a bit uneasy facing her.
However, Wu Feier seemed much more relaxed, as if nothing had happened that night. She asked with a charming smile, "Chen Xiao, where have you been? You haven't come to work for so many days!"
Chen Xiao scratched his head and replied with a smile, "I was handling some personal matters."
"Are they all handled?"
"Yes!"
"That's good."
They walked into the administrative building side by side. Wu Feier's position had been changed; she was no longer Chen Xiao's assistant but had become a doctor in the Neurology Department. Although she was still in her internship period, with her skills, becoming a full-time employee was only a matter of time.
"By the way, how is your mother's condition? I've finally found some time recently. I can visit your home tonight." Chen Xiao said this with a clear conscience, with no ulterior motives, only wanting to treat Wu Feier's mother.
However, upon hearing this, Wu Feier's face instantly turned red. She lowered her head and said, "Okay, I'll wait for you." Her shyness made Chen Xiao feel a little embarrassed. Fortunately, Wu Feier reached her department at this moment. After saying goodbye to Chen Xiao, she quickly walked away with her head down.
Watching Wu Feier's pretty retreating figure, Chen Xiao felt conflicted. He didn't know if what he was doing was right or wrong, or if it was fair to Wu Feier. However, he knew one thing: if he had to give up Wu Feier, he wouldn't be able to bear it. That's just how men are.
Chen Xiao returned to his long-neglected office. It seemed that no one had entered this office during his absence; not even the cleaning lady had been there. A thick layer of dust had settled on the desk, indicating it hadn't been cleaned for a long time.
Seeing that no one was around, Chen Xiao used his abilities to clean it. In less than ten seconds, the office was spotless, as good as new. However, before he could even get comfortable in his chair, Director Hao's call came in, asking him to come over immediately.
Chen Xiao thought it was something urgent. When he arrived, he found that it was indeed urgent, at least from Director Hao's perspective. The old gentleman had apparently acquired a pile of obscure ancient books somewhere and had marked down a lot of questions, waiting for Chen Xiao to answer them.
It took Chen Xiao more than an hour to explain all the questions to Director Hao. After Chen Xiao's explanation, Director Hao felt enlightened and was extremely grateful to him. In his gratitude, he waved his hand and said to Chen Xiao, "Alright, you're not needed here anymore. Go back to whatever you were doing."
Chen Xiao's expression turned grim. It seemed he had become Director Hao's errand boy – used when needed and ignored when not. However, before Chen Xiao could even leave the director's office, Director Hao suddenly slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "Hey, Chen Xiao, wait a minute! I was so focused on the ancient books that I almost forgot to tell you the important matter!"
Chen Xiao was speechless, thinking, "You finally remember you're not doing your job properly?" Then, Director Hao smilingly congratulated him, "Congratulations, Chen Xiao, you've been promoted!"