The next day at dawn.
Chen Xiao got up, ate the breakfast his mother had meticulously prepared, and then went to work.
He worked in a traditional Chinese medicine shop as a pharmacist.
Although he was a graduate of a medical university, his family lacked money and influence, making it impossible for him to get into a major hospital.
Sun Li also worked at this pharmacy, and it was there they had met.
However, due to her lack of formal education, Sun Li was merely a sales assistant at the shop.
Upon arriving at the pharmacy, Chen Xiao noticed that his colleagues seemed unusually distant today.
They not only avoided him but also clearly harbored mockery in their eyes.
Soon, Chen Xiao understood why.
Sun Li emerged with the store manager.
Sun Li today was heavily made up, dressed in expensive attire from head to toe.
She was no longer the plain, poor girl she used to be.
The store manager was chatting and laughing with her, their relationship appearing exceptionally close.
"Xiao Li, you've really made it big now. Even though you're leaving today, we'll always be good friends. Make sure to invite me to your wedding!"
Sun Li let out a delicate laugh, "Don't worry, Manager. I'll never forget you.
Sun Li also saw Chen Xiao. She deliberately walked past him with an air of arrogance, as proud as a princess.
It was clear to everyone that Sun Li had found a wealthy patron.
And in this era that praised wealth and scorned poverty, Chen Xiao had become the target of their ridicule.
Chen Xiao smiled and shook his head. Sun Li's current demeanor stirred not even a ripple in his heart.
He found it amusing that Sun Li was still so smug, likely unaware of what had happened to Long Yaoyang.
As soon as Sun Li left, the store manager called Chen Xiao over.
"Chen Xiao, where have you been these past few days? Why haven't you been coming to work?"
The store manager's eyes were filled with contempt, his attitude extremely unpleasant.
A cuckolded good-for-nothing, how dare he show up for work? He might as well find a place to die!
Chen Xiao calmly explained, "I had some family matters that caused delays. You can deduct my salary."
The store manager snorted dismissively.
"Hmph, unauthorized absence. This is an attitude problem. Do you think deducting some salary will solve it?"
"I don't think you need to be a pharmacist anymore. Starting today, you'll work at the counter, as a sales assistant!"
Chen Xiao frowned. This obsequious and despicable man was clearly trying to curry favor with Sun Li by tormenting him.
However, before Chen Xiao could speak, his phone suddenly rang.
It was Li Ziqing, calling to ask why he hadn't arrived at the hospital yet.
Chen Xiao then remembered his promise to Li Ziqing, which he had completely forgotten.
When Li Ziqing heard he hadn't gone to the hospital, she asked where he was and offered to send someone to pick him up.
Chen Xiao had no choice but to give her the pharmacy's address.
As soon as Chen Xiao hung up, the store manager began to sneer.
"Making calls during work hours? Are you paid to make phone calls? I can't even be bothered to talk to people like you. No wonder you can't even keep your own girlfriend!
Hurry up and go sell medicine at the counter, what are you still standing here for?"
Chen Xiao took off his white coat and threw it directly at the store manager's face.
"What are you doing? Are you rebelling?"
The store manager yelled in anger.
Chen Xiao coldly snorted, "I quit!"
The store manager sneered.
"Quitting? Sun Li resigned, so you're quitting too? She has a rich boyfriend to support her, what do you have?"
"But it's fine, people like you really aren't suited to continue working at our store. Get out!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a booming, angry voice was heard.
"I don't think the one who's not suited to work here is me!"
The store manager thought, who is this blind fool helping Chen Xiao? He looked up and his face turned pale with fright.
"Elder Ji, why... why are you here?"
An elder with silver hair, dressed in a Tang suit, walked over angrily. It was Elder Ji.
"It's my store, can't I come?"
It turned out that the owner of this pharmacy was Elder Ji, and the store manager was merely an employee.
Having worked under Elder Ji for many years, this was the first time the store manager had seen him so furious.
He was so scared he could barely speak coherently.
"Yes, of course, you can. Elder Ji, please don't be angry. My language was uncivilized just now, mainly because this brat is too infuriating. Unauthorized absence is one thing, but he wants to quit when I reprimand him. Young people these days are too impetuous..."
His explanation only made Elder Ji's eyebrows shoot up in anger.
"Shut up. Is someone like you qualified to lecture Master Chen?"
The store manager was stunned. "Master Chen? What Master Chen, who said Master Chen?"
Chen Xiao sneered, "He's talking about me."
The store manager's vision went black, and he almost fainted.
"Elder Ji, have you misunderstood? How can he be Master Chen? This kid is just a small pharmacist in the store!"
Elder Ji pointed towards the door and roared, "Get out! Get out of here! How dare you insult Master Chen multiple times? From now on, in Jiangcheng's medical community, anyone who dares to hire you will be my enemy!"
The store manager was terrified. Although he still didn't understand what was happening, he realized the gravity of the situation.
Grabbing Chen Xiao's clothes, he said, "Chen Xiao, no, no, Master Chen, please help me persuade Elder Ji. I have elderly parents and young children. If I lose my job, how will I live?"
Chen Xiao coldly snorted, "What does me having parents and children have to do with me?"
The store manager was still unwilling to give up. "Master Chen, we've worked together for a long time. For old times' sake, could you at least say a word for me?"
"That's true, we have indeed worked together for a long time."
Chen Xiao stroked his chin, saying.
Seeing a glimmer of hope, the store manager immediately looked at Chen Xiao like a fawning dog, waiting for him to continue.
Chen Xiao curled his lips, his face full of mockery.
"If it's for the sake of our time together, the most appropriate thing for me to do... is to throw you out!"