"Xiao Wan, your idea actually aligns perfectly with mine!"
Gu Yuanbai looked at Wan Yunting and chuckled, "Ever since I developed thoughts on reforming traditional Chinese medicine education, I knew that the Sima family in the capital would definitely disagree with my reform proposal, as it threatened their interests!"
"That's why I had this idea earlier. Since the Sima family currently controls the National Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I see no hope for the future development of TCM!"
"Today, Sima Hongyun is a prime example!"
Gu Yuanbai turned to Jiang Yichun, Dai Hanchi, and Sun Yutang, speaking with a sharp tone, "In the past decade or so, we've had more than just one or two corrupt individuals in our TCM Association."
"And considering the social atmosphere surrounding TCM, if we don't change this outcome, and continue to let the Sima family lead the TCM Association like this, in twenty years, TCM will have no standing in society whatsoever!"
"Yes, a change is indeed necessary…"
Following Gu Yuanbai's words, Dai Hanchi, Sun Yutang, and the others chimed in agreement.
However, Wang Zaiwei expressed his concern, "While that may be true, President Gu, creating another association will inevitably be met with every possible obstruction and difficulty from the Sima family, and it won't be easily recognized…"
"Then I will break through their obstructions and difficulties!"
Gu Yuanbai immediately stood up, raised his clenched old hand, and declared with dominance, "I don't need their recognition; as long as society recognizes us, that's enough!"
"Good, well said…"
Such inspiring words caused Wan Yunting, Jiang Yichun, Dai Qiuyu, and Song Sinan to applaud, their inner fire ignited by his declaration.
"Old Gu, we must do this ourselves…"
Jiang Yichun said excitedly, "We must directly oppose the Sima family and rally everyone who is dissatisfied with their rule to join us!"
"Yes, I support this!"
Dai Hanchi was the first to voice his support, saying, "Although my Dai family is in Shanghai City, my grandfather isn't fond of the Sima family either. I believe he will definitely support your idea."
Sun Yutang and Wang Zaiwei exchanged glances, their worries and hesitations evident.
"Elder Gu, I will give my full support!"
Deng Hongsheng, the Vice President of Huadu Traditional Chinese Medicine University, stated resolutely.
"Principal Gu, we support you too…"
Wei Renxin and Zhang Xiaoyu, even the usually reserved Song Sinan nodded, "I am willing to join the TCM Association that Principal Gu is establishing!"
Gu Luotang and Qi Miaomiao were excited, and Wan Yunting even more so.
"Good."
Seeing everyone's support, Gu Yuanbai felt deeply invigorated. He turned to Wan Yunting and smiled, "Xiao Wan, as the most outstanding young talent among the younger generation in the Huadu TCM circle, your consideration for the future of TCM makes me truly gratified."
"Principal Gu is too kind."
Wan Yunting waved his hand humbly. Gu Luotang, Qi Miaomiao, Dai Qiuye, Song Sinan, Wei Renxin, and Zhang Xiaoyu all looked at him, recognizing that he was the only one receiving such praise from Gu Yuanbai.
"However, this matter requires careful planning, and we cannot announce the establishment of the new TCM association organization immediately. Otherwise, the Sima family will surely mobilize all their connections to suppress us!" Wan Yunting said seriously.
"Indeed, what Xiao Wan says is correct."
Jiang Yichun nodded and said, "What we need to do now is to gain the support of the Ministry of Education and other relevant parties. We'll start from Huadu, striving for recognition and support, but we must be wary of people like Weng Dehai!"
"You all don't know, but in the two days since Sima Hongyun arrived, Weng Dehai has been acting like a sycophant, fawning over him. Such opportunists are definitely not someone we should try to win over!"
Deng Hongsheng and the others nodded. Gu Yuanbai smiled, "Old Zhao from the Ministry of Education is naturally fine. However, I need to get support from higher up. As long as the leaders above agree to us establishing a TCM association organization for our Lingnan Province, then I will not fear the Sima family!"
Wan Yunting then asked, "Is Mayor Hu a possibility?"
As soon as he spoke, Gu Yuanbai, Deng Hongsheng, and the others looked at him in surprise. Jiang Yichun understood Wan Yunting's intention and chuckled, "Speaking of which, you all don't know one thing…"
Then, Jiang Yichun briefly explained the matter of Sima Hongyun treating Mayor Hu Yaqing these past two days.
"There's such a thing…"
Gu Yuanbai, Deng Hongsheng, Dai Hanchi, and Sun Yutang were astonished. Gu Luotang and Song Sinan were secretly surprised, none of them expecting that Wan Yunting and Sima Hongyun had already had a falling out over treating Mayor Hu.
"I believe Mayor Hu will definitely stand on our side!" Wan Yunting said with confidence.
"Excellent, that's great."
Gu Yuanbai was invigorated and said happily, "If we can gain Mayor Hu's support, then we have nothing to fear, and we won't have to worry about the Sima family interfering in our Lingnan Province!"
"Xiao Wan really has foresight," Dai Hanchi couldn't help but praise Wan Yunting.
"Indeed."
Gu Yuanbai and Jiang Yichun looked at Wan Yunting, showering him with praise, "Young people like Xiao Wan are our successors, so all you young people should work hard."
"Yes…"
Wan Yunting, Gu Luotang, Song Sinan, Wei Renxin, and the other young people nodded in unison.
"Alright, everyone, let's eat quickly. I'll make plans after I get back and then convene everyone to discuss," Gu Yuanbai picked up his chopsticks and said with a smile.
Everyone nodded and began to eat, while also discussing topics such as the establishment of the new TCM association and the goals for the future development of TCM.
The lunch lasted until two o'clock. Wan Yunting did not drink any alcohol. He left with Jiang Yichun, Director Li, and Dai Hanchi and Dai Qiuyue, all heading back to Southern Hospital together.
"That Dai Qiuyue is really like a persistent plaster, sticking to Brother Yunting and not letting go."
Seeing the Dai father and daughter leave with Wan Yunting and the others, Qi Miaomiao pouted in dissatisfaction.
Watching Wan Yunting's car drive away, Gu Luotang sighed helplessly and turned to Qi Miaomiao, saying, "Alright Miaomiao, perhaps they just have something to discuss with Brother Yunting. Don't overthink it."
"Oh my naive senior sister, it's your fault for being too innocent."
Qi Miaomiao poked Gu Luotang's fair forehead with her finger, rolling her eyes helplessly, "If you don't hurry and pursue him, Brother Yunting will be snatched away by that Dai Qiuyue sooner or later."
Gu Luotang felt helpless. How she wished she could be more proactive, but she was simply afraid of failure.
"What are you two girls muttering about here?"
At this moment, Gu Yuanbai and Deng Hongsheng approached, seeing Gu Luotang and Qi Miaomiao whispering by the entrance of the restaurant, "Has the designated driver arrived yet?"
"Not yet."
Qi Miaomiao checked her phone. Everyone had been drinking, so they had to call a designated driver.
"Master, what do you think of Madam Wan?" Qi Miaomiao then linked arms with Gu Yuanbai, saying with a smile.
Beside her, Gu Luotang froze, immediately understanding what the girl was implying. She shot Qi Miaomiao a stern look with her almond-shaped eyes, urging her to stop talking nonsense.
"Xiao Wan, he's very good. Especially his proposal to establish the association, which made me look at him with new eyes," Gu Yuanbai nodded and smiled.
Qi Miaomiao ignored Gu Luotang and said with a mischievous grin, "Then Master, what do you think if he becomes your grandson-in-law?"
"Miaomiao, what nonsense are you spouting…"
Gu Luotang finally couldn't hold back, glaring at Qi Miaomiao with her almond-shaped eyes and stamping her foot in annoyance.
Gu Yuanbai's old face stiffened. Seeing Gu Luotang's flushed cheeks, how could he not understand his granddaughter's little crush?
"Haha…"
Gu Yuanbai burst out laughing and said, "If Xiao Wan truly becomes my grandson-in-law, I'll support it a thousand times over!"
"Wow, Master is so great…"
Qi Miaomiao exclaimed excitedly, pulling Gu Luotang and cheering, "Senior Sister, listen! Master has agreed! Why don't you hurry and be proactive…"
Gu Luotang's face was flushed with shyness and excitement. She had thought her grandfather would object, but she never expected him to agree.
"You girl, it's rare to find someone who can capture your heart."
Gu Yuanbai pointed at Gu Luotang, knowing that his granddaughter, while not arrogant, had very high standards for choosing a partner. He smiled and said, "If you truly like Xiao Wan, then be brave and pursue him. Grandpa supports you."
These words made Gu Luotang both shy and excited. Gu Yuanbai chuckled again, "But you need to hurry. I've heard that Xiao Wan has many excellent girls around him, haha…"
With that, Gu Yuanbai and Deng Hongsheng left, as they still had official business to attend to back at the association.
Qi Miaomiao and Gu Luotang were left at the entrance waiting for the designated driver. His grandfather's words had also inspired Gu Luotang.