But upon seeing the caller ID on his phone, he froze. It was from Peng Zhou, and he had a rough idea of why Peng Zhou was calling.
“What kind of wind brings Brother Peng to call me?” Liu Yifeng was genuinely curious, though he had a inkling of the reason, as he had first informed Peng Zhou about the existence of this miraculous elixir.
Peng Zhou chuckled politely on the other end, “Mr. Liu is joking. I remember you mentioning something about a miraculous elixir before. I’ve thought it over carefully. I believe this is something we should collaborate on. It’s an undertaking that benefits humanity.”
Upon hearing Peng Zhou, Liu Yifeng simply smiled, “But Mr. Peng, I’m truly sorry. I’ve already formed a partnership with Brother Zhang. It seems we’re not destined to work together.”
After Liu Yifeng finished speaking, there was no immediate reply from the other side. He could almost picture Peng Zhou’s crestfallen expression.
This couldn’t be blamed on anyone but himself. Liu Yifeng had initially approached him for collaboration, but Peng Zhou hadn’t recognized its value. He had dismissed it as fanciful, as if selling vegetables to go public would grant him access to a miraculous elixir, and had even mocked him.
Fortunately, the moment of vindication came swiftly. The deeper the mockery then, the more painful his current realization.
“I know you’re a business-minded person and wouldn’t want to work with just one party. As long as you agree, we can sign the contract immediately.” It was evident Peng Zhou was regretting his past actions.
Liu Yifeng felt somewhat helpless. “Peng Zhou, I sense your desire to collaborate, but this is intended to be a philanthropic endeavor and may not be very profitable. After all, it’s for charity, to help those most in need. So, please consider it carefully.”
Peng Zhou was taken aback by this. Although the words were spoken tactfully, he understood the clear rejection.
“I understand you’re upset with me for not recognizing its value the first time. But as you can see, I didn’t realize you were involved in such a high-tech project. Can you give me another chance?”
Peng Zhou was indeed Peng Zhou; even his plea carried a sense of assertiveness. While this approach might work with other businesses, it was utterly ineffective on Liu Yifeng.
“I apologize, Mr. Peng, but I’ve already made arrangements with Mr. Zhang. If you’re very interested in this, you’re welcome to visit during our public welfare events.”
As soon as Liu Yifeng finished speaking, the sound of the call being disconnected could be heard from the other end. It seemed Peng Zhou was furious.
Liu Yifeng, however, was quite satisfied. He had lost this opportunity, and since he hadn’t recognized its value when first presented, there was no point in further discussion.
“So this is what you meant by collaboration before?” Lu Fei had also seen the videos online and instantly understood Liu Yifeng’s mention of a confidential partnership. Now, it all made sense.
Just as Liu Yifeng hung up the phone, Lu Fei walked in, scrolling through videos of people being saved. The comments below were questioning what he had given the collapsed person to eat.
“But I’m just as curious about what they’re curious about.” Lu Fei handed his phone to Liu Yifeng, his curiosity evident and not feigned.
Liu Yifeng looked at the comments, recognizing them as normal reactions.
“A celestial being gave it to me before.”
He felt it was best not to over-explain this matter. The more he explained, the more curious Lu Fei would become.
“You’ve even encountered such a celestial being? Can you give me one pill?” Lu Fei asked, extending his hand with an expectant look.
Liu Yifeng slapped his hand away. “No, it’s for public welfare.”
Lu Fei shook his head and gave a look of mild disdain, but he understood. He was only joking when he asked.
The buzz around the matter continued for some time. During this period, Liu Yifeng disseminated the information that the miraculous elixir was solely for public welfare.
This garnered widespread approval, and many people began visiting the public welfare stations to seek medical attention and receive the elixir.
Of course, there were also those who feigned illness, hoping to improve their health. In response, Liu Yifeng announced that normal individuals would experience adverse effects if they consumed it. Upon hearing this news, no healthy person dared to casually claim the free elixir.
“Daddy, I have to say, your method is truly brilliant,” Tongtong remarked, watching the news. He found his daddy to be incredibly clever for deterring those people in such a way.
Liu Yifeng hadn’t initially intended for things to escalate like this. However, once the matter became public, this was the only recourse he had. If it hadn’t spread, it wouldn’t have reached this point.
“Tongtong, it’s your miraculous elixir that’s truly amazing. Without your medicine, Daddy wouldn’t have received so much attention. Tell me, what gift do you want, and Daddy will get it for you.”
He had been busy signing contracts lately and hadn’t spent much time with Tongtong.
Tongtong wrapped his small arms around Liu Yifeng’s leg. “Daddy, I don’t want anything. Besides, if Tongtong wants something, Tongtong can buy it himself. Right now, Tongtong just wants to hug Daddy’s leg tightly.”
He playfully circled Liu Yifeng’s leg, clearly very happy.
Liu Yifeng picked up the mischievous Tongtong and playfully pretended to be an airplane, making Tongtong giggle uncontrollably.
The next day, when Liu Yifeng went to the office, he found Peng Zhou waiting.
After hanging up on him, he knew Peng Zhou wouldn’t give up so easily. What Peng Zhou desired, he would obtain, or he would find a way to destroy it.
“Mr. Peng, you’re here very early.” Liu Yifeng had witnessed Peng Zhou’s calculating nature before and felt it was best to appease this influential figure and avoid causing trouble.
Upon hearing Liu Yifeng, Mr. Peng let out a cold snort. “Mr. Liu has consumed the so-called miraculous elixir, yet you arrive at the company so late. Didn’t you stay up all night at the company, not needing sleep at all?”
“Mr. Peng, you overestimate me. You must have seen online the effects of that medicine. For normal people like us, it only has adverse effects; there’s no miraculous potency.”
Liu Yifeng knew what he meant, but at this point, he doubted Peng Zhou would believe any explanation.
Since Peng Zhou had made up his mind, it was best to let him vent his anger. If he didn’t, there might be even greater trouble.