Chapter 505: Chapter 505: Everyone Gets a Share
After their tender moment, Song Sisi carefully placed the pendant into an exquisite little box, ready to store it away.
"Why are you putting it away?"
Li Xu asked.
"It’s too precious! What if I accidentally drop it? Or if it gets bumped or scratched..."
Song Sisi said, her face a picture of distress.
Li Xu smiled and gently tapped her on the nose. "Silly girl. This thing has a spiritual quality to it. If you lock it in a box, it becomes a dead piece of wood. That would be the real waste. You have to wear it against your skin, allowing its energy to connect with your own. Only then can it achieve its greatest effect."
"Besides, if you lose it, you lose it. I have more. There’s plenty for you."
Hearing this, Song Sisi blushed and nodded. She took the pendant out, hung it around her neck, and tucked it under her clothes so no one else would see it.
"Feel better now?"
"Mm-hmm."
Song Sisi smiled sweetly, a warmth spreading through her chest.
"Alright, let’s get ready for work."
Li Xu said. "Elder Li invited us for lunch. We’ll go with President Ding."
The clinic had just opened when a black Hongqi sedan with out-of-town plates pulled up to the entrance.
Zhao Qingya’s parents had arrived.
Compared to their haggard appearance yesterday, the two of them, though still a bit weary, were clearly in much better spirits today. They even managed to smile.
"Dr. Li," the patient’s father said, gripping Li Xu’s hand tightly as soon as he walked in. "Yaya was able to eat some liquid food this morning, and she even said a few words to us! Her doctor says she’s recovering very well."
"That’s good."
Li Xu nodded and pulled a pre-prepared bag from behind the counter. "Here are the 200 grams of Agarwood I promised you. I’ve divided it into twenty small vials, ten grams each. The method of use is the same as before: just a tiny bit at a time. Don’t use too much."
"Thank you, thank you so much."
The patient’s mother took the package, cradling it like a priceless treasure. She then asked for Li Xu’s bank account number and arranged for someone to make the transfer.
Soon, ten million was deposited into his account.
Li Xu then added meaningfully, "Mr. Zhao, I’ve given you the Agarwood, but there’s something I need your help with."
"Please, just ask!"
Mr. Zhao’s expression turned serious. "As long as it’s within my power, I won’t hesitate."
"It’s nothing major, really." Li Xu gestured to the bag he had just handed over. "Since yesterday, a lot of people have set their sights on this stuff. I’ve been getting all kinds of calls, people pulling all sorts of strings, and some have even shown up at my door trying to buy it."
"But this stuff is extremely rare. Every bit that’s used is a bit that’s gone forever."
"Moreover, while your daughter’s condition has stabilized, she might need this again in the future. You wouldn’t want a situation where your daughter’s life is on the line and I’ve got nothing left..."
Li Xu paused before continuing, "So, I’m hoping you can help me fend off some of this trouble. It would give me some peace and quiet, and it would ensure this life-saving medicine is reserved for those who truly need it."
Mr. Zhao was an intelligent man and understood Li Xu’s meaning instantly.
It was both a request and a veiled threat.
’If Li Xu gets so fed up with these influential figures that he gives away all the Agarwood, what will happen to my daughter later?’
’Protecting Li Xu’s supply means protecting my daughter’s lifeline.’
"Dr. Li, I understand."
Mr. Zhao’s eyes sharpened, his aura of long-held authority flaring to life. "Rest assured, leave this to me. I’ll have someone put the word out that all the medicine was used up saving Yaya. If anyone dares to harass you after that, they’ll be making an enemy of me."
"I may just be in charge of a small region, but I have some influence in the province, and even in the Capital City. As long as I make a few calls, no one will dare to cause trouble."
With his promise, Li Xu felt much more at ease.
’As expected, the man’s influence is considerable.’
For the rest of the morning, Li Xu’s phone was unusually quiet.
All those calls from people using various channels to inquire about the "Divine Medicine," all those requests for it, seemed to have vanished overnight.
Even Dean Song sent a message saying that the bigwigs who had been pulling strings had suddenly changed their tune. They said not to bother Dr. Li and to let him work in peace.
This was the game of power.
The wicked are ground down by the wicked, and trouble is blocked by the powerful.
He was busy until noon, when the clinic closed for its lunch break.
Li Xu changed into some casual clothes and called Ding Kaifang. "President Ding, have you set out yet? If not, come with us to Li Garden for lunch."
"I was planning to leave tomorrow."
Ding Kaifang had made the arrangements. He would personally lead a team to Guangxi tomorrow to excavate the rest of the Agarwood.
"Come pick us up, then. We’ll go together."
"Okay."
...
The black sedan drove along the road to Li Garden.
Inside, Ding Kaifang was behind the wheel, focusing on the road.
"President Ding, here’s a little something for you."
While waiting at a red light, Li Xu pulled a box from his pocket and tossed it onto the passenger seat. "This is for you."
Ding Kaifang quickly freed a hand to catch it.
’He knew that any gift from Li Xu was bound to be extraordinary.’
’Even a scrap of paper from him would be a treasure.’
Taking advantage of the red light, he eagerly opened the box.
A dark brown, irregularly shaped wooden tag lay quietly inside. Its surface was as smooth as jade, and it emitted the very same faint, enchanting fragrance that had captivated his thoughts.
"This... this is..."
Ding Kaifang trembled with excitement, nearly dropping the box.
’He might have never seen the Ten Thousand Year Agarwood in person,’
’but the rumors over the past two days had been drilled into his head.’
’This was it—the legendary Divine Medicine said to bring the dead back to life.’
"Ten Thousand Year Agarwood."
Li Xu said. "It’s just a scrap piece, but it’s a hefty one. You’ve been running yourself ragged at the pharmaceutical plant. Wear this against your skin. It will help regulate your circulation, calm your nerves, and sharpen your mind. In a critical moment, it could even save your life."
Ding Kaifang was overcome with emotion.
’He was Li Xu’s partner, a man of some standing in Feng City. But it was precisely because of his status that he understood just how precious this was. Countless dignitaries and nobles couldn’t get their hands on this, and Li Xu had just given it to him so casually?’
"D-Doctor Li, this is too valuable. By all rights, I shouldn’t accept it, but I..."
Ding Kaifang said, his voice thick with emotion.
’He could politely refuse any other valuable item.’
’But the Ten Thousand Year Agarwood was so precious he found it impossible to say no.’
"President Ding, just focus on driving. We’re friends. No need for all that."
Li Xu said with a wave of his hand.
"Right."
Ding Kaifang nodded and continued to drive.
...
Li Garden was as quiet and elegant as ever.
Passing through the winding corridors, Li Xu and his two companions arrived at the main hall.
Elder Li was wearing a loose-fitting Tang suit today. He looked hale and hearty, clearly having recuperated well.
He rose to his feet immediately upon seeing Li Xu enter.
"Haha, Doctor Li, you’re here! Please, have a seat."
After they exchanged greetings and sat down, Li Xu didn’t waste any time. He pulled another wooden box from his bag and handed it to Elder Li.
"Elder Li, I was fortunate enough to come across something good recently. I made sure to save a piece for you."