Chapter 10: Master, Please Stay

"Lin Feng, maybe we should just give up," Su Qingxue finally spoke after waiting in the car for about ten minutes, her hope quietly fading. "Let's head back early. It'll give us time to think about what to do next."

She didn't blame Lin Feng—in fact, his efforts had moved her deeply. Perhaps this was simply her fate.

Just as she was about to start the car, two figures suddenly appeared in the rearview mirror: Zhou Liran and the medical specialist.

"Please wait!" Zhou Liran, his corpulent frame panting heavily, looked as though he might collapse at any moment.

Su Qingxue, puzzled, stopped the car and lowered her window. "Mr. Zhou, is there something else?"

"It was my ignorance—I failed to recognize the master before me. Please forgive me!" Zhou Liran leaned his head into the window, showering Lin Feng in the passenger seat with profuse apologies and goodwill.

The scene left Su Qingxue utterly bewildered. Even after the two of them were invited back to Liran Group, her mind remained clouded and confused.

"Miss Su, Mr. Lin, it's good to see you again," Zhang Yuanqing approached them with a smile. "I've already explained everything to Mr. Zhou. He speaks bluntly, but he meant no disrespect to Mr. Lin."

Only then did Su Qingxue understand. No wonder Zhou Liran's attitude had changed so drastically—Zhang Yuanqing had intervened on their behalf.

But she also knew this was only a second chance for Lin Feng to demonstrate his abilities. If the formula couldn't be improved, the cooperation would likely fall through regardless.

Zhou Liran stood nearby, rubbing his hands together and chuckling, "I've already instructed my staff to modify the formula according to Mr. Lin's method. I believe we'll have results soon."

Lin Feng smiled, sitting calmly to the side. But unlike him, the others were each preoccupied with their own thoughts.

Zhou Liran was anxious, Su Qingxue tense and uneasy, while Zhang Yuanqing was pure in his anticipation, eagerly awaiting the finished medicine.

After more than half an hour, the medical specialist burst excitedly into the CEO's office, clutching a bottle of medicinal liquid.

"It's done! It really worked!"

"Are you serious?" Zhou Liran nearly snatched the bottle away, inhaling deeply.

The fragrance was so refreshing, it intoxicated him at once.

"My goodness, is this really our formula?" The previous products had always tasted unbearably bitter—almost impossible to swallow—yet this bottle was as pleasant as a beverage.

The medical specialist, visibly thrilled, said, "You're not mistaken; this is the same formula. I never imagined simply changing the order would make such a drastic difference."

"And what about its efficacy and toxicity?"

"I've run basic tests—the toxicity is negligible, and its medicinal effects are roughly 1.5 times stronger than before."

Zhou Liran was stunned.

He had hoped for good results, but reality had surpassed even his wildest dreams.

With a thud, he dropped to his knees before Lin Feng.

"Mr. Lin, I was blind—I nearly missed the chance to meet a benefactor like you."

"I'm willing to bow to you, so long as you forgive my earlier mistake."

"And as for the cooperation Miss Su mentioned, I, Zhou Liran, pledge my utmost sincerity to jointly develop this formula with her!"

Su Qingxue stood there in a daze, unable to process what had just happened.

Everything had happened so quickly, it felt like a dream.

Lin Feng, however, remained calm and composed, smiling as he spoke, "I'm happy to discuss cooperation, but I have one condition."

"Of course, please go ahead."

"I want it specified in the contract that the cooperation is exclusively with Su Qingxue—not the Su family."

"Otherwise, there's nothing more to discuss."

Su Qingxue looked at Lin Feng in astonishment, but soon understood the depth of his intention.

Her eyes brimmed with gratitude.

With this, she would not only fulfill her promise to her mother, but would also hold the resources of Zhou Liran, giving her the leverage to stand against her family.

Lin Feng's move was truly thoughtful and considerate.

As for the condition, Zhou Liran had no objections—his interest lay not with the Su family, but with Lin Feng himself.

With such brilliant and mysterious medical skills, the business potential surrounding Lin Feng was simply unfathomable.

The other details of the cooperation were not discussed at length; Lin Feng knew that as long as Zhou Liran wasn't foolish, he wouldn't try anything dubious in the contract.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yuanqing and the medical specialist, as if they had discovered a treasure, crowded around Lin Feng, peppering him with questions.

Admiration and enlightenment filled the air.

But soon, this harmonious scene was disrupted.

Su Qingxue's phone suddenly rang. After answering, her expression turned unnatural.

Lin Feng gestured to Zhang Yuanqing to pause, then approached Su Qingxue. "What happened?"

"The bank just sent word that many staff members are taking leave for no reason, refusing to work."

"This morning, there were barely any employees on duty."

"I'm sure Su Shifeng is behind this—no one else would stoop to such petty tactics."

Su Qingxue struggled to control her emotions, but everyone could see she was furious.

Lin Feng's expression darkened as well.

Just last night they'd discussed terms, and now Su Shifeng was already playing games. It was clear he was trying to provoke them.

"Mr. Lin, is there anything I can help with?" Zhou Liran hurried forward.

Lin Feng shook his head. "Just prepare the contract. Qingxue, let's go back."

"Alright."

Without further delay, the two quickly drove to Su Bank.

Compared to its usual bustling atmosphere, the bank lobby now looked utterly deserted.

Of seven teller windows, only one was staffed; the lobby manager was nowhere to be seen, and even the security guard was alone.

The customers waiting inside grew increasingly restless.

"What is going on?"

"I heard something's wrong with Su Bank this morning—are they about to go under?"

"I warned you not to trust these private banks, but you wouldn't listen. Now look what happened!"

A chorus of voices filled the air, and Su Qingxue's face grew even more grim.

Just then, from the lone teller window, a voice crackled through the intercom.

"You're the only one working. There's no way you'll manage. You might as well go home too."

"It's Su Shifeng!"

Su Qingxue instantly recognized the voice. Unable to endure it any longer, she strode toward the second floor of the bank.