Chapter 247: 248 Meeting an Old Friend Again
After parting ways with Wang Shizhen, Du Heng drove down the winding mountain road towards the Qianying Brigade below Wangjiazui.
The distance between the two brigades was not too far, but the mountain road had many curves, so Du Heng could not drive very fast. It took him about twenty minutes for the car to gradually pick up speed and reach the territory of the Qianying Brigade.
The Qianying Brigade was composed of three natural villages. The village clinic was in the First Brigade, which was located between the Third Brigade and Brigade 2. According to their current route, they had to pass through Jiangjiagou of the Third Brigade to reach the village clinic.
Jiangjiagou had flat terrain, with the road passing through the village, flanked by houses on both sides.
Usually, at this time of day, everyone would be slowly heading home. Men would be feeding sheep and livestock, while women would be starting to cook. The roads would be practically deserted.
But today was a bit strange. As their car, having just picked up speed, passed through the village, the small fitness square was crowded with people.
Amidst the bustling crowd, several young people could be seen weaving through, constantly shouting something.
At first, Du Heng didn't pay much attention. He glanced at the scene and then focused on driving, wanting to reach the village clinic as soon as possible.
But just as he glanced back, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure among the young people. He couldn't quite recall where he had seen her before, yet she felt familiar.
Feeling suspicious, Du Heng hesitated for a moment before slowly pulling the car over to the roadside. It took him a while to remember who the Girl was.
"Dean, what's going on?"
"I saw an acquaintance. I'll go say hello."
The Pharmacy Doctor was curious. From Du Heng's expression, it seemed his relationship with this 'acquaintance' might not be very good. After watching Du Heng get out of the car, he also opened his door and followed.
The fitness square was incredibly lively at this moment, with a constant cacophony of noise filling everyone's ears.
Elderly men and women, clutching blue leaflets, were persistently chasing after the young people in the crowd—who were dressed differently from the villagers. They had many questions and, upon catching one, would unleash a torrent of words.
When the young people began their explanations, the elderly men and women would listen with intense concentration, like Students in a classroom.
A Girl in light, casual clothing with her hair in a ponytail stood on a small platform, drawing the largest crowd. Her demeanor was calmer and more composed than the others; her tone lacked the cautiousness of the others, instead carrying a faint air of condescension and impatience.
And yet, the surrounding elderly men and women were particularly susceptible to this Girl's act.
"Dear Everyone, our company is holding this event as a pre-market benefit for you all. Each person is strictly limited to two boxes. Otherwise, if you buy too many, there won't be enough for the other villages."
An anxious elderly woman quickly called out, "Girl, is this medicine really as good as you say?"
"Ma'am, we don't force sales. If you believe us, you buy. If you don't, then don't."
The Girl, with a take-it-or-leave-it air, scanned the elderly men and women before her and said calmly, "Dear Everyone, we've said what we needed to say, and we've made it very clear. If you're willing to buy, please go to our vehicle to make your purchase. If not, then please go home and rest. It's such a hot day; we can't bear to have you esteemed elders standing out in the scorching sun."
"Girl, we want to buy. But can you make it a little cheaper? A box of medicine is nearly two thousand yuan; we can't afford it."
The sudden interjection caused Everyone around to voice their agreement, attempting to pressure the Girl into lowering the price.
The Girl remained unmoved, her impatience growing more evident. "I've already told you all, our medicine can cure hypertension and other cardiovascular Diseases. It's one of a kind in the world.
Once our medicine is officially on the market and available in major Hospitals, the retail price will be four thousand three hundred eighty yuan. This price is set by the National Drug Administration, and we have no power to change it. Our company's president is concerned about the rural Patients. That's why he postponed the medicine's launch and decided to issue it at our cost price. Although our president is doing a good deed, we can't let him lose money, can we?"
Everyone was taken aback by the Girl's indifferent attitude, believing she genuinely didn't care if they bought the medicine or not. Dejectedly, they began to turn towards the spot behind them where the medicine was being sold.
"Wait!"
Du Heng, standing in the outer circle, had listened intently to the Girl's speech. He was now livid, his face ashen, his lips trembling.
Who would have thought that the Girl who was a timid rookie just three months ago, who trembled at the sight of him and Wu Buwei, had now evolved into such a consummate scammer?
Look at her disdainful expression, her calm and collected performance! She has these old farmers completely bewildered and dancing to her tune.
"Wait!"
At his loud shout, Everyone's eyes turned towards the source of the sound. When they recognized Du Heng, someone who knew him exclaimed, "Oh, it's President Du from the Health Clinic!"
"I remember this young man! He treated patients at our village brigade entrance a few months ago. I even took the medicine he prescribed, and my back pain is much better."
"Exactly! Didn't you hear? He's the Dean of the Health Clinic now."
"He's truly capable."
"So, what's he doing here today?"
"I don't know, but he looks very upset."
Du Heng ignored the surrounding whispers and, with a grim expression, walked into the crowd. The people blocking his path instinctively made way for him.
The Girl on the platform, who had been so impatient moments before, now looked at the approaching Du Heng with a face full of panic and... fear.
Du Heng walked to the platform and jumped onto it. He gave the frightened Girl a cold glance. He only looked at her for a moment, however, before turning his gaze to the Villagers before him.
"My name is Du Heng, and I'm the Dean of the Zhonghu Health Center. Does anyone here know me?"
"I do."
"You came to the village to treat patients a few months ago, right? Of course, we know you."
Du Heng looked at the few people who had just spoken and nodded slightly. "Since you know me, you must also know that I would never harm any of you. Now, Everyone, keep a close watch on these outsiders around you. Don't let a single one of them get away."
The crowd erupted into a flurry of hushed conversations. No one understood why Du Heng was doing this, but they all began to observe the young people around them carefully.
They knew Du Heng was right; he would not try to harm them.
Whether considering their personal connections or potential benefits, Du Heng had no reason to act against their interests.
Therefore, although they were still unsure what was happening, they were more inclined to trust Du Heng than these few outsiders.