Chapter 66: Sorry for the Trouble

Xu Ping could hardly believe his eyes.

Li Shujie had actually come to the pharmaceutical factory in person—what was going on?

And behind him were all the leaders from the Health Supervision Department, including his direct superior, Director Liu.

Wasn’t this just a small pharmaceutical factory? What were these big shots doing here?

“Who’s the general manager?”

Wang Xing, Li Shujie’s secretary, scanned the crowd and explained, “I heard your factory has developed a miraculous medicine that can benefit the people. Director Li is very concerned and came in person to see if it’s truly as extraordinary as rumored.”

Seeing these influential figures, Li An’an was so overwhelmed with excitement that she didn’t know how to respond.

Just then, Li Qilang suddenly said, “I’m sorry, but our company is currently closed for rectification. Please come back when we resume operations.”

Li Shujie glanced at Li Qilang, his brow slightly furrowed, a hint of displeasure on his face.

He had already received Wang Xing’s report—this rascal had taken leave again today. He hadn’t expected him to come loitering around at the Li’s Pharmaceutical Factory.

But, recalling Mo Han’s background, Li Shujie sighed inwardly and didn’t wish to reprimand his son. On the contrary, he hoped that by staying close to Mo Han, his son might be influenced and perhaps even change his nature a little.

“What’s the point in shutting down? The people of Qiancheng are all waiting for you to produce the Rejuvenation Pill as soon as possible,” Wang Xing said, exchanging a subtle glance with Li Qilang.

He knew that the higher-ups had received a call from Ding Si, who had emphasized Mo Han’s status as the chief instructor. Only then was Li Shujie compelled to come in person. Otherwise, such a minor matter could have been easily handled by him as a secretary.

But Mo Han’s position was too unique—even Li Shujie had to treat him with respect. As the chief instructor of the War Department, his authority was overwhelming; even Li Shujie had to be careful around him.

However, Ding Si had stressed over the phone that they should not try to curry favor with Mo Han. Otherwise, these provincial big shots would have already greeted him with utmost deference.

Since the matter involved the Health Supervision Department, they had brought along all the leaders from the bureau.

At this moment, Director Liu from the Health Department looked at Xu Ping. Seeing Xu Ping’s ashen face, an ominous premonition rose in his heart.

Xu Ping was a talented subordinate, usually able to anticipate his intentions without being told, and had helped him handle many matters smoothly.

But now, he only wished Xu Ping would be confused for once and not catch on to his meaning.

Otherwise, today’s matter would be beyond redemption.

“This leader said there’s a new policy—all companies’ business licenses must be updated before they can operate. Until the licenses are renewed, they have to suspend operations for rectification,” Li Qilang explained, pointing at Xu Ping.

All eyes turned sharply toward Xu Ping. His face turned deathly pale, fear and dread filling his eyes. He sneaked a glance at Director Liu, who now avoided his gaze entirely.

“Which department are you from?” Wang Xing suddenly asked.

“I’m… from the Health Department…” Xu Ping replied with a trembling voice.

Li Shujie frowned. He immediately realized that the pharmaceutical factory had offended someone, and someone was pulling strings behind the scenes.

“Director Yu, is he from your department? Business licenses are managed by the Industrial and Commercial Department. Since when did the Health Department meddle in this area?” Li Shujie turned to a bald, middle-aged man beside him, his eyes flashing coldly.

This man was Yu Wei, the head of the Health Department. Upon hearing Li Shujie’s words, his body trembled, fear gripping his heart.

At his level of responsibility, even the slightest misstep could be irreparable. Even if he hadn’t given the orders, he was still in charge and thus culpable. This incident could potentially end his career.

“Which division are you from?” Yu Wei glared at Xu Ping, his face dark, his tone furious. “How dare you! What are you doing here?”

Xu Ping was already terrified out of his wits. He had never faced so many high-ranking officials before—and now they were visibly angry.

“I’m… from the Disease Control Division, under Director Liu…” Xu Ping replied shakily.

“Director Liu!” Yu Wei roared, unable to contain his anger. “Who gave you the authority to let the Disease Control Division check business licenses?”

Director Liu glanced at Xu Ping, his heart sinking.

He had only hoped Xu Ping would be a little muddle-headed today. He hadn’t expected Xu Ping to be not just clueless, but utterly foolish.

Even if you understood my intention and wanted to make trouble for the pharmaceutical factory, you should have at least used the previous drug poisoning incident as a pretext!

But you went to check their business license and fabricated some new policy out of thin air. Are you trying to get me killed faster?

It’s true—the only thing worse than a formidable opponent is a completely incompetent ally!

“Director Yu, here’s what happened,” Director Liu said, taking a deep breath to compose his words. “Today I received a public complaint saying Li’s Pharmaceutical Factory’s products had another issue, so I sent Xu Ping and his team to investigate. You know, there was a poisoning incident here not long ago—I just wanted to make sure nothing similar happened again.”

His explanation was clear, deftly shifting the blame.

Xu Ping’s face turned even paler. He almost fainted on the spot.

Now he finally understood the magnitude of his mistake.

As someone from the Disease Control Division, he had no business inspecting business licenses. Whether or not there was an issue with the license, his actions were a clear overreach.

No leader likes subordinates who overstep their bounds.

Besides, the factory’s business license was in perfect order—not a single issue.

“You received a public complaint?” Yu Wei sneered. “You’re quite the ‘man of the people’, aren’t you? Even I didn’t get a complaint letter, yet you did.”

Someone like Yu Wei could easily see through Director Liu’s maneuverings. He had long suspected there was something off about Director Liu, but as long as his interests weren’t affected, he’d never bothered to investigate.

“All right, handle this mess within your department. I want a report on the outcome by tomorrow,” Li Shujie said coldly.

“Yes!” Yu Wei hastily nodded.

Director Liu, Xu Ping, and the rest felt a chill run down their spines—they knew their careers were essentially over.

Li Xianwu, Li Xianwu, curse your ancestors! Look how you’ve ruined me today!

Director Liu’s face was ashen as he cursed Li Xianwu in his heart.

“President Li, I truly apologize for the trouble we’ve caused you today,” Li Shujie said to Li An’an, sincerely offering his apologies.

Regardless of his relationship with Mo Han, it was his own failure in management that allowed his subordinates to make such a grave mistake, and this apology came from the bottom of his heart.