Chapter 198 176: Making the Most of One's Remaining Energy

Xu Changshan has come to realize that not all who thrive in a hospital setting have exceptional medical skills, and those in medical management may not necessarily understand medicine.Gao Xinhua doesn't understand medicine, yet he became the deputy hospital director. His grandson seems to be heading in that direction too. He patted Xu Chunliang on the shoulder, telling him that young men should have ambitions far and wide, and he certainly wouldn't be a hindrance to him.

While the two were talking, an unexpected guest arrived—it was the former director of Changxing Hospital, Gu Houyi.

Xu Chunliang didn't expect him to visit. Initially thinking he was there for him, Gu Houyi said, "I came to chat with Mr. Xu."

Xu Chunliang quickly invited him in, and Xu Changshan invited Gu Houyi to sit in his small courtyard. The last time they met was on the construction site of Changxing's second phase, where Xu Changshan invited Gu Houyi over for tea when he was free. Gu Houyi's visit today fulfilled that invitation.

Xu Chunliang brewed a pot of White Peony tea for them. He didn't intend to intrude on their conversation, and as he was about to excuse himself, Gu Houyi called him over, "Xiaoxu, sit down and join us."

Xu Chunliang pulled up a stool next to Gu Houyi. This visit wasn't without purpose; although Gu Houyi had moved to the Science Association, his heart was still with the health system.

According to his age, moving to the Science Association was merely waiting for retirement, marking the end of his career, with his achievements and glory swept into the annals of history.

In fact, experienced managers like Gu Houyi, with their connections, are still in high demand. With the rise of medical elder care, many groups are beginning to position themselves in this area.

The well-known Kangjian Group in China is preparing a medical eldercare project in the New City District. They approached Gu Houyi, hoping he would take on the role of director post-retirement.

After evaluating their strength and reputation, Gu Houyi had also mostly made up his mind—he still wanted to contribute.

Because Kangjian Group focused on Traditional Chinese Medicine wellness, Gu Houyi thought hard about it. The authority in this field in Dongzhou was Xu Changshan. If Xu Changshan joined, with his influence, it would certainly attract many clients, promising a bright future for the new, modern eldercare hospital.

Xu Changshan's first reaction was to decline. He was over seventy, and even Huichun Hall was tiring enough for him, let alone an eldercare hospital.

Gu Houyi smiled, "Don't be in a hurry to refuse." He opened a video and handed it to Xu Changshan.

Xu Changshan put on his reading glasses. The video showed the Kangjian Elderly Care Hospital located by Changqing Lake, in a beautiful environment, emphasizing high-end eldercare, combining leasehold and property ownership.

The hospital's first phase plans for 500 beds, integrating medical care, food, and accommodation, with senior universities, fitness centers, libraries, and wellness centers.

Gu Houyi specifically introduced the Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Care Institute. If Xu Changshan joined, he would become its director.

The institute would still be named Huichun Hall, with Xu Changshan responsible for recruiting and training all medical staff. Besides an attractive annual salary, the hospital would provide Xu Changshan with the use of a three-bedroom, one-living-room elder care apartment internally.

Faced with such generous conditions, Xu Changshan was indeed tempted.

Gu Houyi said, "Mr. Xu, in fact, eldercare is a problem we all have to face sooner or later. Rather than think about it later, why not prepare in advance? If you're willing to come, it not only solves the eldercare issue but also allows you to continue contributing. Just having these 800 elders as your constant clients, you can share wellness knowledge with everyone and lead a healthy lifestyle. I personally think it's a win-win situation."

Xu Changshan handed a cigarette to Gu Houyi, while Xu Chunliang helped light them. Watching the two puffing away, Xu Chunliang thought to himself that they didn't seem to be living too healthily either.

Xu Changshan said, "What about my Huichun Hall? I'm afraid I can't handle both."

Gu Houyi laughed, "I'm inviting you to be the director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Care Institute, not to see patients every day. Just do what you usually do and guide when needed."

Xu Chunliang said, "Dean Gu is interested in your reputation."

Gu Houyi laughed heartily, "You're smart. Yes, I'm interested in Elder Xu's reputation. Rest assured, I've thoroughly assessed Kangjian Group. They are partnered with Min'an Insurance, which even holds shares, so their reputation and strength are undeniable. This is their first investment in an elderly care project in Dongzhou, and they are very cautious, so they must invite Dongzhou's most prestigious National Medical Master to anchor it."

Xu Changshan looked at Xu Chunliang and asked, "What do you think, Chunliang?"

Xu Chunliang said, "I trust Dean Gu, but it's still necessary to inspect the place in person. Nowadays, many are just PPT projects. Hearing is one thing, seeing is believing."

Gu Houyi said, "Of course, you must fully understand before making a decision. The project is still under renovation, so there's no rush to decide. You can gather more information, and feel free to discuss any thoughts or conditions with me. If it's within my ability, I'll do my best to fulfill it."

Xu Changshan could clearly feel that this time, Gu Houyi was completely different from their last encounter. The last time, Gu Houyi seemed old and lonely. Now, his eyes were shining, and he looked filled with confidence.

Xu Chunliang noticed that the old Gu Houyi seemed to have returned. Truly, career is the best aphrodisiac for a man.

When Gu Houyi was leaving, Xu Chunliang saw him out and Gu Houyi said, "Xiaoxu, please keep this matter confidential for now."

Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "Understood!" After all, Gu Houyi is still with the Association of Science and Technology. Although it's a place to muddle through, it's ultimately not good for others to know.

Gu Houyi asked, "Is the situation at the Weishan Island Branch resolved?"

Xu Chunliang briefly explained the situation. Back then, the person who pushed through all objections to acquire Weishan Lake Hospital was exactly Gu Houyi. Looking back, this move was evidently the right one for him.

Gu Houyi sighed, "I tried hard back then, but the Weishan County Government insisted on a three-year observation period. They were considering local interests, just didn't expect things to get this complex. I never thought Shiliang Town would merge with Huahu Town. Luckily, everything's finally resolved."

Although he left Changxing, his feelings for Changxing remained unchanged. He still hoped everything would go well for Changxing, leading to a path of healthy development.

He internally disagreed with Zhao Feiyang's reforms but didn't comment on them.

Xu Chunliang said, "Wishing Dean Gu ever more success in your career."

Gu Houyi shook his head with a smile and said, "I'm not in for peaks anymore. I'm not one to stay idle. Actually, when I acquired Weishan Lake Hospital, I wanted to develop a medical elderly care project, but the conditions weren't right. It's always been a regret. Now, this opportunity is a way to make up for it. I'm not that old yet; I still want to do something."

Xu Chunliang said, "You've rejuvenated these days."

Gu Houyi laughed heartily, feeling a gratification he hadn't in a long time. He patted Xu Chunliang on the shoulder and said, "Keep up the good work. If things aren't going well at Changxing, you can always come to my side. The medical market is huge, and in the coming years, it will undergo an unprecedented surge."

Xu Chunliang realized that not being able to drive had become a shortcoming, so he asked Lu Qi if he could help with getting a driver's license.

Lu Qi told him that things were different these days. A decade or two ago, the rules were less strict. As long as you were willing to spend money, you could buy a license. Now, everything from training to exams is standardized and procedures must be followed. He offered to introduce Xu Chunliang to a driving school.

Xu Chunliang first signed up to learn to ride a motorcycle, mainly because the licensing period was shorter. Not being one to follow rules, he promptly signed up, then went and bought a Kawasaki Z400, just enough to spend the commission he received from the hospital.

Xu Changshan was against his decision to buy a motorcycle from the start. The old man always thought it was too dangerous, like wrapping iron with meat, and suggested he buy a car instead. However, Xu Chunliang had already bought the motorcycle and brought it home.

There wasn't much he could say now. He just advised Xu Chunliang to drive carefully and took out 30,000 yuan for support, but Xu Chunliang didn't accept it. Now that he had money of his own, he didn't want to rely on parental support.

Initially, he planned to wait until he got his license before riding, but once he bought the motorcycle, he couldn't resist the urge. The next day, he rode it to Weishan Island.

Riding a motorcycle felt even better than horseback riding. It only took forty minutes to reach Ancient Spring Town, and from the town's dock, the ferry to Weishan Island was less than twenty minutes. Altogether, it was just an hour, making it possible to return to Dongzhou to stay every day.

While still in the city, he worried about being stopped by the traffic police for a license check, but soon found out no one cared. Once outside the third ring, he let loose, speeding all the way.

On Weishan Island, there were even fewer concerns. Unlicensed motorcycles were plenty on the island, and no one was checking.

Xu Chunliang rode straight to the Weishan Island Branch. After not visiting for more than ten days, many places on the island were under construction with many new billboards erected.

Near the port, Da Hu Recycling Company was in the process of relocation, causing dust to rise everywhere. When Xu Chunliang passed by, he saw the Range Rover from Xianhong Farm.

Wang Jinwu was at the construction site, wearing a safety helmet, talking to someone from the construction team. Hearing the motorcycle, he turned to look and recognized Xu Chunliang, then waved and walked towards him.

Xu Chunliang hadn't planned on greeting him, but now had to stop, smilingly saying, "Brother Wang, what a coincidence!"

Wang Jinwu admired his motorcycle, tapping the seat and said, "This is a street bike, not suitable for our island. The road conditions here are too poor. You better get a dirt bike."

Xu Chunliang said, "I just like how it looks."

Wang Jinwu laughed, "Young folks all chase after looks. I like motorcycles too, just don't have the time to enjoy them." He tried it out, praising, "With a beauty on the back, don't you think it'd feel fabulous?"

Xu Chunliang felt the same way, glancing at the construction site and said, "Wasn't this a junkyard before?"

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