Chairman Wang pressed his brow and said, “Speak to our contact overseas and see if they can give us more time to hand over the goods.”


  “Uh huh. I suppose it is the only thing we can do.” The assistant paused before he continued. “We can only hope they won’t make things difficult for us.”


  Chairman Wang looked out of the window worriedly. He sighed and said, “I hope so too.”


  The assistant glanced into the rear-view mirror and stopped talking since the chairman was in no mood to chat.

  Chairman Wang’s phone rang in his pocket after the car went some distance. He took out his phone and answered it. After hanging up the phone, he raised his head and told the assistant, “Let’s go back to the association.”


  The assistant quickly acknowledged the chairman and drove back to the association.

  After 20 minutes, Chairman Wang got back to the Apothecaries’ Association. Several leaders of the association were waiting for him in his office. The moment he entered the place, they asked him about the herbs’ accident. They wanted to know what they were going to do about the matter.

  Chairman Wang sat down and said unhurriedly, “I will speak to our contact personally and see if they can give us more time. Can any of you go over to the herb storage facility?”


  The leaders of the association looked at each other. Everyone was hesitant and no one was keen upon going. By volunteering to go, it was as good as taking responsibility for the problem. Also, the volunteer would have to replace the missing herbs. Since it was a sensitive problem, it was hard to handle. If the problem was not handled well, the volunteer could potentially get criticized for it.

  Half a minute later, Deputy Chairman Qin raised his hand. “I’ll go.”


  Chairman Wang looked at Deputy Chairman Qin.

  “Since I was involved with striking the deal, it makes sense for me to go,” said Deputy Chairman Qin enthusiastically.

  Chairman Wang pondered briefly before he nodded. “Okay. Thanks, Deputy Chairman Qin. We will await your good news then.”


  “In that case, I’m off. I will get someone to book me a flight for tonight.” Deputy Chairman Qin stood up and quickly went on his way.

  Chairman Wang stood up and said a few more words to Deputy Chairman Qin. Before long, the leaders of the association left his office.

  “That’s odd. Considering Deputy Chairman Qin’s personality, he would never have volunteered to take responsibility for problems like this.” Moments later, the assistant stood beside the chairman and spoke softly.

  Only Chairman Wang and his assistant were in his office.

  Chairman Wang narrowed his eyes and asked. “Was he the only person taking care of the herbs used for the Apothecaries’ exam?”


  The assistant contemplated and nodded. “That’s right. Pardon me, but I don’t see the connection here.”


  Chairman Wang stood up and headed out. He said mildly, “The two things are not connected, but I’m sure he isn’t entirely innocent about Fu Cheng’s cheating.”


  The assistant instantly caught the chairman’s drift.

  He felt something was off when Deputy Chairman Qin volunteered to help with the problem. It made complete sense now. He was hoping to shirk responsibility regarding Fu Cheng’s cheating by volunteering to help with the problem.

  Sure enough, the man was a wily old fox.

  **

  Huo Yao got called to the office by Liu Qian the moment she arrived at school the next day.

  “This is a contract matter. Shouldn’t the teachers and university handle it? Why do I have to go?” asked Huo Yao quizzically.

  Liu Qian was organizing documents in the office.