"Come, Bai Yan, let me introduce you."
Mr. An beckoned with a smile, signaling Bai Yan to come over.
The elderly man opposite the chessboard had a full head of silver hair and an authoritative face, his aura of power was intimidating. That kind of presence could only belong to someone who had been in a high position for many years, and he looked at Bai Yan with a gaze full of scrutiny and curiosity.
Bai Yan also looked at the old man, feeling a hint of familiarity, yet for a moment he couldn’t quite place him.
"This is the second-highest official from Beijing; he has come specifically for Wanyan Company."
Mr. An said with a smile, pointing to the elderly man.
The second-highest official!
Bai Yan was startled; no wonder this old man looked familiar—he had often seen him on television!
Bai Yan had been prepared. With Wanyan Company becoming so eminent, it was impossible not to attract the attention from above. However, Bai Yan had not expected his contact with the higher-ups to happen so soon.
"I presume this must be Brother Bai?"
The old man sat in his chair, his dignified eyes shining with a hint of admiration: "Wanyan Company is excellent, to establish such a beneficial pharmaceutical company at such a young age, this son-in-law of yours truly brings credit to Elder An!"
"Hey, what are you talking about? He isn’t my son-in-law yet!"
Mr. An laughed heartily, but anyone could hear the pride in his voice; he truly liked this lad, Bai Yan.
"Your Excellency is overpraising."
Bai Yan replied with a smile, neither overbearing nor servile.
The fact that Bai Yan was the power behind Wanyan Company wasn’t a secret among the upper echelons. Anyone intent on finding out could naturally trace various clues—let alone someone of the stature of the second-highest official.
A housekeeper poured tea at the side and then left the courtyard.
"My visit this time is primarily for Wanyan Company’s Biological Potion No.1."
The old man pondered for a moment.
As expected, it was for the potion.
Bai Yan’s gaze sharpened; he had mentally prepared himself. The powerful Biological Potion No.1 from Wanyan would surely draw national attention.
"Little Bai Yan, there’s no need to be nervous."
The old man chuckled softly, speaking kindly: "I’ve also learned about Wanyan Company from Mr. An before, so let’s not beat around the bush. Little Bai Yan, the Biological Potion No.1 developed by your company is needed by the nation, can you possibly share the formula..."
Before the old man could finish, Bai Yan decisively refused: "Sorry, there is no formula for the medication!"
Bai Yan was adamant about this issue; it involved the System, which was the foundation of his existence! Thus, Bai Yan would not easily disclose any information regarding Wanyan Company’s medicines to anyone else, even those from the higher-ups!
The old man laughed heartily, and Mr. An also shook his head with a wry smile: "Old buddy, I’ve already told you about Little Bai Yan’s stubborn nature. If you talk to him like that, of course he won’t agree!"
Bai Yan remained smiling without speaking; he respected the elderly man and loved his country, but that did not mean he was willing to reveal his secrets.
"Ha, then let me take a step back. Little Bai Yan, can your Wanyan Medicine No.1 be supplied to the country on a long-term basis?"
The old man said with a beaming smile: "Perhaps you’re unaware, but your company’s Biological Potion No.1 is greatly beneficial to the nation!"
Though the old man’s demeanor was gentle, his tone left no room for doubt. It wasn’t that he was forcing Bai Yan; it was simply that, having been in a position of power for so long, everything he did carried an overwhelming authority.
"Of course, I won’t let you engage in a losing business. If you can supply ten thousand units of Medicine No.1 per month..."
The old man was obviously well-prepared, reeling off a string of offers and conditions: Wanyan could become a state-owned enterprise without giving up any equity or management rights, become a star enterprise unconditionally, and receive strong policy support, among other benefits.
However, Bai Yan was taken aback and said with a bitter smile, "Commander, perhaps you are not aware, but the maximum monthly production capacity for Wanyan Medicine No.1 is only one thousand doses; we really cannot provide more medicine to the nation."
"Then let it be one thousand doses per month!"
The elder stated without hesitation.
"No, I need to keep some!"
Bai Yan flatly refused.
During the following process, the two of them were unyielding just like street vendors haggling, one marking up the price while the other trying to bring it down, neither willing to relent and give in.
In the end, it was Mr. An who compromised halfway. Wanyan Company would supply five hundred doses of Medicine No.1 free of charge to the authorities every month, and in return, the authorities would offer substantial protection and support to Wanyan Company both in domestic policies and international affairs.
Five hundred doses of Medicine No.1, a million per dose, that’s 500 million! Five hundred million to the state every month, that’s no small sum of money!
After a moment of silence, Bai Yan gritted his teeth and agreed, considering it a contribution to the homeland; if it’s free, then so be it!
Bai Yan agreed to the elder’s conditions for two reasons. First, although he is ’Demon,’ he is after all a Hua Xia national at heart and his loyalty lies with his country. Second, Bai Yan’s power isn’t that strong at the moment, and it would be more than beneficial if the authorities could provide some support and protection for Wanyan Company in certain matters.
After all, Wanyan Company is still weak and Bai Yan’s power isn’t particularly great. Agreeing to the conditions proposed by Commander No.2 was more advantageous than disadvantageous for Bai Yan both publicly and privately.
"However, I have a question that I hope you can answer."
"Speak, as long as it does not breach the bottom line."
"I want to know if there’s something I’ve forgotten, something about my past..."
Bai Yan stared intently at the elder. He was Commander No.2, and for him, many secrets weren’t secrets at all. This was also the biggest reason why Bai Yan was willing to agree to handing over five hundred doses of Wanyan Biological Potion No.1 for free.
As Bai Yan grew stronger, the production of Wanyan Medicine No.1 each month would likewise increase. Trading a monthly quantity of five hundred for the secrets he had long yearned to know was a good deal.
At least, that’s how Bai Yan saw it as worth it.
Ever since returning to the country, Bai Yan had started to notice that he might have forgotten some events of his past.
From Elder An’s attitude towards him, the sudden affection of the An family sisters, Chen Hao’s response and the appreciation from Uncle An of the An family, to the inexplicable respect from the One Dragon Team...
All of this made Bai Yan very confused.
He longed to know the secrets behind it all.
Bai Yan did not want to be kept in the dark by anyone!
The elder picked up the fragrant tea, took a sip with a smile, and looked toward Elder An, asking, "What? Old buddy, you’ve never told him?"
Elder An remained silent, shook his head, and sighed, "It was also for his protection."
Bai Yan raised an eyebrow but did not speak out; instead, he quietly awaited the elders’ answers.
The elder smiled, put down his teacup, pondered for a moment, and then slowly began, "I’ve learned a bit about your past, and I do know some underlying facts. I’m just not sure what specific question you want to ask?"
"I want to know everything about my past, all those things I’ve forgotten!"
Bai Yan said, each word heavy with severity as he looked straight at the elder.
Who I once was, what kind of experiences I once had!
My past secrets, I have the right to know.