Old Tang's words made Li Chuan feel a sense of dread.
Li Chuan hurriedly interjected, "Old Tang, you mustn't believe this bumpkin! Just look at him; he's obviously from the countryside!"
"Not a single word out of his mouth is true! You absolutely can't trust him! What if he's a fraud?"
But Old Tang's next words completely shattered Li Chuan's last shred of hope.
"Hmph. What gives you the right to run your mouth in my presence?"
"There are some things you will never understand, so stop interrupting. If you butt in again, don't blame me for having you thrown out!"
After saying this, Old Tang immediately turned back to Liu Ergou, his expression instantly switching to a warm smile. The speed of his face-change would put a Sichuan opera performer to shame.
"Young man, may I ask how you learned to make this Hundred Grass Sachet? The craft has been lost for over a hundred years. I thought no one knew how to make them anymore!"
Liu Ergou looked at Old Tang, not responding immediately, as if he were worried about something.
Of course, Old Tang noticed Liu Ergou's hesitation. "Don't worry, I'm not a bad person," he said immediately. "I am a senior consultant at Baozhi Hall—the only senior consultant in the entire organization!"
Hearing Old Tang say this, Liu Ergou raised his eyebrows in surprise. I didn't expect to run into an "acquaintance" here! What a surprise.
"Making this sachet is a family tradition," Liu Ergou replied.
At these words, Old Tang's eyes lit up. "Ah, so that's how it is!" he said excitedly. "In that case, young man, would you be willing to sell the method for making the sachet? Rest assured, money is no object!"
"I..." Before he could be tempted, Liu Ergou flatly refused Old Tang. "I'm sorry, but I can't sell the method for making the sachet. It's a family rule, and I have to abide by it."
Hearing this, a look of disappointment washed over Old Tang's face. If only I could acquire the method for making the Hundred Grass Sachet... I could use it to elevate Baozhi Hall to a whole new level. An immense fortune is practically within my grasp!
Helpless, Fu Ya's father called out, "Security!"
Two security guards immediately ran over. Fu Ya's father simply waved a hand toward Li Chuan. The guards understood at once, grabbing Li Chuan and dragging him out.
As he was being dragged away, Li Chuan was still shouting, "You can't believe this bumpkin! He's obviously a fake! He has to be a fake!"
The incessant shouting made Fu Ya's father cover his face in shame. I must have been blind to think so highly of such a person. It seems it's time to put a stop to some of the Li family's business dealings. With that thought, Fu Ya's father made a phone call.
Old Tang, meanwhile, turned to Liu Ergou with great excitement. "Oh, my young friend! Since you can make the Hundred Grass Sachet, your family must come from a line of traditional medicine practitioners! What do you say we find some time to discuss this? In my opinion, there's no time like the present. Let's talk today!"
With that, Old Tang started to pull Liu Ergou away.
Fu Ya, who was standing nearby, quickly stopped him. "No, Grandpa Tang, how could you!" she said, pouting with dissatisfaction. "Today is my birthday! How can you take my guest away? That's just too much!"
Rebuked by Fu Ya, Old Tang realized his gaffe and laughed heartily. "Oh, my apologies! I completely forgot!"
But then, as if coming to a realization, Old Tang glanced between Liu Ergou and Fu Ya with a thoughtful expression. He then shot Fu Ya's father a meaningful look. Seeing the glance, Fu Ya's father's eyes lit up in understanding. The two of them then excused themselves and left.
The moment they left, Liu Ergou instantly became the center of attention. Young and old alike, guests began eagerly crowding around him, wine glasses in hand.
"Well now, what a talented young man!"
"Indeed! And what should we call you?"
"I'm from the town's heavy industry group, young man. Let's get acquainted!"
Seeing the crowd surging toward him, Liu Ergou felt overwhelmed, and his scalp went numb. He couldn't help but take several steps back.
Fu Ya, on the other hand, was thrilled. These are all opportunities for Liu Ergou! If he can seize them, he won't have to be stuck in that small village anymore. To say it's a meteoric rise would be no exaggeration!
Fu Ya gently tugged on Liu Ergou's sleeve. "Ergou," she whispered, "these are all opportunities. Everyone at my birthday party is someone important. You should hurry up and get to know them!"