Chapter 127: The Obstacle in the Road!

Half an hour later, they arrived at their destination.

PharmaKing Pharmaceuticals stood prominently in the city center, housed in a sleek, standalone skyscraper. Not only was the interior lavishly decorated, but its towering height seemed to merge seamlessly with the skyline. Standing at the base of the building, an involuntary sense of reverence washed over him.

“No harm done,” a familiar voice called out softly just as he stepped out of the car.

Looking up, he saw a woman running toward them. She wore a pristine white short-sleeved shirt paired with light blue fitted jeans. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she sported a pair of round sunglasses. The moment she removed her glasses, Ye Wushang frowned slightly. “Lanlan?”

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

An Lan smiled gently. “Why wouldn’t I come?”

“Didn't you say you were coming today to handle things at PharmaKing Pharmaceuticals?”

“I happened to be free today and thought I’d stop by.”

Ye Wushang was speechless.

Did she really not trust him that much?

Yet her appearance today was somewhat different from what he was used to.

In the past, she was the group’s CEO—aloof, noble, and intimidating.

But today, she was youthful and lively, especially with her stunning figure that drew quickened breaths.

“Good day, President An,” Lan Ruoxue said with a forced politeness. Despite feeling inexplicably uneasy about An Lan’s sudden arrival, she restrained herself for the sake of their companies’ partnership. She withdrew a second set of research proposals hastily prepared the night before from her handbag and respectfully said, “This is the second new drug development plan I drafted for your review.”

“The second plan?”

Lan Ruoxue didn’t accept it but instead rolled her eyes and teased, “President Lan means you think Wushang can’t secure PharmaKing Pharmaceuticals?”

“Pretending to accompany him but actually having other plans?”

She glanced at Ye Wushang and laughed coquettishly. “But I have faith in him.”

“There is never a second plan with me. Wushang’s decision is the only one I trust.”

Hiss.

Hearing this, Lan Ruoxue couldn’t help but inhale sharply.

What was this?

A show of defiance?

Flirting so openly in front of her?

Even though they were divorced and there was no infidelity during their marriage, wasn’t this deliberately meant to disgust her?

“President Lan, I told you I would handle this matter,” Ye Wushang said, pushing the document back into her hands.

“Your second plan is unnecessary.”

“No need to make a fuss.”

“Making a fuss?” Lan Ruoxue snapped, “Ye Wushang, you—”

“What? Is what I said wrong?”

Just as she was about to retort, An Lan interrupted, instinctively linking arms with Ye Wushang and saying, “He says he can do it, and I believe he will.”

“That’s the fundamental difference between you and me.”

“I think instead of wasting words, we should just find out.”

“Let’s see if PharmaKing Pharmaceuticals will supply us with the materials. Then everything will be clear.”

In truth, she wasn’t confident either.

But she was willing to support him unconditionally.

Even if PharmaKing Pharmaceuticals refused, they could find other solutions.

After the report to the family last night, there was unanimous approval for the new drug research proposal.

So, there was still room for maneuver and time.

She trusted Ye Wushang to find a new path, to make up for the new drug development.

Lan Ruoxue wanted to say more, but An Lan linked arms with Ye Wushang and headed toward the building.

“Hold on.”

“Lan Ruoxue, you have to endure this.”

“This is a critical phase for the Lan Group’s transformation; we absolutely cannot offend An Lan.”

“If that guy wants to sponge off someone, let him. He’ll have his day to cry later!”

Watching the pair’s intimate behavior, Lan Ruoxue felt like her lungs were about to explode. Even though she didn’t fully understand why she was angry, this blatant provocation was like a thorn in her throat.

For the greater good, she had no choice but to hold back her anger and follow them.

“Stop right there!”

Just as they stepped onto the stairs, a sharp command rang out.

Two alert security guards immediately approached and blocked their path.

“What’s your business here? Do you have an appointment?”

The taller guard, nearly six-foot-three, stared coldly at the three of them. When his gaze landed on Ye Wushang, a hostile frown appeared as if a deep grudge was held.

Ye Wushang was puzzled—he didn’t recall ever meeting this man, let alone offending him.

Yet the menacing aura was unmistakable.

“Should have, right?” Lan Ruoxue looked embarrassed and nudged Ye Wushang’s arm, whispering, “Wushang, you’re so confident. You must have made an appointment with the CEO of PharmaKing beforehand. Hurry up…”

“Appointment?” Ye Wushang cut her off calmly. “As far as I know, PharmaKing Pharmaceuticals is quite user-friendly.”

“You don’t need an appointment to enter or leave. So why do we need one here?”

“That’s right; I’ve heard that too. It’s a well-known rule in the industry,” An Lan nodded.

Still, the tall guard’s expression remained unchanged. “Rules are rigid, but people are flexible.”

“We don’t stop others from coming in or out.”

“But you, especially this man, are not allowed entrance.”

“This is a special directive from Director Su.”

Ye Wushang frowned. “Director Su?”

“I don’t know anyone named Su.”

“I haven’t offended him…”

“You don’t know me, but I know you.”

“And you haven’t offended me, but someone else.”

At that moment, another harsh voice rang out.

Looking closely, a middle-aged man in a suit, wearing glasses and with slicked-back hair, emerged from the lobby.

And to Ye Wushang’s shock, accompanying him was Pei Qinghu.

“Pei Qinghu, what are you doing here?” An Lan’s eyes widened.

Lan Ruoxue instantly realized the truth.

The security guards were blocking them on orders from the company’s upper management.

This so-called Director Su was a close friend of Pei Qinghu.

At the previous birthday banquet, Ye Wushang had humiliated him and even struck someone from his circle. This visit was clearly for revenge!

Already doubting the feasibility of securing the materials, now with Pei Qinghu’s involvement, it seemed utterly hopeless.

“Miss An, we meet again,” Pei Qinghu said with a sly smile, hands in his pockets, eyes mocking Ye Wushang.

“Director Su is not only in charge of PharmaKing’s conduct department but also my longtime friend.”

“As long as I don’t approve, not even a fly can get in.”

“I hear your families’ businesses are expanding, aiming to develop new drugs, right?”

“And PharmaKing’s materials just happen to fit your needs, so you’re here to negotiate supply?”

Ye Wushang was stunned.

Calm on the surface, but alarmed inside.

The new drug development plan was only agreed upon yesterday—how did he know?

He glanced at Lan Ruoxue.

She immediately denied it. “That’s confidential. I haven’t told anyone. Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Pei Qinghu, cut the nonsense. What exactly do you and this Director Su want?”

“Nothing but what’s rightfully mine.”

Pei Qinghu stretched out his right hand toward Ye Wushang. “Waste, hurry up and return that fifty million IOU to me!”

After explaining the whole situation to his father yesterday, he was furious.

This IOU wasn’t just about money; it could damage the Pei family’s reputation.

If it became public, it would jeopardize his bid for family leadership.

No matter what, he had to get it back.

“What if I don’t?”

Ye Wushang’s expression remained indifferent.

“Don’t?”

“Then you won’t get in.”

“Getting materials from PharmaKing? Impossible.”

Pei Qinghu glanced sideways, and Director Su took over.

“Ye Wushang, is it?”

“You probably don’t know much about PharmaKing.”

“As the director, I oversee employee conduct and policies.”

“I have good relationships with all departments, especially those involved in investments—they consult me often.”

“One word from me, and you won’t receive a single gram of material. I can even notify competitors.”

“Then, no pharmaceutical company in Jinghan City will supply you.”

“So, you’d better do as Qinghu says. Otherwise, it’ll be embarrassing for everyone. Understand?”

A blatant threat.

Pei Qinghu was abusing his connection with Director Su to forcibly demand the fifty million IOU.

And he was likely to push even further.

Once he got the IOU, he would probably stir up more trouble.

Given the delicate relationship between the An and Pei families, they wouldn’t back down easily.

“Qinghu, this isn’t necessary,” Lan Ruoxue stepped forward to intervene.

“Ye Wushang did act rashly at the birthday banquet.”

“But let’s be fair—you shouldn’t stoop to his level. He’s impulsive and reckless…”

“President Lan, you don’t have to speak for him…”

“Ye Wushang!”

Seeing that Ye Wushang was about to confront them, Lan Ruoxue raised her voice sharply.

“Don’t you understand the situation?”

“Director Su holds significant sway over PharmaKing’s decisions.”

“And he’s very close to Pei Qinghu. If you keep opposing them, forget about getting health materials, even other materials needed for new drug development won’t be available.”

“Wanting to die is your business, but don’t drag down the An and Lan families.”

“Why are you so impulsive? Can’t you be more mature?”

Lan Ruoxue couldn’t describe her feelings at this moment.

She had never believed he could secure PharmaKing’s support when he said so.

Now, not only was there no agreement, they couldn’t even get through the door.

And this might jeopardize other plans as well.

Ye Wushang was truly a hindrance rather than a help.

“What are you two talking about? I don’t understand,” An Lan finally spoke, confused, glancing at Ye Wushang.

“Wushang, what IOU? What birthday banquet?”

“What happened between you two?”

“That’s a long story. I’ll explain later,” Ye Wushang waved his hand, took a deep breath, and fixed his gaze on Director Su.

“Director Su, right?”

“I don’t care what your relationship with Pei Qinghu is.”

“I only know your company’s rules explicitly state that no one should be stopped from entering or leaving.”

“No need for a host or an appointment.”

“But you’re having security block us, which violates company policy.”

“Aren’t you afraid the CEO might hold you accountable?”