Chapter 689: Chapter 689

Three days passed in a flash, and in the blink of an eye, it was already the day Ding Fan had agreed to compete in medicine with the Korean Medicine practitioner.

Over these three days, Ding Fan hadn't left his apartment, choosing instead to seclude himself inside.

During this time, Ding Fan's most important task had been the refinement of some Foundation Building Pills, Explosive Talismans, Invisibility Talismans, and an attempt at refining the Nine Profound Iron.

Recently, Ding Fan had used a large number of Foundation Building Pills and Explosive Talismans, so now was a good time to restock. Regarding the Nine Profound Iron, which is considered a Heaven and Earth Divine Weapon, even the combination of Ding Fan's Nine Luminaries Fire and the Ancient Cauldron failed to refine it.

However, Ding Fan was not particularly anxious; Artifact Refining requires fate, and he was simply waiting for the right opportunity—maybe when that moment arrives, the Nine Profound Iron would be successfully transformed into an artifact.

While Ding Fan was secluded, refining pills and artifacts, the media outside was buzzing with excitement.

In terms of media promotion, Hu Jin knew how to spend the least money for the most impact.

Television, internet, media, and phone... almost every avenue available for advertisement had reported on the upcoming medical competition.

Now, it wasn't just the people of Dancheng, but almost everyone in Huaxia Country and Yahuan State knew about it.

It was once said that any small move by Huaxia Group could triple Dancheng's economy.

While that statement might seem exaggerated, it was actually true.

The moment Huaxia Group announced the medical competition with the Korean Medicine practitioner, people from all over flocked into the small city of Dancheng.

Huaxia Group, now incomparable to its past self, had skyrocketed in status following the tremendous success of the Peaceful Heart Pill, ranking among the top 500 corporations in the world.

A competition between Huaxia Group's CEO and a Korean Medicine practitioner was an event not frequently witnessed.

The second reason for the public's gathering in Dancheng was even simpler.

That was because Huaxia Group had decided to release a hundred ultimate versions of the Peaceful Heart Pill after the medical competition.

Currently, Peaceful Heart Pills were as rare as gold, desirable even by those with abundant wealth, but unattainable. So, the vast majority of visitors to Dancheng were there for the hundred Peaceful Heart Pills.

Though the quantity was small, who wouldn't hope to be the lucky one?

The ultimate version of the Peaceful Heart Pill... it truly ignited people's manic desires since just one pill could completely cure heart disease.

Now, in the small Dancheng, from five-star hotels to street corner inns and daily rentals, everything was fully booked.

With the massive influx of people, Dancheng's real estate market leaped into a booming era.

The price of plain residential housing shot up, nearing 20,000 per square meter, bringing it on par with the prices of top-tier cities.

Real estate prices skyrocketed...

Not just housing, but passenger and freight transport also experienced a peak. The number of people coming to Dancheng was overwhelming, and this occasion's passenger traffic was hardly less than the demand during the peak of the Spring Festival travel season.

To manage the transportation to Dancheng effectively, the provincial government issued a directive, ordering airlines, railways, and passenger and freight carriers to increase their services to ensure the transportation mission was successful...

And industries like dining, entertainment, and tourism in Dancheng all thrived as well.

The city's economy had taken a giant leap forward due to the medical competition.

Dancheng, Huaxia Group Building. 8:00 AM.

Although there was still some time until the medical competition that Ding Fan had agreed to, the lobby on the first floor was already abuzz with people.

Those present were all high-profile figures. Besides them, Central Television, Zhao's Film and Television Group, American BBC Group, and other mainstream media had all arrived.

One could say that apart from the National People's Congress of Huaxia Country, it was rare to see a press presence more formidable than this one.

As the host, Hu Jin had arrived at the venue early to start organizing various tasks.

"General Manager Hu, will Mr. Ding be coming later?" Ning Luoxi approached at this moment.

Ning Luoxi had already resigned from her position as Deputy General Manager of the company and was now focused on the technical department. Strictly speaking, Ning Luoxi was also a disciple of Ding Fan.

When Ding Fan had accidentally discovered "Xuanxue Zhenyi" (Mystical True Medicine) and had also taught Ning Luoxi, her skills were in no way inferior to others.

Since Ding Fan's return to Dancheng, Ning Luoxi had not even seen him once. Ding Fan had secluded himself upon his return, refusing to meet with anyone.

"You're also worried Mr. Ding might not show up?" Hu Jin glanced at Ning Luoxi.

Ning Luoxi checked the time. "Mr. Ding has always acted spontaneously, and I'm concerned he's not taking this matter seriously..."

Hu Jin nodded her head.

Although Hu Jin didn't say it, she harbored the same deep concern.

For three days, Ding Fan hadn't seen a single person; such an important medical competition was due to start - an event now known not just in Huaxia Country, but also throughout Yahuan State and even Europe.

Yet, for such a crucial matter, Ding Fan showed no urgency and locked himself away, leaving everything for her to handle.

And now, on the actual day of the competition, with less than an hour left before it started, there was still no sign of Ding Fan.

"It's alright, Luoxi, Mr. Ding must have it under control," said Hu Jin.

Hu Jin said this not because she believed Ding Fan was in control, but because as the highest-ranking employee here, if even she harbored doubts about Ding Fan, how would the rest of the staff carry on with their work?

Seeing Hu Jin say this, Ning Luoxi decided not to say anything more for the time being.

"Ding Fan… where is Mr. Ding?" At that moment, Qin Manshu approached from the side.

Today's Qin Manshu was dressed quite strikingly, in a clean and simple suit that outlined her graceful figure most captivatingly.

As soon as Qin Manshu entered, she had already attracted the gaze of most people present.

"Sister Manshu…" When Hu Jin saw Qin Manshu, she hurriedly greeted her. Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕥⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥

Being a subsidiary of Qin's Group, Huaxia Group's management owed Qin Manshu respect since she used to be Hu Jin's superior. This reverence had to be maintained.

"Mr. Ding hasn't arrived yet…" Hu Jin said to Qin Manshu.

Qin Manshu nodded her head.

By now, it was almost half-past eight, and many guests had already arrived. Qin Manshu too was starting to feel anxious.

Qin Manshu had last parted with Ding Fan by the seaside, where he had been on his way to save Zhou Ruoran. Since Ding Fan left, Qin Manshu hadn't seen him again.

After Ding Fan returned, Qin Manshu had thought about seeking him out, but considering he was dealing with Korean Medicine, she didn't want to bother him.

"Everyone, look quickly. The practitioners of Korean Medicine have arrived…"

At that moment, someone spoke up, and suddenly, all eyes in the room turned towards the entrance.

At the entrance, a group of more than ten people in uniform white suits walked into the venue with orderly steps and an impressive aura.

As these people entered the venue, they quickly sparked a wave of discussion.

"These practitioners of Korean Medicine have a strong presence."

"That's to be expected. I've heard that the practitioners who've come this time are very formidable, including a personal medical consultant to the American Royalty. They've really made an effort for this competition..."

"It seems that today's outcome is uncertain…"

The team of Korean Medicine practitioners, led by the staff, took their seats in one corner of the venue.

After they were seated, Jin Guangyi approached Hu Jin.

"Hello, General Manager Hu, we meet again." Jin Guangyi said to Hu Jin with a rather arrogant expression.

Hu Jin didn't like Jin Guangyi, truly.

Seems bullying him like Ding Fan did was the right approach, after all. Press him and he'll bounce back.

"Hello…" Although Hu Jin disliked the other party, basic politeness was still necessary. So, she courteously responded to him.

"I just want to ask if Mr. Ding has arrived." After saying that, Jin Guangyi's eyes swept around, clearly on the lookout for Ding Fan.

Hu Jin replied, "Mr. Ding is tied up with some matters, but he should arrive very soon."

Jin Guangyi was taken aback, obviously not expecting the host Ding Fan to be absent at this time.

"Surely Mr. Ding isn't afraid and dares not come," Jin Guangyi said, purposely raising his tone and curving the corners of his mouth slightly.

Hu Jin disliked the expression on Jin Guangyi's face immensely.

"Dealing with you… there won't be any question of daring or not. Rest assured, Mr. Ding will definitely come on time to take care of you all," Hu Jin said, echoing Ding Fan's style.

Seeing Hu Jin respond in such a manner, Jin Guangyi just smiled. "I suggest you give Mr. Ding a call to inform him. We Korean Medicine practitioners have brought many experts this time – from royal courts, world-renowned hospitals, and university professors. If Mr. Ding is really afraid, we can consider giving him a respectable excuse… like, say, Mr. Ding has diarrhea and can't make it…"

Jin Guangyi's voice was loud, catching the attention of the surrounding reporters, some with recording pens and others with cameras. His words were thoroughly recorded.

In that moment, Hu Jin surreptitiously glanced at the time, realizing the medical competition was drawing nearer.

Internally, Hu Jin fervently prayed.

No matter what Ding Fan was like before, today you must arrive on time…

"General Manager Hu, do you also think Mr. Ding is too scared to come?"

"General Manager Hu, did Mr. Ding schedule the medical competition early to throw off the timing of the Korean Medicine practitioners, thinking they might not come, yet in the end they have shown up..."

"General Manager Hu…" Suddenly, Hu Jin found herself besieged by a barrage of disorganized questions.

"Everyone, quickly look, President Hawkins has arrived…" Once again, someone shouted.

In an instant, everyone's attention shifted to the entrance, where an elderly Caucasian man accompanied by a blond, blue-eyed young man was entering the venue.

It turned out that some recognized Hawkins. Quickly, all the camera flashes began to focus on him.

Seeing Hawkins, Jin Guangyi glanced at Hu Jin with eyes full of triumph. "Looks like today will be quite entertaining!"

After saying that, he went straight up to meet him.

Hawkins obviously knew Jin Guangyi, and the two started to converse. Hu Jin couldn't hear their conversation since they were far apart.

Checking her watch again, Hu Jin noted that less than twenty minutes remained before the start of the medical competition.

"Ding Fan… where are you?!"