C14 He Went to the Hospital to Discuss a Collaboration

As soon as Lin Xin mentioned the "rule," Wei Ying's expression shifted subtly. She instantly grasped that he was talking about a kickback.

"Well... that's not entirely off the table," Wei Ying said cautiously. "How much were you thinking?"

Lin Xin chuckled, "It's quite straightforward. Beyond the cost, a 70-30 split will do."

Wei Ying was taken aback, wondering if she had misheard. Kickbacks were usually just a few percentage points, but Lin Xin was aiming to take a whopping 30% of the profits?

"Thirty percent might be a bit..." Wei Ying's smile seized up.

The meaningful expression on Lin Xin's face made it clear to her: in this 70-30 split, he expected the lion's share, leaving her with the smaller portion.

Biting back her irritation, Wei Ying protested, "Vice Director Lin, this... this might not be feasible. Our company has operational costs too!"

"Thirty percent is my final offer," Lin Xin retorted coldly. "Take it or leave it."

Despite her anger, Wei Ying couldn't afford to lose the hospital contract. She mustered a strained smile and asked, "Vice Director Lin, is there any chance we could revisit this discussion?"

"There's no room for negotiation. Accept my terms, or we don't do business. The choice is yours," Lin Xin said dismissively, clearly impatient.

With that, Wei Ying left the office, her spirit crushed.

During lunch, Zhao Feng called to check in on Wei Ying's progress with the deal.

Hearing the despondency in her voice, Zhao Feng immediately sensed the day's efforts had been fruitless.

As Wei Ying recounted the day's events, Zhao Feng tried to offer some reassurance. "Don't worry too much. Let's give it another shot this afternoon. Our hospital has considerable resources, and securing this deal could be worth several smaller ones," he encouraged.

Wei Ying sighed, "I'll do my best. But with Lin being so cutthroat, I doubt another attempt will change anything."

After hanging up, Zhao Feng dialed Elder Ding. He was determined to uncover the extent of Lin Xin's influence, especially since he was obstructing his wife's financial opportunities.

That afternoon, Wei Ying found herself once again in the hospital's purchasing department.

Lin Xin's face was etched with impatience:

"So, have you decided? If you're ready, we'll sign the contract. If not, let's just drop it."

Wei Ying felt her resolve waver at the sight of Lin Xin's expression. She was on the verge of leaving when suddenly, a flurry of hurried footsteps approached.

"Which one of you is President Wei?" A man in his fifties burst in, mopping the sweat from his brow.

Upon seeing the middle-aged man, Lin Xin shot to his feet.

"Uncle, what brings you here?"

The man barely glanced at Lin Xin, his eyes eagerly seeking out Wei Ying. "You're President Wei, aren't you?"

"Yes, I'm Wei Ying. And you are?" she inquired, puzzled.

Lin Xin tilted his head back, a smug look on his face. "This is my uncle, Vice President Lin!"

"Be quiet!" Vice President Lin shot Lin Xin a fierce glare, silencing him instantly.

Vice President Lin was itching to give him a couple of slaps. Was he blind? The woman before him had just secured the exclusive agency rights for EDonghai Pharmaceutical Industry. He had just received a direct call from President Ding of EDonghai, who had made a point of emphasizing this very deal!

The more Vice President Lin looked at Lin Xin, the more infuriated he became. He lashed out with a kick that nearly sent Lin Xin sprawling. "How dare you show such disrespect to President Wei. Apologize immediately and then get out of my sight!"

Lin Xin's face drained of color as he bobbed his head, apologizing over and over.

"President Wei, I'm so sorry! Truly, I am!" He beat a hasty retreat, thinking to himself about the magnitude of his blunder. He must be cursed to have such misfortune...

"President Wei, did you bring the contract? Let me walk you through the process. I assure you, it will be approved in no more than three days," Vice President Lin said, beaming, eager not to offend.

And just like that, Wei Ying secured a major deal in a haze of confusion, not even sure how she managed to leave the hospital.

"Zhao Feng, I've landed the order!"

"That's great news! But why do you sound less than thrilled?" Zhao Feng asked, his voice laced with concern.

"This time, Vice President Lin showed up out of the blue and signed the contract on the spot. It's just... something feels off. Who do you think is behind this, helping me?" Wei Ying probed, her intuition telling her that Zhao Feng might be involved.

"Could be President Ding, you know. Consider this—he's made you his exclusive agent. If you can't move the product, wouldn't it be his loss in the end?" Zhao Feng quickly steered the conversation elsewhere.

Yet, the more he deflected, the deeper Wei Ying's suspicions grew. Could it really have something to do with Zhao Feng, despite his apparent lack of means? Wei Ying shook her head, pushing the thought to the back of her mind.