Wang Zhuo paid no mind to the disdain and disbelief etched on Old Man Xu’s face, treating it as if he hadn't seen it at all. From the perspective of traditional medical research, hair removal presented a significant medical challenge, involving intricate bodily mechanisms, genetics, and a vast, systematic undertaking that clearly couldn't be solved by one person alone.
If it could be solved by a single person, it wouldn't be a medical conundrum. In fact, Xu Xinli asking if Wang Zhuo had participated in the development already felt like a veiled compliment to him.
In the old man’s view, Wang Zhuo was either a spokesperson for some vested interest, claiming credit for others' research breakthroughs, or he had acquired a research institution to gain intellectual property rights to the findings. “Wang Zhuo,” Director Wang Taiping said with a chuckle, “Director Xu and Elder Xu came specifically to see you today to discuss the medication you provided to Xu Chu.
They are both experts in the pharmaceutical field and have profound insights into this area, so don't hold back.” Wang Zhuo nodded with a smile, thinking that discussing it was fine, as long as it didn't veer into matters of romance; anything else was acceptable. Seeing him nod, Xu Xinhang inquired, “Chu Chu mentioned that this drug, code-named 'Transcendent,' has completed its second clinical trial?
How were the results?” “I can’t say they were perfect, but besides one side effect, we haven't detected any other issues so far,” Wang Zhuo said, spreading his hands. “It has a slight impact on kidney health, but it's within an acceptable range.” “Oh?!” Xu Xinhang’s expression showed deep thought.
“You young people,” Xu Xinli shook his head with evident dissatisfaction. “You’re using it casually before the clinical stage is even finished!
If there are other hidden side effects, won’t it be too late when they show up?” “I personally developed the formula, and I oversaw the entire animal testing process,” Wang Zhuo replied calmly with a slight smile, pushing back gently. “Since I dared to give the substance to Xu Chu, I have that confidence.” “You—you are just being self-willed and acting recklessly!” The old man pointed at him indignantly, shaking his head repeatedly.
Wang Zhuo bore the slight with excellent composure, shrugging. There was no need to argue with an old man whose beard was entirely white, especially since he was Xu Chu’s great-uncle.
For Xu Chu’s sake, who had taken such good care of him, he decided not to clash with the elder. Seeing the old man getting agitated, Wang Taiping tried to smooth things over with a conciliatory smile.
“Elder Xu, Wang Zhuo actually acted out of good intentions. Furthermore, Xu Chu has been longing for this for ages.
I doubt that even if Wang Zhuo hadn't told her, she wouldn’t have asked him for it once she heard the news.” “You call yourself a medical professional, yet you treat something like this as child’s play! You must have principles!” The old man immediately puffed up his beard at Wang Taiping.
But Xu Xinhang seemed more concerned with another matter. Ignoring the conversation between his second brother and Wang Taiping, he approached Wang Zhuo and asked with a smile, “Wang Zhuo, if this new drug is clinically successful, what are your next steps?” Wang Zhuo smiled amiably, adhering to the principle of saying the right thing to the right person.
“I haven’t quite decided yet. Director Xu, do you have any friendly suggestions?” He actually had some preliminary ideas about the operation of this new drug, but they hadn't been systematically researched or vetted and required further consideration.
Xu Xinhang gave a meaningful smile. In truth, conducting clinical trials for a new drug required a formal application, and approval could take six months or even a year to receive.
Upon learning that his granddaughter’s hair removal was successful, Xu Xinhang had been shocked. After clarifying the process, he—who held significant authority in the Medical Administration Bureau—specifically looked up the procedures for "Transcendent." He discovered that this new drug had bypassed the normal route, pushing aside another drug that was pending application, and had received approval in just three days.
Technically, this was irregular operation, even illegal. However, since the "Medical" and "Administration" sectors were one entity, within the health system, it had always been a case of the insider acting as both athlete and referee—an issue where no one would investigate unless someone reported it.
Normally, Xu Xinhang wouldn't go out of his way to manage such matters, especially when it involved a friend of his granddaughter this time. Though he wouldn't intervene, he did want to understand the detailed process.
Director Xu assigned a subordinate to investigate and uncovered a strange fact: the drug that was bumped was also Wang Zhuo's own. Moreover, he had several other applications "in the queue," meaning those pending applications could potentially be superseded by his in the future!
This kind of clever maneuvering certainly caught Xu Xinhang's eye, yet it also felt somewhat reckless. Indeed, domestic procedures in this field were slow; developed countries could complete approvals in a month, while domestic processes took at least half a year.
And if an application failed, it required modifications and then another six months of waiting and queuing. This severely dampened the enthusiasm of researchers and created loopholes for administrators, greatly breeding corruption.
But regulations were established for a reason. If everyone played games with them like Wang Zhuo, the rules would become meaningless—wasn't that just causing trouble?
Given the prior "recklessness" in the approval process, Xu Xinhang felt it necessary to guide Wang Zhuo a little, lest he continue such antics in the subsequent operations. It would be a true shame if this excellent medical achievement's future were compromised because of such issues.
With a faint smile, Xu Xinhang suggested, “What do you think about partnering with cosmetic chain establishments to promote your new drug?” “Oh?” Wang Zhuo’s eyes brightened slightly. Xu Xinhang’s suggestion perfectly aligned with his own thoughts; it seemed this old man was on his side!
“Could you elaborate?” He leaned forward, showing an attitude of earnest attention. “It seems you have the same idea I do?” Xu Xinhang studied him and suddenly asked with a laugh.
Wang Zhuo was quite surprised by his words, secretly admiring his observational skills; the man had perceived even that. “Then allow me to embarrass myself,” Xu Xinhang chuckled.
“In the medical field of hair removal, cosmetic utility actually outweighs therapeutic use. Because dense hair has a negligible effect on health, most people opting for removal, barring those experiencing atavistic hair growth, do so more for beauty.” “Well said,” Wang Zhuo nodded repeatedly.
Wang Taiping chimed in enthusiastically, “That’s exactly right; I’ve learned something new today.” But Xu Xinli snorted, remarking to them, “He’s not focusing on the right things, researching stuff beyond saving lives all day long. That’s why he went into medical administration, unlike me, who has spent a lifetime on research and clinical work.” Xu Xinhang smiled and continued, “But if that's the case, your drug must be classified as an over-the-counter medication.
However, its side effects affecting the kidneys and its relatively complex usage restrict this.” “Complexity is one thing,” Xu Xinli interjected with a snort. “If you use the wrong method and end up removing your beard...
wouldn't that turn you into a eunuch?” An outrageous statement! Wang Zhuo was finally defeated by this old man; this one was clearly someone who spoke without a filter.
He had seemed relatively normal just moments ago, only to reveal his true nature within ten minutes of meeting! Xu Xinhang coughed dryly, somewhat regretting bringing his second brother along.
It was better to hide one’s flaws than to expose them; who knew what else the elder might say later? “So,” Xu Xinhang declared, treating his second brother as if he were invisible, “I suggest this: only control the intellectual property rights for this medication within the medical sector, pricing it as an expensive prescription drug for use only by severely afflicted patients who need it.
In addition, apply for patents for daily maintenance and cosmetic products, avoiding the pharmaceutical sector entirely, and promote it by entering the service industry.” “Brilliant!” Wang Zhuo slammed the table in appreciation. Xu Xinhang’s words struck the very core of his thinking, and they were clearer and more thorough than he had planned.
By circumventing the pharmaceutical field, he would avoid the biggest hurdles—less restriction, more mass appeal, and commercial viability. This dual approach was akin to Dynasty’s tiered marketing structure: maximizing profit while simultaneously escaping the strictures of the medical system to unleash full potential!
“As expected of Director Xu, you really know how to play by the rules,” Wang Taiping said, both flattering and genuinely impressed. Old Man Xu immediately pouted, “What promotion?
Isn’t it just selling medicine for profit?” Xu Xinhang ignored him and chuckled, “These are just some immature ideas of mine; don't let them get out. Consider it me being frank with you.” Not just frank!
Wang Zhuo thought; my relationship with Xu Chu is already deep beyond measure. The only person who knows her that intimately is me!
Changing the subject, Xu Xinhang asked, “Right, I heard that your Dynasty hasn't applied for a patent?” “That’s correct,” Wang Zhuo nodded calmly. “I want to establish it as a century-old brand, maintaining its uniqueness through trade secrets.
If I applied for a patent, it would expire before I die.” Once a patent expires, it means the invention is public domain, and others can copy it freely. The unfortunate inventor of the pull-tab zipper, because nylon hadn't been invented around the same time, never earned a single cent of patent royalties when the pull-tab was widely adopted alongside nylon’s release.
“An ambitious little fellow,” Xu Xinli remarked, pointing at Wang Zhuo with considerable admiration. This time, Xu Xinhang also nodded with a smile, agreeing with his second brother’s assessment.
Wang Zhuo chuckled, suddenly finding Xu Chu and both her grandfathers quite endearing. As he interacted with them more, they all began to feel familiar and close.
Perhaps he should treat her better and cultivate a long-term relationship? Wang Zhuo mused to himself, recalling Xu Chu’s looks and the soul-consuming tenderness she had shown him.
The idea seemed quite promising! Seeing that the two elders hadn't mentioned Xu Chu at all by the time they were leaving, Wang Zhuo felt a little guilty and decided he needed to express some kind of stance.
Half-jokingly, half-seriously, he asked Xu Xinli, “Elder Xu, I’m thinking of asking Xu Chu to be the image ambassador for this cosmetic product. What do you think of that idea?” “How much are you paying?” Xu Xinli shot back with another startling remark.
“Our Chu Chu is very beautiful, at least no less so than Li Jiaxin. If the money isn't enough, don't bother asking.” Wang Zhuo was caught between laughter and tears, thinking, Can the old man just be reasonable?
Li Jiaxin is a huge star; endorsement fees are tied to fame and looks. Xu Chu is indeed beautiful, and much younger than Auntie Jiaxin, but she has no fame!
How can she be compared to her? He offered a dry laugh and remained silent, but inwardly he was making a firm resolution.
The endorsement fee was nothing. Old Man Xu, just wait.
I’ll win Xu Chu over later, make her run this product for me, and she’ll get a share of every penny earned. Then we’ll see what you have to say!
However, considering Xu Chu’s management capabilities, Wang Zhuo felt she lacked the necessary presence and shrewdness; her abilities seemed insufficient. As he saw off the Elder Xu and the other man to their car, he suddenly thought of someone who could form a perfect partnership with Xu Chu—a certain calculating girl who would likely handle such a role with ease!