What Zhang Yang and Su Zhantao didn't know was that the major players had their eyes on them. Even if they had known, it wouldn't have mattered; they only had so much capital, and it wouldn't significantly impact the major players. It was inconsequential if the magnates knew they were making money. If the major players truly didn't want them to profit from this venture, they would have to change their plans on the fly and once again suppress the price of Sanqi. That possibility was almost nil. They weren't enemies of the major players, and furthermore, to depress Zhang Yang and Su Zhantao’s long position worth over ten million, the magnates would have to incur greater costs, perhaps even losing a significant amount themselves. Only a fool would engage in such self-damaging behavior. Now, even Su Zhantao’s mind was at ease.

For the next three consecutive days, Sanqi hit its upper trading limit. Su Zhantao had given up on buying small, scattered lots. Three straight days of limit-up meant many people were jumping in, and it was impossible to secure inventory now. If they could acquire any, the price would be exorbitant, or the volume minuscule. Since they already held that long position valued at over ten million, Su Zhantao wouldn't bother with such futile efforts just to chase small gains.

The consecutive limit-ups drove the prices to new highs. The spot market price for premium Sanqi graded at ten tou (catty per 1000 pieces) once again broke the hundred-mark barrier, and the prices for twenty-tou and thirty-tou Sanqi also chased their previous peak levels. In just over a week, the volatility in Sanqi created a situation where "some rejoice while others mourn." This was especially true for those who had bought in at peak prices and sold during the dips; they were now regretting it so intensely they wanted to bash their heads against walls, likely shedding many secret tears.

“Zhang Yang, someone contacted me again today, wanting to buy my position. Dream on!” Su Zhantao burst into Zhang Yang’s room, exhilarated. The continuous limit-ups had allowed some shrewd individuals to sense something brewing. There were plenty of smart people in this world. After careful analysis, many quickly understood what had happened previously. The small-time operators everyone had imagined simply did not exist; that had been normal fluctuation. If anything was amiss, it was that behind the scenes, a pusher had given a slight nudge. Now, the real major players had entered the market, and their ambition was immense: to send Sanqi soaring upwards. Unfortunately, by the time they realized this, it was too late. They couldn't get in. For the past three days, the market hit its ceiling within minutes of opening. Today, it opened directly at the limit, gapping high and soaring, thoroughly lifting the price of Sanqi.

These intelligent individuals, unable to enter via the trading center, began searching for alternative avenues. Soon, someone discovered that Su Zhantao had purchased a long position worth over ten million when prices were low, and these people started targeting Su Zhantao’s position, offering to buy it at inflated prices. Their offers were higher than the day’s official trading price. However, Su Zhantao wasn't foolish. The operation by the major players was obvious now; selling off his holdings at this juncture would make him an idiot. Su Zhantao rejected all such requests. To prevent any incidents, he even temporarily hired four bodyguards. In the futures market, there were many who coveted what others possessed. Although the market was relatively legitimate, one must remain cautious. Hiring a few bodyguards wasn't costly and bought him peace of mind.

“Ring ring!” Zhang Yang’s phone suddenly rang. It was a monotonous but quite loud ringtone—Zhang Yang had grown accustomed to the large man’s phone over these days. Picking it up, Zhang Yang saw it was an unknown number. He hadn't stopped making calls recently; he spoke with Mi Xue almost daily, and also with Gu Cheng. Zhang Yang had requested a long leave, requiring Gu Cheng to periodically visit the hospital to obtain certifications to extend it. The hospital certifications were straightforward; the director at the Third Hospital would approve any certificate Zhang Yang requested with just a word. This situation, however, left Zhu Zhixiang somewhat helpless; it was the first time their hospital had willingly assisted a student in such clear-cut deception.

“Mr. Zhang, hello. I am Qin Yong!” As soon as the call connected, a slightly hesitant Mandarin came from the other end. “Qin Yong?” Zhang Yang murmured in response, racking his brain. Instantly, an image surfaced in his mind. When he had first arrived here, at the entrance of the hotel, Zhang Yang had saved an elderly man and received a thank-you payment of two hundred thousand. Zhang Yang remembered the man in his thirties introducing himself then as Qin Yong. Once the memory clicked, Zhang Yang smiled immediately: “Mr. Qin, hello. How is the old gentleman’s health now? Has the toxin been completely cleared?” “My grandfather has fully recovered. I’m calling you today precisely to see if you are available; my grandfather wishes to thank you personally for saving his life!” Qin Yong laughed heartily on the phone, his voice loud enough for Su Zhantao to overhear some of it. Qin Yong didn't mention the toxin, so Zhang Yang didn't bring it up either. After a moment of hesitation, he finally said, “Mr. Qin, you are too kind. Nothing is inconvenient for me!” The elder was his patient, after all. Zhang Yang always saw matters through to the end, and he wanted to see how well the old man had recovered. Qin Yong replied, “How about this: I’ll send someone to pick you up this afternoon. Are you still staying at the original place?” “Yes, still here. Pick me up at 4:30 this afternoon!” Zhang Yang nodded. It was very hot now, and he didn't want to go out too early in the afternoon. A visit around 4:30 wouldn’t take long, leaving him time to return for dinner. One thing that struck Zhang Yang as odd, though, was that when the old man collapsed at the hotel entrance, he should have either been staying at the hotel or left. Hearing Qin Yong now, it sounded as if they hadn't stayed at the hotel, nor had they departed. After a moment's thought, Zhang Yang pushed the issue aside. Where others stayed was their business. Thinking about it was purely worrying for nothing and a waste of time. He might as well spend that time cultivating more, restoring his inner strength to its peak sooner, which would also aid him in treating illnesses in the future.

“Zhang Yang, this family is not simple. I’ll go with you!” As Zhang Yang hung up, Su Zhantao spoke up. Anyone who could casually offer two hundred thousand as thanks must be extraordinary. “Fine, we’ll go together this afternoon!” Zhang Yang didn't pay much mind; it had nothing to do with him. He was just a doctor, responsible only for healing and saving lives; everything else was irrelevant to him.

At 4:30 PM, Zhang Yang appeared punctually in the hotel lobby. The bodyguard who had delivered the needles and the check to him days ago was already waiting for them. Zhang Yang and Su Zhantao had their own car—a Santana, but still a car—so they declined the ride from Qin Yong’s escort. For this outing, Su Zhantao had also specifically brought two bodyguards. Their current wardrobe might be humble, but they too had bodyguards, putting them on par with the others. Moreover, once this Sanqi battle concluded, they would become truly wealthy.

Qin Yong’s bodyguard led the way, driving toward the suburbs, finally stopping in front of a villa with a courtyard. Jiaoyi had the largest Chinese medicinal material market in the country. With this foundation, many wealthy people had surfaced here. Those with money found it feasible to build a villa. This area was Jiaoyi’s wealthy enclave; without assets worth tens of millions, one couldn't afford to live here. The villa wasn't massive; it was considerably smaller than Su Shaohua’s. The courtyard was also simple, with only some basic flowers and plants. After the car drove in, it stopped directly by the roadside. Ahead of the car, several people were already standing ready. As Zhang Yang stepped out, the man he had met at the hotel entrance hurried over and shook Zhang Yang’s hand warmly.

“Dr. Zhang, thank you so much this time. Only when we arrived at the hospital did we realize how perilous the situation was!” Qin Yong led Zhang Yang inside while speaking, sounding exceptionally enthusiastic. Zhang Yang chuckled softly, “No need for formality. I am a doctor; that was simply what I ought to do. Besides, you paid a fee, so you shouldn't keep it too heavily in mind!” Qin Yong paused slightly. It was rare these days to find someone as direct and candid about having accepted a fee as Zhang Yang. Qin Yong was momentarily speechless. However, his reaction was quick. He immediately smiled again, “Mr. Zhang is truly unique, very forthright. Please come in; my grandfather is waiting inside for you!” With that, Qin Yong led Zhang Yang directly into the villa’s living room. The elderly man who had been lying on the ground that day was indeed seated inside, and his complexion was much better than before; he looked quite imposing. However, sitting next to the elder was another person, appearing to be in his thirties, dressed in a full Zhongshan suit, smilingly conversing with the old man. Seeing this scene, Zhang Yang’s brow involuntarily furrowed.

“Mr. Zhang, Mr. Ji only just arrived. We apologize, as we didn’t know Mr. Ji would be coming beforehand,” Qin Yong, noticing Zhang Yang’s expression, quickly leaned in and whispered an explanation into Zhang Yang’s ear. After a moment's thought, Qin Yong continued, “Mr. Ji is a renowned physician. My grandfather and I came here specifically to seek Mr. Ji’s consultation. Today wasn't a scheduled appointment, but since Mr. Ji arrived, we couldn’t just ask him to leave!” Zhang Yang’s brow remained furrowed. Fearing Zhang Yang might misunderstand, Qin Yong revealed everything. Hearing this, Zhang Yang finally nodded slightly. No wonder there was another person present despite inviting him. It turned out to be a colleague, and someone who could command another person to travel specifically to seek medical advice must have some renown. Zhang Yang thought back carefully, trying to recall any famous doctors in Jiaoyi from his past life. The thought brought one to mind.

Ji Hongguang was famous throughout Southern Anhui Province, rumored to be a descendant of Bian Que. However, this man had a terrible temper and used to spout nonsense at various symposiums, making him widely disliked. He was aware of his lack of congeniality with others and retreated to his home, avoiding interaction with his peers. Zhang Yang had heard of him, but only heard. Zhang Yang worked in a hospital with a formal status, whereas Ji Hongguang only treated those who sought him out at his home—in essence, a quack doctor. They were not the same type, and in his previous life, Zhang Yang had never interacted with him.

“Mr. Zhang, I apologize for not coming out to greet you properly earlier. Please forgive me.” The old man stood up at this moment and walked directly to Zhang Yang, offering his apologies. The elder’s attitude was very sincere; he even bowed slightly toward Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang subtly shifted to the side. He could accept Qin Yong's courtesy, and as for an elder this age, respect for the old and love for the young still needed to be observed… Sixty chapter recommendation votes bonus update. Thanks to... Li Guoxing, Wangri Qinghuai, and Ye Luosanren for their tips, special thanks to Wu'aitang for two separate 10,000-coin recommendation vote rewards. Wu'aitang is also an old friend of Xiao Yu's, the leader from the previous book. Xiao Yu thanks you again... RQ