Blood Queen

The day before National Day, an inconspicuous news item appeared online:

Zhong Pharmaceuticals and Japan's Manyu Pharmaceuticals will establish a joint venture production line in China, manufacturing various internationally acclaimed anti-tumor medications, as well as some anti-aging health drugs and top-grade cosmetic raw materials. Relevant Chinese government departments have begun approval procedures.

Perhaps after the holiday, China's stock market medical, health supplement, and cosmetics sectors would all ride this concept for a rally, while the Japanese stock market had already performed an early uptick.

Everyone believed that China's vast market, enhanced by local production, would bloom with even more impressive economic benefits.

During National Day holidays, production lines didn't completely shut down—at least not for Zhong Pharmaceuticals.

Today, Zhong Hai accompanied representatives from strategic investment partner Tsurumi Financial Group and manufacturer representatives from Manyu Pharmaceuticals on a tour of various production line workshops.

At Zhong Pharmaceuticals' production base in C City S District's Airport Industrial Park, the garden-like factory grounds, bright clean workshops, and highly automated production equipment drew exaggerated expressions of admiration from the Japanese audience.

Unlike the various manufacturer representatives with specific business roles, Tsurumi Haruka, with her special status and position, now seemed more like a decorative vase, surrounded by Chinese and Japanese personnel as she strolled through the bright clean corridors outside the production workshops, occasionally exchanging pleasantries with smiles.

"So, Jing-kun, what obvious impact will the new production line have on the people once it's operational?"

Tsurumi Haruka followed beside Zhong Jing like a delicate bird, curiously looking at the fully automated production workshop through the glass wall, her face showing an innocent smile.

As she spoke, Tsurumi Haruka casually looped one arm through Zhong Jing's, appearing quite intimate. The Japanese manufacturer representatives behind her showed knowing smiles along with their surprise.

"You'd probably need to ask my father or the marketing director to get the correct answer."

Glancing sideways at his arm being "intimately invaded," Zhong Jing smiled stiffly, feeling utterly bored, but with some media present, he could only respond politely.

To cooperate with his father's tour activity, Zhong Jing felt like a manipulated puppet, inexplicably appearing in an intimate relationship with Tsurumi Haruka.

"Hehe, the outpatient pre-order waiting period for some anti-tumor medications will be shortened from the previous three to four weeks to the current two weeks or even one week. This is already significant progress."

Seeing his son and Tsurumi Haruka develop to the point of physical contact after just a few brief encounters, Zhong Hai's face showed satisfaction, though the unease in his eyes became increasingly obvious.

"Mr. Zhong, Manyu Pharmaceuticals is willing to increase cooperation efforts, striving to establish production lines in multiple regions across China."

A Manyu Pharmaceuticals executive, apparently understanding Tsurumi Haruka and Zhong Jing's relationship, immediately changed the initial cooperation plan.

Manyu Pharmaceuticals was one of Japan's and the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, with its controlling shareholder being an investment company under Tsurumi Financial Group. Essentially, Tsurumi Financial Group behind Tsurumi Haruka was the biggest director of this Chinese-Japanese pharmaceutical cooperation.

"Hehe, that's wonderful. At next month's group board meeting, we'll discuss Mr. Akiyama's proposal in detail. But for now, let's focus all efforts on implementing the first phase of cooperation. Everything is difficult at the beginning."

A fleeting expression of helplessness crossed Zhong Hai's face before he smiled, neither agreeing nor opposing.

"Uncle, are you referring to other shareholders of Zhong Pharmaceuticals potentially obstructing further expanded cooperation? Perhaps my grandfather could intervene!"

Tsurumi Haruka suddenly turned to speak, her smiling eyes taking on some unclear undertones.

"Miss Tsurumi is quite perceptive about business matters. I very much look forward to what good ideas Mr. Tsurumi will come up with to promote cooperation between us!"

Zhong Hai maintained composure while speaking diplomatically, then turned to walk outside, indicating the day's tour was concluding.

Somehow, Zhong Jing and Tsurumi Haruka found themselves alone, like two people who had gotten lost together, walking into a small garden within the pharmaceutical base.

Seeing no one around to disturb them, Zhong Jing skillfully freed himself from her grip and turned to smile: "Miss Tsurumi, are you concerned about the scale of cooperation between Manyu Pharmaceuticals and Zhong Group? But this must consider other shareholders' wishes, as it would change the entire group's operational resource allocation."

Tsurumi Haruka quietly stared at the handsome Chinese young man before her, her smile growing increasingly bright: "Isn't this Uncle's and my grandfather's mutual wish? If other shareholders object, I can have grandfather directly increase strategic investment in Uncle's group, changing the shareholding ratio. Also, please just call me Haruka, Jing-kun."

"I don't know whether your grandfather has given you authority to make such statements today, but your remarks are already publicly threatening some people's interests. Miss Tsurumi, business matters aren't that simple and pure, especially in China."

Zhong Jing had anticipated that this seemingly harmless Japanese heiress probably wielded power and resources more influential than her identity and appearance suggested.

"So, grandfather hopes I can become Jing-kun's future wife, making this sacred cooperation more beautiful, more intimate, more warm. In that case, half of Manyu Pharmaceuticals would be my dowry!"

As if mentally prepared, Tsurumi Haruka lifted her skirt and bowed slightly to Zhong Jing, a blush appearing on her neck.

Hiss... Why do I feel this Japanese woman is even better at acting than me?

Zhong Jing gasped inwardly, sensing this Japanese girl had a discordant feeling between her apparent age and psychological age, nothing like a student under twenty.

Though grumbling internally, Zhong Jing outwardly appeared flattered for a few seconds, then continued with his neither-active-nor-rejecting attitude, letting her link arms with him again.

This cross-national golden couple strolled leisurely through Zhong Pharmaceuticals Group's production base as if no one else existed, making occasional passing group employees envious.

…

…

Golden River Club had also ceased operations for National Day, but some Hyacinth members remained at the club resting and on standby as usual.

After nightfall, in the empty golden hall, the huge screen played news from China's CCTV international channel.

India continued its usual absurdities—trains derailing, bridges collapsing; Africa maintained its warlord chaos, famine everywhere, war-torn; Europe persisted with its leftist extremism, sanctimonious everywhere; North America continued daily gun battles, freedom like immortals.

Now Jiang Yao could read hidden stories behind seemingly ordinary news. Just like domestically, occasional natural and human disasters constantly revealed certain shadows beneath the grand narrative of peaceful prosperity.

"India's secret forces definitely stumbled again this time, hehe, the just-repaired dam collapsed... I wonder how tricky the Black Blood Clan’s scheme was this time."

On the big screen, groups of Indians appeared mentally excited, shouting loudly, along with that incomprehensible accident scene. Zhao Peng rarely sneered.

"Xiao Yao, did you know the place where the most Blood Clan are born daily is India?"

Zhao Peng smiled and pointed at the screen, turning to explain to a surprised-looking Jiang Yao: "Similarly, India is also the world's largest source of underground blood smuggling. At least half the rare blood your sister received a few days ago came from India."

Jiang Yao was stunned, immediately showing a disgusted expression: "Ugh, I feel so sick... Is blood from India clean?"

"That's all they have left for reputation now. Whose blood isn't blood?" Zhao Peng dismissively shook his head. "What's truly disgusting is Ganges Blood Clan... We'll see if there's a chance to encounter them later."

"You mean those Blood Clan who raise worms in their bodies? My god, I can't stand thinking about it!"

Jiang Yao's whole body bristled with goosebumps. In all her years, she wasn't afraid of anything except earthworms and soft-bodied insects. Hearing Zhao Peng mention Ganges Blood Clan immediately made her uncomfortable all over, goosebumps rising in layers.

"Along the southwest border, there are small numbers from that region, all Wandering Blood Clan who can't cause major trouble, but they're quite skilled at smuggling... The Ganges Blood Clan ancestral lineage has been unconventional from the beginning. Even their Orthodox Blood Clan families are peculiar."

Apparently getting interested, Zhao Peng actually began explaining Ganges Blood Clan knowledge in depth, completely ignoring several Hyacinth girls around whose faces were gradually turning ugly.

"I remember I need to change Sister Xiao Yan's clothes!"

"I also need to check the blood transfusion equipment."

"I... I'll go check the kitchen?"

Several girls found excuses to leave. After her initial disgust passed, Jiang Yao showed curiosity. After all, Zhao Peng was knowledgeable, and learning more about Blood Clan was beneficial… At least more practical than various classified information in Shadow Arrow.

The door was pushed open as Zhong Jing entered looking exhausted, causing everyone in the hall to stop talking.

"No holiday plans? Sister Wan isn't here either. What are you doing here?" Zhao Peng approached, gesturing to Jiang Yao: "Xiao Yao, prepare some drinks at the bar."

Looking at Jiang Yao in her scholarly literary-style dress, Zhong Jing rarely made any aesthetic comments, just nodding with a bland expression.

Two glasses of whiskey on the table, Jiang Yao also sat not far from the bar, turning to watch Zhong Jing. She noticed his mood was obviously poor today. Apart from the first glance, he hadn't made any remarks.

"All of Master's numbers are unreachable... Brother Zhao, can you help me investigate some things? I know you have some intelligence resources."

Zhong Jing downed half his whiskey in one gulp, frowning slightly, resisting the burning sensation of alcohol entering his stomach.

Zhao Peng remained noncommittal, though he found Zhong Jing's behavior today strange. After brief consideration, he smiled and sipped his drink: "Tell me, who's the target?"

"First, the backgrounds of my father's company's top twenty shareholders. Second, Japan's Tsurumi Financial Group. Third, Japan's Manyu Pharmaceuticals."

Zhong Jing finished his drink in another gulp, breathing alcohol fumes as he glared viciously at the empty glass shimmering under golden light: "Brother Zhao, I have a premonition that my family will either be the first in this world to reach heaven or the first to go to hell...

"Before the holiday, I asked Master about this once. She was indifferent, ignoring it, always telling me to wait and see."

Zhao Peng looked puzzled at the usually optimistically carefree young man, wondering what trouble he was currently facing.

After hearing the three investigation requests, Zhao Peng hesitated internally while maintaining a bland smile: "None are small fish. But since Sister Wan doesn't plan to let you know, it means from the big picture, there's nothing bad happening. She doesn't want you distracted."

"Could there actually be benefits?"

Zhong Jing couldn't help sighing, his expression becoming more uncomfortable: "She said long ago my father is a broker, but she won't say how deep. Tsurumi Financial Group is also one of the company's major shareholders. I know something about their situation, but didn't expect them to be so direct this time."

Zhao Peng thought for a moment, then nodded gently: "Someone like your father is actually extremely precious. No one would easily make a move. You should know a broker's secret to standing firm is betting on both sides, even three sides, and all must carry significant weight."

As he spoke, Zhao Peng pointed upward, then at the floor, finally toward the main entrance.

Brother Zhao is hinting that Dad's enterprise is actually influenced or even supported by three parties. Upward means the state? Downward means domestic Blood Clan forces? Toward the main entrance means overseas Blood Clan forces?

Zhong Jing suddenly stood, nearly knocking over his bar stool. Seeing Jiang Yao curiously watching from nearby, he quickly sat back down, his expression even darker: "Domestically it's the Wang Family. Behind Tsurumi Financial Group... it really is the Japanese Blood Clan, that Fujiwara Family?"

"What you mentioned, I'll keep an eye on, but ultimately Sister Wan needs to approve before I can tell you the results. Don't worry, the more your father's situation resembles this, the more closely the state watches, even those domestic old turtles will be more concerned than you..."

Zhao Peng patted his back and pushed over another drink: "As for your safety, that's even less of an issue. As long as Zhong Group exists, you're probably one of the safest people in the world, second only to your father. This is why Sister Wan never arranges protection around you."

Zhong Jing's expression gradually eased, though his brow didn't relax: "No, I don't think it's that simple... Brother Zhao, the person from Tsurumi Financial Group at my house is Tsurumi heiress Tsurumi Haruka. I always feel something's off about her and the people around her."

"Didn't Master say earlier that European Engel Family now has important figures in China? Since Tsurumi Financial Group also has such people behind it, I suspect they're not necessarily targeting my family. They might be connected to the Tang Family..."

"Don't spread such words around. Sister Wan should have her measure!"

How could Zhao Peng not understand this? His expression immediately became serious.