Chapter 30

The atmosphere at the party meeting was extremely tense. You Gou remained silent, and Qi Huishen did not speak either. After the other comrades learned of the news, they also felt very uncomfortable. A lecture that was supposed to go well almost ended in a fatality.

Chen Ke was questioning He Zudao, who had just returned from the hospital.

"How is the situation at the hospital?"

"Those who were scratched have been treated with purple medicine and given a small injection," He Zudao replied.

Chen Ke nodded slightly. Syphilis was not a disease that had a vaccine, at least not one that Chen Ke had heard of. 914 was an arsenic-based drug and could not be applied to wounds. They could only give each person a low-dose injection.

People kept coming to request injections. The failed drugs from before were still available, and there were rabbits. Chen Ke personally gathered those who wanted injections and, in front of everyone, injected a small dose of the drug into a rabbit, which immediately died. Seeing this, those who were looking for thrills scattered like birds and beasts. Even those who really needed injections were now on edge.

"Have you found out who instigated this?" Chen Ke asked next.

"We have. Brother Wu has already sent people to arrest that person."

When this incident occurred, Chen Ke immediately sent people to invite Wu Xingchen. Wu Xingchen was straightforward and brought his brothers to the hospital. The two women, to save their own lives, would definitely reveal who had instigated them. Wu Xingchen then asked with a smile, "What do you plan to do with the person after we catch them?"

"Brother Wu, do you have any good suggestions?"

"Such a person should be tied up and thrown into the Huangpu River."

"Then what? We'll be the ones to bear the blame?"

"If you report it to the authorities, you'll have to pay a fine. In any case, this guy can't be allowed to live. If you spare him today, more people will come tomorrow."

Chen Ke understood Wu Xingchen's point, and Wu Xingchen was right. This era was brutal; if you didn't severely punish your enemies, it meant that the cost of opposing you was too low. Everyone would try to mess with you and extort you. However, Chen Ke had not yet made up his mind. He decided to first catch the person and then have the party meeting vote on their fate.

"What about that crazy woman?"

"Doctor Wang said her injuries are not serious."

Hearing that no one had died in public, Chen Ke breathed a sigh of relief. For some reason, he suddenly thought of something. In 2008, 103 years after 1905, during the Beijing Olympics, a foolish foreigner had unfurled a banner about Tibet and sat down. When the English-speaking youth saw him, they immediately pounced and beat him up. But after the "police uncles" pulled him out of the crowd, he was only bruised and had no internal injuries. According to the "police uncles," "If it were us, he would have been beaten up on the outside, but we would have made sure he drank a lot."

"But those who were scratched blocked the door, demanding that the woman be punished," He Zudao said hesitantly.

"It's all my fault. If I hadn't said she was beyond saving, it would have been fine. If I had said she could be treated, none of this would have happened," You Gou suddenly said.

"We in chemistry are just too honest," Chen Ke consoled him. "Even I might not have been able to say it smoothly."

"It's all my fault," You Gou said, clenching his small fists tightly, as if he hadn't heard Chen Ke.

Chen Ke shook his head helplessly, "Xing Tai, is the news article ready?"

Chen Tianhua handed a manuscript to Chen Ke. Chen Ke had provided the basic idea, and Chen Tianhua had written it with heartfelt words.

The purpose of the large lecture, the effect of the lecture, the hardships Chen Ke and his team had endured in developing new drugs, and their intention to publicly disclose the formula to benefit the world. In the end, someone maliciously instigated a diseased prostitute to cause trouble. The prostitute went mad and attacked others, and was then beaten by the crowd. Out of a doctor's sense of duty, Qi Huishen organized the crowd to provide free treatment and even saved the prostitute's life.

In the final part of the news article, the Huangpu Society formally announced that this was the entire truth of the matter. If anyone continued to spread rumors and smear the Huangpu Society, they would be reported to the authorities.

"Very good. Thank you for your hard work."

Putting down the manuscript, Chen Ke clapped his hands, "Comrades, let's have a meeting."

"This time, everyone did a great job. You Gou did not forget the organization's decision and made the public announcement at the best time. Moreover, Comrade You Gou, despite the risk of infection, persisted in his work. Here, we express our respect for Comrade You Gou."

After saying this, Chen Ke led the applause. The comrades, having heard about You Gou's ordeal, also clapped, and the sincerity in their applause was genuine.

"Comrade Huishen also did a good job. At least he had the compassion to help. That car looks nice; we need to buy a dedicated vehicle."

Hearing Chen Ke's words, some people couldn't help but laugh.

"The only shortcoming was that you should have called the injured people around and taken them to our hospital. That's the only flaw. But I understand you. Our medicine doesn't treat the third stage of the disease. You often go with me to treat people, and sometimes I feel guilty too. Compassion is a natural human emotion. This feeling is normal."

Seeing the comrades nodding, Chen Ke said, "I've finished speaking. Who's next?"

No one wanted to speak. Chen Ke's words represented the general attitude, and this was an unexpected incident. Just thinking about the scene, many people felt uneasy. If they had to say what You Gou and Qi Huishen did wrong, it wouldn't make sense.

"I'll say a few words," He Zudao said timidly. Seeing that no one objected, He Zudao mustered his courage, "At the time, those people were hitting others with benches, which was terrifying. Sister You Gou then asked Huishen to save those women. You Gou is a good person. Don't blame her."

"Who's blaming You Gou?" Hua Xiongmeng said, "Even if it were me, I would have been at a loss."

"You're just talking nonsense. Where was You Gou at a loss? She just didn't want to see those women get beaten to death," Chen Ke laughed and scolded.

"That's true. You Gou really has a compassionate heart," Hua Xiongmeng sighed.

"Our public lecture ended with a fatality. What does that mean? We are a school, not a gang. If it ends up with blood and gore, what will our reputation be? You Gou is more thoughtful than you think."

Hearing this, Hua Xiongmeng fell silent.

"If no one else wants to speak, I want to say something. Brother Wu has gone to catch that person. If he catches him, how should we handle him? What do you think?"

"First, we should find out who instigated him. See what background he has," Hua Xiongmeng said. This was definitely the way things were done. Chen Ke thought it made sense.

"Brother Wu doesn't know when he'll be back. Let's send You Gou back first. Everyone can go home. When the person is caught, we'll put him aside and discuss it tomorrow."

Seeing that You Gou didn't want to get up, Chen Ke knew that her heart was still troubled.

"Huishen, what was the fundamental purpose of this lecture?"

Qi Huishen, hearing Chen Ke call on him, thought for a moment before answering, "To spread cultural knowledge."

"That's not it. Keep going."

Qi Huishen thought again and said, "To promote our school and enhance its reputation."

"Huishen is right. You Gou, what is your job?"

You Gou remained silent. After a while, Chen Ke continued, "What is your job? Answer me."

"Teaching."

"That's right. So why are you so dejected?"

You Gou didn't speak again.

"Teaching didn't result in a fatality. The things that needed to be promoted were promoted. The party assigned you a task, and you did it well. Moreover, You Gou, that woman was just asking for it. I understand your sympathy, but what about those who were scratched? As a party member, you must be responsible for the party's cause and follow the party's command. Therefore, Comrade You Gou, I, as the chairman of this party meeting, require you to go home and rest. Report to me here at 8 a.m. tomorrow. You will be assigned new work."

With a stern attitude, Chen Ke sent You Gou away. Zhou Yuanxiao also left. Qi Huishen, however, refused to leave, and the others were all staying at the workshop. Everyone felt that today's incident was too bizarre and speculated about who was behind it.

"What's the point of guessing? Wait for Brother Wu to bring the person back, and everything will be clear," Chen Ke said.

"Chen Ke, you really have a cool head," Hua Xiongmeng praised.

"I can't do anything by being anxious. By the way, Zheng Lan, take Zudao and Wu An to the hospital. Make sure nothing happens there."

After the three left, Chen Ke told the others to go to sleep. If Wu Xingchen returned, Chen Ke would wake them up.

In the middle of the night, Wu Xingchen and two other brothers dragged back a sack.

"It was hard to catch him," Wu Xingchen said, kicking the bag.

Qi Huishen, who hadn't slept, came out when he heard the commotion. They pulled the person out of the bag, and Qi Huishen shone a flashlight on his face, carefully identifying him. Qi Huishen couldn't help but frown and ask, "Chen Ke, this person..."

"That's right. We met him at the hospital last time. I think you even hit him."

This guy was the translator who had been beaten by Qi Huishen at the hospital. He looked terrified, tied up with a cloth, his face twisted. If not for this, Qi Huishen and Chen Ke would have recognized him earlier.

"Huishen, do you want to hit him?" Chen Ke laughed, pointing at the guy on the ground. Qi Huishen kicked the guy's shoulder. He only kicked once and didn't continue.

Everyone returned to the room, and Wu Xingchen asked, "I've brought the person. What do you plan to do?"

"I don't want to kill him," Chen Ke said straightforwardly.

Qi Huishen, though angry, nodded. "I saw people being beaten so badly today that I don't want to kill anyone either."

Wu Xingchen sat down comfortably, "What do you think?"

"Brother Wu, this person didn't cause any major trouble. The prostitute went mad on her own. Killing someone over this is something we can't do. I said today that we will discuss this at the party meeting tomorrow. Brother Wu, you should come too."

"Chen Ke, are you still thinking about what happened a few days ago?" Wu Xingchen laughed.

"Of course. What do you mean, Brother Wu?"

"I can listen, but I won't risk my life for it."

"That's fine."

The next day, You Gou came very early, her eyes red, whether from crying or lack of sleep, it was unclear. Zhou Yuanxiao also arrived early.

When they heard that the person in the corner of the yard was the culprit, You Gou, without a word, picked up a broom and hit him. The guy, tied up all night, didn't make much noise. You Gou wanted to hit him again, but seeing him lying on the ground like a dead fish, she couldn't bring herself to do it. In the end, she dropped the broom and ran back inside.

After a while, Hua Xiongmeng, He Zudao, Qin Wu'an, and Wu Xingchen all arrived. Seeing everyone gathered, Chen Ke called out, "Let's have a meeting."

"Chen Ke, aren't you angry?" You Gou, who had been holding back, asked.

Chen Ke found You Gou's question endearing. He himself had once felt the same compassion, so he wouldn't think You Gou was naive. But children must grow up. Chen Ke believed he had grown a lot. "I've said before, if this didn't happen, it would be like a white rabbit jumping out of a coal pile. If we establish a new China, with no prostitutes, enough hospitals, plenty of medicine, and everyone well-fed, would there be so many problems? Of course, such things will still happen, but they won't be as extreme."

"Revolution! Revolution! We must build such a country," You Gou shouted angrily.

The others agreed with You Gou's thoughts and didn't interrupt. Wu Xingchen just smiled but didn't speak.

"Here's what I said yesterday. How should we handle this person? I have three suggestions. First, kill him. Second, beat him up and let him go. Third, report him to the authorities to clear our name. What do you think?"

"How did this guy think of causing trouble for us?" Hua Xiongmeng asked.

Qi Huishen sighed and recounted the conflict with the foreign translator.

"Is that so? Then let's report him," Hua Xiongmeng said, thinking the matter was not serious.

"Can we beat him up before reporting him?" You Gou was still angry.

"Let's vote on it."

"Let's skip that. It's a waste of time," You Gou said disdainfully.

"I have one thing to say. The brothers who helped should get a reward," Wu Xingchen said.

"We only pay a monthly salary of ten taels of silver, with food and lodging provided. Anything else, Brother Wu, you can handle," Chen Ke said.

"Alright."

After the discussion, the comrades were either listless or in a state of emotional agitation. If it were before, Chen Ke would have discussed the matter in detail, but today he was unusually firm and assigned tasks in the name of the "party organization." Everyone, in a state of resignation, accepted their tasks and left. Chen Ke waved to Qi Huishen, who understood that he couldn't argue and left with Hua Xiongmeng to take the bound man away.

After sending the man to the authorities, Chen Ke announced the news in major newspapers. He then announced that the medicine would be publicly disclosed at the hospital on August 8th. The next day, Chen Ke wrote a special issue on the pathology, causes, and transmission routes of syphilis, including the molecular formula of 606. Because he was writing, Chen Ke didn't go. He Zudao told him about the grand event.

When Qi Huishen delivered over a thousand copies of the "Huangpu