Chapter 87

"Alright, then let's do it as you suggested, sister. I'm just worried that when the authoritative evaluation agency assesses it, my patent might not be worth much. Isn't the patent protection period for foreign pharmaceutical products about to expire? When that happens, domestic pharmaceutical companies can bypass the patent barriers and produce generic drugs. My patent won't be as valuable then," Qin Chuan said.

"I understand your concerns, but as long as your patent is ahead of the current similar drugs, even if the situation you mentioned occurs, your patent won't lose its value. Being half a step ahead is still being ahead. Moreover, since you think your drug is better than similar products, given your overly cautious personality, you're probably being too conservative. I'm just worried that when the patent valuation comes out, my investment won't get much equity," Gao Zhanting smiled.

"Why do you insist on having an evaluation then?" Qin Chuan asked.

"Our sister-brother relationship shouldn't be affected by any factors. I don't know if you consider me as a real sister, but I consider you as a real brother. That's why I brought Lingling here today to be a witness. If your patent turns out to be very valuable in the future, and I benefit too much from it, Lingling shouldn't have any other thoughts," Gao Zhanting said.

"What are you talking about, Sister Zhanting? If anyone is taking advantage, it's me taking advantage of you. How could you possibly take advantage of me?" The meaning of Chinese words can be very deep, and this sentence, if interpreted deeply, sounded a bit suggestive. Qin Chuan and Jiang Lingling didn't notice it, but someone with life experience like Gao Zhanting naturally understood it differently.

"Brat, how can you talk like that? You're actually teasing me?" Gao Zhanting gave Qin Chuan a dirty look.

Qin Chuan hadn't meant it that way, but after thinking about it, he couldn't help but laugh. "Sister, look at how dark your mind is. A good word from me turns into teasing in your ears. You really wronged me this time."

Jiang Lingling finally understood and couldn't stop laughing, covering her mouth to avoid spitting out what was in her mouth.

Gao Zhanting realized she had misunderstood Qin Chuan's meaning, but as a woman, she couldn't admit her mistake in front of a man, even if he was her nominal brother. "I'm warning you, you can only be smooth-talking in front of Lingling. Don't be too excessive with other women, including me."

Jiang Lingling felt a bit shy but was very sweet inside, looking at Gao Zhanting with gratitude. She knew that to truly capture the man in front of her, Gao Zhanting would be a great help.

Gao Zhanting watched Qin Chuan and Jiang Lingling, a talented pair in their prime, and couldn't help but sigh. If time could be reversed a few years, and she had met a boy like Qin Chuan, she would be as happy as Jiang Lingling. Meeting the wrong person and entrusting herself to the wrong person would be a regret Gao Zhanting couldn't let go of for the rest of her life.

The three of them had a very warm meal, like a family. Gao Zhanting, as the sister, naturally tried to bring Jiang Lingling and Qin Chuan closer together. Although Qin Chuan hadn't fully recovered from his previous relationship, he didn't reject Jiang Lingling. Being with Jiang Lingling made him feel comfortable. Perhaps a girl like Jiang Lingling, who didn't have big ambitions, was the most suitable to be a wife.

After the meal, Gao Zhanting drove home, while Qin Chuan and Jiang Lingling, whose homes were not far away, walked back. Gao Zhanting naturally didn't go with them, giving them more time to be alone together.

When Gao Zhanting returned home, the family was under a shadow due to the Jia Chunpeng incident, and everyone was in low spirits.

When Gao Zhanting opened the door, she heard Gao Tingyuan speaking angrily, "They are trying to force me to the brink! If they push me too far, no one will have a good life!"

However, when he heard the door, Gao Tingyuan immediately lowered his voice, covering the phone and looking towards the door. Then he said into the phone, "We'll talk about this later. That's it."

Gao Tingyuan put on a smile and greeted Gao Zhanting, "Daughter, you're back? Have you eaten?"

"I've eaten. Dad, is there something wrong with the company?" Gao Zhanting asked.

"There's a small issue. After acquiring several properties in Jiutan, the company's funds are a bit tight. But don't worry, Dad will find a way," Gao Tingyuan tried to appear relaxed in front of Gao Zhanting.

"Dad, I'm sorry. I was too任性 (reckless) in the past, causing you and Mom to suffer," Gao Zhanting felt very guilty.

"Stupid child, what's this talk about owing and not owing? You did nothing wrong. Who could have thought there would be such a scheming person? Even Dad, an old fox, didn't see it coming. Don't worry, as long as Mom and Dad are here, nothing can go wrong," Gao Tingyuan patted Gao Zhanting's head affectionately.

Gao Tingyuan indeed faced a difficult situation. The last time, to resolve the car accident, he paid a huge price. Although the matter was temporarily settled, it plunged Tingyuan Group into a quagmire.

The unfinished projects in the Jiutan Development Zone were full of problems. After Tingyuan Group took them over, a large amount of investment was wasted. Many homeowners demanded refunds, and the original displaced residents sought compensation. After sorting out all these issues, Tingyuan Group's financial chain was stretched to the limit. At this time, the bank also had problems. A bank that had always had a good relationship with Tingyuan Group suddenly demanded repayment of a loan, requiring Tingyuan Group to repay it in the near future. Previously, Tingyuan Group had reached a preliminary agreement with the bank to extend the loan. After all, Tingyuan Group was a rare and valuable asset in Tanshan City, and no bank wanted to give up cooperation with it.

Gao Tingyuan knew that behind Tingyuan Group's current predicament was an invisible black hand. The power of the opponent was so great that even Gao Tingyuan felt completely suppressed. Even though Tingyuan Group had suffered significant losses in Jiutan, with its numerous properties, commercial complexes, chain supermarkets, and entertainment venues, it wasn't in a critical state. However, the bank's withdrawal of funds had a significant impact on Tingyuan Group. Gao Tingyuan had been busy putting out fires, and it was a mess.

No matter how troublesome the situation, Gao Tingyuan still maintained a loving father image in front of his daughter.

"Dad, what exactly happened to the company?" Gao Zhanting asked.

"A deal with the bank suddenly fell through, and the company is in a very passive position. We just invested a large sum in the Jiutan Development Zone, and the company's working capital is very tight. The bank's withdrawal of funds has put us in a very difficult position," Gao Tingyuan said.

Gao Zhanting sensed something was wrong, "Dad, is someone targeting Tingyuan Group?"

Gao Tingyuan nodded, "Don't worry, I can handle it. In the worst case, I'll give them what they want. Besides, Tingyuan Group isn't a piece of meat that anyone can bite into."

Gao Zhanting nodded, suddenly remembering something, "Dad, I'm planning to start a pharmaceutical company with Dr. Qin. Dr. Qin has a very good drug patent. I plan to invest my personal savings as capital, and Dr. Qin will provide the patent as technology. Do you know any reliable valuation agencies?"

"Is it necessary to find a valuation agency? Can't you just agree on the equity shares yourselves?" Gao Tingyuan asked.

"That's not right. If the patent is really valuable, Dr. Qin might blame me in the future," Gao Zhanting shook her head.

"But if the patent is very valuable and your investment is insufficient, you won't get much equity. In the future, you won't have control," Gao Tingyuan said. Although he didn't care if Gao Zhanting made money from this investment, as a businessman, he naturally wanted to secure the best interests for his daughter.

"That's not right. I consider Qin Chuan as a brother, and as a sister, how can I take advantage of my brother?" Gao Zhanting said firmly.

Gao Tingyuan laughed, "You're truly my daughter. You should be like this. By the way, since you've recognized a brother, he's my godson. When will you bring him home so Mom and Dad can meet him? We owe a lot to Xiao Qin last time."

"Sure, in a few days, when our company is set up, I'll bring him back," Gao Zhanting said.

"Better yet, we should also meet Xiao Qin's parents," Gao Tingyuan said.

When Qin Chuan returned home, Old Qin and Qin Chuan's mother were having dinner.

"Brat, always eating out. Is the food outside so good? It's not hygienic at all," Old Qin was actually worried that Qin Chuan might eat something unhygienic outside.

Qin Chuan's mother firmly stood by her son, "Don't listen to your father. When you treat colleagues to a meal, don't be stingy, especially with girls."

Qin Chuan's mother's emphasis was clearly on the last part. Old Qin understood and didn't say anything more.

Qin Chuan had specifically called to tell them not to wait for him to eat, but seeing the two of them eating, he was a bit surprised, "Why are you eating now? Didn't I tell you I was eating out?"

"We don't have much to do all day, and the food doesn't get digested. Are you full? Do you want to eat some more? Mom made your favorite spicy fish head," Qin Chuan's mother said.

"Today I ate at Yuhu Hotel. I'm very full," Qin Chuan smiled.

"Brat, always spending money recklessly," Old Qin couldn't help but comment, but Qin Chuan's mother gave him a stern look.