Volume 1, Chapter 7: Golden Scales

"Are you trying to introduce a girlfriend?" Laura patted her chest. "How about me?"

"You don't need to show off!" Tang Yumei cast a sidelong glance at Laura, the corners of her lips curling into an elegant arc. "My younger brother is single and has just resigned from his job. He needs a decent position now. Could any of you ladies arrange something for him?"

"Sister Mei, this is..." Zhou Yang was taken aback. He finally understood Tang Yumei’s good intentions. She had brought him to this social gathering of her close friends tonight specifically to find him a job.

"If you're looking for work, just say so! Why bring up being single? You got me all excited for nothing!" Laura, known for her outgoing and straightforward nature, laughed. "Little brother, why don't you come drive for me? I'll take you out to collect rent every day."

"Collecting rent isn't a respectable career! He just graduated from university and is at the age where he should be striving for his own path," Tang Yumei interjected.

Tang Qian chimed in, "Then come work with me. Once the internship period is over, there's a permanent position, an 'iron rice bowl' with excellent benefits!"

"Zhou Yang, I’ve heard about you from Sister Tang-Tang. You worked at EPS," Susan said, possessing the unique aura of a female executive, her expression cool. "Since we are both in the pharmaceutical industry, I believe BR Pharmaceuticals would be a better fit for you."

Zhou Yang took a deep breath, suddenly feeling that the world was absurd. The positions and opportunities that laborers at the bottom of the social ladder fight for with their sweat and blood were, in the hands of these elite socialites, treated like mere toys—casually offered and considered worthless. This sense of social stratification left Zhou Yang both startled and helpless.

"Out of all of us, my Susan is the most reliable!" Tang Yumei’s voice broke Zhou Yang's train of thought. She smilingly linked her arm with Susan's. "Executive Susan, what kind of position do you think would suit Zhou Yang?"

"Wait!" Zhou Yang suddenly stood up, his expression serious. "I am very happy to have met all of you, but I will find a way to manage my own career. I don't want to trouble you ladies." He bowed to the group, adding, "Thank you all for your kindness, but I must decline."

The room fell silent. Everyone was stunned. Most people would have clung to such an opportunity, but this guy... he actually had a spine! The group of beautiful friends couldn't help but look at him with newfound respect.

"You're a good kid!" Laura nodded with a smile. "In the future, if you need anything in Shencheng, just let us know!"

Tang Yumei sighed, stood up, and said, "Zhou Yang, come with me for a moment." She led him into a separate room and closed the door. "Zhou Yang, why not take such a great opportunity?"

The soft, diffused light illuminated Tang Yumei’s exquisite face, making her look particularly charming. She wasn't angry at his refusal; instead, she asked with genuine gentleness.

Zhou Yang frowned. "Sister Mei, thank you for looking out for me, but it’s not for me."

"BR Pharmaceuticals is a top-tier company, and it matches your background. How could it not be a good fit?" Tang Yumei asked, her brow furrowing slightly. She was only helping him find work to repay him for treating her illness.

"It’s not what I want," Zhou Yang replied.

Tang Yumei bit her lip, her expression tightening. "I think you're just worried about your pride—that relying on a woman feels dishonorable, right?" She stood up, seemingly annoyed. "If that’s your attitude, I can’t help you!" She turned to walk toward the door.

"Sister Mei!" Zhou Yang called out, stopping her.

"What is it?" her tone remained cold.

"Sister Mei, you once asked me why my family forbade us from practicing medicine for generations. I’ll tell you now." His expression was so solemn that Tang Yumei paused. She had never seen such a look on his face before.

"Does it have anything to do with you refusing the job at BR?" she asked.

"Of course."

"Then I’m listening." She sat back down, giving him her full attention.

Zhou Yang began, "My ancestors ran the Golden Scale Medical Hall. We practiced medicine for generations. During the warlord era of the Republic of China, my ancestors treated refugees and wounded soldiers for free. But once, while treating a warlord, a minor error with a herbal prescription caused the warlord's condition to worsen. My great-grandfather reflected on the error, adjusted the prescription, and cured him. But that warlord was a tyrant; he thought my ancestor was mocking him, so he had him arrested and executed."

Tang Yumei’s eyes widened in shock.

"If my great-grandfather hadn't taken the family and fled in advance, we would have been wiped out," Zhou Yang sighed. "After that, we lived in hiding, haunted by what happened. My great-grandfather died soon after, filled with grief. His final wish was this: healing people is a noble act, but a single mistake can destroy everything. From that generation on, the Golden Scale family was forbidden from practicing medicine. Anyone who defied this would be struck from the family records."

"Although our family preserved the 'Golden Scale' medical formulas, we never opened another clinic."

Tang Yumei looked moved. "Your great-grandfather was using the tragedy to protect his descendants."

"Exactly," Zhou Yang sighed, "but I am not reconciled to it!"

"Even though we stopped practicing, I learned Traditional Chinese Medicine from my father and grandfather. I could see their infinite love for it. Since I was a child, I had a dream: even if the Golden Scale family can no longer practice, our ancestral wisdom shouldn't be buried!" His eyes glowed with fervor. "I will use the 'Golden Scale' knowledge to revitalize TCM, benefit our people, and gain world renown."

Tang Yumei felt a jolt in her heart. She never realized that the young man before her had such grand ambitions.

"That’s why I joined EPS Pharmaceuticals—it’s the largest TCM group," Zhou Yang continued. "Only on such a massive stage can the Golden Scale formulas reach their full potential and be shared with the country and the world."

"I understand now," Tang Yumei said, her eyes filled with admiration.

"So, my goal is to reach the top of the EPS Group and hold real authority," Zhou Yang declared. "Only then can I execute my plan."

Never before had his gaze been so firm. Tang Yumei was deeply moved, her beautiful eyes shimmering. She finally understood why he turned down those high-end jobs. He didn't just need a paycheck; he needed a platform to achieve his great vision.

Just like the name of his family's legacy, Golden Scale: A golden scale is not an object meant for a mere pond; once it encounters wind and cloud, it will transform into a dragon. This young man was no ordinary person; one day, he would soar into the heavens. Even a powerful woman like Tang Yumei was stunned by his aura.

"Zhou Yang, I was wrong. I underestimated you," Tang Yumei said. "I apologize."

"Sister, what are you saying? You were just trying to help!" Zhou Yang replied. "Oh, and will your friends be upset that I turned them down?"

"No, they won't mind at all!" Tang Yumei gave a mysterious smile. "If I'm not mistaken, they’re probably having a blast right now!"

"Having a blast? What do you mean?"

Tang Yumei gestured toward the door with her lips. "Go see for yourself."