Two Pills Given Away Free

Elder Yang slapped his thigh, feeling a huge weight lifted from his heart.

"That's wonderful, Young Friend Shen, you've solved a huge problem for us."

He immediately took on all the responsibilities:

"I'll take the lead on this, with Old Li and Old Wang assisting; as for external relations— Old Wen, you'll handle that, put your name on it, and consider it a new breakthrough for the medical field."

Elder Wen nodded in agreement.

"It's easier to explain to outsiders."

Elder Yang sorted out his thoughts and slowly said:

"Just say that the production of this pill is extremely limited, and the raw materials required are rare and extremely difficult to find, so only a few can be auctioned off each year. There's no need for publicity. If anyone asks, just say that, and the auction will take place naturally. That way, the trouble will naturally disappear."

He paused, then looked up at Shen Jingchuan.

"I think we should set the date for January 1st of each year. I can get everything ready before then. What do you think?"

"Can."

Shen Jingchuan nodded, pondered for a moment, and then added:

"In that case, Elder Yang, of these five each year, you will decide which two to use internally; the remaining three will be auctioned off publicly."

He had thought about this before. He knew better than anyone how easy it was to get these things, but on Earth, the weight of this Life-Extending Pill was too great.

He intentionally wanted to increase this investment—or more accurately, his emotional investment.

The power to control these two pills is no less significant in this world than two nuclear bombs. Entrusting them to Elder Yang is a great favor, and the other party naturally understands the implications.

Elder Yang was very perceptive and immediately understood his meaning. His expression became serious as he looked at Shen Jingchuan.

"Young Friend Shen, don't worry."

He added, word by word:

"I will ensure these two are handled fairly and impartially, and try my best to balance the needs of all parties. Those who receive them should not be chosen solely based on power and influence—those who have made significant contributions to the country's science and technology and people's livelihoods may not have much money, but they also have this need."

"Helping people like this is beneficial to society, the country, and the people. It's wonderful that you're willing to do this."

Shen Jingchuan hadn't expected him to elevate the matter to such a high level so quickly, and he secretly admired him. He then added:

"Since you put it that way, Elder Yang, then I won't take a single penny from these two."

"Oh dear, what can we do?" Elder Li and Elder Wang spoke almost simultaneously, "You also incurred a cost in acquiring these things."

"It's alright." Shen Jingchuan waved his hand. "I estimate that the proceeds from the auction of the other three should cover my costs."

The three elderly people nodded with some skepticism. They couldn't yet imagine how crazy the auction would become.

However, both Elder Li and Elder Wang had already hatched their own plans: while the news hadn't spread yet and most people were still skeptical, they would do everything they could to acquire one or two of these items at the auctions in the first few years.

Shen Jingchuan genuinely admired Elder Yang's vision and high standards in doing things.

"Alright, Elder Yang, I'm completely at ease leaving this matter in your hands." He stood up. "Meng Ke and I will take our leave now. I'll send the pills to you before December."

"Alright, alright," Elder Yang agreed repeatedly, then felt a little guilty. "You came in such a hurry, we didn't even prepare a meal. Why don't we have someone make something now? There's still time, you can at least have a bite to eat before you leave?"

"No, thank you." Shen Jingchuan smiled. "There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

As he spoke, he reached out and pulled Meng Ke up, and together they left the shaded area.

"We didn't drive here either, let's just go the same way." Before the words were finished, the two had already stepped onto their flying swords. With a flash of sword light, they disappeared in an instant, leaving only four old people in the courtyard looking up in disbelief.

They had seen them fall before, but this kind of spontaneous and fleeting departure was something they had never seen before; it was truly an eye-opener.

These are all methods that only exist in legends. They lived their whole lives, and in their old age, they actually encountered such good fortune.

The four of them looked at each other, staring at each other's faces that appeared decades younger, feeling utterly incredulous and unable to believe it was real.

Elder Li reached out and touched his face, feeling dazed.

"How come... it feels like a dream?"

Elder Yang glanced at him, suppressing a laugh.

"Then try pinching yourself."

The four old men immediately burst into laughter, their laughter echoing far and wide in the courtyard.

The laughter gradually subsided, and the smile on Elder Yang's face disappeared, replaced by a solemn expression.

"Alright, stop laughing." He glanced at the three of them. "This is a huge deal."

Upon hearing this, the other three also became serious and nodded in unison.

"Let's start with the three of us," Elder Yang said slowly. "Given our status, we should try to avoid appearing in public as much as possible. If we can avoid it altogether, we should stay out of the public eye. Even when we do go out, we should keep a low profile and avoid being ostentatious."

Elder Li and Elder Wang both agreed.

Elder Yang changed the subject:

"Now that I'm younger and healthier, I'll take on as much as I can and do as much practical work as I can while I have this good time."

The two elderly people nodded emphatically.

Elder Yang then turned to Professor Wen and gave him earnest instructions.

"Old Wen, we're counting on you for everything regarding foreign affairs."

He said slowly:

"I'll give you a rough outline: say it's a breakthrough in your medical research, that you experimented on yourself and achieved it."

"The three of us improved our health after using the medicine you experimented with. If anyone tries to use connections to ask for the medicine, don't hide it from them; just tell them there will be a public auction on January 1st next year."

"This isn't something an individual can hold onto. It's sold through public auction, and production is limited—only so many each year. As for the reasons behind it and the specific wording, go back and carefully consider them. The more successful you make it, the better."

Old Wen nodded repeatedly. "I'll go back and carefully consider this explanation, making sure it's watertight. I know how serious this matter is."

Elder Yang raised his voice slightly. "This matter should not be deliberately publicized. Only pass on the auction information to those who have caught wind of it and come to you on their own initiative. As for the rest, don't mention a single word more."

The three of them wholeheartedly agreed.

Elder Yang picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then started talking about the two special pills left behind by Shen Jingchuan.

"Here's my plan for the two stones that my Young Friend Shen entrusted to us. The first one will be donated free of charge every year to someone who has made significant contributions to science and technology and has made irreplaceable contributions to the country and society—such a person, if they live another fifty years, can do another fifty years of work, which is worthwhile."

Elder Li nodded.

"And what about the other one?" Elder Wang asked.

"The other one is for a national hero who is crucial to the people's livelihood and the country's well-being."

Elder Yang said, "Those who work in agriculture or medicine and disease prevention may live a life of poverty, but they are responsible for the livelihoods and lives of hundreds of millions of people. Extending the lives of such people is also a way of saving the world."

"Those veteran leaders and long-serving elders who have spent their lives in key positions and endured hardship are also included. The standard is singular—it doesn't matter how much money or fame they have, only whether they are indispensable and whether they have truly reached the most critical and unforgiving moment."

He paused, then his tone softened.

"Don't be too tense. We get two pills every year; it's not a one-off deal. If you don't get yours this year, it won't make a difference next year or the year after. If we really have to prioritize, we should use the most dangerous and the ones we can't afford to wait for first."

Elder Li and Elder Wang exchanged a glance, both seeing agreement in each other's eyes.