No Need to Speak in Private

Everyone stood up, raised their glasses, and uttered auspicious words, offering New Year's blessings.

They clinked their glasses, each took a sip, and then sat down again.

Elder Yang picked up his chopsticks, pointed to the dishes on the table, and greeted them with a smile.

"Come on, Little Shen, try my home-cooked meal and see if it suits your taste."

Shen Jingchuan nodded quickly, picked up his chopsticks, and said, "You're too kind, I've been starving."

This table of dishes clearly shows that it was prepared with care.

Everything was exquisite, the colors were beautiful, and the feast was abundant, yet not extravagant, without any gimmicky delicacies.

After a few drinks and some pleasantries, the atmosphere at the table gradually became more lively.

No longer the formal politeness of the past, but rather small groups gathered together, chatting and laughing in hushed tones, each pursuing their own interests.

Elder Yang turned his head to look at Elder Li and Elder Wang, and lowered his voice.

"Shall we talk to Little Shen alone for a bit?"

Elder Li and Elder Wang exchanged a glance and nodded.

Elder Yang turned to the side, lowered his voice, and said to Shen Jingchuan, "Little Shen, let's go to the study to talk about the auction of the Life-Extending Pills."

Shen Jingchuan nodded noncommittally. "Okay."

Elder Yang then stood up and waved to the people at the table.

"You little ones, start eating, don't be shy."

"We old men are going to chat with Mr. Shen for a while, we'll be back soon."

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiao, who was standing next to him, became displeased.

She had a lot to say and wanted to ask Shen Jingchuan for advice, so she immediately pouted.

"Grandpa, it's the New Year, why are you talking about business?"

"I'd also like to ask Mr. Shen about martial arts."

"And what's with that winged horse in the yard? It's so cool, I want to know more about it."

Elder Yang frowned and said, "Why are you being so insensible today? We're here to see Mr. Shen because we have important things to discuss."

Yang Xiao stiffened his neck, curled his lip, and said, "Tch, don't think I don't know what you guys want to talk about."

"Isn't it just about the Life-Extending Pills? With such a big commotion at the auction, how could we not know?"

"You lot have all taken Life-Extending Pills; everyone in the family knows it."

She spoke more and more fluently, counting on her fingers.

"You went to such lengths to invite Mr. Shen over, and had several of our families, especially the most important third-generation members, accompany him."

"It's obvious to anyone with a brain; the Life-Extending Pills belong to Mr. Shen."

"Even after all this, what's the point of talking about it behind our backs?"

Elder Yang was taken aback by her retort, but after thinking about it carefully, he realized that it made sense.

Shen Jingchuan smiled.

He slowly and deliberately put down his teacup, glanced at everyone, his expression calm, yet his eyes held an air of effortless confidence.

"Elder Yang, we're all family, it's fine to say it to his face."

"I have nothing to hide, and I'm not afraid for people to know."

"You meant well, wanting me to get to know the young people from the three families better. But talking about this behind closed doors has only created distance."

"Just say what you have to say."

Elder Yang feigned anger, glared at Yang Xiao, and said, "You talk too much."

He paused, then slowly nodded, as if he had figured something out.

"However, upon closer reflection, it does make sense."

"We've all suddenly become younger. The children aren't blind; we can't just ignore them."

They already knew about the Life-Extending Pills. Besides, the auction of the Life-Extending Pills this time had caused such a stir.

"It's not just in the Capital; the news has spread throughout the country, and even in several foreign countries, high-ranking officials have heard about it."

"They, of course, knew this too."

Elder Yang straightened his face and glanced at the young people on the table.

"Since that's the case, let's lay it all out."

"You guys, all of you, prick up your ears and listen, just think of it as some fun."

"But there's one condition: once these words are spoken outside this door, no one is allowed to utter them."

Yang Xiao immediately chimed in, patting his chest and saying, "Grandpa, don't worry."

"Look at everyone here, weren't you all carefully nurtured at home? Who wouldn't know the importance of this?"

Elder Yang nodded, understanding the situation.

His granddaughter may seem carefree and unserious, but she is actually very thoughtful.

"I'm not worried about that."

Elder Yang turned to look at Shen Jingchuan, his tone becoming more intimate.

"Young Friend Shen, of the Life-Extending Pills you brought this year, we took two and gave them to you as a gift."

"Both were given to academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences."

"The first one was an agriculturalist who dedicated his entire life to the research of hybrid rice."

"That research was a tremendous contribution to our country and to millions of ordinary people."

Elder Yang sighed, his expression solemn.

"But at his age and in his health, he simply couldn't wait any longer."

"If it weren't for this Life-Extending Pill, the old man probably wouldn't have many days left."

"After he took it, his energy and spirit were completely restored."

He himself said that not only his physical health, but even his academic mind and his thoughts felt like they had returned to their youth.

"The other one is a veteran scientist in the aerospace and military industry."

"Our country's space program has achieved what it has today thanks to his tremendous efforts."

"After taking the Life-Extending Pills, the reaction was the same; I felt younger and my mind was much clearer."

Shen Jingchuan listened and nodded slowly, his expression showing a hint of respect.

"Elder Yang, I trust you all. These matters must have been carefully considered."

"These two Life-Extending Pills are well worth it to use them on them," I said.

"In this regard, if there are any more urgent needs in the future..."

As he spoke, a thought crossed his mind, and he took out two wooden boxes from his Ring, gently placing them in front of Elder Yang.

"These two Life-Extending Pills are for the three of you to discuss and decide how to handle."

"If we encounter a situation in the future where urgent treatment is needed, and the two pills we have each year aren't enough, we'll use these as an emergency measure."

"We won't charge a single penny. Anyone who makes a significant contribution to the country will be considered, and arrangements will be made accordingly."

Elder Yang turned around, looked at Elder Li and Elder Wang, and all three nodded.

"Little Shen, this old man has long seen through you; you're an upright and principled young man."

He paused, looked at Shen Jingchuan, and asked, "Do you know how much this one pill sold for this year?"

Shen Jingchuan remained calm and said, "As long as it benefits the country, the nation, and the people, and can save those who have made great contributions."

"I'm willing to pay any amount."

The three old men already knew Shen Jingchuan well, and at this moment they felt that this young man had a truly broad vision.

But the young people at the table were different.

They were well aware of the astronomical price that a single Life-Extending Pill had fetched at this auction.

They watched in astonishment, speechless, as he gave it to them without batting an eye.

Some people even had a thought: Does this Mr. Shen perhaps not know how precious these pills are?