Chapter 530: Must Make a High-Profile Appearance
Lin Tian looked at the small teacup before him, wondering if such a small amount would even quench his thirst.
However, this tea was indeed quite good, with its clear color and fine, even leaves.
"Have a taste," Zhao Xuefeng said with a smile.
The tea color was prized for being white, the bluish-white surpassing the yellowish-white.
Lin Tian found it pleasing to the eye. When he sipped it, he took the entire cupful into his mouth, allowing the aroma to spread throughout, leaving a refreshing taste.
After a hint of bitterness, it turned fragrant.
The tea flowed down his throat, leaving Lin Tian feeling comfortable all over.
"How is it?" Zhao Xuefeng asked, his eyes narrowing into slits as he laughed.
"Not quite accustomed, but it’s quite delicious," Lin Tian replied honestly.
"Haha, if you’re not used to it, drink it a few more times and you’ll get accustomed. This thing can easily be liked. The tea I brewed for you is Qimen Red Tea, a gift from a former student of mine. By the way, he’ll also be attending the summit in a few days. I’ll introduce you to each other then. As for the tea leaves, take some back with you."
Lin Tian laughed, "Meeting your student isn’t a problem, but I’d rather not take the tea leaves. I’m not someone who understands tea, wouldn’t it be a waste to give them to me? Isn’t there a saying, ’pearls before swine’ or something?"
Zhao Xuefeng laughed heartily, pointing at Lin Tian with his finger, "You rascal. If you don’t want it, that’s fine. Just come to me when you want some. I can even teach you some tea brewing skills. Learn a trick or two from me and you’ll be quite at home. You won’t look like a bumpkin brewing tea out there. As you young people say, ’it’s classy’, right?"
"I can’t teach you much about ancient medicine, but if you call me teacher, I’ll teach you how to brew tea?"
Zhao Xuefeng was willing to teach, and Lin Tian was naturally willing to learn, so he readily agreed.
"Alright, let’s get back to the main topic. Let me introduce you to the matters concerning the medical conference," Zhao Xuefeng said seriously, "This summit is said to be for the development of ancient medicine, a grand event for all healers to exchange ideas. But in recent years, it has gradually gone off track."
"In earlier summits, there were no invitations needed; anyone who brought their professional certification could enter. Now, only renowned healers who charge high fees and officials from the Council of Governance can attend. It’s really not like it used to be."
Hearing this, Lin Tian understood that involving ’Council of Governance officials’ made everything simple suddenly become complex.
Wherever there are officials, there are sycophants and opportunists looking to gain fame. No wonder so many people would break their necks for an invitation.
"When you attend the summit, you need to prepare a speech. It doesn’t need to be too brilliant, just enough to leave them speechless!"
As he spoke, Zhao Xuefeng seemed to relish the notion.
"But I don’t want to be too high-profile..." Lin Tian said in a low tone.
He didn’t want to expose himself to too much attention. If, as Zhao Xuefeng suggested, his speech was too excellent, it would attract more attention, which would undoubtedly lead to more trouble.
He’d rather avoid showboating and lessen his troubles.
After hearing what Lin Tian said, Zhao Xuefeng excitedly placed his teacup on the table, splashing tea everywhere.
"No way! You must be high-profile this time!" Zhao Xuefeng said firmly, allowing no rebuttal.
Lin Tian was a bit stunned, "Why?"
"Because those western medicine practitioners are too damn arrogant! Every time there’s a summit, they mock ancient medicine, trying to suppress us at the Council of Governance! Every time I see it, I feel like slapping them!"
The more Zhao Xuefeng spoke, the more furious he became, even losing his usual composure.
"Western medicine? Besides us Celestial Dragon Continent people, there are foreigners at this summit?" Lin Tian asked curiously.
Zhao Xuefeng shook his head gently and sighed heavily, "It’s just a bunch of Celestial Dragon Continent people who’ve learned western medicine."
"Celestial Dragon Continent people? Suppressing ancient medicine? Isn’t that akin to betrayal?"
Lin Tian’s mouth opened in surprise.
As everyone knows, ancient medicine is a treasure of the Celestial Dragon Continent, the result of countless generations’ efforts over millennia, having saved countless lives.
It’s a culture that deserves the respect of all people on the Celestial Dragon Continent and the world.
As people of the Celestial Dragon Continent, we should feel proud of this. But if there are those who belittle it, isn’t that treachery?
During the resistance, traitors sold out the nation; now, those who sell out national culture for personal gain are no different.
First, it was national treasures, now it’s ancient medicine. Those people would probably do anything for money and profit.
"Yeah, those western medicine proponents belittle ancient medicine and elevate their own status. Every time funding is allocated, they receive a large share, while we get less than half of that. This situation has been going on for years."
After hearing this, Lin Tian clenched both fists tightly, his eyes flashing with determination.
"On the first day of school, I wanted to have a class meeting. But Liu Mang, using his influence as dean, forcibly held a welcome assembly. Sigh... During the assembly, he kept encouraging students to transfer from the ancient medicine class to the western medicine class, even promising many benefits. Although he didn’t directly belittle ancient medicine, his intention to suppress it was obvious to everyone."
"Actually, I really wanted to hold a class meeting for you that day. I’ve always been strict with myself and place a huge emphasis on time management. But at school, there’s nothing I can do about Liu Mang... After all, he’s the dean."
Saying this, Zhao Xuefeng sighed deeply, feeling a sense of helplessness.
"Liu Mang?" Lin Tian quickly realized, isn’t that Liu Chan’s father, from Waihai City?
No wonder Liu Chan is so despicable, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
"With your temperament, you wouldn’t willingly work under someone like him, would you? I’m sure you’ve had plenty of good opportunities to go elsewhere, so why are you so stubborn?"
"Actually, a couple of years ago, the dean wasn’t even him. He used some means to get that position, which is why he’s been so arrogant these past two years. I have two reasons for staying. First, I have an attachment to this school; I’m reluctant to leave. Second, I’ve been waiting for someone who can help ancient medicine regain its prestige. I didn’t expect to find that person so soon."
Lin Tian smiled wryly, knowing that person was, of course, himself.
Zhao Xuefeng had high expectations for him, indeed.
"Liu Mang will also participate in the medical conference and will likely mock ancient medicine, so you understand why I want you to be high-profile, right?" Zhao Xuefeng took a deep breath and looked at Lin Tian with satisfaction in his eyes.
"Yes, I understand what you mean. We’ve been really oppressed over the years, haven’t we? Let’s make them pay double! Let everyone know how outstanding ancient medicine truly is!"
After Lin Tian said this, Zhao Xuefeng’s eyes shone brightly.
He had always wanted this, but he never had the courage or strength to say it out loud.
Those western medicine practitioners were indeed arrogant, but truth be told, from some perspectives, western medicine did surpass ancient medicine in some ways.
But that doesn’t justify belittling ancient medicine or becoming a traitor that everyone despises!