The committee had spent a considerable effort to prepare for this Chinese Medicine Discussion. Because they did not lack money, it was held in the most luxurious hotel in Kyoto.

The meeting would last for five days, with different processes and topics to touch on. But essentially, it was to gather all the Chinese medicine enterprises together for them to build their relationships and discuss how to expand their market.

Kim Jung-ho sat in the discussion for two days and was riddled with boredom. The committee invited some big shots in the medicine industry, and their focus was on expanding the market to create more profits. But from a physician’s point-of-view, it’s too philistine without any atmosphere on medical skill discussion.

However, Kim Jung-ho was smart, and he had no choice but to participate. Not only did this affect his future income, but this was also a channel for him to get updated with the current development of Chinese medicine.

TCM was the foundation of TKM, and Chinese medicine determined the future of TCM. The moment when more people come in contact with Chinese medicine compared to western medicine, TCM’s influence would also start to invade the hearts of everyone.

He had participated in the development of ten-odd Chinese medicines, and they were bought by an enterprise in South Korea, creating hundreds of millions of profits annually. It was also because of that that he had an ample dividend.

Regardless of Kim Jung-ho or Amaki Hamasaki, the two of them benefited from the development of Chinese medicine. Thus, Kim Jung-ho had a reason to participate.

A middle-aged merchant that stood at 5’2” walked over and spoke in fluent English. He first introduced himself before he threw out an invitation, “Doctor Kim, I know that you’re not only the representative of TKM amongst the younger generation, but you’ve also participated in the research and optimisation of Bovine Bezoar Heart-Clearing Pellet and Liver Cleanser, creating the most successful miracle in the Chinese medicine industry. If you’re willing to join us, we can increase your pay three-fold along with dividends. I wonder if you’re interested?”

There’s a high demand for Bovine Bezoar Heart-Clearing Pill overseas, and it has become a renowned brand in South Korea’s Chinese medicine market. It originated from the three TCM treasures of Epidemic Febrile Disease, the Calming Bovine Bezoar Pellet. The two other treasures were Purple Snow Pellet and Treasure Pellet.

Since ancient times, the secret to use them has been passed down through words.

The Calming Bovine Bezoar Pellet was suitable for high fever and unconscious patients. South Korea used TCM as the foundation to create the Bovine Bezoar Heart-Clearing Pellet, and it could be considered as an improvement on traditional TCM knowledge.

Kim Jung-ho had never heard of this man’s name before, but he had heard of the enterprise that he was from, and it was a medium-sized enterprise. Although Kim Jung-ho did not receive a high salary in his current employment, money wasn’t his sole consideration. Hence, he tactfully rejected the offer, “I’m sorry, but I do not have such thoughts for the time being. Many people will attend the discussion today, and I believe you can interact with them and see if they’re willing to accept your invitation.”

However, that man still did not give up and continued to pester, “Can you give me your name card so that it’s convenient for me to contact you in the future?”

Kim Jung-ho was annoyed with this man. When he saw a familiar figure, he immediately apologised with a smile, “I’m sorry. I saw a friend of mine, so please excuse me.”

There were many people at the Chinese Medicine Discussion since it’s an opportunity for them to rise. But in Kim Jung-ho’s view, this was not an opportunity for him.

He had considered himself to be a physician deep in his bones, not a medicine merchant. He wasn’t too bothered with the profits, and he hated this sort of atmosphere that sought benefits above everything.

Kim Jung-ho paced over towards Su Tao with a joyful expression on his face. “Why did you just come now?”

“Traffic was a little jammed on the way here, delaying my arrival for half an hour.” Su Tao shrugged.

Seeing Kim Jung-ho with his passionate expression, Su Tao was in a pretty good mood. For some reason, he would subconsciously put on a stern expression whenever he saw Kim Jung-ho, as if he’s facing an enemy.

Kim Jung-ho was long fond of Su Tao acting aloof before him so he wore a smile and replied, “You still didn’t understand my words. I meant that you’re free to come a few days ago.”

Wearing a playful smile, Su Tao asked, “And watch a bunch of people who know nothing about TCM performing on the stage like clowns? Wouldn’t that make me a fool? If it wasn’t for my competition with Amaki Hamasaki, I couldn’t even be bothered to attend.”

Kim Jung-ho was left speechless before he wore a bitter smile. “Are you being sarcastic?”

“It looks like your command in Mandarin has gotten so much better to notice that I was sarcastic. Actually, you can also open a Mandarin class in South Korea if you quit your job as a physician. I believe that it will bring a decent profit as well.” Su Tao smiled.

Kim Jung-ho bitterly smiled. Su Tao’s sarcasm was on the same level as his medical skills. But even so, it was better than being annoyed by those medicine merchants.

Nudging his lips to the pile of people, Kim Jung-ho replied, “Amaki Hamasaki has been very popular since he has recently received an invitation from Seto Clan to assume the position of an Imperial Physician. Both his popularity and reputation have greatly surged in Japan’s medical industry. There are even people who compared him with Mamoru Onizuka.”

Casting a glance at Amaki Hamasaki, Su Tao smiled. “That fellow saw me.”

“He told me that he would definitely make you admit your loss wholeheartedly before challenging me.” Kim Jung-ho smiled.

“He intends to challenge you as well?” Su Tao was a little surprised by those words.

“Yeah, he thinks that there’s a conspiracy behind my loss to you.” Kim Jung-ho replied with guilt in his heart before he continued, “He feels that I lost to you on purpose.”

Seeing Kim Jung-ho avoiding his gaze, Su Tao smiled. “I see. Then, I’ll make everyone accept the result wholeheartedly!”

Su Tao did not have any foundation in the TCM industry, and it was as if he appeared out of nowhere. Although he has shined at the International Medical Summit back then, many people still felt that it was coincidence and luck.

While walking out of the crowd, Amaki Hamasaki walked towards Su Tao and they nodded at each other before he said with a grave expression, “You did not disappoint me and turned up.”

He meant that he was afraid of Su Tao not participating.

“Since we have an appointment, I will definitely not go back on my words.” Su Tao bitterly smiled.

Many members of the Chinese Medicine Discussion followed behind Amaki Hamasaki. They came with the intention of watching a show. They looked at the two of them facing off. All of them felt that Su Tao couldn’t beat Amaki Hamasaki.

In the Chinese medicine industry, China had been at the bottom of the pyramid. Even the folks who buy the expensive Chinese medicine did not know that the materials came from China, and even if the factories were located in China, the investors were from other countries.

Ironically, those who considered Chinese medicine as a money-making machine believed in Chinese medicine, but not TCM.

They felt that the theories of TCM were pseudo-science, and they would use science to prove any side effects when manufacturing Chinese medicine.

“Who is this fellow? He’s actually qualified to compete with Amaki Hamasaki?” Many people in the surrounding area were curious about Su Tao’s identity.

“I heard that he’s a genius from China, and he’s also a National Healer back in China. In terms of status, he’s comparable to Amaki Hamasaki. Strictly speaking, this is a competition between the two countries’ medical industries.” One of them said, he was well-informed.

“TCM in China is practically a joke. I’ve previously gone to China for research, and those physicians would perscribe raw herbs for patients to brew. The soup after brewing was black and smelly, making it hard to swallow. How can they serve such medication to the patients?” One of them ruthlessly insulted.

“But it’s undeniable that TCM has some skills. I’ve once personally witnessed a person bitten by a venomous snake. After applying medicinal paste without any anti-venom injection, the wound rapidly healed.” One of the medicine merchants explained for TCM.

“Then you must have been cheated. We have to believe in science. Bitten by a venomous snake, the venom will enter the blood circulation in just a few hours, numbing the nervous senses before death arrives. You’re saying that the medication paste was more effective than anti-venom injection? If a snake bit me, I would rather believe in modern medical treatment than to apply some medicinal paste!” Someone sneered. In his view, the one who just spoke out for TCM must have been brainwashed by TCM.

The rest echoed their voices along, only a pair of physicians maintained their neutral positions. Their judgment did not get clouded by the echoing voices.

Su Tao might not know what these people were discussing, but he had already guessed that he wasn’t welcomed here.

The reason for it was simple. He’s a Chinese, and Chinese medicine which originated from China was under the control of these foreigners.

Su Tao could analyse their current psychology. Like thieves who faced the owners, they would feel nervous and worried, fearing that the things they’ve stolen might be taken back from them.

Hence, they had a united attitude by showing hostility to Chinese, especially physicians.

Figuring it out, Su Tao became even more determined to take back Chinese medicine from these bunch of foreigners to honour TCM.

“Don’t get anxious!” Amaki Hamasaki casually replied before he continued, “Everyone here holds goodwill for you. Even if you fail, you will be respected. After all, not just anyone is qualified to be my opponent.”

Su Tao had to admit Amaki Hamasaki’s ability to lure hatred. When Su Tao heard his words, his lungs nearly exploded from the rage.

If it wasn’t for the fact that Kim Jung-ho had been holding him back, he would probably break Amaki Hamasaki’s nose and give him a trashing.