At Southern Hospital, the pristine white walls smelled strongly of disinfectant.

Li Yang, a reporter for the News Report, was enduring the discomfort of the flu.

Her forehead was a little hot, her throat was hoarse, and her sinuses were severely congested.

To complete today’s interview on time, she had gone to a clinic for an IV drip before coming to the hospital. The needle mark on her arm still ached faintly.

But her professionalism wouldn’t allow for a moment of laxity.

Today, her interviewee was the nationally renowned respiratory expert—Academician Zhang Lin.

It was a major exclusive interview, and the topic was the Influenza A currently ravaging the country and the strategies to combat it.

Li Yang arrived early at the conference room in Southern Hospital. Her photographer and cameraman had already set up the equipment. The lighting, camera positions, and sound were all being methodically arranged.

Li Yang checked her makeup in a mirror, trying to use foundation to hide her weary expression. She repeatedly cleared her throat to ensure her voice wouldn’t sound too weak on camera.

She held the interview outline, going over it carefully to ensure every question would precisely guide Academician Zhang Lin to provide the information the audience most wanted to hear.

"Reporter Li, Academician Zhang will be here shortly."

An assistant doctor walked in and reminded her in a low voice. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Li Yang took a deep breath, composed herself, and put on a professional smile.

Soon, Academician Zhang Lin walked into the conference room, surrounded by several assistants.

He looked energetic and sharp. His white coat was immaculate, his eyes were wise, and he exuded an air of convincing authority.

"Academician Zhang, hello. I’m Reporter Li Yang from the News Report."

Li Yang immediately stepped forward and politely extended her hand.

"Reporter Li, I’ve heard so much about you."

Academician Zhang Lin smiled and shook her hand, his voice resonant.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the interview officially began.

"Academician Zhang, hello. This year’s Influenza A has been particularly aggressive, with a large number of infections, especially among children and the elderly, who are high-risk groups. All sectors of society are very concerned. We’d like to ask you to give us a detailed analysis of the pathological characteristics of this flu, and how ordinary people can effectively respond."

Following her outline, Li Yang got straight to the point with her first question.

Academician Zhang Lin nodded slightly and began to explain calmly for the camera, "This year’s Influenza A virus is characterized by a relatively short incubation period, rapid transmission, and a wide range of susceptible people.

"From a pathological standpoint, it primarily attacks the respiratory mucosa, causing an inflammatory response that manifests as high fever, fatigue, muscle aches, coughing, and sore throat.

"Some severe cases may develop into viral pneumonia or even life-threatening situations like respiratory failure."

He paused, his tone becoming more serious. "Faced with an epidemic like this, we cannot let our guard down.

"Aside from basic protective measures like wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and avoiding crowded places, what’s more important is timely treatment."

Following the script, Li Yang naturally asked, "In terms of treatment, then, are there any particular drugs you would recommend, Academician Zhang?

"We know there are many anti-flu drugs on the market, including Western medicines and Chinese patent medicines. How should the public choose the right one to ensure they get the correct treatment and a speedy recovery?"

A faint smile appeared on Academician Zhang Lin’s face.

He cleared his throat and began his recommendation. "Regarding the choice of medication, my team and I, after extensive clinical observation and research, have unanimously concluded that Traditional Chinese Medicine has shown unique advantages and outstanding efficacy in treating this Influenza A outbreak."

He emphasized his words, continuing, "Especially for the current symptoms, which present as a ’wind-heat’ type of flu with pathogenic heat congesting the lungs, we have found that one Chinese patent medicine stands out in particular—and that is Lianhua Granules."

Li Yang was slightly taken aback.

Although the script did mention a section on Chinese medicine, she was still surprised that Academician Zhang Lin would so unequivocally endorse a specific drug.

As if he hadn’t noticed her reaction, Academician Zhang Lin continued to praise it effusively. "Lianhua Granules. Its formula is ingeniously composed, combining Forsythia Suspensa, Honeysuckle, ephedra, almond, gypsum, and other medicinal materials. It has the effects of clearing plague, detoxifying, ventilating the lungs, and draining heat. It effectively inhibits viral replication against this flu strain, alleviates symptoms like fever, coughing, and sore throat, and can also reduce pulmonary inflammation and lower the risk of complications."

"More importantly, Lianhua Granules has undergone strict approval by national drug regulatory authorities. It is widely used in clinical practice and has a high safety profile. For children and elderly patients, as long as it is used under a doctor’s guidance, the results are very significant. In my opinion, it is currently the best Chinese medicine choice for dealing with Influenza A."

Academician Zhang Lin’s tone was firm, as if Lianhua Granules were a panacea that could cure all ills.

Li Yang listened politely, nodding at appropriate times.

A thought stirred within her.

She was taking Western medicine herself and didn’t have any particular opinion on Lianhua Granules.

’Should I give it a try?’

Li Yang thought.

The interview lasted nearly an hour, and Academician Zhang Lin’s praise for Lianhua Granules was a constant theme throughout, his words filled with confidence and certainty in its efficacy.

After the interview, Li Yang said her goodbyes to Academician Zhang Lin and his entourage, then began to pack up the equipment with her team.

Meanwhile, Academician Zhang Lin was escorted back to his office by his assistant.

He closed the door, and the smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a subtle, shrewd expression.

He opened his computer, clicked on a hidden chat window, and sent a simple string of numbers—a secret code.

After confirming the other party had received it, he closed the chat window as if nothing had happened.

Then, he picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"Wenhui, it’s me, Zhang Lin," he said familiarly.

"Academician Zhang, you had an important interview today. Is it over?"

Li Wenhui asked.

She was a major shareholder in Dragon Country’s Dongguang Pharmaceutical and a nationally renowned expert in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

"The interview is done," Academician Zhang Lin said with a smile. "My interview today will soon be broadcast on major national media. You should know what drug I recommended, right?"

Li Wenhui understood immediately. "You recommended Lianhua Granules? Congratulations, you’ve completed your mission."

"Haha..."

Academician Zhang laughed. "I really sang the praises of Lianhua Granules today. It’s foreseeable that sales will skyrocket in the coming period. Are you ready on your end?"

Li Wenhui nodded. "We’ve been fully prepared for a while now. The production lines are already running at full capacity."

After hanging up, Li Wenhui immediately contacted the general manager of Dongguang Pharmaceutical.

"Academician Zhang’s interview will be broadcast soon. The market demand for Lianhua Granules is about to see explosive growth. Prepare for everything and ensure the supply is guaranteed," Li Wenhui ordered.