Chapter Sixteen: The Composition of the Red Pill

The next day, at the company.

Jiang Yang arrived at work punctually. As soon as he sat down at his desk, Chen Hao leaned over and whispered, “Hey, did you hear? The company might be getting a new owner!”

Jiang Yang was startled. “What? The company is doing well. We even landed a big client recently. Why would the boss want to sell? Is he planning to run off with my sister-in-law or something?”

Chen Hao squinted and said, “Shh, don’t blurt it out. I heard a company suddenly wants to acquire us. The money they’re offering is just too much, so the boss is thinking about selling.”

Jiang Yang frowned. “Our advertising firm only has a few dozen people, and we don’t even have any major projects. How could some big company be interested in us?”

Chen Hao smiled mysteriously. “They must be after our company’s strong business capabilities; otherwise, why would they pay so much? Honestly, it’s probably because of us employees.”

Jiang Yang’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me some rich woman has got her eye on you and secretly bought the company for you?”

Chen Hao laughed, his eyes narrowing into slits. “I wish. Imagine pampering a rich lady every day—massaging her back, warming her bed. Money wouldn’t be a problem, and I’d be grinning like a fool all the time.”

“Brother Hao, I’m a married man now—no chance for me. You have to seize the opportunity. Rich ladies love your type—plump, with that perfect feel when you pinch them. Gives a real sense of security.”

“You know, I heard the boss might be a woman. Think I should get ready?” Chen Hao wore a sly grin, as if he was already preparing to warm someone’s bed.

Nearby, Liu Yingying tapped on the desk. “Hey, can you two keep it down? You get all excited whenever you mention rich women. Especially you, Chen Hao—don’t distract me from work.”

Jiang Yang nudged Chen Hao and then raised his chin at Liu Yingying. “See? Someone’s jealous.”

Liu Yingying lifted her foot and kicked toward Jiang Yang. “I already have a boyfriend, so don’t talk nonsense. Looks like you haven’t had enough knocks on the head. Let me fix that for you!”

Liu Yingying was quite strong for a tomboy. A kick from her wouldn’t feel good. Jiang Yang swiftly dodged backward, pulled a goofy face at her, and hurried back to his desk to work.

No sooner had he sat down than the department manager, Lin, came over. “Jiang Yang, since you just returned yesterday, you had two easy days, but today work starts again.”

“Of course. I’m full of energy now. Assign me the tasks.”

Lin placed a USB drive on his desk. “This is information on a new client. They manufacture specialized surveillance equipment. Next month, they’re attending an exhibition and need a promotional video. Since you’re good at that, you’ll handle it. The requirements are all on the drive—take a look.”

Jiang Yang took the data. “Got it. I’ll come to you if I have questions.”

After Lin left, Jiang Yang plugged the USB into his computer and reviewed the client’s materials.

Wow, their surveillance devices were surprisingly small—largest was about the size of a flashlight, and the smallest lens was only as thick as a chopstick.

These tiny cameras could run for up to a month without changing batteries and even support real-time video transmission.

However, these products were specialized and made only for authorized customers; regular people couldn’t buy them.

As Jiang Yang studied the client’s information and considered how to approach the promotional video, his phone rang. It was Yang Xiaoran calling.

Why would she call so early?

He answered. Usually measured and calm, Yang Xiaoran sounded anxious this time: “There’s a problem with the pills. Don’t take them yet.”

Jiang Yang’s heart skipped a beat. “What’s wrong with the medicine?”

“It’s hard to explain quickly. Just don’t take it today. Come to my clinic at noon, and we’ll talk then.” With that, she hung up.

He couldn’t afford to delay. When lunch break came, he barely ate and hurried to Yang Xiaoran’s clinic.

She was already waiting, placing a stack of documents on the table. Tapping the papers, she said, “These are test results we had done overnight. Take a look.”

Jiang Yang glanced at the pages filled with chemical terms he couldn’t understand. He looked to Yang Xiaoran for help. “Doctor Yang, can you explain?”

She knew he wouldn’t comprehend, so she pointed to a prominent term on the report. “These pills contain a significant amount of anticholinergic compounds. These special ingredients interfere with nerve signal transmission, suppressing the brain’s memory functions.”

“The brain’s memory function?” Jiang Yang was shocked.

“That’s right. Generally, this type of compound isn’t used to treat headaches. Instead, it’s for psychiatric conditions. It strongly disrupts memory and can have side effects.

I’ve checked—this drug isn’t approved for production domestically. Even abroad, it’s a special medication, not easily obtained by ordinary people.”

After explaining the drug’s effects, Yang Xiaoran fixed her clear eyes on Jiang Yang, waiting for his reaction.

He was stunned. “You mean… the pills she gave me aren’t really for headaches but to make me forget my past?”

“To be precise, it may have some therapeutic effect, but suppressing memory might be its main function.” Yang Xiaoran’s lips curled into a barely perceptible smile. She was quite pleased with his response.

Jiang Yang was utterly shocked. Ruo Lan had been too good to him; he trusted her unconditionally and took the pills without questioning their ingredients or effects.

Since that day leaving the private hospital in K City, he’d been taking the red pills for nearly a month without interruption.

And while they were together, besides loving to be intimate with him, her main concern every day was making sure he took the medicine.

Whether abroad or at home, day or night, even during video calls, she never forgot to remind him to take his pills.

He once thought it was her care and thoughtfulness, but now, looking back, her true intentions sent chills down his spine.

Jiang Yang pulled out his phone. “No, I have to call her immediately and ask why she gave me such medicine.”

Yang Xiaoran quickly stopped him. “Wait. Don’t forget, your accident hasn’t been fully investigated yet. If you rashly call her now, what if… I mean, what if—”

Jiang Yang broke out in a cold sweat. “You mean, what if she caused the accident?”

Yang Xiaoran shook her head gently. “I didn’t say that. I mean, what if she really had your best interests at heart and went through great trouble to find medicine to treat your headaches?

If you just accuse her of trying to harm you, wouldn’t that ruin the relationship between you two?”