Taoist Doctor - Chapter 14

This noon, Zhou Jinyuan was meditating and resting in his clinic. Despite having a busy schedule every day, he maintained the habit of meditating instead of sleeping during his lunch break.

 

His phone rang, and he saw it was an unknown number. Many people had his number, including former patients, so he always answered calls regardless of the time.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Dr. Zhou, this is Huang Tianlin.”

 

Huang Tianlin was the CEO whose father had suffered a heart attack and then persistent hiccups. Zhou Jinyuan wondered why he was calling suddenly. Could it be that the old man wasn’t recovering well after surgery?

 

“It’s me, Mr. Huang. I haven’t had the chance to thank you for referring patients to me,” Zhou Jinyuan said. Huang Tianlin had introduced Wu Shen Yu to him, and Wu Shen Yu’s husband had helped promote the Invincible Hair Growth Serum.

 

“Haha, it’s nothing. I’m calling with some good news,” Huang Tianlin said cheerfully. “Remember you said I had good news coming my way? My wife is a month pregnant!”

 

It had happened not long after Zhou Jinyuan had made that prediction. He hadn’t even seen Huang Tianlin’s wife, which made Huang Tianlin think it was quite a coincidence. Zhou Jinyuan’s demeanor and tone had been quite unusual.

 

“Congratulations!” Zhou Jinyuan laughed.

 

“Dr. Zhou, was this the good news you were referring to?” Huang Tianlin asked tentatively.

 

Of course, Zhou Jinyuan wouldn’t admit it directly. If his supervisor found out, he’d be in trouble. He just chuckled. “I simply believed that good things were coming your way. You looked to be in good health.”

 

Huang Tianlin was silent for a moment. If Zhou Jinyuan had fully admitted it, he might have been more skeptical, but Zhou Jinyuan’s reserved response made him believe it more.

 

“Well, actually, I wanted to ask if you have time tomorrow evening. I’m hosting a gathering with some friends to celebrate, and it would be great if you could join us. Director Lan and Director Xiao will also be there.”

 

This was a huge event for his family, and Huang Tianlin was eager to celebrate publicly.

 

Huang Tianlin had heard feedback from Wu Shen Yu, whose severe insomnia and hair loss had been cured. Coupled with Zhou Jinyuan’s accurate prediction, he wanted to deepen his relationship with Zhou Jinyuan.

 

Zhou Jinyuan felt he had only treated a minor ailment for Huang’s father and wasn’t the main physician. Huang Tianlin had introduced patients to him, so they had some connection, but they weren’t familiar with each other. Attending such a gathering would be awkward.

 

Besides, he had plans for tomorrow. So, Zhou Jinyuan congratulated him again and declined.

 

Realizing Dr. Zhou wasn’t keen on socializing, Huang Tianlin changed his approach. “Well, since there will be many people tomorrow, I’m afraid I might not be a good host. How about we meet at Xianglu Temple sometime? My father practices Tai Chi there!”

 

“Alright,” Zhou Jinyuan agreed.

 

Zhou Jinyuan’s plans for the next day involved a meeting of the Haizhou Province Taoist Association. Many Taoist leaders from various places would be attending. As a Taoist, although not a native of Haizhou, he had connections with Taoist Master Qin, who had invited him to discuss Taoist practices.

 

Zhou Jinyuan had swapped shifts for the afternoon and was picked up by Taoist Master Zhao at noon the next day. He brought his Taoist robe and changed into it in the car, transforming into a young Taoist.

 

The large number of attendees necessitated holding the meeting at a hotel conference hall rather than Xianglu Temple. After an afternoon of activities, there was a buffet dinner.

 

Zhou Jinyuan and Taoist Master Zhao sat together throughout the meeting and walked to the buffet while chatting afterward.

 

“Dr. Zhou? Is that you?”

 

A female voice called out.

 

Zhou Jinyuan looked over and saw Wu Shen Yu, who was arm in arm with her husband, Zhao, whose hair had grown back.

 

“Dr. Zhou, it really is you! I didn’t recognize you in that uniform!” Wu Shen Yu admired his attire, as she had only heard of it and never seen the “National Master” in person.

 

“Uh, uniform… This is a Taoist robe,” Zhou Jinyuan said, smiling awkwardly.

 

“I thought you might be attending Huang Tianlin’s gathering, but… is this some sort of event?” Wu Shen Yu asked, observing the constant flow of Taoists.

 

“It’s a meeting of the Haizhou Taoist Association… Is Mr. Huang hosting his event here?” Zhou Jinyuan asked, surprised. What a coincidence.

 

Since it was such a coincidence, Wu Shen Yu invited Zhou Jinyuan to greet Huang and offer congratulations. Feeling it would be impolite not to, he let Taoist Master Zhao go ahead.

 

Though described as a small gathering, Huang Tianlin had booked a large hall filled with guests in elegant attire. Zhou Jinyuan, in his Taoist robe, stood out.

 

Thanks to his distinctive “uniform,” Huang Tianlin spotted him immediately.

 

“Dr. Zhou? I thought you weren’t coming! Even Director Xiao is stuck in traffic! Did you come with Mr. Zhao and Shen Yu?” he said with a laugh.

 

“Mr. Huang,” Zhou Jinyuan greeted, shaking his hand. “It’s quite a coincidence. Our Taoist Association meeting is also here. When Ms. Wu mentioned you were here, I thought I’d stop by to offer my congratulations. I hope your wife and baby are healthy and safe.”

 

“Thank you! Haha, what a coincidence indeed. That explains your robe… Why don’t you stay for dinner?” Huang Tianlin suggested with a broad smile.

 

“I’ve already arranged to have dinner with some senior Taoists and can’t break my promise,” Zhou Jinyuan politely declined.

 

“Alright,” Huang Tianlin said, a bit disappointed. Then, he thought of something. “I hope you don’t mind, but since you’re here, could you check my wife’s pulse?”

 

Though Mrs. Huang had undergone a full check-up, a traditional Chinese medicine consultation would provide additional assurance.

 

It wouldn’t take long, so Zhou Jinyuan nodded.

 

…

 

Zhou Jinyuan found a chair and checked Mrs. Huang’s pulse on the spot. Meanwhile, Wu Shen Yu had wandered off to socialize. Ever since her insomnia had been cured and her husband’s hair started growing back, she had been particularly exuberant.

 

Mrs. Huang had never seen a traditional Chinese doctor before, though she had heard of Zhou Jinyuan’s reputation. When she saw him in person, she felt he looked even younger than her husband described, almost like a child, and dressed in a Taoist robe. This attire piqued the curiosity of some guests, who probably thought he was a fortune-teller.

 

In two minutes, Zhou Jinyuan finished the consultation and said, “There’s nothing serious, but you’ll experience severe morning sickness.”

 

Mrs. Huang had been taking good care of her health in preparation for pregnancy, maintaining her body well over the years.

 

After some thought, he added, “For your minor issue of frequent stomach noises, you can resolve it by eating a bowl of ginseng and poria congee.”

 

Mrs. Huang widened her eyes a bit. This was indeed a minor problem. Her stomach often made noises, but medical exams showed nothing wrong, and she felt fine. Doctors had said it was normal, just intestinal movement. She hadn’t paid much attention to it herself.

 

Seeing Zhou Jinyuan’s skill in diagnosis, Mrs. Huang was more concerned about the first issue he mentioned.

 

She hadn’t experienced morning sickness yet, but it was expected soon given her stage of pregnancy. “So, I’ll really have severe morning sickness?”

 

None of the doctors had mentioned this possibility during her check-ups. Though she had never been pregnant before, she had seen friends suffer from severe morning sickness, unable to keep anything down.

 

“No worries, you can come to me for acupuncture to prevent and alleviate the symptoms,” Zhou Jinyuan suggested.

 

“Acupuncture during pregnancy? I’d rather not…” Mrs. Huang felt uneasy, doubting if she would definitely have severe morning sickness.

 

Zhou Jinyuan checked the time, “Avoiding certain points and the abdomen is fine, but it depends on your tolerance. Severe morning sickness can be quite uncomfortable. If you can’t bear it when it starts, come find me. Hmm, it might coincide with my days off. If I’m not available, you can make an appointment with Dr. Mao. It’s best to book an appointment these days since our department is quite busy.”

 

Although Dr. Mao wasn’t adept at certain methods, Zhou Jinyuan knew he was quite skilled in gynecology and acupuncture, making him a reliable recommendation within the department.

 

“Alright…” Mrs. Huang nodded, dazed. This was her first experience discussing an anticipated health issue with a doctor before it even occurred. Zhou Jinyuan’s certainty made her consider booking an appointment just in case.

 

Pre-booking before falling ill? She wondered if it was necessary.

 

At this moment, a middle-aged man in a blue striped suit, exuding a distinguished aura with a few grey strands in his hair, walked over. “Tianlin,” he said in a deep voice, “Congratulations to you and your wife.”

 

Mr. and Mrs. Huang were pleasantly surprised, thanking him repeatedly. “Mr. Qu, how come you’re here?”

 

“I need to head back now. Best wishes for your health,” Zhou Jinyuan said, offering his final congratulations before taking his leave, as he had only come to greet them.

 

“Thank you,” Huang Tianlin said regretfully. He had hoped to keep Zhou Jinyuan a bit longer, perhaps to get his fortune told, but now that would have to wait for another time.

 

Zhou Jinyuan stood up, nodded briefly to the middle-aged man, and left.

 

The middle-aged man paid it no mind and said to Huang Tianlin, “My aunt returned to the country and is staying here. Hearing about your good news, I came to congratulate you before leaving. I didn’t expect you to start seeking spiritual advice.”

 

Huang Tianlin smiled mildly, not defending himself. “Mr. Qu, how’s your son doing?”

 

Mr. Qu’s expression tightened. “He’s already dismissed three rehabilitation teams, including a highly skilled one I brought from abroad. Their training plan was excellent, promising some mobility and even standing with assistance if all went well. But he… sigh.”

 

Huang Tianlin sighed as well, aware of Mr. Qu’s son’s situation.

 

“I’m considering traditional Chinese medicine for his rehabilitation, perhaps acupuncture,” Mr. Qu added.

 

Mrs. Huang thought to herself that the problem likely wasn’t with the methods, but rather Mr. Qu’s son’s resistance to them. Even if they found a renowned doctor, being constantly dismissed wouldn’t help.

 

Speaking of traditional Chinese medicine, Huang Tianlin’s eyes brightened. “Mr. Qu, that young man earlier is an expert in acupuncture!”

 

Mr. Qu recalled his brief encounter with the young Taoist. Though brief, Zhou Jinyuan’s youthful and delicate features were memorable.

 

He chuckled, “Isn’t he a Taoist priest?”

 

“And very young,” he added, skeptical.

 

“Don’t be fooled by his youth or Taoist garb. He works at the city’s Third Hospital in the TCM department,” Huang Tianlin explained, understanding Mr. Qu’s hesitation. “His medical skills are exceptional. He diagnosed my wife’s future morning sickness and accurately assessed my father’s condition. Do you remember Wu Shen Yu? Her severe insomnia was cured by his acupuncture, despite previous treatments from other doctors.”

 

Huang Tianlin enthusiastically listed examples.

 

Mr. Qu remained indifferent. “Thanks for the recommendation, but my aunt recommended an acupuncturist from the TCM hospital, Dr. Huang. He treated my uncle’s nerve damage from a gunshot wound.”

 

Considering traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation, he had thoroughly researched top experts, and the Third Hospital’s TCM department hadn’t been on his radar.

 

He had high hopes for Dr. Huang and was trying to motivate his son to accept treatment again.

 

Weighing his options, Huang Tianlin realized that while Zhou Jinyuan was a good doctor in his eyes, he couldn’t compare to the highly esteemed Dr. Huang. “Oh, I see. I wish your son a swift recovery.”

 

Mr. Qu didn’t mind. He appreciated Tianlin’s goodwill, though he doubted the young Taoist’s ability to treat serious conditions.

 

Zhou Jinyuan left the banquet hall and walked towards the buffet, still a short distance away.

 

By now, the sky had long since darkened. The hotel’s garden was lush with greenery, illuminated only by faint lights along the paths, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Zhou Jinyuan noticed a figure standing on the grass because it was unusual.

 

With a good memory, Zhou Jinyuan recognized him at a glance. It was the young man in the wheelchair he had met in the elevator at Wu Shen Yu’s company building.

 

Initially planning to walk away, Zhou Jinyuan was caught off guard by a sudden downpour. Large raindrops began to fall heavily.

 

The young man didn’t move, just looked down at his wheelchair as the rain soaked his pale face.

 

Was the electric wheelchair broken or stuck?

 

There were no staff members around, and Zhou Jinyuan, not only as a normal person but also because he had inadvertently offended him last time, lifted his robe and rushed over without hesitation.

 

Zhou Jinyuan ran to the young man, pushed his wheelchair through the rain, and quickly reached the corridor.

 

Though it was just a short run, they both got quite wet. The young man, frowning and drenched, looked at Zhou Jinyuan more clearly now, his wet hair revealing his features.

 

His eyes couldn’t merely be described as dull; they were filled with a lifeless indifference, giving his actions a cold, mechanical feel.

 

Zhou Jinyuan was familiar with such an expression, having seen it in some patients before.

 

The young man didn’t thank him. His wheelchair’s wheels even turned slightly, smoothly rotating as he moved away, silently indicating that Zhou Jinyuan’s concern was unnecessary—his wheelchair wasn’t broken.

 

“Excuse me, wait a moment,” Zhou Jinyuan called out. Although the young man didn’t stop, Zhou Jinyuan raised his voice, “May I ask if you’re undergoing rehabilitation for your legs?”

 

Zhou Jinyuan got straight to the point, but the young man didn’t turn back. Just when Zhou Jinyuan thought he would remain silent, he heard a cold laugh. “No, and not even a deity can help me.”

 

The young man disappeared around the corner, leaving Zhou Jinyuan to glance at his own Taoist robe, realizing the misunderstanding.

 

“Sigh…” Zhou Jinyuan sighed.

 

…

 

After dinner, Zhou Jinyuan had further discussions with some prominent Taoist figures from Haizhou Province, introduced by Master Qin. It was already nine o’clock when he received a text from Xiao Xue, saying she was in the hotel lobby to pick him up, and it was still raining.

 

Seeing it was quite late, Zhou Jinyuan quickly bid farewell and went downstairs.

 

Rong Xue was sitting on a sofa in the lobby’s lounge area. Beside him, a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl with colorful hair was playfully chatting him up.

 

Rong Xue didn’t even lift his eyelids, focusing on playing Tetris on his phone.

 

It was autumn, and he wore a denim jacket. His long legs, no matter how he positioned them, were hard to ignore. But what attracted the girl most was his striking features, cold and sharp, especially his beautiful eyes.

 

Unfortunately, no matter how the girl teased, Rong Xue remained indifferent, as if no one was around, more interested in the game. His strikingly good looks made him seem aloof.

 

When he heard “Xiao Xue,” his expression softened with a smile, his sharpness melting away. He put away his phone and strode forward.

 

The girl behind him looked as if she had seen a ghost, astonished that he could smile and at the name “Xiao Xue.”

 

Standing in front of Zhou Jinyuan, Rong Xue scrutinized his forehead, raising his hand but stopping short, not acting as casually as usual.

 

Seeing his movement, Zhou Jinyuan touched his forehead, finding some cinnabar there. “Ah, I got it on me earlier while demonstrating talismans with other Taoists.”

 

“Such bright cinnabar,” Rong Xue smiled slightly.

 

“Yeah,” Zhou Jinyuan said, touching his fingers to the cinnabar and dabbing it on Rong Xue’s eyelids, reciting, “May wisdom be clear…”

 

Rong Xue half-closed his eyes and softly recited the rest with him, “… and the mind be at peace.”

 

Just then, Master Qin came down, calling Zhou Jinyuan over from the elevator entrance and offering to drive him home, seeing it was still raining outside.

 

Zhou Jinyuan walked back to explain that there was no need since Xiao Xue had come to pick him up.

 

The girl with colorful hair watched in fascination. She had tried talking to Rong Xue for ages without a response, his icy demeanor unyielding. Yet, a Taoist appeared, and he smiled brightly, even letting him draw symbols and chant.

 

No wonder he ignored her, preferring the Taoist’s company. At such a young age, he was already so superstitious.

 

Unwilling to give up, the girl walked a few steps forward, teasingly saying, “Hey there, little brother, I didn’t peg you for a Taoist believer, drawing symbols and chanting so devoutly.”

 

Rong Xue paused, responding for the first time, though more to himself, “I don’t believe in Taoism.”

 

Before the stunned girl could ask more, Rong Xue walked away again. What he believed in was never religion.