Taoist Doctor - Chapter 47

Zhou Jinyuan didn’t realize that the nearby residents had already split into two camps over the name “Xiao Qinglong(Little Azure Dragon) Clinic.”

 

After the young woman left, only a few elderly men and women passed by in the morning, curious and with nothing else to do, and stopped to collect some plasters. The clinic staff greeted them warmly.

 

Zhou Jinyuan also received a call from Jin Chuo Xian, who said he’d come by in the afternoon.

 

Actually, whether Jin Chuo Xian needed treatment today or not wasn’t important. He came because it was Xiao Qinglong’s first day of business, to boost the main doctor’s popularity and get to know the place since he’d likely be a frequent visitor.

 

Around noon, Rong Xixue left early as he had class in the afternoon, but most of the work was done anyway.

 

Ji Huan had just witnessed another fierce Taoist-Buddhist clash. After lunch, Ji Huan lay down to rest while Rong Shouyun and Zhou Jinyuan each sat meditating on opposite ends. Before long, Zhou Jinyuan began complaining about Rong Shouyun chanting sutras.

 

As they argued, it turned into a scuffle, with each of them dissing the other’s beliefs.

 

Ji Huan, who hadn’t been paying attention, was startled to see them wrestling and immediately called Rong Xixue, “Doctor Rong and Doctor Zhou are fighting!! Doctor Zhou is yanking Doctor Rong’s hair!”

 

Rong Xixue: “…”

 

Rong Xixue: “It’s okay, just watch. My brother can’t win.”

 

Ji Huan: “???”

 

Whose brother are you, exactly?

 

He looked at both Rong Shouyun and Zhou Jinyuan, who seemed like they were family. Was this clinic even opened because of the brothers?

 

They both understood human anatomy well, targeting spots that hurt without causing real injury, so after a while, no real damage was done. Their biggest “injury” was a red mark on Rong Shouyun’s head from the hair-pulling.

 

Noticing this, Ji Huan relaxed and sat by, no longer anxious.

 

And not long after the fight, Zhou Jinyuan held his phone and sighed, “This is impossible; I can’t come up with anything. Rong Baldy, do you have any birthday greetings I could borrow? It’s my uncle’s birthday.”

 

Rong Shouyun: “Nope!”

 

“I don’t believe you.” Zhou Jinyuan jumped on his back and forcibly grabbed his phone.

 

Ji Huan couldn’t resist sneaking a look, mainly to see if Rong Shouyun’s wallpaper was of Buddha.

 

But disappointingly, it was only a bamboo forest scene.

 

Zhou Jinyuan searched through his messages, then set the phone on the counter and started copying.

 

Ji Huan glanced at it again and saw the message read: “Another year, another birthday. I ride Manjushri’s white elephant to deliver my heartfelt blessings. May your household have eternal light, wisdom ever-present; shining brightly like glazed glass, auspicious at all times…”

 

Ji Huan: “…”

 

Wait, how is Zhou Jinyuan supposed to copy this?

 

He peeked again at Zhou Jinyuan’s editing screen, only to see: “Another year, another birthday. I ride the Elder Lord’s green ox to deliver my heartfelt blessings. May purple clouds gather around your home, endless blessings come; bright stars shine upon you, and your family be blessed…”

 

Ji Huan: “……………”

 

…Alright then.

 

…

 

Since Zhou Jinyuan knew Jin Chuo Xian was coming, he prepared some external medication for him in the pharmacy, but was called out by Rong Shouyun to see a slightly short, chubby middle-aged man in a cultural shirt standing outside.

 

Rong Shouyun introduced him, “A-Jin, this is Director He. He has a headache and trouble sleeping, so give him a few needles.”

 

Director He was the local community director, and since Xiao Qinglong rented its storefront from the community center, Rong Shouyun had met him before.

 

Director He had a good impression of him, thinking it wasn’t easy for young doctors to start a business. Since they were using the community’s storefront, he cooperated willingly, and the younger Rong seemed very kind and a devoted Buddhist.

 

And so, Director He came to support the business.

 

As he arrived at the clinic, he saw the flower baskets outside and few people inside, and he knew he’d guessed right.

 

The clinic was just opening, so of course it would be quiet, especially with a few young doctors opening it together.

 

However, after entering, he felt it was a bit odd. He knew Rong was a Buddhist, but why was there also a Bagua diagram?

 

Zhou Jinyuan had no idea about Director He’s sympathetic thoughts and greeted him, “Hello, Director He. Come on, I’ll give you some acupuncture.”

 

Ji Huan immediately followed, seizing the chance to learn.

 

Learning here was better than learning in a TCM hospital. Once employed, would the senior doctors really teach you their secrets?

 

But Zhou Jinyuan was different. Currently, several doctors in their department had already started mastering the Fire Needling technique!

 

“I saw you’re giving out plasters. That’s great; they’re very convenient. I’ll spread the word and let people know they can come get some if they need it.” Director He enthusiastically added, “I think in the future, you could also hold events to promote yourselves. You young folks are probably good at that, don’t need me to say more.”

 

“Thank you, we appreciate it!” Zhou Jinyuan replied as he probed the points on Director He’s head to locate the painful spots.

 

Director He had something else to say but forgot as he let out a comfortable sigh, “Ah, that’s the spot! So comfortable!”

 

Zhou Jinyuan pulled out his needles and began the acupuncture.

 

Director He didn’t feel any pain. After lying there a while, he suddenly asked, “By the way, why is there a Bagua diagram here? Isn’t Rong a Buddhist?”

 

Zhou Jinyuan: “Bald… I mean, Rong is a Buddhist, but I’m a Taoist.”

 

“Eh?” Director He looked up at him, “Then you must get along especially well! Different beliefs, yet still like-minded. Not like here, where even the square dancers have so many factions.”

 

Ji Huan saw Zhou Jinyuan give a forced smile, “Yes, we get along very well.”

 

“Hey, the more I look at you, the more familiar you seem.” Director He suddenly remarked, lying there looking up at Zhou Jinyuan’s face. His memory wasn’t what it used to be, though.

 

Zhou Jinyuan looked down at him and asked, “Really? Do I remind you of someone? A neighbor?”

 

Director He thought for a while, “Maybe… you look like someone’s kid from the neighborhood.”

 

He let it go and passionately said, “Young people starting a business, it’s normal for it to be quiet at first. Besides, running a clinic isn’t like a restaurant or fruit stand, where reputation builds quickly. Take the restaurant next door; it was packed on the first day because the food smells great!

 

“But medical work is different, especially TCM. It takes time to treat even one case well. You all should keep honing your skills, especially treating common ailments like headaches and fevers. TCM is more respected now, after all…”

 

“Haha, you’re right, sir. Alright, all the needles are in place. Close your eyes and rest; they’ll need to stay in for about half an hour,” Zhou Jinyuan replied. This gentleman was indeed passionate—a perfect fit for community work.

 

Director He made a good point. Building a clinic’s reputation took time compared to other industries, though he might not know that Zhou Jinyuan’s specialty at the Third Hospital was precisely quick results…

 

“Got it.” Director He was decisive and immediately closed his eyes, soon snoring in contentment.

 

After leaving, Zhou Jinyuan saw Rong Shouyun talking with an old man. The old man didn’t seem to care if this was a new clinic; he looked like he’d strained his back, couldn’t walk far, and came in because the sign said it had orthopedics.

 

After a quick examination, Rong Shouyun understood the problem and guided the old man to a treatment room to start.

 

…

 

On the first day of business, there were not only unexpected new patients but also familiar faces showing up one by one.

 

For example, besides the announced visit from Jin Chuo Xian, there was also a silent arrival from Qu Guanfeng.

 

Qu Guanfeng’s driver parked at the street corner. He got out, forgoing his wheelchair, and slowly walked to Xiao Qinglong Clinic himself—he could now walk such a long distance unaided.

 

Though he had mentally prepared, seeing Xiao Qinglong Clinic still shocked Qu Guanfeng.

 

It was just so small.

 

The entire space, if put together, might not be as big as his office. If you weren’t paying attention, you could walk past without noticing it.

 

It was hard to imagine, wasn’t it? That such a small, quiet clinic, just opened, could hold an exceptionally skilled doctor. Or maybe more than one?

 

Qu Guanfeng was already moving slowly, but now he carefully entered the clinic.

 

“Mr. Qu?” Zhou Jinyuan, upon seeing him, quickly put down what he was doing and came out from behind the counter to help. “You could go to the hospital tomorrow, you know. Did you come here just to support us?”

 

Apparently, Jin Chuo Xian thought the same.

 

Qu Guanfeng didn’t deny it—he did have that intention.

 

Zhou Jinyuan was about to take him to the treatment room when someone wearing a mask and hat entered. As they stepped inside, they removed them, revealing a head of snow-white hair and a pair of pale red eyes—it was Jin Chuo Xian.

 

This was Ji Huan’s first time seeing these two patients. Though they didn’t look well physically, they exuded an air of nobility, and every movement felt out of place amidst the lively street and humble clinic. He couldn’t help but stare in a daze.

 

Seeing the two greet Zhou Jinyuan, it was clear they were old patients.

 

He thought that if it weren’t for Dr. Zhou, it would be very unlikely for people like these two to appear in a clinic of this scale…

 

Jin Chuo Xian had mentioned coming back for a follow-up in the afternoon. It was just perfect timing, arriving almost right after Qu Guanfeng.

 

“All right, both of you come to the treatment room. I’ll prepare, then perform acupuncture and change your dressings.” Zhou Jinyuan led them to the main treatment room.

 

With this, three of the four beds were now occupied.

 

In the smaller treatment room, there was still a patient receiving treatment for a lower back injury. The clinic suddenly felt crowded.

 

And that wasn’t all.

 

While Zhou Jinyuan was preparing medication, Ji Huan answered a phone call for him. Hearing a foreign language on the other end, he assumed it was a wrong number, but then he caught Dr. Zhou’s name.

 

Ji Huan listened closely for a moment before calling out, “Dr. Zhou, it seems like there’s a foreigner looking for you. They say they’re already on the street but can’t find the exact location… Is this your patient?”

 

Another patient, then.

 

“Irina?” Zhou Jinyuan had previously received an email from Irina’s father, mentioning they had completed the necessary arrangements and would soon be heading to Haizhou, China. It seemed they had arrived!

 

“I’ll go pick them up.” Zhou Jinyuan went outside the clinic and immediately spotted Irina and her father. It looked like her mother hadn’t come to China with them.

 

The two foreigners stood out noticeably at the entrance of the community, attracting the attention of passersby until Zhou Jinyuan led them back.

 

As soon as Irina saw Zhou Jinyuan, she clung tightly to his hand, refusing to let go. “Dr. Zhou, when are you going to do the acupuncture for me?”

 

She even said this in Chinese. Though still imperfect, it was understandable. Zhou Jinyuan was a bit surprised—had Irina been studying Chinese recently?

 

“You’ve even learned Chinese? That’s impressive, Irina. Look, you just got here—come into my clinic first. Don’t worry, it won’t take long.” Zhou Jinyuan reassured her.

 

After a long time apart, Irina’s reliance on her attending physician seemed to have not only remained but intensified, as she kept clutching onto Zhou Jinyuan’s sleeve.

 

Zhou Jinyuan led them into Xiao Qinglong Clinic and briefly introduced the place and Ji Huan, explaining that another doctor was currently treating a patient.

 

Ji Huan inwardly gasped. Irina had trained in dance from a young age and had an air of grace. Even sitting in a wheelchair, her presence seemed to elevate the clinic’s ambiance by several levels!

 

Irina’s father looked around, dumbfounded. He had assumed that a miracle doctor would have a large private clinic, yet here it was—this humble place.

 

He could never have guessed it was here! My god, why?!

 

Mr. Brown remembered discussing with his wife that Dr. Zhou’s private clinic would surely be better than a public hospital, quieter, and… It was indeed “quiet”—you could even hear the music from children’s toys outside the nearby supermarket.

 

This place was nothing like what Mr. Brown envisioned as the domain of a mysterious, world-class healer!

 

“Come, let’s go to the treatment room,” Zhou Jinyuan said, bringing Irina in and helping her onto the last vacant bed in the main treatment room. Qu Guanfeng and Jin Chuo Xian immediately looked over.

 

Irina kept her head down, one hand gripping Zhou Jinyuan’s.

 

Zhou Jinyuan soothingly patted her shoulder and, along with her father, helped her onto the bed. “You’ve had a long journey; you should rest a bit first.”

 

“Dr. Zhou, I’m not tired. I want to start the treatment now.” Irina held tightly onto his white coat.

 

“But look, I still have two other patients to treat first,” Zhou Jinyuan replied. He could tell Irina was likely exhausted, but she longed for the sensation in her legs and was eager to start treatment.

 

Irina bit her lip, recalling her brief acquaintance with Jin Chuo Xian. She didn’t recognize the other Chinese man standing by the bed, and even though she knew Jin Chuo Xian, she wasn’t sure how to start a conversation.

 

Glancing at Irina’s wheelchair, Qu Guanfeng, who understood the conversation between her and Zhou Jinyuan, suddenly said, “In that case, why don’t you treat her first?”

 

Jin Chuo Xian’s lashes fluttered as he also spoke up, “Dr. Zhou, it’s fine; you can treat Irina first.”

 

“Well, you gentlemen are quite chivalrous. All right. I’ll go prepare the needles. Sir, please come with me; I need to ask a few questions about Irina’s condition…” Zhou Jinyuan took Irina’s father to the medicine preparation room.

 

…

 

Director He woke up groggily and opened his eyes, only to find the previously empty treatment room now had patients in nearly every bed.

 

Besides him, there was a person with white hair and pale skin sitting on one bed, a beautiful foreign woman with dark hair and green eyes on another, and a young man leaning against the wall by the last bed.

 

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Director He thought he was dreaming. The treatment room seemed to glow with their presence, leaving him momentarily stunned. What was going on? Had a group of models suddenly appeared?

 

During her wait for paperwork in Country B, Irina had indeed been studying Chinese and had already learned some common phrases. With a noticeable accent, she said to Qu Guanfeng and Jin Chuo Xian, “Th-thank you…”

 

“Ladies first,” Jin Chuo Xian said politely.

 

“You seem to be in worse condition,” Qu Guanfeng responded coldly, though he still answered.

 

Qu Guanfeng’s words were also in Chinese, but since Irina’s learning was still limited, she didn’t understand. She gave Jin Chuo Xian, whom she had at least met before, a bewildered look.

 

Having some understanding of Irina’s situation, Jin Chuo Xian explained quietly to Qu Guanfeng, “Miss Irina was once a ballet dancer. She learned of Dr. Zhou through a case of successful treatment at a medical institution she visited, so she traveled all the way to China for help.”

 

Hearing this explanation, Qu Guanfeng’s expression became slightly intrigued.

 

In awkward Chinese, Irina asked Qu Guanfeng, “What… illness do you have?”

 

Qu Guanfeng replied calmly, “I’m the successful case you mentioned.”

 

Irina and Jin Chuo Xian immediately looked at him.

 

Qu Guanfeng stood steadily by the bed, without a wheelchair or crutches in sight. Just by looking at him, one could hardly believe he had once been paralyzed—and so severely, at that!

 

“So it was you…” Irina murmured.

 

After a moment, she turned to Jin Chuo Xian. “Sir, why are you here too? Were you also paralyzed?”

 

With an unchanged expression, Jin Chuo Xian replied, “I wasn’t paralyzed. Liver cancer.”

 

Irina and Qu Guanfeng felt surprised yet developed another kind of peculiar feeling. Despite his health condition, Jin Chuo Xian’s demeanor and appearance were bright, and he even spoke of his illness with a lighthearted tone.

 

Clearly, they had all been patients of Zhou Jinyuan, each having been in despair—

 

A silent sense of connection, without the need for words, arose among the three of them, a quiet shared feeling.

 

Jin Chuo Xian even felt he was finding inspiration, a sense of how to complete the piano piece he had yet to finish.

 

Just then, the faint rustling of the disposable bedsheet could be heard.

 

All three turned to look at the corner bed and the Chinese middle-aged man who had woken up at some point.

 

Director He panicked; he had been listening intently and couldn’t help but shift slightly at the end.

 

Now, all these people were staring at him, making him feel incredibly uncomfortable. It was like watching a movie only for all the stars to suddenly look straight at you from the screen.

 

Irina hadn’t even noticed there was another person here; her attention had been entirely on Zhou Jinyuan earlier. Now, she leaned forward to look curiously at the ordinary-looking Chinese man. What kind of story did he have?

 

Jin Chuo Xian’s white eyelashes blinked, while Qu Guanfeng leaned against the wall. Their pale red and jet-black eyes both gazed at him quietly.

 

Uh… Is it my turn now? Director He, finding himself under everyone’s gaze, stammered, “I… I’m He Zhengwei, the community director here. I have a bit of a headache…”