Taoist Doctor - Chapter 54

After Lu Meng finished speaking, the members of their club were stunned. It was so sudden—they had just been talking about how hard it was to get an appointment with Expert Zhou, and now Lu Meng had already met him face-to-face.

 

How did he manage to make an appointment? If it’s so hard to register, wouldn’t it take time to get treatment too? Did Lu Meng have fans in the Third Hospital who helped him cut in line?

 

“We’ll talk about it when I get back. Anyway, I’m with Dr. Zhou right now… I, I got lucky.” Lu Meng glanced around this small clinic, still a bit dazed, trying to make sense of the situation himself.

 

He couldn’t help but wonder if the expert was covering for a friend here or something!

 

“Dr. Zhou, are you really an expert from the Third Hospital?” Shao Duoduo still found it hard to believe. Knowing that Zhou Jinyuan was impressive was one thing, but actually connecting him with a top expert from the Third Hospital was something else, especially since he had always imagined experts as elderly doctors with white beards.

 

Lu Meng also double-checked, using his phone to search and compare the information. The profile picture indeed matched Zhou Jinyuan, and the description labeled him as a well-known expert both domestically and internationally.

 

“Yes, I am.” Zhou Jinyuan said with resignation. He had fallen out of the public eye so many times—people used to recognize him at the airport when he had just returned to the country.

 

Shao Jingjing was also quite surprised. “What? I’m working for an expert?”

 

He had always thought Zhou Jinyuan was just an ordinary doctor, otherwise, why would the hospital allow him to open his own clinic? Xiaoqinglong Clinic hadn’t even advertised that they had an expert in residence.

 

Besides, with the way this place was decorated by a pseudo-mystic, if he hadn’t seen it firsthand, he wouldn’t have believed it!

 

“Then… why are you here?” Shao Duoduo asked in astonishment. “You know how much just one consultation costs at the Third Hospital.”

 

Zhou Jinyuan replied casually, “You know how much a consultation costs too. I’m here simply because I’m partnering with friends. It’s more fun.”

 

Shao Jingjing added, “And you beat up your friend today.”

 

Not just today; there were frequent clashes and battles.

 

Zhou Jinyuan said defensively, “That’s a separate matter! If he steals my patients, shouldn’t I hit him!”

 

Everyone was speechless.

 

Lu Meng, who had just formed a lofty impression of Zhou Jinyuan, felt a bit confused—was this eccentric behavior a mark of his distinction?

 

Shao Duoduo thought to himself that no wonder Mr. Qu had used the ointment from this place. The mystery was finally solved.

 

This truly was the wisdom of hiding in plain sight. It made sense that Zhou Jinyuan hadn’t broadcasted his presence here, otherwise baldness patients would have swarmed in like a tide, leaving no room for Dr. Rong’s patients.

 

Shao Duoduo felt that, in the future, he would recommend Xiaoqinglong Clinic to others with more confidence. “You have no idea—there’s a low-profile expert here. Just seeing him is a profit!”

 

——In any case, there was no longer any need for coordination between Lu Meng and his club.

 

Lu Meng’s club had already inquired widely and knew about Dr. Zhou’s expertise in acupuncture, especially how he had once managed to restore the ability to walk for Mr. Qu’s son, which is why they had considered sending Lu Meng to consult Dr. Zhou.

 

Now it was even better—Lu Meng had stumbled upon Zhou Jinyuan in this little corner. What kind of stroke of luck was that?

 

Zhou Jinyuan had successfully snatched business away from himself.

 

“Since there’s no problem, if you have time today, you can stay. I can start the acupuncture right away—of course, after I finish treating the patient inside.” Zhou Jinyuan pointed inside; Irina was still waiting.

 

“Yes, yes, sure, no problem!” Lu Meng, who had long suffered from injuries, sometimes experiencing pain even during competitions, felt a great sense of relief from the few moments of massage from Zhou Jinyuan. He was eager to experience the effects of acupuncture.

 

“You can all sit here for now.” Zhou Jinyuan said, just as Xiao Liu came bouncing into the clinic. “Xiao Liu.”

 

“Is Jingjing Gege here? I want to play games with him.” Xiao Liu was holding his mom’s phone, probably allowed to play today because he had behaved well.

 

Zhou Jinyuan said, “Jingjing has to go back to work. Go play with Jingjing’s brother.” He pointed at Shao Duoduo.

 

Shao Jingjing: “…”

 

The ointment wasn’t fully applied yet, and the worker had to go back to continue working. Under Zhou Jinyuan’s gaze, Shao Jingjing sullenly walked back to the pharmacy room.

 

Originally, Xiao Liu had been so scared by the stories of Kong Sheng’s Zhendan Pill that he didn’t dare come to Xiaoqinglong Clinic again. But kids are quick to forget, and soon he was back. He got along well with Shao Jingjing, maybe because Shao Jingjing had a bit of a childlike streak himself.

 

Shao Duoduo waved to Xiao Liu. “Come here, let Gege see what game you’re playing. There’s a master here, you know.”

 

Who knew what games Xiao Liu usually played? Would he recognize Lu Meng, the freshly crowned champion team’s star player?

 

Lu Meng glanced at Xiao Liu and smiled at him.

 

It seemed pretty harmonious. Zhou Jinyuan was reassured and headed into the treatment room.

 

…

 

Over the past few days, under Zhou Jinyuan’s nutritional regimen, Irina’s fair, porcelain-like face had visibly filled out. She wasn’t exactly gaining weight, but her complexion was noticeably better. A healthy glow had appeared on her cheeks, and her already thick hair looked even shinier. She looked like a forest fairy.

 

“Dr. Zhou, recently I’ve been video chatting with my former colleagues,” Irina said shyly.

 

Thinking about the implication, Zhou Jinyuan couldn’t help but feel happy for her. According to Mr. Brown, Irina had previously resisted contacting her former friends, especially colleagues, and her parents didn’t dare press her on it either.

 

After all, seeing them would remind her that she could no longer perform on stage, deepening her distress.

 

But now, Irina had initiated contact with them.

 

She smiled and said, “I asked about the recent rehearsal situation. If I want to go back, I need to know, right?”

 

Irina could sense that her colleagues were both surprised and friendly, but their attitude was entirely one of comfort and encouragement, even with a hint of hesitation and concern. They probably couldn’t believe that Irina would ever be able to dance again.

 

While they were happy about her renewed energy, they also thought about the past, and though they didn’t want to hurt her, they feared she might face disappointment again. They could only awkwardly agree to meet her if she returned.

 

Many in the troupe knew about Irina’s injury, and the leading rehabilitation institutions in Country B had all concluded that she could never take the stage again.

 

However, Irina had faith in herself and in Zhou Jinyuan. She could feel her body growing stronger day by day. She now approached her daily rehabilitation with enthusiasm. It was hard work to get back to stage-ready condition, but she was determined to achieve it.

 

“You’re absolutely right,” Zhou Jinyuan said softly. “When you return to the stage, I will make sure to go to L City to watch your performance.”

 

“Really? Then it’s a deal.” Irina’s green eyes sparkled brilliantly as she hugged Zhou Jinyuan.

 

Irina was great in every other aspect, but she was a bit too fond of hugging. It caught Zhou Jinyuan off guard sometimes. He awkwardly held up his hands, waiting for Irina to calm down, but then his left ear twitched slightly.

 

Irina noticed it too. From her position, she could see Zhou Jinyuan’s fair ear move slightly—adorable.

 

“It seems like there’s a noise.” Despite the good soundproofing in the treatment room, Zhou Jinyuan had heard something. He signaled Irina to let go of him, then opened the door and stepped out.

 

He saw Lu Meng, Shao Duoduo, and Xiao Liu all sitting in a row on the sofa.

 

Lu Meng and Xiao Liu were both holding phones in similar postures, and the screens were paused on the same game.

 

The only difference was that Lu Meng was lounging around, looking bored with his legs crossed, while Xiao Liu was crying loudly.

 

A child’s voice has a strong penetrating power, and Zhou Jinyuan had heard this noise earlier.

 

“…What happened?” Zhou Jinyuan sensed something was off.

 

Rong Xixue glanced up, “They were playing a game, and Xiao Liu suddenly started crying.”

 

“I’m fine, I’m fine, I just keep dying… I die so fast… Wahhh—” Xiao Liu sobbed.

 

Zhou Jinyuan: “…”

 

Shao Duoduo looked awkward and glanced at Lu Meng, “I told you to go easy on him; he’s just a kid.”

 

It was no use! Shao Duoduo thought Lu Meng was crazy—just after winning the championship, he came to bully an elementary schooler. Who would believe it if word got out?

 

Moreover, the kid lived next door—what if his parents came over after hearing he’d been bullied to tears?

 

Lu Meng switched the position of his legs, looking up at the ceiling, “There’s no way I’m going easy. You have to take games seriously; even the gods don’t hold back.”

 

Shao Duoduo nearly choked on his words, “…This phase of yours needs to be treated!”

 

Zhou Jinyuan went over to pat Xiao Liu’s head, “Alright, don’t cry anymore. Victory and defeat are normal in games. Are you hungry? How about I make you some meatballs?”

 

“Hic!” Xiao Liu was startled into silence.

 

Zhou Jinyuan: “Stay right here. I’ll go make a few meatballs for you.”

 

A few???

 

Xiao Liu grabbed his hand, “…Brother, I’m not hungry.”

 

This little interruption completely distracted Xiao Liu from the sadness of repeatedly getting beaten in the game.

 

Zhou Jinyuan patted his head again, sighing, “Actually, your mom should have brought you a yogurt drink first.”

 

Xiao Liu: “?”

 

Others: “??”

 

…

 

Zhou Jinyuan took Lu Meng, who had been mercilessly bullying the elementary schooler, into the treatment room, letting Xiao Liu cool off outside.

 

Lu Meng had partial damage to his radial nerve, causing severe pain and affecting his ability to extend his fingers and abduct his hand—similar to the two paralyzed patients, it fell under the category of “wei syndrome” in Chinese medicine, though far less severe.

 

Knowing that Lu Meng’s profession required precise hand movements, Zhou Jinyuan extended the treatment course to ten days, with daily acupuncture and herbal medication to accelerate nerve function recovery.

 

Since it was a hand issue, he focused on the Yangming meridian, known as the longest of the twelve meridians, abundant in qi and blood. He selected points like Shousanli, Zusanli, and Hegu, all Yangming meridian points.

 

From a modern medical perspective, the Shousanli point corresponds to the deep branch of the radial nerve, while the Hegu point correlates to the superficial branch’s dorsal hand nerves. Stimulating these areas through acupuncture is undoubtedly effective.

 

Zhou Jinyuan chose points like Shousanli, Hegu, Brachial Plexus, Chize, and Lieque, needling along the nerve pathway.

 

Lu Meng felt a dull ache where Doctor Zhou inserted the needles, which spread to his fingertips, causing his hand to twitch slightly—a strange sensation.

 

“This… There’s no electricity, so why is it twitching?” Lu Meng was astonished. He had undergone acupuncture before, using electroacupuncture to relieve pain—though not often, he had some familiarity.

 

But Zhou Jinyuan was only using stainless steel needles, without any attachments, yet the sensation was intense. It wasn’t like electroacupuncture; the stimulation was different, but quite strong, spreading widely.

 

“Shh…” Unless necessary, Zhou Jinyuan usually focused his mind while administering acupuncture.

 

After repeatedly stimulating the points, the needles remained in place for twenty minutes. Zhou Jinyuan lit moxa sticks made from ingredients like sandalwood and dried ginger to warm Lu Meng’s hand. These herbs also helped to unblock the meridians.

 

Twenty minutes later, he removed the needles, wiped the area with alcohol swabs, and said, “Try it out.”

 

Lu Meng moved his fingers and wrist, feeling around—there was definitely a difference, “I think it’s much better!”

 

The effect was very noticeable.

 

“Yes, during the treatment period, try not to strain your fingers, including prolonged phone use. Wait until you’re fully recovered.” Zhou Jinyuan reminded him.

 

Lu Meng looked at his fingers and suddenly asked, “By the way, Doctor, do you make house calls?”

 

.

 

.

 

Although the season had ended, the new champion team, LJJ, remained at the training base for post-season celebrations and other activities.

 

It was only eight o’clock in the evening, and for those who stayed up late, life had just begun, especially now that the holidays had already started. Some were enjoying a relaxed gaming session together in the training room, while others were finishing their streaming tasks.

 

Until Lu Meng pushed open the door.

 

“Oh, oh, Old Lu is back—” Everyone was facing away from the door, but a teammate who was streaming had a camera that captured the scene behind them. The fans in the live chat immediately noticed and, in turn, the player focused on the screen called out.

 

“You’re back! Wow, I heard you went to see a specialist for your hand today. How did it go?” someone asked.

 

The fans in the streaming chat immediately started discussing excitedly. Lu Meng’s injury hadn’t been kept secret—in fact, he was just the most severe case. After all, who in the team wasn’t dealing with some occupational ailments from long hours of training?

 

But as a main player, Lu Meng’s recovery directly impacted his form and next season’s results.

 

“Why don’t you ask my attending doctor?” Lu Meng stepped aside, and Zhou Jinyuan entered from behind, nodding to everyone.

 

He was invited by Lu Meng to come and check on his teammates. There weren’t many patients today, and Lu Meng had immediately signed up for a membership card and even bought a medical classic from Zhou Jinyuan, saying he wanted to study it. Zhou Jinyuan, in a moment of delight, followed him over.

 

—If you buy my recommendations, you’re my good friend!

 

In an instant, many of Lu Meng’s teammates stood up and rushed forward, swarming around him. “Wow, you’re the specialist, Dr. Zhou?”

 

What a young and accomplished doctor!

 

Everyone had heard, and even discussed, how Lu Meng had seemingly stumbled upon the very specialist the team wanted to find for him.

 

Especially when they heard that this specialist could make even paralyzed patients stand again with acupuncture. They were all the more eager to see the results of Lu Meng’s treatment, as no one knew if they might face similar issues in the future.

 

“Clear out a bit, don’t crowd the specialist,” Lu Meng raised his chin and signaled. “I specifically invited the specialist here to give you all a check-up too. Anyone with any hand issues or brain problems, come on up.”

 

Though he joked, everyone genuinely appreciated Old Lu’s gesture.

 

It must not have been easy to get this specialist here. They’d heard he had a wide network of connections and had treated a paralyzed patient with a prestigious background. To get him to visit with Old Lu—what a privilege.

 

No, Old Lu had just met him recently, so who knew what kind of deal he struck.

 

Though the specialist had a youthful face, none of them dared to take him lightly. Some even guessed that his actual age was much older, just well-preserved!

 

Knowing how rare it was to get a consultation, even those who didn’t rush up put aside their tasks. Even the teammate who was streaming wasn’t an exception, saying, “I have to go over too!”

 

This led to a series of confused comments in the live chat:

 

【Wait! Take us with you!】

 

【What’s going on? Some kind of doctor talk? Can you switch to a mobile stream so we can see?】

 

【Did they bring back a doctor? Why are they all crowding around him?】

 

【I think I heard something about a doctor. Is Lu Meng starting treatment? Is surgery necessary? Concerned, hope the club or teammates update us soon.】

 

【Can’t you all sit closer? I’m maxing out the volume to try and catch what they’re saying—】

 

Zhou Jinyuan examined each of the esports players. The club was already quite attentive to this aspect, organizing exercises and activities. Everyone had some idea of their own problems, particularly with their hands.

 

There were also issues with the lumbar and cervical spine. Zhou Jinyuan expected this and brought a lot of herbal patches, diagnosing and massaging them on the spot. His massages didn’t take long; three to five minutes per person was enough to greatly relieve discomfort.

 

If someone’s condition was more serious, he’d suggest they book an appointment for acupuncture treatment or go to Rong Shouyun for manual therapy.

 

Zhou Jinyuan was holding one teammate’s arm—this player had just finished a game and was doing hand exercises on his own. Sitting for long periods also made his waist stiff, and he was feeling fatigued.

 

Zhou Jinyuan first pinpointed various trigger points. Seeing that his pulse wasn’t particularly strong, he applied reinforcing techniques along the meridians, relaxing the arm muscles and adjusting the tendons and bones all the way to the lower back.

 

The player immediately let out a high-pitched shout. It was a completely different feeling from his self-exercises or regular physiotherapy—the sore and full sensation, the feeling of energy flowing, was extremely comfortable, so much so that he couldn’t help but cry out, “Whoa! Ah! Ah!!”

 

It wasn’t just him; everyone else reacted the same way.

 

Their stiff muscles were loosened, as if they had been stretched and polished, leaving them feeling light and comfortable, ready for another three hundred rounds of battle.

 

When a bunch of young men gathered together, they seemed especially expressive about how they felt.

 

“This feels amazing! Ah, ah, right there!”

 

“Doc, don’t leave tonight, okay??”

 

“…Ah, I’m dead.”

 

Zhou Jinyuan continued to massage with a dark expression, “Can you not exaggerate so much?”

 

Many patients expressed similar feelings, but these guys were by far the most dramatic. Thankfully, they were only among their teammates; otherwise, if outsiders overheard, they’d definitely get the wrong idea!

 

…

 

Meanwhile, on the still-streaming computer screen, confused comments continued to scroll:

 

【????!!】

 

【WTF??? Why are they crowding around, I can’t see what they’re doing. Is it really that good??】

 

【OMG, I turned the volume up to max, and now I have to explain this to my mom. Goodbye.】

 

【Massive misunderstanding, Mom, I wasn’t watching anything inappropriate…】

 

【Just joined, what on earth is LJJ streaming?? Did they stir up a big controversy just after winning the championship?】

 

【Typing with both hands to prove my innocence!!】

 

【Dude above, typing with both hands, really??】

 

【Terrified face, why are they making those sounds just from a hand massage? And why is that one guy lying down with a satisfied look? Is this room about to get the stream banned?】

 

【Just got here, is LJJ hosting some weird celebration party??】

 

【??? You guys are wild】