C17 Heading to the Huo Family
Although he wasn't opposed to Cai Xiangsong's unexpected visits, he couldn't help but feel that they were becoming too frequent, to the point of discomfort.
"If you have any questions, Dr. Cai, feel free to ask me privately. You're aware I'm not wealthy, and your constant presence might lead to misunderstandings," Lin Luo said with a sense of resignation, his eyes darting towards the window, anxious to avoid direct eye contact.
At the moment, he just wanted some peace and quiet; other concerns were far from his mind.
Self-identifying as a poor man, Lin Luo's comment seemed to amuse Cai Xiangsong, who burst into laughter. Lin Luo, listening to the unending chuckles, lapsed back into silence.
Was he being mocked for his poverty? If not, why the incessant laughter?
Xu Wenqian picked up on the awkwardness and gave a subtle cough, clearly intending to remind Dr. Cai of his manners.
Dr. Cai was known for not holding back his emotions, often to the point of offending others.
"Mr. Lin, if you're in need of money, I have a suggestion. Why don't you give me private lessons? I'll pay you a thousand yuan per session," Cai Xiangsong proposed, batting his eyes innocently, a gesture that nearly made Lin Luo gag.
Xu Wenqian, witnessing the exchange, was also affected, keeping his gaze fixed firmly ahead, unwilling to shift his eyes.
It was unsettling to see a grown man resort to such childish tactics to get his way.
The rest of the car ride was steeped in silence, so profound that it might have suggested a strained relationship among the trio.
Upon reaching their destination, Lin Luo marveled once again at the advantages of wealth.
Indeed, wealth had its perks; one could effortlessly afford a large house, with a courtyard that dwarfed the size of his own living space.
Lin Luo pondered this with a tinge of regret, thinking that if he hadn't pursued his studies, he might already be enjoying the good life.
Following Cai Xiangsong's lead, they entered the house, Lin Luo observing his host's ease and familiarity with the surroundings, and blinked in quiet contemplation.
Observing his ease within the household, one might mistakenly assume he was the family's personal physician.
Lin Luo pondered this, and almost immediately, his suspicions were confirmed.
"Since Mr. Huo fell ill, Dr. Cai has been acting as the private doctor. Honestly, Dr. Cai is renowned as the top healer in River City. However, all this was before you came into the picture," Xu Wenqian whispered, seemingly cautious not to let Cai Xiangsong overhear.
Cai Xiangsong was sensitive about his reputation; overhearing such comments could potentially lead to unnecessary complications.
Listening to Xu Wenqian's overly subtle remarks, Lin Luo offered a faint smile. Being a private doctor must be quite lucrative. He wouldn't mind such a gig himself.
"If you ever need a doctor in the future, Young Master Xu, consider me. My rates are quite reasonable, ranging from tens to hundreds," Lin Luo joked.
However, Xu Wenqian took him at his word, grasping Lin Luo's hands in an excited and tearfully grateful manner that left Lin Luo at a loss for how to respond.
"Dr. Lin, truthfully, I've wanted you to become the Xu family's personal physician. I was hesitant to ask, fearing you'd decline. But since you've offered, I entrust the Xu family's health to your care."
Suddenly burdened with such a significant role, Lin Luo was visibly bewildered, having not anticipated such a serious response to his jest.
He was about to clarify the misunderstanding when Cai Xiangsong hurried in.
"We shouldn't delay; Mr. Huo's condition has worsened, and he's just had a seizure."
Now in professional mode, Cai Xiangsong's demeanor had shifted, his gaze reflecting intense focus.
Upon entering the room with Cai Xiangsong, Lin Luo immediately intervened upon seeing Director Huo receiving a tranquilizer injection.
"Don't administer the tranquilizer. Prolonged use can lead to dependency. Injecting it now will only add a reliance on the tranquilizer to his existing condition," Lin Luo calmly stated, reaching for the acupuncture kit, but Cai Xiangsong seemed not to grasp his intent.
As Lin Luo was growing impatient, Xu Wenqian unexpectedly handed him a brand-new acupuncture kit.
"Doctor Lin, I believe this is what you're looking for. Knowing your expertise in acupuncture, I took the liberty of having this top-tier kit prepared for you."
Xu Wenqian said, beaming with satisfaction. Meanwhile, Cai Xiangsong was inwardly kicking himself for not being as thoughtful.
Why hadn't he thought of it? He had assumed Lin Luo reached out because of aching hands, but clearly, he had missed the mark...
Ignoring Cai Xiangsong's chagrin over not offering the acupuncture kit himself, Lin Luo focused on the task at hand.
Selecting the proper silver needle, she inserted it into the patient's acupuncture points. As she gently twisted the needle, she also employed Genuine Qi to probe the area.
The patient's blood vessels were significantly obstructed, a clear sign of long-term poisoning affecting blood flow.
"Please boil a bowl of the medicinal wine we prepared last night, and make sure to simmer it for a good two hours," Lin Luo instructed.
Following Lin Luo's directions, the two set about boiling the medicine while Lin Luo began the treatment.
To ensure no distractions, Lin Luo had everyone leave the room.
Once alone, she assisted Director Huo into a sitting position.
"Acupuncture can be beneficial, but it's a slow process, and given your condition, it's not the most suitable approach right now."
Even though she knew he couldn't hear her, Lin Luo instinctively offered an explanation.
Concentrating Genuine Qi in her palms, Lin Luo pressed against the patient's back, using two silver needles to seal the acupoints.
Moments later, the blocked acupoints were cleared, and Lin Luo efficiently resettled the patient back into bed. She then sat down to read, waiting for the medicinal concoction. The two in the kitchen were certainly taking their time with just a simple task of brewing medicine.
In the kitchen, the pair tasked with preparing the medicine were quietly chatting, all the while contemplating how to foster a better relationship with Lin Luo.
"Young Master Xu, I noticed that you seem to have a good rapport with Mr. Lin. May I inquire if you two have known each other for some time?" Cai Xiangsong asked, his voice tinged with a hint of nervousness as he awaited a response.
If they were indeed old friends, he could leverage Young Master Xu's connection to make an introduction.
Xu Wenqian responded with a shake of his head, "Truthfully, I'm not acquainted with him. My intention is simply to have him join the Xu family as our personal physician."
Cai Xiangsong had harbored some hope, but it was swiftly dashed by Xu Wenqian's revelation. He realized that someone as exceptionally skilled as Lin Luo wasn't the type to be easily known by just anyone.
