This Doctor Is Too Wealthy

The girl’s eyes were large and bright. Combined with her sweet smile, they naturally drew people in.

After confirming the check-ups were free, the old woman asked, ”So, when will you come?”

”Come here?” the big-eyed girl quickly explained. ”It’s like this, Grandma. The check-ups require a lot of equipment and many specialized doctors. So, we can’t do them here. Everyone will need to come to our center.”

The old woman was not pleased. This young lady looks pretty enough, but why is she spouting such nonsense? she thought. How can they do check-ups if they don’t come here? And who even knows where their ’center’ even is?

With these thoughts, the old woman’s initial enthusiasm vanished, and her attitude cooled instantly. ”We’re not going.”

Seeing the old woman’s displeasure, and how the smiles had vanished from the faces of the others chatting nearby, the big-eyed girl remained calm, recalling her training. All these scenarios were covered, she thought. There are scripts for each one. Besides, I have an ace up my sleeve that’s sure to work on these old folks.

”Grandma, please don’t worry,” the girl said. ”When the time comes, we’ll have a dedicated vehicle pick everyone up from the village and take you to our center, all free of charge. After the lecture and check-ups, we’ll provide a free lunch and then arrange transport to bring everyone back. What’s more, every elderly person who participates will also receive three pounds of eggs as a gift.”

As she spoke, she observed the elderly women’s expressions. By the time she mentioned the free eggs, their faces had already lit up again.

The leading old woman, however, was more composed. Though she too looked excited, she restrained herself.

”Ahem. Young lady,” she said, ”you offer everything for free—transportation, even eggs. You’re not scammers, are you?”

”Of course not, Grandma! Please rest assured. We’re collaborating with the Jinzhou Cardiovascular Prevention and Treatment Association. This event is also sponsored by the Jinzhou Cardiovascular Association.”

As she spoke, she quickly handed out the promotional brochures she was holding, one to each old woman, pointing out the photos of experts, the association’s bronze plaque, and the large red official stamp.

”So, it’s organized by the government, huh?”

”It wouldn’t be wrong to see it that way, Grandma.”

The old woman who had spoken didn’t quite understand the rest of the brochure’s content, but she had an inexplicable trust in the big red stamp. To her, and perhaps to most farmers, a big red stamp signified the government, an official entity.

The old woman flipped the brochure over and over, but her gaze kept drifting to the hat in the big-eyed girl’s hands. ”So, when are you coming?”

It’s settled! The big-eyed girl rejoiced inwardly at their expressions. Noticing the old woman’s stare fixed on the hats, she quickly handed them out. ”These are hats our center had custom-made for everyone, also free of charge.”

The old woman finally got her hands on the coveted red hat, beaming so wide her back molars were practically on display. The free check-ups and eggs are still up in the air, she mused. Getting this hat now is the most tangible benefit.

The big-eyed girl continued, ”If all you grandmas and aunties are willing, we can register your names and phone numbers now to get a headcount. Then, tomorrow morning, if you wear our hats, we’ll pick you up right here.”

”We have to wear the hats too?”

”The hats are distinctive, which helps with organization. Since there will be many elderly participants, wearing a noticeable hat helps prevent anyone from getting lost.”

”That makes sense.”

The old woman fiddled happily with the hat in her hands.

Seeing the time was right, the girl took out a small notebook and pen. ”Grandma, could you please give me your name, age, and phone number? It’ll make it easier for me to pick you up tomorrow morning.”

”Alright. My name is Zhang Lianju, and this year I’m...”

Meanwhile, similar scenes were unfolding all around the entrance of the Village Committee. Soon, all five young people were busy with registration.

The village party secretary weighed the hat in his hand; he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Free? So many free benefits? Would such good fortune really fall upon our poor, remote village? Something’s not right. I need to ask someone. The head of the Health Clinic is here. They’re professionals; they’ll surely know if there’s something fishy about this.

He got up and headed straight for the clinic.

Just then, Du Heng and the other two, having rested enough, emerged from the clinic, chatting and laughing.

The old party secretary spotted them and hurried over to recount what had just happened.

Du Heng’s brow furrowed as he listened. The Cardiovascular Prevention and Treatment Association? What kind of ridiculous name is that? Sounds like a wildcat operation.

”Let’s go take a look,” he said, striding towards the tables set up in front of the Village Committee building.

When the elderly men and women at the entrance saw Du Heng approaching, those who had been eagerly registering immediately formed an orderly line.

The crowd’s reaction momentarily stunned Team Leader Li. Following their gazes, he saw three doctors in white gowns walking over. He had already gathered from bystanders that medical consultations were being offered. Probably just another outfit like ours, he’d assumed, though this ’colleague’ seems to have spent a bit more to bring in an old expert.

But looking at the young man in the lead, Team Leader Li inwardly scoffed. This kid, a Divine Doctor? You’ve got to be kidding me! Claims he can diagnose illnesses just by taking a pulse? These country folk really are gullible.

Seeing Du Heng striding towards him, Team Leader Li also stepped forward, ready to have a friendly chat, perhaps collaborate, and make some money together. There’s money to be made for everyone, right?

”Hello, I’m from Boka—”

Before he could finish, his eyes fell on the ID badge on Du Heng’s chest:

Zhonghu Town Health Clinic

Du Heng, Attending Physician

Chinese Medicine Department

General Practice in Chinese Medicine

Holy hell, did I just run into a legitimate organization?!

Team Leader Li’s intended self-introduction died in his throat. The smile he had just plastered on his face froze, and for a moment, he was utterly flustered, muttering incoherently.

Du Heng appeared quite composed. Putting down the brochure the party secretary had handed him, he looked at Team Leader Li with a faint smile. ”Hello, I’m Du Heng from the Chinese Medicine Department of the Zhonghu Town Health Clinic. May I ask which organization you represent?”

Du Heng’s words snapped Leader Li back to his senses. He chided himself for his timidity. Getting spooked by a doctor from a mere Health Clinic! What could a doctor from a small town possibly know? Besides, I’m not doing anything illegal. What’s there to be afraid of?

He quickly composed himself and, adopting a formal expression, began his introduction, ”Hello, Doctor Du. I am Li Jun from the Boka Rehabilitation Center. The main purpose of our visit today is...”

Li Jun launched into his speech. Du Heng didn’t interrupt, instead picking up the brochure and listening attentively, that faint, inscrutable smile still playing on his lips. Actually, if this is a legitimate organization and the director genuinely has a kind heart, I shouldn’t stand in the way of their good deeds, Du Heng mused.

But the more he listened, the more he felt something was amiss, and the smile on his face became increasingly unreadable.

”What’s wrong with Doctor Du?”

”Why is that young fellow smiling so creepily?”

”I told you they were scammers, but you didn’t believe me! Now look at Doctor Du’s expression—they must be!”

”Hush, Doctor Du hasn’t said anything yet.”