This Doctor Is Too Wealthy

Sir had no idea Du Heng was feeling awkward. On the contrary, he was in a great mood and eager to chat. But when Du Heng didn’t engage, kept his head down, and looked noticeably different from their last meeting, Sir thought he must have encountered some difficulties. So he took the initiative and said, ”Doctor Du, is there something on your mind? You can tell me about it. Perhaps I could help you.”

He’d just been saying downstairs that he needed Sir’s help. Now that Sir was offering, this was a golden opportunity—no need to awkwardly bring it up himself.

However, with Wu Shengnan present, Du Heng found himself tongue-tied. With a slightly stiff smile, Du Heng said, ”It’s nothing, Sir. Let’s proceed with the follow-up consultation.”

An Chunhui was puzzled. Du Heng had been speaking so confidently on the way up; why was he backing down now that the opportunity had presented itself? Could it be that the young man was too timid to speak up? An Chunhui rationalized Du Heng’s behavior, convincing himself this was indeed the case, and immediately felt he should help. Besides, seeing the regard Sir and his family held for Du Heng, he felt he should take the initiative to help Du Heng broach the subject.

”Xiao Du,” An Chunhui interjected, ”didn’t you say downstairs you wanted to ask Sir for help? Why aren’t you saying anything now? Are you too embarrassed?”

”Oh, is that so? Tell me about it. Let’s see if this old man can be of any help,” Sir said, quite encouragingly.

But Du Heng felt extremely uncomfortable. He glanced at Wu Shengnan, who seemed to be watching him with an amused, knowing smile, which only heightened his embarrassment. Just as he was about to say it was nothing, An Chunhui, ever eager, jumped in and explained the whole situation before Du Heng even had a chance to refuse.

After hearing the explanation, Sir didn’t agree immediately. He seemed to weigh the pros and cons before saying a moment later, ”If it’s just a matter of changing his workplace, that shouldn’t be a problem.”

Since things had come to this, Du Heng could no longer feign reluctance. He could only thank Sir and then say, ”Sir, shall we begin the consultation?”

”Alright, let’s begin. This past half-month has been driving me mad! I feel perfectly fine, but my family listens to you, Doctor Du. They don’t let me go downstairs or walk much. Even if I do walk, I have to use a cane.” Sir glanced at the cane in his hand, pushed it aside slightly, and said, ”I find this thing useless. It’s just awkward to lean on.”

Du Heng smiled but didn’t comment, instead proceeding to check the condition of Sir’s lower limbs. The swelling had completely subsided, and his calves had filled out slightly, no longer looking as shriveled as they did half a month ago. It appeared they hadn’t only been taking the medicine Du Heng prescribed but had also incorporated other supplementary treatments. The key, however, was that Sir’s nutrition had been well-maintained and balanced; otherwise, such results wouldn’t have been possible.

After examining his lower limbs, Du Heng took his pulse. ”How has your appetite been?”

”Very normal, very good. Three meals a day, and I have a small snack before bed.”

”And your bowel movements? Still loose like syrup?”

”Still a little, perhaps, but much better than before.”

Du Heng leaned back slightly. ”Sir, your recovery is excellent; there are no major issues. However, we still need to consolidate the treatment to ensure the problem is completely eradicated. Continue with the previous prescription; no changes are needed. Take it for two more courses of treatment—that’s fourteen doses—still twice a day.”

His family had also consulted other doctors, both Western and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, but Sir was most eager to hear Du Heng’s assessment. He didn’t trust the others much. If they were truly skilled, I wouldn’t have suffered for so many years, nor would I have been forced to retire at the peak of my career. So, the person he trusted most now was Du Heng. Only when Du Heng declared him cured would he truly feel at ease.

”Thank you, Doctor Du! My chronic ailment of twenty years is finally cured! I finally don’t have to stay cooped up in this dreary house all day!” Sir exclaimed, deeply moved. Wu Shengnan, sitting beside him and tightly clutching his arm, was also visibly emotional. After twenty years of illness, finally being able to relax—their excitement was understandable.

However, Du Heng still cautioned, ”You can go outdoors for some activity each day, but start with short durations and light exertion. Just a slow walk, keeping it within an hour to begin with, then gradually increase it. If you feel tired, or if your legs feel hot or sore, stop immediately. Don’t push yourself. Remember, take it slowly.”

”Yes, yes, we’ll definitely listen to you, Doctor Du,” Sir affirmed.

Wu Shengnan suddenly interjected, ”Will he need further follow-up check-ups?”

Wu Shengnan’s sudden question made Du Heng’s recently dissipated awkwardness resurface. Du Heng, steadying himself slightly, replied, ”No, that won’t be necessary. Once he finishes the medicine prescribed this time, he can stop. He should gradually increase his activity level himself. If he feels fatigued, or if his legs become hot and sore, he should stop immediately. He mustn’t force it. The key is to take things slowly.”

The old man and his granddaughter both nodded, indicating they had taken Du Heng’s words to heart.

Seeing there was nothing further, Du Heng felt unwilling to stay a moment longer and quickly rose to take his leave. An Chunhui was considerate enough not to insist on staying for a chat and also stood up to leave with Du Heng.

”Shengnan, please see Director An and Doctor Du out,” Sir said. Seeing their determination to leave, he didn’t press them to stay, instead turning to Wu Shengnan.

Wu Shengnan stood up. ”I’ll see you both out.”

And so, she escorted them all the way downstairs.