Queenie and Monica sat in the living room, chatting leisurely over tea.
Among the topics, Monica brought up her college years, reminiscing about a relationship she once believed would last forever. Her boyfriend at the time had been devoted to her, and they'd even discussed marriage after graduation.
Curious, Queenie tilted her head and asked, "So… why didn't it work out?"
Monica paused. Her fingers twitched around her teacup, and her lips parted as if to speak—but after a moment of hesitation, she simply sighed and looked away. "It's in the past."
Queenie didn't press. She'd only asked out of curiosity, and Monica's avoidance was enough of an answer. Some wounds didn't like the light.
The conversation tapered off after that. Soon, Monica stood, brushing her dress smooth as she prepared to leave. Before stepping out, she cast John a deep, lingering look.
It wasn't just a glance—it was charged. Hungry.
John instinctively shivered.
After Monica left, he turned to Queenie and asked, "What was that about? Why did she really come here?"
Queenie gave him a side glance and snorted, "Maybe ask yourself that. Coming out half-naked with a guest around. Were you trying to seduce her?"
John chuckled awkwardly. "That's not what I meant…"
After a beat, Queenie explained more seriously, "Her husband runs a listed company that does business with the Golden Group. She offered to set up a meeting so I could connect with their boss."
John's eyes narrowed slightly. "That's… thoughtful of her."
But in his heart, he didn't believe Monica's intentions were that innocent. She clearly had her own plans, and he doubted they were purely professional.
The next day, John arrived at Feazer Medical Clinic.
Holbrook was already waiting, standing upright like a student before his master.
"How's your progress with the Nine Restoring Yang Needles?" John asked.
Holbrook bowed slightly. "Another week at most, and I'll have full command of the technique."
"Good." John nodded in satisfaction. "Once you've mastered it, I'll teach you the Seven Strikes at the Jaws of Death."
Holbrook trembled with excitement. "Thank you, Teacher!"
The titles of their techniques might sound melodramatic, but their power was real. Oddly enough, the two men addressed each other in a curious way: John called Holbrook by name, while Holbrook respectfully called him teacher.
Just then, a middle-aged man walked into the clinic, wearing a warm smile.
"Mr. Davis, it's been a long time!"
Holbrook's face lit up. "Mr. Wood, please come in."
The visitor was Alton Wood, a member of the prestigious Wood family from New York State. He had always maintained a friendly relationship with Holbrook.
"I thought you retired," Alton said. "What brought you back to the clinic?"
Holbrook smiled. "That was the plan, but my teacher persuaded me to return. And honestly, I missed the work. Sitting around at home all day was driving me mad."
Teacher? Alton was momentarily puzzled, assuming Holbrook was referring to some elderly mentor.
"I came today because I've been having some issues," Alton said after they sat down. "I'm hoping you can take a look."
"What symptoms are you experiencing?" Holbrook asked, reaching out to feel his pulse.
"I've been having trouble urinating. It's always in small amounts, and the urine is very yellow."
"Any pain during urination?"
"No."
"Anything else?"
"My lower abdomen feels slightly swollen, but that's it."
Holbrook nodded as he completed his examination. "It's a damp-heat syndrome. Your bladder's overloaded but can't release fully. Not serious—I'll prescribe some herbal medicine."
"Thank you, Mr. Davis."
Holbrook began scribbling a prescription.
Just then, John stepped out from another room, having finished treating a patient. Glancing at the prescription, he spoke casually, "You might consider adding platycodon grandiflorum and almond."
Alton's face darkened. "Who do you think you are, interfering with Mr. Davis's prescription?"
The nearby patients turned their heads, looking both amused and incredulous.
Holbrook's face sank. "Mr. Wood, show some respect! He is my teacher!"
Alton's eyes widened in disbelief. "Your… teacher?"
The surrounding patients began chuckling.
"Is this guy new around here?" someone said. "Doesn't he know? Doctor Lopez is Mr. Davis's mentor!"
"That's right! We're lucky if we even catch a glimpse of Doctor Lopez."
John gave a sheepish smile.
Alton, now realizing his mistake, hurriedly stood. "I'm so sorry, Doctor…"
John waved it off. "It's alright. You didn't know."
Holbrook, ever eager to learn, asked, "Teacher, may I ask—why those two herbs?"
John nodded. "This technique is called lifting the pot and uncovering the lid."
"Lifting the pot and uncovering… the lid?" Holbrook echoed.
"Yes." John gestured calmly. "Think of the human body as a teapot. If it's slightly tilted, tea flows. But if the lid is on too tightly, pressure builds. Platycodon grandiflorum helps lift the 'pot'—moving Qi and opening the lung meridian—while almond acts as a lid release, aiding downward flow and promoting urination. Together, they balance internal pressure and fluid movement."
Holbrook slapped his forehead, enlightened. "Of course! The lungs sit at the top—they're the lid of the pot! This method harmonizes upper and lower Qi."
John smiled faintly. "Exactly. That's the essence of this prescription."
Alton looked on in awe. It was clear now—this young man was no ordinary doctor. He wasn't just gifted; he was a master of medicine hidden beneath youthful features.