Du Heng was just about to tell Gong Daoyang what medicine he needed when Wang Shuqiu, beside him, could no longer hold back and asked directly, "Du Heng, can you explain my brother-in-law's illness using your traditional Chinese medicine methods?"
"Want to listen?"
"Yes, I'm curious about how you diagnose illnesses in traditional Chinese medicine."
"I can tell you, but it'll cost extra."
For some reason, Du Heng blurted out a rather slick remark.
This left Wang Shuqiu a bit baffled, unsure how to respond.
Stunned for a moment, her slightly smiling face turned haughty again. "Fine. How much money do you want?"
Well, this was damn awkward. Du Heng felt like he had shot himself in the foot. Why did I have to say something so slick?
He didn't bother responding to Wang Shuqiu then and said directly, "Forgetfulness, palpitations, restlessness, insomnia, and other such symptoms are all due to overthinking and excessive mental strain, which injures the Spleen and overuses the Heart. This leads to Insufficient Heart Blood and the congealing of phlegm-fire, resulting in a clouded spirit. The primary treatment principle should be to relieve uneasiness of mind and nourish Blood, clear Fire, and transform phlegm. Gong's main problem lies with his sleep, so a modified Warming Gallbladder Decoction is indicated. Combined with acupuncture, one dose will show effects, and five doses will eradicate the root cause."
As he spoke, he glanced around at everyone. "However, considering Gong's work nature, pellet medicine is a more suitable choice. Relieveing Uneasiness of Mind and Nurishing Blood Pills, or Relieveing Uneasiness of Mind and Nurishing Blood Tablet will both work."
What was professionalism? Du Heng's current performance exemplified it.
You wanted to listen, so I'll tell you. Otherwise, you might think I'm a scammer.
"Okay, thanks, brother. I drove today, so I can't drink. I'll toast you with tea instead of wine."
"Gong, you're being too polite. Wang takes good care of me at the workplace. You're being too formal."
With just that one sentence, Wang Zhenzhen's face beamed with joy, and the relationship between Du Heng and Gong Daoyang grew closer.
"I suppose I was being a bit standoffish. My bad. If you ever need anything, just come find me. Even if you don't, come over for a chat. We're not far apart; we should get together more often."
"Definitely."
Wang Shuqiu watched Du Heng and her brother-in-law getting along famously and suddenly interjected, "How much money do you want? I'll give it to you."
Dammit, this woman is such a killjoy; can't she take a joke?
Wang Zhenzhen, seeing Du Heng's embarrassment, quickly pulled Wang Shuqiu. "Stop it, Xiao Heng was just joking with you."
"Hmph!" Wang Shuqiu seized the opportunity to back down, though she left with a cold snort.
But this little interlude passed quickly.
After eating and drinking their fill, the group prepared to disperse.
When they reached the ground floor, Gong Daoyang asked Du Heng, "Xiao Heng, where are you staying tonight?"
"I'll go back to the Health Clinic. They have a dormitory, and it's warmer there. Plus, I can sleep in and don't have to wake up early."
"Then how will you get back? There are no more buses heading to town at this hour."
Du Heng glanced at the traffic on the street. "It's fine, I'll just get a taxi. It's about 30 yuan and takes around half an hour."
Gong Daoyang fumbled in his pocket, then pulled out his car keys and pressed them into Du Heng's hand. "Forget it, it's not easy to get a taxi at this time. You drive my car back. Just give the keys to your Wang tomorrow."
"No, I can't do that. It's very convenient for me to take a taxi," Du Heng quickly refused.
Wang Zhenzhen pressed down on Du Heng's hand. "It's fine, I know you can drive. Just drive back. Our house is right nearby, just a short walk. Besides, if you take the car, we can even save on a night's parking fee."
After several attempts to decline, Du Heng had no choice but to accept the car keys.
Just as he was about to leave, Wang Zhenzhen called out with a smile, "What's wrong? Aren't you two going to exchange phone numbers and WhatsApp?"
One couldn't refuse good intentions, so they added each other.
This time, although Wang Shuqiu was still aloof, she also added him on WhatsApp.
Watching Du Heng drive away, Wang Zhenzhen asked, "Xiao Qiu, what do you think?"
"He's alright."
"Alright is good. You two should keep in touch. I've told you about his situation; he's a really good person."
"'He just doesn't have a house.'"
Gong Daoyang tightened his clothes. "This kid's skills are impressive. A few needles from him, and I felt both itchy and numb, and my spirits have lifted considerably. With his medical skills and an authorized job, do you really think his future is limited to being just a junior doctor at the Health Clinic?"
Wang Zhenzhen held onto Gong Daoyang's arm, hugging it tightly. "When your brother-in-law and I got married, he was also dirt poor with nothing to his name. But look at him now."
"'Well, he's not *my* brother-in-law.'"
"Hehe, this is something you need to decide for yourself; after all, you're an adult. Okay, let's hurry home. It's too cold out today."
The three of them walked home, one after another, and no one brought up the matter again.
「The next morning at work」
The first thing Du Heng did was check on yesterday's pediatric patients.
He thought the family hadn't returned, so he routinely pushed open the door, not expecting them to already be in the hospital room so early.
"Good morning, Doctor Du."
"Morning."
While exchanging greetings, Du Heng began to check on the pediatric patient.
"Not bad, the child is recovering well. Take the medicine prescribed yesterday one more time later, and then stop taking it. I'll prescribe some common pediatric medicine. If there's no change by this afternoon, you can go home."
"Alright, Doctor Du. No more medicine? Then what about the leftover medicine?" the child's grandmother asked.
"We have to collect it and throw it away."
"Throw it away?" The child's grandmother felt a pang of regret. This medicine was so potent, curing the illness after only two doses; it seemed such a waste to throw it away.
"Yes, throw it away. This medicine shouldn't be used without a doctor's supervision. Besides, there isn't much left—at most two or three doses. It's no great loss to throw it away." The three types of medicine were toxic; Du Heng wouldn't dare let them take them home. Without a doctor's guidance, this medicine could cause serious problems.
Du Heng thought for a moment, then decisively had the child's grandmother take out the medicine. He set aside one dose and took all the rest with him.
As he was leaving, he bumped into Li Nating. Du Heng intended to greet her, but to his surprise, the girl walked right past him, completely ignoring him. Her attitude was a world of difference compared to yesterday.
Is she on her period? Du Heng was taken aback for a moment but didn't mind, heading straight to the Hall.
Arriving at the cold and deserted registration window, he saw the bored Wang Zhenzhen inside and handed over the car keys. "Wang, here are the car keys. The car is parked in the backyard."
"Yeah, I know." Wang Zhenzhen casually took the car keys and tossed them aside. "Xiao Heng, what do you think of my sister?"
"She's quite pretty." Of course, 'pretty' is about all she is, Du Heng muttered to himself.
"That's good. My sister also said you're not bad. You two should keep in touch more. You're the guy, so be more proactive. A persistent suitor often wins the fair lady. Go for it!"
"Hehe, thank you, Wang."
Du Heng replied with a chuckle. As for whether he would take the initiative, well, that was up to fate. With such an arrogant girl, Du Heng didn't think any sparks could fly between them.
"Xiao Du, here's the contact information for the village doctors from each village. Take it." Li Qingde came down from the third floor, holding a list.
Du Heng took it and saw it was complete.
"Contact them and see if you need to bring any medicine or supplies when you go. Don't get caught unprepared."
"Alright, Dean."
"Also, find a vehicle for yourself; it'll be more convenient. Keep the invoices—or receipts are fine too—for meals, fuel, and so on. Finance will reimburse you for the actual expenses."
It was a good thing Li Qingde had added "or receipts"; otherwise, Du Heng would have felt like cursing. Asking for invoices for meals in the countryside? Are you kidding me?
Du Heng took the list back to his office and handed over the task of contacting people to Wu Buwei.
Since he couldn't wait for Gong Daoyang, he took his needle tool kit and went to the police station across the street.
Acupuncture was one reason; another was to take the opportunity to chat with people.
Staying cooped up in the Health Clinic all day, he was practically turning into an idiot.