Before Josie could smooth things over, the assistant received a call and went downstairs. Moments later, he returned, respectfully escorting a middle-aged doctor upstairs.
The doctor, who looked to be in his fifties, carried himself with a calm and confident demeanor that inspired trust. Upon entering, he glanced at Sophia briefly before proceeding to check Josie’s pulse.
“Dr. Brooks, what’s my mother’s condition?” Amara asked anxiously.
Dr. Brooks quickly wrote a prescription and explained:
“Madam has a liver depression body type. She’s been under significant stress and frequently upset, which has affected her health. I’ve written a prescription. If you follow it and take the medicine on time, she should improve.”
After writing the prescription, Dr. Brooks handed it over. Josie read it, her expression unreadable.
The assistant, eager to please, said with a flattering smile:
“Dr. Brooks is truly skilled! He identified the root cause immediately. His vast experience speaks for itself. Dr. Brooks, these two girls here are apparently students who haven’t even graduated yet but think they can diagnose illnesses. Maybe you could give them a lesson—teach them what real medicine is all about so they know the difference!”
The assistant assumed Dr. Brooks would agree. However, Dr. Brooks’s face turned red, and he waved his hand as if embarrassed.
“Assistant, you flatter me too much! Saying something like that would make me a laughingstock. I might be qualified to teach students, but to teach Dr. Sophia? That would be overstepping!”
The assistant froze, clearly stunned. He glanced around, trying to make sense of Dr. Brooks’s words.
Dr. Brooks saw his confusion and added, “I’m not joking. Isn’t Dr. Sophia the one you invited here?”
It finally dawned on the assistant that Dr. Brooks wasn’t joking. Recalling that Barbara had brought along a young woman surnamed Smith, a bold thought crossed his mind. Could this girl really be a doctor? And someone even Dr. Brooks respected?
Still skeptical, the assistant asked, “Dr. Brooks, surely you’re joking?”
Dr. Brooks’s expression turned serious. “I’m not. Honestly, if you’ve already invited Dr. Sophia, why bother calling me? Was it to compare our prescriptions or to verify mine? Is that it?”
“No, Dr. Brooks, it’s nothing like that!”
“Then I don’t understand—if you’ve already invited Dr. Sophia, why call me?”
With that, Dr. Brooks walked up to Sophia. She studied him for a moment, unable to recall who he was. She was sure they hadn’t met before.
The doctor smiled. “Young lady, don’t overthink it. You probably don’t know me, but I once saw you when I accompanied my master to treat a hospital director’s grandson. I witnessed your skill back then. You cured a child with polio using traditional medicine. It left us all in awe. Your work has been the talk of the field ever since, and many of us hope to learn from you.”
Sophia finally remembered. Dr. Brooks had indeed accompanied Mateo Aaron to the hospital back then. No wonder he recognized her.
She smiled politely and replied, “You’re too kind. We all learn from one another. That’s how traditional medicine can continue to grow and gain global recognition.”
Dr. Brooks nodded in approval. His master, Mateo Aaron, had always emphasized the importance of advancing traditional medicine. To see such awareness and humility in someone so young impressed him greatly.
“No wonder my teacher always speaks so highly of you,” Dr. Brooks said. “He even claimed your medical skills are on par with his. Meeting you today, I see his judgment was spot on.”
Sophia responded with a modest smile and a few humble words.
Hearing this, the assistant turned pale. Dr. Brooks’s master—wasn’t that Mateo Aaron?
Max had initially tried to invite Mateo Aaron himself, but as a renowned national physician often treating high-ranking officials, Mateo Aaron was not easily available. Though the Amara family was wealthy, many affluent families were in the city. Even with money, it wasn’t easy to convince someone of Mateo Aaron’s stature to prioritize them over his other responsibilities. Failing to secure his services, Max settled for Dr. Brooks, one of Mateo Aaron’s protégés.
And yet, this young woman he had underestimated was not only recognized by Mateo Aaron but considered his equal in skill.
Sweat beaded on Max’s forehead, and he shifted uncomfortably.
Dr. Brooks, seemingly intent on praising Sophia further, said, “Dr. Sophia, would you mind reviewing my prescription? Let me know if there are any issues.”
Sophia felt a bit awkward and replied humbly, “You’re overestimating me. I wouldn’t dare critique your work. A doctor of your caliber is truly a national treasure!”
Dr. Brooks chuckled, clearly pleased by her humility. However, he knew that medicine wasn’t about age or seniority. If a treatment didn’t work, years of experience wouldn’t make a difference.
Sophia reviewed the prescription carefully. It was a standard formula for treating stagnation with no major issues. However…
“If you don’t mind, Dr. Brooks, I’d like to check Madam’s pulse myself,” Sophia said.
