Sophia listened to the whole story without any surprise.
Seeing her calm reaction, Tina’s mother-in-law grew more anxious.
“Dr, do you think the hospital doctors were just trying to scare my daughter-in-law? Maybe they wanted her to stay in the hospital so they could make more money. I mean, she was only having some stomach pain. How could they say she can’t keep the baby?”
Sophia shook her head. “Doctors wouldn’t joke about something like this. You need to trust them—they’re professionals.”
“But you said my daughter-in-law could keep the baby!” The older woman clutched Sophia’s hand, as if seeking a promise.
Sophia gave her a level look. It was clear that the woman’s desire for a grandson overshadowed her concern for her daughter-in-law. Everything she was doing was ultimately for a grandchild. To Sophia, however, the baby’s gender made no difference. Her priority was the health and safety of the pregnant woman.
If they had followed her treatment plan earlier, it would have been much easier to manage. But now…
“Where is your daughter-in-law?”
“Right here, we brought her along,” she said, gesturing as Tina was carried inside on a stretcher. Sophia took her pulse again. It was significantly weaker than before, and Tina’s face was pale and yellowish, her breathing labored, with her limbs cold to the touch.
The baby’s condition wasn’t looking good either.
“Doctor, can my baby be saved?” Tina asked, her eyes welling up with tears.
She knew she hadn’t been a very responsible mother, having had four abortions before this pregnancy. Each procedure had left dark circles under her eyes, and her complexion ranged from pale to sallow. Her health had suffered to the point that even when well-rested, she looked exhausted. This pregnancy was her last chance, her final gamble to have a son. If she lost this baby…
Tina felt she wouldn’t be able to face the future.
Sophia replied honestly, “If you had cooperated with the treatment earlier, I would’ve been 90% confident. But now…”
“How much now?” the older woman asked, her voice taut with worry.
“50%.”
“50%?” The older woman was dismayed. “How can it be so low?”
Tina choked up. “Mom, it’s my fault for trusting Chrome over Dr. Smith, thinking an online search could replace a doctor’s advice. The hospital also said it’s unlikely we can keep this baby. Don’t pressure Dr. Smith. 50% is still a chance—better than giving up and going through another procedure.”
The family discussed it among themselves and finally agreed to go ahead with the treatment.
In that moment, they appeared quite reasonable. Sometimes, when patients place complete trust in their doctor, it bolsters the doctor’s own confidence. Saving this baby wasn’t impossible, though it would certainly be challenging.
Sophia sat down to write a prescription.
Due to Tina’s history of multiple abortions, stagnant blood had accumulated in her uterus, damaging its vital energy. Her body needed nourishment and her kidneys needed strengthening to restore her health. At the same time, Sophia needed to use blood-moving herbs to clear the stagnation in her uterus. It was like unclogging a pipe—once the blockage was removed, everything could flow normally.
She prescribed a mix of herbs.
“Do you have a clay pot at home for decocting the herbs?”
The older woman nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes, we do!”
“Good. Take this home, and simmer it over low heat. Drink it three times a day. Finish all of the medicine, and then come back to see me.”
Holding the medicine, Tina hesitated for a moment.
“Is there anything else you’re unsure about?” Sophia asked gently.
Embarrassed, Tina asked, “Doctor, besides moving blood and clearing stasis, does this medicine have any other effects?”
Sophia replied honestly, “It will clear the stagnant blood in your uterus, repair the damage, and help the fetus absorb nutrients and grow properly.”
“I understand!” Hearing this, Tina finally seemed reassured.
After giving them a few more instructions, Sophia charged them 300 dollars and then saw them out.
Back at her desk, she resumed her log entry. Patients came with all kinds of personalities, and understanding them was an important part of a doctor’s job. Some patients needed more information; others required extra reassurance. Sometimes, treating a patient’s mind was just as important as treating their body; once they felt calm and secure, the healing process often went more smoothly.
After finishing her notes, Sophia walked around the house. The building her parents had left behind was old and a bit run-down. The ceiling looked like it might be leaking, leaving parts of the walls discolored and cracked. However, the ivy that her grandfather had planted long ago was flourishing, and it was now dotted with small, round berries, bringing a touch of vitality and freshness to the surroundings.
The interior was quite dilapidated, and she’d have to do some serious cleaning if she planned to live here. Still, the view was lovely.
Standing on the second-floor terrace, Sophia looked out over the undulating rows of green tea fields. They were lined up like rows of caterpillars inching along the hillsides.
The house might be in poor condition, but the air quality and environment were exceptional. Sophia felt a deep appreciation for this place—it was far more suited for living than the Scott residence, with its luxurious decor and polluted city air. Life here would be healthier and more fulfilling.
Living in the mountains, she could even grow some herbs and flowers. It would be wonderful.
—
Business at the clinic was still slow, but Sophia’s acne-treatment clients continued to send her positive feedback with before-and-after photos on Whatsapp, marveling at her “miracle cure” and asking for more. A few new customers were referred through word-of-mouth, so although foot traffic was low, she still earned around 400-500 dollars daily through online sales. She’d practically become a full-fledged WhatsApp seller.
After closing the clinic, Sophia took the contact information Scott Livinus had given her and went to meet with attorney Aaron a divorce expert.
Aaron was tall and well-built, with an impressive presence in his tailored suit that gave him a distinct professional aura.
“Are you here on Scott’s referral?”
Sophia smiled. “Yes.”
Aaron looked her over with interest, assessing her. “Interesting… I never thought he’d refer a client to me. With the Scott family’s team of lawyers, I wouldn’t have expected him to call me in at all.” He paused, then asked, “So, what’s your situation?”
Sophia told him everything—about the family formula, her husband’s infidelity, her in-laws’ attitude, and the contents of the divorce agreement.
