Director Jake remained silent and motioned for the driver to start the car.
Sophia had not been to the hospital for several weeks, and at this time of night, the hospital was nearly deserted, with most of the ward lights turned off.
Director Jake’s grandson was in a private room. Upon entering, Sophia saw Dr. Mateo was still there.
“Why are you still here so late?” Sophia asked.
Dr. Mateo smiled, “I went home earlier, but when your professor said you had just finished work, I rushed over.”
“I’m sorry, Dr. Mateo! There were too many patients today.”
Hearing about Sophia opening her clinic, Dr. Mateo was a bit surprised but found it reasonable. With Sophia’s excellent medical skills, opening a clinic was no surprise.
“There’s nothing to apologize for! We doctors can never let go of our patients.”
Sophia was touched by his understanding and compassion.
“Girl, take a look at the director’s grandson,” Dr. Mateo urged.
Sophia nodded and observed the boy on the bed. The child was delicate-looking, with defined features and bright, dark eyes. He seemed to habitually press his lips together, giving off a determined air. However, his pale complexion and weak breathing betrayed his condition. Noticing the number of people in the room, he tried to sit up, but his legs were too weak. After struggling for a while, he couldn’t manage to rise.
His mother helped him up, silently crying at his side.
Although Director Jake was an unpleasant person, his grandson was handsome and appeared well-mannered.
Sophia smiled at the boy and asked, “Do you want something to eat?”
He shook his head.
“Do you want to go to school?”
“Yes! Miss, can you cure me? I want to play soccer with my classmates again.”
His mother began sobbing softly. The room fell silent as everyone understood that once this illness progressed, there were very few effective treatments. His body was already weak, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to manage his condition.
Sophia smiled as she checked his pulse, then gently squeezed his legs. “Of course! But that depends on how brave you are.”
His eyes lit up. “I’m the bravest! I sleep alone every night!”
“Really?” Sophia smiled and took out some acupuncture needles. “Let me tell you a secret: I know martial arts. I’m very skilled at using needles to treat people. Would you like to give it a try?”
“Yes, yes!” He exclaimed, full of excitement.
Sophia smiled and removed the child’s hospital gown. “Let’s begin.”
She quickly inserted needles into various points: the shoulder area to address weakness, the spinal region to stabilize the waist, the hips for mobility, and the knees for joint strength. Finally, she targeted meridian points for overall improvement.
In no time, the needles were in place. When Sophia looked up, his mouth was wide open in shock, his face filled with amazement.
“Miss, you’re amazing! I admire you so much! How did you put in so many needles without me feeling any pain? I didn’t even see you move! You must be a martial arts master!”
The others in the room were equally astonished.
Professor Michael had never seen Sophia perform acupuncture before. By the time he noticed the needles in her hands, they were already placed with precision.
Where had she learned this extraordinary needle technique? Even he couldn’t achieve such precision!
Dr.Mateo nodded in approval, his admiration evident.
Sophia raised an eyebrow proudly. “Of course! Didn’t I tell you I’m a martial arts expert?”
He was thrilled. He felt honored to be treated by a martial arts master and couldn’t wait to brag to his friends about it.
Although Director Jake had been critical of Sophia, seeing her work so diligently for his grandson made his expression soften.
Dr. Mateo added, “The classic On Paralysis mentions treating paralysis by focusing on the system meridian. Your choice of acupuncture points aligns with traditional medicine principles.”
Sophia nodded. In traditional medicine, polio symptoms were categorized under conditions of muscular atrophy. Ancient texts emphasized that treating the system meridian was critical, as such conditions often stemmed from deficiencies in bodily fluids, which were linked to spleen and stomach functions.
However, Sophia’s past experience taught her that treating the spleen and stomach alone wasn’t enough. Polio required a multi-faceted approach: clearing toxins, improving circulation, and unblocking meridians. When blood flow improves, and toxins are expelled, the body’s natural functions can be restored. Proper spleen and stomach function would ensure nutrient absorption, supporting recovery.
Still, not every patient with paralysis could be cured.
The condition was extremely challenging.
—
After removing the needles and advising the little boy to rest, the group moved outside the ward.
“How is it? Girl, can his illness be cured?” Dr. Mateo asked.
Sophia looked at him and replied honestly, “Dr. Mateo, to be truthful, his condition is very difficult to treat.”
Hearing the words “difficult to treat,” Director Jake and his family turned pale.
“But…”
Everyone anxiously focused on her, holding their breath.
Director Jake, who had always been self-assured, finally understood the fear of being a patient’s relative.
“Dr. Smith, I was wrong in my attitude before. Please don’t hold it against me. If you can cure my grandson, I’ll transfer ownership of a five-million-dollar property in the city to you immediately. For the rest of my life, I’ll do anything you ask!”
Sophia glanced at him. At this moment, Director Jake was just another worried family member.
She neither accepted nor refused his offer and walked straight into the office.
The Doctor quickly stood up and offered his seat. “Dr. Smith, please, have a seat.”
His attitude had completely changed from before.
Sophia said nothing and began writing a prescription.
She listed ingredients such as cinnamon twigs, chicken blood vine, and loofah sponge…
When she finished, she handed it to Dr. Mateo. “Dr. Mateo, could you review this prescription to unblock the meridians?”
Dr. Mateo looked over the paper while Sophia continued writing another list.
This time, she included herbs.
“This one is for clearing heat, detoxifying, strengthening the spleen and kidneys, and nourishing the liver.”
Dr. Mateo carefully reviewed each formula. After a while, he smiled and shook his head.
“Girl, your skill in composing prescriptions surpasses mine! I fear Professor Michael must be feeling some pressure—his apprentice has truly surpassed him.”
Professor Michael coughed awkwardly. “It just proves I’m an excellent teacher.”
“Yes, yes! My professor taught me well. Otherwise, how would I have this level of expertise?” Sophia said with a laugh.
