“Do you want to take the medicine or not?”
Jayden’s mother was stunned. Typically, doctors at hospitals would prescribe medication. How could there be a method that didn’t involve medicine? Besides, her child’s nephritis was quite severe. How could it possibly improve without medication?
“Doctor, is there a difference?”
Dr. Smith, having been busy all morning and feeling a bit tired, still patiently explained:
“With medication, I will prescribe some traditional medicine. Taking the medicine will be faster than not taking it. However, there are some side effects—mainly diarrhea at night, which may disrupt sleep. If your child is still attending school, this might have some impact.”
Hearing this, Jayden’s mother was immediately relieved. Just diarrhea? That was hardly a side effect! Previously, her child had been on steroids, which caused significant weight gain. Over the years, they had tried countless medications with little improvement in urine test results. Compared to that, diarrhea was nothing.
“We’ll take it! We can handle diarrhea! Don’t underestimate him; he’s a very resilient child.”
Dr. Smith glanced at Jayden and smiled. “Oh? Is that so? Jayden is very resilient? Taking the medicine might be a bit tough.”
“No problem! I can do it!”
Jayden, now old enough to understand his illness, had already looked it up online. He knew that having this disease was disheartening. Approaching adolescence, he vaguely understood the limitations it would impose on his life. Watching other kids running and playing freely while he faced so many restrictions was deeply upsetting.
Dr. Smith smiled. “Then let’s combine both methods—taking medicine and not taking medicine.”
Jayden’s mother looked confused. “Dr. Smith, what exactly is the method that doesn’t involve medicine?”
Dr. Smith smiled and stepped out to the courtyard, returning with a basket.
Jayden’s mother glanced at it and exclaimed, “Isn’t this corn silk?”
Everyone gathered around.
“Yes, dried corn silk!”
“I grow crops back home. We have plenty of this stuff!”
“Just the other day, I was eating corn, and my wife mentioned that the corn silk has a distinct taste when boiled.”
This corn silk had been washed and dried recently by Dr. Smith. Corn silk is a traditional remedy. Since it was now autumn, and the corn was ripe, Dr. Smith had prepared some to keep on hand for patients who needed it. As it turned out, someone needed it right after it was ready.
What a coincidence!
Dr. Smith smiled and explained: “Don’t underestimate this seemingly worthless corn silk. In traditional medicine, corn silk is known for its diuretic properties, helping with inflammation. Drinking water boiled with corn silk can alleviate nephritis-related swelling and help expel toxins from the body. It’s very suitable for chronic nephritis. The only thing is…”
Jayden’s mother’s heart tightened. “What is it?”
“It requires persistence! Three months isn’t considered long; six months to a year isn’t excessive. Even after recovery, continuing to drink it regularly won’t hurt.”
Hearing this, Jayden’s mother laughed and said, “Persistence? Don’t worry, I can do it!”
“No, I must emphasize this: many people think corn silk works too slowly. They stop after a while, and then there’s no effect at all. You must persist for a full three months, drinking it like water whenever you’re thirsty. It won’t harm the child. After three months, come back for a follow-up. Of course, after finishing the prescribed medicine, you can take your child to the hospital for a urine test. If there’s improvement, come back for further treatment.”
“Alright!”Jayden’s mother left with the prescribed medicine, feeling skeptical yet hopeful.
Her child’s nephritis had exhausted her over the years. Once young and full of life, she had sacrificed her health and appearance to care for him. Now in her thirties, she looked closer to forty. Despite spending all their savings and consulting countless doctors, her child’s condition hadn’t improved. Was this doctor just another quack offering false hope?
Moreover, the medicine was surprisingly cheap—only $200 for a supply lasting over two weeks. The corn silk remedy was free; Dr. Smith had merely taught her how to prepare it at home.
It felt surreal. Was this doctor just an old-fashioned practitioner?
Perhaps sensing her doubt, someone nearby whispered:
“Lady, don’t underestimate this doctor! Dr. Smith is incredible! Not long ago, Director of the city hospital called her to treat his grandson’s polio. Doctors nationwide—both traditional and modern—had failed. But after Dr. Smith’s treatment, the boy can now walk! Isn’t that amazing? Everyone here talks about it. You can ask around if you don’t believe me.”
This left Jayden’s mother stunned. She asked in disbelief, “Are you serious? Even a hospital director sought her help? Is she really that skilled?”
“Absolutely! Anyone who has been treated by Dr. Smith knows her skills. She doesn’t advertise—patients come purely through word of mouth. Mark my words, as more people hear about her, getting an appointment will only get harder.”
Jayden’s mother was astonished, realizing how lucky she was.
But could it really work? Her child’s chronic nephritis had persisted for nine years without improvement. Could such a simple remedy make a difference?
Her heart was filled with doubt.
—
Dr. Smith had limited herself to seeing 30 patients that day. Beyond that, she refused additional cases. She still had to prepare medicine and handle other tasks, and working late into the night wasn’t sustainable. Without even an assistant, staying up past 11 p.m. every day wasn’t worth ruining her own health.
After seeing the last patient and handling the clinic’s affairs, it was already past 8 p.m.
Dr. Smith glanced at the food container on her desk. Lately, it hadn’t been Joanna delivering meals but her assistant, who always came and went in a hurry. Not wanting to inconvenience them further, Dr. Smith decided to return the container herself.
She washed and dried it carefully before heading to Scott Enterprises.
Joanna was still working overtime. When she received the call, she laughed:
“Dr. Smith, I could have picked it up myself. You didn’t have to bring it!”
Dr. Smith chuckled. “You’ve been kind enough to bring me meals. I already feel bad about it.”
“Please, come on up!”
This was Dr. Smith’s second time visiting the Scott Enterprises headquarters. The top floor housed the CEO’s offices, with Joanna’s desk right outside. Although it was already past 8 p.m., many floors of the building were still brightly lit, a testament to the work culture.
