A CEO going to such lengths to find a young girl for treatment, believing that her skills surpass those of top modern medical experts, and trusting that her traditional methods could cure his vitiligo—something the world has yet to conquer? Was he out of his mind?
But now that he was here, there was no use talking more about it.
Wilson Mark glanced around and saw that although the small clinic was in a remote location, it was well-stocked with various herbs and neatly kept.
“This clinic of yours is pretty out of the way. I had a hard time finding it. Can it survive here? Do people even come to see you?”
Sophia smiled, “Not many people yet, but soon. If all goes well, this clinic will be popular in no time.”
“How so?”
“Because the clinic just opened. With my skills, it’s bound to gain fame.”
Wilson Mark was momentarily stunned, then unexpectedly laughed. He had never met anyone quite like Sophia before. Most Americans are typically modest, and even those who aren’t don’t usually exude such bold confidence. Sophia’s demeanor wasn’t boastful but instead was calm and serious, as though she were stating a fact, making him believe her almost instinctively.
Remembering his purpose, Wilson Mark asked, “Are you sure you can cure my vitiligo?”
Sophia didn’t reply immediately, examining his patches carefully.
In truth, vitiligo is difficult to cure. In her previous life, her grandfather had spent his life researching it and could only create treatments that managed the symptoms. Later, Sophia made a name for herself, rising through the ranks until she treated a prominent figure and was recognized as a national physician.
When treating that high-ranking official, she learned that he had vitiligo and often appeared on television due to his position. The disease was a significant problem for him, and after seeking her grandfather’s help, he eventually turned to her. Desperate for his recognition and recommendation, Sophia threw herself into research and made some breakthroughs after several months.
So, although she appeared calm now, it was only because she was building on her experience from her previous life.
Wilson Mark’s vitiligo was quite severe, even more so than that of the prominent figure she had treated before.
“There’s a chance.”
“Oh? What are the odds of a complete cure?”
Sophia thought carefully and replied honestly, “There’s a 60% chance of full recovery, and an 80% chance of it lightening to the point of near invisibility.”
Hearing this, Wilson Mark was surprised. “Really, a 60% chance of full recovery? But modern doctors say…”
“I’m not talking about modern medicine here.” Sophia took out the tools she needed and continued with a calm tone, “It’s not that I reject modern medicine, but traditional and modern medicine operate in very different systems. Since you’ve chosen to trust traditional medicine, set aside the modern approach for now. Likewise, when consulting a modern doctor, you can disregard traditional medicine.”
Wilson Mark remained silent, observing that Sophia was steady and confident in both words and actions. She carried an air that made him feel like she was the one in control, not him, a famous CEO of a large entertainment company.
Sophia took his pulse again, wrote his medical record, drafted a prescription, and then went to her cabinet to collect the necessary ingredients.
Wilson Mark followed her and noticed a drawer labeled “Wolfbane” with a puzzled expression.
“Wolfbane? Is it poisonous?”
“Yes.”
Wolfbane is originally a type of flower, and a beautiful one at that. In her past life, Sophia lived in the mountains and had a circle of wolfbane flowers planted outside her house. The flowers were quite striking, with reddish-brown inner petals and an outer ring of white petals. Though they looked harmless, the flowers were actually toxic and effective in killing insects. Since she lived in the mountains, she used herbal remedies to solve this pest problem.
In traditional medicine, the root of the wolfbane is typically used.
Sophia selected the herbs she needed, mixing them in specific proportions.
She then prepared an external application based on her secret recipe.
Since there was no rush, she placed the herbs in a clay pot to brew them herself.
Seeing the clay pot, Wilson Mark asked, “Why not use a machine?”
“Your condition is hard to treat. Machines would weaken the medicinal properties. I avoid using machines unless absolutely necessary.”
As Sophia spoke, she prepared the herbs, added water, and began brewing them.
“How long will it take?”
“Your assistant can pick it up in the afternoon.”
Wilson Mark didn’t say anything more and watched as Sophia continued grinding the medicinal powders. Curious, he asked, “Is this for external application?”
“Yes. But with your condition, you need to understand something clearly. Skin diseases flare up because of imbalances in internal blood flow and issues in the five organs. Treating only the skin won’t solve anything. You must diligently take the herbal medicines I prescribe. You’re a busy person, but no matter how many social obligations you have, you must avoid alcohol or all the treatment will be wasted.”
With a serious expression, Wilson Mark replied, “Understood.”
After leaving the clinic, Wilson Mark got into his car and asked his assistant, “Did you find out what I asked you to look into?”
The assistant nodded, handing over a file to Wilson Mark.
Wilson Mark’s eyes widened in surprise as he glanced back at the clinic. “So it was her. That makes sense!”
“Mr. Wilson, would you like me to…”
Wilson Mark waved him off. “No need. We each have something the other needs. As long as she can cure me, everything else is negotiable.”
“But what if she’s playing tricks…”
“She wouldn’t dare.” Wilson Mark said, gazing off into the distance, muttering to himself, “If she can cure me, nothing else matters.”
Only those who have vitiligo can understand the despair this condition brings. The white patches on his body felt like humiliating marks, drawing everyone’s gaze. Sometimes people welcome attention, and other times they don’t. As someone with this illness, Wilson Mark didn’t want to be looked at, but he couldn’t stop the stares and the complicated emotions behind them.
In an instant, wealth and status seemed insignificant. For a time, he even thought he would give everything he had to be free from this disease.
But so far, it remained untreatable. His symptoms were stubborn, and if they could really be cured, would people with vitiligo feel so helpless?
His relationship with his wife had even worsened. At times, he sensed a hint of disgust in her gaze.
The intimacy they once shared was gone. Who doesn’t love beautiful things? He knew this was human nature, but it was hard for him to accept.
