Chapter 302 - 302: Acupuncture on Liu Xue
Liu Xue was usually known for her frugality, much like many others in the countryside. The prevailing sentiment there was that enduring sickness was preferable to the expense of going to the hospital.
Their belief was that once you stepped into the hospital, you’d be burdened with high costs, even if you weren’t seriously ill.
Turning to Zhang Cheng, Xia Wan suggested, “Let me assess the situation first.
If it’s not severe, there’s no need for a hospital trip. But if it’s serious, we should take her there promptly.”
Only now did Liu Xue notice Xia Wan’s presence. Battling the pain, she inquired, “And who might you be?”
Taking the initiative, Xia Wan introduced herself, “My grandfather was a village doctor, and I’ve learned much from him about medicine. Let me offer my assistance.”
Liu Xue readily agreed, “Alright, go ahead and take a look.”
While genuinely uncomfortable, she was also concerned about the hospital expenses. With Xia Wan’s offer, she anticipated a more cost-effective solution than the hospital.
Zhang Chuan, however, displayed disapproval, stating, “Mom, you declined to accompany me to the hospital, but now you’re open to a young girl’s examination. What if she misdiagnoses you?”
Liu Xue shot him a pointed look, asserting, “This is my body, not yours. I’ll allow whoever I choose to examine it.”
“Mom!”
Attempting to reason with her, Zhang Chuan was interrupted by Zhang Cheng, “Alright, let’s see if Xia Wan can help first.”
Xia Wan began her examination by taking Liu Xue’s pulse. After about five minutes, she withdrew her hand.
“Have you been consuming cold foods recently?” Xia Wan inquired.
Liu Xue affirmed, “The weather turned suddenly hot, so I had some ice cream. I also cooled watermelons and fruits in the river before consuming them.”
Xia Wan nodded, “And I assume you’ve been drinking a lot of hot beverages
Liu Xue confirmed, “My father and grandfather both drink tea. I’ve had a habit of drinking it since childhood. Cold tea doesn’t taste good, so I prefer it hot.”
“Ah, that explains it. Your stomach is likely struggling with the fluctuations in temperature.”
“It’s not too severe currently. I’ll start with acupuncture to relieve your pain.
Within an hour, you should feel much better. I’ll also prescribe some medication.”
“However, your eating habits need adjustment. Alternating between extremes of cold and hot isn’t healthy. Avoid that in the future.”
Liu Xue listened attentively, a glimmer of hope in her eyes, “So you’re saying I might not need to go to the hospital?”
Xia Wan nodded, retrieving silver needles from her bag.
Zhang Chuan, observing Xia Wan’s intentions, intervened, “Mom, you’re taking her words too seriously. This is acupuncture. What if something goes wrong, and you end up paralyzed?
“In the past, when we were struggling, it made sense to be thrifty. But now that Dad is earning, you’re entrusting your health to a young girl, and rejecting proper medical care!”
Zhang Cheng grappled with his stance. Despite hearing Xia Hails praises for Xia
Wan, he had never witnessed her skills firsthand. The sight of the silver needles stirred a sense of unease within him.
What if a mistake led to unintended consequences?
Liu Xue stood her ground, “Let Xia Wan proceed with acupuncture. I have faith in her.”
Zhang Chuan attempted to dissuade her, met with Liu Xue’s stern gaze, “Did you inform her about my recent consumption of cold fruits before bringing her here?”
Zhang Chuan paused, realization dawning. Xia Wan’s diagnosis was based solely on pulse assessment. Neither he nor Zhang Cheng had shared Liu Xue’s habits with her.
Caught in a dilemma, Zhang Chuan hesitated.
Unperturbed by his internal struggle, Xia Wan commenced the acupuncture. Her movements were deft, the needle’s insertion swift yet controlled.
Zhang Cheng, originally skeptical, found his doubts waning as he watched her skillful technique.
Once Xia Wan completed the procedure, Liu Xue’s forehead was no longer beaded with sweat. Her pained expression had eased. She regarded Xia Wan with amazement, “Incredible. The pain subsided almost immediately after you inserted the needles.”
Zhang Chuan remained dumbfounded, gazing at Xia Wan in utter bewilderment.. How could someone his age possess expertise in acupuncture?