Song Anran nodded in agreement. Before long, she returned with the medicinal soup.
Peter frowned, looking at the bowl of dark liquid.
"You, you intend to treat patients with this kind of thing?"
Director Hao glanced at Peter, a smirk playing on his lips, and paid him no mind.
He had Song Anran help the patient sit up and personally administered the medicine into the patient's mouth.
Chen Xiao, being the lowest in rank, stood aside awkwardly.
Director Hao now regarded him as a master of Traditional Chinese Medicine and wouldn't dare ask him to do anything.
Lin Zhiyin quickly noticed the anomaly and said coldly,
"Director Hao, what kind of nonsensical medicinal soup are you giving the patient? Haven't you been deceived?"
Director Hao finished administering the soup and then let out a cold snort.
"Lin Zhiyin, let me tell you, this medicine is called 'Gui Lai Xi', recorded by Master Bian Que in the 'Hundred Herbs Golden Formula'. It's not some nonsensical medicinal soup!"
Lin Zhiyin said sarcastically,
"Gui Lai Xi? Isn't that the legendary soul-summoning soup?"
"Director Hao, you've received modern medical education. You don't actually believe that 'soul summoning' is real, do you?"
Director Hao glared at him,
"You know nothing!"
"Although Gui Lai Xi is named soul-summoning soup, the 'summoning' here is not the same as summoning souls."
"In ancient China, neurological disorders were collectively referred to as 'lost soul syndrome'. So-called soul summoning was merely a therapy for neurological conditions!"
"You think only foreigners are skilled in neurology, but I tell you, that's all stuff our ancestors played with!"
Lin Zhiyin chuckled sheepishly,
"Heh heh, Director Hao, I won't argue with you. Let's let the facts speak for themselves."
"You claim you can make the patient regain consciousness. If he doesn't wake up, I'd like to see what you do!"
Director Hao stood with his hands behind his back, proudly stating, "Two hours. If the patient doesn't wake up by then, I'll hand over my directorship to you!"
Lin Zhiyin's smile widened, "Director Hao, I hope you keep your word!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Dr. Peter winked at him, offering congratulations,
"Congratulations, Lin. It looks like you're about to become the director!"
Lin Zhiyin appeared confident of victory, unable to hide his joy.
Song Anran looked worried and asked softly, "Director Hao, is it going to work?"
Director Hao's expression was grim, "I have a fifty percent chance."
Song Anran's face was filled with surprise and a hint of reproach.
"Fifty percent? Director Hao, your decision is too reckless!"
Director Hao said sternly, "Though the matter is small, it concerns national dignity. Even if the chance of success is only ten percent, I must proceed."
Chen Xiao was filled with respect.
However, in his heart, Director Hao's chances were likely less than ten percent.
It seemed he would have to help himself.
Half an hour passed, and the patient remained deeply asleep.
An hour passed, and the patient still showed no signs of waking.
An hour and a half passed...
An hour and forty-five minutes passed...
Director Hao's face was dejected. It seemed the patient would not wake up.
Peter looked as if he had expected this, shrugging his shoulders.
"I told you before, your medicine is still in its infancy. You need to learn advanced knowledge from us."
Director Hao's old face turned bright red.
He could accept criticism of his own skills, but not of Traditional Chinese Medicine!
"I admit my medical skills are lacking, but Chinese medicine is exquisite throughout history. It's not something for you barbarians to judge!"
Lin Zhiyin said smugly, "Director Hao, I don't mind you talking nonsense, but don't forget your promise just now!"
Director Hao snorted angrily, "Why are you in such a hurry? When the time comes, I will naturally fulfill my promise!"
Lin Zhiyin pressed on, "The result is already obvious. Your method is wrong. What's the point of giving you another day?"
Director Hao's face was flushed, but the facts were undeniable, and he could not refute them.
He could only anxiously wonder in his heart: this shouldn't be happening. According to the ancient texts, the patient should have woken up within half an hour. Where did it go wrong?
Just then, Chen Xiao suddenly said calmly, "Director Hao's treatment method is not wrong."
Everyone turned to look at Chen Xiao.
Lin Zhiyin glared at Chen Xiao, furious.
"Kid, are you lying with your eyes open? Look at the situation. What right do you, a nobody, have to speak?"
"Once I take office, the first thing I'll do is fire you!"
Even Director Hao himself looked dejected and said with despair,
"Master Chen, you don't need to say more. If it's wrong, it's wrong. What I regret most is not knowing where I went wrong."
Chen Xiao shook his head, "You weren't wrong at all. The patient has been in a coma for too long. Serious illnesses require strong medicine. The idea of using Gui Lai Xi to treat the illness is correct, but the medicine's efficacy is insufficient."
Director Hao's mind flashed with an idea, as if he had thought of something but couldn't quite grasp it.
"Master Chen, please enlighten me!"
Chen Xiao said calmly, "In the Su Wen acupuncture, there is a needling technique that can stimulate acupoints to enhance the efficacy of medicine. Do you remember, Director Hao?"
Director Hao slapped his forehead, suddenly realizing.
"Dragon Seeking Needle!"
"Yes, how could I not have thought of it!"
"That's right, that's right! Master Chen, thank you for the guidance!"
Director Hao expressed his gratitude and then took out silver needles.
He suddenly seemed revitalized, his needlework flowing like clouds and water, as if he had instantly become ten years younger.
Song Anran, knowing little about Traditional Chinese Medicine, asked with a bewildered expression,
"Chen Xiao, what is Director Hao doing?"
Chen Xiao slowly explained,
"The Dragon Seeking Needle originates from the Huangdi Neijing, and it is a type of acupuncture technique from the Su Wen."
"This needle itself cannot treat diseases, but it can locate dragons and stimulate acupoints, enhancing the body's absorption of medicine, thereby increasing its efficacy."
Song Anran was stunned, "There's such a miraculous and profound needling technique?"
At this moment, Lin Zhiyin, trying to maintain his composure, shouted loudly as he counted the time,
"Director Hao, the two-hour time is almost up. Even if it's a second over, you must honor your promise!"
Director Hao focused his spirit, as if in a world of his own.
Seeing that Director Hao was unaffected, Lin Zhiyin began to count down,
"Ten, nine, eight, seven..."
... "Three, two, one!"
"Hahahahahaha, Hao, you lost!"
Director Hao smiled coldly and glanced at Lin Zhiyin,
"Who says I lost!"
Director Hao flicked his sleeve, and the patient on the hospital bed had already opened his eyes wide, looking around blankly.
"Who are you people? Where is this place?"
Director Hao asked him, "Do you remember who you are?"
"Nonsense, I'm not an idiot. Of course, I remember who I am. My name is Li Erniu, and I work at the aquatic market..."
As the person spoke, he seemed to recall something.
"Hey? I remember now. I think I fainted just now. I accidentally got locked in the cold storage. It was too cold inside, and I was almost frozen to death..."
Director Hao nodded gently,
"That's right, you did faint, but it wasn't just now. You have been in a coma for over three years."