The old saying held true: long illness makes a capable physician. Having suffered this ailment for so many years, he knew everything about it, intimately.
It was precisely because of this profound understanding that he grasped the full weight of Zhang Yang’s recent declaration.
Wu Youdao felt the same. As a veteran practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), he knew far better what it meant if Zhang Yang could deliver on his promise.
“Little, Little Zhang, what you just said… you mean completely cured?”
Wu Youdao asked softly. What had caused both him and Su Shaohua to lose their composure was that single statement from Zhang Yang: that he could completely eradicate Su Shaohua’s illness.
Asthma, no matter the type, was universally recognized as a stubborn malady. Both TCM and Western medicine found it frustratingly difficult to manage; many cases were incurable, at best controlled to prevent recurrence.
For many asthma sufferers, merely achieving remission or infrequent attacks was already a profound aspiration.
Su Shaohua was no different. His initial hope was only that Zhang Yang could help him manage the condition—if it could be controlled perfectly, that would effectively be a cure. Complete eradication, having the disease vanish entirely from his system, was something he had never even considered possible.
He knew it was impossible.
Wu Youdao shared a similar perspective. Zhang Yang’s medical skills were miraculous, and curing his old friend was plausible, but complete eradication? That had never entered their calculations. Curing and eradicating were two fundamentally different concepts.
If there was no relapse, if there was no suffering, that constituted a cure—much like with hypertension; maintaining stable blood pressure without medication was considered being cured. But a permanent, non-recurring cure? That was almost unthinkable.
“Yes, cured. As long as Mr. Su cooperates, I am confident I can eliminate this trouble for him completely!”
Zhang Yang smiled faintly. He understood Wu Youdao’s shock. If he hadn’t possessed the experience from his previous life, and if Su Shaohua’s presentation hadn't perfectly matched a case he had successfully treated before, Zhang Yang himself might not have dared to speak with such certainty.
“Little Zhang, I know your medical skills are high, but this is hardly a trivial ailment. Internationally, to this day, there has never been a truly complete cure recorded!”
Wu Youdao spoke carefully, his phrasing delicate, yet the meaning was abundantly clear.
This was a challenge no one globally had yet surmounted. Managing it effectively was already remarkable; achieving a true cure seemed virtually impossible.
It wasn’t that Wu Youdao doubted Zhang Yang’s ability, but what he claimed was so far beyond current medical consensus that it strained belief. It was akin to an unassuming child suddenly announcing they would be president tomorrow. Perhaps the child possessed the future potential, but certainly not right now. It was the same with Zhang Yang; he might one day solve such riddles, but not today.
Zhang Yang was simply too young.
“Just because it hasn't been done internationally doesn't mean it can’t be done. This disease cannot be conquered relying solely on TCM, nor solely on Western medicine. Only through genuine integration of both can a complete cure be achieved!”
Zhang Yang chuckled lightly, his confidence swelling as he spoke.
His words carried undeniable weight, for this was something he had demonstrably succeeded at before. It was through the perfect fusion of his TCM methods and Parker’s Western medicine that they achieved the complete eradication of this specific ailment. Without that combined contribution, they could never have named the protocol after themselves.
Gaining a medical naming convention was an enormous honor, especially since this recognition wasn't for discovering a new disease, but for a monumental contribution to treatment.
“Very well, Dr. Zhang. Tell me whatever you require, and I will provide it. I believe in you, and I believe you can do this!”
Su Shaohua declared loudly. Zhang Yang’s self-assurance infected him. Coupled with the astonishing accuracy of Zhang Yang’s previous diagnosis, he was beginning to truly entertain the possibility that his disease could be completely cured.
For him, this was the greatest surprise imaginable.
“Mr. Su, my first request is this: for the sake of convenient treatment, you may need to postpone your trip to America,” Zhang Yang said with a gentle nod.
Wu Youdao had already informed him about Su Shaohua’s scheduled month-long trip. If they waited for his return, it would significantly delay treatment. Given his absolute certainty regarding this illness now, whether Su Shaohua went to America or not was irrelevant; going would likely just waste time. Zhang Yang was certain no one in the US could treat him better than he could.
“Agreed. I will cancel the trip to America. We will proceed exactly as you direct!”
Su Shaohua agreed immediately. He was a decisive man; having chosen to trust Zhang Yang and promise his full cooperation, he intended to keep his word.
The news from America mentioned only ‘slight progress’ and invited him over to observe. He understood, deep down, that they were treating him as an experimental subject, and the actual efficacy was unknown. Going there was grasping at a faint thread of hope. In reality, the trip felt less like seeking treatment and more like convalescence.
“Then let us begin our treatment today. I will first insert a few needles, and then prescribe a few doses of medicine for you to take first, to condition your body in preparation for the subsequent treatments!”
Zhang Yang appreciated Su Shaohua’s decisiveness. As he spoke, Wu Youdao handed him a small medical case—they had come prepared for treatment, and essential tools were necessary. Among them were the silver needles Zhang Yang required; these were indispensable.
Zhang Yang did not begin needling immediately. Instead, he first wrote out a prescription. This formula was one he had painstakingly developed in his previous life in Germany, specifically tailored for Li Fang’s symptoms, consuming great energy but yielding exceptional results.
Su Shaohua was not Li Fang, but their conditions, apart from age, were nearly identical: both had suffered for thirty-five years, both exhibited allergic reactions initially, and both presented with the same current pulse characteristics.
The formula was quickly completed. Zhang Yang instructed Su Shaohua to procure the herbs first, as the needling would be far more effective and noticeable after he began taking the medicine.
The villa complex had a large pharmacy nearby stocked with comprehensive Chinese herbs. Ah Fu immediately took the prescription and left. Su Shaohua remained in the study to entertain Zhang Yang and Wu Youdao, and also to notify America that his plans needed to change.
The American side was displeased with the sudden itinerary change and even issued thinly veiled threats, but Su Shaohua remained unmoved and abruptly hung up the phone.
He had made the call in front of Zhang Yang, effectively demonstrating the depth of his commitment.
Ah Fu returned swiftly. Zhang Yang’s prescription contained no obscure ingredients, and the local pharmacy stocked everything. He had already arranged for the herbs to be decocted; this required a longer simmering time, about an hour and a half.
He also had servants set out some fruit and pastries in the courtyard pavilion. Ah Fu was sharp; he recognized Su Shaohua’s high regard for Zhang Yang, and if Zhang Yang cured the illness, he would become Su Shaohua’s greatest benefactor—a person deserving of meticulous care.
“Ah Fu, that is thoughtful of you. The treatment will take some time to commence. Dr. Zhang, perhaps we should retire outside for a while?”
Su Shaohua was very pleased with Ah Fu’s arrangements. The study was for discussion, not for waiting. Since the decoction took time, he preferred to take Zhang Yang for a tour of the grounds. It allowed for relaxation and helped foster camaraderie.
“As the host arranges,” Zhang Yang replied lightly.
Su Shaohua laughed heartily. He grew increasingly satisfied with Zhang Yang; the young man’s temperament suited him perfectly.
The villa’s courtyard was vast. It lacked a swimming pool but featured a rockery and a pavilion nestled within it, possessing an antique charm. Zhang Yang understood this; Su Shaohua was a collector who appreciated antiques, so such landscaping was expected.
Grape vines trailed around the pavilion, their dense foliage lending the space a lush, cool ambiance. Sitting there was certainly more comfortable than being inside the study under the air conditioning.
The tea and fruit Ah Fu provided were excellent. Zhang Yang hadn't eaten much that morning and was genuinely hungry, so he politely helped himself to several pieces.
“These are delicious. Mr. Su, it seems you are also someone who enjoys and savors life?”
After finishing his snack and sipping some tea, Zhang Yang wiped his mouth and remarked. He liked the environment here; it was far superior to the ostentatious displays of wealth he’d encountered from some nouveau riche figures in his previous life.
“Dr. Zhang, it seems we are kindred spirits. We must discuss these matters more when time permits!”
Su Shaohua laughed heartily, while Wu Youdao cast a glance at Zhang Yang.
“Me? I can’t compare. I’m just a poor student!”
Zhang Yang blinked slightly, immediately shaking his head. In his past life, he had certainly enjoyed life’s luxuries, but that was not the man he was now. He was merely a student.
“A student? Dr. Zhang is still attending school?”
Zhang Yang’s remark surprised Su Shaohua. He had noted Zhang Yang’s youth, but assumed he was already established, as Wu Youdao had introduced him as someone affiliated with the hospital.
“Shaohua, that was my oversight. Zhang Yang is a third-year student at Changjing University; he hasn't graduated yet. The hospital recognized his talent and specifically hired him as an intern. Although he’s an intern, his medical skill surpasses that of many seasoned doctors!”
Wu Youdao quickly clarified, a slight, wry smile on his face. An intern whose standing surpassed many official doctors, and whose skills exceeded his own—it was admittedly an embarrassing point to have to explain.
“I see. Dean Zhu certainly has an eye for talent. If I owned a hospital, I would spare no expense to recruit someone like Dr. Zhang!”
Su Shaohua nodded slowly. He knew Zhu Zhixiang, though not intimately; he had donated a batch of medical equipment to the Third Hospital once.
“Second Uncle, I heard someone can actually treat your illness?”
A voice drifted in from outside the pavilion. A young man, dressed in athletic wear, radiating youthful energy, walked rapidly toward them. He appeared quite young, perhaps only twenty-three or twenty-four.
The young man had barely finished speaking before he entered the pavilion. Looking at him, Su Shaohua’s face broke into a wide, warm smile.
…… Chapter One, two more updates today.