This Doctor Is Too Wealthy

Du Heng didn't quite agree with Wang Shizhen's statement. Just because they had been to major hospitals in developed cities didn't mean there was no way to help. "Given Wang Shiyuan's family situation, their access to doctors is limited, and I have confidence in my own abilities," Du Heng said. "I want to review their treatment process; perhaps I can think of a solution. If it really doesn't work, then we'll explore other options. Regardless, Wang Shiyuan's family situation must be resolved."

Wang Shizhen, feeling he had no other choice, could only nod. "Alright, I'll go with you."

「Five hours later」

As they entered Wang Shiyuan's home again, Du Heng suddenly felt a bit apprehensive. Especially when he saw Wang Shiyuan's wife trailing silently behind him, the bite mark on Du Heng's wrist began to throb painfully.

"Shiyuan, please find your wife's medical records. Doctor Du and I will take them back to look over," Wang Shizhen said, staying in the yard instead of going inside.

Wang Shiyuan saw Du Heng. He remembered what had happened that morning and felt a little guilty. Being a somewhat rough man, he couldn't quite bring himself to apologize, so he just offered an awkward smile and led his wife inside to find the medical records.

"President Du, Shizhen, these are all the medical records from her treatment over the past few years, and her medicine boxes too. I've kept everything. See if any of it is useful." Wang Shiyuan brought out two large, bulging plastic bags from the room.

Wang Shizhen took them directly, not letting Du Heng carry them. "Alright, we'll take these back, look them over, and get back to you later."

As they were about to leave, Du Heng stopped and asked, "Wang Shiyuan, around what time in the evening does your wife usually start crying and becoming restless?"

"Usually around seven or eight, but there's no fixed time. Sometimes she wakes up in the middle of the night and gets agitated too."

"Does this happen frequently?"

"Not frequently."

Du Heng nodded. After taking a few steps, he asked again, "Is your wife still taking sedatives?"

"Yes, she is. If she doesn't, and she starts acting up, she might hurt herself."

"What about her diet?"

Wang Shiyuan paused for a moment before replying, "Not great. When she's out, she often tries to eat grass, leaves, or roots. But when she's home, she barely touches the food I make for her."

"Alright, I understand. We'll go back, review the materials, and then we'll talk again."

Wang Shiyuan nodded, but the light in his eyes dimmed. He'd heard similar words many times before, and each time, nothing came of them. He was used to it.

Du Heng didn't dwell on Wang Shiyuan's mood. He and Wang Shizhen quickly returned to the clinic. There, with Wang Shizhen's help, they began sorting through the two large bags of materials.

Half an hour later, Du Heng was staring at the documents in his hand, lost in thought.

Wang Shizhen asked, "What's the matter? Is everything alright?"

"I'm fine," Du Heng replied, "it's just... looking at these records is unsettling."

"Why? What is it?"

Du Heng spread the papers out and pointed to them one by one for Wang Shizhen. "Look at this. Wang Shiyuan's wife has been taking sedatives for three years."

Wang Shizhen was still puzzled. "So? What's the issue?"

Du Heng frowned. "Long-term use of sedatives can cause side effects, even paradoxical reactions like aggression, hostility, emotional instability, and suicidal tendencies. Her biting someone this morning fits that pattern."

He then picked up a few traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. "Have you seen these? They're all prescriptions for calming the heart and tranquilizing the spirit. The patient's catatonia is likely due to excessive stimulation leading to self-imposed isolation. Besides calming the heart and spirit, she also needs treatment to open the orifices of the mind."

Du Heng gestured at the prescriptions with a hint of frustration. "But what's the use of only calming the heart and spirit? These are 'play-it-safe' prescriptions, aiming for no blame rather than actual results. They leave it all to luck—for the patient and the prescribing doctor. If it works, great. If not, well, no harm done, supposedly."

Wang Shizhen glanced at the prescriptions. The listed medicine ingredients were all quite expensive, and the dosages prescribed would make them even more costly. He pursed his lips and tossed the prescriptions aside. He liked money, sure, but he'd never unscrupulously overcharge for medical treatment. He'd rather work harder running his agritourism business for his hard-earned money; that felt more honest.

Seeing Du Heng's troubled expression, Wang Shizhen asked, "So, have you thought of a solution?"

Du Heng shook his head. "Not yet. I need to go back and consider it carefully. Ailments of the mind are tricky. The right prescription can show results with a single dose. But the wrong one can make things much worse. I need to think this through very carefully."

With that, he stood up and began to pack, neatly sorting the records, prescriptions, and medicine boxes into separate piles.

Wang Shizhen watched Du Heng, blinking. "Where are you off to?"

"Home. I need to think this over tonight and see if I can find a solution."

Wang Shizhen then said, "Don't go back. Stay at my place tonight. I'll help you brainstorm."

Du Heng was tempted, but then he looked at Wang Shizhen and reconsidered. "No, it's fine. You should focus on your agritourism business. I have some books at my place I need to consult."

Wang Shizhen caught Du Heng's glance and said, a little miffed, "I think you're looking down on me."

Du Heng chuckled, amused by Wang Shizhen's words. "If you know, why say it out loud? Can't you save yourself some face?"

They were old classmates, and such playful banter was normal for them.

"Get lost, then! Don't bother coming tomorrow," Wang Shizhen retorted.

"You don't get to decide that. I'm still coming over for a meal tomorrow. Your mom's cooking is excellent."

"Just go! If you show up tomorrow, I'm locking the door!"

Laughing and talking, they reached Du Heng's car. Wang Shizhen helped Du Heng load the bags into the car, then said seriously, "You've got that injury on your hand. Drive carefully on your way down."

"Alright, I will. See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow. Hope you have good news."

"I definitely will," Du Heng replied with conviction, then started the car and began the drive down the mountain.

Their two villages—one at the summit, the other at the foot of the mountain—weren't far apart as the crow flies, but the only way between them was a winding mountain road. Even by car, it took Du Heng nearly an hour to get home.

Just as he arrived home, he saw his niece, Du Xuejing, at the gate. Du Heng paused. She should be at school today. Why was she here?

"Tingting, why aren't you at school?"

Du Xuejing scampered over to Du Heng's car. "Little Uncle, I've been back for a few days now! Where have you been?"

Du Heng got out of the car, taking out the bags, and handed one to Du Xuejing. "I had some business in Wangjiazui. Now, tell me, why aren't you in school? What are you doing home?"

"We're on break! The college entrance examination is in four days, so they let us come home to relax."

The college entrance examination? Du Heng thought. Time really does fly.