Chapter 10 It's Not That Simple

• Under the guidance of their escort, Nelson and Ulric were led to the backyard, where they met John and his family members.
• "Nelson, my young friend, you finally arrived. This old man is not as mobile as he once was and couldn't greet you personally. I hope you'll forgive me for being a poor host.
• "Please, have a seat. It's been so many years since I last saw your master. How is the old man doing these days?"
• John was reclining in a rocking chair and basking under the warm sunlight. He fidgeted with two intricately carved walnuts in his hand and looked frail. After recognizing Nelson, a warm, grandfatherly smile spread across his face as if he welcomed his grandson-in-law.
• Nelson took in the sight of John, along with Audrey and another middle-aged man standing nearby. He quickly deduced that this elderly man was likely Audrey's grandfather and the patient he had come to treat.
• What he hadn't expected was the revelation of the old man's connection to his own master, which his mentor, Don, had never mentioned.
• "Master is doing well, thank you for asking," Nelson replied, his tone respectful yet firm.
• Traditional medicine practitioner relies heavily on observation, listening, questioning, and pulse diagnosis. Nelson immediately guessed that the elderly man was the patient he was supposed to treat that day. He examined John's complexion carefully, his gaze occasionally flicking to the walnuts the old man held.
• Ulric, who was lagging, saw the disparity with obvious jealousy in his eyes. Nelson received a warm reception from Old Mr. Morales, while his ability as a qualified physician was neglected.
• Ulric couldn't help but think that Nelson must have used some deceitful tactics to win over Old Mr. Morales. Without the guise of a healer, how could this young man possibly be treated so warmly?
• Fueled by anger, Ulric stepped forward, determined to expose Nelson.
• He said angrily to Roger, who had invited him to provide a diagnosis, "Mr. Morales, what's going on here? Since you invited me to treat illness, why should you bring in someone else? If you don't trust my abilities, I can leave right now. It's your loss, not mine!"
• "One more thing, why did you choose Nelson of all people? You may not know his background, but I do!
• "We went to college together. He was ignorant and incompetent during his college years. He ran off to join the army without even obtaining his graduation certificate, and there was no way to talk about his medical qualifications. Don't let this charlatan fool your family!
• "If you allow him to treat Old Mr. Morales, and something goes wrong, do not blame me for not warning you!"
• Since Nelson's arrival, Roger hadn't spared him a second glance. In his eyes, Nelson was merely leveraging an old favour to worm his way into their lives under the pretence of healing.
• Hearing Ulric's tirade, Roger's suspicions about Nelson's fraud seemed confirmed, and his disdain for Nelson deepened.
• "Dad, Ulric is a medical school graduate and the disciple of the divine healer Dr. Hartnell. Since he's here, we don't need Nelson. Let's send him away. I'll make sure he gets 75,000 dollars as his compensation. That should be enough to cover his expenses," Roger said to his father.
• Roger intended the 75,000 dollars to be a dismissive gesture, hoping Nelson would take the money politely and leave without causing any additional problems.
• As for the engagement between Nelson and Audrey, he preferred not to mention it in front of outsiders; it would be too embarrassing for the Morales if word got out.
• Seeing that Roger was swayed by his words and wanted to expel Nelson, Ulric's face lit up with excitement. Yet, he still felt that giving 75,000 dollars to Nelson was too generous for someone he considered a fraud.
• Ulric sneered, "Nelson, you must have some dignity as a person. Even if the Morales has a lot of money, it shouldn't go to a con artist like you who has no talent and ability. If you dare to take that 75,000 dollars, don't ever mention you were my classmate again in the future. I'd be ashamed to admit it."
• Ulric's contempt was evident as he spoke, though inside, he was elated.
• If the Morales could offer 75,000 dollars as a mere consolation, curing Old Mr. Morales would surely earn him a fortune.
• Nelson declared, "I can't leave now because I'm the only person who could treat Old Mr. Morales's illness. If I walk away today, he won't survive another month!"
• Having identified John's ailment, Nelson's words struck like a lightning bolt.
• "How dare you curse my father? Get out of here quickly, or don't blame me for being rude to you!"
• Hearing Nelson's words, Roger's eyes blazed with anger. He was ready to throw this young fraud out himself.
• This quack doctor not only wanted to cling to the Morales but also dared to speak so recklessly.
• Even Audrey felt a surge of anger. It was outrageous to declare that her grandfather wouldn't live another month before even starting the treatment. How could there be such a reason?
• She began to regret asking Nelson to treat her grandfather's illness. He was very unreliable.
• Ulric, on the other hand, was barely able to contain his glee. Nelson's bold claim was practically a death sentence for him. Forget about pocketing the 75,000 dollars; now, it was uncertain whether the Morales would let him walk away unscathed.
• "I said I can't leave, Old Mr. Morales has a connection with my master in the past. I won't stand by and let my patient die. Do I need to say it again?"
• Nelson looked at Roger's cold eyes, and he could feel that this middle-aged man was deliberately targeting him!
• "Do you think you can fool the Morales? Someone, throw him out! This is outrageous!"
• Roger's face darkened as he called for help, determined to teach this arrogant young man a lesson.
• "Enough!"
• John, seated in his rocking chair, could no longer stay silent. He slapped the armrest while his voice booming with authority, silencing everyone. As the former head of the Morales, his words carried weight.
• "Roger, if you still respect me as your father, you'll hold your tongue. Nelson is the disciple of a great master. He isn't someone you can insult!
• "I believe he can cure my illness. If he says I won't live past the month, he must have a reason. And you want to chase away the only person who might save me? What are you thinking?" John said, his face set with anger.
• "Fine, if that's what you want, I have nothing to say. Let this kid try."
• Roger, unable to argue with his father, suppressed his anger towards Nelson and reluctantly agreed.
• Yet, he turned to Nelson and warned him, "You can work alongside Dr. Ulric to treat my father. Whoever cures my father's illness, whether it's you or Dr. Ulric, will get a 1.5 million dollars fee. But let me be clear: if anything happens to my father during treatment, I'll hold you personally responsible."
• Hearing the mention of 1.5 million dollars fee, Ulric's excitement was palpable, though he tried to maintain an air of nonchalance as a disciple of a divine healer. "Mr. Morales, the money isn't important. I came here amidst my busy schedule to ensure Old Mr. Morales recover his health and enjoy his later years."
• He then added with a casual wave, "After I cure Old Mr. Morales's illness, I'll give your family a 10% discount. It's the least I can do!"
• Ulric's words showed that he was able to treat Old Mr. Morales's illness with certainty. His confidence impressed Roger. This was the demeanour of a disciple of a divine healer. In contrast, Nelson seemed unworthy of even carrying Ulric's shoes.
• Seeing through Ulric's bravado, Nelson remained silent. Although the illness of Old Mr. Morales was said to be a disease, it wasn't actually a disease. Ulric likely wouldn't even be able to diagnose it correctly, let alone cure it. He would be the one who would end up embarrassed later.
• "Mr. John, I'll begin your treatment now. First, tell me about your symptoms so I can prescribe the right treatment," Ulric said, opening his medical kit before John.
• Ulric wanted to be the first to treat John, ensuring he would claim the 1.5 million dollars. If Nelson treated this elderly man first and made an error, it would complicate Ulric's efforts.
• He sighed. "My symptoms had started a few years ago. At first, I felt a persistent cold in my hands and feet. Over time, it worsened. Now, I wake up at night, freezing, with half my body as cold as iron. Even with multiple blankets and the heater on high, there's no relief, and I suffer from sleepless nights.
• "As time goes by, my health has declined steadily. A year ago, I lost feeling in one side of my body. Many famous doctors and experts have tried to find the cause but failed. Only sitting in the sun brings some warmth. I suspect it's an old injury acting up again."
• John described his symptoms with a sense of resignation, though his eyes betrayed his wish to see his beloved granddaughter marry before his time came.
• After listening attentively, Ulric felt John's pulse, pretending to ponder deeply before declaring, "I found the cause: it's due to age and weakened vitality, leading to a slow metabolism. It's not a serious issue. With my acupuncture and some herbal medicine, you'll be cured in no time."
• Roger and Audrey were overjoyed by Ulric's confident diagnosis. As a disciple of the divine healer Dr. Hartnell, Ulric quickly identified the problem, giving them hope for Old Mr. Morales's recovery.
• But then Nelson's cold voice cut through the relief, "Ulric, Old Mr. Morales's condition is more complicated than you think. If you administer the wrong treatment, it will harm him. He won't survive the day."