Chapter 6 Attitude

• James sighed. “I'm sorry, Mr. Kenneth's congenital heart disease is particularly insidious. It lies dormant, rarely showing symptoms, but when it does, it's exceedingly hard to treat. I regret to say that I may not have the expertise to help him. However...” James paused, a glimmer of hope in his eyes, “there is someone you could turn to. Finnian, the man from earlier, possesses remarkable abilities. With just a few silver needles, he managed to suppress Kenneth's condition. Such prowess is unheard of in my experience. Perhaps he holds the key to treating Kenneth.”
• The mention of Finnian's extraordinary skills stirred something within James, and he couldn't help but admire the man's talent. Despite his own expertise, James recognized the limits of his abilities in the face of Kenneth's worsening condition. Even with all his knowledge and skill, he doubted he could provide a solution.
• In the medical community of Newcove, James' reputation was unmatched. If he couldn't help Kenneth, it was unlikely that other specialists could either. Unless a renowned traditional medicine expert from Jacaster emerged, Finnian might be their best hope.
• A distant solution couldn't address their immediate emergency. Even if they managed to arrange transportation to Jacaster swiftly, Kenneth might not survive the journey.
• “Very well, I'll go find him right away.” Matthew nodded, hastening away.
• Meanwhile, after parting ways with Catherine, Finnian returned to the ward.
• With her daughter's support, Jennifer was slowly pacing back and forth in the ward, her recovery evident.
• Jennifer had sustained a head injury in the car accident, but Finnian's Mystic Heaven Sixteen Needles had effectively cleared the blood clot obstructing her brain. After a brief period of rest, her hearing and vision had returned to normal, and her strength was gradually returning. She'd be well on her way to a full recovery after another acupuncture treatment to reinforce her condition in three days.
• “Finn, I'm feeling much better now. I don't need to stay in the hospital. Please arrange for discharge; I want to go home,” Jennifer insisted, mindful of the financial strain prolonged hospitalization posed on the family.
• “Of course. Recuperating at home works too,” Finnian agreed. Stepping out of the ward, he found himself face to face with Matthew, accompanied by his wife and four imposing bodyguards.
• “Mr. Lambert, please wait a moment,” Matthew called out, hastening his steps to approach Finnian.
• Finnian's demeanor turned frosty as he faced Matthew. “Is there anything else, Mr. Hubbard?”
• Due to his wealth and stature, Matthew's attempt at an apology seemed more perfunctory than sincere, his tone lacking genuine remorse as he spoke casually. “My wife and I were ignorant. We may have offended you, and for that, we ask for your forgiveness. Kenneth's condition has taken a turn, and we hope you could lend us a helping hand.”
• The mention of Kenneth reignited Finnian's simmering anger. His reply came sharp and icy. “Mr. Hubbard, you overestimate my abilities. I am but an amateur enthusiast in the realm of medicine. Curing diseases is beyond my capabilities. Moreover, your son is of noble status. I cannot bear the weight of such responsibility if anything were to go wrong.”
• Finnian's words mirrored Claudia's previous sentiment, delivered with deliberate precision.
• Claudia, realizing Finnian's mockery, bristled with indignation. “What do you mean, Lambert? My husband and I have humbled ourselves to seek your aid. What more do you want? Know this, in Newcove, countless expert doctors would eagerly serve us at our command.”
• “Is that so? Well, whoever is eager to serve you, kindly seek their assistance. I, for one, am not interested,” Finnian retorted with a disdainful chuckle.
• “Isn't it money you want? We have plenty of it. As long as you can cure my son's ailment, money is not a concern.” She spoke with a tone of superiority, accustomed to using wealth as a solution to all problems, believing Finnian's condescending attitude was merely a façade to extract more money.
• “You're wealthy?” Finnian's demeanor turned frostier. His mentor had instilled in him the principle that medical skills were meant to serve humanity, not to amass wealth. Such an approach tarnished the integrity of the profession. Claudia's assumption struck a nerve, igniting his anger.
• “Yeah, kind of. I possess a fortune worth several billion. Just say the word and we'll give you anything you want,” Matthew said, smiling pridefully.
• “Fine, then I want all the money and properties under your name.” Finnian was so furious that he chuckled out loud.
• Matthew's complexion flushed red, while Claudia's frustration boiled over. She snapped, pointing an accusatory finger at Finnian. “We've been polite in asking you for help. You'd better appreciate it! You will treat my son's illness today, whether you are willing or not. Grab him! If we must resort to force, so be it!”
• With a commanding gesture, Claudia signaled a nearby bodyguard, who lunged forward to grab Finnian. However, Finnian's countenance remained stoic and composed as he swiftly evaded the attack, seizing the assailant's arm and expertly flipping him over his shoulder. The bodyguard crashed to the ground in a disheveled heap, immobilized by the unexpected countermove.
• The three remaining bodyguards stood in disbelief. Being trained professionals, most of them were retired soldiers, possessing exceptional skills and agility. Yet, in a mere moment, their companion had been swiftly incapacitated by Finnian's expertise. It was a stark reminder that they were facing a formidable opponent.
• The trio abandoned their initial disdain and charged at Finnian, shouting.
• Finnian, however, was unfazed. Reacting with lightning speed, he unleashed a flurry of kicks. The sound of impact echoed through the room as all three were sent hurtling backward, crashing into the wall before collapsing to the ground.
• Matthew and Claudia stood frozen, their mouths agape in astonishment. Their bodyguards, renowned for their combat prowess, were now lying incapacitated at Finnian's feet. It was a humbling realization that they had gravely underestimated Finnian's capabilities. Not only was he a highly skilled doctor, but he also possessed formidable martial prowess, making him a force to be reckoned with.
• Gasping in surprise after having witnessed Finnian's capabilities, Matthew pleaded earnestly, setting his arrogance aside. “Mr. Lambert, I apologize sincerely. Please forgive us for our ignorance and offense. I'm asking you for help with utmost sincerity this time. Our son's condition is critical. I beg you to save him.”
• “Sincerity? I really can't see where your sincerity lies.” Finnian maintained a cold smile, his skepticism evident. The couple had attempted to sway him with money, and when that tactic failed, they resorted to force. Is this how they beg for help?
• “I...” Matthew faltered, his face turning pale. Clutching Finnian's arm, he implored, “Mr. Lambert, I recognize my mistake. I beg you to save Kenneth. As long as you're willing to help him, I can agree to any conditions.”
• “I've already made myself clear; I won't treat your son's illness. You should seek someone more capable,” Finnian replied with firm resolve. Recalling Claudia's previous harsh demeanor, he brushed off Matthew and turned to leave.
• As Finnian walked away, the weight of despair settled heavily upon Matthew and Claudia. In a desperate bid to save Kenneth, Claudia cast aside her pride and sank to her knees before Finnian, tears streaming down her face. “Mr. Lambert, I was wrong before. I deserve to die. I promise you I will never behave like this again. Please, I beg you to forgive me and save my son.”
• Finnian furrowed his brows, torn. The sight of Claudia's sorrowful look made him hesitate, for someone as proud as her admitting her mistakes humbly probably meant she had a change of heart and she genuinely regretted it. He'd be petty if he held onto resentment.
• Oh, well. A doctor's duty is to save lives. After all, Kenneth is innocent. I can't possibly stand by and let someone die.
• Finnian's heart softened, and he extended a hand to help Claudia to her feet. “Mr. Hubbard, I can overlook what happened before, but Catherine is innocent. You owe her an apology. If you can obtain her forgiveness, I will consider treating your son's illness.”
• “All right. We'll apologize to her right now,” Matthew expressed with gratitude, a glimmer of hope igniting in his eyes. He and Claudia wasted no time, bowing respectfully to Finnian before hurrying off to find Catherine and offer their sincere apologies.