Chapter 22: Raking It In
“Proof?”
Zhou Yichen was momentarily stunned.
Buying a set of silver needles, and yet they asked for proof?
Are things really regulated so strictly these days?
The female staff member noticed the troubled look on Zhou Yichen’s face and felt a bit embarrassed.
“Comrade, I truly apologize.”
“Although these silver needles aren’t classified as restricted items, they aren’t something you can just buy anywhere.”
“Our clinic doesn’t have many in stock either, so…” She hesitated.
Looking at Zhou Yichen’s youthful and handsome face, especially his deep eyes, she felt a pang of sympathy.
This young man was indeed good-looking, a newly assigned health worker, and seemed genuinely eager to serve the community members.
After a moment’s hesitation, her eyes suddenly brightened as she said, “Wait! Director Zhou happens to be here. He just returned from a rural medical patrol today.”
“I’ll take you to see him. If Director Zhou agrees to sell you the needles, there won’t be any problem.”
Hearing this, Zhou Yichen’s eyes lit up immediately!
It was like finding a glimmer of hope after a dead end, a sudden clearing amid dark willows and bright flowers.
He had originally thought he might have to return empty-handed, but now there was a turn of events.
“That’s wonderful! Thank you so much, comrade! I really appreciate it!” Zhou Yichen expressed his gratitude repeatedly, his voice full of surprise and joy.
“You’re welcome. Follow me,” the woman smiled and led the way.
With her guidance, Zhou Yichen soon arrived at the director’s office.
The office was modest but clean and orderly, with a faint scent of medicinal herbs lingering in the air.
Behind the desk sat a middle-aged man, around fifty years old, wearing a white coat as well, with a kindly face, busy organizing medical records.
“Director Zhou, this is Comrade Zhou Yichen from the Xiangyang Brigade, a newly assigned health worker,” the woman introduced first.
“He wants to buy a set of silver needles from our clinic.”
Director Zhou looked up and fixed his gaze on Zhou Yichen.
He surveyed him carefully, his eyes filled with scrutiny.
“Oh? A new health worker from Xiangyang Brigade?”
“Young man, you want to buy silver needles—do you know acupuncture?”
Zhou Yichen nodded earnestly. “Yes, Director Zhou. I have studied some acupuncture and can perform basic treatments.”
Director Zhou’s face showed a spark of interest.
“Oh? You’ve studied?” He put down what he was holding and leaned forward slightly. “Good, then let me test you.”
Zhou Yichen’s heart stirred.
Test me? This is great!
He had been worried about missing the chance to discuss with a professional.
This was a rare opportunity!
If he could learn a thing or two from Director Zhou, his medical skill proficiency, aided by his innate talent, would surely improve rapidly.
Perhaps he could even inquire about obtaining some medical books!
Though on the surface he appeared calm and modest, he said respectfully, “Please test me, Director. I will do my best.”
“It’s my honor to receive your guidance.”
Director Zhou nodded with satisfaction, his smile deepening.
“Good, you have ambition!” He casually pointed to a human meridian model on the nearby examination bed used for teaching. “Tell me, what ailments does the Zusanli point treat, and what are the contraindications during needling?”
Zhou Yichen was well prepared. He explained in detail—not only the therapeutic effects but also the point location, needling depth, and precautions.
Director Zhou listened, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.
He then asked about several commonly used points and even some more obscure ones, along with simple diagnostic approaches.
Though Zhou Yichen showed some naivety on more complex questions, his foundation was solid, and his responses fluent.
After the series of questions, Director Zhou already had a clear impression.
This young man’s acupuncture skills weren’t brilliant yet, but his fundamentals were very strong, not at all superficial.
He was a promising talent!
Director Zhou’s fondness for gifted students was kindled, and he decided to mentor the young man.
His expression grew even kinder, and the conversation moved beyond rote knowledge to clinical experience and insights.
“Xiao Zhou, the Hegu point you mentioned is indeed effective for pain relief, but remember, it must never be used on pregnant women. That’s crucial.”
Hearing this, Zhou Yichen’s heart leapt with joy!
This was exactly what he was hoping for!
He listened attentively while asking timely questions and sharing his thoughts, his attitude humble and eager.
He could clearly feel that as the discussion with Director Zhou deepened, his knowledge of traditional Chinese acupuncture was being continuously organized, verified, and elevated.
What thrilled him even more was a quick glance at the system panel only he could see—his proficiency in medical skill was steadily increasing, visible to the naked eye!
[Medical Skill LV1 (661/1000)]
[Medical Skill LV1 (662/1000)]
...
Zhou Yichen was overjoyed!
This wasn’t a test at all!
It was a free one-on-one tutoring session with a master!
A truly valuable experience!
Unfortunately, joyful moments are always fleeting.
Just as Zhou Yichen was immersed in this rapid progress, the quiet woman standing nearby finally whispered a reminder.
“Director Zhou, it’s getting late. The clinic still has afternoon patients to see.”
Director Zhou snapped back to reality, reluctantly stopping his discourse.
He pursed his lips, looking at Zhou Yichen as if gazing upon a rough, uncut jade.
The surprise this young man brought was immense!
His talent seemed born for medicine!
He grasped concepts immediately, learned quickly, and could apply knowledge flexibly.
Such a promising seedling was rare to find!
He even entertained the thought of taking him as an apprentice, but reconsidered.
Zhou Yichen’s talent was extraordinary, but as a director of a communal clinic, his own vision and level were limited.
If he delayed Zhou Yichen’s future, that would be a grave fault.
Better to let him develop freely, offering occasional guidance.
With this in mind, Director Zhou looked at Zhou Yichen with admiration and expectation.
“Xiao Zhou, your talent is excellent, and your comprehension high. You must walk the path of medicine seriously and never waste your gift.”
Zhou Yichen’s heart stirred—this was like someone offering a pillow just as he was about to doze off.
He earnestly replied, “Director, you flatter me. I want to learn diligently, but as you know, we sent-down youth in the countryside have limited resources. I don’t even have proper medical textbooks, and often have to learn by trial.”
He paused, eyes shining with thirst for knowledge. “I wonder if the clinic has any extra medical books. I’d like to buy some to study.”
Hearing this, Director Zhou, touched by Zhou Yichen’s eagerness, was even more fond of him.
Young people willing to devote themselves to study were rare these days!
He waved his hand generously. “Buy nothing! A few books are nothing. Talking about money is trivial.”
“I happen to have some old medical books from earlier years. They’re basic, but should be quite helpful at your current stage.”
“I’m giving them to you!” Director Zhou said decisively.
“I only hope you study hard, and in the future help many people relieve their suffering.”
He added, “If you ever have questions, come to the clinic to find me. Whenever I’m free, I’ll share all I know.”
Zhou Yichen was ecstatic!
This was an unexpected blessing!
He thanked him repeatedly, “Thank you, Director! I won’t let you down. I will study hard and strive to master medical skills!”
With a smile, Director Zhou carefully took out several yellowed medical books from a drawer in his desk.