Chapter 29: Free Clinic, Dispelling Doubts (Part One)

In this ancient village, the passage of time flows like the gentle stream nearby, carrying away countless tales of pain and joy, yet leaving deep imprints upon the hearts of its people. Neck and joint ailments—those stubborn aches and rheumatisms—were as common and persistent here as the wild grass that grew on this land. Nearly every household had someone affected. The villagers had long become accustomed to the entanglement of these minor but relentless illnesses, treating them as part and parcel of daily life, whether treated or not.

It was on such a tranquil afternoon, under soft breezes and drifting clouds, that the quiet outside the clinic was suddenly broken by an unexpected stir. The commotion stemmed from a casual remark made by old Zhang at the village entrance: “There are a lot of folks in our village suffering from neck and joint problems. If you can treat these, your clinic will be packed!”

Moved by these words, the young doctor turned to old Zhang and asked, “Are you serious? Are there really that many people here tormented by these ailments?”

Old Zhang nodded, replying, “Absolutely. I myself have rheumatism—my legs ache terribly whenever it rains. And my neighbor, old Wang, his neck pain is so bad he often gets dizzy.”

The doctor furrowed his brow, recognizing that though these weren’t life-threatening diseases, they did bring considerable suffering. After a moment’s thought, he asked, “So why don’t people come to my clinic for treatment?”

Old Zhang sighed, “Doctor Li, as you know, we villagers aren’t well-off. Many are reluctant to spend money on seeing a doctor. Besides, most think there’s little difference whether these minor ailments are treated or not, so they haven’t come to you.”

Hearing this, the doctor felt a wave of helplessness and frustration. He knew his medical skills were sound; if he could cure these common ailments, he could ease their pain and also improve his own prospects. He understood the villagers’ difficulties and resolved to help them.

Though not outstanding among physicians, he had his own unique approach to treating these everyday maladies. The villagers’ lack of trust in his skills weighed heavily on him, filling him with both pressure and discouragement. He longed for their recognition, to use his craft to ease their troubles, but reality often ran counter to his hopes. Yet, he did not despair.

He knew well that to change this predicament, he had to start with these seemingly insignificant problems. He thought of the warm-hearted and kind Yuxin, and shared his plan with her: “Sister-in-law, would you mind asking around the village to see who suffers from such ailments? My clinic has just opened, so perhaps we could hold a free clinic these next couple of days!”

Yuxin, hearing this, thought it a fine idea and readily agreed.

However, events did not unfold as smoothly as they had envisioned. When Yuxin began spreading word of the free clinic, she was met not with enthusiasm, but with suspicion and ridicule from many villagers.

“Yuxin, do you really think he can cure these illnesses? I’m not convinced,” one villager said skeptically.

“That’s right. He’s so young—he can’t have much experience. I’d rather go to the hospital in town,” another chimed in.

Yuxin tried to persuade them: “The doctor’s skills are solid; he’s cured many minor ailments already. This free clinic is his way of doing something good for everyone.”

“Hmph! Nothing good ever comes for free. I’m not falling for it,” scoffed old Li.

“Old Li, how can you say that? The doctor means well,” Yuxin replied, a little annoyed.

“I’m just being honest! With his limited skills, he wants to treat neck and joint problems? I say he’s just after our money!” Old Li retorted, relentless.

This remark, like a stone thrown into still water, stirred up waves of doubt throughout the village; voices of skepticism quickly spread.

“Yeah, I don’t think it’s reliable either.”

“Best not to go, or we’ll just be wasting our time.”

Seeing the villagers’ reactions, Yuxin grew anxious. She knew the doctor’s skills were genuine and that he sincerely wished to help. She decided to try again: “Why not just give it a try? If it works, isn’t that a good thing? Besides, it’s free—you have nothing to lose.”

“Forget it, we still don’t believe him,” the villagers said, shaking their heads, unwilling to take part in the clinic.

Yet the doctor did not back down. Looking at the villagers with determined eyes, he said, “My friends, I know you harbor doubts about me. But please believe I truly want to help.”

An elder frowned, saying, “Doctor Li, we appreciate your kindness. But can your little clinic really cure us?”

He smiled gently and replied, “Sir, I know my clinic is small. But I will do everything in my power to provide the best care for every patient. I believe that if you give me a chance, you will not be disappointed.”

At that moment, a young villager stepped forward and said, “Doctor Li, I’ve been having headaches lately. Could you take a look?”

The doctor nodded, quickly helping the young man into the clinic. He carefully inquired about the symptoms, performed a simple examination, and offered some advice and treatment.

The villager looked at him gratefully. “Thank you, Doctor Li. I already feel much better.”

He smiled. “No need to thank me; it’s my duty. If you feel unwell again, come see me anytime.”

Gradually, more villagers began to try the clinic’s services. They discovered that while his skills could not match the experts in large hospitals, when it came to common ailments, he had unique insights and effective methods. His warm and attentive care moved them deeply.

“Doctor Li, you’re amazing! My back feels so much better.”

“Thank you, Doctor Li. My child’s cough has improved so much after taking your medicine.”

Word spread quickly, and soon the clinic’s reputation began to grow. More and more villagers chose to trust him, coming to seek his help. The scale on the second floor of the ancient pagoda began to rise day by day, and a long-lost smile returned to the doctor’s face.

Now, whenever the clinic was mentioned, thumbs would rise and praise would flow: “That place is great! Doctor Li’s skills may not be profound, but he really has a knack for curing common ailments. And he’s so warm-hearted—his care makes you feel right at home.”

Thus, the clinic achieved a remarkable turnaround, transforming skepticism into bustling success. Through hard work and perseverance, he proved that with determination, nothing is impossible. With his skill and compassion, he brought a ray of warm sunshine into the lives of the villagers.