Physician's Odyssey

Nicholas stood on the spot awkwardly. Because of how flustered James acted earlier, he seemed like a deserter. He wanted to know what happened with James, but it seemed that he could only ask about it in private.

“Mr. Su, what did you show James for him to call you a liar? Don’t you think you need to explain it?” Nicholas asked in a deep voice.

“You can ask James about it since it’s his privacy. If he wants to show it to you, then it’s between you and him. But I will definitely not disclose it to a third person.” Su Tao smiled.

Nicholas stared at Su Tao coldly before he spoke out, “If you used any crude language to insult James, I will expose it to the public and have you condemned.”

“Don’t be so confident about that. Although he looks down on TCM and speaks arrogantly, I’m not him. I’m not uncultured enough to attack someone verbally. TCM is profound, and he knows that he was wrong. Since there’s no way he can continue the debate with me, he naturally left in a hurry.” Su Tao disdainfully replied.

The audience was influenced by Su Tao’s righteous words and began clapping. Su Tao’s speech today was too brilliant. First, Jin Kang came up on the stage to cause trouble, which was ultimately resolved by Su Tao. He then showed the magical side of TCM, treating illnesses that plagued many people for a long time. Last but not least, he debated with a western medicine expert like James for half an hour. In the end, he forced James to turn off the video connection on his side.

The lecture today was brilliant. It was as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride. Su Tao had shown his strength and the charm of TCM from different aspects.

After Su Tao made a short conclusion, Tao Qiuping announced the end of the speech. However, everyone still wasn’t satisfied.

But just when Su Tao was about to leave, he was suddenly stopped by a reporter.

“Mr. Su, I was invited by Mr. Tao to interview your lecture today at Huaqing Hospital. First of all, I would like to say that your performance today is simply amazing. Secondly, why did the specialist, James, cut the call suddenly? What exactly did you write in the email?” The reporter smiled.

“I’m sorry. I’m afraid that I can’t disclose it to you. It involves James’ privacy. We may be opponents in the debate, but he can be considered my patient since he has accepted my treatment. Please don’t make things difficult for me. I still have my own ethics to comply.” Su Tao replied with a smile.

Reporters were all naturally curious, so he would definitely not let it go so easily. He continued with his questions, “Does your debate with James today represent mean that TCM will gradually replace western medicine?”

Su Tao might not have a habit of giving interviews, but that didn’t stop him from being experienced. The reporter’s question was a huge trap. If his answer was inappropriate, it would make the entire western medicine industry hostile to him.

“TCM and western medicine share the same purpose. They exist to combat diseases. No one will be replacing whom. I’m sorry, but that will be all for today. I have something else going on, so I’m afraid that I will have to take my leave.” Su Tao replied.

Su Tao continued walking forth and grabbed Tao Qiuping.

The reporter wanted to chase up to Su Tao, but Su Tao was soon surrounded by people. Despite using all his strength, there was no way he could get close to Su Tao.

This reporter would often visit the hospital, and it was a rare opportunity for him to interview Su Tao. But he never expected that Su Tao would be so slippery to disappear in the next second. Letting out a bitter sigh, he found a place to sit down and started composing his manuscript for today’s lecture.

Many years from now, this reporter would regret that he wasn’t able to interview Su Tao more.

Although the reporter wasn’t able to find anything deep, Su Tao’s performance today was brilliant and it was enough to form a topic. He was confident that this manuscript wouldn’t be bad.

Su Tao only slowed down after entering Tao Qiuping’s office. Curiously, Tao Qiuping asked, “Why are you not accepting the reporter’s interview?’

Waving his hand, Su Tao replied, “Public opinion can be a double-edged sword. It can help you and it can also land you in trouble. So it’s best to stay away from it.”

Nodding his head, Tao Qiuping praised, “You’ve thorough with it.” He paused briefly before he asked, “What’s the situation with James?”

“I didn’t expect Mr. Tao to have such a strong curiosity. It’s not a good habit to spy on other people’s privacy.” Su Tao smiled.

“You don’t have to keep it from me. There’s no one here, so you can tell me about it. James’ words earlier were truly a little too unpleasant. I even wanted to slap him in the face. Why don’t you tell me to fulfill my curiosity?” Tao Qiuping laughed.

Su Tao was fond of Tao Qiuping’s personality. As a northerner, Tao Qiuping was straightforward with this speech. More importantly, James had humiliated TCM through the debate, so Su Tao had no favorable opinion about him. Furthermore, their relationship isn’t exactly that of a doctor and patient.

However, Su Tao still did not talk about it and shook his head. If he revealed James’ condition, it would fulfill Tao Qiuping’s curiosity, but it would also make Tao Qiuping feel that Su Tao couldn’t keep secrets.

Seeing that Su Tao wasn’t willing to reveal it, Tao Qiuping did not continue asking. He wasn’t unhappy about it. On the contrary, he felt that Su Tao was truly worthy of being a National Healer. He may be young, but he was mature.

As the two of them chatted, Nicholas rushed into the office furiously and pointed at Su Tao, “I require an explanation. I just called Dr. James and he’s furious about it. He claims that you’re violating his reputation!”

Su Tao smiled bitterly, “I only wrote him a private email without anything revealed publicly. So how am I violating his reputation?”

“He’s feeling unwell and he’s on the way to the hospital for examination now. You must give him a call and apologize to him.” Nicholas replied.

“I only said that he’s sick and he’s so angry that he was admitted to the hospital? I can only say that I’m sorry for that. But I won’t be making the phone call. I did nothing wrong.” Su Tao laughed.

“You will regret it.” Nicholas stared at Su Tao and left the office.

Knitting his brows, Tao Qiuping sounded his concern, “Nicholas has wide connections in the medical industry. I’m afraid that will be some trouble for you to offend him.”

“Do you think that I need to apologize to James as well?” Su Tao asked with a smile.

“No need!” Tao Qiuping replied. “But you still need to tell the truth or people will only think that you really insulted James. If that’s the case, you won’t be justified even if you are. The medical industry is the same as other industries. The higher you are, the fewer the person. And James belongs to someone at the top of the pyramid.”

Letting out a sigh, Su Tao whispered to Tao Qiuping.

Tao Qiuping widened his eyes in disbelief and asked, “Is that true? According to my knowledge, he’s married with a child.”

“It’s difficult for western medicine doctors to diagnose. But as far as TCM is concerned, anyone with some experience in andrology will be able to tell that there’s something wrong, especially someone like James. Because of his lifestyle, he has an abnormality in his body function. This can be seen from his complexion.” Su Tao replied.

Feeling conflicted, Tao Qiuping replied, “I can only say that Americans are relatively open in that regard. I’ve read a report that homosexuals account for 10%, while 20% of them aren’t willing to reveal their sexual orientation.”

10% was a huge figure. That meant one in every ten people.

Nodding his head, Su Tao replied, “It’s a serious condition. If he’s not taking any precautions, I’m afraid the problem will surface three years from now. But it’s not particularly obvious right now.”

“No wonder he was so angry to the point that he was sent to the hospital. He has been maintaining a positive image. If this news leaks out, his image will definitely be damaged. But you have also given him face by keeping it from the public. Nicholas was too much to criticize you without knowing the actual situation.” Tao Qiuping sighed.

“I can understand that. As the saying goes, we’re not on the same path. He’s the President of Asia’s Ferry Pharmaceutical Conglomerate, while I have connections with Tosca Pharmaceutical Conglomerate. I’m afraid he has already considered me his opponent.” Su Tao smiled bitterly.

“You have connections with Tosca Pharmaceutical Conglomerate?” Tao Qiuping was surprised.

“I’m one of Tosca’s directors. A while ago, Tosca Pharmaceutical Conglomerate invested hundreds of millions of euros in my Chinese medicine factory.” Su Tao replied truthfully.

“I see!” Tao Qiuping patted his tight and picked up a document on his desk, “Take a look at this!”

Su Tao glanced at it briefly before he smiled, “It seems that Tosca Pharmaceutical Conglomerate has already come in contact with you.”

“We have been having a good relationship with Ferry Pharmaceutical Conglomerate. So I wasn’t too bothered when I saw Tosca Pharmaceutical Conglomerate’s bidding plans. But I’ve decided to cooperate with them because of you.” Tao Qiuping said with some embarrassment.

“Then I’ll have to thank you instead.” Su Tao never expected that Tao Qiuping would be so direct.

Waving his hand, Tao Qiuping replied, “It’s nothing.”

Tao Qiuping was unhappy with Nicholas’ attitude. He had been good to Nicholas, and he had been Nicholas’ customer. But Nicholas actually barged into his office to threaten Su Tao with him around. That alone made Tao Qiuping feel disrespected.

Tao Qiuping was simple. If people respect him, he would respect them back. But if he wasn’t respected, then he would naturally do the same. Most importantly, Tao Qiuping was very optimistic about Su Tao.