Chapter 381: Chapter 381: Examination, Improvement

Accompanied by Wang Xiufang, Ai Shengbing took the test request forms and went to various departments for his check-up.

X-rays, CT scans, blood work, tumor markers...

One test after another was carried out in an orderly fashion.

Thanks to Professor Dong’s special arrangements,

the results came out quickly.

Dong Chen read through them one by one.

The expression on his face went from initial shock to disbelief, and finally, to utter horror.

The X-rays showed that the lesions in Ai Shengbing’s lungs had shrunk significantly. The previous pleural and pericardial effusions had completely disappeared, and the inflammation in his lungs had also subsided.

The CT report indicated that the tumor’s volume was markedly smaller than it had been half a month ago. Its edges had become more defined, and the surrounding infiltration had also decreased.

The blood work report showed that Ai Shengbing’s hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and other indicators had all started to rise. He was no longer suffering from the severe anemia and low immunity he had before.

The results of the tumor marker tests were even more unbelievable.

Several of the main tumor marker indicators had all dropped to varying degrees.

Although they hadn’t returned to normal completely,

the degree of their decline was enough to shock any oncologist.

’How is this possible?’

Dong Chen was completely stunned.

This was no longer a simple "improvement"; this was genuine "efficacy."

The improvement in all indicators and the shrinking of the tumor clearly showed that Ai Shengbing’s condition was developing in a positive direction.

Perhaps it wouldn’t be long

before the tumor disappeared completely.

’This is bad!’

Dong Chen snapped back to his senses.

He had recommended Ai Shengbing to Li Xu, thinking that if Li Xu failed to cure him, he could use it to attack Traditional Chinese Medicine and shatter Li Xu’s "Divine Physician" reputation.

But now, it had backfired.

If word of this got out, Li Xu’s fame would only grow.

The momentum behind Traditional Chinese Medicine would also surge.

’I really shot myself in the foot.’

Dong Chen gave a bitter smile.

...

Wang Xiufang and Ai Shengbing left Northern Hospital.

There were smiles on both the mother and son’s faces.

The test results had turned a tiny spark of hope into a raging flame.

"Mom, I’m really getting better."

Ai Shengbing was grinning from ear to ear.

"Yes, son. Dr. Li is truly a Divine Physician."

Wang Xiufang muttered to herself again and again.

On the way home,

Wang Xiufang remembered that Reporter Li had previously told her to contact her anytime there was a new development in Ai Shengbing’s condition.

Wang Xiufang felt that such good news should be known by more people, so that more desperate patients like her son could see a glimmer of hope.

So, she took out her phone and dialed Li Yang’s number.

"Hello, Reporter Li? This is Ai Shengbing’s mother, Wang Xiufang."

Wang Xiufang said excitedly, "My son is doing better again! We went to Northern Hospital for a check-up today, and the results were excellent. The tumor has gotten smaller, and he’s even gained weight."

Li Yang, who was in her office organizing materials, heard Wang Xiufang’s words and asked in disbelief, "What? Ms. Wang, are you serious? The tumor shrank, and he gained weight?"

As a reporter,

one must be well-informed.

She had been following Ai Shengbing’s case recently.

She had specifically researched knowledge related to tumors.

She knew that once a malignant tumor forms, it typically only grows larger and rarely shrinks.

And now,

Ai Shengbing’s tumor had shrunk?

This... was nothing short of a miracle!

Most people understood the significance of this.

"It’s true. Professor Dong personally showed us the test reports."

Wang Xiufang said with certainty.

"That’s wonderful, Ms. Wang. Are you available now? I can come over for an interview right away."

Li Yang said eagerly.

"Yes, yes, we just got home."

After hanging up, Li Yang immediately contacted a photographer, grabbed a voice recorder, and rushed out of the newspaper office, heading straight for Ai Shengbing’s home.

When she arrived at Ai Shengbing’s home, Li Yang’s eyes lit up the moment she saw him.

The young man before her was still thin, but his complexion was rosy and his eyes were bright. He looked like a completely different person from the sickly figure she had seen last time.

"May I see the hospital test results?"

"Of course."

The test reports stated in black and white that various indicators had improved and the tumor had shrunk.

Li Yang was completely convinced.

She conducted a detailed interview with Ai Shengbing and Wang Xiufang, recording their excited feelings.

She took pictures of the high-spirited Ai Shengbing, as well as the test reports.

After the interview,

Li Yang felt that although the material was already sensational enough, something was still missing.

She thought of Dong Chen.

If she could get Dong Chen, a known "TCM-hater," to personally admit the treatment’s efficacy, the impact of her report would be immense.

So, she dialed Dong Chen’s number.

"Hello, Professor Dong? This is Li Yang from the News Press. I’d like to interview you about the latest developments in Ai Shengbing’s case," Li Yang said politely.

When Dong Chen received Li Yang’s call, his heart sank.

He figured Li Yang must have already learned about Ai Shengbing’s improvement. This interview was nothing more than an attempt to make him personally acknowledge Li Xu’s medical skills—a prospect he found more agonizing than death.

"Oh, Reporter Li, I’m a bit busy at the moment. It’s not a good time for an interview."

Dong Chen said, trying to get out of it.

"Professor Dong, Ai Shengbing’s case is highly significant. It holds extraordinary value for cancer treatment research. As his original attending physician, your opinion is extremely important."

But Li Yang wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easily.

"I... I’m really busy. Maybe next time. We’ll talk next time!"

With that, Dong Chen hung up the phone.

Li Yang frowned. She knew Dong Chen was avoiding her.

But she wasn’t the type to give up so easily.

Li Yang had her driver take her to Northern Hospital, preparing to corner Dong Chen.

After staking out the hospital for a whole day,

Li Yang "ran into" a hurrying Dong Chen in the hospital corridor.

"Professor Dong."

Li Yang strode forward and blocked Dong Chen’s path.

When Dong Chen saw Li Yang, his expression soured. "Reporter Li, what are you doing here?"

"Professor Dong, I’m here to interview you. It will only take a few minutes of your time."

Li Yang held up her voice recorder and got straight to the point. "Regarding Ai Shengbing’s condition, as his original attending physician, I’d like to hear your opinion."

Dong Chen knew he couldn’t escape this time.

He really wanted to continue criticizing Traditional Chinese Medicine and Li Xu,

but in the face of the facts, any argument would be pale and powerless.

He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself.

"Alright, Reporter Li. Since you’re so persistent, I’ll say a few words."

Dong Chen said with resignation, then gestured for Li Yang to follow him into his office.

...

「In the office.」

Dong Chen cleared his throat and said in a complicated tone, "Regarding Ai Shengbing’s case... I have to admit, Dr. Li has shown extraordinary talent in his treatment. Through traditional Chinese medicine, Ai Shengbing’s various indicators have indeed improved significantly. The tumor has also shrunk, and his weight has increased. This indicates that, to a certain extent, traditional Chinese medicine does have a therapeutic effect on cancer."

...

Author’s Note: Something came up today, so there’s only one Chapter. My apologies.