Before long, Ludendorff arrived at Mu Lin’s room and invited him back to the reception hall. This time, the people in the hall no longer wore expressions of arrogance; it seemed that the weakness of kowtowing to power and looking down on the weak was a common flaw among humans. When they saw Mu Lin enter, everyone stood up to greet him.
At that moment, a tall, thin middle-aged man wearing a brown suit approached Mu Lin first, grasping both of his hands and introducing himself:
“Mr. Daniel, I am Andreas, the President of the Federal Senate. There are some matters here that need to be clarified with you.
Mr. Daniel, we sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding caused by our previous choice of words.
After communicating with the federal opposition parties and conducting thorough research together, we have unanimously concluded that traditional Chinese acupuncture, as an ancient medical technique that has saved millions of lives, is indeed a rigorous and scientific discipline.
Therefore, as a NATO member country, if Country U can issue medical licenses after evaluation, these licenses should naturally be equally valid in our country, just like those of Western medicine. That debate has now become history. Since the final obstacle has been removed, I am here on behalf of the gentlemen from both the Federal Senate and the House of Representatives to extend our advance congratulations on your chain of clinics establishing roots in our Federal Republic of Germany.”
Soon, Ludendorff arrived at Mu Lin’s room and invited him back to the reception room. This time, the expressions of those in the room no longer carried the same arrogance—it seemed that bullying the weak and fearing the strong was a universal human flaw! Upon Mu Lin’s entry, everyone stood up to welcome him.
A tall, slender middle-aged man in a brown suit stepped forward first, shaking Mu Lin’s hands as he introduced himself:
“Mr. Daniel, I am Andreas, the President of the Federal Senate. There are some matters here that require an explanation to you.
Mr. Daniel, we sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding caused earlier due to our choice of words.
After discussions with the federal opposition parties and thorough deliberation, we unanimously agree that traditional Chinese acupuncture, as an ancient medical practice, has saved countless lives and is therefore a rigorous scientific discipline.
As a member of NATO, since the U.S. has already established a licensing examination system for acupuncture practitioners, their licenses should naturally be recognized in our country just like those of Western medical doctors. This debate is now a thing of the past. With the last obstacle removed, I hereby, on behalf of the gentlemen of the Federal Senate and House of Representatives, extend our early congratulations on your chain of clinics taking root in the Federal Republic of Germany.”
The crowd behind Andreas erupted in enthusiastic applause. Once the applause subsided slightly, he continued:
“Mr. Daniel, there is one more matter we must specifically inform you about. Since the U.S., as a leading NATO member, has formulated its own examination system for acupuncture practitioners, our Federal Republic of Germany can similarly establish a system suited to our national conditions.
And you, Mr. Daniel! After careful evaluation, we recognize you as not only a seasoned acupuncture practitioner but also a physician with profound expertise in Western medicine—a medical expert of both skill and integrity. Therefore, the Federal German Medical Council has specially appointed you as the Chief Examination Expert for our Acupuncture Practitioner Licensing Committee.
Congratulations, Mr. Daniel!” Andreas declared solemnly, extending his hands once more.
“Could such good fortune really exist?” Mu Lin and Little Rascal silently communicated to each other, exchanging a glance.
Mu Lin quickly stepped forward, shaking Andreas’ hands with a sincere smile. “I am deeply grateful for your trust! I will do my utmost to contribute to your country’s acupuncture practitioner examinations. Thank you also for bestowing upon me this supreme honor!”
“Is there anything else we can assist you with? We would be more than happy to help,” Ludendorff said to Mu Lin, who had just released Andreas’ hands.
“Well, next I plan to have the U.S. clinic headquarters dispatch a group of acupuncture practitioners to your country while also recruiting local Western doctors to prepare for the clinics’ opening.
However, as you know, there are currently no fully trained acupuncture practitioners in Western countries. According to U.S. examination regulations, these practitioners can be selected from designated Chinese medical universities.
These students, as well as those already in the U.S., have not yet resided for three years and thus do not qualify for green cards. Since the U.S. issues them passports under its ‘Outstanding Talent’ immigration program, we hope your country can adopt the same approach for the current shortage of acupuncture practitioners.
I would hate for anyone to exploit these practitioners’ passport status later. Otherwise, the lack of qualified practitioners could delay the clinics’ opening—or worse, potentially endanger the lives of certain esteemed individuals present here!
I trust none of you would wish to see such an unfortunate scenario unfold,” Mu Lin stated gravely, presenting his second request.
“Absolutely no problem! Mr. Daniel, if the U.S. can accommodate these conditions, I’m certain our nation’s people will gladly do the same. Moreover, as the Chief Examination Expert for our Federal Acupuncture Licensing Committee, you can propose these terms when drafting the examination rules!” Andreas agreed readily, though he then hesitated slightly. “However…”
“Oh? Is there another concern, Mr. Andreas?” Noticing his hesitation, Mu Lin understood he had conditions. Since his own requests had been met, he saw no harm in addressing them directly.
“Well, Mr. Daniel, I’ve heard your U.S. clinics offer two free treatments for civilians each month. Might the same apply here?” Ludendorff interjected on Andreas’ behalf.
“Ah! That was already part of our plan for opening clinics here! I thought it was something more serious,” Mu Lin replied candidly, noting the relieved expressions around him.
“But there’s one more thing… I hope you won’t find us presumptuous,” Ludendorff ventured cautiously.
“Go ahead,” Mu Lin replied, growing slightly impatient with the back-and-forth.
“You see, as politicians and public servants, many of us don’t earn high salaries. We were hoping medical expenses could be covered by insurance funds. For others, you may charge as you see fit. Would that be acceptable?” Ludendorff treaded carefully.
“I see…” Mu Lin fell into thought. This was an aspect he hadn’t thoroughly considered.
In the U.S., his focus had been on catering to the wealthy—business owners. Now, he realized his oversight. After a long pause, he reached a decision.
“I can agree—but with conditions. First, our clinics reserve the right to investigate a patient’s financial background prior to treatment, and the patient cannot refuse.
Second, we retain the right to decline service to public officials or politicians hostile to our clinics. Given what happened in the U.S., I trust you understand.
Third, acupuncture treatment pricing will be determined solely by us, though we hope you can negotiate this with health insurers.
If these terms are acceptable, I see no reason to reject your reasonable request. Fair enough?” Mu Lin answered with a smile.
At last, the room broke into triumphant smiles and thunderous applause—clearly, they had no objections.
“Mr. Daniel, there is another matter we must specially inform you about. Since Country U, as the leading NATO member state, has established its own system for evaluating acupuncturists, we, too, can develop an evaluation system that suits the realities of our country.
And you, Mr. Daniel! After our investigation, we believe you are not only a senior traditional Chinese acupuncturist but also a physician with profound expertise in Western medicine. You are a medical expert with both exceptional skills and high ethical standards. Therefore, the German Federal Medical Council has specially appointed you as the Chief Examiner of the Acupuncture Physician Licensing Committee under the Federal Medical Council.
Congratulations, Mr. Daniel!” Andreas said solemnly while extending both of his hands.
“Could there really be such good news?” Mu Lin and Xiao Laipi simultaneously whispered to each other, exchanging glances.
Mu Lin quickly stepped forward, grasped Andreas’s hands, and with a warm, sincere smile, said:
“I am deeply grateful for your trust in me, gentlemen! I will do my utmost to contribute to the acupuncturist licensing process in your country. I also sincerely appreciate the great honor you have bestowed upon me!”
“Is there anything else we can do for you, Mr. Daniel? We would be more than happy to assist,” Ludendorff said to Mu Lin after their hands had parted.
“Oh! Next, I need to prepare for sending a group of acupuncturists from the main clinic in Country U to your country, and also recruit a majority of Western-trained doctors locally to prepare for the clinic’s opening.
However, as you know, there are currently no trained acupuncturists in Western countries. According to the regulations in Country U, these acupuncturists can be selected from students at several designated Chinese medical universities in China.
These students, both in China and already in Country U, have not yet lived there for three years and therefore have not obtained green cards. Since Country U processes these physicians under its ‘Outstanding Talent Introduction’ passport program, we hope your country can follow the same procedure for the currently insufficient number of acupuncturists here.
I do not want anyone to use the passport issue as an excuse later on. Otherwise, the lack of acupuncturists alone could prevent the clinic from opening normally. Perhaps, due to the lack of acupuncturists, it might even endanger the noble lives of some gentlemen present here today!
I believe none of you would want to witness such a regrettable incident, would you?” Mu Lin solemnly presented his second request.
“Not a problem at all, Mr. Daniel! Since Country U can process it under such conditions, I believe our people will also be very willing to do the same. Moreover, as the Chief Examiner of the Federal Acupuncture Licensing Committee, you can certainly include such provisions when drafting the examination rules!” Andreas readily agreed. Then, hesitating slightly, he added, “However…”
“Oh! Does Mr. Andreas have any concerns?” Mu Lin, seeing the hesitation, naturally understood that the other party wanted to raise some conditions. Since they had already fully accepted his request, why not ask directly to put the other party at ease?
“It’s just that, Mr. Daniel, I heard that in your clinic in Country U, you offer two free treatments per month for ordinary citizens. I was wondering if we could follow the same practice here?” Ludendorff answered on behalf of Andreas.
“Oh! That’s exactly how we planned to operate here when we decided to open the clinic! I thought it was going to be some kind of issue!” Mu Lin answered candidly, noticing that the others visibly relaxed.
“But there’s another question. We hope Mr. Daniel won’t think us impertinent!” Ludendorff asked somewhat uncomfortably.
“Go ahead!” Mu Lin was slightly impatient now—why were these people being so hesitant?
“You see, as politicians and public officials, many of us don’t earn very high salaries. Therefore, we hope that the medical expenses at your clinic could be covered by insurance funds. As for other patients, you can proceed according to your own standards. Would that be acceptable?” Ludendorff asked cautiously.
“I see!” Mu Lin began to think deeply. He hadn’t really considered this issue carefully before.
In Country U, his decision was mainly intended to earn money from wealthy individuals—businesspeople. Now it seemed he had indeed overlooked some aspects. After a long pause, he finally made up his mind.
“I can agree to your request! However, I also have a condition: our clinic reserves the full right to investigate all circumstances of any patient before treatment, and the patient cannot refuse. Of course, we will only investigate the patient’s financial situation.
Secondly, our clinic also reserves the right to refuse treatment to any public official or politician who holds hostility toward our clinic. As you know what happened in Country U, I hope you can understand this.
Thirdly, the pricing for acupuncture treatments at our clinic must be determined by us. I hope you can reach an agreement with the medical insurance companies on this matter.
If you agree to all these conditions, I see no reason to refuse your reasonable request. Don’t you agree?” Mu Lin replied with a smile.
Soon, Ludendorff arrived at Mu Lin’s room and invited him back to the reception room. This time, the expressions of those present were no longer domineering—it seemed that bullying the weak and fearing the strong was a universal human flaw! Upon Mu Lin’s entry, everyone stood up to welcome him.
A tall, slender middle-aged man in a brown suit stepped forward first, shaking Mu Lin’s hands and introducing himself:
“Mr. Daniel, I am Andreas, the President of the Federal Senate. There are some matters here that require an explanation to you.
Mr. Daniel, we sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding caused earlier due to our choice of words.
After discussions with the opposition parties and thorough deliberation, we unanimously agree that traditional Chinese acupuncture, as an ancient medical practice, has saved countless lives and is therefore a rigorous scientific discipline.
As a member of NATO, since the U.S. has already established a licensing system for acupuncture practitioners after rigorous assessment, such licenses should naturally be recognized in our country, just like those for Western medical doctors. This debate is now a thing of the past. With the last obstacle removed, I hereby, on behalf of the Federal Senate and the House of Representatives, congratulate you in advance on the establishment of your chain of clinics in the Federal Republic of Germany.”
The crowd behind Andreas erupted into enthusiastic applause. Once the applause subsided slightly, he continued:
“Mr. Daniel, there is one more thing we must specifically inform you of. Since the U.S., as a leading NATO member, has formulated an assessment system for acupuncture practitioners tailored to its own country, the Federal Republic of Germany can similarly develop a system suited to our national conditions.
And you, Mr. Daniel—after our evaluation, we recognize you as not only a seasoned acupuncture practitioner but also a physician with profound expertise in Western medicine. You are a medical expert of both exceptional skill and ethics. Therefore, the Federal German Medical Council has specially appointed you as the Chief Examiner of the Acupuncture Licensing Committee.
Congratulations, Mr. Daniel!” Andreas declared solemnly, extending his hands once more.
“Could such good fortune really exist?” Mu Lin and Xiao Laipi simultaneously thought to each other, exchanging a glance.
Mu Lin quickly stepped forward, shaking Andreas’ hands with a sincere smile.
“Thank you all for your trust! I will do my utmost to contribute to your country’s acupuncture licensing assessments. I am also deeply grateful for this supreme honor you have bestowed upon me.”
“Is there anything else we can assist you with? We would be more than happy to help,” Ludendorff said to Mu Lin, who had just released Andreas’ hands.
“Well, next I plan to have the U.S. clinic headquarters dispatch a group of acupuncture practitioners here while also recruiting local Western doctors to prepare for the clinics’ opening.
However, as you know, there are currently no fully trained acupuncture practitioners in Western countries. According to U.S. regulations, these practitioners can be selected from designated Chinese medical universities.
These students, as well as those already in the U.S., have not yet resided there for three years and thus do not qualify for green cards. Since the U.S. issues them passports under its ‘Outstanding Talent’ immigration program, we hope Germany can adopt the same policy for its shortage of acupuncture practitioners.
I would hate for anyone to exploit visa issues later. Otherwise, the lack of practitioners could delay the clinics’ opening—or worse, potentially endanger the lives of some esteemed individuals present here!
I trust none of you would wish to see such an unfortunate outcome.” Mu Lin stated his second demand with utmost seriousness.
“Absolutely no problem! Mr. Daniel, if the U.S. can accommodate such terms, I’m certain our nation will gladly follow suit. Moreover, as the Chief Examiner of our Federal Acupuncture Licensing Committee, you can propose these very clauses when drafting the assessment rules!” Andreas agreed readily, though he then hesitated slightly. “However…”
“Oh? Is there another concern, Mr. Andreas?” Noticing the hesitation, Mu Lin saw through the unspoken request. Since they had already agreed to his terms, he might as well address it directly to ease their worries.
“Well, Mr. Daniel, I’ve heard your U.S. clinics offer two free treatments per month for civilians. Might the same apply here?” Ludendorff interjected on Andreas’ behalf.
“Ah, that was already part of our plan! I thought it might be something more complicated,” Mu Lin replied candidly, noting the visible relief among the group.
“But there’s one more matter… I hope you won’t find us presumptuous,” Ludendorff ventured cautiously.
“Go ahead,” Mu Lin replied, a hint of impatience creeping in.
“You see, as politicians and public servants, many of us don’t earn high salaries. We were hoping medical expenses could be covered by insurance funds. For others, you may proceed as you see fit. Would that be acceptable?” Ludendorff treaded carefully.
“I see…” Mu Lin fell into thought. This was an aspect he hadn’t fully considered.
In the U.S., his focus had been on catering to the wealthy—business elites. Now, he realized his oversight. After a long pause, he reached a decision.
“I can agree—but with conditions. First, our clinics reserve the right to investigate a patient’s financial background prior to treatment, and the patient cannot refuse.
Second, we retain the right to decline service to any public servant or politician hostile toward our clinics. Given what happened in the U.S., I trust you understand.
Third, the pricing for acupuncture treatments will be determined solely by us, though we hope you can negotiate this with insurance providers.
If these terms are acceptable, I see no reason to reject your request. Fair enough?” Mu Lin answered with a smile.
Finally, the room broke into triumphant smiles and vigorous applause. The matter was settled.
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