The two senior technicians in the laboratory were conducting the final re-inspection in a calm and orderly manner. Normally, they wouldn’t have considered the test results particularly significant, but they had overheard conversations that revealed the test results would directly determine Mu Lin’s diagnosis. To put it more clearly, it would affect the future of the clinic itself. No longer daring to take things lightly, they insisted on running the entire test twice.
Now, finally, the results were in. After double-checking, both tests showed identical results. Only then did they exhale in relief, sign the patient’s lab report, and hand it over to the supervising staff.
After verifying the results, the staff member took the report upstairs, handing one copy to an expert overseeing the process and the other to a staff member from the clinic waiting by the door.
Mu Lin accepted the lab report from the staff member, whose face betrayed a hint of excitement. Carefully scanning the results, he saw that all the heavy metals were within normal ranges—except for lead, which was severely beyond acceptable levels. Lead concentration in the blood had reached 950 micrograms per liter, while the urine level had climbed to 360 micrograms per liter.
Seeing this, Mu Lin silently cursed the people from Country Y, thinking they were truly despicable. Based on the patient’s condition, it was clearly an extreme case of lead poisoning. The patient’s nervous system had already suffered serious damage, and internal organs were undoubtedly severely affected as well. This was a man practically waiting to die, sent here as a gamble.
Luckily, Mu Lin had long studied toxicology, or else this situation might have caught him completely off guard. He glanced outside—silence reigned.
The experts from the U.National Family Medical Committee, holding the lab report, all wore grim expressions. As medical professionals, they naturally understood what this meant. While they were committed to saving lives, none of them wanted to face such a complicated and severe case. At this stage, the mortality rate was extremely high. Deep down, they were worried for Mu Lin and his clinic.
Calmly, Mu Lin began dictating the treatment plan: “Intravenous injection of 200ml cortisone preparation, and intramuscular injection of 20ml each of vitamin B1 and B12.”
Though angry inside, Mu Lin had prepared for this and maintained his composed tone. This calmness not only helped soothe the patient’s anxiety but also boosted the morale of his clinic staff.
Turning to the doctors behind him, he asked, “Do you understand the reasoning behind this treatment?”
Seeing Mu Lin’s calm demeanor, the younger doctors gradually calmed down. One replied, “Teacher, intravenous or intramuscular cortisone injections are effective for infectious multiple acute neuritis. Vitamin B1 and B12 injections nourish the nerves and aid in nervous system recovery. However, we’ve never used such high dosages before!”
Mu Lin smiled. “You’re both correct, but you’ve forgotten—we’re also an acupuncture clinic. The patient has accumulated lead in his body over a long time, reaching a critical level. Additionally, due to prior treatments in Y country, his body has developed some drug resistance.
Fortunately, the patient was originally quite strong and currently maintains a good appetite. That’s why I prescribed such high dosages. This afternoon, we’ll use acupuncture to relax his meridians, allowing most of the lead to be excreted through the kidneys, and part through the intestines. Our clinic is quite skilled in treating such illnesses. Does anyone here know the ‘Needle Eight Evils’ acupuncture technique?”
Seeing everyone shaking their heads, Mu Lin smiled again. “Good, then let me explain. ‘Needle Eight Evils’ is a long-needle technique I exchanged with an old traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for a formula. I can teach it to you without issues. Listen carefully: the main acupoints are the ‘Eight Evils,’ Quchi (LI11), and Tiaokou (ST38). The technique involves oblique insertion of 1–1.5 cun into ‘Eight Evils’ and ‘Eight Winds’ (using two points each time). For Quchi, penetrate towards Xiaohai (SI8), with the needle sensation conducted to the fingers. For Tiaokou, penetrate towards Chengshan (BL57), with strong needle sensation. Alternate between primary and backup points. After the intravenous fluids finish, I’ll demonstrate it for you. In the coming days, you’ll be able to perform the technique yourselves!”
Mu Lin’s inner intention was to cultivate as many capable doctors in his clinic as possible, passing on his knowledge of traditional Chinese acupuncture to these disciples who had traveled from China to the U country. Even if he were no longer around, they would be able to stand on their own. Thus, he seized this opportunity to broaden his clinic’s team’s horizons.
Holding the lab report and facing the glass window, Mu Lin addressed everyone, “Ladies and gentlemen, you’ve now seen the lab report. In Western medicine, this extremely severe late-stage lead poisoning case is practically untreatable.
Otherwise, Country Y wouldn’t have dared to use such a patient as a challenge against our clinic. I hope you all will convey the truth to the media. This morning’s treatment has concluded. This afternoon, we will begin traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy, combined with detoxification herbal medicine. You’re all welcome to return in the afternoon!”
Walking out, Mu Lin spoke to the doctor behind him, “Changmin, after the intravenous fluids finish, please give the patient a one-hour full-body massage to promote blood circulation and relieve his muscle atrophy. That way, we’ll be ready for acupuncture this afternoon.”
Mu Lin returned to his rest room. Outside the ward, staff from the notary office and Mu Lin’s clinic remained. The clinic staff continued working according to Mu Lin’s medical instructions, while the notary staff continued documenting the entire process.
As for the various experts Mu Lin had invited, they left the clinic at noon to return to their accommodations for lunch, both out of work necessity and personal habit.
Seeing the experts emerge from the clinic, all the reporters rushed to surround them, each eagerly firing off questions. Eventually, McCaul, the head of the U.National Family Medical Committee, realized that the reporters had completely blocked his path. If he didn’t answer, he might not even make it back to his hotel. With no choice, he allowed the reporters to select one representative to ask three questions.
After discussion, the media selected Jones, a famous host from UBS Television, known for her long golden hair. She asked three pointed questions: “First, what is the patient’s actual condition? Second, does Mu Lin’s clinic have any hope of full recovery? Third, if these experts themselves treated the patient, how much confidence would they have?”
Facing the camera, McCaul gave a bitter smile and revealed the truth: “Ladies and gentlemen, after thorough diagnosis by the clinic, the patient is in the late stage of extremely severe lead poisoning. The information you previously received in Country Y was only superficial. Second, Dr. Daniel Mu’s clinic is actively treating the patient. As for the outcome, please be patient and wait a while. Third, if we were to treat this patient, without at least one year, there would be no possibility of recovery. That’s all, everyone! Please allow us through—we still need to continue supervision this afternoon!”
McCaul hastily fled the scene, leaving behind a crowd of stunned reporters.
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