Chapter 12: Admission

Mu Lin and his companions explained everything to Professor Chris Landeng. The professor was equally intrigued by Mu Lin’s ability to resolve the ailments that had plagued two professors with such simplicity. Upon learning that Mu Lin had spent ten years studying and four years in clinical practice, the professor temporarily abandoned the idea of learning from him. However, his interest in bringing Mu Lin to the academy grew stronger, because then he could officially involve Mu Lin in treating patients under the guise of medical research—an endeavor that would not only enhance the academy’s reputation but also allow for the exploration of new medical techniques, benefiting both parties.

Reflecting on this, the professor solemnly said to Mu Lin, “My child, don’t you realize how painful it is for an elderly person to suffer from illness? And since you have the ability to relieve an old man’s suffering, why wouldn’t you do it? Isn’t this something joyful?”

Mu Lin knew what was coming, but he couldn’t let the old man off the hook so easily. “Professor, didn’t you see the trouble I just went through? The police haven’t closed the case yet, and I’m still waiting for the investigation to conclude. Furthermore, I believe this incident has created enormous obstacles for my university applications. Which university would dare to admit me before the case is officially resolved? Under these circumstances, how can I possibly conduct such an experiment?”

Actually, after careful consideration, Mu Lin realized that as a cultivator who had chosen to integrate into society, he must possess a skill to make a living. In a country governed by laws and money, he must abide by the rules of this world. Now, he must obtain a recognized academic qualification in this world.

Here, he could receive a truly world-class education that would benefit his future life. This country’s academic institutions are globally recognized for their high-quality educational programs, excellent faculty, well-equipped campuses, and abundant resources. Its distinguishing features include possessing the most advanced technologies, information, and equipment, renowned departments and schools, an emphasis on practical training, internationally advanced levels of study and research, and a scientific, objective evaluation system. Here, one could freely choose a school that suits them best.

Secondly, this is a land of freedom and equality. In this country, U.S. news is world news. Domestic news is essentially the news of its various federal states. Democracy is deeply rooted in American society. Anyone can freely express their opinions and pursue their interests as long as they don’t violate the law. Therefore, people here have developed a philosophy of life that is both free-spirited and proud, widely discussed and admired worldwide.

Chapter N: Holidays bring various government-supported cultural exchange activities in parks, plazas, and streets for citizens and tourists to enjoy.

Fourth, here you can enjoy a comfortable and safe living environment. Based on the belief of “people first,” the public facilities here are exceptionally well-developed. Nearly every entrance and exit of public places is equipped with wheelchair ramps for the disabled, and in some high-traffic areas, special elevators are available for those with mobility issues. As for educational institutions, their hardware facilities are second to none, with libraries, activity centers, theaters, stadiums, auditoriums, bars, and various laboratories on university campuses. Some high schools even match universities in terms of facilities. The social welfare system is also comprehensive, covering citizens’ lives, healthcare, and employment.

Take healthcare alone as an example: in 1983, the country’s total healthcare expenditure reached $879 billion, accounting for 15.3% of its gross national product. Public sectors, including local governments at all levels, contributed more than half of this, while actual out-of-pocket expenses by citizens were only 16%. As for the standard of living, the country boasts the world’s largest middle class, with relatively similar income and living standards. Generally speaking, people with an annual income between $15,000 and $100,000 are considered middle class. It is precisely because of this large middle class that the gap between rich and poor is not very wide, and most people can maintain a decent standard of living as long as they have a legitimate job. That’s why Mu Lin’s first step was to obtain a medical license.

“My child, I now formally invite you to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The admission letter will follow shortly. However, I hope you will continue your medical research. Now, my child, do you still have any troubles?” As the professor spoke directly, Mu Lin’s face gradually turned red, after all, he was still just a teenager.

“My child, can you now give me a massage and conduct scientific research on me?” The sly old professor smiled at Mu Lin.

Facing the Western medical professor, Mu Lin was not intimidated and spoke calmly, “Respected Professor, first of all, I must clarify that what I practice is not massage, but traditional Chinese medicine, a medical system distinct from Western medicine, passed down for thousands of years by the Chinese nation. I am merely an apprentice who has studied for over a decade, and my experience and skill are only slightly higher than the average. If I were to hide anything from you, that would be disrespectful. So, do you still insist on receiving my treatment?”

“Of course, my child. I know you have systematically studied Western medicine as well, and you have already cured Professors Qicai Na and Von Noraman, haven’t you? I just want to know whether you can solve my minor ailments?”

“Yes, unlike other traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, I have also studied Western medicine. Therefore, I can more accurately assess illnesses and provide treatments more suited to the patient’s condition. However, I don’t have a medical license, and most Westerners consider Chinese herbs to be witchcraft, so Chinese medicinal ingredients are rarely available here. I can’t use traditional Chinese herbal treatments or Western medical therapies. Due to these limitations, I can only use acupuncture for treatment.” Mu Lin said helplessly.

For a medical professor who always insisted on so-called scientific principles, it was necessary to inform him of every step of the treatment process. Only after he recognized the actual effectiveness of acupuncture would he believe in Mu Lin’s traditional Chinese medicine.

“In that case, what are you hesitating for?” Professor Chris Landeng said.

“Well then… okay! Could you please extend your right hand?” Mu Lin said, sitting in front of the professor to take his pulse, then switching to the left hand after a while.

After thinking for a moment, Mu Lin said to the professor, “Professor, I need your medical kit. I must conduct further diagnostics to confirm your condition.” When the medical kit was brought, Mu Lin proceeded to measure blood pressure, examine the mouth, listen to heart and lung sounds. In fact, while taking the pulse, Mu Lin had already identified the professor’s illness using his spiritual awareness. However, he now had to behave as an ordinary person and couldn’t display his abilities as openly as he did back home. He had to express his findings using Western medical terminology. Therefore, he also used conventional Western medical examination methods to avoid surprising Professor Chris Landeng.

After all, “anything unusual is considered suspicious.” It was known that traditional Chinese medicine also existed among the Chinese diaspora in this country, and its efficacy was recognized. If a young traditional Chinese medicine practitioner suddenly appeared and used such simple treatment methods, it would inevitably draw attention.

Mu Lin didn’t want to be treated as a lab rat for this country’s research, even though he wasn’t afraid. He also had two younger sisters living here.

After thinking, Mu Lin spoke up, “Professor, first I used the traditional Chinese pulse diagnosis method to identify that you have problems with your lungs and heart, primarily lung-related. Then, through Western medical examinations, I found your blood pressure to be normal, no swollen lymph nodes, no inflammation in your mouth or respiratory tract. I listened to your lungs, and although your breathing is fast, your exhalation isn’t prolonged, with a lot of wheezing sounds and no wet rales, indicating no secondary infection in your lungs. Then I listened to your heart sounds, finding a fast heart rate, a murmur in the right heart, and arrhythmia. I haven’t seen your lung and heart X-rays or your ECG, but I noticed your jugular vein is distended. Therefore, I diagnosed you with pulmonary heart disease caused by bronchial asthma. Am I right, Professor?”

The professor thought for a while before saying, “My child, I never expected that you could achieve such precise diagnostic results with such simple methods. I have to say you have great talent in medicine. If it were me, I couldn’t have reached such accurate conclusions with such basic examinations. So, how do you think I should treat this illness?”

“Professor, first of all, I need to correct your statement. Regarding the complex pulse diagnosis techniques of traditional Chinese medicine, I have studied for over a decade and am still at the beginner level, equivalent to a second-year medical student here. From what I know, in my homeland, experienced traditional Chinese medicine doctors with decades of practice can accurately determine your condition just by taking your pulse, without needing any Western medical diagnostic results or methods, unlike me, who still needs to rely on Western diagnostic tools to accurately identify your condition. Secondly, given your status and expertise, you also know that based on current scientific methods and the development level of Western medicine, it is completely impossible to cure this disease completely. Moreover, I don’t have a medical license, so I can’t use Western pharmaceuticals. Therefore, I can only use acupuncture from traditional Chinese medicine for treatment. Although I am confident, do you trust me? After all, I am only 14 years old.” After speaking, Mu Lin looked at the professor.