Uncle Tong had intended to apologize to Bai Qingzhu, but her composed demeanor surprised him. Before, he had only heard of her reputation and felt unsettled at how young she looked.
Yet now, her face bore a maturity and calm not found in her peers, inexplicably earning his trust.
"Lady Xiao."
Bai Qingzhu finally spoke up.
"From the standpoint of a patient's family, I understand your concern, and I admit I am young. However, I may have treated more patients than you have meals. How about this, if I cure the old lady, we proceed as usual, but if I fail, I am at your disposal. Here is my ID card, you can hold onto it."
As she spoke, she extended her ID card with both hands to the woman in front of her.
Lady Xiao was stunned, then scrutinized the information in her hand before asking skeptically, "The ID you gave me isn't fake, is it?"
Bai Qingzhu, having encountered such doubts many times before, maintained her composure and said with a smile:
"You can have someone verify its authenticity right now."
At that moment, Xiao Delu, with furrowed brows, came out from inside, "Uncle Tong, have you brought the person back? Why haven't you come in yet? The old lady is in so much pain."
"This is Miss Bai Qingzhu."
Uncle Tong hastened to introduce her.
Bai Qingzhu nodded slightly in acknowledgment, greeting him with a smile.
Xiao Delu, not quite catching on immediately, still respectfully said, "Miss Bai, please, come this way!"
She followed him inside.
Lady Xiao wanted to say something else, glanced at the ID card, and also entered the room.
Inside, several doctors were present, each shaking their heads to indicate their helplessness.
"Please, give me a painkiller, I'm about to die from the pain."
The elderly lady on the bed moaned incessantly.
"Mom, I've brought Miss Bai Qingzhu to you, don't take anything yet. Painkillers are bad for your health. Let her have a look first, ah!"
Xiao Delu, sweating profusely, coaxed her as one would a child.
"Even gods can't save me now, just let me have some painkillers!"
The lady was in so much pain she didn't even want to open her eyes.
Xiao Delu hurriedly approached her, "I'm sorry, Miss Bai Qingzhu, please begin right away. My mother has been in this condition for quite a while now. We've seen many doctors without success, and we don't know what to do anymore."
"May I see the x-rays first?"
"Certainly."
Uncle Tong handed her the films.
Bai Qingzhu took a look.
Everyone watched her anxiously.
Soon, she said with a smile, "It's a herniated disc, and it's pressing on a nerve, causing the leg pain. This is a common ailment among the elderly, but yours is more serious, which explains the intense pain. However, don't worry, it's not a major problem and can be solved quite easily."
The doctors nearby looked uncomfortable: "You shouldn't talk recklessly, young lady. Everyone knows a herniated disc isn't a serious issue, but it can be troublesome to treat. Don't just say anything because you want the Xiao family's money."
Xiao Delu still frowned, "Miss Bai Qingzhu, we've all heard of your name, and you are indeed very skilled, but this herniated disc..."
"What?" The other doctors exclaimed in surprise, "She is the famous Miss Bai Qingzhu with the exceptional medical skills?"
Bai Qingzhu ignored the doctors and took out the needles she had prepared in advance, approaching the elderly lady.
"Grandma, I know you are in a lot of pain right now, but you have no other choice. You have to entrust everything to me, and I promise to make you comfortable."