Chapter 36: Be My Maid

2 0 0
                                        

Dr. Sun was renowned as the top traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in ZH City. He often traveled to the capital to treat distinguished individuals and was always the center of attention wherever he went.

Although Andrew Brooks had a fortune worth billions and was a giant in ZH City, his fame paled slightly compared to Dr. Sun's reputation.

Emily Brooks admired Dr. Sun immensely, akin to how ordinary people idolize celebrities.

But now, she was witnessing this revered medical expert enthusiastically shaking hands with a "fraud."

Moreover, Dr. Sun's eyes seemed to sparkle with admiration. His warm and accommodating demeanor left Emily feeling as though she were in a dream.

While Ms. Scarlet was also surprised by Dr. Sun's attitude, seeing Emily's stunned expression brought her a sense of satisfaction.

Emily's earlier accusations against Ethan had filled Ms. Scarlet with frustration.

However, out of respect for Andrew Brooks, she had restrained herself.

Now, seeing Dr. Sun's enthusiasm for Ethan left Emily with little room to argue.

"Dr. Sun, he's nothing but a con artist. Don't let him deceive you," Emily said, unable to hold back.

"A fraud?" Dr. Sun raised an eyebrow before chuckling. "If Mr. Ethan is a fraud, then I must be a worthless quack."

Emily's expression turned awkward.

"Dr. Sun, let's discuss medical matters later. Andrew's condition is urgent; please examine him first," Ethan suggested with a faint smile.

Emily eagerly agreed, "Yes, please check my grandfather first."

Dr. Sun glanced curiously at Ethan. "Ethan, does this mean you aren't confident about his condition?"

Ethan smiled. "Dr. Sun, let's discuss this later."

Respecting Ethan's response, Dr. Sun turned his attention to Andrew Brooks.

Dr. Sun first checked Andrew's pulse, then used instruments for a thorough examination, even reviewing medical reports from various hospitals. He employed a combination of traditional and modern medicine.

Initially calm, Dr. Sun's expression grew increasingly serious as time passed.

"This condition is highly unusual."

An hour later, Dr. Sun shook his head. "There's moderate dysfunction in the lungs, kidneys, and liver, but I can't pinpoint the root cause."

"Blood tests are normal, there are no signs of poisoning, and it's not a case of physical decline due to old age..."

"Why would he experience severe abdominal pain and sudden fainting? It's truly baffling."

After another 15 minutes of unsuccessful diagnosis, Dr. Sun stood up and sighed, "Emily, I'm sorry, but I can't help your grandfather."

"What?"

Emily and her family were stunned. "Dr. Sun, even you can't treat him?"

"I currently have no solutions," Dr. Sun admitted candidly.

"I can't identify the root cause, and the tests show nothing conclusive, so I don't know where to start."

"I need time to think this over and perhaps consult with some colleagues."

Disheartened, Emily and her family exchanged worried glances.

"Mr. Ethan, have you examined him?"

Dr. Sun turned to Ethan. "What's your take on this?"

Before Ethan could respond, Emily interjected sarcastically, "He claims my grandfather is poisoned, with a toxic source in his body."

"He says the toxin was temporarily expelled during testing but that the source remains hidden, only to release more toxins later, worsening my grandfather's condition."

Emily's voice dripped with scorn. "Are you saying my grandfather's body is manufacturing poison? What nonsense!"

She glared at Ethan with disdain. "And you claim you can treat him? Even Dr. Sun has no answers!"

Dr. Sun's eyes lit up. "Ethan, can you truly help him?"

Ethan looked at Andrew Brooks, whose frail condition evoked a sense of pity.

"I can treat him, but Miss Brooks doesn't trust me," Ethan said calmly.

Emily scoffed. "Why would I trust you? Even your relatives say you've never studied medicine."

Ethan's gaze remained steady as he addressed her:

"Your liver is overheated, causing hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles. When angry, you often experience pain at the back of your head."

"Additionally, your left foot suffered a cut last year and developed severe complications after being exposed to cold water."

"It frequently feels weak and cramps at night, causing intense pain as though a knife were cutting into it. Am I wrong?"

Emily's eyes widened in disbelief. "How... how do you know?"

Her family was equally shocked.

"Emily, is your foot injured? Does it cramp?"

Reluctantly, Emily nodded.

Last year, during a skating incident in the north, she had cut her left foot and fallen into icy water. Though she had recovered, her foot now suffered lingering effects.

She hadn't told her family about the injury, yet Ethan had described it perfectly.

Could this "fraud" actually have skills?

Dr. Sun looked at Ethan with newfound admiration. "Ethan's abilities surpass mine. Mr. Brooks, Emily, I suggest you trust him."

Ms. Scarlet chimed in support. "Yes, Ethan truly has exceptional talent."

"Mr. Ethan, I apologize on my granddaughter's behalf," Andrew Brooks said, bowing deeply. "Please, treat me. I'll accept whatever fate has in store."

"If you can cure me, half my fortune will be yours. If not, I won't hold it against you."

Ethan hesitated but eventually nodded, moved by Andrew's sincerity.

Emily protested, "Grandpa—"

Ethan's sharp gaze silenced her.

"Miss Brooks, since you doubt my skills, let's make a wager."

"If I fail to cure your grandfather today, I'll give up practicing medicine forever and leave your estate on my knees."

"But if I succeed, I don't want half of your family's fortune. All I ask is for you to serve as my maid for one year."

Ethan's challenge was bold.

Emily's pride was on the line. After a moment of hesitation, she clenched her fists and agreed:

"Fine! I'll take your bet. Dr. Sun and Ms. Scarlet can bear witness. If I lose, I'll be your maid!"

A Matrilocal  Husband's CounterattackWhere stories live. Discover now