CHAPTER 363: THAT’S ALL FATE.

Du Heng’s mind was a bit sluggish. After a slight pause, he said, "Use the Cleansing Intestines Drink. Fortifying water to treat the fire will naturally eliminate the pus and toxins. When taking it, divide one dose into three parts. Take one part every two hours."

Wu Buwei nodded. "Okay, Senior Brother, I’ve noted it down. You can go get some sleep now; I’ll keep an eye on things here."

Du Heng shook his head. "I’ll go check on Zhu Minyan first, then I’ll go to sleep."

At this moment, Zhu Fanzhong, who had been mostly silent since waking up yesterday, suddenly asked, "President Du, how is my daughter doing?"

Du Heng’s head cleared a little. "She took the medicine yesterday, and it worked very well. You can rest assured."

"My wife and daughter don’t know about my condition, do they?"

"I didn’t tell them. Just focus on your treatment."

Zhu Fanmin, who also hadn’t slept a wink, looked at Zhu Fanzhong and said, "Don’t worry. I told them you needed to take care of the livestock and sheep at home. They don’t know."

Seeing that Zhu Fanmin’s eyes were also bloodshot, Du Heng said, "Secretary, you should go to our doctors’ rest room and get some sleep. Our doctors and nurses are all here; everything will be fine."

Zhu Fanmin waved his hand. "It’s no bother. I must get back. Our family’s livestock, and his family’s too, need looking after."

With that, he turned to Zhu Fanzhong, offered a few words of advice, and then left.

Du Heng didn’t concern himself with the others and went downstairs to check on Zhu Minyan’s condition. Seeing it was the same as yesterday, he reminded her to take her medicine again before returning to his dormitory to sleep.

He slept like a log, so soundly that he even felt a little groggy upon waking.

When he finally emerged from the dormitory, it was already afternoon. Because he had slept for so long during the day, Du Heng felt as if his head was about to split open.

After wandering outside for a while, his headache lessened, so he went to the hospitalization department to chat with Zhu Fanzhong for a bit.

The next morning, when Du Heng examined Zhu Fanzhong again, the swelling and pain had completely subsided. Zhu Fanzhong was able to get out of bed and go to the toilet by himself, no longer needing anyone’s assistance.

Seeing this, Du Heng prescribed another dose of Cleansing Intestines Drink.

"President Du, when will I get better? My daughter called last night and said she wants to see me," Zhu Fanzhong said, sitting on the edge of the bed, his eyes filled with heartache.

Thinking of his daughter being tormented by those growths, while father and daughter were separated by mere courtyards, unable to meet, made Zhu Fanzhong feel even worse.

Du Heng thought for a moment. "Let’s see how things are tomorrow. We’ll do some check-ups to make sure you don’t have any inflammation or infection, and then you can go be with your daughter."

After reassuring Zhu Fanzhong, Du Heng went to the backyard to check on Zhu Minyan.

Her condition was similar to the previous two days; she was still constantly coughing up phlegm, pus, and blood, though the amount had significantly decreased.

Of course, this wasn’t what truly pleased Du Heng. What genuinely gave him confidence was that the hardened growths had begun to yield, allowing for slow movement.

Just two days ago, these thumb-sized growths were not only extremely hard but also completely immobile, as if welded in place.

Now, when Du Heng gently pressed the six hard masses on her right side, they could be slightly moved. An examination of the growths under her armpit revealed the same situation.

This meant the tumor had begun to soften. As long as it could soften, it could be dissolved.

However, the fist-sized growth on the left side of her neck showed no change at all. It was too large; it would take time.

Zhu Minyan herself seemed much more relaxed and, remarkably, even managed a faint smile. It appeared she also understood the significance of the tumor softening.

"I haven’t asked you yet, what are you studying at Qingbei University?"

"I’m in the Immunology Major at Qingbei University’s College of Medicine. Umm... it’s a combined bachelor’s and master’s program."

Du Heng glanced at Zhu Minyan in surprise. A future colleague, he thought. However, there was some irony in an immunology student having malignant lymphoma and vitiligo. But that wasn’t the main point. The main point was her subsequent statement about the combined program; it seemed to carry a hint of boasting.

"A combined bachelor’s and master’s program, is the financial pressure on your family significant?"

"It’s manageable. Qingbei University’s tuition isn’t expensive, and there are scholarships. As long as I’m not extravagant, there isn’t much pressure. My dad gave me ten thousand yuan in my first year. This year, I haven’t asked my family for much money; the scholarship covers my expenses."

Du Heng nodded in understanding.

"By the way, since you’re a medical student and receive scholarships, a good student like you, haven’t your school or teachers offered to help?"

Zhu Minyan’s pale face turned even paler, the little pride she had shown moments ago vanishing. She slowly lowered her head. "Yes, my teacher said he applied for a 50,000 yuan subsidy from the school. It’s being processed now and should be transferred to my dad’s card next week. My roommates and classmates... they wanted to organize a fundraiser for me at school..."

Zhu Minyan’s voice grew increasingly faint, and Du Heng could barely hear the final word, "fundraiser."

Fundraising—such a benevolent and loving term. But for the person involved, it wasn’t always comforting. Anyone with a shred of dignity would feel not only hope but also a heavy psychological burden. This was especially true for a girl like Zhu Minyan, in the prime of her youth, studying at a prestigious academe, excelling academically, and consistently receiving scholarships. Suddenly having to accept what felt like charity from others was something she struggled to accept psychologically.

Du Heng saw the girl’s discomfort and the self-esteem she was desperately trying to maintain, so he said no more and turned to leave.

On Monday, Du Heng and the others meticulously reviewed Zhu Fanzhong’s test sheet, examining it word by word, line by line.

Yu Haiting had been mentally prepared for this, but seeing Zhu Fanzhong’s test sheet still shocked him. Suppurative appendicitis complicated by diffuse peritonitis... recovered in just three days, without surgery or flushing! Moreover, blood tests showed all data was normal, with no sign of infection whatsoever. This was a slap in the face for those doctors who had performed surgery and still had patients develop infections. If this patient had undergone surgery, the total cost would likely have been between 30,000 and 40,000 yuan. If they’d encountered an unscrupulous doctor who prescribed a couple of extra non-reimbursable expensive medications, the cost could have soared towards 50,000 yuan. But now, after three days, the total charge at the Health Clinic was only 2,800 yuan. After reimbursement, the actual payment was only 420 yuan. The difference was too stark.

"President Du, Zhu Fanzhong’s various indicators have returned to normal. He can be discharged," Yu Haiting said, steadying himself before voicing his opinion.

Du Heng considered for a moment. "Then go ahead and process the discharge. But I have to make it clear to you: for the next half month, you must not overwork, engage in strenuous labor, or stay up late and exhaust your body. I’ll prescribe some more medicine for you. Take it on time when you get back. If the infection recurs, surgery will be necessary."

Turning to Wu Buwei behind him, he added, "Buwei, prepare another seven doses of Cleansing Intestines Drink to continue the detoxification."

Du Heng looked at Zhu Fanzhong and Zhu Fanmin. "Gentlemen, let’s go to the backyard together to see your daughter. It’s been three days; we should see the effects. Then you can decide whether to continue treatment here or opt for chemotherapy."

Zhu Fanzhong said nothing, merely following Du Heng towards the backyard.

Until he saw his daughter’s true condition, his heart would remain unsettled.

But when he saw his daughter again, he almost couldn’t hold back his tears.

Those short three days felt like three long years to him.

Zhu Minyan’s mood had improved considerably. Seeing her father, her tone held a hint of playfulness. "Dad, you haven’t come to see me for three days."

Zhu Fanzhong chuckled sheepishly, mumbling, "Lots of work at home."

"Dad, your face looks a bit pale. Haven’t you been eating well these past two days?"

Zhu Minyan had sharp eyes. As soon as Zhu Fanzhong stepped forward, she noticed his complexion wasn’t right.

Seeing Zhu Fanzhong hesitate, Du Heng quickly interjected, "Alright, you two can chat later. We need to do the examination now, and then you can decide."

Du Heng gently pulled Zhu Fanzhong behind him and approached Zhu Minyan. "Lie down properly and place your hands by your sides on the bed."

Zhu Minyan looked at her father, wanting to say something but was cut off by Du Heng, leaving her feeling helpless.

Her pulse was even and steady—a significant improvement from its previously scattered and disordered state.

Upon palpating the masses again, they were not only movable but also noticeably softer, no longer as hard as before.

"Are you still coughing up phlegm?"

"Yes, but not as much as before."

"What about your bowel movements and urination?"

"My bowel movements are still the same, with pus and blood, but my urination has improved."

Du Heng carefully observed Zhu Minyan’s overall state. "Do you feel much more comfortable now?"

Zhu Minyan nodded. "My head doesn’t feel so congested and painful anymore, and my breathing is much smoother."

Du Heng took two steps back, looking at Zhu Minyan’s family and Zhu Fanmin, and said softly, "This is Zhu Minyan’s current condition: the hardened masses have begun to soften and are now movable when pushed. Now, you need to decide whether to continue treatment here, or if you still intend to proceed with chemotherapy."

The family looked at each other, speechless. Chemotherapy was widely recognized for treating tumors, but they had rarely heard of traditional Chinese medicine being used for it. The few instances they were aware of were often dismissed as scams, leaving them uncertain. But now, after three days, the tangible results were right before their eyes. What should they do? If they chose chemotherapy, they would be reluctant to abandon the progress made with Chinese herbal medicine. If they chose traditional Chinese medicine, they feared it might ultimately fail, costing them the chance for chemotherapy. Either choice was a gamble with life itself, forcing them to be cautious and hesitant.

Du Heng couldn’t make the decision for them. He was confident he could treat Zhu Minyan, but the choice of treatment was ultimately theirs. He had said all that needed to be said and done all that could be done. The results were evident. If they truly didn’t choose his method, there was nothing more he could do. After all, deciding on one’s medical treatment was the patient’s right. However, as the old saying goes, good advice is often lost on those destined for misfortune, and even great compassion cannot save those determined to self-destruct. Whatever they chose, it would be their fate.