Chapter 102: Diagnosing Pulse
Chapter 102: Diagnosing Pulse
Golden sauerkraut soup piled with snow-white fish fillets, sweet and sour pork ribs covered in red tomato sauce, and stir-fried yam with green vegetables—it’s all quite appetizing.
Liu Yun glanced at the dining table; the bowls and chopsticks were arranged neatly, only the drinks were missing. She reminded, "Li Liang, open some beer for Divine Doctor Xu."
Secretary-General Li took out a few cans of German black beer from the fridge: "This is brewed by a friend who brought the technique from Germany. Divine Doctor Xu, have a drink."
Just retrieved from the fridge, the metal can was covered with a layer of mist, chilling to the touch. In weather this hot, having some ice-cold beer is indeed cozy and comfortable.
Xu Xiangbei squinted playfully at Liu Yun and said, "Sister Liu is really meticulous; good food definitely deserves good drinks. How could such a great meal go without good beer?"
Xu Xiangbei picked up a fish fillet and stuffed it into his mouth. The black fish fillet was tender and succulent, with a chewy texture, and the aroma of sauerkraut seeped in, making him praise it endlessly.
"Sister Liu, not only are you beautiful, but you also cook well. Truly a virtuous wife and good mother."
Liu Yun blushed slightly: "Thank you for the compliment, Divine Doctor Xu. I cook these dishes often and have learned a few tricks. If you enjoy them, you’re welcome to come over anytime for a meal."
Xu Xiangbei chuckled wickedly: "If I come frequently and Sister Liu welcomes me, I just worry that someone might not."
Secretary Li laughed awkwardly, worried that Xu Xiangbei might start babbling uncontrollably, so he quickly picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork for him.
"My wife’s cooking is truly outstanding. The sweet and sour pork tastes even better; you should try it."
The sweet and sour pork was fried to be crunchy on the outside and tender inside, both sweet and sour, sweet but not cloying, making Xu Xiangbei’s heart melt.
He initially used chopsticks, feeling unsatisfied with them, so he asked Secretary Li to bring a spoon, eating one spoonful after another, thoroughly enjoying it.
Seeing Xu Xiangbei eating happily, Secretary Li subtly signaled to his wife Liu Yun: "Honey, where did you put the garlic? Could you help me find it?"
Liu Yun understood the hint and followed her husband into the kitchen.
Seeing his wife’s suspicious expression, Secretary Li explained: "Divine Doctor Xu said our lack of children might be due to a mismatch between our Yin and Yang, but we need to start from you. Later, I’ll ask him to examine you. Don’t mind his youth or occasional indiscreet chatter; his skills are quite impressive. He’s a special consultant at the People’s Hospital, even Secretary Qin calls him ’brother’."
Upon hearing Xu Xiangbei would treat her infertility, Liu Yun blushed, considering the gender differences.
Yet, she was an experienced woman and thought it through, nodding: "Alright, this could be beneficial; we’ve wanted a child. We’ve been checked at many hospitals with no issues or clear causes; maybe it’s just as he said."
Seeing his wife agree, Secretary Li smiled blissfully: "I’ll ask him after the meal how he’ll treat it."
The two returned to the dining table, Xu Xiangbei glanced at them and joked: "I thought you two went to the room to play games, ignoring me."
Liu Yun and Secretary Li exchanged awkward smiles: "Divine Doctor Xu, you really know how to joke. It’s our first meeting; we, as a couple, propose a toast to you."
"Cheers."
The chilled black beer was aromatic with a slightly bitter malt taste, cooling the stomach and refreshing the mind, stronger than regular beer.
Soon, there was a pile of empty beer cans in front of Xu Xiangbei.
A bit intoxicated, he grabbed Liu Yun’s hand suddenly, grinning toothily: "I heard what you two were whispering about in the kitchen; trying to get me drunk, huh? If I get drunk, how can I help you with your treatment?"
Liu Yun wasn’t upset at being touched, "Divine Doctor Xu, can you really help me treat my condition?"
Xu Xiangbei clicked his tongue, "Touched Sister Liu’s little hand, hmm, of course, I can help."
Secretary Li frowned, although asking Xu Xiangbei for help, he couldn’t stand it anymore and was about to speak when his wife Liu Yun stopped him.
"How does Divine Doctor Xu plan to treat me? Could you explain it?"
Xu Xiangbei laughed, "That requires acupuncture."
Secretary Li suddenly stood up, unable to bear it: "Divine Doctor Xu, I invited you over for a good meal and drinks, treating you well without any neglect; why won’t you let go of my wife’s hand?"
Xu Xiangbei disdainfully raised his and Liu Yun’s hands: "Brother, I’m checking her pulse; do you truly think I’ve just been holding her hand? Traditional Chinese medicine involves examining acupuncture points; I must thoroughly understand your wife’s condition to proceed with the acupuncture. I’m no charlatan; merely pretending wouldn’t suffice for treating your wife’s condition. If you don’t trust me, how could I carry on with my treatments?"
Liu Yun finally realized Xu Xiangbei’s finger had been on her wrist all along, seemingly touching her hand, yet actually checking her pulse.
Realizing his mistake, Secretary Li wished to find a hole to hide in, hurriedly offering wine with an apology, blushing all over: "Sorry, Divine Doctor Xu, I’m just overly cautious. Please don’t be angry."
Xu Xiangbei retracted his hand, laughing heartily: "Obviously, you genuinely love your wife. Don’t worry, I have my principles."
Secretary Li forced a smile, realizing that his love for his wife led him to focus on societal norms and forget the renowned doctor was examining her.
Liu Yun still smiled brightly, with the elegant charm only mature women possess, clinked glasses with Xu Xiangbei: "I trust you, Divine Doctor Xu. Thank you for treating me."
After the drink, Xu Xiangbei pointed toward the bedroom, gesturing to Secretary Li’s couple.
"I’m full and satisfied; after enjoying your hospitality, I must help treat you. Come, let’s witness my superb medical skills."
Secretary Li smiled bitterly, exchanging glances with his wife; they held hands, walking toward the bedroom.
Behind, Xu Xiangbei snorted disdainfully: "Hurry up, heading to your bedroom as if going to the execution ground, truly intolerable."
Xu Xiangbei pushed Secretary Li out the bedroom door, closed it gently, grinning cheekily: "Applying needles demands no disturbances; endure a little while."
Inside the bedroom, Xu Xiangbei smiled at Liu Yun, who appeared restless: "Take off your outer clothes and lie on the bed; no standing around. Don’t move during acupuncture."
Liu Yun bit her lip, but obeyed, taking off her outer clothes and lying on the bed, feeling slightly nervous.
Xu Xiangbei didn’t start immediately, instead placing his phone on the bedside with a wicked grin: "How about we take a picture together, beautiful lady?"
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