Chapter 45: Julian Gets Clever

Holbrook Davis, the renowned Master of Traditional Medicine, had once been a respected professor and graduate mentor at New York Medical University. Many of his students had gone on to achieve remarkable success in hospitals across the country. Even the current Surgeon General of New York had once been under his tutelage.

However, Holbrook had retired nearly a decade ago and was now living a peaceful, contented life in his twilight years.

When Julian arrived at the old professor's residence, he coincidentally ran into Quin.

The two exchanged icy glances, snorting softly, each pretending not to recognize the other.

In the courtyard, shaded by a sprawling maple tree, an elderly man in a white linen robe was practicing Tai Chi with slow, deliberate movements.

It was Holbrook Davis himself.

Despite being over seventy, he was still vigorous and robust—undoubtedly thanks to his long-standing practice of Tai Chi.

But for such a well-preserved old man to become visibly thrilled at the mention of the Nine Restoring Yang Needles—that spoke volumes about its value.

"Julian, you're here," Holbrook called out with a warm smile, pausing mid-movement.

Julian nodded respectfully. "Teacher, I ran into Quin just now."

"Ah, yes," Holbrook replied with a chuckle. "He came earlier, claiming he wants to open a clinic and invited me to endorse it."

"Did you accept?" Julian asked, raising an eyebrow.

Holbrook laughed and shook his head. "Opening a clinic depends on skill, not showmanship. That boy is too caught up in superficial tricks. I told him off."

"Well said, Teacher," Julian replied with satisfaction.

Holbrook's tone shifted with curiosity. "So, what brings you here today? Have you learned more about that mysterious doctor?"

"Yes, sir," Julian answered calmly.

"Really?" Holbrook's eyes widened. He rushed forward, gripping Julian's shoulders and shaking him with startling force. "Tell me quickly! Where is he? I must see him! I'll kneel if I have to—just let me meet this master!"

Julian blinked in disbelief. Be serious, please!

Holbrook's eyes gleamed with a fanatic light. "I don't care how far it is—take me to him. I'll humble myself, bow, whatever it takes to become his disciple!"

There's an old saying: To hear great wisdom in the morning is enough to die content in the evening.

Holbrook Davis embodied that spirit.

His entire life had been devoted to the pursuit of medical knowledge. His obsession with the healing arts was precisely what had elevated him to legendary status in the first place. Even in retirement, he often revisited the pinnacles of his career.

One of those pinnacles was the Nine Restoring Yang Needles.

Holbrook had stumbled upon this ancient acupuncture technique in an obscure medical manuscript during his youth. Mastering it had been his gateway to fame in the field. He had even passed the technique down to his students.

But it wasn't until two years ago that he had a stunning realization: his understanding had been incomplete.

Contrary to what he once believed, the term "Nine" in the Nine Restoring Yang Needles did not refer to the number of needles, but rather to the nine progressive stages of therapeutic potency. Only by reaching the ninth stage could one unlock the method's full healing potential.

At his current level, Holbrook had only managed to master up to the seventh stage. For the past two years, he had been struggling to decipher the remaining steps.

So when Julian casually mentioned that someone had performed the Nine Restoring Yang Needles, Holbrook immediately asked how many needles the person had used.

"Twelve," Julian replied.

Twelve needles—three more than nine.

This wasn't just an increase in number; it was a declaration that the individual had not only grasped the meaning of the Nine Stages but had transcended them.

Holbrook's mind had been made up in that instant. He would become this man's student, no matter what it took.

Seeing how exhilarated his teacher had become, Julian raised a hand and said cautiously, "Teacher… I don't think it's appropriate to visit Mr. Lopez just yet."

Holbrook's smile vanished. "What? Are you trying to haggle with me now?"

Julian's expression faltered. He forced a bitter smile. "You've misunderstood me, sir. I just mean… Mr. Lopez might not agree to accept you as his student if you approach him out of the blue."

He wasn't lying. But neither did he mention that John had already agreed to teach them the Nine Restoring Yang Needles.

Holbrook narrowed his eyes. "So what are you suggesting?"

Julian folded his arms and replied with a sly grin, "I think you should offer him a favor first."

Holbrook raised an eyebrow. "Go on…"

Julian explained, "Mr. Lopez's sister owns the Feazer Medical Clinic. Recently, a rather despicable individual opened a new clinic directly across the street, clearly trying to sabotage her business."

Holbrook's face darkened. "How low can people get?"

Julian nodded thoughtfully. "Exactly. But no matter who this person is, I'm certain they'll have to show you some respect. So, when this new clinic opens, you could attend the event yourself. Use the opportunity to gauge their attitude—and offer Mr. Lopez a timely show of support."

Holbrook slapped his thigh with excitement. "Brilliant! I've always said you're a sharp one, Julian. That's exactly what I'll do. Come pick me up on the opening day."

"Of course, Teacher," Julian replied.

As Julian left Holbrook's home, he felt as though he were walking on air. A smug smile played on his lips.

Quin, you'll never outdo me. My intellect is leagues ahead of yours!

Back home, his son Chris asked eagerly, "Dad, what did Mr. Davis say?"

Julian's eyes gleamed. "Let's wait and see."

Two days later.

Quin's Harmony Clinic officially opened.

Over the past couple of days, he had pulled every string he could—rallying fellow disciples, printing flyers, boosting social media promotions. His efforts paid off. On opening day, the place was buzzing with activity.

Across the street, Tracy stood stiffly at the door of the Feazer Medical Clinic, a heavy sense of dread settling over her. Were it not for John's reassuring presence, she might not have had the strength to unlock the doors that morning.

Then, something caught her eye.

A familiar figure stepped out of the Harmony Clinic.

Her eyes widened. "Lily Harts? What are you doing here?"

Tracy could barely believe what she was seeing. Her expression hardened.

"Lily, didn't you say you were preparing for your postgraduate exams?" she asked, her voice low and trembling with disbelief.

Lily's gaze darted away, her posture shrinking with guilt. "I'm… I'm sorry, Tracy. I… Quin offered me triple the salary…"