Chapter 70 Negative Energy Enshrouded
The next morning, James received a call from Patrick inviting him to lunch with Skylar. He quickly wrapped up his tasks and prepared to leave.
Just as James was about to step out, Daniel rushed in, his face a picture of urgency.
Daniel said, "Master, Master, something terrible has happened. Someone has fainted. Darrell has fainted. He came in with stomach pain, and I asked him to wait since there were two people ahead of him. After a while, he just collapsed."
His tone carried a hint of relief. He was thankful that Darrell hadn't fainted during the consultation, which would have complicated matters.
James immediately stood up and headed to the backyard.
Mark, Bradley, and Kelsey occupied the backyard, which had four rooms. The remaining room served as a makeshift consultation room.
When James rushed in, he found seven or eight neighbors gathered around Darrell, who was slumped in a chair, motionless.
His face turned ashen, his breathing labored, and drool smeared the corners of his mouth.
Natalie Sanchez, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, was already crying over Darrell.
Natalie said sadly, "Darrell, what's wrong with you? If something happens to you, what will our son and I do? We can't live without you."
In the face of life and death, her wailing was understandable, and it was also the reason for Daniel's panic.
"Stop crying!" James sternly halted Natalie's sobbing and then knelt to check Darrell's pulse.
"Food poisoning." James quickly diagnosed and immediately picked up his silver needles to administer an antidote.
At the same time, he instructed Daniel to prepare a bowl of honeysuckle.
After a round of acupuncture, Darrell's dark complexion began to fade, and a hint of rosiness returned to his cheeks. As James inserted the final needle, Darrell's body shuddered.
Darrell vomited violently into the prepared trash can.
Five minutes later, Darrell's condition improved noticeably. His eyes slowly opened, and after sipping some Honeysuckle, his vitality seemed to return.
Meanwhile, Daniel, holding his nose, swiftly cleared away the dirty items, keen to get rid of any residual odor that might upset the patient.
Natalie was immensely grateful and said, "Mr. Williams, thank you. You are a savior to our entire family."
Darrell weakly asked, "Mr. Williams, what happened to me?"
"You had food poisoning," James replied calmly. "It was caused by something spoiled. In the future, you should avoid eating expired or leftover food. Especially in this hot weather, you must not consume anything that has gone bad."
He cautioned. "A small mistake can lead to serious consequences."
"Food poisoning? Spoiled food?" Natalie looked puzzled."That can't be. Everything we eat is clean. Besides, if it were food poisoning, Darrell and I ate the same food. Why am I perfectly fine?"
She couldn't understand.
"Yes, doctor, our food is very clean." Darrell nodded in agreement. "I didn't eat leftovers."
No problem with the food?
James was slightly taken aback but didn't dwell on it, assuming the elderly couple had forgotten.
James said, "It could have been a drink or something similar. Just be more careful in the future."
The couple left, profusely thanking James and paying a $15 consultation fee.
James shook his head, finished seeing the remaining patients, gave Daniel a half-day off, and hurried to the Enchanted Vine Tavern.
As he and Samuel arrived at the reserved private room, Patrick and his wife stood up, their faces beaming with smiles.
Skylar said, "James, we underestimated you yesterday, and we sincerely apologize."
Skylar poured a glass of whiskey. "Please forgive me for misjudging you and treating the Bashful Flower formula like a piece of trash."
"I also bear some responsibility," Patrick confessed, pouring himself a glass of whiskey.
His upright posture slumped slightly as he continued. "I was stuck in my ways, thinking that at your age, it was already impressive enough to have such remarkable medical skills. How could you also know the long-lost secret formula of the Bashful Flower? That's something that requires relentless experimentation and refinement to master. But in the end, I was proven wrong. Please forgive my ignorance."
They both picked up their drinks and drained them in one gulp. Just as they were about to pour another round, James stopped them.
James smiled lightly and said, "Skylar, Patrick, I don't worry. If I were in your place, I probably wouldn't believe it was the secret formula of the Bashful Flower either. So there's no need for you to feel guilty. Besides, even though I'm a major shareholder in the company, you are always the one running around. What's a little bit of hardship for me? Let's not bring this up again. It's not good for our relationship."
James raised his glass. "Let's leave the past behind."
Seeing James in this state, Skylar felt relieved. "James has always been generous. From now on, I'll trust you unconditionally."
"James, there's something else," She said, pulling out the secret recipe with a guilty expression. " I accidentally tore the paper, and I can't make out one of the ingredients."
James laughed heartily, quickly rewrote the recipe, and handed it to Skylar. "It's a small matter."
"That's the spirit. Let's have a drink together." Patrick poured drinks for the three of them, then clinked their glasses together and downed his drink in one go.
Skylar's eyes revealed a hint of gratitude. She had thought that James would be angry this time, but he was unexpectedly generous. She vowed to cherish this relationship carefully.
Halfway through the meal, Patrick's phone rang. He answered it briefly and then gave their location.
Patrick spoke up, "James, we have an influential guest arriving later. I'm aware that you're not fond of social engagements, but this individual could provide significant advantages for you and JZL Medical Hall. With his backing, you'd be untouchable by anyone in Rosewood City's medical sphere."
James was taken aback. "Who?"
Patrick smiled mysteriously. "You'll find out soon."
Not long after, there was a knock on the door. Skylar went to open it.
"Patrick, Skylar, good afternoon. It's really hard to get a hold of you two." A middle-aged man walked in, laughing, dressed in a suit with neatly combed hair.
The man said, "What? Do you think I'm here to borrow money from you to cover my health insurance shortfall? You've dodged me several times at the office."
His words were light yet sincere, revealing the close bond he shared with Patrick and Skylar.
James found the man familiar and then slapped his forehead in realization.
It was David Miller, the head of the Department of Health.
This was a big shot that often appeared on TV, controlling the fate of various clinics and JZL Medical Hall.
Patrick stood up with a smile and shook hands with David.
"David, you misunderstood us. I'm not avoiding you. I've just been swamped recently," he said. "You know how it is. In the past few months, Jordan has been urging us day and night to have a child. Skylar and I have been running around seeking medical help."
As he said this, he let out a long sigh. "I'm even trying to save on sleep, let alone have any spare time to stay in the office."
With James's arrival, the difficult days were finally over.
"That's just like Jordan." David moved forward, shaking hands with a smile. "He even asked me to introduce you to some renowned doctors. Unfortunately, the ones I found had already been consulted by you."
David had a good relationship with the Sanders family, so he understood Jordan's eagerness for a grandchild and Patrick's anxiety.
Skylar pulled out a chair for David. "David, you're so considerate."
David smiled. "But now that you have time to enjoy a meal here, does that mean everything is settled?"
"Yes, everything is settled." Patrick laughed heartily. "And it's all thanks to James."
Patrick said, "David, let me introduce you. This is James, a highly skilled doctor and my benefactor."
Patrick pointed to James. "He resolved the issues for Skylar and me. James, this is David, the head of the Department of Health."
Patrick then introduced James. "If BH Pharmaceuticals and JZL Medical Hall ever have any issues, just give him a call. He'll make sure everything is taken care of."
James extended his hand. "Mr. David, nice to meet you."
As their hands clasped, James's face changed dramatically.
Negative energy enshrouded.