Chapter 221 Dr. Wheeler's Persistence!
James was taken aback, staring at Edwin with unconcealed surprise. The room buzzed with discontent, the other practitioners frowning and muttering amongst themselves. Had it not been for Edwin's revered status in the world of traditional Chinese medicine, they would have erupted in protest.
In their eyes, James, with his arrogance, was deemed unworthy of Edwin's support. They considered the very idea of him representing traditional Chinese medicine preposterous.
'Edwin, it seemed, was losing his touch.' They thought.
"Dr. Wheeler," Edwin began, cutting through the rising tension, "I understand your concerns, but hear me out."
His voice, though heavy with age, carried a weight that silenced the room. "This Sino-Western medical exchange," he continued, his wrinkled face etched with a deep sadness, "is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to discredit traditional Chinese medicine. They believe our methods are outdated, irrelevant in the face of modern advancements."
A wave of somber understanding passed over the older practitioners. They, too, had felt the sting of dismissal, the arrogance of those who saw their ancient art as nothing more than antiquated folklore.
"I had all but given up hope," Edwin confessed, his voice thick with emotion. "But then I met Mr. Smith."
He turned to James, his eyes twinkling with a newfound conviction. "Don't mistake my age for senility, young man. Your skill is undeniable. The acupuncture technique you wield… it's something I've never witnessed before, a blend of tradition and innovation that fills me with hope."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "If anyone in this room can stand against them, can prove the enduring power of traditional Chinese medicine, it's you, James."
Edwin's voice softened, taking on an almost pleading tone. "Stay, James. For the sake of our art, for the legacy we carry. I implore you."
The sincerity in Edwin's voice, the weight of his plea, hung heavy in the air. James, for the first time, felt a flicker of uncertainty. He had expected resistance, even hostility, but this… this heartfelt plea from a man he barely knew… it was disarming.
He had underestimated the depth of Edwin's commitment and the burden he carried for the future of traditional Chinese medicine. James, who had always walked a solitary path, found himself unexpectedly moved by the old doctor's unwavering belief.
"Alright," James conceded, a newfound respect coloring his tone.
But before anyone could react, a voice, shrill with indignation, cut through the room.
"Grandpa! Have you lost your mind?"
Derrick, his face contorted with a mixture of anger and betrayal, glared at Edwin. The idea that his own grandfather would choose an outsider over him, his own flesh and blood, was an insult he couldn't bear.
The room erupted once more, the other practitioners echoing Derrick's outrage. They argued that James, a young upstart with no formal training, was unfit to represent them. Traditional Chinese medicine, they argued, was not a game to be played by amateurs. It demanded years of dedicated study, countless hours of practice, and a deep understanding of the intricate balance within the human body.
"Dr. Wheeler," one of the senior practitioners interjected, his voice trembling with indignation. "This is madness! We cannot allow this… this charlatan to jeopardize everything we've worked for!"
"Yes," another chimed in. "To entrust our legacy to an unknown entity is an insult to our ancestors, to the very foundations of traditional Chinese medicine!"
James, watching the chaos unfold, couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration. He had anticipated challenges, but this level of internal strife was unexpected. He was ready to walk away, to leave them to their petty squabbles.
But then he looked at Edwin, his face etched with a quiet dignity, and he knew he couldn't abandon him. Not now.
"Enough!" Edwin roared, his voice booming with an authority that silenced the room. "My decision is final. Mr. Smith will join us at the exchange conference."
The room held its breath, the air thick with defiance. The senior practitioner who had spoken earlier stepped forward, his face a mask of disapproval.
"Edwin," he said, his voice low and dangerous, "this is not your decision alone. We have rules and protocols. When there is a disagreement, we vote."
He raised his hand, his voice unwavering. "I vote against this… outsider… representing us."
One by one, the other practitioners followed suit, their faces grim, their voices united in their rejection of James. Finally, all eyes turned to Derrick. He hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering between his grandfather and James, before slowly raising his hand.
"I also oppose James's participation," he said, his voice heavy with disappointment.
Edwin watched the display with an unreadable expression. When the room fell silent, he spoke, his voice surprisingly calm.
"Very well," he said, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Have you all finished?"
He waited for a moment, letting the silence stretch, before continuing. "Then it's my turn."
What happened next sent a collective gasp through the room. Edwin, with a deliberate slowness that belied his age, removed a badge from his coat. It was a simple badge, engraved with the symbol of traditional Chinese medicine, but it represented years of dedication, a lifetime of service.
He walked over to James, his steps steady, his gaze unwavering. Gently, he pinned the badge onto James's chest.
"I relinquish my place to Mr. Smith," Edwin announced, his voice echoing with quiet resolve. "I withdraw from the exchange."
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