"Back then, I was just a newborn. My grandfather was already a renowned traditional Chinese medicine doctor in the medical field. Those years were the golden age of TCM, and the Mu family's acupuncture technique had become a legendary name in medical circles."
He Sixin's voice softened, as if recalling stories she'd only heard in fragments from her grandmother.
"But later… there was an accident. My grandfather was performing acupuncture on a critically ill patient, and something went wrong. That patient's family was powerful and wealthy."
"They couldn't accept losing their loved one, so they blamed everything on my grandfather. Overnight, the media erupted—every headline cursing him, every report calling him a fraud…"
"In the end, my grandfather was dismissed from the university. My grandmother had to change jobs. My eldest uncle's family emigrated overseas—Sided was born abroad."
"My second uncle quit medicine altogether and went into business. The few Mu family clinics were gradually sold off by him, until only one remained. That's the hospital we have now."
"Even though Grandpa continued to treat patients with acupuncture, it wasn't the same anymore. I could feel the quiet resignation in him. All my uncles urged him to give it up…"
"Only my mom insisted on preserving the Mu family acupuncture method. I know she's obsessed with it—she wants it to be truly recognized by the world, to help people understand what it means to be a doctor."
"But at the same time, she hates the media—hates those unscrupulous reporters. So no matter what breakthroughs she's achieved, she's never once agreed to an interview."
"You speaking to the media today broke the rule she's held onto all these years. That's why she's so angry. Shulan, I get you. Honestly, sometimes, I don't even understand my mom."
He Sixin let out a bitter chuckle.
"This is the age of media and clicks. Even if we're inheriting TCM, why should we keep it hidden? We're doing good work—why shouldn't people know?"
Shulan paused thoughtfully. "So… that's also why you want to switch majors? Why you're giving up acupuncture?"
He Sixin gave a faint smile. "That's part of it. But mostly… I just don't like it. I hate holding needles. I was forced into this major—Sided's different, but me? I never wanted this."
She laughed, a little self-deprecating. "But it's fine. Soon I'll be free."
Her words sounded strange, and Shulan couldn't quite grasp the meaning.
"I was wrong," Shulan murmured. "I shouldn't have presumptuously promoted the Mu family's acupuncture technique. Teacher was right. I should go apologize."
He Sixin grabbed her wrist. "No rush. Let her cool off first."
"Shulan," she sighed, "sometimes we dedicate ourselves, body and soul, to healing people, to medical research. But that doesn't guarantee trust or gratitude. Sometimes all we get is suspicion and insult."
"It's… kind of heartbreaking when you think about it." She pouted slightly.
"That's why I never wanted to be a doctor. I just want to do research. Solve tough medical problems. Make a quiet contribution to our country's healthcare."
She grinned cheekily. "Sounds noble, right?"
Shulan couldn't help laughing. "Very noble. Truly impressive."
"Exactly! I'm going to be a revered medical Ph.D. one day!" He Sixin declared boldly.
Shulan was a little surprised. She'd always seen He Sixin as gentle and composed—who knew there was this fiery side beneath?
When He Sixin left, Shulan finally understood why Sided always practiced on models, never on real patients.
Despite his impressive acupuncture skills, he'd never intended to become a practicing doctor. He studied simply to ensure the Mu family technique wouldn't be lost—not to be a great acupuncturist.
Shulan felt a dull ache in her chest. Was what she'd done right or wrong?
Thinking of He Sixin's words, she felt a pang of guilt. She wasn't even hungry anymore.
Teacher Mu had planned to take them all out for a meal—but because of one impulsive comment, she'd ruined it for everyone.
The more she thought, the guiltier she felt. She should apologize sooner rather than later.
Just as she headed downstairs, she spotted Sided carrying bags of food.
"Where are you off to?" Sided paused, eyeing her.
Shulan pointed toward the doctors' office building. "To see Teacher Mu. I want to apologize."
"No rush." Sided handed her the food. "Eat first. After you're done, I'll go with you. We'll bring some to my aunt too."
Shulan sighed, gazing at the steaming food. Her appetite still hadn't returned.
"Brother… was I wrong?"
Sided glanced at her, lips curling faintly. "Don't sigh so much. It won't make you grow taller."
"Pfft—" Shulan burst out laughing. "I'm already too old to grow!"
Her mood lifted a little. Instead of going back up, she sat with Sided in a sheltered spot and started eating.
Seeing her eat, Sided's smile deepened.
"You didn't do anything wrong," he said softly. "Your intentions were for the Mu family's technique. Can't fault that. It's just… my aunt's burden runs deep. It'll take time for her to let it go."
Shulan swallowed a mouthful, feeling somber. "He Sixin said it's been over twenty years… and she's still reacting like this. It must've hurt her more than I imagined."
"It wasn't just that one incident." Sided gestured gently. "That was just the start. Afterward, the Mu family went through a string of misfortunes. Things only stabilized a few years ago."
"Keeping even one hospital wasn't easy for my aunt. Every step she's taken since has been cautious. She can't risk stirring up the media again, can't risk repeating history. It's understandable."
He patted her shoulder.
"You didn't know the Mu family's past. And you've been around Han Weicheng's team too long—used to how he handles the press. Wanting to use media to promote acupuncture? It's natural."
Shulan flushed with embarrassment. "I thought I was being clever… but Teacher never wanted publicity. She just wants a few students who'll really learn the craft. I… wasn't steady enough."
Sided chuckled quietly. "Don't be so hard on yourself. It's been a long time since I've seen someone so earnest about learning acupuncture. You're very steady."
Shulan closed her food box. "You don't have to flatter me. I know my own limits. Come on—let's go find Teacher Mu."
The doctors' offices were on the top floor of the outpatient building—a space for meetings and rest.
It was Shulan's first time there. She didn't know the exact room, so she followed Sided closely.
At four in the afternoon, most doctors were still busy. The floor was nearly empty.
Sided led her to Teacher Mu's office. Just as he raised his hand to knock, voices erupted from inside.
"That's the responsibility you forced on me! I never agreed to it! You picked my major in college. You chose my grad program. You don't get to control me anymore!"
It was He Sixin's voice—furious, trembling.
Inside, Mu Yaning slammed the table. "As a member of the Mu family, shouldn't you shoulder the responsibility of inheriting our medical legacy? You didn't object when I chose your major back then. Regretting it now is too late!"
He Sixin's voice lowered, full of quiet resignation.
"I'm not here to discuss. I'm here to tell you. Next semester I'll be preparing for my Ph.D. entrance exams. I won't be coming back here. Stop arranging things for me."
A loud thud followed.
Then—the office door flung open.
He Sixin stormed out…