172 172 Visiting a patient
It didn’t take long for Xiao Mo to arrive at the hospital.
Most of the doctors in the most authoritative military-affiliated hospital in the city had military rankings.
Zhuang Liu was pushed out of the car. The three of them walked through the grand lobby of the hospital. They passed through the winding and crowded corridor before arriving at a relatively quiet inpatient department.
Tan Rou looked around. A place like the hospital always gave people an inexplicable sense of oppression. Birth, ageing, illness, and death were the most powerless feelings in the world.
Xiao Mo led the way and arrived at a VIP elevator. “Elder Lu is upstairs. He’s an important official in the military and political field and so he has been given a private room.”
Zhuang Liu nodded. “I’m sure you’ve made the arrangement in advance?”
Xiao Mo gave him a meaningful smile and said, “I’ve already informed them in advance. Even though Elder Lu found it strange, he agreed to it and thanked the third young master for your warm visit.”
Old master Lu could not be blamed for his confusion. One was a military and political bigshot while the other was a business genius. The two of them had nothing to do with each other. The Third young master suddenly proposed to visit him. His attitude was humble but very firm and so, the old Master Lu could not reject him directly. For the sake of the Zhuang family, he was forced to say that he did share a few conversations with Elder Zhuang in the past. He was very touched that the third young master would pay him a visit on account of their old friendship. That was why Zhuang Liu had visited him today.
If old master Lu knew that third young master was so enthusiastic because of Miss Tan, would he find it ridiculous? This was a big favour afterall.
Zhuang Liu didn’t think of it as a big deal. If Tan Rou wanted to see Elder Lu, he would satisfy her no matter what. She had asked Uncle Bai to help her previously but old Master Lu was using Western medicine in the hospital. Uncle Bai was famous in the medical world but he couldn’t find a doctor with a professional background to enquire about Elder Lu’s condition.
Therefore, Zhuang Liu simply went to old Master Lu directly and brought Tan R ou personally to the hospital. Tan Rou’s medical skills were so excellent that it would not be difficult for her to know what’s wrong. It was better than asking others.
The three of them took the elevator up and saw old Master Lu’s guards standing at the door. Old Master Lu had retired and did not have any real power on the surface. The guards were more like bodyguards. They were all dressed in suits and had buzz cut hair. It was difficult to miss the temperament of a soldier with just one glance.
Seeing Zhuang Liu, the guard seemed to have received instructions in advance. He nodded politely and extended his hand to invite the three of them into the ward.
Zhuang Liu also nodded politely. It was not easy for old Master Lu to allow Zhuang Liu to do this and so, Zhuang Liu had to show respect as well.
The three of them entered the ward and saw old Master Lu sitting on the bed.
Tan Rou looked at him carefully. This military boss’s hair was white but he was in good spirits. Even though he was plagued by illness, she could still see the high-spirited spirit of his youth.
The old general was wearing presbyopic glasses and reading the newspaper in his hand. His whole body was full of vigour, subconsciously making the other afraid of creating any noises around him.
When Old master Lu heard the voice, he squinted his eyes and turned to look at the three of them. He put down the newspaper in his hand, took off his glasses, and took the initiative to greet Zhuang Liu. “You must be the third son of the Zhuang family. Come quickly! Thank you for still thinking of visiting me!”
Tan Rou pushed Zhuang Liu forward and secretly observed old master Lu’s expression.
Zhuang Liu smiled humbly. “Elder Lu, I’m not in good health, so I can’t stand up to greet you. Please don’t take offence. You’re my elder and I’ve always heard Grandpa talk about your elegance. I’ve admired you for a long time and I’m sorry for being so rude today.”
Both of them knew that the two families did not have much contact and there was nothing to reminisce about. However, since they were already here, they could only brace themselves and try to pull some strings.
Zhuang Liu put on the airs of a junior. Although old Master Lu was puzzled, he would not reject Zhuang Liu’s good intentions.
Old Master Lu laughed heartily. “Why would you be disturbing me? I’m old and it’s inevitable that I’ll feel a little uncomfortable but I’m happy to see that you young people have such promising futures. You’re much better than that brat of mine. If you’re not in good health, you have to take good care of yourself!”
Zhuang Liu nodded and looked at Tan Rou, then patted her hand as a hint.
Tan Rou understood and nodded slightly.
Zhuang Liu was reminding Tan Rou to look for an opportunity to check on old Master Lu’s condition.
It was already strange enough that Zhuang Liu came to visit old master Lu. If he introduced tan Rou, who looked like a student, to old Master Lu, it would be too suspicious. Old Master Lu might think that Zhuang Liu had brought in some stranger to make fun of him.
Therefore, she could only rely on Zhuang Liu to talk to old Master Lu to distract him while Tan Rou carefully observed from the side.
Traditional Chinese Medicine was all about observing, listening, asking, and feeling. Now that Tan Rou has seen him in person, there will always be a chance.