The doctor lowered his head and began writing a prescription. “I’ll start you on a one-month course of medicine. Treating insomnia usually takes time, so you’ll need to be patient. Stick to a regular routine, avoid alcohol and coffee, and—” he glanced up at her, “don’t be too competitive or uptight. Relax a bit, maybe try yoga or something similar.”
“But isn’t there something that can make me sleep tonight? I’m so exhausted I could collapse!”
The doctor looked a bit incredulous but answered patiently, “Run three laps around the hospital. If you’re tired enough to drop, you’ll sleep just fine.”
Shen Xi Fan was momentarily speechless and could only watch as he continued writing the prescription. She suddenly noticed his name badge, though it was slightly blurry. Leaning in a little, she could only make out that he was an attending physician; his name was still unclear. Sensing her gaze, the doctor asked curiously, “Is there something strange about me?”
Feeling awkward, she quickly shook her head. “No, I was just trying to see what medicine you’re prescribing.”
He smiled and explained, “Huang Lian and Huang Qin to clear the heart; Dang Gui, Sheng Di, Bai Shao, and Suan Zao Ren to nourish yin and enrich the blood; Gan Cao to harmonize; Dou Chi and Zhu Ru to alleviate stagnant heat; Bai Zi Ren, Wu Wei Zi, and He Huan Pi to calm the heart and mind.”
She half-understood, half-pretended to nod along.
The doctor helpfully added, “Take the prescription over there to pay. You want it pre-brewed, right?” He added “pre-brewed” to the prescription. “Come back at 4 p.m. today to pick up the first three doses.”
She nodded repeatedly, took her chart, and left the consultation room. Only after stepping outside did she realize his name was signed on the prescription—“He Su Ye.” She couldn’t help but wonder: “Why does his name sound like an herb in traditional Chinese medicine?”
At noon, she returned home and received a call from her mother.
“Fan Fan, did you see the doctor? Oh, you’re taking herbal medicine? Good, good. By the way, let me tell you something—tonight…”
Shen Xi Fan interrupted immediately. “I’m not going on another blind date, Mom. Just give it up already!”
“No, no, it’s not a blind date,” her mother quickly explained. “Just a family dinner. You’re always so busy with work, you’ve practically forgotten your parents. The two of us at home are like lonely old folks!”
Feeling a bit guilty, she reluctantly agreed. “Fine, fine, I’ll come. But I need to pick up my medicine in the afternoon first.”
Her mother seized the opportunity. “Great! Meet us at the Starbucks by Dayang Mall at 6 p.m.!”
That afternoon, Shen Xi Fan had an unusually peaceful nap. Whether it was the “spiritual aura” of the TCM building or sheer exhaustion, she slept soundly until 5 p.m. Waking up, she exclaimed in panic, quickly dressed, and rushed to the hospital by taxi.
People were already streaming out of the outpatient department, but she headed straight to the pharmacy. Half the lights were already off, and she regretted her delay. “Oh no, my medicine!”
Fortunately, the pharmacy counter wasn’t completely closed yet. She glanced around hesitantly, unsure whether to call out. Holding her receipt, she was stuck between speaking up and staying quiet. Suddenly, the morning’s doctor emerged from the preparation room. Seeing her, he smiled. “I was waiting for you. We close at 5:30.”
Shen Xi Fan felt like she wanted to bow and apologize to the medicine cabinet but was relieved to see the handsome doctor showing no sign of displeasure. He handed her a package of medicine and instructed, “Take it twice a day. Come back in three days for the next doses.”
As he spoke, his dimple flickered, making it seem—so small!
She immediately understood. If he didn’t keep up a cool demeanor, who would trust such a youthful-looking doctor?
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