Chapter 141
The live broadcast drew ten million viewers. Warm music filled the stage as the audience applauded. “Let us welcome today’s mystery guest, Emma,” the host announced.
The program, “Legacy of a Healer,” had always been live-streamed and had enjoyed immense popularity since its inception. By this episode, it had become the internet’s most-watched program. Emma’s appearance ignited the comment section.
Comments ranged from: “It’s really her?” and “Isn’t she that scammer?” to “Can’t they afford better guests?” and even “Emma, the traditional therapy scammer, get lost!” One viewer admitted a weakness for beauty, adding, “Although I don’t know how capable she is, she’s very beautiful. What should I do?”
The lingering fallout from the Otis incident still swirled online. Despite the criticism, Emma’s appearance boosted the show's popularity. Viewers familiar with the full story defended her. Comments included: “Can you guys not always read half the story? Emma cured Otis,” and “Emma even helped catch the would-be poisoner. The Troln City Police Department praised her online. Know the full story before you talk.” Others simply declared, “That’s right. Emma is the best,” and “Haters can scram.”
As support for Emma grew, the program’s popularity doubled. The executive director, thrilled by the surge in viewership, recognized Emma's star power and potential to generate buzz, instructing the camera crew to give her more screen time. Despite the online frenzy, the guests and hosts couldn’t see the comments.
Chapter 141
The host enthusiastically introduced, “This is Dr. Leon Mellow, a PhD genius from Nuverland’s top medical school,” followed by, “And this is Dr. Damian Saunders, the country’s leading expert in traditional therapy.”
Instead of acknowledging Leon, Emma approached Damian, bowing respectfully to the elderly doctor. She had heard of Damian’s dedication to promoting traditional therapy, his tireless work saving lives and helping the injured, despite years of unwarranted attacks from ill-intentioned forces and their domestic followers who branded him a scammer. Her respectful bow garnered positive reactions.
Comments included: “Wow. I didn’t expect her to be so polite,” and “Who doesn’t like polite beauties? It draws fans quickly.” One viewer noted the contrast, commenting, “Emma was so polite to Dr. Saunders, but she only gave Dr. Mellow a disdainful glance. The difference was obvious…” Another gushed, “Emma, get popular now. I’m looking forward to your performance.”
Emma's greeting to Leon was polite but distant. Leon, in his elite suit, frowned behind his black-framed glasses, offering a mocking expression typical of “Nuverland humor.” Emma ignored him and returned to her seat, sparking another flurry of comments condemning Leon’s behavior as disgusting.
Mark, the executive director, instructed, “Give Emma more screentime later. Don't give Leon any more.” The crew readily agreed. They, too, were impressed by Emma’s instant ability to generate significant online interest; guests who drew viewership were always valuable.
Chapter 141
The program commenced. The host announced, “Once again, let's welcome our guests. Next, we have a special guest, a ten-year-old boy. Once a typical schoolboy, illness changed his life. Let's welcome Carl Holmes. A round of applause!”
A small boy in black was escorted onto the stage, his head down, clearly apprehensive about the bright lights and cameras. Carl’s serious illness a year prior, compounded by his father’s fatal workplace accident, had profoundly impacted him. He’d taken a year off school, returning a withdrawn child, less talkative and avoiding his friends. He often hid, crying alone, sometimes even running away on rainy days.
His mother, Mary Holmes, initially failed to recognize the severity of his change. By the time she processed her grief, Carl was diagnosed with moderate depression. His condition hindered his schooling, and various treatments proved ineffective. Advised to try “Legacy of a Healer,” she brought Carl to the show.
Damian, reviewing Carl’s information, spoke seriously into the microphone: “Many believe depression is solely a modern medical concern. However, ancient texts describe ‘melancholia,’ caused by bodily imbalances…”
Before he could finish, Leon interrupted: “Sorry to interrupt, but mental illnesses are products of modern medicine. Traditional therapies are unsystematic. Who among us, properly educated, would dare use them? Modern medicine should be the primary treatment; traditional therapy, at most, an enhancement. Its efficacy… well, everyone knows.”
This sparked a wave of anger in the comments. Viewers wrote: “Does he have manners? Must he interrupt?” and “Dr. Saunders is a leading expert; is this how overseas elites treat their betters?” Others were more blunt: “I’m so annoyed with Dr. Mellow. Can someone kick him out?” and “As a student of traditional therapy, I can say it's also divided into past and modern. Dr. Mellow clearly doesn't understand; he forgets our history.” Anger mounted: “Who’s going to put him in his place?”
The program’s popularity doubled. The cameraman focused on Damian, hoping to capture his reaction. However, Damian remained calm, continuing: “Traditional therapy classifies depression. Conclusive evidence includes heart imbalances and blockages. Addressing these improves health and, consequently, depression. Common examples involve mind and heart imbalances…”
Leon interrupted again, “Sorry to interrupt…”