Chapter 1374
Austin’s smile faded as his fingers rested on Anastasia’s wrist; his expression grew solemn. She felt a surge of nervousness. They had consulted numerous doctors in the past. Some performed X-rays, others checked her pulse, but none discovered the cause, simply diagnosing an unstable endocrine system requiring treatment. She’d tried herbal remedies for a time, the bitterness nearly bringing her to tears, but to no avail; she eventually abandoned them. She'd also attempted exercise. Being overweight, strenuous activity was impossible; she limited herself to walking and simple movements. Yet, at home, she’d often fall into deep sleep, awakening ravenous, disrupting her circadian rhythm and fueling her appetite. Eventually, disheartened, she gave up.
For the past two days, however, she’d been happy at Lily’s house. Weight loss and guilt-ridden eating were distant concerns. It was as if her body received a much-needed respite; she felt happy and carefree.
As she extended her hand, allowing the "miracle doctor" to take her pulse, internal conflict raged. She simultaneously hoped he possessed genuine healing abilities, capable of improving her health and aiding weight loss, and yet, secretly wished he was a fraud, enabling her to prove him wrong and, perhaps, teach him a lesson on Lily's behalf.
Just as her thoughts spiraled, Austin gently withdrew his hand.
"So?" Maria anxiously leaned in.
Austin remained silent, his gaze fixed intently on Anastasia. Growing uncomfortable under his scrutiny, she looked down, then back up.
"What are you looking at me for?" Anastasia asked, suspecting something amiss.
"Do you often feel drowsy and doze off while sitting? Do you sometimes feel unable to control your appetite, never feeling full even after eating a large amount, perhaps even eating until you vomit?" He bombarded her with questions.
Anastasia was taken aback. Before she could answer, Maria nodded vehemently.
"Yes, yes, that's exactly her! You're amazing! Everything you said is true!" she exclaimed, flattering him as if he were a fortune teller rather than a miracle doctor.
Anastasia scoffed. "What's so amazing? Every obese person is like that; other doctors have said the same. I expected more."
"Tasia, don't be absurd!" Maria chided gently before asking, "So, is there a solution? How much herbal soup should we prepare?"
"Several doses of decoction will be necessary," Austin replied, nodding.
Anastasia's disdain deepened. "Just as I thought!" She'd encountered this before—previous doctors prescribing decoctions. Having tried acupuncture patches, therapy pads, and various other treatments, she'd lost faith, considering them all scams.
"No, thank you," Anastasia said flatly, withdrawing her hand. "Forget the decoction; I won't drink it. You've taken my pulse and know my condition; you can leave now. You're a miracle doctor; many patients with serious illnesses await your care. An ordinary overweight person like me isn't worth your time." She simply wanted him gone; his presence annoyed her.