After reviewing Ivy’s medical records and examining her symptoms, Professor Brown grew thoughtful, his brow furrowing as he asked detailed questions.

“Doctor, is this…serious?” Ivy ventured, her voice tinged with worry.

Professor Brown offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. It’s nothing too serious—we can fix this.”

Relief washed over Ivy. “That’s good to hear.”

“Do you struggle with severe period pain?” Professor Brown asked, jotting down notes as he spoke.

Ivy’s eyes widened in surprise. “You could tell that, too?”

He chuckled softly. “A good doctor can spot it from your pulse.”

He then pointed out a number of unhealthy habits Ivy had picked up, most of which matched her rough years living in the remote countryside.

“You’ve already been to see Dr. Penn about the cramps, right? Just stick to her treatment plan for now. If it doesn’t help, come back and see me.”

Professor Brown glanced at Ivy’s chart, noticing Dr. Penn’s handwritten notes. He nodded knowingly, then leaned in to give further instructions.

Ivy was genuinely moved, thanking him several times in quick succession. She couldn’t help but feel grateful to Dr. Handsome—he was the one who’d recommended this specialist.

“These instructions are all clear,” Professor Brown explained, tapping the paper. “Medication, topical treatment, herbal baths—they’re all listed here. But don’t forget: a regular routine, rest, and building up your immune system are just as important.”

Ivy stood up and bowed her head in gratitude. “Thank you, Doctor. I’ll remember everything.”

As Ivy turned to leave, Professor Brown didn’t call in the next patient right away. Instead, he got up to sanitize his hands, then slipped behind the partition to the adjoining room.

“So that’s why you’re here, hiding out in my office—” he started, only to be interrupted as the exam room door swung open again.

“Doctor!” Ivy’s voice rang out as she returned.

The familiar voice made Jamison, who sat quietly behind the wall, tense up as if he’d just been caught red-handed.

Luckily, the partition kept him hidden from view. Professor Brown, standing near the doorway, simply turned his head to address her.

“Back so soon? Something else on your mind?” he asked.

Ivy gazed at him, hesitant. “How long will it take for me to recover, realistically? I read online that it could take two or three months…”

Professor Brown’s eyes sparkled with confidence. “If you follow these instructions, you’ll be as good as new in two weeks—three at the most.”

Ivy didn’t quite catch his meaning, but she nodded politely. “Thank you, Doctor.” She shut the door gently behind her as she left.

Jamison let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Professor Brown turned, eyeing him with obvious amusement.

“All right, out with it. Who is she to you?” he asked bluntly.

Jamison feigned innocence. “I’m not sure what you mean, Professor. Shouldn’t you get back to your patients? They’ll be waiting.”

Professor Brown snorted. “Don’t try to play games with me. I may be old, but my memory’s sharp. That’s the girl you called me about last time—the one needing acupuncture for her cramps, isn’t it?”

Jamison’s face betrayed a flicker of shock. He glanced at the elderly doctor, chagrined at having underestimated him.

This old man doesn’t miss a thing.

Watching Jamison’s reaction, Professor Brown allowed himself a satisfied grin. “The moment she spoke, I remembered.”

Jamison cleared his throat awkwardly. “Guess experience really does count for something.”

“So if you know her, why are you hiding over here?” Professor Brown pressed.

Jamison’s expression grew complicated. “Well… it’s not like we’re friends.”

Professor Brown raised an eyebrow. “Not friends? Yet you’re waiting here for her?”

With a knowing look, he added, “Don’t tell me—you’ve got a crush on her, but you’re too shy to admit it?”

Jamison shut that down immediately. “Absolutely not. The truth is, we’re archrivals. Whenever we meet, we argue. That’s why I stayed out of sight.”