Deanna's decision earned Old Hughes's admiration. A generous girl was always likable. Others also praised her.
"Dr. Deanna is truly generous."
"No wonder Old Hughes and Old Wright hold her in such high regard; her magnanimity is rare."
"Exactly, if it were me, I wouldn't have cared."
Sariah felt displeased hearing these comments. If not for Old Hughes's sake, would she have apologized? Besides, she had sought Old Hughes's help, not this woman's. She hesitated and looked at Old Hughes. "Old Hughes, this..."
"Today's free clinical treatment is led by Dr. Deanna, and her medical skills are on par with mine. You can trust her with your grandfather," Old Hughes said directly, knowing what Sariah was hesitant about.
Hearing this, Sariah glanced at Deanna in surprise but said nothing. She turned to have her grandfather brought over. Lance observed the scene, looking at Deanna with gentle eyes.
Soon, Sariah returned with several servants carrying a stretcher. On it lay an elderly man, visibly weak and dispirited-Old Osborne.
Deanna noticed his pale face, labored breathing, and heaving chest, frowning deeply. When Sariah brought Old Osborne over, Deanna immediately knelt to check his pulse. Sariah didn't interrupt but watched Deanna's actions intently.
The longer Deanna checked the pulse, the deeper her frown became. Old Osborne's condition was worse than she had expected. His body was severely afflicted with cold ailments, making his hands and feet icy even under blankets. This was just one of many issues requiring extensive treatment.
Additionally, his pulse was erratic, and he appeared lethargic and spiritless. His heavy breathing suggested a constant struggle for air, as if a heavy stone pressed on his chest, threatening to make him faint from lack of oxygen at any moment.
Seeing Deanna silent for so long, Sariah grew anxious. "How is it? Can my grandfather be saved?"
Deanna glanced at her but didn't respond, focusing on the pulse check. Sariah felt increasingly frustrated but held back due to Old Hughes's presence.
After another few minutes, Deanna finished checking the pulse. Sariah couldn't help but ask again, "How is my grandfather? Can he be cured?"
"He can be treated, but it will take a long time," Deanna replied before turning to the Osborne family servants. "Take him to the treatment room."
The servants quickly carried Old Osborne into the treatment room, with Deanna following closely behind. Old Hughes and Efrain also followed out of curiosity. Seeing everyone else go in, Sariah hurried after them.
Inside, she saw Deanna standing beside her grandfather with several slender silver needles in hand.
"Ah..." Sariah gasped but quickly covered her mouth under the others' gazes.
Once Sariah quieted down, Deanna began the acupuncture treatment with swift and precise movements. As more needles were inserted, Old Osborne's face showed increasing pain. Sariah grew more anxious.
"What's happening to my grandfather? Why does he look so pained?"
"Why aren't you saying anything? Will my grandfather be alright?"
"Are you even capable?"
Deanna's eyes flashed with irritation. The worst thing during treatment was being interrupted.
"Be quiet and wait outside!" Deanna snapped after finishing the acupuncture.
Ignoring Sariah's reaction, she turned to prepare medicine for Old Osborne and handed it to Ava with instructions. "Boil it on high heat and quickly."
"I understand," Ava nodded and left with the medicine package.
Sariah watched anxiously but held back her temper as she looked at her grandfather on the treatment bed.
About twenty minutes later, Ava had not yet returned when Old Osborne suddenly began coughing violently as if trying to expel his internal organs.
"Grandfather, are you alright?" Sariah was frantic but didn't dare approach due to the needles covering his body.
Old Osborne continued coughing until he spat out some clotted blood, then his condition improved slightly. However, Sariah didn't understand this process and grew furious seeing her grandfather cough up blood.
"You wretch! Can you even treat illnesses? You call yourself a highly skilled doctor? You're killing him!"
In a fit of rage, she lunged at Deanna. Caught off guard, Deanna nearly fell but was steadied by Lance just in time. The commotion drew everyone's attention toward them.