Chapter 465: Miracle pill

[Pierson Corporation: CEO’s Office]

Zoren squinted as the lights in the office spread across the room. The blinds that had been covering the floor-to-ceiling glass wall were also removed. He had just finished another eye check-up, even though he knew his impairment was psychological.

"This is good, Mr. Pierson!" Doctor Tan intoned with a satisfied smile as he sat on the couch to Zoren’s right. "Your eyesight is improving."

Initially, Zoren could only see blurry colors, relying on his sharp mind and guesswork to function. Zoren managed to conceal his problem at work because he knew every corner of his office by heart. However, this problem was bad enough that he avoided unfamiliar places.

Now, after the routine check-up, he could make out letters again. Although he still couldn’t read the smaller ones on the chart, it was still a significant improvement.

"Even your latest lab results look better," the doctor added, almost in disbelief as he reviewed the test results. Doctor Tan had been one of Zoren’s many doctors, and seeing this progress made him a bit emotional.

’His complexion has improved, but it’s reassuring to see it’s not just superficial,’ he thought, smiling in satisfaction. "Mr. Pierson, if this continues, you’ll recover in no time."

Zoren nodded. "Doctor Tan, can you give me an estimated timeline for when I’ll fully recover?"

"Mr. Pierson, it’s impossible to say for certain. Your health has fluctuated so much in the past. While this is the first time in a long while that your tests have come back with such positive results, I still can’t predict a definite date. But if you keep this up, there’s a good chance you’ll regain your vision soon. You may even be able to live normally again."

"I see." Zoren rocked his head. "So, I can’t know for sure when I’ll get better."

Doctor Tan smiled, appreciating Zoren’s eagerness. "Mr. Pierson, may I ask why you’re so keen to know?"

"So, I can tell her," Zoren replied immediately. "I’m talking about my wife. I wanted to give her good news, but it seemed I couldn’t do that yet."

"You got married?"

Zoren smiled and leaned back. "She’s been nursing me back to health and giving me all these vitamins. I guess they’re working."

"You’re taking vitamins?" Doctor Tan raised an eyebrow. "What about your prescribed medications?"

"I’m still taking some, but she tossed a few in the trash."

Doctor Tan frowned. While he was glad Zoren’s health seemed to be improving, the medicines were vital for keeping his organs functioning properly. His wife shouldn’t have discarded them.

"Mr. Pierson, can I see the medications you were prescribed?" the doctor asked, wanting to ensure nothing harmful was being taken. He would blame himself if he missed this opportunity to rectify the situation before it got worse.

After all, many people who don’t have any medical degree often act as if they were better than professionals.

"Sure." Zoren nodded and stood up, walking over to his desk. He retrieved a small medicine organizer and returned to his seat. "Here they are."

Even though the pills weren’t in their original bottles, Doctor Tan had no trouble identifying them with their colors, sizes, etc. With decades of experience, he could recognize medications by sight. When he looked at the pills in the organizer, his brow furrowed.

’These are vitamins,’ he thought, staring at the pills. ’but... these other pills are just placebos.’

Doctor Tan looked up at Zoren, who was smiling. "You’ve been taking these vitamins?"

"They’re not all vitamins. Some are for my organs."

’But none of these are,’ Doctor Tan thought, though he hesitated to say it aloud. It appeared Zoren was experiencing the placebo effect, and that was worth considering.

After a moment of reflection, Doctor Tan remained silent. Zoren’s condition was psychological, but the physical damage to his organs was real, necessitating certain medications.

’Placebos are often used in clinical trials and play a crucial role during them,’ Doctor Tan mused inwardly. ’The placebo effect demonstrates the fascinating connection between the mind and body, a phenomenon we still don’t fully understand.’

Doctor Tan glanced at the test results again. They were significantly better than the previous ones. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the difference between before and now was shockingly drastic.

’Replacing all his medications with placebos...’ Doctor Tan furrowed his brow as his gaze returned to the medicine organizer. He squinted and leaned forward, tipping his thin-framed glasses to get a closer look at one particular pill mixed in with the rest.

"This pill..." he muttered, eyes widening as he looked at Zoren. "Mr. Pierson, may I take a closer look at this one?"

"Sure. I have plenty more of them. Feel free to take one."

"Plenty more?" Doctor Tan repeated, confused. He didn’t dwell on it and instead pulled out a handkerchief to pick up the pill. He examined it closely.

Within minutes, his eyes widened in shock. His mouth fell open as he looked at Zoren with astonishment.

"Mr. Pierson, where did you get this pill?"

"Why? Is something wrong with it?" Zoren tilted his head.

"No, nothing’s wrong," Doctor Tan replied, his voice tinged with excitement. "But this pill... Mr. Pierson, may I take this with me?"

Zoren frowned. "Why?"

"I need to confirm something. But don’t worry. If this pill is what I think it is, you should be just fine."

"Is that so?" Zoren rocked his head again. "Well, if you say so. Then fine."

Doctor Tan cleared his throat before he scooted closer to Zoren. "Mr. Pierson, did your wife give this to you?"

"Yes."

"Then can I meet her?"

"No." Zoren’s answer was quick but without any displeasure. "But I’m sure you’ll meet her someday. Though I’m curious, Doctor Tan — what’s so special about this pill? You sound excited for some reason."

Doctor Tan smiled and looked down. ’If this pill is the miracle drug that made headlines in the healthcare industry years ago, it could lead me to the legendary and most respected doctor who created it.’

"I’ll tell you once I confirm it, Mr. Pierson," he replied, but the look in his eyes was already a giveaway that he was almost certain this was the legendary miracle pill everyone would pay a fortune to get.