Chapter 748: I’ll take the risk

Meanwhile...

Zoren rolled down his sleeve after multiple checkups, which included getting his blood drawn. However, even before the results, he and Doctor Tan were already certain that the results would be good.

"You seem to be doing well, Mr. Pierson," Doctor Tan expressed with a smile, assessing not just Zoren’s appearance but also the chart in his hand. "You’ve gained quite a lot of weight."

"I’ve been training with my brother-in-law," Zoren smiled. "He’s the one who designed my routine with my condition in mind."

Doctor Tan smiled appreciatively. "I guess your in-laws and wife are good people."

"Good is an understatement," Zoren was quick to correct. "I’m grateful for them. They’re a blessing I didn’t know I needed."

The smile on Doctor Tan’s face brightened. For the first time, he heard Zoren talk about someone so positively. Aside from his grandmother, Zoren usually dismissed any discussions about his family or anyone. Not that Doctor Tan was unaware of Zoren’s relationship with the rest of his family.

"Then we’ll proceed to our last check-up," Doctor Tan announced, watching Zoren nod. "I’m turning off the lights, alright?"

With that, Doctor Tan held the remote and turned off the lights in his office. He then pressed another button, revealing a projected eye chart on the wall.

"Recite the letters in order—top to bottom," instructed the doctor, which Zoren didn’t find new.

"E. E. P..."

As instructed, Zoren read the letters from top to bottom. However, his voice faltered in the fifth row. He squinted, having difficulty distinguishing the small letters. Even so, he guessed.

"Can you read the next row?"

Zoren didn’t answer immediately, trying his best to make out what letter was there in the next row. "I can’t," he breathed out in disappointment.

"Zoren, when you first had this problem, you could barely read the second row," Doctor Tan reminded him with a helpless smile. "I’ll show you some other slides."

"Alright."

As usual, Doctor Tan patiently tested Zoren’s eyesight. Although Zoren was disappointed by it, the doctor couldn’t share the sentiment. After all, Zoren was getting better faster than expected.

"All done!" Doctor Tan announced, pressing a button on the remote that switched on the lights. His mouth stretched from ear to ear, pleased with the result of the eye check-up. "Mr. Pierson, are you still taking the medicine your wife gave you?"

"Of course," Zoren nodded. "She would forget everything else, but that."

"Haha. She sounds like she cares about you a lot."

"Is it surprising for a wife to care for her husband?"

"Of course not." Doctor Tan cleared his throat. "By the way, Mr. Pierson, this is your last test. So far, we’ve been seeing improvements. If you continue with the vitamins and medications, plus a healthy amount of exercise, you’ll be seeing again in no time."

Zoren remained quiet while nodding in understanding. Now that the business matters were done, Doctor Tan cleared his throat.

"Mr. Pierson, about the person who gave the medicine to your wife..." he trailed off when Zoren suddenly spoke.

"Doctor, can I request something?"

Doctor Tan’s brows rose, confused. "What is it, Mr. Pierson?"

"Can you... hypnotize me?"

"What?"

"Although I am getting better both physically, emotionally, and mentally, I can’t go on living without seeing my wife’s face," Zoren explained sternly. "If I can rewrite this brain of mine through hypnotism or, if you allow it, shock it with electricity to fix it, then I’d like to do that."

Deep lines appeared between Doctor Tan’s brows as he stared at Zoren in disbelief. "Mr. Pierson, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but is that really the reason? Or are you anxious because today’s the family meeting and your eye problems might come up?"

"My eye problems aren’t that important in doing my work."

"Mr. Pierson, your eye problems are the biggest dilemma right now. After all, every piece of paper that goes in and out of your office is valuable. One bad document that goes in and comes out of your office with your signature can incite a huge problem for everyone," Doctor Tan argued solemnly. "I’m only saying this because it’s dangerous if we try something else, considering your body has just started recovering from all the mental and physical strain it endured."

In other words, even if Doctor Tan shocked Zoren’s brain with a little bit of electricity, it wouldn’t work. They had tried it before, and it did nothing for Zoren. As for the hypnotism, it wasn’t that simple.

"Moreover, I am not an expert in that," the doctor added with a sigh. "I can recommend you a specialist, but I must tell you that it could reverse your progress."

Doctor Tan felt uncomfortable, knowing Zoren was stubborn at times. Hence, he leaned forward a little, as if that would make Zoren feel his deep sincerity.

"We’ve been trying to go all-natural, and with the medicines and vitamins your wife has given you, you’ll get better in no time," he continued quietly but clearly. "Mr. Pierson, you just have to be a little bit more patient. It’s not worth the risk."

Zoren cast his eyes down, keeping quiet for a while. "I understand your concern, but if not you, I’ll find someone who won’t question my request." That wasn’t impossible for Zoren to do. "I want to try."

"Mr. Pierson..." Doctor Tan trailed off, studying the determined look on Zoren’s face. He had been Zoren’s doctor for years and had grown accustomed to his personality. This look on Zoren’s face only told him the latter was convinced to take this risk.

Another heavy sigh escaped Doctor Tan, and his expression turned solemn. "Mr. Pierson, I’ll warn you one last time. Hypnosis isn’t a simple matter. For some, it might be easy with no side effects, but considering your mind and how it works, it could be very dangerous for you. It might lead you elsewhere and unearth all the memories you’ve buried at the back of your head."

"I’m saying... you might have to start over again if that happens," Doctor Tan added, stressing each word. "Will you take that risk?"

"..." Zoren pressed his mouth into a thin line, but deep in his heart, he knew he could rewire his mind. "When I started getting better, I told myself that I should recover fully before or on the day of the family meeting. Although I do not fear what could happen at the family meeting, I’ve been waiting long enough."

Slowly, Zoren lifted his eyes to meet Doctor Tan’s. "I’ll take the risk, Doctor. Though I’m certain I’m not going to start from scratch again, so do not worry."