My 1995 Small Farm.

Chen Ling gently rinsed the cleaned wound with saline solution.

Then sprinkle on the hemostatic and tissue-regenerating medicine powder that Wang Susu usually prepares, mainly composed of Panax notoginseng powder and borneol, and wrap it with new sterile gauze.

"The first cleaning went fairly smoothly."

Chen Ling took off his gloves and said to the excited Professor Li and his wife.

"The removal of necrotic tissue is relatively thorough, which is conducive to the growth of new tissue."

"But this won't be resolved in one go; depending on the situation, it may require two or three more cleanings."

"During this period, I also took herbal medicine, both internally and externally, prescribed by my wife to help reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration."

"Okay! Okay! I'll do whatever you say! Mr. Chen, you're amazing!"

Professor Li held Chen Ling's hand tightly, tears streaming down his face.

Li's mother was about to bow to Chen Ling when Chen Ling quickly stopped her.

Li Bin lay on the bed, looking at his arm that had been re-bandaged.

Although I still can't move, the swelling, pain, and itching that had lasted for months have been greatly reduced.

An indescribable sense of relief made him let out a long sigh, and his gaze toward Chen Ling was filled with gratitude and hope.

"Brother Chen, I am deeply grateful. If you ever need my help in the future, I, Li Bin, will not hesitate to ask."

"You are welcome."

Chen Ling smiled faintly, thinking to himself that he was also being paid.

He then turned around and began packing his medicine kit.

This was the first time maggot therapy had been used on humans. Although he was confident that it wouldn't cause any bad effects, he wasn't sure if the results were as significant as later rumors suggested.

Chen Ling packed his medical kit and was about to take his leave when Professor Li rushed forward and stopped him, his face full of excitement and earnestness:

"Mr. Chen! Mr. Chen! Please wait! This... this is too good to let you go to all this trouble for nothing! You must accept our consultation fee!"

As he spoke, he hurriedly pulled a bulging envelope from the inner pocket of his Zhongshan suit; judging by its thickness, the amount was considerable. He insisted on handing it to Chen Ling.
"This is just a small token of my appreciation, please don't think it's too little! Please feel free to ask for the follow-up treatments!"

Chen Ling gently pushed open the envelope, his tone calm yet firm: "Professor Li, you're too kind. I can't accept this money now."

He paused, looked at Li Bin on the hospital bed whose eyes had regained their light, and explained, "The treatment has just begun. We'll need to observe for a few more days to see how effective it is."

"Once Li Bin's wound condition stabilizes, new tissue begins to grow, and scar contraction shows significant improvement, we can discuss the consultation fee later."

"It's too early to collect money now."

His attitude of not seeking credit or personal gain moved Professor Li and his wife to tears.

Professor Li rubbed his hands, his eyes reddening again: "This...this is so kind of you...to make you come all this way..."

Li's mother quickly added, "Mr. Chen, the consultation fee can wait, but you've come all this way, you should at least have a meal!"

"Tonight, we'd like to invite you and your family for a simple dinner! Please give us a chance to express our gratitude!"

Chen Ling smiled and shook his head, politely declining, "Aunt Li, I appreciate your and Professor Li's kindness. But there's really no need to trouble yourself."

"Your most important task now is to keep an eye on Li Bin and observe his reactions, especially tonight. His wound may change; whether it itches or hurts, feels cold or hot, you need to pay close attention."

“I understand how you parents feel at this time. There’s really no rush to eat.”

His words were so reasonable and considerate, showing he was completely on the side of the patient's family. This warmed the hearts of Professor Li and his wife, making them feel even more embarrassed.

Just then, Professor Li caught a glimpse of Chen Ling throwing the wooden box containing the used, plump, milky-white maggots, which had swelled to almost four or five times their original size, along with the herbs lining it, into the medical waste bin in the corner.

"Mr. Chen, these... these 'medicinal ingredients'... we don't need them?"

Professor Li asked in surprise, thinking that such a magical thing should be very precious and would be reused.

Li's mother also noticed it and looked equally surprised.

Chen Ling clapped his hands and said calmly, "Professor Li, each of these specially cultivated sterile maggots is extremely precious. The cultivation process is very complicated and difficult, requiring many special medicinal materials and environments."

"But they have one characteristic: they are for single use only."

“After eating rotten meat, bacteria will remain in their bodies. For absolute safety and to prevent cross-infection, they must never be reused.”

"Therefore, each treatment requires the consumption of a new batch."

As he spoke, he closed the wooden box and threw it into the yellow trash can labeled "medical waste" without hesitation.

Professor Li suddenly realized, his face showing a mixture of extreme regret and admiration: "So that's how it is! A one-time use... My God, the cost..."

"Brother Zhao vaguely mentioned in his letter that some doctors abroad have tried similar 'maggot therapy'."

"But it seems... the effect is not good, and it may even cause more serious infections. Is it because the bacterial problem cannot be solved?"

Chen Ling nodded, fastening the medicine box as he explained in simple terms, "You're right. This idea has been around for a long time."

"It is said that during the American Civil War, military doctors discovered that some wounds on the battlefield that had been 'cleaned' with maggots actually healed faster."

"But the biggest problem has remained unsolved—the bacteria carried by the maggots themselves, and the problem of them excreting while eating."

He picked up the medicine box, looked at Professor Li and his wife, and said with an unquestionable confidence: "Ordinary maggots, even when cultivated in a relatively clean environment, are difficult to completely eliminate pathogens from their body surface and intestines."

"Once it is inserted into a wound, it can easily cause secondary infection or even sepsis, posing a great risk."

"Therefore, this method has always been regarded as 'barbaric' and 'unscientific' and has been rejected by mainstream medicine."

"And me..."

Chen Ling pointed to the trash can: "It would be more appropriate to call it 'biological debridement therapy.' The key is the word 'sterile.'"

"I have a unique recipe here. From the selection of eggs and the incubation environment to the purification of food throughout the growth process, I control every step to ensure that the maggots I cultivate are in a near-sterile state."

"Their gut microbiota is greatly suppressed or modified, so that when they gnaw on carrion, they hardly introduce new sources of infection. Instead, they can precisely remove necrotic tissue, and their saliva secretions also contain components that promote the growth of granulation tissue."

"But it is precisely because the cultivation conditions are extremely demanding that the success rate is low and the cost is very high."

These words were clearly and logically explained, clarifying the principles and highlighting the value of the points, which made Professor Li and his wife nod repeatedly.

The initial unease I felt because of the "maggots" was completely replaced by shock and conviction.

It turns out that this seemingly "absurd" method actually has such profound principles and unimaginable sacrifices behind it!

Especially when combined with the immediate results just now, this is the best proof.

Professor Li's eyes lit up as he listened, as if a new world had opened up for him. He exclaimed repeatedly, "So that's how it is! So that's how it is! Sterile maggots! While feeding on rotting flesh, their excrement can also have a beneficial effect on wounds!"

"This...this is simply turning the rotten into the miraculous!"

"Mr. Chen, this is not just medical skill, it's simply... a miracle of bioengineering!"

Li's mother was completely convinced, looking at Chen Ling as if she were looking at Hua Tuo reincarnated.

At this moment, outside the treatment room, Deputy Director Wang, who had been eavesdropping with his arms crossed, intending to see how the "conman" would get away with it, was already dumbfounded!
Although he had just been "invited" out by Professor Li, out of professional habit and a slight reluctance, he did not go far and quietly observed through the glass window on the door.

Chen Ling's skillful and steady technique in cleaning the wound, the visible "cleanliness" of Li Bin's wound, and the later vague explanation about "sterile maggots"...

Every piece of information struck his understanding like a heavy hammer! As a doctor with formal medical training and a belief in modern Western medicine, he was well aware of the stubbornness of wound infection and the difficulty of scar contracture after severe burns.

The hospital's current methods can only control infection and barely save the limb; they are often powerless to restore function and appearance.

The young man in front of us used such an unheard-of, seemingly "backward" or even "absurd" method, yet he achieved such remarkable and even miraculous results!

This completely overturned his decades-long medical knowledge!
"Sterile maggots... biological debridement... If... if this is true... this is a major breakthrough in the field of burn treatment!"

Deputy Director Wang was overwhelmed with shock and shame, his face burning with embarrassment at his previous arbitrariness and contempt.

Only then did he realize that he might have really missed the opportunity to meet a "master"!

A remarkable person who may possess cutting-edge technology!

He desperately wanted to rush in immediately, apologize to Chen Ling, and ask for more details.

But when he thought about his attitude just now, and the obvious reluctance of Professor Li and his wife to be disturbed, he hesitated again.

His feet seemed to be made of lead, rooted to the spot. His face turned pale and then flushed, and his heart was filled with regret and shock.

Inside the treatment room, Chen Ling was completely unaware of, and utterly indifferent to, the inner thoughts of Deputy Director Wang outside the door.

He picked up his medicine kit and gave Professor Li and his wife, who were still excited and grateful, a final word: "Professor Li, Aunt Li, that's all for today."

"Keep the wound dry and clean, and I'll check on it again at this time tomorrow."

"Take the herbal medicine, both internally and externally, and change the dressings as needed."

"This herbal medicine was prepared by my wife. In addition to commonly used burn ointments, it also contains badger oil, which is effective for burns."

"Okay! Okay! We will definitely listen to you!" Professor Li and his wife nodded repeatedly, as if they were receiving a royal decree.

"Then I'll head back now; my family is waiting for me."

Chen Ling smiled, turned around and opened the door to the treatment room.

As soon as the door opened, I was met with Deputy Director Wang's incredibly complex, hesitant face.

Chen Ling merely glanced at him indifferently and nodded slightly, which was considered a greeting.

He walked straight through the corridor toward the stairwell, his back straight and composed.

Deputy Director Wang opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing. He simply watched Chen Ling disappear around the corner of the stairs, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Professor Li followed him out and, seeing Deputy Director Wang's distraught appearance, naturally understood what he was thinking.

But he only sighed softly, said nothing, turned around and went back to the treatment room, carefully closing the door behind him.

At this moment, nothing was more important to him than his son's wound, which was showing signs of life again.

Chen Ling, who brought about all this change, was already like a savior to him.

"Director Wang...Should we...go in?"

On the other side, an intern asked in a low voice, his face also full of disbelief.

Deputy Director Wang opened his mouth, but ultimately waved his hand dejectedly and said in a low voice, "...Let's go, don't disturb Professor Li and the others. Today...no one is allowed to spread what they saw and heard today!"

With mixed feelings, he took one last look at the door, filled with shock and an indescribable sense of loss, and quietly left.

After leaving the People's Hospital, Chen Ling carried his old medicine box, but he did not go straight back to the guesthouse.

Instead, they turned a few corners and headed towards the faculty and staff residential area located on the west side of Nantai University.

I arrived at my house in the city and started tidying up.

They live in Chenwangzhuang year-round, only staying here a few days a year. Every time they come back, they have to tidy up the place properly first.

Pushing open that familiar, slightly peeling iron gate, a faint smell of dust wafted out.

Several drought-resistant cacti stubbornly remained green.

The furniture inside was covered with a thin layer of dust.

"Oh well, another big clean-up."

Chen Ling smiled, put down the medicine box, rolled up his sleeves, found a broom, rag, and bucket from behind the door, and started to get busy.

He worked efficiently, first opening the windows for ventilation, then sprinkling water to suppress the dust, and then carefully sweeping and wiping from top to bottom and inside to outside.

Sunlight streamed through the clean glass windows, illuminating the simple yet cozy furnishings inside.

It took nearly three hours to finally bring the house inside and out to a clean and tidy state, restoring it to its former neat appearance.

After boiling a kettle of water and brewing a cup of homemade wild mountain tea, Chen Ling sat on a clean wooden chair, listening to the faint sounds of the university campus outside the window. Only then did he feel truly settled.

As evening approached, he figured Wang Susu and the children must be hungry, so he locked the door, went to a nearby deli, bought some braised meat and sesame cakes, cut half a salted duck, wrapped it in oil paper, and also bought some refreshing side dishes and a large bowl of wontons.

Only then did he return to the guesthouse carrying his large and small bags.

Sure enough, as soon as I entered the room, I saw Wang Susu coaxing Lele, who was a little fussy, while watching Rui Rui and Wang Zhenzhen play hopscotch in the room.

He drew on the ground with chalk.

Kang Kang crawled around on the bed, swaying from side to side, making "ah ah" noises.

"You're back? How was it? Did everything go smoothly?"

When Wang Susu saw her husband, she asked him with concern.

"Yes, it went more smoothly than expected."

Chen Ling placed the food on the table, briefly explained the situation at the hospital, omitting details such as Deputy Director Wang's questions, and only focused on the initial results of the maggot debridement and the gratitude of Professor Li's family.

"It's good that it works; it's a good deed." Wang Susu breathed a sigh of relief, a gratified smile appearing on her face.

"Daddy! I'm hungry! Time to eat!" Rui Rui smelled the aroma and immediately abandoned the chalk squares, rushing over to hug Chen Ling's leg.

"Little glutton, go wash your hands! Zhenzhen, take Ruirui to wash his hands, it's time to eat," Chen Ling said with a smile.

The family sat around a small table, enjoying a simple dinner.

Chen Ling said she has already packed up her apartment near Nantai University and will move there tomorrow.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be right for me to stay in a guesthouse all the time while I'm experimenting with maggot therapy these past few days, since I have a home here.

"Guesthouses are really inconvenient; home is much more comfortable."

“You can cook for yourselves there, and it’s close to the new campus of Southern Taiwan University. The sports field and library are quite nice. I’ll take you there tomorrow. Rui Rui and Zhen Zhen will definitely like it.”

"Great! Let's go to university!"

Wang Zhenzhen was the first to cheer; she had always longed for university campuses.

Rui Rui clapped his hands, imitating his aunt, and shouted, "Go to university! Rui Rui wants to go to school!"

Wang Susu also thought it was a good idea: "Okay, I'll listen to you. It's more convenient to cook at home, and it's not good to always eat out."

So, early the next morning, Chen Ling and his family checked out of the guesthouse and moved back home. (End of Chapter)