The room was filled with a tense silence as Jamie Fraser began his examination of the young patient, Xiaohu. His hands moved with a surprising deftness and certainty, given his usual role as a security guard at Wellington Pharmaceuticals. Bella Swan, the CEO, watched with a mix of skepticism and hope, while Elizabeth Bennet, the patients sister, held her breath, her eyes filled with desperate hope.
Jamies fingers pressed gently on various points of Xiaohus body, his brow furrowed in concentration. Suddenly, he stopped and turned to the doctor. "May I have a set of acupuncture needles, please?" he asked.
The doctor, taken aback, hesitated for a moment before nodding and providing the requested needles. Jamie returned his attention to Xiaohu, his hands working with a precision that was almost mesmerizing. He inserted the needles at specific points on Xiaohus body, his actions confident and deliberate.
Bill Compton, the uncle of the young patient, watched with a mix of confusion and growing anxiety. "What are you doing?" he demanded. "Youre not a doctor. You have no right to be treating my nephew."
Jamie ignored him, his focus entirely on his task. After a few moments, he removed the needles and turned to Elizabeth. "Your brother is not in a coma due to any medical condition," he announced. "He has been feigning death, or at least, made to appear so."
Elizabeths eyes widened in shock. "What? How is that possible?" she asked.
Jamie explained, "There is an ancient Chinese medical technique that can induce a state similar to death by using a specific acupuncture method. It lowers the bodys vital signs to a point where they are nearly undetectable. In the past, without modern medical equipment, someone in this state would be considered dead."
He continued, "However, in modern times, with the aid of medical technology, these vital signs can still be detected, albeit faintly. Its a form of suspended animation, if you will."
Bella stepped forward, her expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. "Are you saying someone deliberately did this to Xiaohu?" she asked.
Jamie nodded. "It appears that way. The needles I removed were placed with precision, indicating a knowledgeable hand. This was not an accident."
Bills face paled, and he stammered, "Thats... thats preposterous. Who would do such a thing?"
Jamies gaze swept over Bill, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Thats a very good question, Mr. Compton. I suggest we find out who stands to gain from Xiaohus apparent death."
At that moment, Xiaohus eyes fluttered open, and he looked around, disoriented. "Sister?" he croaked, his voice weak.
Elizabeth rushed to his side, tears of relief streaming down her face. "Xiaohu, youre awake! Thank God!"
Bella turned to Jamie, her expression one of gratitude and respect. "How can I ever thank you? Youve just saved this boys life and potentially uncovered a serious crime."
Jamie shook his head, a modest smile on his face. "No need for thanks. Im just glad I could help."
As the room erupted into relieved chatter, Jamie quietly made his way out of the room. He had a feeling this was just the beginning, and he was determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.