Luna had made up her mind to change her major.
Among all the options she’d carefully considered, acupuncture was the only one she felt confident she could smoothly graduate from. So, she couldn’t miss the chance.
She gritted her teeth and replied, “I didn’t come to the wrong place. Everything I said is true- I did come here because I admire your reputation. I want to learn acupuncture!”
“Come in then.” Erin gave her a quick glance. She had her mask on, so Luna couldn’t tell if she believed her or not.
Luna nervously entered the treatment room. She thought that although she was changing majors, medical foundations were universal. Over the years, she’d done well in pharmacology and human anatomy, so she should at least be able to follow along.
But when Erin began teaching, she realized how naive she’d been!
What was OT_1? Where exactly was SP 9? Why was lighting incense needed before
acupuncture? Why did the needle need to be inserted slowly and carefully into the acupoint instead of hastily?
There were too many things to remember and be cautious about. It was just an hour, but Luna felt like she’d sat through an entire day of theoretical lectures.
Plus, it was the kind where she couldn’t take notes, and there would be an assessment after class.
By the time Erin had finished her explanation, a thin layer of sweat had formed on Luna’s forehead.
She was terrified of failing the assessment and missing the chance to impress Erin. If that happened, switching majors would be out of the question.
“Well? How much did you remember?” Erin turned to Luna and asked as they were leaving the
treatment room.
Suzie worried that Luna was under pressure and chimed in, “It’s fine. Just say whatever you remember. Professor Wilder won’t scold you since it isn’t easy to memorize so much in such a short time.”
Luna was moved. She knew that if it wasn’t for her, Erin wouldn’t have gone into such detail during the practical session. Suzie and Rhett were both majoring in the field, so they’d long inemorized all the theoretical knowledge, acupoints, and pharmacology.
Her memory from her past life was right–Erin was indeed a good teacher. Compared to Wilson’s constant yelling, Erin was much more patient during practical sessions.
A warm feeling rose in Luna’s heart, and she became even more determined not to let them
down.
“There were two acupuncture sets. The acupoints in the first set were OT_1, LI 4, GV 24, ST 40, HT 7, LI 11, ST 44, LR 3, ST 36, SP 9, and GV 20.
“The acupoints in the second set involved KI 3, HT 7, KI 7, LI 11, BL 26, LI 4, BL 24, and ST 28.
“The calming incense burned before acupuncture contained patchouli, cinnamon, lavender, and wood. Those are the ones I could recognize by smell.”
After speaking, she looked at Erin nervously and asked, “Professor Wilder, did I get it right?”
“Are you saying you identified the herbs in the calming incense by smell? Is that true?” Erin was surprised.
Luna firmly nodded. “In my sophomore year, I took an elective course in pharmacology. I studied hard for it because I wanted to compete in the school’s pharmacological theory contest and win the prize money.
“Oh, no wonder your name sounded familiar. You were the one who beat me by taking first place in the championship and that 50–thousand–dollar prize money, right?” Realization dawned on Suzie.
Luna looked apologetic. “I’m sorry, Suzie. I really needed that money back then.”
“Why apologize? You earned it yourself. It’s not like I could’ve taken it from you.” Suzie patted her shoulder and seemed unbothered.
Erin let out a soft snort. “You’re proud even after losing, aren’t you? If I were you, I’d be too embarrassed to bring it up.”
“Exactly. What an embarrassment.” Rhett took off his mask and shot Suzie a cold glance. “Hey! That’s-”
Suzie was about to retort when Erin interrupted “Enough. You two go have lunch. I want to talk to Luna alone.”
Luna stiffened. It seemed like Erin had heard everything and knew that she hadn’t been sent here by the school.
“Don’t be scared. If you’re really interested in learning, tell her the truth. If that doesn’t work, act cute a little. You’re pretty, so she’s bound to say yes.” Suzie winked at Luna before getting dragged away by Rhett.
Now, only Erin and her were left in the room, and Luna felt the nerves creeping back in.
“I’m sorry I lied, Professor Wilder. I wasn’t assigned here as a school intern. Before this, I’d never even taken your class,”
Chapter 3
Erin gestured for Luna to take a seat. “You did take pharmacology, didn’t you? That still counts as attending one of my courses.
“Don’t be nervous. Few students choose this major, and I’m always willing to teach if someone truly wants to learn with good intentions.
SO
“But that pharmacology contest was two years ago. You said you were a sophomore then, by now, you should be in the second semester of your senior year. That means you’ve started your internship, yes?
“At this point, changing majors isn’t easy. Why do you want to switch now?”
Luna didn’t hesitate to tell the truth. “I failed the exam to join Professor Hanley’s research team. That means I’ll have to find another internship, which goes against my original plan for that major.
“Instead of settling for something I don’t want, I’d rather switch to a field where I can excel!”
Erin nodded. “Professor Hanley is the top domestic expert in his field. If you can’t enter his. team, it’ll be tough to achieve much in that major
“But this major isn’t as simple as you might think. What makes you think you can excel in my field?” There was a brief flash of sharpness in Erin’s eyes as she said the last sentence.
Luna knew that if she didn’t answer well, she wouldn’t just fail to learn acupuncture, she might also offend Erin.
She took a deep breath and sincerely replied, “I’m not saying I’ll definitely be the best in this field, but based on my electives over the past few years, acupuncture is my best option if I want to switch.
“Also, I’ve looked into the future prospects of traditional treatment in the country. If I dedicate myself to the major, I believe I can achieve results that may not be inferior to the students Professor Hanley trains!”
Erin’s serious expression cracked into a smile. “You’re quite the talker. Are you saying I’m better than Professor Hanley?
“You should know that this is the most unpopular major in the entire medical school. Few people advance to obtain a PhD in this field, but it’s a completely different story with Professor Hanley.
“His classes are so in demand that students have to fight to register. Those who enter his team can even go straight to the national research institutes upon graduation.
“You failed the test, but you can always try again. But if you change majors now, there’s no going back Are you sure this is what you want?”
Luna firmly replied, “Yes, I’ve thought it through. Acupuncture may be niche, but that means fewer students and more chances to stand out.
Chaise B
“There’s a reason you’re just as well–known as Professor Hanley in our country. I believe I’ve made the right choice!!
Erin looked at Luna for a moment longer and said, “You can stay, but you’ll have to pass the finals before I sign your internship acceptance form.”
Luna breathed a small sigh of relief, only to hear Erin add, “You got all the acupoints correct for both sets, which shows good memory and comprehension. For the finals, I expect more than just a passing grade. You need to excel!”
Luna gritted her teeth. “Sure. Starting now, may I stay by your side?”
