Catherine was the first of the three to react.
Du Fei's words, coupled with his tone and expression, had stirred something within her for a fleeting moment.
But it was quickly followed by a surge of defiance.
For years, Catherine had never been outdone in anything she did, which was how she had developed her current personality.
Upon realizing this, she let out a chuckle, a charming smile gracing her beautiful face.
"Du Fei, what you've just said is mere sophistry. The reality is, not only abroad but even in your China, Western hospitals are everywhere, while traditional Chinese medicine practitioners are few and far between."
"Furthermore, do you know that without the advanced high-tech medical equipment invented by Western medicine, many critically ill patients would have already died?"
"Do you know that a single ventilator can leave your so-called traditional Chinese medicine in the dust!!"
Though Catherine's words were harsh and her tone aggressive, she was no ignoramus.
A top student from one of Europe's premier medical universities, she was highly sought after by several leading medical groups even before graduation, which was testament to her excellence.
At this moment, her arguments were well-reasoned and difficult to refute.
Gong Chengbin, at least, was left speechless after hearing her, as Catherine was stating facts.
The atmosphere in the room became rather tense.
Luo Wenwen glanced around; she bore some responsibility for this situation, and if the argument continued, it would surely escalate into a conflict.
After a moment of contemplation, Luo Wenwen said, "Alright, alright, Catherine, didn't you say you wanted to try the snacks of Rongcheng? Let Du Fei and Chengbin recommend some for us."
Unexpectedly, Catherine had no intention of giving her good friend face. She continued to stare at Du Fei, her voice aggressively questioning, "They are not my friends. Moreover, the facts are right before us, and some people insist on being stubborn. I despise such people the most!!"
If Catherine's earlier remarks could be considered slightly excessive jokes, then her current words were far beyond the pale.
Therefore, even though Gong Chengbin knew that Catherine was Luo Wenwen's good friend, he did not hesitate to speak up. "Miss Catherine, your words are excessive. I hope you will apologize to my friend!"
Luo Wenwen, who was sitting next to Catherine, also looked at her with a hint of reproach, as her words were indeed quite offensive.
Seeing Gong Chengbin willing to risk offending Luo Wenwen's good friend for his sake, even if it meant potentially jeopardizing his pursuit of Luo Wenwen by Catherine, Du Fei's expression softened with a hint of affirmation. He knew he had made a good friend.
However, Catherine merely tossed her head back, showing no sign of admitting any fault.
"Wenwen, by rights, you grew up abroad too. Since when is speaking the truth considered wrong? Heh."
Catherine remained unyielding. Luo Wenwen, familiar with her personality, could only look at Gong Chengbin with a helpless expression and offer an apologetic gesture.
Just as Gong Chengbin was about to speak again, Du Fei interjected, "Miss Catherine, if what you say is true, then indeed no apology is necessary. But what if it is untrue?"
"Oh? Then please, esteemed TCM master, tell me where I am wrong?"
Catherine deliberately emphasized the words "TCM master," making it clear that she was mocking Du Fei.
"I want to tell you that true traditional Chinese medicine is absolutely beyond the reach of any medical equipment, and your so-called ventilators are no exception!"
Du Fei spoke each word with conviction.
In Catherine's eyes, Du Fei's words were nothing but a flimsy excuse.
She gave a cold smile. "I am stating universally known facts, and what you are saying, can you prove it to us?"
Proving that traditional Chinese medicine was superior to advanced medical equipment on the spot seemed impossible.
Luo Wenwen, upon hearing this, felt that Du Fei would certainly be unable to achieve it.
As for Gong Chengbin, he had absolute faith in Du Fei's medical skills.
His own grandfather had been gravely ill, and despite consulting numerous renowned physicians and visiting the best hospitals in the country, there had been no cure. Yet, Du Fei had healed him in less than a day.
Later, the infertility issue of the Ye Huijuan and Su Hao couple, which had stumped doctors both domestically and internationally, was also resolved by Du Fei.
Du Fei had repeatedly demonstrated his medical prowess by healing people close to Gong Chengbin.
However, Gong Chengbin knew deep down that even if he spoke now, it would be futile, as he was associated with Du Fei, and Catherine would not believe anything he said.
Thus, Gong Chengbin was the most distressed. Unlike Luo Wenwen, who had simply never witnessed Du Fei's medical skills and therefore doubted his claim that TCM could surpass the most advanced medical equipment, he knew the truth.
From her upbringing and education, Luo Wenwen believed that Du Fei was likely trying to save face and had spoken out of embarrassment, hence his assertion.
Knowing the truth but being unable to articulate it, Gong Chengbin was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
In the next moment, the gazes of the three people in the room converged on Du Fei once again.
They all wanted to know how Du Fei would prove his point.
"Miss Luo Wenwen, you recently had appendicitis and underwent surgery, didn't you? And you've been dieting lately."
"Actually, I think your figure is already very good. Excessive dieting can weaken the body."
Du Fei said, looking at Luo Wenwen.
As soon as he finished speaking, Luo Wenwen gasped and covered her mouth.
Her already bright, sparkling eyes widened even further.
At this moment, without Luo Wenwen needing to utter a word, her reaction alone confirmed to everyone that Du Fei was telling the truth.
Gong Chengbin was the first to laugh. He knew Du Fei wouldn't be easily defeated by this foreign woman.
"How about that? How about that? Isn't my brother amazing? Without any examination, just by using the 'wang, wen, wen, qie' of traditional Chinese medicine, specifically 'wang' (observation), he knew! This is far superior to your Western medical equipment!!"
Gong Chengbin felt a surge of triumph. The resentment he had felt from Catherine's earlier taunts vanished completely.
Catherine was initially surprised. However, after her gaze flickered between Luo Wenwen and Gong Chengbin twice, her eyes suddenly lit up.
"I know! Wenwen told you all this beforehand!"
Catherine then looked at Luo Wenwen with an indignant expression, feeling that her good friend had "betrayed" her.
She then became curious. Wenwen, who had always been proud and aloof, had previously treated all men with equal indifference, just like herself.
How was it that now she was so supportive of this man?