Chapter 380 Cruz finally stood up

On the morning of October 31st, all the Crook family members arrived.

I gave Cruz acupressure treatment to clear his meridians and encourage him to get out of bed. He was full of confidence. The nurses wiped him down and dressed him in new clothes.

An important feature is that he has gained about ten pounds more than before, his skin has become plumper, and his face has a rosy complexion.

A nurse and I helped him sit up on the edge of the bed, while another nurse put on his shoes. Together we helped him stand and fixed crutches under his arms.

I encouraged him: "One, two, three, begin."

He carefully took his left foot. Using the support of his crutch, he took his right foot, then his left. The room erupted in applause.

“Walk boldly, let your feet bear the weight, and don’t rely too much on the crutches.”

Tang Man provided simultaneous translation.

"Go, go boldly, go to the living room first." Tang Man stood in front, backing away while smiling and waving at Cruz.

Cruz moved slowly, out of the outer room and into the living room. The Crook family also moved slowly, chatting excitedly as they walked.

Cruz finally reached the living room. He looked around, as if looking at a place he hadn't seen in a long time.

I said aloud the sentence I had practiced over and over last night:

"Let's go see the sun together."

When they heard this English sentence, everyone applauded.

Cruz gathered his strength again and walked towards the golden hall outside with his crutches.

Every step he made was applauded.

The sunlight was already shining on the corridor outside. Cruz saw that he did not stop, his neck red, and he was still walking hard.

He finally reached the corridor. The next step was to go down three steps to the open air. Two nurses, including Crook, went up to help him and protect him.

They carefully escorted Cruz down the stairs. In the open air courtyard, Phil had already directed a group of people to set up tables and chairs. The tables were filled with various sweets and champagne.

Cruz, a man of great pride, paused and glanced at the nurses standing on either side. The two nurses moved a little further away from him. He walked straight towards the largest chair in the middle.

With the help of the nurse, he finally sat down on the large mahogany chair.

There was a long and enthusiastic applause.

I instructed the two nurses to squat down and massage Cruz's lower limbs. They stood up only after he smiled and nodded, indicating that there was no need for further massage.

Phil directed several maids to stand aside with flowers in their hands. Crook took one of the flowers, walked to Cruz, and bent down to present it.

Tang Man translated: "Dear elder brother, on behalf of my brothers and sisters, I offer you our most sincere blessings. May you recover soon! The sun has risen, shining upon the earth, and also upon your heart, and our hearts."

Cruz took the flowers, nodded, and turned to look at me.

Crook understood, turned around, took another bouquet of flowers, and walked towards me.

"On be half of my family, I would like to pay tribute to you."

Tang Man quickly translated: On behalf of my family, I express my highest respect to you.

I took the flowers and bowed to express my gratitude.

He took another bouquet of flowers and presented it to Tang Man. I couldn't understand what they said to each other. I just saw Tang Man blushing, laughing as she spoke, and bowing slightly.

The maids had already opened the champagne. Everyone stepped forward, each holding a glass. Tang Man indicated that it was my turn to speak.

"Me? Shouldn't this be said by Crook?"

"No. According to the custom here, if a patient's condition improves, the doctor must speak up. This will bring good luck."

I raised my cup and said:

Ladies and Gentlemen, on this sunny morning, I share your joy as we witness Professor Cruz taking his first steps towards happiness. He will only get better. Let us toast to his speedy and complete recovery. Cheers!

I spoke in a mixture of Chinese and English, and everyone understood what I meant as I listened. We raised our glasses and clinked them together.

In the afternoon, we went back to Cruz for acupressure and meridian massage. He said to me, "The sun is the most beautiful."

After Tang Man translated, I nodded and smiled.

Next, he said four words: the same to you

I understood this: You too.

I laughed out loud: "Thank you for your encouragement."

Ten days later, on November 11, Cruz was able to walk independently. He began to walk from his bed room to the living room and then to the outdoor patio. When he got tired, he would sit on the patio.

Tang Man, I, and a nurse accompanied him. The nurse had learned acupressure techniques, and whenever he sat down, she would roll up his trouser legs and apply pressure to his lower limbs.

This kind of acupressure, which loosens the meridians and activates the collaterals, is incredibly soothing and has been very effective in restoring his leg strength. Cruz sat down and was always willing to talk to me. He'd begun to take an interest in China, Chinese medicine, and acupuncture.

We sat side by side, with Tang Man sitting opposite us as our translator. He even joked, pointing at her and saying, "Chinese girl, beautiful."

After he finished speaking, he laughed happily. I said to Tang Man, "Even if Crook doesn't keep you, Cruz will keep you because you are beautiful."

Tang Man's face turned red.

Cruz asked, "What are you talking about?"

Tang Man was stunned for a moment. An idea struck me, and I said, "This yard, the flowers and plants in it, and the house—they're all beautiful."

Tang Man translated it, and Cruz's smile widened. After resting for a while, he headed back to his room. He was going to do muscle recovery exercises indoors, as I'd requested. For example, he'd hold lightweight dumbbells in both hands and work up and down on his arms.

I told the nurse to loosen up his muscles after the exercise.

Walking into the living room, Phil said to me, "Mr. Wan, please provide your account tomorrow. We can pay you the first installment of 3 million."

After Tang Man translated it for me, he looked at me as if he wanted to eat me.

"Okay, I'll provide it."

I thought to myself, Phil, you really can't talk. Can you just say we can pay you the first installment? If you tell me the exact amount, no wonder Tang Man wants to eat me.

On the way back, Tang Man didn't say a word.

I know what she is thinking.

I felt a sense of dread. If she told anyone, I didn't know what the safety and security situation would be like in the Philippines. If I were upstate, I'd really have to hire a bodyguard.

After walking for a while, I took the initiative to say, "Tang Man, let's go sit on the beach in front, okay?"

"Come sit down for a while?"

"Yes, let's chat."

She looked at me strangely, not knowing what I wanted to talk to her about. She didn't ask, and we walked towards the beach together in silence.

(Three chapters today, the last one will be posted soon.)