Conrad was momentarily taken aback by the question, silently cursing himself for being there at his mentor''s behest.


    Of course, he couldn''t admit that out loud. Clearing his throat, he murmured with a tinge of guilt, "Even he''s at a loss."


    "If even your mentor can''t figure it out, then it really must be a tough case. Don''t beat yourself up about it; whether it''s Eastern or Western medicine, no one can promise a miracle cure," David reassured him.


    As a seasoned physician, David had seen his fair share of such scenarios.


    But Conrad wasn''t looking for David''s pity. Normally, hearing those words would signal him to back off, but this time was different because it involved Romero.


    Taking a step closer, Conrad offered the medical records, saying, "This patient is a friend''s father. Could you, David, take a quick look at the test results?"


    David nodded, "Alright, let me have a look."


    He took the file, and Conrad exhaled with relief.


    David skimmed through the records in just a few minutes before looking up. "What have you been treating him with?"


    "Just some immune-boosting herbs," Conrad replied, listing a few ingredients.


    David stroked his beard thoughtfully and said, "The form you''ve been using is quite strong. It''s no surprise it caused issues for someone in their seventies."


    Conrad hadn''t anticipated that David would zero in on the problem so quickly. After a pause, he asked, "Is there anything we can do?"


    David shook his head, "Judging by the data, it''s tough. Even with top-level medication, the oue might not change much. The patient''s already gone through a bone marrow transnt and had an allergic reaction during recovery, which did considerable damage."


    Conrad''s face fell.


    David nced at him, shaking his head slightly. Conrad had potential, but he was too hasty, using treatments without proper caution.


    "I can''t do much for your patient. It''s gettingte, and I have a flight to catch," David said, checking his watch.


    Conrad forced a smile, "Is there really nothing that can be done? The patient is Donald from the Cunningham family. I''m worried about how this might affect the association."


    David''s friendly demeanor shifted to something more serious, "You knew the risks and still went ahead. That''s on you."


    David''s sharp tone made Conrad flinch. Looking up, he saw a piercing gaze that seemed to see right through him, even more so than his mentor''s.


    He quickly lowered his head, avoiding David''s eyes.


    He had overlooked one thing: David was the president of the association. Anyone


    in that position wasn''t to be underestimated.


    The kindness only extended as long as there were no mistakes.


    Trying to leverage the association''s reputation was a grave error.


    "I''m sorry, President. This was my fault," Conrad admitted quietly, sounding genuinely remorseful.


    David shook his head, "Be more careful next time."


    Conrad bowed his head even lower.


    David wasn''t thrilled about dealing with Conrad''s blunder but didn''t want it to tarnish the association''s reputation either, so he flipped through the medical records again.