Chapter 022: What a Strange Method

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When Helen Cho heard that Wilson Fisk had come to her for medical help, she wasn't surprised. In fact, several people like Fisk had approached her in the past few days. Over the past two weeks, Helen had treated numerous conditions that, while not life-threatening, were notoriously difficult to cure, such as "rheumatoid arthritis" and "varicose veins." She had also cured conditions like paralysis and leukemia—diseases that were definitive human killers and considered incurable.

Initially, the patients came from her personal network, including friends and relatives of the research center staff. But as Helen's reputation grew, her influence spread like wildfire.

Despite repeatedly urging her patients to keep a low profile and not spread the word, such news was impossible to contain. Helen's fame soared uncontrollably. Every day, more people showed up seeking her help.

Naturally, Helen didn't turn anyone away. And she had no intention of refusing Wilson Fisk either.

"Mr. Fisk, may I ask what illness your wife is suffering from?"

Seeing the urgency on his face, Helen skipped any unnecessary pleasantries and got straight to the point.

"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure," Fisk shook his head, his face clouded with pain as if recalling a traumatic event. "Last night, I was hosting a party. Vanessa was very happy, and everything was perfect. But suddenly, she collapsed to the floor, foaming at the mouth…"

Fisk briefly recounted what had happened at the party. 

Yes, Fisk's woman and Deadpool's woman shared the same name. Sometimes, the world just worked in mysterious ways.

Although Helen Cho wasn't a practicing doctor, her expertise in biological nanotechnology had given her some knowledge of common diseases.

From her judgment, it didn't seem like Vanessa was ill—it seemed more like poisoning.

However, Helen had never dealt with poisoning cases before. But even so, she felt confident. After all, she had cured so many so-called incurable diseases; poisoning should be manageable.

"Dr. Cho, time is of the essence. Will you come with me? Regardless of the outcome, I, Wilson Fisk, will be forever in your debt," Fisk pleaded, his voice almost begging.

Helen didn't recognize Fisk and had yet to learn how significant his promise was. But with a healer's instinct, she immediately agreed.

"Mr. Fisk, lead the way," she said, standing up without hesitation.

"Dr. Cho, shouldn't you prepare some equipment?" Wesley, Fisk's assistant, couldn't help but ask. Usually, doctors brought their equipment when making house calls, didn't they? How else would they conduct examinations?

"I don't need anything. Let's go!" Helen replied briskly.

Though still somewhat puzzled, Fisk didn't press further. As New York's most powerful underground figure, Fisk had a broader perspective than most. He had chosen to trust Helen Cho and wouldn't second-guess his decision.

The group quickly left the research center, where Fisk's men had already prepared a car. They sped to an upscale clinic in Hell's Kitchen, where Vanessa was lying in bed.

Vanessa lay on the bed with her eyes closed, her face as pale as paper, devoid of any color, and extremely weak. She was hooked up to a ventilator, her breathing barely visible through the fog on the mask. 

Fisk had already summoned the best doctors he could find before seeking out Helen Cho, but they could only manage to keep Vanessa alive. Her condition would leave her in constant pain for the rest of her life, something Fisk found unacceptable. Desperate, he had mobilized all his resources to find a solution, which led him to Helen.

"Dr. Cho, if you need anything, just say the word. I'll have it ready immediately," Fisk whispered, afraid of disturbing Vanessa.

"Mr. Fisk, that won't be necessary; I can begin now," Helen replied, dismissing his concerns. And then, without any hesitation, she pulled back Vanessa's covers and grasped her hand.

"…"

"…"

Fisk and Wesley were stunned.

What was Dr. Cho doing?

Was this her way of examining Vanessa?

This method was unheard of—almost bizarre. The two men exchanged bewildered glances, unsure what to make of it.

"I'm about to begin, Mr. Fisk. Please ensure I'm not disturbed," Helen said seriously.

She had already used her abilities to thoroughly scan Vanessa's body, fully understanding her condition, and was confident she could heal her. This would be a relatively easy task for her.

"Dr. Cho, of course. Please, go ahead," Fisk agreed, despite his doubts. At this point, there was nothing to lose by letting Dr. Cho try. Even if it didn't work, the worst that could happen was Vanessa getting her hand held by another woman. There was nothing to worry about.

Without further delay, Helen began using her powers to repair Vanessa's damaged body bit by bit.

The room fell silent, with only the sound of IV drips breaking the stillness. Fisk and Wesley watched intently as Helen "touched" Vanessa, too nervous to even breathe, fearing they might interrupt the process.

The procedure didn't take long. After about three minutes, Vanessa opened her eyes. Her face had regained its color, and she looked vibrant and full of energy.

Feeling someone holding her hand, she looked around in confusion.

"Excuse me, but… Wilson?" She trailed off when she saw Fisk standing nearby, trembling with emotion.