Chapter 33: Psychotherapy

The next day, Zhao Qiping woke up in his hotel room to find the girl had already vanished. After a quick wash, he went down to the hotel lobby only to find that Qin Hao was gone as well. He asked the front desk and learned that Qin Hao had left early in the morning.

"Hey, you're really unreliable, leaving me all alone in the hotel."

Hearing the resentful tone in Zhao Qiping's voice over the phone, Qin Hao replied irritably, "Cut it out. Can you stop being so damn gay? Anyone listening would think we slept together last night."

The mere thought of that scene made Zhao Qiping shudder, sending goosebumps down his arms.

"By the way, why did you leave so early? Aren't you going to the boxing gym today?"

Qin Hao curled his lip. "Go by yourself. I have some things to handle. I've arranged a sparring partner for you, so you won't have to suffer today."

"Fine."

"Huh, you sound a bit disappointed. Do you have a masochistic streak or something?"

"Screw you! You're the one with the masochistic streak. Would you die if you weren't so sharp-tongued?"

"Haha~~~"

Qin Hao hung up the phone with a laugh. Through this period of "hands-on teaching," Dr. Zhao had shown a tendency to transition from a repressed personality to a more overt one; he should now be able to withstand the advances of the enchantress Qu.

Qin Hao drove to an apartment building and made a call. Before long, a beautiful woman with an excellent figure and striking looks walked toward him.

"Are you Mr. Qiu?"

"Yes. Hello, Dr. Wen. Please, get in the car."

Sitting in the passenger seat, Dr. Wen observed Qin Hao with curiosity.

As Qin Hao started the engine, he smiled and asked, "Do all psychologists start making a psychological profile of a person the moment they meet them?"

"Sorry, occupational hazard. I'm used to it. My apologies," Dr. Wen said somewhat awkwardly, quickly withdrawing her scrutinizing gaze.

Qin Hao shrugged. "It's fine. I just hope you save your energy for the patient."

Hearing this, Dr. Wen felt he was doubting her professional skills. She quickly replied, "Of course. Since I've taken this job, I will certainly do my utmost to treat him."

Qin Hao said nothing more, inwardly complaining that Old Liu was unreliable for introducing such a young girl. However, since things had come to this, he could only give it a try. If her abilities were lacking, he would treat it as a favor to Old Liu and replace her later.

As a psychologist, Dr. Wen keenly sensed Qin Hao's distrust. She thought to herself that once they arrived, she would use her skills to make him see her in a new light.

Daishan Nursing Home.

Director Xiuyan had been waiting anxiously since early morning when she finally saw Qin Hao's car.

"Director Xiuyan, morning. This is Dr. Wen; she has come specifically to provide psychological treatment for Xiao Ming."

Director Xiuyan shook Dr. Wen's hand warmly. "Dr. Wen, thank you so much for traveling such a long distance. I am truly grateful."

"There's no need for such formalities. Director Xiuyan, please take me to see Xiao Ming." Dr. Wen had reviewed Xiao Ming's files before arriving and felt deep sympathy for the child.

In a small room, Xiao Ming was holding his beloved sketchbook. Director Xiuyan stepped forward to introduce Dr. Wen to him.

Xiao Ming glanced at Dr. Wen and then went back to his drawing, completely immersed in his own world.

Just as Director Xiuyan was about to persuade Xiao Ming, Dr. Wen waved her off to stop her. She sat down opposite Xiao Ming and pointed at his drawing.

"Actually, you want to hide inside your drawings, don't you?"

The brush in Xiao Ming's hand stopped, and a flicker of surprise flashed through his dull eyes.

Dr. Wen spoke in a very soft, gentle voice. "You don't actually have to hide in your drawings; you can be very safe just as you are. Look here."

A small hanging ornament began to swing left and right following Dr. Wen's movements, completely capturing Xiao Ming's attention.

"There is a cloud in front of you. What shape is this cloud? Can you see it?"

"It... it looks like a puppy..."

Seeing that she was performing hypnosis, Qin Hao pulled Director Xiuyan outside.

Though worried, Director Xiuyan was afraid of interrupting the treatment, so she waited by the door.

"Director Xiuyan, has anyone been asking about Xiao Ming lately?" Qin Hao asked to distract her.

Director Xiuyan nodded. "Yes, someone came to ask last week. The age and experiences matched Xiao Ming's, but I was afraid it would interfere with his treatment, so I didn't tell him."

"Mm, you did the right thing, Director. In his current state, Xiao Ming isn't suited for contact with strangers for the time being," Qin Hao comforted her.

Director Xiuyan was still somewhat concerned. "I asked that person, and he said he was sent by Xiao Ming's relatives..."

That person must be Old Yan. Qin Hao said to Director Xiuyan, "If it really comes to it, you can tell the other party about Xiao Ming's situation. I think if they truly are relatives, they will act in Xiao Ming's best interest."

"Yes, alright." Director Xiuyan breathed a silent sigh of relief. She wasn't very good at lying and had been afraid she wouldn't be able to hold out, which would ultimately disrupt Xiao Ming's treatment plan.

About an hour later, Dr. Wen emerged from the room. Through the gap in the door, Director Xiuyan saw Xiao Ming slumped over the table, motionless, and immediately grew nervous.

"Dr. Wen, what happened to Xiao Ming?"

Dr. Wen patted Director Xiuyan's hand to comfort her. "Don't worry. I performed hypnosis on him; he is just sleeping right now."

Director Xiuyan breathed a sigh of relief, then asked, "And Xiao Ming's condition..."

Dr. Wen sighed. "Xiao Ming likely suffered abuse during his childhood; his drawings speak volumes. For a child with a mental illness and autism to draw such warm pictures suggests he wants to escape the real world and hide in his drawings, believing that is where it is safe."

Qin Hao asked directly, "Dr. Wen, now that you understand the condition, roughly how long will it take to cure his autism?"

"That is hard to say. Even in developed countries, autism in children is a major challenge. It is difficult to achieve a complete cure. I cannot guarantee anything; I can only say I will do my best. Of course, that also depends on Mr. Qiu giving me the opportunity." Dr. Wen looked at Qin Hao, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes from proving herself.

Qin Hao extended his hand sincerely. "Alright. I apologize for my previous dismissal. Your presence, Dr. Wen, perfectly illustrates that beauty and ability can coexist."

"Mm, you certainly have a sweet tongue. I'll accept your apology. By the way, you can just call me Wen Qian from now on. In Xiao Ming's case, it's best not to let him know I am a doctor, to avoid any psychological resistance."

Director Xiuyan nodded repeatedly.

Wen Qian then said to Qin Hao, "Also, you should get a professional chair used in psychological clinics. If Xiao Ming lies on one, the effect of the hypnosis will be better."

"No problem. Send me the model and brand, and I'll have someone deliver it," Qin Hao replied, not minding the extra expense.

At the same time, Andy appeared at Tan Zongming's villa, but this time, the results Old Yan brought back left her both disappointed and shocked.

(End of Chapter)