Chapter Index

    Chapter 279: The Psychological Counselor

    People should take care of their health.

    That’s what my dad said, and Xiao Yu believed his dad wouldn’t lie.

    Staying up late is nothing short of squandering your life.

    At noon, Xiao Yu glared as he ate his meal.

    I miss my sister, I miss our big bed at home, I miss…

    “Head.”

    Guo Qiang burst into the small cafeteria and called out to Xiao Yu, who was eating, “Found something, come take a look.”

    Damn it, forget about taking care of yourself.

    At this rate, in a few years I’ll even have stomach problems… Xiao Yu leaped up and left the cafeteria.

    Office.

    Xiao Yu studied the data Guo Qiang had gathered on his computer.

    It was all the chat history from one WeChat account.

    Key points:

    The conversation between the victim, Jiang Xiuran, and an online friend.

    What’s so interesting about this chat log?

    The other party was a female netizen—and on top of that… a psychologist.

    Their discussion had started 29 days ago.

    WeChat chat window.

    Jiang Xiuran: Hello, are you Dr. Jiang? I’m Jiang Xiuran; I visited your office this morning.

    Dr. Jiang: Hello, my Jiang Xin.

    Jiang Xiuran: I’m really sorry for bothering you, but I’m in so much pain right now.

    Dr. Jiang: Relax, smile a little. A smile might not make the world bloom, but it can ease a tense chest. Come on, give it a try…

    Jiang Xiuran: I can’t seem to smile—I feel nothing but misery. It’s like I’m completely numb, yet unbearably uncomfortable. I even feel like ending it all!

    Dr. Jiang: Why consider dying? If life is short, then you must live it fully! If you’re lonely, fall in love; if you’re depressed, find a way to cheer up. And if the pain is unbearable, listen to some music, have a drink, and get a good night’s sleep…

    Jiang Xiuran: Alright, thank you, Dr. Jiang. I’ll try…

    The first conversation ended.

    After reading through the chat, Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow.

    This Dr. Jiang really is a psychologist.

    But his comforting words were so rough—it must be because he’s a newbie, right?

    He can’t even guide his patients properly?

    A psychologist of this caliber…

    Could he really be pushing someone toward suicide?

    After that, there were seven more chat logs.

    They mostly featured Dr. Jiang repeatedly trying to soothe Jiang Xiuran.

    It was clear the doctor was dedicated and extremely patient.

    Every word of comfort came without a trace of impatience.

    She was meticulous and patient…

    But it achieved nothing.

    So it wasn’t her…? Xiao Yu pondered, refusing to jump to conclusions.

    He still needed to investigate; even a small clue couldn’t be overlooked.

    Soon, Dr. Jiang’s profile was uncovered—even her workplace was located.

    Jiang Xin, 25, from Bincheng, working at a private psychological counseling clinic… an intern doctor.

    A private psychological counseling clinic?

    There are many of these clinics across the country dealing with personal psychological issues.

    In short, they’re essentially small private mental health hospitals.

    For starters, ordinary people might not know much about them.

    Psychologists and psychological counselors are two distinct roles.

    Their focus in services is quite different.

    Counseling institutions are deemed legitimate as long as their counselors hold national certificates and business licenses.

    However, they are not authorized to treat serious mental illnesses.

    Only official hospitals are equipped to handle psychiatric conditions.

    But that doesn’t mean psychological counselors lack the ability to help with mental issues.

    Often, in some private psychological counseling clinics…

    The staff are bona fide psychologists.

    Located on the fifth floor of a business building.

    Yunwei Psychological Counseling!

    Upon seeing the sign, Xiao Yu managed a wry smile and stepped inside.

    “Hello, we’re delighted to serve you.”

    A girl in a pink nurse uniform stood behind the service desk, smiling at Xiao Yu.

    “Hello, is Dr. Jiang Xin available?”

    Xiao Yu got straight to the point.

    “Dr. Jiang Xin?”

    The girl paused. “Yes, she’s here, but… may I ask why you’re looking for her?”

    “The police.”

    Showing his badge, Xiao Yu smiled, “I have some questions for Dr. Jiang Xin.”

    “Huh?”

    The girl looked shocked and nodded, “Please wait a moment.”

    She picked up the phone at the desk, dialed a number, and whispered a few words.

    As she spoke, she kept nervously glancing at Xiao Yu.

    Three minutes later.

    A young woman in a white lab coat emerged, looking puzzled.

    Seeing Xiao Yu, her already delicate face grew even more puzzled. “Hello, do you need something from me?”

    Xiao Yu appraised her carefully.

    She wasn’t particularly attractive, but she had a gentle demeanor, was petite, and of average build.

    Yet… there was an inexplicable warmth about her that made one feel at ease.

    “Hello, Xiao Yu.”

    Xiao Yu smiled, “I’m here because I have a few questions. Is that alright?”

    “Uh…”

    Jiang Xin hesitated briefly before nodding, “Follow me.”

    The two then proceeded to an office.

    The room was small, about twenty square meters, containing an office desk, two visitor sofas, and a recliner.

    “Please, have a seat.”

    Jiang Xin spoke gently with a smile, “Would you like something to drink?”

    “No, thank you.”

    Once seated, Xiao Yu fixed his gaze on her and asked, “Do you know a man named Jiang Xiuran?”

    “Jiang Xiuran? Oh, what happened to him?”

    Jiang Xin appeared surprised but responded without hesitation, “Yes, he was once my patient.”

    Her demeanor was natural—unforced and genuine. Xiao Yu smiled and said, “It’s nothing major. I just want to ask if he came to your clinic for psychological treatment?”

    “Yes.”

    Jiang Xin nodded, “For about a month. When I first met him, Dr. Liu attended to him. But eventually we determined that his problem wasn’t psychological—his body seemed to be suffering from an underlying issue. I took over his care afterward. I noticed he was deeply troubled, as if hiding some unspeakable secret. Not knowing the exact condition, I could only advise him to visit a hospital. He would often come to me to share his inner pain, and I did my best to comfort him.”

    There was no deceit… Xiao Yu looked deeply into Jiang Xin’s eyes as he made his judgment.

    Clearing all suspicions?

    Xiao Yu thought for a moment before suddenly asking, “Dr. Jiang, what’s your take on perfectionists?”

    “Huh?” Jiang Xin’s expression shifted slightly.

    Huh?

    In an instant, Xiao Yu’s eyes lit up.

    If you make that face again, I’ll be thrilled!

    Chapter Summary

    Xiao Yu investigates a series of WeChat conversations between Jiang Xiuran and a psychologist, Dr. Jiang (Jiang Xin). Disillusioned by the rough comfort provided, Xiao Yu digs deeper, uncovering the credentials of this intern doctor at a private counseling clinic. When Xiao Yu visits Yunwei Psychological Counseling, he meets Jiang Xin in person and questions her about her former patient, igniting curiosity with an unexpected inquiry about perfectionists.

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