Chapter 227
Chapter 227
【There’s still a portion of newly practicing psychologists that haven’t been investigated yet. So far, only these ones have been checked.】
When Xie Shiqing saw such a long list, she suddenly recalled that the task she had assigned earlier was merely to have Assistant Fang look into the psychologists in Fengcheng—she hadn’t actually specified what the investigation was for.
So Assistant Fang had compiled and investigated all of them. No wonder this additional task had taken several days and still wasn’t finished.
Xie Shiqing didn’t feel guilty about making things difficult for her, but she transferred twenty thousand over. 【You can stop checking the rest.】
She opened the spreadsheet and leaned in to look at it together with Zhong Ning. “Ning Ning, which one do you think is suitable?”
The first few on the list were currently the most authoritative psychologists in Fengcheng. They had been practicing for many years, with some having published books, written up numerous case studies, and authored quite a few papers. It was difficult to even book an appointment with them.
Zhong Ning looked over the list very carefully and picked a doctor who appeared to be in her forties or fifties, with a kind and gentle face. Her case records included a number of cases involving emotional and relationship conflicts.
“This one then. Let’s see if she’s available.”
To show sincerity—and also to make her stance clear to Zhong Ning—Xie Shiqing personally reached out to the doctor and managed to secure an appointment.
Before confirming any course of treatment, the doctor wanted to meet them both for a preliminary assessment. Not everyone was suited for therapy; some temporary emotional lows could be resolved on one’s own without needing to see a psychologist.
You just had to adjust yourself.
The appointment was set for the afternoon. The two of them got dressed and arrived at Dr. Feng’s small clinic ten minutes early.
It was a room with warm, soothing decor.
Dr. Feng didn’t look particularly young. The fine lines at the corners of her eyes were quite pronounced. She wasn’t wearing a lab coat, but a very casual, homey outfit, resembling a kind neighborly aunt. With a smile, she said, “You’re here. Please, have a seat. I’ll go get you some water.”
Zhong Ning patted the back of Xie Shiqing’s hand and pulled her down into a chair. “Thank you.”
Chapter 78
Dr. Feng poured two cups of plain water and placed them in front of each of them.
Zhong Ning took the initiative to begin speaking about her issues. “I might be a bit overly controlling. When things don’t go the way I want, I find it hard to accept and instinctively choose to avoid it.”
“I don’t want to control her, and I don’t want to see her flatten her own nature just for the sake of love.”
Dr. Feng turned her gaze to Xie Shiqing and asked in a gentle tone, “And what do you think about that?”
Xie Shiqing replied, “I don’t think this is a problem.”
The doctor, with her calm and steady gaze, looked at both of them. “You’re both welcome to speak with me, but it has to be separately, one-on-one.”
“Sure,” Xie Shiqing agreed without hesitation.
She had promised Zhong Ning she would come, and since she was already here, she wouldn’t resist. This was something Zhong Ning hoped for, so of course, she would cooperate fully.
But Zhong Ning was a bit hesitant. “When you’re talking to Shiqing, can I not sit in?”
“I don’t mean to question your methods. I just want to understand her better and be part of the healing process.”
Dr. Feng smiled and shook her head. “She can manage on her own. And you shouldn’t ask her about it either.”
There was no room for negotiation on that.
You had to trust the psychologist’s professionalism.
Zhong Ning pressed her lips together and suddenly remembered that she had just mentioned her strong controlling tendencies—now she was directly showing them again. A little annoyed, she said, “Got it, I won’t ask.”
Dr. Feng said, “Monday and Thursday afternoons at two o’clock—does that time work for you? You two will be scheduled separately. The other one can come on Tuesday and Friday afternoons at two.”
That timing was no problem.
Zhong Ning had plenty of free time. Xie Shiqing, being a semi-hands-off boss, was also quite available.
After setting the schedule, the two of them left.
Zhong Ning knew very well why Xie Shiqing was cooperating, deep down in her heart—but even so, she couldn’t let her have her way in this matter.
Medicine might taste bitter, but it could cure an illness, so it had to be taken.
And she herself wanted to become a better person—someone who could have a relatively healthy relationship with Shiqing.
On the way back, she couldn’t help but wonder again if she was repeating the same mistake, trying to impose her way of thinking on the both of them.
Xie Shiqing picked up on it keenly. “Why the long face, Ning Ning? Are you unhappy?”
Zhong Ning looked as gloomy as a waterlogged mushroom. “I feel like I’m forcing you.”
“You’re not.” Xie Shiqing turned her face toward her. “Look at me. Do you see even a trace of reluctance on this face?”
“No.”
“This is a good thing. It doesn’t count as forcing. I’m doing it willingly.”
Zhong Ning said gloomily, “You’re only doing it because I asked.”
Xie Shiqing playfully furrowed her brows in mock displeasure. “So only you want to get better, and I’m not allowed to take the initiative to work on our relationship too?”
“You are.”
“Exactly. So don’t mope anymore. Do you want to watch a movie tonight?” Xie Shiqing tipped her head up and kissed her on the lips.
“The private theater at home has really good soundproofing,” a honey-sweet voice slipped out between their touching lips, “the couch is super soft—it’s a bit tight for two to lie side by side, but you can lie on top of me.”
Zhong Ning’s face flushed bright red in an instant.
She was much bolder at home. Home was a private, safe space where she could say whatever she wanted—being a little provocative was fine too.
But outside? No way!
She quickly covered Xie Shiqing’s mouth and glanced around nervously. Only after confirming that no one was paying attention did she let go. “You! Shiqing, where did you even learn that kind of thing?”
“…In public, don’t talk nonsense.”
“What’s wrong?” Xie Shiqing blinked. “Ning-jiejie doesn’t like that position? But last night, you…”
“You’re not allowed to say it!”
Zhong Ning frantically covered her mouth again, her earlobes turning red along with her face.