Chapter 110: Spot the differences game
Huojin asked, "So you came early today to talk to Kong Chuanli?"
"Yes...I was extremely nervous. My wife had me practice what I needed to say. But as time ticked closer, my mouth went dry. I couldn’t muster up the courage. Then as usual, I headed for some coffee to clear my head. When I returned, I was still shivering. I knew it was the time to talk to him. I finally did. I knocked on the door, but I didn’t hear any response."
"Then?"
"I went inside and saw Sir Kong on his seat. He looked really still to me. I came closer and then..."
Zhang Feiyu heaved breathlessly and clutched his temple. "I don’t remember much."
Xiyang blinked. "What do you not remember?"
"About what happened next. I don’t really know what is wrong with me. But ever since this stress has started to overwhelm me, at times, I feel...I don’t know how to explain," he licked his lower lip, trying to find his words, "l-like I blank out. It gets too much for me to handle and then...I just zone out."
Huojin stared at him. "So you mean to say you remember going inside but you don’t remember what happened next? You don’t remember talking to Kong Chuanli?"
"...No. I am not really sure if I talked to him or not."
Huojin turned to look at Bojing. "Do you know what he is talking about?"
Bojing nodded. "Yes. Th-that can happen. Extreme stress, lack of proper sleep and me-mental burnout can cause cognitive difficulties that include memory issues. That person m-might experience gaps in his memory during stressful periods. Too much stress re-results in cognitive fatigue which impacts a person’s concentration and memory."