Chapter 928: Chapter 908: An Encounter at the Baby Products Counter
"Hmm," Jiayi nodded, "I told you, as long as I talk to him properly, Dr. An will definitely agree. If you barged in and spoke for me, Dr. An might develop a rebellious mindset, thinking you’re pressuring him, and he’d refuse to help instead."
Huo Zhenyang’s handsome face darkened slightly as he leaned in, his seductive thin lips curving up with a hint of amusement: "So, you think Dr. An helped you just because you’re good at talking?"
"What else?" The little woman was full of pride.
He pondered for a moment, his eyes turning cold: "If a man is willing to compromise his professional ethics to help a woman, it only proves that he has feelings for her. Looks like I’ll have to keep a close watch on you every time you come for therapy from now on. Forget it, once this matter is resolved, you shouldn’t go to Dr. An’s office anymore. I’ll find you another psychologist; after all, it’s not like Dr. An is the only famous psychologist in the world!"
"You’re... insane! Dr. An is helping me because he wants to expose Su Yan, not because of anything related to me!"
"I’m a man, I know men’s minds best. Let me tell you, there isn’t a single man who would help a woman for no reason; there’s always a motive. He has no grudges against Su Yan, so why would he agree to help you expose her? The only answer is that he’s interested in you. You’re divorced now, single—it’s perfectly normal for him to have thoughts about you. Anyway, listen to me carefully: from now on, you are not allowed to go to Dr. An’s office alone, understand!?"
Jiayi was completely fed up with this jar of old sour pickles. Was he trying to play the game of "Welcome to my trouble-making show?": "What do you mean by no reason at all? Dr. An has been giving me therapy for months now. Beyond being doctor and patient, we’re also friends!"
"Ha, doctor and patient? The relationship between doctors and patients is the easiest to develop feelings in. Right now, you’re friends. If I don’t keep an eye on you, next thing I know, he’ll be your boyfriend, right?"
"Give me a break... just drive!" This man’s wild imagination couldn’t possibly go further, could it?
"Alright, but promise me, you’ll change doctors."
"...If you don’t drive, I’ll go back to my parents’ house!"
"Who gave you permission to go back to your parents’ house?"
"Hmph, as you said, I’m single now. I can go wherever I want—what can you do about it?" She countered him with a smirk.
Irritated, he reached out impatiently and grabbed the collar of her jacket, pulling her forcefully back into his embrace.
Fine, in the future, there would always be ways to make those pesky flies and bees steer clear of her automatically!
...
At the Xu Psychotherapy Clinic.
Inside the consultation room, Su Yan frowned at the psychologist sitting behind the desk: "I’ve taken all the medication you prescribed and attended several counseling sessions, but things still haven’t completely improved. How much longer is this going to take? Dr. Xu, if you don’t have the skills, just tell me, and I’ll find someone better—don’t waste my time."
Ever since she became the Huo Family’s Madam, she had grown increasingly accustomed to speaking to people with condescension.
Perhaps only such arrogance and aloofness could truly affirm her status as a high-ranking member of the wealthy elite.
Dr. Xu didn’t take offense at Su Yan’s words—as a psychiatrist, he had a certain level of emotional intelligence—speaking calmly:
"Mrs. Huo, in therapy, the most critical factor is the cooperation between the doctor and the patient. When there’s good rapport, the patient is willing to open up to the doctor, which makes the treatment more effective. In these last few sessions, you haven’t been very trusting of us. Throughout the process, you haven’t opened up entirely, avoiding being candid with me, your primary therapist. In scenarios like this, I can only resort to conservative treatment methods, which naturally yields slow results. If you find this unacceptable, then I have no choice but to invite Mrs. Huo to seek out someone more competent elsewhere."
Su Yan’s face shifted slightly.
The Xu Doctor sitting in front of her was a foreign-trained psychological expert, young but one of Yunling’s top-ranking psychiatrists, highly sought after by the wealthy for consultations—truly impressive.
Even if she were to look for another therapist, chances were slim that they’d be better than him.
Initially, she had considered seeking treatment from the renowned international psychologist, An Haokang, who was also based in Yunling. However, during her search for options, she learned that Dr. An was currently focused on treating Jiayi’s amnesia, making it impossible for Su Yan to approach him. Left with no alternative, she settled for Dr. Xu.
Besides, seeing a psychiatrist wasn’t exactly a glorified activity to announce publicly—telling no one and switching primary therapists multiple times wouldn’t look good.
With this in mind, Su Yan softened her tone a bit: "I was just anxious earlier when I mentioned looking for another doctor. Alright, Dr. Xu, please come up with some alternative treatment plans."
Now she truly understood: mental discomfort was far worse than physical pain.
Physical pain, at least, could be temporarily relieved with sleep or a couple of painkillers.
But when it came to mental suffering, twenty-four hours a day, every single second could make life feel worse than death.
Dr. Xu thought for a moment and then said, "Actually, there’s another treatment option Mrs. Huo could consider."
"What is it?"
"Hypnosis therapy."
"Hypnosis?"
"Yes, hypnosis can maximize stress relief and is highly suitable for your current condition."
Although Su Yan was somewhat tempted, she hesitated.
Dr. Xu seemed to understand her concerns: "During hypnosis, only the psychologist and the patient are present. The psychologist uses special techniques to guide the patient into and out of the hypnotic state. There’s no interference in between, nor would I know your private thoughts."
Su Yan raised an eyebrow: "Does it actually work?"
"I can only say that if Mrs. Huo wants to resolve her current distress quickly, hypnosis is undoubtedly a great option."
After hesitating for a long time, Su Yan replied, "I’ll think about it."
She couldn’t bear these days tortured by inner demons any longer.
Yet hypnosis... carried some risks, and seeing a psychologist was already the furthest she was willing to go.
......
Exiting the Xu Psychotherapy Clinic, Su Yan got into her car and drove away.
Before returning to the hotel, she made a stop at the Huo Family-owned department store in the city center for some retail therapy.
Having been mentally low these days, she resorted to material indulgence to fill the void.
Thankfully, as the Huo Family’s Madam, her credit card balance was sufficient to make her forget all worries.
Amid the salespeople’s flattering gazes and amidst piles of luxury goods, Su Yan finally felt her spirits lift—a much-improved mood.
"Do you still need anything else, Mrs. Huo?"
"No, that’ll be all."
"Would you like us to deliver the clothes from the store?"
"My car’s parked downstairs."
"Alright, Mrs. Huo, take care and we look forward to seeing you again."
...
Under the glowing admiration of the store attendant, Su Yan held her final purchase, gracefully walking out with confidence in her high heels.
She was about to take the elevator downstairs when a casual glance caught sight of a familiar, slender figure browsing things not too far away.
It was at a Nordic-brand maternity and baby boutique store.
