Chapter 118: The Little Angel With A Broken Wing (13)

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Lu Jia’er examined Jin Xiangdong’s arm again. She could no longer restrain her curiosity as this was the second time she encountered this strange behavior. The very first time was on the night they first met.

Jin Xiangdong’s explanation had stopped her from asking further. However, she had only taken a little wine this time and was extremely attentive. She could clearly see that the wound on his arm had vanished without a trace.

‘Who is he? Does he actually possess self-healing powers?’ This thought had always been hovering in Lu Jia’er’s mind. At this time a big warm hand pressed against her hand that she had placed on her knee. Lu Jia’er turned her head and her eyes met Jin Xiangdong’s gentle gaze.

Slightly startled, Lu Jia’er quickly regained her focus. Even though she was not capable of reading Jin Xiangdong’s mind, she could gauge his thoughts from his gaze—he wanted her to stop thinking about it.

“Let’s go for round two!” At this time, Jason’s voice sounded.

Everyone in the room got up and Jin Xiangdong loosened his grip on Lu Jia’er’s hand.

“Ace, it’s time for us to take our leave.” Jason said.

“I am going with you guys,” Jin Xiangdong answered.

Slightly startled, everyone in the room fixed their eyes on Jin Xiangdong.

Jin Xiangdong was not a social person. Normally he would not attend any gathering he didn’t have to. It was extremely rare for him to attend any social events outside of building activities. However, he was still the one who paid all the expenses regardless.

“Did the sun rise from the west today?” Li Zheng could not believe what he had just heard.

“It seems that I am not welcome to join?” Jin Xiangdong’s gaze swept past Li Zheng as he asked.

“We couldn’t be happier!” Jason was the first person who cheered.

“Let’s go!” said Jin Xiangdong.

Hence, everyone went to another party arranged by Jason.

“I know you don’t like to party. Just take it as you are keeping me company this time.” said Su Han upon seeing Lu Jia’er who was lost in thought. Su Han walked next to Lu Jia’er and held onto her arm.

Lu Jia’er turned her head slightly. She knew Su Han very well. Su Han had always been sitting at home, burying herself in her writing. It was such a rare chance for her to mingle with a group of great minds. Naturally, she did not want to miss it. However, as she was an outsider, she would be caught in an awkward predicament if Lu Jia’er was not around.

Noting the reactions from the group, Lu Jia’er knew that Jin Xiangdong had never joined the group activities all this time. Apparently he was joining the party to escape from Lu Jia’er.

Even though Lu Jia’er was burning with curiosity, she could only restrain herself and ask Jin Xiangding after the party ended.

Even though this outing was regarded as vacation, it was actually a team building activity. Although everyone in the team worked together every day, each of them had their own way in dealing with things day to day. Team building activities could foster the relationship among the team members and improved efficiency at work.

In fact, the second party was no different than the previous one. It was nothing more than drinking, talking, laughing and playing some boring games.

Lu Jia’er sat quietly watching everyone in the party while Su Han, who usually had to stay at home, truly enjoyed herself at the party.

Lu Jie’er could not help but tip her hat to Su Han. She was a geek, and at the same time could get really crazy. She had struck a good balance between having a static and dynamic personality.

Jason took a sip of wine as he stared at Lu Jia’er and Jin Xiangdong.

Sitting next to each other, Lu Jia’er and Jin Xiangdong did not join the rest in the games or chatter but instead watched them from the sidelines as though both of them were outsiders. As most couples developed a complementary relationship, this was the first time Jason found a couple where both had a cold demeanor. He could not help but wonder what had actually sparked chemistry between them.

“May I have your attention please? Let’s play a game that everyone can easily join,” said Jason.

“Hooray!” Jason’s proposal was agreed upon by everyone.

“Anything idea?” Jason asked.

“You decide!” Everyone wanted Jason to decide.

“Professor Lu, what games do you usually play at a party?” Since Jason did not get an answer, he asked Lu Jia’er.

“I don’t usually go to parties and I don’t know any games.” Lu Jia’er paused for a while and answered.

“Professor Lu, it turns out that both Ace and you are a perfect match. He seldom attends parties too.” Li Zheng smiled as he said.

Lu Jia’er smiled blandly while Jin Xiangdong snuck a glance at Lu Jia’er. He knew that Lu Jia’er must be sceptical about his arm. Since they were in a relationship, he could no longer hide it from her.

“Come on, a party without games is not considered a party,” added Jason.

“How about ‘Truth or Dare’?” Cai He suggested.

Truth or Dare was such a cliché game yet many people loved to play it. Although the game was boring, there was no objection. Hence, everyone took part in the game.

Jason placed a beer bottle on the table and spun it with his big hand. The rule was set that when the bottle stopped spinning, whoever had the bottle’s mouth pointing at them would answer the question posed by the person who had the bottle’s base pointing at them.

In the first round, the bottle’s mouth was pointing at Professor Fang, who had been married for two years but without children. His wife came along with him on this trip.

Cai He was the person who asked the question for the first round.

“Professor Fang, I remember you said that you only have 600 yuan of pocket money every month. Are you saying that Mrs Fang is stingy?” Cai He sneered as he asked.

“You must be joking. My wife has always been generous with me. I just need to ask for more money whenever I need it.” Cai He was no doubt trying to put Professor Fang in hot water. He quickly stole a glance at his wife who sat next to him and broke into a bright smile.

“Honey, it’s time to tell the truth.” Mrs Fang reminded Professor Fang gently.

Everyone couldn’t help laughing hearing Mrs Fang’s words.

“Honey, if you really think I am stingy, just say it. I will change,” Mrs Fang continued saying.

Being caught in an awkward predicament, Professor Fang cursed Cai He inwardly. The atmosphere was growing increasingly vibrant and lively.

Once again, the bottle spun for a moment and stopped. The bottle’s mouth was pointing at Su Han while the bottle’s base was pointing at Li Zheng.

“Pretty Su Han, what was your first impression of me?” Li Zheng stared at Su Han eagerly.

Su Han broke into laughter. Before she could say a word, Jason complained, “Li Zheng, how can you sell yourself this way?”

“I am just asking a question. I am not trying to sell myself.” Li Zheng retorted.

Once again, everyone broke into laughter after hearing the banter between the two of them.

“Jason, do you want to sell yourself too?” Cai He snickered.

“Come on, I already knew Su Han before this. Also, I don’t need to sell myself.” Jason stared at Cai He as he answered.

“Su Han, which of the two do you have a better impression of, Li Zheng or Jason?” Cai He asked forthrightly.

“It’s Li Zheng’s turn to ask questions. Don’t interject!”

Thanks to Lu Jia’er, San Han had such a great chance to join the party and experienced the group activity. As an outsider, she knew that she should not be the focus of everyone’s attention. In a flush of embarra.s.sment, Su Han changed the topic and getting everyone’s attention back to the game.

“Exactly! Don’t jump the gun! Su Han, please answer my question,” Li Zheng protested.

“You are such a Mr Sunshine—very gentle and knowledgeable.” Su Han replied.

Hearing this, Jason stared at Su Han in disbelief and could not take his eyes off Su Han for a long while.

Sitting next to Su Han, Lu Jia’e knew that Cupid’s arrow had struck Su Han.

Li Zheng spun the bottle again. This time, Jason was the one who answered the question.

“Jason, which girlfriend of yours still remains in your heart to the point that you can hardly stand to forget about her?” The person who asked this question was Bobo and to put it simply, no one knew his s.e.xual orientation.

Hearing this new question, Su Han’s eyes were shining as she looked forward to Jason’s answer.

“I have remained single for 30 years.” Jason stared at Su Han as he answered.

His words immediately drew everyone’s backlash.

“You big liar! I know two of your girlfriends!” Cai He protested.

“Those were blind dates,” Jason explained.

“Nonsense! They are your girlfriends. You have been dating each of them for two or three months, haven’t you?” Cai He said.

‘You idiot! Don’t you know my intentions? Serves you right that you are still single.’ Jason thought to himself, restraining the urge to slap Cai He,.

Lu Jia’er merely grinned as she could read Jason’s mind. Jason was just like the pot calling the kettle black.

“What are you laughing at?” Jin Xiangdong leaned over as he whispered in Lu Jia’er ears,

“There’s nothing,” Lu Jia’er quickly stopped laughing and answered

“To be frank, nothing is unforgettable. As the saying goes, fate brings people together no matter how far apart they may be. On the other hand, both of them would miss each other even if they meet face to face.” Jason added.

“Jason, whose hands do you want to hold from those who are sitting on the opposite side of the table?” Professor Fang asked as he smiled.

“I want to hold yours!” Jason stared at Professor Fang as he responded.

The atmosphere was extremely lively as everyone laughed hysterically. Just as Lu Jia’er was enjoying the atmosphere and being carefree, the bottle’s mouth stopped and pointed at her while she was not paying much attention to the game—it was her turn to answer a question. This would be the first time she partic.i.p.ated in a Truth or Dare game.

“Professor Lu, what do you think of Ace’s kissing skills?” Jason asked after he finished answering the previous question.

It was such a sensitive question. Apparently, Jason asked this purposely. Lu Jia’er stared at Jason who was waiting eagerly for her answer.

Lu Jia’er sank into contemplation as this was private matter after all.

“Don’t tell me that both of you haven’t kissed yet? Seriously?” stunned, Jason asked.

Everyone fixed their eyes on Jin Xiangdong and Lu Jia’e as if watching the apes in a zoo.

“He is quite good at it,” Lu Jia’er blushed as she said.

“That’s not clear enough.” Jason dissatisfied with her answer, continued to press for answers.

“I have finished answering.” Lu Jia’er replied.

Jason merely smiled and spun the bottle again. It was Jin Xiangdong’s turn.

“We need a good question,” Jason suggested.

“Ace, when was the last time you got intimate with Professor Lu?” The person who asked the question had quickly got the point and asked.

Although the question was not straightforward, it was personal. Everyone was waiting for Jin Xiangdong’s answer. At this time, Jin Xiangdong was still calm and composed, whereas Lu Jia’er was flushed, recalling the kiss on the sofa this afternoon.

“Don’t go too far,” said Jin Xiangdong.

Hearing this, a few men could not help bursting into laughter. However, they changed the question quickly as there were a few ladies around them.

“Ace, when was the last time you kissed Professor Lu? Please tell the date and time.”

Who would notice the time when kissing? Just as everyone was waiting for his answer, Jin Xiangdong’s next movement had stunned everyone around him.

Jin Xiangdong held onto Lu Jia’er’s slender waist, leaned over and pressed his lips against hers. It was a live show! Little did anyone expect Jin Xiangdong would do that given his cold demeanor.

It was a deep kiss that lasted for ten seconds. Lu Jia’er was stunned by his sudden movement. She did not know how to respond, she only received his kiss and did not kiss him back.

Jin Xiangdong withdrew his lips slowly and stared at her with his eyes full of tenderness. At that very moment, Lu Jia’er looked extremely charming. Jin Xiangdong was her one and only and he did not want anyone else to see her charm.

Feeling each other’s breath, Jin Xiangdong stared into Lu Jia’er eyes for a few seconds. Suddenly, a round of applause echoed in his ears.

“Just now.” Jin Xiangdong sat upright, his big hand was still holding onto Lu Jia’er’s waist.

Again came the applause. Li Zheng gave him a big thumbs up as he said, “This is what Truth or Dare should be.”

Previously, Lu Jia’er was unsure what shyness truly meant. Thanks to Jin Xiangdong, she had a solid grasp of this word.

Su Han had finally witnessed the charisma of Jin Xiangdong who had always been quiet and cold.

If Lu Jia’er did not meet Jin Xiangdong, she might not have known what love was for her whole life. The way Jin Xiangdong kissed Lu Jia’er just now was both playful and pa.s.sionate, it resembled a live version of a love guidance book. This could make a good plot for Su Han’s novel.

“This would torment me for a year,” Jason sighed.

The game continued after that. Of the whole game, the kissing scene between Jin Xiangdong and Lu Jia’er was the most amazing and memorable moment of the night.

The Phi Phi Islands were particularly enchanting, engulfed by the serene darkness. At this moment, the group of people had gradually returned to their rooms, many of them had fallen asleep to the sound of the waves.

Lu Jia’er was yawning out of drowsiness. She did not go back to her room but instead walked after Jin Xiangdong all the way back to his room.

“Think twice. It’s not easy to go out after you come in.” Jian Xiangdong knew Lu Jia’er’s intention and said this purposely.

Lu Jia’er merely peeked at him and then walked straight into the room. Jin Xiangdong walked toward her, just as Jin Xiangdong expected, Lu Jia’er grabbed his arm and took a close look at it.

Apparently, Jin Xiangdong had the favour of G.o.d for having such a beautiful arm, his tanned skin was extremely flawless.

Lu Jia’er’s eyes were full of doubts as she raised her head. Her eyes fixed on Jin Xiangdong who stood close to her.

“I saw a wound on your arm last time.” Lu Jia’er broke the silence only after staring at him for a while.

Jin Xiangdong’e eyes met hers. He knew that Lu Jia’er held back for the whole night. However, he could not tell her the truth right now.

“It is not a wound, it is a rash.” Jin Xiangdong explained.

“No way!” Lu Jia’er retorted. In fact, she had clearly seen it on his arm.

“Er Er, you are overly worried and cared for me.” Jin Xiangdong reached out and stroked her face gently, as his low and sweet voice sounded.

It was true that Jin Xaingdong’s voice and breath were extremely alluring and Lu Jia’er was not capable of resisting the temptation. However, Lu Jia’er had truly seen the wound on his hand with her own eyes. Otherwise, she would not be so puzzled.

“Did I really get it wrong?” Lu Jia’er stared at Jin Xiangdong as she asked.

There was a gleam in Jin Xiangdong’s eyes that proved he was lying. Lu Jia’er was right but Jin Xiangdong refused to admit.

“I hope we could be honest with each other.” Lu Jia’er felt a little guilty as she spoke. She, herself, had a secret that she had never disclosed to anyone else—she actually possessed a supernatural power that made her capable of reading someone else’s mind.

“I told you before. I am waiting for you to uncover my body.” Jin Xiangdong stoked her face, a faint smile on his lips.

Hearing this, Lu Jia’er was getting more puzzled. This was the only clue she got from Jin Xiangdong thus far. Originally, she thought they were just affectionate words. Now she learned that those words carried a subtle meaning. How could Lu Jia’er possibly unravel that? Where would she even start?

Lu Jia’er made a bold move, she reached out and started unb.u.t.toning his shirt.

“Er Er, what are you doing?” Jin Xiangdong flew into a great panic and stopped her hands.

“Uncovering your body.” Lu jia’er stared at him.

“Right now?” a mysterious light flashed deep within Jin Xiangdong’s eyes.

“Yes, right now.” Lu Jia’er threw off Jin Xiangdong’s hands and continued unb.u.t.toning his shirt.

“Are you sure?” Seeing Lu Jia’er’s stiffly handling his clothing, the corner of Jin Xiangdong’s mouth lifted as he said with a low voice.

Lu Jia’er looked up at Jin Xiangdong, his eyes were burning with desire while the corner of his lips were full of affection. She quickly regained her awareness and retracted her arms.

However, little did she expect that Jin Xiangdong would hold onto her hands and press her face into the warm embrace of his chest.

“It’s not nice to stop midway.”

Stunned, Lu Jia’er blushed with embarra.s.sment. She wanted to swing his hands off but his firm grip made it all in vain. Jin Xiangdong pressed her against the wall, they were so close to each other that she could feel his warm breath on her face. Her heart pounded hard within her chest as her long eyelashes trembled like fluttering b.u.t.terfly wings

The atmosphere was growing increasingly pa.s.sionate and as she stared at Jin Xiangdong, Lu Jia’er slowly closed her eyes.

Originally, Lu Jia’er thought that Jin Xiangdong would kiss her. However, after waiting for a long while, nothing had happened. Lu Jia’er could not help but caught into an awkward predicament. She simply did not know whether to open or continue closing her eyes.

‘This cunning and dull man is truly despicable!’ At this time, Lu Jia’er knew that Jin Xiangdong was just standing there, grinning. She opened her eyes slowly and sighed inwardly.

Lu Jia’er pushed him away and started to leave. Seeing this, Jin Xiangdong stretched out his arms and pressed her against the wall once again. Just as he leaned over, his lips sought hers only to be interrupted as the bell rang.

Jin Xiandong furrowed his brows and loosened his arms around Lu Jia’er’s waist reluctantly before he walked to the door.

“Ace, we must stay up all night until we fix Allen.” When the door cracked open, Jason brought Allen into the room before Jin Xiangdong could say anything.

“I’m sorry for the interruption. Please go ahead.” As soon as Jason stepped into the room, he saw Lu Jia’er and quickly turned to leave.

“Jason… please stay. I am going back to my room now.” Lu Jia’er rushed out as soon as she finished speaking.

Jin Xiangdong wanted to stop Lu Jia’er but he could not convince her, in the end, Jason was left in Jin Xiangdong’s room.

In the morning, a gust of wind brushed through the curtains. It was a brand new day!

Lu Jia’er had puzzled over Jin Xiangdong’s words since yesterday night and woke up from a disturbing nightmare as her mind was haunted with doubts. ‘Is Jin Xiangdong an alien, a mutant, a clone, an immortal, a ghost, a demon or other creatures?’

After Lu Jia’er had freshened up, she wanted to asked Jin Xiangdong to go for breakfast together but she stopped when she thought of what Jason said yesterday night. Both of them must have stayed up all night. Hence, she walked straight to the dining hall alone.

After having breakfast, she b.u.mped into Professor Li’s family and Allen, which was up and running, in the hotel’s garden.

Professor Li’s kid—Qiqi was playing with Allen while Professor Li and his wife were resting on the bench, looking sorrowfully into the distance.

Originally, Lu Jia’er did not want to disturb them. However, Allen called out to her. “Good morning, Professor Lu.”

Slightly startled, Jin Xiangdong had actually fed the information about Lu Jia’er into Allen. . It seemed that she was fated to have a close connection with anyone with initial—Ai.

“Professor Lu!” hearing Allen’s voice, Professor Li and his wife regained their consciousness and got up.

“Sis, did you have your breakfast?” Lu Jie’er was not fond of nepotism and calling Mrs Li as ‘sis’ was a little awkward. However, at that point of time, she could not help but go with the flow.

“Yes I did. How about you?” Mrs Li replied softly.

“I have just finished mine. Allen, what are you doing with Qiqi?” Lu Jia’er gave a faint smile.

“We are playing with blocks.” Allen looked at Lu Jia’er, Qiqi looked at her as well.

“Qiqi, you got up so early today.” Lu Jia’er waved her hand at Qiqi.

“Good morning.” Qiqi merely said and lowered her head, as he continued playing with blocks.

“Qiqi talks so much after meeting Professor Lu.” Standing aside, Mrs Li beheld the whole situation and said softly.

Lu Jia’er took a glimpse at Mrs Li. She was soft spoken but a sign of sorrow could be seen between her brows.

When words and feelings were buried in one’s heart for a long time, they would ultimately turn into depression.

Even though Lu Jia’er was not a saint, as a psychology professor, she reached out a helping hand to Mrs Li as she felt sympathy for the poor kid—Qiqi. If anything happened to Mrs Li, Professor Li would definitely not capable of handling the situation.

“Sis, l will sit here together with you while watching Qiqi playing with blocks.” Said Lu Jia’er.

After Lu Jia’er sat down, they have watched Qiqi and Allen playing with blocks quietly for a while.

The atmosphere sank into a peaceful silence and only the sound of the waves could be heard from afar. Listening and empathy were two of the main pillars in Psychotherapy. Lu Jia’er did not utter a word and merely stared quietly at Qiqi. At the same time, she was hearing the inner voice of Mrs Li—full of sorrow, grief and despair.

“Professor Lu. I heard that you are actually a psychology professor.” After a long while, Mrs Li broke the silence.

“Yes sis, is there anything that I can help with?” Lu Jia’er regained her focus and whispered.

“You can call me Guo Yan.” Mrs Li said slowly.

“Alright, Sister Guo Yan.” Hearing that Mrs Li corrected her, Lu Jia’er knew that it must be because of the family discord that had been long existed between the husband and wife. Currently, Guo Yan wanted to be herself.

“In these last two days, I believe Professor Lu already has a grasp of Qiqi’s condition. To be frank with you, I am disheartened,” said Guo Yan.

“Why do you say that?” Lu Jia’er could feel Guo Yan’s emotions but she asked nonetheless.

Guo Yan’s eyes fell on Qiqi, with mixed feelings in her heart.

“When I found out that I was pregnant, both Li and I were extremely thrilled and looked forward to Qiqi’s arrival very much. Originally, I thought that Qiqi would bring a lot of happiness to our family. However, before Qiqi turned 1 years old, the happiness vanished into thin air. When Qiqi was diagnosed with Asperger’s disease, I felt like my whole world had collapsed entirely. Why would this tragedy befall my child? What had I done in my previous life?” Guo Yan burst into tears.

“That’s not your fault, none of the professionals in any of the medical fields have found the actual root cause of Asperger’s disease.” Lu Jia’er took a pack of tissue from her pocket and handed a tissue to Guo Yan.

“I knew it couldn’t be cured, ever since Qiqi was diagnosed with this disease, I read a lot of books related to Asperger’s disease.” Guo Yan took the tissue and wiped her tears.

“Although it can’t be cured, every kid is different. Professor Li said that Qiqi is very sensitive to numbers. Through training, he could create his own world when he grows up,” Lu Jia’er said.

“You’re right. But you may not be aware that Qiqi has never called me mother,” Guo Yan said.

Lu Jia’er took a glance at Qiqi. An ordinary child would have vaguely called out to his parents when he was about ten months old. For parents, the very first time their child called them father or mother was absolutely memorable.

“Take things slowly. Qiqi is still a little kid. Through training, he would slowly adapt to the people and things around him from within,” Lu Jiaer said.

“Li told me the same thing. Through training, Qiqi could live his life like an ordinary child. But when I suggested sending him to a special school for training, he strongly opposed,” Guo Yan said.

Lu Jia’er knew that this was the crux of the relationship rift between Professor Li and Guo Yan. The two of them had different opinions on education and training for Qiqi, which was also the cause of Guo Yan’s depression.

Lu Jia’er recalled the only time she ever watched a film about autism. In the film, the husband wanted to send his kid to a special school whereas the wife disagreed. At the end, the wife had convinced her husband to give up his desire. Professor Li and his wife were completely different.

“Professor Li wants your kid to live an ordinary life, doesn’t he?” Lu Jia’er said.

“Yes, you are right. However, he never puts himself in my shoes.” Guo Yan’s eyes were filled with resentment.

“Why do you say so?” Lu Jia’er asked.

“Ever since I was pregnant, I had to resign from my job so I could devote myself entirely to the baby. I have been staying at home, taking care of Qiqi after delivery. I wouldn’t say that Li has not treated me right, however, I was a top student with a decent job previously. Currently, my whole world has been revolving around my child. I do love mychild. I love him with all my heart. However, it has truly been a great struggle all these years.” Guo Yan’s eyes were flooded with tears.

“Qiqi is no ordinary child . It’s truly hard for you to take care of him.” Lu Jia’er patted Guo Yan’s shoulder gently.

“You will never understand the struggles until you experience them yourself. Let’s not talk about how Qiqi has always been looking for trouble, when he was four years old, I don’t know where he got a knife. Just when I picked him up when he was crying, he had actually stabbed the knife straight into my belly!” Guo Yan poured out her grievances.

Lu Jia’er could feel Guo Yan’s grievances from her trembling voice.

“When he is grown up and starts behaving reasonably, I will tell him how much you loved him and get him to apologize to you.” Lu Jia’er said slowly.

Hearing Lu Jia’er, Guo Yan glanced at her as she said, “Professor Lu, you are truly different from other people. The people around me have always told me that Qiqi was not doing it on purpose. However, my heart was broken when the knife broke my skin. Even though my heart was ripped apart, I still love him.”

“I know.” Lu Jia’er nodded.

“I don’t mean to fuss over the child. I am just worn out,” Guo Yan said.

“You must be worn out mentally and physically, taking care of Qiqi.” Guo Yan was truly exhausted and mentally ill. Lu Jia’er felt sympathy for Guo Yan.

“But no one understands my grievances and they even thought that I was too pretentious. It is true that Li enjoys a decent salary and benefits working in Mr Jin’s company. With his current paycheck, we could live a cozy life and even hired a maid. Hence, they always thought that I have nothing to do and just sit at home all day. Now that I want to send my child to a special school they act as though I don’t appreciate the things that I already have and want me to have another child.” Guo Yan wiped off the tears.

The crux of the relationship between Guo Yan and Professor Li was—having a second child.

The psychological problems caused by having a second child were not something new and Lu Jia’er had come across plenty of precedence brought forward by those in this field. As the saying goes, even an honest and upright official would find it difficult in resolving a family dispute.

The relaxation of the two-child policy had stirred up plenty of family conflicts. It was true that this policy had brought happiness to some families but, at the same time, it brought grievances to some woman. Previously, after having a child, they could live a peaceful life without the burden of giving birth to another child. After the two-child policy, people around them started asking for a second child.

The social phenomenon that arose from this policy had fuelled criticism among the feminist activists. Although Lu Jia’er was not a feminist, she felt that besides the policy, the root cause of many women a.s.sociated with psychological illness lay in the deep-rooted conservative and narrow minded netizens that woman must bear her husband’s children to continue the family bloodline.

“What has Professor Li said about having a second child?” Lu Jia’er asked.

“He disagreed and did not want to have another kid. But his mom insisted. When his mom failed to force him to agree, she came after me. It was a total mess,” Guo Yan replied.

“You don’t need to care what others say since both of you do not agree with it,” Lu Jia’er added.

“That’s not easy. My mother-in-law fell sick due to anger after she learned both of us are not keen on the isea. She was admitted to the hospital since then and has kept nagging us to have a second child. She even told us that she couldn’t rest in peace if we don’t have a second child,” Guo Yan continued saying.

“Have you both changed your mind?” Lu Jia’er asked.

“Li could no longer handle his mom and agreed. But I still stood my ground.” tears broke free from Guo Yan’s eyes.

“Are you worried that your second child will be the same as Qiqi? Lu Jia’er asked.

“You’re right. Even though the health screening showed that we are fit for second child, no one in the medical field was capable of finding the exact root cause. If i am getting a second child like Qiqi, i would completely collapse! Qiqi has to deal with the great struggle of being brought into the world. The same goes to the people around him. I don’t want this to happen again!” Guo Yan said.

Guo Yan’s was right. Although the medical professionals could not find the root cause of Qiqi’s disease, it was mostly because of genes. If the second child suffered the same disease as Qiqi—Asperger’s, no one was capable of handling this!

“Did you tell Professor Li about this?” Lu Jia’er asked softly.

“I did. He was of the same thought initially. However, because of his mom, he was caught in the middle. His mom had truly gone too far. She even told him that if I insist, he could get this done with another woman.” Guo Yan’s eyes were filled with furious rage.

In-law relationships had always been the most complicated relationships in the world. Guo Yan was not wrong to get angry as no woman in this world could reasonably accept this.

“What is on your mind currently?” Lu Jia’er asked.

“Divorce!” There was a semblance of relief in Guo Yan’s words, but deep down, her heart was full of sorrow.

Nowadays, divorce was regarded as a mere piece of paper. However Lu Jia’er knew that Guo Yan could not simply break a relationship that had lasted for years. Even if Qiqi was born with a birth defect, he was her own flesh and blood.

“What was Professor Li’s reaction?” Lu Jia’er asked.

“He disagreed.” Guo Yan whispered.

Lu Jia’er could gauge Professor Li through the conversation with Guo Yan. The man caught in the middle between his wife and mother and could not find the point of balance was the deadliest threat that could ultimately give rise to family breakdown.

“You don’t want to divorce, do you?” Lu Jia’er asked slowly.

“Sometimes I wish I could divorce him to end this miserable life, but I can’t bear to leave him.” Guo Yan burst into tears.

Guo Yan was the one who wanted a divorce, but eventually she relented. That was a woman!

“Sister Guo Yan, the fact that you told me all this has proved that you are still trying your hardest to hold your family together.” Lu Jia’er said.

“That’s nothing. The reality is much crueler.” Guo Yan said.

“The reality is cruel, but you wish to face it positively. You used to be very optimistic. It’s just that you have been overwhelmed over the past few years. You couldn’t break through the chains and spiral into struggles time and time again. In the end, you have lost your way.” Lu Jia’er said.

Hearing this, Guo Yan was slightly startled. She only told two of her best friends. She simply did not know how Lu Jia’er came across this.

“Professor Lu!” Guo Yan stared at Lu Jia’er.

“Sister Guo Yan, you are strong as you are Qiqi’s mother and Professor Li’s lover. I believe that you can get through this hardship.” Lu Jia’er said.

Guo Yan’s burst into tears and did not utter a word.

Sitting beside Guo Yan, Lu Jia’er patted her shoulder gently.

After having listened to Guo Yan, Lu Jia’er had gauged the crux of the matter. As a psychology professor, she could actually help to solve some psychological problems. However, as the saying goes, only those who tied the knot could untie it themselves. Psychological illness was mental health disorder, only the particular persons could cure it.

“Allen, can you bring Qiqi over?” Lu Jia’er called out to Allen.

Allen put down the blocks and walked toward Lu Jia’er with Qiqi’s hand in his arm.

“Allen, Qiqi’s mother feels a bit cold. Can you give her a hug?” Lu Jia’er told Allen.

“Alright.” Allen took a glance at Guo Yan and nodded.

Allan stretched its arms and gave a big hug to Guo Yan while Qiqi was watching from the side.

Falling into Allen’s embrace, tears broke free from Guo Yan’s eyes. Even though Allen was no human, he was warmer than any of her kin.

Allen stroked Guo Yan’s arms gently as if comforting her for a long while and only let go of Guo Yan when she regained her calmness.

From where he stood, Qiqi stared at Gu Yan. After a few moments, Qiqi walked toward Guo Yan slowly and gave her a hug.

That was the first time her son hugged her. Guo Yan’s body stiffened and tears rolled down her face uncontrollably.

Even though Qiqi did not give her any words of comfort, his little body holding onto her lap had melted her heart.

Guo Yan reached out and hugged Qiqi tightly, buried him in her embrace. Even though Guo Yan was crying, Lu Jia’er knew that she was actually crying tears of joy.

At this time, no one knew when Professor Li showed up. Seeing his son and wife crying, he could not help but squat down and hug both of them.

It was such a warm yet heartbreaking moment. It was true that every family had a skeleton in the cupboard.

When Lu Jia’er returned to her room, Jin Xiangdong had woken.

Jin Xiangdong and Jason worked until three o’clock in the morning before finally fixing Allen. Only after testing it several times did he finally feel relieved enough to sleep.

“Come over, let’s eat together.” Lu Jia’er left after getting Jin Xiangdong’s message.

Jin Xiangdong was seated at a table having his breakfast while Lu Jia’er was seated across from him keeping him company.

“Someone told me that you made Professor Li’s wife cry.” Jin Xiangdong said blandly.

“It’s not good to gossip.” Lu Jia’er retorted.

“You are helping Professor Li’s wife with her depression?” the corner of Jin Xiangdong’s mouth lifted.

“You know his wife has depression?” Lu Jia’er asked.

“Yes. Professor Li told me before. He was exhausted.” Jin Xiangdong answered.

Lu Jia’er nodded silently. Even though Professor Li did not handle it well, it was not easy for himso far either.

“His wife does not want to get any treatment. Professor Li is completely lost.” Jin Xiangdong said.

“There must be a reason behind it.” Lu Jia’er said slowly.

“I am not sure about the actual reason, however, it’s great that she accepted your help,” Jin Xiangdong said.

“Actually, I prefer listening to treating,” said Lu Jia’er

“Listening?” Jin Xiangdong repeated her words.

“Yes, each of us bears different secrets in our hearts. Some fade with time while others grow into towering trees that obscure the sunlight and force the person to dwell in a gloomy world. Through listening, the roots of the towering tree slowly loosen its grip on the ground and wither. Finally sunlight would break through the tree, brighten up their view of the world.” Lu Jia’er explained to Jin Xiangdong what she knew about listening.

“I could feel the greatness of psychologists after listening to you.” Jin Xiangdong complimented.

“I accept your compliments on behalf of all psychologists since the ancient times!” Lu Jia’er smiled.