Chapter 6: The Psychologist’s Request

He Yao received more attention than he had anticipated when he went to school the next day. However, his relationships with others were never particularly close, and he had no real friends in class. Thus, even the increased number of gazes cast his way did not significantly affect him.

As he entered the classroom, his gaze briefly fell upon Liu Xingyue. She was seated, engrossed in a book, and paid no attention to his arrival, prompting him to quickly withdraw his eyes.

He couldn’t help but feel grateful for his past self. Not having cultivated close relationships with others had proven to be a tremendous help. Otherwise, he knew he wouldn’t have been able to cope with the sudden scrutiny.

Yet, there was one exception.

It was the handsome, radiant young man in his class.

The young man approached He Yao’s side. “He Yao, I’ve already heard about your heroic deeds!”

He Yao was surprised, yet when he considered the kind of person Ye Liuyun was, his surprise quickly faded. The dazzling smile on Ye Liuyun’s face was a little blinding. He Yao managed a strained smile in return. “Ye Liuyun, it was nothing major. There’s no need to pay it too much mind.”

Ye Liuyun chuckled. “You’re far too modest, He Yao. I’m truly impressed by what you did. If it had been me, I would have been completely flustered.”

‘Flustered, you say?’

‘I doubt it.’

He Yao wondered if this was typical of a ‘sunshine boy.’ Even someone like him found it hard to formulate a response when speaking with Ye Liuyun, despite knowing he was being flattered. ‘And wait, it started with “He Yao,” then it became “He Yao” in the second sentence. Will it be “Old He” next?’

‘Is this just how he operates?’

A hint of scrutiny flickered in He Yao’s eyes. “Class is about to start, Ye Liuyun.”

His abrupt statement was undeniably stiff and impolite, but He Yao paid it no mind. Ye Liuyun didn’t seem to care either, maintaining his cheerful smile. “Ah, yes, class is indeed starting soon. I’ll catch you later, He Yao!”

This was perfect. Such was the nature of popular individuals: they instinctively read the room, understood his reluctance to join their circle, and thus retreated gracefully. They preserved everyone’s dignity, leaving everyone feeling as though they had a good relationship.

He, however, would not fall for it.

‘How could such a simple trick sway someone like me, a Pro-Max Human Heart Insight Master!’

Lost in a fleeting fantasy, He Yao only snapped back to reality when the class bell rang.

****

Nevertheless, the incident proved impossible to simply move past. During class, their homeroom teacher, Liu Yun, singled him out for praise, presenting him with a school award. She also announced that the government would later deliver a bonus and a commendation banner to his home.

He Yao felt profoundly embarrassed by the public recognition. Still, it was over now. After all, a student’s primary duty was to study.

****

During physical education class, he applied himself with newfound earnestness. It had to be said—the lessons learned in PE were genuinely useful.

His survival this time was inextricably linked to his PE training!

He even considered asking the PE teacher for private combat lessons, as such techniques were part of the elective curriculum. Ultimately, he decided against it.

****

As always, he made his way to the physics laboratory.

“Oh! If it isn’t our young hero!” Lin Han exclaimed, spontaneously applauding as He Yao stepped into the lab. “I’ve already heard all about your heroic exploits~”

“Teacher, you too? Give me a break!” He Yao slumped onto the lab table, looking utterly drained. “This time, if not for sheer luck, I really would have been beaten to death. I never imagined a girl who birthed a monstrous fiend could be so incredibly strong! And it’s a good thing that magical girl was Emerald, capable of healing people. If it hadn’t been Emerald, I’m afraid I would’ve ended up a vegetable.”

Lin Han grew pensive. “Emerald, huh…”

“Oh? Are you interested in Emerald, Teacher?” Seeing him lost in thought, He Yao’s interest was piqued. “Putting everything else aside, Emerald’s… assets are really something! That magical girl outfit was quite form-fitting. I definitely took a good look.

Her costume was a crop top… and even though magical girls have a cognitive interference ability that prevents them from being accurately photographed—my eyes are my ruler! Just imagine, Teacher, how alluringly provocative is a crop top that reveals just the navel?”

Hearing his words, Lin Han’s face broke into an ambiguous smile. “You rascal! It’s normal for someone your age to think such things. Just talk about it with me, but don’t you dare mention it in front of the girls in class, or they’ll be disgusted. I was your age once, so I understand your thoughts. Was it really a crop top?”

“Why would I lie to you? I’ll draw it for you!”

After the two of them chatted idly for a while, Lin Han’s gaze turned serious. “He Yao, there’s something I might need your help with. I wonder if you’d be willing.”

“What is it, Teacher? Why so serious? Just say it directly. Are you out of money? I just got my allowance, I’ll treat you to something good to eat.”

Lin Han chuckled. “It’s about the girl whose leg you broke. The higher-ups have assigned me to handle her psychological treatment. However—she’s currently very difficult to approach and has only made one request: she wants to see you.”

“Teacher, did you tell her I was your student?”

Lin Han shook his head. “No, after she woke up, that was her only request. I didn’t dare tell her, fearing she might cling to you later, but…”

“But you want to help her, don’t you, Teacher?” He Yao had already guessed his teacher’s thoughts. “After all, that’s just the kind of person you are.”

Lin Han looked a little embarrassed. “My main concern is… although you forcibly interrupted that process for her, her psychological state isn’t truly stable. If not handled properly, she could potentially summon another monstrous fiend. So, I really hope we can resolve this matter.”

He Yao pondered for a moment. The image of the girl calling him a ‘liar’ flashed through his mind, leaving him with a complicated feeling. Then he asked, “Will you be with me, Teacher?”

“Of course.”

He Yao nodded. “Then that’s fine. I’ll go with you, Teacher, to see that girl. I also have a few things I want to say.”

“Thank you, He Yao. By the way, were you serious about treating me to a meal earlier?”

“Wow, Teacher, that’s really low of you! I’ve told you not to always spend all your money modifying your ‘ghost-fire’ bike. That’s hardly how a teacher should behave, asking a student to treat them to dinner… but, who can blame me for having so much money? I heard I’m getting a government bonus this time, and it’s quite a sum. My parents can’t even touch my money.”

He Yao chuckled. “After school, how about we grab some hotpot before going to see her?”

“Sounds great!”

****

After school, He Yao sent a message to his mother. Then, he and Lin Han went out for hotpot.

It was worth noting that Lin Han had an enormous appetite. Despite being thirty, he could eat far more than He Yao, a young man. He Yao mused that Teacher Lin’s financial difficulties might be related to his excessive eating, especially since he actually drew salaries as both a physics teacher and a psychological counselor.

Afterward, Lin Han, with He Yao riding pillion, drove his motorcycle to a small Western-style house.

Judging by the house, their family’s financial situation seemed slightly less affluent than his own, but still quite well-off. He Yao made a quick assessment. Clearly, the girl was not in a hospital but had chosen to recuperate at home.

Lin Han presented his credentials. Then, they were met by a middle-aged man who exuded a certain stern authority.

“Teacher Lin, He Yao, hello. I am Zhang Peng.” His gaze settled on He Yao. “He Yao, I am deeply sorry about what happened with my daughter. Your decision at the time was correct; you helped us save her. She has always been a good child, I never imagined she would become like this…”

A flicker of guilt crossed his face. “After speaking with Teacher Lin, we’ve realized our own shortcomings, but our daughter no longer trusts us. I’m incredibly grateful that you agreed to come see her! Please, help my daughter!”

The man bowed deeply to He Yao. Such an elaborate display right from the start left He Yao feeling somewhat flustered.

Lin Han, however, interjected, “We will engage in thorough communication with her. Patient dialogue is the bridge to soothing emotions… Regardless, we do not wish to see such an incident occur again.”

“Yes, Teacher Lin, this way please!”

As they walked towards a particular room, Zhang Peng began to explain. “My daughter’s name is Zhang Xiao. This incident—it’s our fault as parents. She loved playing tennis since she was little, and we thought she had aspirations in it, so we enrolled her in training classes and had her participate in various competitions…

We failed to realize that the smile was gradually fading from her face, and she no longer found joy in tennis. When we met with Teacher Lin the other day, he already told us: it was our utilitarian mindset that led our child into this terrible state. Liking something should be a pure enjoyment, not necessarily about achieving success in it. But now, our daughter scoffs at everything we say. Looking back, I don’t know when our conversations first started to go wrong.”

‘She’s quite similar to me, it seems…’ Teacher Lin truly handled these matters with ease. ‘I wondered how many such cases he had dealt with over the years, which explained his composure when handling his own situation back then.’

‘Well… he is a teacher, after all.’

They reached the second floor, stopping at the door of a room. Zhang Peng halted.

“I won’t go in. My daughter can’t communicate calmly when she sees me or her mother. I would only hinder you.”

Lin Han nodded. He then knocked on the door.

He Yao took a deep breath.

“Zhang Xiao, this is Lin Han from the psychological counseling office. I’ve brought the person you wanted to see.”

“…” A moment of silence passed within the room. “Come in!”

Lin Han nodded at He Yao, then grasped the doorknob, opening the door with a soft click.

He Yao followed him inside. There, he saw the very girl who had nearly beaten him to death with a tennis racket.

To be honest, he felt a little panicked.

“It really is you!”