Starting with Proficiency Panel-Chapter 550: See the truth at noon tomorrow (new book content)

Doesn't this just smell so good, why would you need that thing!

Chen Chencheng's eyes lit up, and she said enthusiastically, "Is it true that after getting into a real relationship, there's a subconscious resistance, feeling like the other person's presence disrupts your life rhythm?"

"...Yes."

She nodded, "Many people who've been single for a while have this problem, it's the same for both men and women. Once it comes to romance, they become resistant. In your view, what's the reason for this?"

Li Qing pondered for a moment, taking a light sip of coffee, the bitter taste quickly blossoming in his mouth.

"In our generation, love has already become a complex term that is hard to define. We think love requires a lot of money, a lot of time and energy, unparalleled emotional intelligence, and strategy.

The standards for falling in love have become extremely high. It's no longer the gratitude for handing a cup of water or wiping sweat, nor the mutual compatibility that never tires, but liking a complete persona, and I must fit this persona for us to have a chance.

And the standards for developing aversion have become very low. Everyone has pre-set minefields in their hearts, touching them can only lead to severe consequences.

This is an era where it's easier to dislike each other than to be attracted.

Even for those who are mutually attracted, the road ahead isn't smooth. Various marketing accounts drive the narrative, telling you that love should be like this, and if it's not, you don't love at all. Under these man-made rules, the beneficiary side will involuntarily believe and use it to demand from their partner; while the losing side either chooses to comply, ultimately becoming a 'simp,' or chooses to resist, leading to a difficult battle.

In such an environment, the happiness of so-called love becomes more and more unattainable. Some people feel turning their partner into an obedient slave is the only way to feel happiness; others believe defeating their partner brings happiness. But no one is a complete fool, on the surface everyone appears lovey-dovey, but in reality, countless schemes of love are being enacted. A major characteristic of the new generation is that both men and women feel they are at a loss in love.

And even if both are broad-minded people, the most intimate partners in the world, the road remains incredibly rough. Love needs material conditions like a house as a foundation, a phrase that would've been despised in the ages of simple romantic views but is now an iron rule of this era. Those who qualify might as well break the bank and owe a huge debt to prepare the chips for love; those who don't qualify never deny this rule, they simply believe they don't deserve love.

Diamonds, betrothal gifts, expensive fancy weddings, 520 gifts, so many nonsensical things have become essential. But if you don't comply, you face strange looks from society and your partner.

This is the power of customs, making those at a disadvantage feel they're losing, making those who lose feel they don't deserve, and making those who deserve pack their life's earnings into the pockets of the manipulators behind the scenes.

Making those harmed by this laugh at those untouched by it as single dogs, making those who compromise laugh at those who resist as naive and immature.

Those who believe mutual affection can simply bring people together are seen by outsiders as either foolish or trash, so you don't dare to think this way yourself. Thinking this way may not be right anyway, even if it is you won't get it. So why bother? Why suffer?

Li Qing drank his coffee in one gulp: "So, I think this is the reason why there are more and more single men and women nowadays."

Chen Chencheng remained silent for a long time, then said with some frustration: "This topic actually involves the current social situation, it's really difficult, I somewhat regret choosing this as my doctoral dissertation topic."

She sighed deeply, somewhat understandingly: "No wonder last time we met you decisively acted so materialistic when you confirmed there was no further possibility with me."

Li Qing was speechless: "This isn't called materialism, it's an awareness of one's own positioning. If I have to continue with you, then the most likely trend is that I'd try my best to treat you well, thereby becoming a 'simp,' after all, we're not on the same level."

The word 'simp' is too heavy, Li Qing, once experienced, would never step into such a self-degrading situation again.

Speaking of it evoked a mix of bitterness and tears.

"Not on the same level?" Chen Chencheng was curious: "How did you figure that out?"

Li Qing glanced and said: "Your bag is LV, your watch is Longines, your necklace is Tiffany, click... all these add up to almost a million, so in your eyes, I should be an interesting condiment, even if your personality is strange and unwanted, but with your looks and family assets, it definitely wouldn't be my turn."

Chen Chencheng was a little embarrassed, trying hard to pull her clothes and sleeves to cover her necklace and watch, while turning to shield her bag.

"I think these material things shouldn't be an obstacle for two people in love!"

Li Qing was speechless: "Quite the opposite, for ordinary people, the biggest obstacle to love is material things."

Chen Chencheng suddenly found herself unable to argue against Li Qing.

"Isn't it right to treat a girl well?"

"It is, but the best state is reciprocation."

Chen Chencheng understood: "No wonder you have a decent job, look okay, but still can't find a girlfriend, the reason lies here."

She counted: "Too much of a straight man, once confirmed in his heart there's no more hesitation, and too focus on benefits, speaks too bluntly!"

She emphasized the last few words.

Li Qing maintained a smile, keeping a good mood by never arguing about meaningless things, especially with women.

"Right, right, you're absolutely right."

Chen Chencheng was furious.

For a while, the two fell silent, Li Qing was still the one to initiate the conversation: "In your psychology studies, do you research the human spirit?"

"Spirit, which aspect are you referring to, this word spirit is too broad." Chen Chencheng's tone was still very unpleasant, but she maintained a rigorous attitude towards her specialty.

Li Qing tried to guide gently: "From what aspects do you psychologists view people?"

Chen Chencheng flicked her hair, unconsciously twirling a pen, thought for a moment before speaking: "It's very simple, when I receive a patient, I analyze why they're in this state, what are the causes, is there a genetic basis, family environmental reasons, or have they experienced major life events? Also their behavior."

A hint of mystery appeared on her face: "Actually, we in psychology really believe in cause and effect for good and evil, no one is born evil, and no one is born inherently good."

"So, what kind of person do you think I am?" Li Qing asked with interest.