Who would study psychology unless they had some issues?!-Chapter 99 - 98 This is Another High-Level Game

Nan Zhubin pondered in his heart.

Is taking care of a husband with depression something she should be proud of or even flaunt?

Combining previously obtained information, Nan Zhubin skillfully posed another question:

"Taking care of a husband wholeheartedly, especially one suffering from depression, sounds incredibly difficult. But what about your job?"

Nan Zhubin observed closely.

As expected, upon hearing this, Wang Sui seemed like a robot whose switch had been flipped, her actions and words becoming somewhat mechanical.

She began reciting as if delivering a well-rehearsed monologue.

"Hey, it’s not like I just started taking care of him now."

"I’ve been taking care of my husband since I was in school. He’s the kind of art student who can only draw, and doesn’t know anything else apart from that."

"After graduation, I originally had many great job opportunities, but for his sake, I didn’t accept any of those offers because I couldn’t leave him alone."

"He also can’t do without me."

[The smile on her face was almost like a ’mask’, frozen in place, her speech was unusually clear, her arms crossed defensively, muscles tense and slightly anxious.]

[Her gaze was fixed on my expression, waiting for my reaction, perhaps?]

"So now—or always—are you a full-time housewife, taking care of your husband?"

"Yes."

[The tension was stronger, starting to turn into unease.]

Nan Zhubin had achieved what he wanted; this path had reached its end, and he needed to explore another path.

Before that, he needed to ensure the person in front of him had enough interest to continue talking.

So, Nan Zhubin extended a helping hand to Wang Sui, giving her what she wanted.

Nan Zhubin said, "Your husband is quite fortunate to have you by his side during such difficult times. You’ve given a lot; it must be really tough, right?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the smile that had been frozen on Wang Sui’s face for a long time finally became lively, curving upwards sincerely.

Her body also relaxed.

She leaned back: "Oh yes, I feel exhausted every day."

Even while speaking of loss, Wang Sui’s smile was relaxed and leisurely, as if chatting with friends after dinner: "Mr. Nan, you’re really impressive. Just talking with you for a bit, I feel a lot of pressure lifted from me."

"Sometimes I really don’t get it. I take care of my husband in every aspect; he only needs to draw and enjoy art. What’s there to be depressed about?"

"I feel like I should be the one depressed. Maybe, Mr. Nan, you should also take a look at me."

"Hahahahahaha!"

As if she had told a fantastic joke, Wang Sui couldn’t help but start laughing.

[Covering her mouth while laughing, but it was a social laugh, her eyes still observing my reaction.]

[Her emotional and behavioral responses were inconsistent, she was performing.]

[She hoped for my affirmation, for me to pander to her.]

However, this time Nan Zhubin’s professional ethics wouldn’t let him indulge Wang Sui any longer.

Even the humanistic approach of [Positive Attention] demands substance, at most turning "small positives" into "big positives," or "interpreting negative events positively."

"Creating something out of nothing" was somewhat challenging for a psychological consultant.

Nonetheless, the information Nan Zhubin needed was mostly gathered, and his conjectures were mostly confirmed.

There was only one left.

"So how is your economic situation now? I see from the data that you’ve been through years of consultation, and your family’s work model heavily relies on your husband..."

"That’s alright, I’ve got everything arranged just fine." Wang Sui confidently interrupted Nan Zhubin.

Then she involuntarily tilted her chin up: "Mr. Nan, are you worried we won’t continue consulting with you? Rest assured, we’ll be here. I’ve also understood my husband’s condition; depression can’t be cured, right? So, where isn’t it still gonna be consulting?"

"Besides, those artists probably have a bit of that issue, right? Regular psychological consultation is like us women occasionally going to the salon for maintenance, isn’t it? I get it, his thing should be called—spiritual maintenance!"

"Hahahahahaha..."

She laughed again.

She seemed to like ending a long speech with a joke.

Nan Zhubin put his index finger to his lips with a professionally courteous smile.

Just a few more words and this conversation could basically end.

"If that’s the case, I’d like to briefly discuss the follow-up intervention plan for your husband with you."

"Mhm, go ahead."

Wang Sui’s smile was skillfully restrained, instantly shifting to a posture of serious listening.

"I reviewed your husband’s previous intervention plans and found one particularly effective therapy that hasn’t been used yet. If possible, I’d like to implement it going forward."

"Go ahead and use it."

"I need your consent because this therapy is called—[Family therapy]. In future consultations focusing on your husband, I’ll need you in the consultation room, participating together."

Wang Sui showed a surprised expression: "You’re really going to do psychological consultation on me?"

[Expression and body language somewhat resistant.]

Nan Zhubin let his professional courtesy smile grow a bit more.

"In psychology, we have something called [Ecosystem Theory], which essentially means that in a person’s life, various living environments will have different degrees of impact on their development."

Nan Zhubin tried using plain language to explain the professional psychological knowledge. Despite this, he still saw a hint of confusion in Wang Sui’s eyes.

Yet, although her eyes showed confusion, Wang Sui’s expression remained solemn, making an effort to appear as though she was learning and comprehending.

"Among all ’ecosystems’, the family environment has the most direct and greatest impact on a person. Therefore, if you, as a family member, can participate in future consultations, it’ll significantly help the process."

Wang Sui blinked.

Then became eager: "So, it’s not that I’ll be getting the consultation; it’s that I’ll be consulting jointly on my husband with you?"

Nan Zhubin maintained his smile: "Not exactly, but the consultation is indeed for your husband only."

"Alright! Is it for the next consultation?"

"No, it depends on your husband’s situation. This is implemented at a certain critical time."

The conversation ended here.

Nan Zhubin left the consultation room, replacing Shen Bing in the room.

He walked back to the office area, sat at his desk, and sank into the ergonomic chair.

Then, he let out a long sigh.

"—That was another high-level play."

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