Chapter 8

"I can only say this now because there has been progress today. If there is no further progress regarding Qi Cheng's condition, it will definitely transition from a phobic subtype to severe autism and depression, and by then it will truly be too late." Dr. Zhao adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose, "If the Qi family still opposes desensitization treatment this time, I may really have to give up being Qi Cheng's doctor."

Qi Cheng has indeed fallen ill this time. Typically, with medication injections and psychological counseling, it takes at least one to two months to recover from an episode.

If Chi Zhihan is truly not simple, he is rather the best candidate for desensitization therapy. Dr. Zhao pointed to Qi Cheng, who was sound asleep in bed, and said, "He has not gone out for the past ten years, and the only people he has long-term contact with are the Qi family, which I have always opposed."

Such treatment applied to Qi Cheng involves very few steps; it is sufficient to allow him and Chi Zhi Han to continue their close relationship. Once feelings develop, Chi Zhi Han can then share gossip about the Qi family behind Qi Cheng's back

However, now it has become somewhat difficult to proceed without retreating.

However, Chi Zhihan only took ten days

Chi Zhihan's actions captured on surveillance have already crossed serious boundaries

Chi Zhihan maintained the posture of that plate, gazing at the six delicate eyebrow pastries inside, then extended a hand to pick one up and put it into her mouth

It may also lead to Qicheng never being able to leave this building for the rest of his life

The outcome is the same; she might as well conserve her energy

All sounds seemed to be muffled by a thick veil of mist, and when they reached his ears, they were accompanied by echoes, making it difficult to hear clearly

Desensitization therapy, as the name suggests, involves having the patient compile a list of situations that trigger social anxiety. The process begins with the situation that elicits the weakest fear response, gradually immersing the patient in each scenario. Each step is carried out until the patient adapts and feels completely relaxed, after which the next more anxiety-provoking situation is addressed, continuing this process until even the most intense situations no longer provoke fear.

She has hired so many private chefs, and she has also hired those who are of a similar age to Qi Cheng, but thirty days have passed, and apart from drawing a few more storyboards, Qi Cheng has shown no signs of change.

The disdainful attitude was too evident, and she felt that this time she was truly on the verge of not being able to laugh.

We will add contract clauses and discuss specific matters. I will come over tomorrow afternoon to talk with you in detail. After saying this, I did not intend to linger with her any longer, turned around, opened the door, and closed it without any reluctance

Qi Cheng furrowed his brows

Qi Cheng raised his eyes, his lips dry and pale due to dehydration and lack of oxygen, yet the mist before him had dissipated significantly

She insisted on remaining silent, neither refuting his claim that she had violated the contract nor inquiring about what she needed to do after he had breached the contract

After being locked in the wardrobe for an extended period and suffering from severe dehydration, Qi Cheng finally began to feel a sense of confusion after completely relaxing. Before falling into a deep sleep, he still remembered Qi Ning's words, "I don't know anything else."

He understands the feelings of the Qi family wanting to protect Qi Cheng, but as a doctor, he has stated more than once that such protection may leave Qi Cheng in a state of repeated deterioration for a lifetime

"Rest assured and sleep well, we will wait until the water has finished before leaving. Tomorrow morning, I will come back to give you an examination." Dr. Zhao smiled, this time not using his most proficient professional tone

So, someone really came to the house, this is not an illusion

The monitoring was conducted swiftly, and the only intersection between these two individuals is particularly evident in several quiet surveillance recordings

The sound, shrouded in mist, is faint and intermittent, yet it grows increasingly close to the ear

I did not tell her. Qi Ning squatted down to meet Qi Cheng's gaze; she did not dare to take the initiative to touch Qi Cheng and could only emphasize her tone, saying, "She only knows that the camera can pick up sound, nothing else."

The person across from me knows nothing at all

You are sweating excessively, which has led to an electrolyte imbalance. Dr. Zhao's voice became much clearer, stating, There are no SSRI-type medications, only regular glucose and sedatives to aid sleep

He had another episode? Each time he falls ill, it requires them to make a trip, as they are concerned that Grandpa, who lives in the Qi family old residence, would worry. Therefore, Qi Ning and Zhou Jingshuo would first call Doctor Zhao, and only after his symptoms have alleviated would they inform everyone.

You can take a photo of this and send it to his elder brother Qi Peng, and let Qi Peng handle it. Doctor Zhao walked to Qi Cheng's window, lifted Qi Cheng's long sleeve, and there were obvious scars on his arm.

The sentence that he had not told her finally became clear in his mind, and he slowly released Qi Ning's arm, his head buried in the pillow swaying slightly

"Check the corridor surveillance from the past two days." Dr. Zhao adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose, "Something must have happened between him and the neighbor for there to be such progress."

She is not simple. Qi Ning did not wish to comment further

We do not know what your purpose in this conversation is; actively trying to please the person next door does not benefit your career in any way. Zhou Jingshuo stood still, a calculating smile curving at the corners of his mouth

The surrounding light was very bright, and the bizarre, distorted colors dazzled his eyes painfully. He vaguely remembered that he had clearly turned off the power switch before.

Miss Chi?" The man in a suit loosened the tie around his neck, extended his right hand, and revealed a set of white teeth to Chi Zhihan, saying, "I am Qi Ning's husband, Zhou Jingshuo.

This kind of obsession was something Qi Ning saw for the first time in Qi Cheng.

"No need for medication anymore?" The voice of my cousin's husband, Zhou Jingshuo, conveyed a sense of relief.

A few days ago, you violated the terms of the contract by engaging in a conversation with the person living here without authorization. You are aware of this matter, aren't you?" Zhou Jingshuo took a step forward and closed the door to the next room again

Treating Qi Cheng is akin to engaging in battle

When Chi Zhihan delivered the meticulously prepared date paste pastry to the door next door, it was opened by a man she did not recognize, and the atmosphere became so tense that she wanted to flee immediately.

Regardless of whether it is because of Chi Zhihan, it is a fact that Qi Cheng's condition has recently improved. He even forced himself to open a crack in the closed world to ask her why.

"Could you try to express your thoughts more clearly and give it another shot?" Dr. Zhao bent down, looked into Qi Cheng's eyes, and asked with great caution

However, the warmth of Qi Ning that he was holding in his palm was undeniably real

Dr. Zhao was in excellent spirits due to Qi Cheng's progress, and at the moment he saw Qi Cheng throw out the note, he couldn't help but laugh out loud

The three of them were momentarily stunned, and Dr. Zhao's hand, which was administering the injection, came to a halt

To do or not to do, ahead lies only a precipice

Qi Cheng, although he has not mentioned it verbally, his behavior in the surveillance footage and his currently unusually proactive demeanor indicate that he wants to make friends. For the first time since falling ill, he has a clear social need

Qi Cheng's lips trembled, his eyes straining to focus, yet he could no longer produce any sound, only futilely pulling at Qi Ning's arm with his hand.

This entire villa, apart from the activity range of Qi Cheng, is equipped with high-definition surveillance cameras in all other areas, and there are also several emergency buttons on the walls of Qi Cheng's home

... ...

"Do you not trust Chi Zhihan?" Zhou Jingshuo understood his wife well; her definition of Chi Zhihan was merely a cook, someone who had worked here for thirty days, just a person who had been seen on the surveillance footage for thirty days with that typical face from Qi Cheng's medical records.

So good

We do not wish to entangle ourselves with Miss Chi; the matter of violating the contract and incurring a penalty holds little significance for us. Zhou Jingshuo maintained his usual demeanor of speaking half and remaining silent half, satisfied to see Chi Zhihan's expression gradually turn unpleasant

Qining lowered her head, unable to make such a decision: "Even if you persuade me, it does not mean that the Qi family will allow you to undertake such a risky endeavor"

Who exactly lives across the door, and why do the people who come out appear to be quite significant

Chi Zhihan is far from being as simple as she appears; she is clearly a person well-versed in the ways of the world, yet she enjoys playing the fool in front of others. The greater the pressure, the sweeter her smile.

This time, Qi Cheng surprisingly managed to walk out on his own

Chi Zhihan bit her lip, and her smile gradually faded away, leaving her silent.

"The early self-harming symptoms of depression." Doctor Zhao spoke lightly in front of the shocked eyes of the Qi Ning couple, "It was only a matter of time; he has done quite well to endure for so long."

She can only let them manipulate her, yet this seemingly indifferent attitude easily provokes others. Qi Ning is like this, and so is Mr. Zhou Jingshuo. Must she display an angry expression to be considered genuine? What is the point...

It was for this reason that Old Master Qi sent Qi Cheng here, and no one expected that this stay would last nearly ten years

She would rather believe that Chi Zhi Han is a person who only loves money, handling matters with money and not engaging in unnecessary actions. She does not think that this kind of meddlesome curiosity can improve Qi Cheng's condition

The progress is surprisingly good. Dr. Zhao only showed signs of joy after Qi Cheng fell asleep.

Qi Cheng's psychological issues became severe enough that he could no longer take care of himself before he sought medical help, and conventional systematic desensitization therapy was completely ineffective for him; he would even experience episodes in a space with two breathing sounds.

If unsuccessful, it would constitute a serious secondary injury

It is precisely that elusive Chi Zhihan across from me.

He teased her with an attitude akin to a cat toying with a mouse, lofty and scrutinizing

Zhou Jingshuo, who is said to have consumed all the businesses of the Qi family along with his wife Qi Ning, is a figure of legend

Are wealthy people really impressive? What is the point of threatening her like this in the middle of the night? The self-esteem buried deep within her began to stir, and Zhi Han's fingers, gripping the plate, turned white from the strain.

Appearance is truly a curse; she should not take risks

The eyes still find it difficult to focus, but there is a faint tingling sensation in the back of the hand

Does he still need to take medication? The one that can make him excited and cause insomnia after use

Sweet and soft

Just holding a plate, with a pale face, completely at his mercy.

There is not a single one that she can provoke... the kind that she doesn't even dare to run away from...

Chi Zhihan stepped back with the plate in hand, alarm bells ringing in her mind

She is indeed a girl who likes to play the fool, but being young and lacking experience, she is still easily seen through

Only Qi Ning remained silent throughout, his expression displeased

His condition is much better than expected Dr. Zhao's voice

"... late-night snack." She timidly raised the plate in her hand, missing the small window from before; this man looked too intimidating.

Simple and straightforward

If it were not for those eyes that inadvertently revealed her thoughts, most men would truly be softened by her pitiful appearance

Are you worried that Qi Cheng will suffer secondary harm in front of people of the same type?" Dr. Zhao sighed

Chi Zhihan, who clearly dislikes her, greets her with a smile every time.

All treatment plans must be decided by a vote among the Qi family members. If Qi Cheng exhibits any signs of discomfort during the treatment process, it will be terminated immediately.

This quagmire seems to be getting deeper and deeper

I would like to utilize Chi Zhihan to conduct desensitization exposure therapy on Qi Cheng. Dr. Zhao insisted unusually this time, stating, "Qi Cheng's condition has always made it impossible to undergo this type of psychological treatment; this may be the only opportunity."

Chi Zhihan freed one hand to shake his, feeling as if her smile was about to collapse

When Qi Cheng falls ill, he becomes isolated from the outside world, unable to hear any sounds or see anything. It is almost impossible for him to express even a few words as he is able to do now.