Chapter 69
“Are you kidding me?” Xia Wansheng didn’t understand what was happening.
This person had been making shocking statements from the very beginning, not only accurately assessing his situation but also offering unusual solutions.
“Why are you suggesting amnesia? How would that help?” Xia Wansheng was both puzzled and shocked.
He glanced at his phone; twenty minutes had already passed.
A 12,000 yuan treatment plan was indeed different.
The therapist continued explaining calmly, “You have the option to leave at any time, the system can take you back, so your first instinct when facing a problem isn’t to confront it, but to escape.”
“It seems carefree and liberating, but this mindset will torment you.”
This thought would gradually erode his rationality, eventually leading him to ruin.
Xia Wansheng’s escape route was always there, tempting him whenever he faced a problem. Even if he decided to stay, the thought wouldn’t disappear.
“Think about it, it’s still relatively easy to resolve this now, once the system is truly gone, you won’t be able to distinguish whether your decision to stay was genuine or forced.” The therapist’s logic was clear, but she wasn’t forcing him to choose immediately.
This method was risky, but also the most effective.
Taking unconventional approaches was her style.
“Can I confirm this with the system?” Xia Wansheng had initially dismissed it as absurd, but now, after hearing her explanation, it seemed to make sense.
If the system disappeared after he stabilized, and he no longer had the safety net of a quick escape, his condition might worsen.
[Host, I tried contacting the other system, but it seems its permissions are limited, I can only confirm her abilities are real, but I can’t verify her motives.] The system reported its findings.
It didn’t offer its opinion or advice, knowing it shouldn’t interfere with Xia Wansheng’s decision.
“Alright, I’ll agree to the treatment,” Xia Wansheng said calmly, “But I need a guarantee.”
He was starting to waver, he was too reliant on the system, repeatedly trying to leave this world, even in his dreams.
He couldn’t live like this.
“Of course, this won’t permanently affect your memory, you’ll remember everything if you truly want to.” The therapist tore a page from her notebook, folded it casually, and handed it to him, “Remember the texture of this paper against your skin.”
When you want to remember, you will.
Yu Congyan was anxiously waiting in the lounge.
He had thought it was a good thing Xia Wansheng was willing to go out, but now, alone, he couldn’t shake a sense of foreboding.
As if he was about to lose him.
He put down his lukewarm tea, telling himself he was overthinking.
Just then, Xia Wansheng entered. Yu Congyan immediately stood up and reached out to wrap his scarf around him.
But Xia Wansheng seemed uncomfortable. Although he didn’t refuse, he subtly stiffened as he approached.
He seemed to be afraid of something, but then he realized he didn’t have a choice.
The therapist also emerged, asking Yu Congyan to speak with her privately.
Xia Wansheng, visibly relieved, took the scarf, thanked him, and walked past him.
He seemed to prefer being alone.
Inside the consultation room,
After hearing the explanation, Yu Congyan’s reaction was even more intense than Xia Wansheng’s earlier, “Making him forget about the system? Amnesia therapy? Are you kidding me?!”
“Temporary and safe amnesia is a form of protection for the patient,”
The therapist, seeing his concern, added, “You’ve noticed his self-destructive tendencies, it’s much worse than you think.”
“…Yes.” Yu Congyan hid his shock.
He had suspected it was just the tip of the iceberg, but he hadn’t expected this.
“With an escape route, even when facing solvable problems, Xia Wansheng’s instinct will be to consider leaving, returning to his familiar world.”
“Returning isn’t scary for him, the exploitation and mistreatment are within his control, although it sounds cruel, sometimes mental pressure makes him feel safe.” The therapist concluded.
Yu Congyan left the clinic in a daze.
He finally understood the source of Xia Wansheng’s unusual behavior, the loss of his safety net.
He would no longer remember the system’s ability to take him back, leaving him stranded.
Not seeing Xia Wansheng in the lounge, Yu Congyan went to look for him, finally finding him at the end of the corridor.
Xia Wansheng was leaning back in his chair, lost in thought, the pale orange winter sunlight streaming through the window, casting a soft glow around him.
Like a divine blessing, a fleeting illusion.
Hearing footsteps, Xia Wansheng opened his eyes. Seeing Yu Congyan standing before him, he instinctively reached out for him to help him up, “So sleepy… let’s go home.”
Yu Congyan was also nervous. He didn’t know what changes this treatment would bring, but regardless, Xia Wansheng’s earlier words were a promise.
They were together now.
No matter how much he remembered, or how this treatment might change him, it wouldn’t change this fact.
Halfway home, Xia Wansheng casually asked, “Isn’t living here inconvenient for you? I can move back to the villa, I don’t really need to…”
“Xia Wansheng,” Yu Congyan, waiting at a red light, called his full name, “There’s no need to accommodate anyone, this is fine.”
The light didn’t change, and Xia Wansheng fell silent.
He didn’t speak for the rest of the ride, probably wondering if his words had offended him.
Yu Congyan wanted to tell him he didn’t need to worry about these things, but he didn’t know where to start.
In the apartment kitchen,
Yu Congyan was preparing dinner when Xia Wansheng peeked in, his lychee eyes blinking as he whispered, “Are you angry?”
Yu Congyan had been silent since they returned, and Xia Wansheng, after much deliberation, assumed he had said something wrong.
“I’m not angry with you.” Yu Congyan sighed, shaking his head.
He was just heartbroken.
After hearing about the treatment’s effects, he knew this was a choice Xia Wansheng would make, a necessary pain they had to endure together.
But seeing his cautious gaze, he felt a tightness in his chest.
He avoided his eyes, trying to sound normal, “Want to try my omurice?”
[Translator’s note: Omurice is a Japanese dish made of fried rice (often with ketchup and chicken) wrapped in a thin omelet. The name comes from combining “omelet” and “rice.”]
“Okay.” Sensing his friendly tone, Xia Wansheng’s eyes lit up.
