Now there were many people. First, you could put a large bowl of food for one person to enjoy, then divide it into smaller bowls. When someone wanted to eat, they could just grab a bowl.
Honestly, sweet food really healed the heart. After tasting it, everyone felt a little lighter inside.
…
The next day.
The kindergarten was on holiday, and today happened to be the day they had scheduled with the psychologist.
Lan Jin prepared Lan Qiaoqiao in advance according to the appointment time and then went out.
The psychological clinic was also inside Huaiyuan, on the third floor of the office building. They did not need to go outside. After going down the stairs, they could swipe their cards and enter directly.
Lan Qiaoqiao was taken alone and asked curiously, "Mama, what we do?"
"Take you to… uh, chat," Lan Jin said. She had meant to say going to chat with an uncle or aunt, but suddenly realized she did not actually know if the doctor was male or female. Lan Qiaoqiao looked confused.
Lan Jin reminded her, "Qiao Qiao knows, except for Mama's space and supplies, everything else we can talk about."
"I know. If people know, they take. Then Qiao Qiao no have," Lan Qiaoqiao replied.
These two things could not be shared, but it was not because she was selfish.
A few minutes later, the mother and daughter arrived at the clinic.
There was a large reception desk at the entrance, with two nurses inside. Lan Jin handed over her child's residence card. "We made an appointment a few days ago," she said.
The nurse smiled and asked, "Let me confirm. Is it for you, or for your child?"
"For the child," Lan Jin said.
The nurse explained, "Okay. Fees are different. Adults are charged a fee. It deducts contribution points from the residence card. For children, consultation is free. Medicine has a small discount. So we check first."
After registering, the nurse led Lan Jin and Lan Qiaoqiao to a private office.
At the door, the nurse knocked and said, "Doctor Zhou, Ms. Lan who made the appointment is here."
"Bring them in."
The door opened, and a man in a white coat walked toward them. His voice was low and soft, with a hint of hoarseness from fatigue. It made people feel strangely at ease.
Lan Jin led her child inside. Seeing the man clearly, she was momentarily stunned.
The man's skin was extremely pale, almost sickly, but his facial features were sharply sculpted. Thick black hair framed sword-like eyebrows and phoenix-shaped eyes. The combination seemed ethereal yet striking.
A high nose and well-shaped lips added to the charm. His smile was dazzling. One look, and it was hard to look away.
Lan Jin could honestly say he was the most handsome man she had ever seen in over thirty years. Even her heart fluttered for a moment, though she quickly reminded herself that her daughter mattered more. She gathered herself and greeted politely, "Doctor Zhou, hello."
"Hello. My name is Zhou Zhiye," he said.
Doctor Zhou guided them to a sofa and poured two cups of water. Both Lan Jin and Lan Qiaoqiao could not stop looking at him.
Lan Jin had no improper thoughts, but such a face naturally drew attention.
After a while, she felt embarrassed and turned her gaze to Lan Qiaoqiao's head. She patted her and said, "Don't stare at Doctor Zhou. It is impolite."
Lan Qiaoqiao frowned. "Mama just looked too."
She did not know how to argue, so she glanced a few seconds and then looked away. But soon she peeked again at Doctor Zhou. "Mama, handsome," she said.
"Yes, but you can't stare like that. It is rude," Lan Jin whispered. Lan Qiaoqiao did not understand fully but obeyed.
Doctor Zhou watched quietly as he poured water, hearing Qiao Qiao's words and smiling slightly.
He placed the cups in front of them. Lan Jin said, "Thank you, Doctor Zhou."
Lan Qiaoqiao quickly followed, "Thank you, Doctor Zhou."
Doctor Zhou then sat on a nearby single sofa. Seeing Lan Qiaoqiao call him doctor, he said quickly, "Little one, you can call me Uncle Zhou."
Qiao Qiao's eyes lit up. That felt closer. "Uncle Zhou," she said.
"Good girl," he said.
Doctor Zhou took out a computer and scanned their residence cards. "This little one is here to see me, right? Can I ask why you brought her?"
Just as Lan Jin was about to speak, he added, "Don't worry. What you say here will not go to a fourth person. This is professional. Many people in the base have difficult experiences. But I hope you tell me the truth. If it is not accurate, it will not help her condition."
Lan Jin nodded. For Lan Qiaoqiao, there was nothing to hide. They only needed to integrate past-life experiences. Being honest was fine.
Lan Jin said, "When the apocalypse came, her father and a mistress took all our food. Later, when the food ran out, they broke into our house at night and took Qiao Qiao. They forced me to find them food. During that time, Qiao Qiao was threatened constantly. They said… if you do not listen, I will 'tear you apart.' All naughty children get treated like this. Be obedient.
At first, I could not resist. After rescuing her, she seemed traumatized. Once, someone broke our door… While I was distracted, she tried to hurt them with her legs… Later I corrected her for a while. Slowly, with guidance, it did not happen again. But sometimes, in urgent situations, she still says such things. I am worried about that."