Lan Jin explained the entire situation in great detail from start to finish. The events spanned her previous life and the present one. Ordinary people might notice something strange but could not piece it together. However, in front of her now sat a psychologist, someone skilled at reading microexpressions. Although past-life matters were incredible, what if the psychologist figured it out?
Moreover, there might be other secrets in the base. Lan Jin had already suspected she was not the only one to have been reborn in this world. Being cautious was only natural.
Lan Jin had told such stories before. With each retelling, she made summaries, trying to reduce gaps and inconsistencies. In this account, she preserved the innocence and grievance of herself and her child but did not exaggerate the evil of her ex-husband and the mistress. After all, their actions already deserved condemnation.
She told the story smoothly and coherently. Doctor Zhou Zhiye listened attentively. Regarding Lan Qiao Qiao's condition, there were no lies.
When she finished, Doctor Zhou Zhiye smiled faintly. "I understand. I would like to speak with Qiao Qiao alone. Do you agree? Sometimes adults describe events from an adult perspective, children from a child's perspective. Their experiences can differ."
Lan Jin had no reason to worry about that. Her description covered half of what was known. Lan Qiaoqiao's own words would cover the other half.
Seeing Qiao Qiao's expectant eyes, Lan Jin hesitated. "Do you want to chat with Uncle Zhou?"
"Can? Mama?" Qiaoqiao asked hesitantly.
"Yes," Lan Jin said.
Qiao Qiao lit up with excitement and agreed immediately.
Reluctantly, Lan Jin was asked to leave the office.
…
Inside, Lan Qiaoqiao and Doctor Zhou Zhiye spent half an hour alone. If it were not for occasional laughter from the child, Lan Jin outside would have been unable to wait calmly.
After thirty minutes, Lan Jin was invited back.
She had no idea what was said. Doctor Zhou Zhiye did not plan to tell her. Still, the situation did not seem as bad as Lan Jin had feared.
Doctor Zhou Zhiye typed on the computer and said, "After experiencing those events, Qiao Qiao's inner world was affected. But from my observation, she was guided well by you. Those experiences did not leave deep trauma. The violent behaviors were mostly subconscious. She is not fully aware of them. When you notice them, correct them promptly. Also, have you neglected her lately?"
Neglect?
Lan Jin thought carefully. She had put Qiao Qiao into the space whenever she had something urgent. It was for safety, but she had neglected Qiao Qiao's feelings. During emergencies, she sometimes left the child for days, even with Nana and Grandma Ling present.
"What should I do, Doctor Zhou? How should I handle this?" Lan Jin asked.
"Do not worry," Doctor Zhou Zhiye said. "Qiao Qiao's situation is not severe. I do not need to prescribe medicine. If you are in the base, spend more time with her. Talk to her, give her activities, help her interact with people, and divert attention from the issue. Her condition will improve.
To be honest, I have treated children with far more severe cases. Compared to them, Qiao Qiao is essentially normal. That is in the apocalypse context. In an unsafe environment, a kind-hearted child cannot protect herself well. But as a psychologist… some things are beyond my control."
"Understood." Lan Jin nodded seriously. Accompanying Qiao Qiao was not a problem. Within the base, she could be with her child every day. She asked, "Doctor Zhou, should we come back?"
"Yes. Follow my instructions during this period. Come back in two weeks for another session. If unexpected events affect her mood, bring her sooner. I will inform the service desk so arrangements are ready."
Lan Jin paused, thinking about the coming natural disasters. Not only children, but adults' emotions could be affected too. She did not ask further. "Okay, Doctor Zhou. Thank you."
"No need. I have completed the record. Give me Qiao Qiao's residence card so I can scan it. The database will be updated. Even if you leave the H City base, any military base can access her medical record. Any emergencies can be treated promptly."
This was Lan Jin's first time registering in the base's clinic. She did not know if this procedure was standard. Without overthinking, she handed over the card. After scanning, she left with her child.
…
Outside, curiosity got the better of Lan Jin. Seeing Qiaoqiao jumping happily, she asked, "Qiao Qiao, what did you do with Doctor Zhou just now?"
"Play," Qiaoqiao said.
"You played with Doctor Zhou? Did he ask you any questions while playing?" Psychologists often gain insights by interacting through play. Lan Jin understood this from previous knowledge of therapy.
Qiao Qiao thought a moment, then nodded. "Uncle Zhou ask lots questions. So annoying. Take toy time. But I answer, Mama. I good, right?"
"Yes, good girl. What did Uncle Zhou ask?"
Without hesitation, Qiao Qiao recounted the questions. Drinking spirit spring water and eating lotus rice had improved their strength and memory, making it easier to recall.
Facing Lan Jin, Qiao Qiao was patient and described everything.
The questions Doctor Zhou Zhiye asked were appropriate, focusing entirely on her ex-husband, the mistress, herself, and Lan Qiaoqiao. Nothing unrelated was asked. He showed professional ethics throughout.