Chapter 133: Phantom Plan (13)

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Lu Jia’er picked up the call and all she could hear was Zhu Yu’s voice. “Professor Lu, are you busy?”

“What’s up?” Lu Jia’er asked as she walked into her living room.

Zhu Yun went straight to her point and said, “Yeah, I have something to ask of you.”

“Go ahead. ” Lu Jia’er said bluntly.

“It’s related to the deputy captain, Xu Lei,” said Zhu Yu.

“Xu Lei?” Hearing Xu Lei’s name, Lu Jia’er seemed to guess the details. “What happened to him?”

On the other side of the phone, Zhu Yu paused for two seconds, then said, “He became an alcoholic.”

“When did this happen?” Although Lu Jia’er knew that Xu Lei had some psychological problems because of his leg injury, she did not expect the situation to become so serious.

“He’s reeked of alcohol for the past week,” said Zhu Yu.

“Did anything happen to him recently?” questioned Lu Jia’er.

“Things have been going smoothly, we even cracked a few cases. Except for one thing,” said Zhu Yu.

“What’s that?” asked Lu Jia’er.

“One of his comrades from the special command unit passed away on duty,” said Zhu Yu.

Lu Jia’er paused, no wonder the first time she met him, his shirt had some alcohol stains. His comrade’s sacrifice directly touched the sore spot in his heart.

Lu Jia’er asked, “How would you like me to help him?”

“Please perform psychological intervention on Deputy Xu.” Zhu Yu revealed the motive of this phone call.

The previous time when they had dinner together, Lu Jia’er had mentioned it to Zhu Yu, yet she was asking for her help. It seemed that Xu Lei did not allow Zhu Ye to perform psychological intervention on him.

“Did he request for it?” Lu Jia’er questioned.

“No, he did not.” Zhu Ye’s tone sounded depressed.

“What did he say?” asked Lu Jia’er.

Zhu Yu simplified the situation and said, “I’ve talked to him, but he kept avoiding the topic. I tried to give him advice, but he refused to listen. A few days ago, I recommended you to him, he did not give a direct reply. I believe that in his heart, he would agree with your psychological intervention treatment.”

Lu Jia’er was not surprised. Xu Lei was filled with curiosity the first time he met her. When they had dinner after the twin sisters’ case, it was obvious that he was fond of her.

When you are fond of someone, you will naturally be susceptible to his or her advice.

“Professor Lu, I know that you are very busy and this is a brazen request, but seeing Deputy Xu like this, it feels unbearable.” Zhu Yu’s tone was filled with worry.

Lu Jia’er understood where she was coming from. She was amenable to perform psychological intervention on Xu Lei, but she had some concerns. Xu Lei was fond of her and that would increase his trust in her, but if she was slightly careless, it could cause the opposite effect.

“Professor Lu, please help Deputy Xu.” Zhu Yu pleaded.

Lu Jia’er thought about it for a few seconds and said, “If he is willing to accept the psychological intervention treatment, I will do it.”

Zhu Yu was elated. “Thank you, Professor Lu. I will give you a definite answer tomorrow!”

After ending her call with Zhu Ye, Lu Jia’er held her phone and spaced out while looking out at the window. Ever since the car incident, other than the sudden appearance of Jin Xiangdong, she felt that she was missing something.

But as for what she was missing, she could not figure it out.

On the second day, Lu Jia’er received Zhu Ye’s call. Xu Lei had agreed for her to perform the psychological intervention.

Thus, Lu Jia’er gave Xu Lei a call to schedule the timing for his first counseling session. Xu Lei suggested that it be held that night.

Although Lu Jia’er did not have her own psychiatrist clinic, she had an office with her name in the psychological research center founded by B University’s Professor Han Yi. Thus, she sent the location of the research center to Xu Lei.

Professor Han’s psychological research center not only researched psychology studies, but they also accepted individual and group counseling sessions. They had completed many campaigns for psychological counseling and they had also participated in many psychological relief and intervention activities during sudden disasters.

Lu Jia’er frequently came over to hold counseling sessions when she was pursuing her Master’s Degree. It was not that long ago and she had become everyone’s favorite. She had a lot of patients who made appointments with her. It was a good thing, but fame came at a price. Many people were jealous of her outstanding performance and spread all sorts of rumors. Lu Jia’er initially ignored those rumors, but she was afraid that these rumors might affect Professor Han Yi’s reputation, so she stopped visiting the research center. However, she still attended some of the activities organized by Professor Han Yi.

The scheduled time was at 7:30pm. Lu Jia’er had also turned down a dinner date with Ian.

Professor Han spent most of his time teaching or doing research, so the management of the research center was handled by Liao Min. At 7pm, Lu Jia’er appeared at the research center. Liao Min had already set up a counseling room for her.

“Professor Lu, please use this room.” Liao Min opened the door to the counseling room and smiled at Lu Jia’er.

“Thank you, Teacher Liao.” Lu Jia’er expressed her gratitude as she walked in.

“No problem. Professor Lu, this counseling room is the office you used for counseling previously. I have been longing for your return, you have no idea how happy I was when I received your call earlier today,” said Liao Min.

The counseling room was indeed the one Lu Jia’er used back then. Although she seldom came over, the room was kept in good condition. Liao Min was rather thoughtful.

“The school is on holiday, thus it wasn’t convenient to do counseling there, so I chose this place to intrude,” said Lu Jia’er.

“Professor Lu, stop joking around. You will always be a part of our research center,” said Liao Min.

Lu Jia’er smiled and said, “It is an empty office, you should just remove my name already.”

“Professor Lu, you’re kidding me. This is the only research center in the world graced with your name. It was all thanks to Professor Han’s good judgment. He was the one who asked for your room to be preserved,” said Liao Min.

Lu Jia’er looked at Liao Min. Liao Min was friendly and good with her words but Lu Jia’er disliked keeping up these polite talks.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you in the near future! I’m going to take a look at some files, my consultee will be arriving soon,” said Lu Jia’er.

“No trouble at all, let me know if you need anything.” Liao Min bid farewell and discreetly left the counseling room.

Lu Jia’er sat down and took out Xu Lei’s files to give it another look. These files were transferred over from Xu Lei’s military counselor when he was enlisted.

Having once been the deputy captain of the special forces, Xu Lei gave off the impression of someone resilient, unyielding and courageous. But, no matter how tough he seemed, he was still only human.

These ordeals did not only affect the body but more importantly the mental state. These mental strain would not disappear easily and it might cause a negative impact. For those who are weaker at handling stress or those who have unable to withstand these mental strain, if they do not get psychological help immediately, it would be easy for them to have an after effect. When they return back to their normal life and society afterward, they will be more pessimistic and easily disappointed, they may even have a twisted mindset.

After Lu Jia’er met with Xu Lei, read his files and his army psychological intervention results, she was able to deduce from his symptoms that he was suffering from war trauma.

War trauma is categorized under PTSD, which refers to a type of unnatural mental reaction caused by severe trauma. It is also known as a delayed psychological reaction, which refers to the delayed and long-lasting mental disorder caused by an unusual threatening or disaster realted trauma.

PTSD usually occurs within males, especially those soldiers who have gone through war. This is known as “Shell Shock”, which is also known as “Fatigue of War”. Current research shows that everyone, including children, has the possibility of getting PTSD, and the possibility of females getting it is twice that of males. This might have caused prejudice against females entering the forces.

One of the most obvious characteristics of a person who has war trauma is that they miss their time in the army. They can only find a sense of security and realness when they are in an army camp. In many cases, when people with war trauma meet their old superior, they will only have a thought, and that is, I should have never left the army.

The soldiers are the guardian of the country’s peace and well-being, it is the foundation of the nation’s stability. In order to protect their motherland, defend the people, they gave up their youth, their sweat, and even their lives. They are the loveliest people. While facing these lovely people, we should be more tolerant and caring so that they feel a sense of security. The country should also provide them a better option out and never leave them out.

“Knock knock.” Hearing a knock on her door, Lu Jia’er lifted her head and looked towards the door.

Liao Min opened the door and said, “Professor Lu, your guest has arrived.”

Lu Jia’er stood up and saw the tall and muscular Xu Lei standing at the door.

“Deputy Xu.” Lu Jia’er called out to Xu Lei with a smile on her face.

Xu Lei nodded while Lu Jia’er walked to the sofa area and said, “Have a seat.”

Xu Lei quickly sat down and landed his sight on Lu Jia’er. He had a confused expression.

Lu Jia’er faintly smile and asked, “Would you like to have tea or water?”

Xu Lei replied, “Water, please.”