Wu Naijuan did have a place to go.

She bought fresh flowers and a fruit basket to watch the elderly swimming competition at the community pool, where Li Jialiang was the coach.

After training all year, today would show their real skills.

She saw elderly men and women lined up in a row, competing seriously in preliminaries, eliminating down to ten people. Among these ten, one more withdrew, leaving only nine for the finals. Li Jialiang came over during his busy schedule to greet her.

“I brought consolation prizes – please allow me to give them to the last-place contestant.”

“Naijuan, you’re so thoughtful.”

“What’s the first prize?”

“A medal and a year’s supply of health food.”

The whistle blew, the elderly leaped into the pool, each striving hard while relatives cheered from the sidelines – the scene was very lively.

Wu Naijuan felt Li Jialiang had earned merit.

The champion was a nearly seventy-year-old gentleman, last place was an eighty-year-old grandmother.

Wu Naijuan presented the consolation prize, delighting the elderly woman.

Wu Naijuan waved to the busy Li Jialiang and leisurely departed.

No need to hide in a corner anymore – how wonderful.

Wu Naijuan quietly drove to the suburbs.

Tonight, she must gather courage to knock on the door.

Knock on Li Zhizhong’s door.

Fortunate that he was still in the city, and there was no female companion in the house.

The car reached his door, and Wu Naijuan was stunned – she saw the small road lined with parked cars on both sides, clearly a party was being held with at least thirty or so people attending.

Wu Naijuan smiled.

What, Zhizhong also loved excitement now?

Just as she was puzzling, a car stopped beside her. “Zhizhi, you came too. Let’s go in together.”

It was a young couple who had mistaken her for someone else. They held a bottle of champagne in their hands and said affectionately: “You didn’t bring wine? No problem, Yihuan, give the other bottle to Zhizhi.”

They were very generous and lovely, pulling Wu Naijuan by the hand into the house.

Wu Naijuan felt anxious – when she met the host, what should she say?

Another young person came to greet them: “Welcome, welcome,” with the bearing of a host.

Eh, who was this?

“Ah Qu is showing off today, borrowing his cousin’s villa to celebrate his promotion and raise. Come, everyone, toast him.”

So that was it.

Wu Naijuan blurted out: “Where’s your cousin?”

“Away on business.”

Wu Naijuan disappointedly lowered her head.

Everything in the house was arranged as before.

She gently pushed open the study door and saw that the layout was the same as before.

Wu Naijuan felt infinite emotion.

Someone handed her a glass of wine.

She so hoped that person was the real house owner, but no, it was that young man who called her Zhizhi.

“Zhizhi, everyone’s gotten married, only you remain. Don’t set your standards too harshly.”

Wu Naijuan smiled: “Thank you for the advice.”

“You have culture yourself, isn’t that enough? You don’t need to require the other person to also have artistic cultivation. You just inherited a huge legacy, so that person doesn’t need to be wealthy either. Isn’t that right!”

“Very true.” Wu Naijuan laughed.

Who was Zhizhi? Her circumstances were so similar to her own.

“Miss opportunities and it’ll be troublesome later.”

“You’re right.”

“Cheers.”

He thought a moment: “How about I introduce Ah Qu’s cousin to you?”

Wu Naijuan jumped up: “No, no.”

“Why not? You don’t know him.”

“That Mr. Li already has a girlfriend.”

“Really? So you two are acquainted.”

Wu Naijuan followed up with instructions: “You absolutely must not introduce any more women to him.”

“Look how nervous you are.”

Someone called him, and the young man walked away.

Wu Naijuan laughed awkwardly – she must be drunk to say such strange things.

She lingered in the study for a while, then quietly went home.

This bout of courage hadn’t gained her anything – the master wasn’t home, and she came up empty.

That day, she was angry and insisted on driving him away – truly childish.

She wasn’t Zhizhi, but the advice for Zhizhi applied equally to her.

She typed an email:

“Haven’t seen you for a long time, don’t know how you’re doing. If you’re willing to let bygones be bygones, please meet at the old bookstore next Monday at 5:30 PM. Naijuan”

Her finger hovered over the send button for a long time, but she never pressed it.

Wu Naijuan sighed.

She still couldn’t swallow her pride.

She didn’t sleep well all night, dreaming she was in a tall building chatting with friends when suddenly the earth shook, the roof collapsed.

“Earthquake!” her friend shouted in alarm.

“Never thought it would be this moment, in this place.”

Wu Naijuan saw the floor caving in, she couldn’t stand steady, her body fell with the mud and bricks into a bottomless abyss. She woke up startled from the dream.

She broke out in a cold sweat.

Having nightmares constantly – what did this indicate?

As a counselor, she naturally knew that when necessary, seeking help was appropriate.

Wu Naijuan considered for several days and decided to see a psychiatrist.

To avoid embarrassment, Wu Naijuan chose a female doctor, just as she chose female gynecologists – picking women, not because she avoided male doctors or felt shy, but to avoid unnecessary trouble.

The doctor’s name was Liu Yizhou.

Hearing it, you knew the adults had hopes for this child, first giving her a distinctive, pleasant name.

Wu Naijuan was just called Naijuan – rather ordinary.

Having made an appointment, she arrived punctually.

Dr. Liu turned out to be a young woman of marriageable age, similar in age and build to her – the two should get along well.

However, Wu Naijuan was the help-seeker; she was the psychiatrist.

Upon meeting, Dr. Liu immediately said, “Miss Wu, your complexion is rather poor.”

“Must be from not sleeping well – frequent nightmares.”

“Do you snore? That affects breathing, insufficient oxygen causes particular fatigue.”

“Perhaps, I don’t know.”

“Miss Wu lives alone.”

“Exactly.”

Dr. Liu brewed a cup of tea for Wu Naijuan.

“So fragrant, what’s mixed in?”

Called passion flower, purple, trumpet-shaped, very aromatic. Try a sip – it can aid digestion and relieve heat.”

The taste was no different from ordinary black tea.

Dr. Liu looked at her: “Another reason for poor complexion is bad luck, unfavorable fortune.”

Wu Naijuan was surprised: “You believe in that?”

“Yes, when luck is bad, everything you do encounters obstacles – even walking, you might trip.”

“That’s just minor accidents – wear non-slip shoes and that’s that.”

Dr. Liu smiled: “Miss Wu, you’re very confident – that’s good.”

Wu Naijuan said, “I wouldn’t come here if I had no difficult problems.”

“You’re a marriage counselor yourself?”

“Yes, after lecturing others so much, I’ve come to be lectured myself.”

Dr. Liu smiled, this time thoughtfully, her spirit somewhat distracted.

Both being experts, they noticed subtle changes in each other’s emotions.

“Miss Wu, tell me about your troubles.”

“Constant nightmares, and frequently dreaming of my deceased grandmother.”

“What kind of nightmares?”

“Meeting enemies, having to pretend to socialize very magnanimously, feeling bitter inside.”

“Oh, just like real life.”

“Missing transportation, not knowing where the station is, unable to get home.”

“This indicates confusion.”

“Phone calls won’t go through, or I can’t remember numbers, sometimes the whole phone breaks apart.”

Dr. Liu said, “This shows problems communicating with people during the day.”

Wu Naijuan continued: “Falling off cliffs, suddenly waking up.”

“Miss Wu, you don’t seem like someone who would have such dreams.”

Dr. Liu took a book from the bookshelf and handed it to Wu Naijuan: “For your reference.”

The book was called “Dream Interpretation: One Thousand Types.”

Dr. Liu said, “Your mood is currently poor. Can you tell me why?”

“I’m all alone, feeling deeply lonely. Also, because of a misunderstanding, I broke with someone I like. I want to reconcile with him, but can’t swallow my pride.”

Dr. Liu laughed: “I thought it was something novel.”

“When it happens to yourself, it’s also very confusing.”

“Would you accept hypnotherapy?”

Wu Naijuan smiled bitterly: “I’m reserved by nature, I can’t be that open.”

“Try it.”

Wu Naijuan gathered courage and nodded.

Dr. Liu held her hand and whispered in her ear: “Close your eyes, relax, you’re already home, we’re all here taking care of you.”

These few words worked like magic, making Wu Naijuan relax, her furrowed brow smoothing out.

“Please tell me, why do you wear gray clothes?”

Wu Naijuan answered softly: “My grandmother, who raised me from childhood, passed away three years ago. I’m in mourning.”

“Isn’t three years rather long? You could try light blue or khaki – you’d look more spirited.”

“No, no, I miss my grandmother.”

“What about your parents?”

“I don’t know them.”

Dr. Liu was startled.

“They abandoned me early and went off to marry others. Since age three, I haven’t seen them – my impressions are vague.”

Dr. Liu felt pity. Though this couldn’t explain everything, it helped one understand that Wu Naijuan’s air of proud self-appreciation wasn’t without cause.

“Is this your deepest secret?”

“I don’t deliberately hide it, but of course I don’t mention it every day either.”

“Have you confided in friends?”

“My good friend Wang Bihao knows my background. Many people in the world are worse off than I – self-pity is useless.”

“Do you hate them?”

“My parents? No, no, grandmother treated me extremely well. I should be satisfied.”

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

“I like someone called Li Zhizhong—”

Just then, the telephone suddenly rang.

The noise broke Wu Naijuan’s hypnosis. She opened her eyes: “Eh, what was I saying?” She didn’t remember being hypnotized at all.

“Miss Wu, your psychological condition is normal, just slightly depressed.”

“Slightly? I sigh every morning.”

“Believe it or not, this is a common ailment among city dwellers. When you find a partner and have someone to share joys and sorrows, everything will change.”

Wu Naijuan remained silent – easier said than done.

Dr. Liu asked: “Do you already have someone in mind?”

Wu Naijuan nodded: “There’s a small misunderstanding between us.”

“I think this misunderstanding will quickly resolve – you two will bloom and bear fruit.”

“Dr. Liu, you’re like a fortune teller.”

“I’m just deducing from common sense: you have a steady personality and sufficient intelligence – you’ll resolve your disputes.”

Wu Naijuan smiled and checked her watch – time was about up.

But Dr. Liu Yizhou suddenly made a request: “Miss Wu, I also have questions to ask, about my husband and me—”

Ah, physicians cannot heal themselves.

“Don’t be polite, let’s discuss it together.”

“We’ve been married eight years with a seven-year-old daughter. Two years ago, he decided to work abroad. Since then, our home has been like a single-parent family.”

Wu Naijuan sat up, facing this serious problem squarely.

“Where does he work? Is the pay good?”

“Thailand,” Dr. Liu sighed softly.

If it were America it would be better – at least earning several times more, the hardship would be worth it, or staying there permanently, wife and children separated, for a passport – that could still be justified.

Now, what was it for?

There was work everywhere in the world – how could he go there? The purpose was only one thing: escape.

Liu Yizhou said, bewilderedly: “Is he a deserter?”

Wu Naijuan nodded. Liu was a psychiatrist – she knew in her heart.

“There must be great disagreements between you two. Both lack the courage to face them, temporarily dragging it out. Most pitiful is the child, who’s taking care of her?”

“I need to work. She’s cared for by a Filipino maid.”

“This can’t continue long-term. You’re an intellectual – you should handle this matter properly and quickly.”

“You’re right, Miss Wu.”

“What are your disagreements?”

Liu Yizhou thought: “Money. He lost a good job and made bad investments. The family burden fell on my shoulders – I pay all the bills. The pressure is quite great, so friction gradually developed…”

“You blame him?”

“He blames himself day and night, constantly talking about how glorious things were before-unbearable.”

“You’re a psychiatrist—”

“He refuses treatment. He shows early symptoms of manic depression.”

“Why haven’t you separated?”

Liu Yizhou smiled bitterly: “He’s not here – no way to discuss it.”

Running away was indeed a good method.

“Ask him to return – can’t drag this out anymore. The child will grow up quickly – lost childhood is forever lost.”

“He says he has his work.”

“Everything has priorities – that’s a very bad excuse.”

Liu Yizhou fell silent.

Wu Naijuan suddenly asked: “Dr. Liu, your income is good, isn’t it?”

Liu Yizhou nodded.

“Dr. Liu, forgive my bluntness – money is an indispensable element in life, but one shouldn’t sacrifice righteousness for profit. Since you can handle finances alone, please don’t be stingy.”

Dr. Liu lowered her head: “I’m not petty about money.”

“Then why?”

“I don’t want to live with a man who can’t take care of his family.”

“Your thinking is feudal.” Wu Naijuan criticized her bluntly.

“Yes.” Liu Yizhou admitted.

“This is a psychological barrier.”

“I look down on him – there’s no happiness in life.”

Wu Naijuan had nothing more to say.

“Then,” she said, “separation is your only way out.”

“Miss Wu, you speak very decisively.”

Wu Naijuan answered: “You and I aren’t wishy-washy people. When two people are together, the most important thing is passing your test – who pays the bills, who does the housework, who works hard for merit, and who enjoys the benefits. Confusion and absurdity aren’t problems. Behind closed doors, as long as one is willing to beat and one is willing to be beaten, it’s fine. But if one is unwilling, the relationship becomes difficult to maintain.”

Liu Yizhou kept nodding.

“Under your modern woman’s intelligent, strong exterior is the heart of a traditional little woman. You clamor for gender equality in everything, but firmly believe men should bear family responsibilities.”

Liu Yizhou’s face flushed red.

Wu Naijuan sighed: “Time’s up.”

She stood to take her leave.

The receptionist asked: “Miss Wu, would you like to schedule next time?”

Wu Naijuan suppressed a smile: “No need.”

The psychiatrist’s troubles were more and greater than her own.

She didn’t know if Wu Naijuan was treating her or if she was treating Wu Naijuan.

What use was seeing such a doctor?

The important thing was that Dr. Liu couldn’t share her hardships with her partner. If she were like this toward her spouse, she’d be even more stingy with friends. Wu Naijuan didn’t like such people.

She’d never need to see a psychiatrist again. If she couldn’t counsel herself, she’d simply give up.

That book “Dream Interpretation: One Thousand Types” was quite interesting, though.

Next, Wu Naijuan’s left eyelid twitched for several days – a very uncomfortable feeling.

She applied ice water and ointment to her eyelid, all ineffective.

The doctor said, “Relax a bit.”

“Could it be an ominous sign?”

“Miss Wu, you’re promoting superstition.”

Wu Naijuan herself laughed.

The next day, she returned to the office as usual. Early-arriving colleagues and police were discussing at the entrance.

“What happened?”

“Someone set fire to our front door.”

“Miss Wu, this matter concerns you.”

“Someone posted this notice at the front entrance.”

Wu Naijuan looked carefully – the notice was written in crude, large characters: “Wu Naijuan caused my family to scatter and people to die. I will take your dog’s life.”

An inspector approached: “Miss Wu, please come say a few words.”

Wu Naijuan sat down calmly.

“Have you received any threatening letters or calls recently?”

Wu Naijuan shook her head.

Assistant Lei Qingxin came in: “Miss Wu, Miss Fang says you should take two weeks off.”

Wu Naijuan nodded.

The police said, “Miss Wu, be careful going in and out. We’ll assign someone to protect you.”

“No need. I don’t think I’ve harmed anyone.”

Just then, colleague Wei Hua appeared at the door, coldly adding insult to injury: “Don’t let a fire implicate innocent colleagues.”

The police asked: “Miss Wu, do you have any clues in mind?”

Wu Naijuan shook her head again.

“Could your counseling advice have caused some people to misunderstand?”

Wu Naijuan answered: “No one has expressed dissatisfaction.”

“Think carefully and provide clues as much as possible.”

Wu Naijuan’s mind was completely blank.

“Taking leave temporarily is also good. We’ll assign someone to protect you.”

From beginning to end, the new supervisor never came out to say a word.

When Wu Naijuan left, she looked at the scorched door without speaking.

She had no enemies in mind.

A policewoman followed her home, staying at her door.

“Miss Wu, we change shifts every twelve hours. Hope you won’t wander around these few days.”

Wu Naijuan said nothing.

The next day, the newspaper carried a small news item, placed on an inner page in an inconspicuous spot: “Marriage counselor threatened, office door set on fire.”

The print was too small – few people could see it.

Wu Naijuan stayed home reading novels.

A week later, police told her, “We’ve cancelled protection. Miss Wu, be careful going in and out yourself.”

Wu Naijuan nodded.

Which reckless person was playing a joke on her?

Must be someone who fought with their partner, felt unwilling, and took it out on others.

After a while, when tempers cooled, it would blow over.

She breathed out – gaining two extra weeks of vacation wasn’t bad. She read through all the newly published novels she wanted to read.

On the last day of leave, she contacted the office and spoke with Miss Fang, who said matter-of-factly: “Return to work tomorrow.”

Colleagues told her, “The door has been replaced. No one remembers that incident.”

Really? How wonderful.

But Wu Naijuan still left early and returned early, not wanting to be careless.

Wu Naijuan pulled out files from recent years to investigate, finding no suspicious people.

No one bore her deep hatred.

Who had set this fire?

Now Wu Naijuan looked back after every few steps – this was what the idiom “a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow” meant.

She became even more silent and reserved than usual.