The Truth of the Illness

There was a deadlock in the living room as everyone focused their attention on Qu Xiao and felt that her actions were getting stranger.

The doctor felt that she was deliberately stalling for time so that she could gain Shang Yan's sympathy and continue to stay in the Shang family. He readily agreed to her suggestion.

Qu Xiao tilted her head and sized up the doctor before speaking slowly.

"For the identification and examination of mental illness, the attending physician will need the patient to provide the medical history and related information, unless the patient shows severe communication disorders, self-mutilation, or dangerous behavior that harms others. But you've never really talked to me about it...

"Based on some data that can be faked, how can you determine my mental state or the dynamic development of my symptoms? May I ask what my symptoms are? Depression? Bipolar disorder? Damaged fantasy?"

Qu Xiao enunciated each and every word with extreme coldness.

The doctor looked mortified. He turned to Shang Liqing, trying to seek help and support, but she quickly averted her gaze.

Qu Xiao remained emotionless as she took a few steps towards Shang Yan's side and sat down. She took deep breaths as she prepared to complain later.

Shang Yan frowned as he looked at her, his eyes filled with curiosity and doubt. Was she still the Qu Xiao from before?

Swoosh—

Qu Xiao felt that it was about time. She waved the report with the smell of ink and pointed at the doctor. "Shang Yan, he must have been bribed! These fake tests and fake reports are used to lock me up in the mental hospital."

"Let's call the police!"

Shang Liqing started to panic. She was afraid that she would be implicated, so she stopped Qu Xiao agitatedly. "What do you know?"

"How do you know the procedure and standard of the mental examination? Qu Qi is the only one in the Qu family who studied medicine. Don't try to lie to us!"

Qu Xiao explained calmly, "When I'm bored, I would sometimes go to the study and find some books that I'm interested in to pass the time."

"Some time ago, I happened to see a series written by foreign scholars about the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses, so I know a thing or two."

Shang Yan had a habit of collecting books. Qu Xiao remembered seeing a few medical books on his bookshelf, so she used it as an excuse.

Shang Liqing was so angry that her face was twisted. The doctor swallowed his saliva and felt like he was stuck in a quagmire, unable to pull himself out.

Qu Xiao knew her limits. She lowered her eyes and held back her grievance as she suggested, "Shang Yan, you can find a reliable doctor that you know to do another psychiatric evaluation for me. I believe in science and I believe in you. You won't let me suffer for nothing, right?"

She was acting weak, hoping that this would let down Shang Yan's guard and get him on her side.

Qu Xiao was so nervous that her heart was about to jump out of her throat. Shang Yan pursed his lips into a straight line and instructed the butler, "Call the hospital and get Doctor Zhang and the authoritative psychiatrist to bring the equipment here. Now!"

Shang Yan looked up at Shang Liqing and the doctor, frowning. He had already guessed what was going on.

The doctor soon arrived at the villa and brought Qu Xiao to the quiet guest room for a detailed interrogation.

Half an hour later, the doctor handed the report to Shang Yan. "Miss Qu is in a normal mental state, but she lacks a sense of security and has been in a nervous and anxious environment for a long time. She needs her family to take care of her and show her more love."

Shang Yan's eyes were cold as he compared the two completely opposite appraisal reports. "Shang Liqing!"

Shang Liqing was so frightened that her legs were trembling. She quickly waved her hands trying to shirk the responsibility and get herself out of trouble, "It's just a doctor my friend recommended to me. I don't know if he has any qualifications to be a practitioner or if he was bribed by someone to harm Qu Xiao."

The living room was silent. Shang Xinchen and Shang Yan looked at her with disappointment.

Shang Liqing tugged at Shang Xinchen's clothes, wanting him to speak up for her.

However, he pushed Shang Liqing's arm away and said in a low voice, "I can't help you this time."

Qu Xiao bit her lips, looking miserable. She walked to the corner quietly while pushing her packed luggage.

The wheels rubbed against the floor, creating an ear-piercing sound. Qu Xiao wiped her tears away and said softly, "The Shang family has never accepted me."

"Shang Liqing doesn't treat me as her sister-in-law at all. Even the housekeepers and helpers at home are more important than me."

"She's always wanted to chase me away, and she'd even send me to a mental hospital! I can't take it anymore. This is enough. I'm leaving!"