Why Does First Love Feel This Sweet? - Chapter 17

Chapter: 17 The Professional and the Patient

Rong Yu had missed too much of his internship work lately. After breakfast, he headed straight to the hospital.

Sheng Yi stayed huddled in the courtyard, researching all morning. His heart grew heavier with every search result. According to his findings, the treatment for Stockholm Syndrome involves helping the patient rebuild their self-awareness and providing an environment full of love to restore their sense of security.

Sheng Yi analyzed Rong Yu’s symptoms based on their morning “encounter.”

Rong Yu had taken total control, acting as the dominant guide. Even when Sheng Yi instinctively tried to help back, his hands were firmly pinned. Sheng Yi noticed that while Rong Yu clearly had a physical reaction, he seemed to be deliberately suppressing his own desire to focus entirely on Sheng Yi.

This must be a self-sacrificing, almost masochistic tendency, Sheng Yi thought solemnly. He’s so skilled with his hands, he must have practiced this self-restraint many times…

His thoughts began to drift into dangerous territory. Sheng Yi flushed and scolded himself. How can I have these dirty thoughts when my best friend is mentally ill because of me? He decided he needed to convince Rong Yu to see a professional, but how do you tell a psychiatry major he needs a psychiatrist?

Just then, Cheng Wenge called. “Xiao Yi, are you up? When are we moving you out? Let’s do it today before things get more complicated.”

“I’m not moving for now,” Sheng Yi sighed.

“What did he do to you?” Cheng Wenge asked, voice sharp.

“It’s not him,” Sheng Yi said, rubbing his temples. “It’s me. I can’t leave him yet.”

After a long, frustrated silence, Cheng Wenge gave up. “Fine. Do what you want. But I’m taking you to see Master Tu tonight at six. I’ll pick you up.”

…

At the psychiatric department of the B University Affiliated Hospital—the nation’s most authoritative center for mental health—Rong Yu walked through the halls.

In his pristine white coat, his gaze was cool and detached. He looked like a walking air conditioner, trailing a wake of cold air and the longing gazes of nurses. He entered the office of the senior specialist, Wang Sizhe.

“This case is perfect for your current research direction,” Wang Sizhe said, handing over a file. “Single-episode depressive disorder. No family history. The patient was kidnapped at sixteen. Since then, in every romantic relationship, he has voluntarily sought out a submissive, masochistic role. He constantly seeks a ‘captor’ figure but finds no mental satisfaction.”

“Stockholm Syndrome?” Rong Yu frowned slightly, flipping through the charts.

“The recording is in your email. Give me a new treatment plan by tomorrow night.”

As Rong Yu left the office, a young nurse followed him, trying to strike up a conversation. “Dr. Rong, are you… actually married?”

“Mhm,” Rong Yu replied curtly.

“Oh… really?” The nurse felt a pang of disappointment but didn’t give up. “Why don’t you wear a wedding ring?” She imagined perhaps his marriage was unhappy, giving her a chance.

“I’m sorry, that’s not convenient to answer,” Rong Yu said, sliding his hands into his pockets without looking at her.

He waited for the elevator, his mind preoccupied with the case files. When the doors opened, a familiar, bright voice rang out: “Xiao Yu.”

Rong Yu’s lashes fluttered in surprise. The icy mask on his face melted instantly. His lips curved into a shallow smile, and his eyes softened so much he looked like a completely different person.

The person in the elevator looked like a college student—white baseball cap, short down jacket, jeans, and sneakers. Sheng Yi’s amber eyes were bright, and his smile was infectious.

Sheng Yi stepped out of the elevator. “I came to see what my wife looks like in a white coat.”

Wife?

The nurses nearby froze. This handsome kid is Dr. Rong’s… husband?

Rong Yu smiled, a rare sight that sent ripples of excitement through the onlookers. Seeing Sheng Yi staring at him, Rong Yu stepped closer, the sterile, crisp scent of a doctor enveloping Sheng Yi.

“Do you like it?” Rong Yu whispered.

“I do,” Sheng Yi admitted. Rong Yu looked incredibly sexy in professional attire; it made Sheng Yi’s face heat up, momentarily forgetting he had come here to “scout” the psychiatric department for Rong Yu’s sake.

“Good.” Rong Yu reached out and used his thumb to graze Sheng Yi’s reddened cheek, seemingly pleased with his honesty. He leaned in close to Sheng Yi’s ear, his voice low enough only for the two of them: “I have a new one at home.”

Sheng Yi blinked, his ears burning. “Huh?”

Rong Yu stepped back, looking down at Sheng Yi’s dazed expression through his glasses, his lips hooking into a smirk. “Since you like it, I’ll wear it for you when we get back.”