The psychologist was named Qiu Puyi. Shen Chiyan recounted everything Liu Xiaohan had told him about Song Qinian to Qiu Puyi.
After listening, Qiu Puyi nodded and said, "It seems the root cause of Madam Shen's inability to speak lies with the cat that died."
"She's very afraid of cats now, trembling with fear whenever she sees one, but I think she secretly likes them."
Every time Shen Chiyan recalled past events, he felt he deserved to die.
Regarding Song Qinian's alleged cat abuse at the animal shelter, though he later learned it was Ju Honglan who framed her, he hadn't believed her at first.
Later, he realized how could someone who loved cats so much and was so kind abuse them?
If he had believed her from the beginning, would she have had to endure so much suffering?
"The one who tied the knot must untie it. Since Madam Shen's fixation is with cats, does it mean she might speak again if she overcomes her fear of them? How about this..."
Qiu Puyi then offered several solutions. After reviewing them, Shen Chiyan chose the one he felt was gentlest, known as desensitization therapy.
When Shen Chiyan returned home, Song Qinian was on a video call with Song Jiashu, who was abroad.
Her phone was propped up on a stand, and she was signing to Song Jiashu while wearing a white hooded V-neck sweater.
Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, giving her a gentle and serene appearance. Seeing her always calmed Shen Chiyan's restless heart.
She was so engrossed in her conversation with Song Jiashu that she didn't notice him enter.
Apart from their divorce, Song Qinian had told Song Jiashu everything that had happened between her and Shen Chiyan during this period.
Song Jiashu remained deeply skeptical about Shen Chiyan falling in love with Song Qinian. "Sister, a man's mouth is a deceiving ghost. Don't be fooled by Shen Chiyan again. Hmph, I think he's just keeping you around because he thinks you're naive and easy to fool. Who knows how many other women he's seeing on the side."
Thinking about how Shen Chiyan had been doting on her lately, Song Qinian was about to sign back when Shen Chiyan walked over, wrapped his arms around her from behind, bared his pearly white teeth, and waved at Song Jiashu on screen. "Little brother-in-law, long time no see. Are you doing well abroad?"
Song Jiashu's face darkened the moment he saw Shen Chiyan, especially when he saw Shen Chiyan holding Song Qinian. He felt a complex mix of emotions, like his family's prize cabbage had been defiled by a pig.
"Shen Chiyan, marrying my sister is the greatest fortune of your eight lifetimes. You'd better treat my sister well, or I will never let you off."
"Focus on your studies. Your sister is my wife now, and you don't need to worry about her!"
With that, Shen Chiyan gently turned Song Qinian's face towards him. "Darling, tell your brother how well I treat you."
Song Qinian smiled and nodded.
Putting aside their past, since they had opened up to each other, Shen Chiyan had been treating her with unbelievable kindness.
When he wasn't busy and was at home, he always found ways to cook delicious meals for Song Qinian. In winter, when Song Qinian's feet were always cold, he would prepare hot water for her to soak her feet in, then carry her to bed while he tidied up the house.
Song Qinian had never been doted on like this since she was a child. While touched, she also felt a sense of unease.
"Oh, just nodding isn't enough. Look at our brother's skeptical face; he thinks I'm threatening you! Come on, prove to our brother how much we love each other?"
Prove it?
How could she prove it?
Just as Song Qinian looked bewildered, Shen Chiyan suddenly cupped her cheeks and kissed her soft, red lips.
On the other end of the screen, Song Jiashu clenched his fists. "Shen Chiyan, let go of my sister!"
Shen Chiyan didn't let go. Instead, he held Song Qinian and continued kissing her for a while.
Song Jiashu was an older sister complex type. He wanted to make it clear to him that Song Qinian was his wife, and they had done countless things more intimate than kissing.
Song Qinian hadn't expected Shen Chiyan to kiss her in front of Jiashu. Once she snapped back to reality, she immediately pushed Shen Chiyan away.
Seeing Song Qinian's blushing and adorable demeanor, Shen Chiyan smiled and wiped her lips with his thumb before looking at Song Jiashu. "Little brother-in-law, your sister is the most important person to me now. I love her very, very much and will never let her go for anyone or anything."
Song Jiashu still didn't fully trust Shen Chiyan, mainly because of Shen Chiyan's extensive past mistakes and the immense pain Song Qinian had suffered because of him. He didn't believe someone could change completely overnight.
However, given the circumstances, he couldn't say much more.
He had wanted to ask Song Qinian if she had seen Li Junshen, but remembering Shen Chiyan's jealous nature, he worried that Song Qinian might suffer if Shen Chiyan became jealous.
Afterward, Song Jiashu threatened Shen Chiyan a few more times, and Shen Chiyan showed off their affection a few more times to Song Jiashu before the video call finally ended.
Dropping the phone onto the sofa, Shen Chiyan hugged Song Qinian and kissed her. Seeing her pale face and her hand occasionally touching her waist, Shen Chiyan's heart tightened.
"What's wrong? Does your back hurt again?"
Song Qinian's back pain was a lingering effect from when Song Jiashu and Shen Chiyan fought, and Song Qinian had taken Shen Chiyan's kick meant for Song Jiashu.
Whenever it rained or snowed, or when the weather was cold, the pain would keep her from sleeping.
Before Song Qinian could sign anything, Shen Chiyan had already rushed out to get ointment from the first-aid kit.
He placed Song Qinian on the bed, lifted her white loungewear, and applied the medicated ointment with a Chinese herbal scent to her slender waist.
Her waist was so delicate, as if it would snap with a gentle squeeze. How much pain must she have been in when he kicked her?
The thought made Shen Chiyan want to kill himself.
When they went to bed that night, Song Qinian was in so much pain she couldn't lie down comfortably, and once she did, she couldn't roll over.
Shen Chiyan tenderly massaged her lower back with great gentleness. He kissed her forehead, his voice filled with self-reproach. "Darling, I'm so sorry..."
Song Qinian, enduring the pain, propped herself up on the bed. Hearing Shen Chiyan's self-blaming words, she shook her head, then hugged him tightly.
She didn't want Shen Chiyan to blame himself, yet at the same time, she felt it wouldn't be so bad if he lived in constant worry for the rest of his life.
Once Shen Chiyan felt her back pain had subsided somewhat, he hugged her and said, "Qiqi, Si Nian is hosting a party this weekend and asked me to bring you. Do you want to go?"
Song Qinian was a little surprised. Yu Si Nian hosted parties?
Sensing Song Qinian's bewilderment, Shen Chiyan smiled and kissed her forehead. "Si Nian isn't a hermit; everyone needs to socialize."