Chapter 300: The Time Traveler

After several interrogations, Wang Sunxu revealed nothing. Lin Qiupu, feeling frustrated, transferred him to the detention center to await legal proceedings once the case was formally closed.

Chen Shi proposed a bold idea: release Wang Sunxu and then tail him, as he would likely contact Zhou Xiao.

Lin Qiupu pondered this for a few seconds but ultimately rejected it. “That’s not something the police should do!”

As the May Day holiday approached, the police still couldn’t rest. A recent jewelry store robbery, though without casualties, involved a large sum of money and armed robbers, so it was transferred to the criminal investigation department.

Everyone was working overtime, mildly complaining. They thought if Chen Shi could help with this case, they might get to enjoy the holiday. But Chen Shi showed little interest in robbery cases.

Speak of the devil, Chen Shi walked in energetically and greeted a passing officer. The officer asked, “Chen, are you working overtime today?”

“I’m not working overtime. I’m off today and looking for Old Peng to hang out.”

“Captain Peng is in the conference room.”

In the conference room, Peng Sijue was just stepping out. Chen Shi said, “Come with me, it’s important.”

“I have work today…”

“You’re not working today. I saw the holiday work schedule. You came in on your own.”

“I meant I have work to do.”

“Workaholic! Come on!”

Peng Sijue reluctantly let Chen Shi drag him along. In the car, he complained, “If you don’t tell me where we’re going, don’t expect me to cooperate.”

“Then jump out of the car if you have the guts.”

Looking out the window, Peng Sijue muttered, “That was just a rational protest.”

“Relax, it’s a great place. You’ll feel amazing—physically and mentally!”

Peng Sijue sighed, suspecting it was something dubious. Last time, Chen Shi dragged him out, leaving him feeling deceived. Peng sensed he might have some psychological issues but felt it was manageable without others worrying excessively.

To Peng, work was sacred. Many people sacrifice their health or mental well-being for work, and it wasn’t a big deal.

When the car stopped in front of a place called “Tianchuan Psychological Counseling,” Peng’s eyes widened. He immediately got out and tried to leave, but Chen Shi hurried around and pushed him back.

“Don’t be so resistant. I’ve made an appointment. Just give it a try.”

“I’m not sick! I don’t need to be here!”

“Stop shouting. It’s not like I’m putting you in a mental hospital.”

Peng glared at him but didn’t have the strength to fight back, so he let Chen Shi push him inside.

In the elevator, Peng adjusted his collar and said, “Show some respect. I can walk on my own.”

Chen Shi laughed. “You’re a grown man, but you don’t even seek help when you have psychological issues.”

Peng retorted, “I’ll accept counseling, but not because I have issues. I want to prove I’m fine, and then you’ll owe me an apology for wasting my time.”

“Fine, whatever!”

The counseling center was run by Gu You. After greeting her, Chen Shi introduced Peng to a senior counselor in one of the rooms.

While Peng was in his session, Chen Shi paced outside, expecting some resistance from Peng. To his surprise, it was quiet inside.

Curious, Chen Shi pressed his ear against the door, trying to listen in. Gu You approached and said, “Mr. Chen, counseling sessions are confidential. Give your friend some space.”

Chen Shi laughed awkwardly.

“Let’s have some coffee in the lounge?” Gu You suggested.

“Can I smoke?”

“Sure.”

In the lounge, Gu You brought coffee and sat across from Chen Shi. “You seem to care about your friend.”

“Seeing him so stressed out and possibly depressed worries me.”

“That’s a sign of concern. Is he very important to you?”

Chen Shi didn’t know how to answer and changed the subject. “Do you do hypnosis?”

“Yes.”

“If a suspect refuses to talk, could hypnosis get them to spill information?”

“First, the success of hypnosis depends largely on the subject’s willingness. If they resist, it’s difficult. Second, hypnosis can be suggestive, so any testimony obtained this way isn’t legally valid.”

“I wasn’t thinking about getting testimony, just some information. Seems like it won’t work.”

“Do you think I could hypnotize you?” Gu You asked with a smile.

Chen Shi thought for a few seconds. He doubted he could open up under hypnosis. “Probably not. I’m not the suggestible type.”

“Then the person you mentioned would likely be even harder to hypnotize… Why the sudden interest?”

After some thought, Chen Shi took out his badge. “I’ve been helping the police solve cases. I should have told you earlier, given how long we’ve been neighbors.”

“Oh, Tao Yueyue already told me.”

“Really? That kid talks about everything! You two seem to be getting along well.”

“We have similar temperaments. She’s very smart and has been through tough times, which gives us common ground.”

Chen Shi didn’t press further, feeling it wasn’t the right moment. He shifted to complimenting the coffee.

At that moment, a man stormed out of a consultation room, shouting, “No one believes me! Not a single person! You’re all liars!”

Chen Shi was startled by the man’s attire—he wore a green robe with wide sleeves, like someone from ancient times, but had a modern haircut.

A female therapist followed him out. “Mr. Li, please calm down. I didn’t dismiss what you said!”

The man covered his face and cried, “I know you all think I’m crazy. But I’m not! This world doesn’t accept me. I traveled here from thousands of years ago. No one understands me. I miss my father, the emperor!”

Chen Shi was stunned. “You take in patients like this too? You guys handle a lot!”

Gu You whispered, “We suspect he has schizophrenia and delusional disorder. He claims to be a time traveler and has been here three times. He pays, so we can’t just turn him away. Plus, I don’t believe in forcing people into mental hospitals. That’s a violation of human rights.”

Chen Shi knew psychological issues had three levels: problems, disorders, and mental illnesses. “Can counseling alone cure delusions?”

Gu You shook her head with a smile. “Counselors help rebuild their understanding. So far, no success.”

“I think you could challenge his delusion logically. Like if he uses WeChat to pay, that’s not something an ancient person would know. That could break his delusion.”

“He doesn’t have a phone, ID, or money.”

“How does he pay for counseling then?”

“A gold ingot!”