Chapter 314: Gu You Sets a Trap

On May 7th, with the conclusion of the previous case, Peng Sijue finally had a half-day off. He went to Tianchuan Psychological Counseling Center, run by Gu You, for his ongoing treatment of depression.

Although Peng Sijue had a science background, he realized that he had many misconceptions about psychological counseling. Like many others, he assumed that people who came here must have something wrong with their minds and that psychologists just offered some comforting words, serving as mere placebos.

The counselor assisting him, Dr. Ji Changxin, was an experienced and knowledgeable senior counselor. Using cognitive therapy, he had significantly alleviated Peng Sijue’s depression, helping him realize that work and life were equally important.

Every visit to the center left Peng Sijue feeling relaxed, and he particularly enjoyed his sessions with Dr. Ji. Today was supposed to be his final consultation.

He arrived early and found the reception room empty. Sitting down, he waited for a while, the only sound being the occasional gurgle of the water dispenser. After an indeterminate amount of time, he heard suspicious noises coming from Consulting Room 2.

Driven by professional instincts, Peng Sijue walked over and quietly pushed open the ajar door. What he saw made his eyes widen in shock.

Gu You was lying on a lounge chair, eyes closed, seemingly asleep or having a nightmare. Her legs, wrapped in black stockings, were writhing, and her chest was heaving intensely.

To his horror, Dr. Ji Changxin, the supposedly reputable counselor, was slowly unbuttoning her shirt. Disgust overwhelmed Peng Sijue, shattering the image he had of Dr. Ji. He forcefully opened the door and shouted, “Dr. Ji, what are you doing?”

Startled, Dr. Ji stammered, “Mr. Peng… why are you here…”

Seeing a pocket watch and a small music player, Peng Sijue quickly understood. He frowned and said, “You hypnotized her to do this despicable act. Shame on you.”

“It’s not what you think. Ms. Gu said she was feeling stressed and wanted my hypnotherapy. I was just… helping her relax. You can ask her when she wakes up. I’ll wake her up right now.”

“No need!” Gu You, who had appeared to be hypnotized, suddenly opened her eyes and sat up, leaving Dr. Ji dumbfounded.

“You… you weren’t hypnotized?”

“Dr. Ji Changxin, you’re fired.”

“What are you saying… I was just loosening your buttons because they were too tight. Are you accusing me of sexual harassment?”

Gu You sneered, sitting up and pulling a hidden micro camera from a flowerpot, shaking it, “The last twenty minutes recorded a lot more than just that.”

Dr. Ji looked as if he had been slapped, his face turning pale. He was at a loss for words.

Peng Sijue was stunned, realizing this whole setup had been orchestrated by Gu You. The empty center at noon was part of her plan.

Dr. Ji stuttered for a long time before coming up with a feeble excuse, “Boss, technically you can’t blame me for this. You’re too attractive. I’m just a man who couldn’t control himself.”

Gu You shook her head in disdain. “As a psychologist, to be driven by male hormones into such despicable actions is truly pathetic. Call it entrapment if you will, but after receiving multiple complaints from clients about feeling touched during hypnosis, I set this up! Dr. Ji Changxin, you’re not fit to be a psychologist. From now on, you’re fired!”

“Everyone makes mistakes. Give me another chance!” Dr. Ji pleaded, “And you’re violating labor laws by firing me. I’m close to retirement. Without this job, what about my pension…”

“I’m not just firing you,” Gu You said, suppressing her anger. “I’m going to inform every counseling center in Long’an. No one will hire you. You say I’m violating labor laws, but you violated professional ethics first. A psychologist’s biggest taboo is exploiting their position for personal gain. This is sexual harassment, a criminal offense. You won’t find any support… Officer, if this goes to court, would you testify?”

Peng Sijue nodded silently.

Realizing there was no hope, Dr. Ji looked dejectedly at Peng Sijue. “Mr. Peng, I’m sorry, but I can’t continue your treatment. If you still want sessions, you can contact me…”

“No need,” Peng Sijue replied, his tone calm but cold. “I don’t want counseling from someone like you. Thank you.”

Dr. Ji’s lips trembled as he packed his things in his office. When he left, he angrily kicked over a potted plant, to which Gu You coolly responded, “I’ll deduct it from your severance pay.”

“Go to hell, you b! Stop pretending to be pure!” Dr. Ji yelled, slamming the door behind him.

Gu You smiled at Peng Sijue. “You never know someone’s true nature until the end.”

“You cleared everyone out just to set this up? You’re quite shrewd, Ms. Gu.”

“Those who love their profession detest its disgraceful members. I’m sure you feel the same about corrupt cops, right?” Gu You handed Peng Sijue a cup of tea. Peng Sijue, taking the tea, felt awkward standing and sat down on the nearby sofa.

“I feel the same. Encountering a corrupt cop infuriates me more than you can imagine.”

“By the way, considering your mental stress, I’ll refund half of the fee Mr. Chen paid for your treatment,” Gu You said, sitting unusually close to Peng Sijue.

Her proximity made him uncomfortable, so he shifted slightly. “Whatever you prefer.”

“Is your treatment over?”

“I’m fine now.”

“A person who can’t manage their desires will run into problems. How do you handle that, Mr. Peng?”

Sensing the conversation was taking an awkward turn, Peng Sijue raised an eyebrow. “We’re not that close, are we?”

“You’re very rational and have a unique perspective on things. You have a guiding principle that restrains you, and you’re a perfectionist. You’re used to quietly giving without counting the cost. There’s someone important to you, but not in a sexual way. They are your spiritual anchor.”

Feeling exposed, Peng Sijue stood up. “I should go.”

“Mr. Peng, I want to have a relationship with you.”

Stunned, Peng Sijue turned back to see Gu You smiling at him. He wondered if he had heard wrong.