Chapter 42: Hypnosis

After being hospitalized for a few days, Shang Jie came up with various ridiculous excuses to stay by Jiang Xingxing’s side.

For instance, in the morning, he complained about a nose ache, and by the afternoon, it was a finger ache.

Jiang Xingxing held his long, well-defined fingers and said teasingly, “President Shang, your body truly is extraordinary, always picking interesting places to ache. So, what’s this ‘finger ache’ about? Explain it to me.”

Shang Jie looked at his pale, delicate index finger and explained earnestly, “It cramped.”

“Show me how it cramps,” she said.

He lightly curled his long, slender finger.

Jiang Xingxing: “…”

For some reason, it felt oddly suggestive.

The following parts of the text will be scrambled to prevent theft from aggregators and unauthorized epub making. Please support our translators by reading on secondlifetranslations (dot) com. If you are currently on the site and and you are seeing this, please clear your cache.

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---

Dr. Lawrence had scheduled a hypnosis session with Shang Jie at the clinic to try to awaken some deep-seated memories and uncover the roots of his second personality.

The clinic was located at the foot of a mountain. At dusk, the golden sunset cast a warm glow over the mountain ridges, a gentle breeze stirred, and forest birds returned to their nests.

In the room, Dr. Lawrence drew the blackout curtains shut with his long arms, plunging the room into a shadowy dimness. Under the thick lampshade, the soft nightlight became the only source of illumination.

He also lit calming incense, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere throughout the room.

Shang Jie emerged from the changing room, now wearing a loose beige checkered T-shirt and shorts. Gone was the stiffness of his daytime suits, replaced by a relaxed and casual vibe.

However, when Dr. Lawrence fixed his gaze on him, Shang Jie sharply turned his head, glancing at him coolly.

In those coffee-colored eyes was an innate sharpness and vigilance, as if one glance could uncover the deepest secrets hidden in anyone’s heart.

His oppressive aura inexplicably made people tense.

Lawrence couldn’t help but wonder how that woman managed to live with him daily. Could anyone really endure sharing a life with such a wolfish man?

Lawrence didn’t know much about her. From the few times they’d met, she seemed like an ordinary girl—cheerful, outgoing, and straightforward.

But if that was all, why would Shang Jie be so obsessed with her? His second personality had fallen for her, and now even his rational first personality was similarly smitten.

Lawrence couldn’t understand.

The therapy chair reclined at a 45-degree angle. Shang Jie lay back on it and said in a low voice, “Let’s begin.”

Lawrence sat beside him and asked, “Have you recalled anything recently about the time you were kidnapped at twelve?”

Shang Jie closed his eyes and replied calmly, “No clue.”

“Because the second personality emerged after that incident, something must have happened during the kidnapping. If you can remember, it will be very helpful for your treatment.”

Lawrence quickly added, “However, this memory is likely very painful. Your brain’s stress response mechanism created the second personality to shield you from harm. If you truly recall what happened, the second personality will lose its purpose.”

Shang Jie opened his eyes and looked at him. “So, as long as I can remember what happened and endure that pain, I can recover?”

“In theory, that’s correct,” Lawrence said, dimming the lights in the room. “The girl who appears in your dreams is likely connected to that traumatic experience. For over a decade, you’ve never dreamed of her, but recently, she’s appeared frequently. There must be some kind of trigger.”

“A trigger?”

“I can’t say for sure, but it must be something—or someone—that has brought this deeply buried memory to the surface.”

Shang Jie shook his head, indicating he had no idea.

“That’s not important,” Lawrence said. “What matters is that your condition has already started to improve.”

“In that case, let’s begin.”

Lawrence proceeded with the hypnosis, and Shang Jie quickly entered a dream-like state of hazy consciousness.

---

In his dream, the setting resembled a chaotic room in an abandoned factory. Cold steel machinery surrounded him, layered in dust.

A child’s crisp, singsong voice echoed nearby:
“You clap one, I clap one, a child boards an airplane.
You clap two, I clap two, two kids play handkerchief toss…”

The voice seemed to come from outside, muffled as though filtered through a thick door.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and a blinding light poured in. The intensity of the sunlight made Shang Jie squint, unable to fully open his eyes.

A delicate figure of a young girl emerged from the halo of light. Shang Jie shielded his aching eyes with his elbow but still couldn’t make out her face.

“You clap three, I clap three, three kids eat cookies…”

“Who are you?” he shouted.

The girl approached him and gently touched his face. “Don’t cry, big brother. I don’t feel any pain.”

Abruptly, a bead of crimson blood slid down her forehead, trailing over her pale face like a wriggling worm.

---

“Louis! Louis, wake up!”

Shang Jie jolted awake at Lawrence’s urgent call. As soon as he regained consciousness, he shot upright and grabbed Lawrence by the collar.

“Wow, Louis, calm down.”

Lawrence switched to English in his panic, even though his Mandarin was fluent.

“She’s hurt!” Shang Jie’s breathing was ragged, sweat beading on his forehead. For once, his typically calm and detached eyes were filled with panic. “We need to save her—she’s hurt!”

“Louis, it was just a dream. It’s over now,” Lawrence said soothingly, pressing Shang Jie’s shoulders. “It’s all in the past—more than a decade ago.”

Shang Jie gradually came back to his senses, accepting the towel Lawrence handed him to wipe his sweat. Stumbling toward the water dispenser, he poured himself a glass of ice water and downed it in one go. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he drank, and the cold water trickled from his chin to his neck, soaking into his shirt.

Lawrence watched him in silence as he drained three glasses of ice water before finally calming down.

“Louis,” Lawrence asked gently, “how do you feel?”

Shang Jie clenched the glass tightly, the veins on the back of his pale hand faintly visible. “It hurts,” he said hoarsely.

Yes, it hurt—so much that he could barely control himself. It hurt so deeply that he wished he could pull that fragile girl out of the dream and comfort her, protect her.

He didn’t understand why he felt this way. If she were truly just a stranger, how could his heart ache like this?

---

That evening, Shang Jie hurried to the villa at Bolan Bay, where his parents lived.

Mei Yu was clearly surprised by her son’s sudden arrival. She rushed downstairs and asked in astonishment, “Why didn’t you let us know beforehand? Your father has a club event tonight and won’t be back until late.”

“It’s fine,” Shang Jie said as he sat down. “I’m not here for Dad.”

Noticing her son’s urgency, Mei Yu instructed the servants, “Go prepare an iced lemon-mint tea for the young master.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the servants replied.

Once they had left, only Mei Yu and Shang Jie remained in the room.

“All right, tell me—what’s so important?” Mei Yu asked as she sat next to him. “You’re usually not so reckless.”

Shang Jie, who had nothing to hide from his mother, recounted everything about the hypnosis and the events in his dream.

Mei Yu’s expression grew increasingly grim as he spoke.

From her reaction, Shang Jie could tell she knew something.

“Mom, about that kidnapping case—there’s something you’re not telling me, isn’t there?”

Mei Yu looked at him with a serious expression and said, “Some memories are better left forgotten. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Lawrence said I can only fully recover if I remember on my own. Only then can I truly become normal.”

Mei Yu hesitated. “Do you really… want to know who that girl is?”

Shang Jie nodded firmly.

“But even if you find out, what can you do? She was just a child back then. She likely doesn’t remember much.”

Shang Jie wasn’t sure what he would do, but at that moment, he was desperate to know who she was.

Mei Yu sighed. “Do you remember the Shen family’s younger daughter?”

“I do,” Shang Jie replied flatly. “She was cute as a child, but as she grew up, she became quite annoying.”

The Shen family and the Shang family had been close for generations. The Shen Group’s influence in Jiangcheng was second only to that of the Shang Group. The two families had countless collaborations, holding stakes in each other’s companies, and their ties were deeply intertwined.

The Shen family’s cherished little princess, Shen Nian Nian, was a few years younger than Shang Jie.

In Shang Jie’s memory, she was adorable and sweet, with a very good-natured personality. Unlike the daughters of other affluent families, she didn’t have the stereotypical “princess syndrome.” She was carefree, almost like a boy, and especially loved following Shang Jie around, calling him “big brother” affectionately. Shang Jie enjoyed playing with her because of this.

But as she grew up, Shen Nian Nian changed drastically. She became rude and spoiled. Though she still liked to seek out Shang Jie, he no longer paid her much attention.

For Mei Yu to mention Shen Nian Nian now—did it mean she was connected to the kidnapping case?

As expected, Mei Yu explained, “I deeply regret that day. The Shen family was hosting Nian Nian’s sixth birthday party at Maple Leaf Lawn. If I hadn’t taken you there, perhaps the incident wouldn’t have happened.”

Shang Jie frowned. “What does this have to do with the Shen family?”

“That day, many people attended. You were holding Nian Nian’s hand, playing in the woods behind the lawn. The adults weren’t paying attention to you two, and so…”

Shang Jie abruptly stood up. “You mean I wasn’t the only victim in the kidnapping?”

“The target wasn’t supposed to be you,” Mei Yu said regretfully. “The kidnappers were after Shen Nian Nian, but you happened to be with her at the time. That’s why I’ve always blamed myself over the years.”

Mei Yu’s face was full of remorse. She had avoided mentioning the incident for so long because she considered it her fault. If she had kept a closer eye on her son, perhaps the tragedy wouldn’t have occurred.

“And then? Did the kidnappers demand ransom?” Shang Jie asked.

“No,” Mei Yu replied. “The kidnappers held you both for several days. The police searched every corner of Jiangcheng but couldn’t find you. On the fifth night, you and Nian Nian were discovered near an abandoned factory in the southern suburbs. The man who kidnapped you had disappeared. Days later, his body was retrieved from the river.”

Shang Jie frowned. “He died? How did he die?”

“The police initially ruled it as suicide.”

Shang Jie was puzzled. “He kidnapped two children, didn’t demand a ransom, and then committed suicide five days later?”

“After further investigation, the police discovered that the kidnapper’s younger brother had once worked at a Shen Real Estate construction site and had an accident, leaving him with a disabled leg. Though the Shen Group offered a large settlement, the family wasn’t satisfied, so he kidnapped Shen Nian Nian as an act of revenge.”

Shang Jie’s hand trembled slightly as he lifted his teacup. “You’ve never told me any of this before.”

“Because you and Nian Nian were both so young,” Mei Yu said. “Experiencing such a traumatic event would leave psychological scars for a lifetime. Since you forgot about it, I didn’t want to cause you further harm. The incident is long past, the criminal has been punished, and all I’ve ever wanted is for you to heal and forget that terrifying experience.”

“What about Shen Nian Nian? Does she remember?”

“She remembers nothing,” Mei Yu said. “Not only did she forget those days, but she also forgot many other things from the past. When she returned, she was like a blank slate, remembering nothing at all.”

“All of it? Is that even possible?” Shang Jie asked, incredulous.

“You were both so young,” Mei Yu said thoughtfully. “Maybe the experience was too horrifying and shocked her deeply. Nian Nian was only a child at the time.”

“Still,” she added, “her personality did change drastically after the incident. She became very different, a bit spoiled, like a proper young lady.”

Shang Jie did recall her drastic change in temperament. However, after middle school, she had gone abroad to study, and he hadn’t seen her since.

“So, the girl you’ve been dreaming about is likely Shen Nian Nian,” Mei Yu said. “I’ve told you everything I know. Have you remembered anything?”

Shang Jie thought back to his dream. The girl in the dream, the one who evoked such deep pain, was hard to reconcile with the later Shen Nian Nian, who had become willful and bratty.

Was it her?

Logically, it should have been, but he felt a sense of resistance, unable to merge the two figures in his mind.

Seeing his conflicted expression, Mei Yu patted his shoulder gently. “If you can’t remember, let it be. Take it one step at a time. I heard that Shen Nian Nian is about to return from her studies abroad. Perhaps when you see her, you’ll remember.”

Shang Jie nodded and patted his mother’s hand. “You’ve worked hard, Mom. This wasn’t your fault—really.”

Mei Yu noticed a newfound gentleness in her son’s demeanor, different from the past.

Was it because he was married now?

“By the way,” Mei Yu said, “it’s about time you brought your wife over for dinner to meet your father.”

Shang Jie considered this for a moment and declined. “Maybe later. Let her finish her current project first.”

“Protective, are we?” Mei Yu teased. “Afraid your dad will give her a hard time?”

Shang Jie smiled faintly. “Dad’s too stern. I don’t want to scare her.”

“And you’re not intimidating?” Mei Yu laughed. “You’re just like your father—always so serious. Isn’t she afraid of you?”

“She’s not,” Shang Jie said with a soft smile. “She practically walks all over me.”

Mei Yu had never seen her son smile so gently before. Chatting casually, she asked about his married life.

“So… does this mean you’re not planning to divorce her?”

Shang Jie replied calmly, “A girl who’s been divorced once—it wouldn’t look good for her. I can’t be the one to ruin her reputation. She’s well-behaved and doesn’t cause trouble.”

Mei Yu finally felt relieved. It wasn’t easy finding someone her son could connect with.

He had been single for so many years, and no woman had ever left an impression on him. When she first heard about his accidental marriage, she had worried he would insist on a divorce, embarrassing the girl.

But now, it seemed everything would be fine.

Mei Yu earnestly advised, “Since you’ve married her, treat her well.”

“I know.”

“Temper your usual demeanor. Home isn’t the office—don’t bring that commanding attitude back with you. That girl seems gentle, but she’s actually very strong-willed. Don’t hurt her pride.”

Thinking of her, a rare trace of warmth surfaced in Shang Jie’s expression. “It may not be perfect, but I’ll try my best.”

He would try to start a life together with her and learn… to become a competent and responsible husband.

---

Two days later.

In the top-floor office of Shang Group’s headquarters, Shang Jie’s phone on the desk displayed a private schedule reminder:

8:00 PM — Go to the movies with Xing Xing.

When Lin Chuan’s gaze happened to glance at the screen, Shang Jie casually covered it with his hand. “What are you sneaking looks at?” he said nonchalantly.

Lin Chuan: “…”

So now there were secrets? Boss, you’ve changed.

He cleared his throat. “Mr. Shang, it’s time for the meeting.”

Shang Jie pushed back his chair, adjusted his collar and cuffs, and strode towards the meeting room.

Lin Chuan shrugged and followed behind.

During the meeting, Shang Jie occasionally picked up his phone to send a few short messages.

Though Lin Chuan had been warned once, his curiosity got the better of him. Over the course of ten painstaking minutes, he shuffled step by step to position himself behind Shang Jie without being noticed, sneaking a glance at the phone screen.

First, it was confirmed: the boss was indeed chatting with someone on WeChat!

Second, the wallpaper—when did it change from the green, eye-protecting nature scenery to a promotional still from City of Daylight?

Third, the image wasn’t just anyone—it was Jiang Xing Xing, wearing a striking cheongsam, holding a feather fan to her face in one hand and a gun in the other!

The chat contact name consisted of just two characters:

“My Wife.”

Lin Chuan: …

What a mysterious nickname.

There was no doubt about it: Shang Jie was texting his wife during the meeting!

This was something utterly unthinkable before. Mr. Shang never got distracted during meetings—he was more focused than anyone.

With his 20/20 vision, Lin Chuan managed to peek at their conversation:

Jiang Xing Xing: “Hubby, I’m ready!”

She included a photo of herself sitting in a Starbucks with a cup of coffee.

Shang Jie: “I’ll be done here soon.”

Jiang Xing Xing: “No rush. 😊”

Shang Jie: “Go shopping instead. Sitting there looks silly.”

Jiang Xing Xing: “You’re the silly one. Your whole family—your whole company is silly!”

At least she caught herself before offending his parents, though the company hadn’t done anything to deserve that!

Jiang Xing Xing: “How about… I go buy a dress?”

Shang Jie sent her an electronic gift card.

Jiang Xing Xing: “!!!”

Shang Jie: “😊”

Jiang Xing Xing: “Oh no, I feel bad about this. 😊”

Shang Jie withdrew the gift card and messaged: “On second thought, my mom told me not to hurt your pride.”

Jiang Xing Xing: …

“Get lost!”

Giving a card without the password was bad enough, but taking the card back just for politeness—now that was shamelessness in its purest form!

Of course, Shang Jie was only teasing her. He sent the card back shortly after, with the password “888888,” unchanged since forever.

“Can I ask, dear sponsor, is there a spending limit on this card?” she asked.

Shang Jie: “Between now and when I get off work, spend as much as you can. 😊”

Jiang Xing Xing: “Massaging your shoulders, hammering your back, shining your shoes, dear sponsor!”

A faint smile appeared on Shang Jie’s face as he twirled a silver-gray pen gracefully between his long fingers.

Lin Chuan inhaled deeply, as if he had stumbled upon some great secret.

So the boss had finally discovered the ultimate joy of earning money! The real meaning of wealth was to spend it on someone you love!

Meanwhile, a few board members sitting beside Shang Jie had noticed Lin Chuan’s peculiar expression. Their curiosity was piqued—they were desperate to know what Lin Chuan had seen on the boss’s phone that made him look so astonished.

They were dying of curiosity!

Shang Jie glanced at the directors, whose craning necks and extended gazes betrayed their intentions to peek. He locked his phone screen and muttered, “Respect privacy.”

The directors immediately sat up straight, their expressions obedient.

Shang Jie pushed back his chair again and glanced at Lin Chuan.

Lin Chuan quickly looked away, his gaze fixed downward, pretending he hadn’t seen anything.

Shang Jie shot him a disdainful look, one that seemed to say: I’m spoiling my wife. What’s it to you, single dog?

---

Sansukini: Wow! What a good husband. Like his personality has completely evolved for the better.
Regarding the k!dnapp!ng, I know it doesn’t make sense, right. This plot device is pretty unpredictable so I know most of you, readers, have already guessed that switcheroo that happened. It doesn’t make sense how the child was only lost for a few days and when they got her back, they didn’t see that it’s a different kid. But anyways, it’s a C-novel so a lot of times you just need to ignore logic. (◞‸ლ)

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