Zhan Shiqing still shook her head. "Originally, because I was Dad's child, I already received a lot of attention at school. I'm also a part of this family, so I can do anything my parents can do. I don't want to cause trouble for my parents because of this."
Hearing this, even Zhan Mohan couldn't help but frown. He had never thought of imposing his own affairs onto his children. Yet, he hadn't expected them to still be subjected to others' attention at school.
Zhan Mohan was now even considering transferring schools.
Wei Yumeng's heart also felt sore. She recalled the things Zhan Jinzhi had encountered at school before. If she hadn't intervened at the time, she didn't know how things would have turned out.
She suddenly felt that she was truly a failure as a mother sometimes.
"Mom," Zhan Shiqing walked forward and took her hand. "Shiqing has to grow up. Dad and Mom can't always protect us, so I have to become stronger myself. That way, I can protect Dad and Mom in the future."
Wei Yumeng couldn't help but grip Zhan Shiqing's hand tightly. Her child was so sensible, yet she couldn't feel any happiness.
Zhan Jinzhi, who had walked over at some point, said, "Dad, Mom, I'll protect Shiqing at school."
Zhan Shiqing quickly nodded, "Yes, and Brother too."
Wei Yumeng and Zhan Mohan exchanged a look, and finally sighed, "Alright, since you're so determined, we'll listen to you for now. But if anything happens that you can't handle, you must tell us, okay?"
Zhan Jinzhi and Zhan Shiqing both nodded.
The next morning, although Wei Yumeng was still very worried, she still sent the two children to work.
Zhan Mohan looked at Wei Yumeng, fully understanding her feelings.
"I've already told Fang Xun to follow them these few days. Even if something happens, we'll know quickly."
Only then did Wei Yumeng nod.
The entire morning class went smoothly, with almost no problems. Zhan Shiqing also felt a lot more relaxed.
However, in the afternoon, a group of boys were secretly playing with fire in a corner of the school, which Zhan Shiqing happened to stumble upon.
When Zhan Shiqing saw the flames, she couldn't help but recall what happened that day.
She remembered her fear of fire, and the nightmares that had been haunting her.
Instantly, her body trembled, and she involuntarily took a few steps back.
But soon, she remembered what Mo Yati had told her.
"Everyone's fears can be controlled through self-regulation. For example, when you see those flames, imagine them as cartoon fire characters from cartoons. Wouldn't that make them less terrifying?"
Zhan Shiqing took a deep breath and felt much better. It seemed she wasn't that scared anymore.
But just then, a child suddenly shouted, "Oh no, it's on fire!"
The small flame they had built had suddenly leaped onto a tree, setting the entire tree ablaze.
The flames, following the shape of the tree trunk, looked like a devil covered in red fire.
Zhan Shiqing's eyes widened as she watched the flames, and she fell to the ground.
Her whole body was shaking, and fear instantly spread through her.
She knew clearly that she should overcome this fear, but she still couldn't do it.
Her reaction attracted the attention of nearby classmates. They were all unsure what was happening to Zhan Shiqing and dared not approach.
But at this moment, a warm embrace surrounded her.
Zhan Jinzhi whispered, "Don't be scared, it's alright now."
"Brother..." Zhan Shiqing's voice was choked with sobs, her body trembling uncontrollably.
"Brother is here, don't worry. The fire has been put out, it's alright."
Zhan Shiqing nodded in Zhan Jinzhi's arms, but didn't let go.
Zhan Jinzhi held Zhan Shiqing for a long time until she gradually calmed down.
However, Zhan Shiqing didn't take the incident too seriously. She just said to Zhan Jinzhi, "Brother, I think I failed. When I first saw the flames, I thought I had conquered it."
Zhan Jinzhi felt a pang of heartache. "It's okay, take your time. Don't force yourself if you can't overcome it. It's really okay."
Meanwhile, Jing Yan was at Mo Yati's psychological counseling office, looking at him with a face full of questions.
Mo Yati felt uncomfortable under his gaze. "Are you asking me why I didn't use hypnotherapy on that child?"
Jing Yan smiled. "As expected, you can guess what I'm going to say without me even saying it."
"Psychological treatment doesn't have a single, complete process. It's more about individual differences. Choosing the most suitable therapy based on a person's psychological state is the most correct approach."
Jing Yan finally understood. "So, you think Shiqing's inner strength is sufficient?"
Mo Yati nodded. "From what I know of her, she's a very resilient child. Rather than burying the fear deep in her subconscious through hypnotherapy, she subconsciously wants to overcome what she's afraid of more. So, I simply let her try according to her own wishes."
"Aren't you worried something might actually happen?"
Mo Yati shook his head. "No, because that child also has a good pair of parents, especially Mrs. Zhan. Her inner strength is also sufficient to handle anything that might happen. Moreover, if something were to happen, it might not be a bad thing."
"What do you mean by that?" Jing Yan asked, not quite understanding.
"What that child needs most right now is a sense of security and support to overcome her fear. If something were to happen, her parents would definitely step forward to protect her. This approach is the most direct way for her to gain a sense of security. When she clearly feels her family's love, her sense of security will increase, her confidence will increase, and the chance of overcoming her fear will be greater."
Jing Yan raised an eyebrow. "You've thought so far ahead? Aren't you afraid of exceptions?"
Mo Yati smiled mysteriously. "When has my judgment ever been wrong?"
Jing Yan said helplessly, "Sometimes I even feel like you're not a psychologist, but more like..."
"Like what?" Mo Yati asked, looking puzzled.
"A quack."
Hearing this, Mo Yati's face darkened. But Jing Yan had successfully amused him and looked very pleased.
Shifting the perspective back to the school, Zhan Shiqing had already composed herself and returned to her class.
Despite what had just happened, Zhan Shiqing was not defeated by her fear.
She recalled the second method Dr. Mo had taught her: "If you couldn't control your fear at that moment, think about the situation afterward. It didn't harm you; it just happened to appear. You are independent entities, and it didn't hurt you."
Thinking this way, Zhan Shiqing didn't feel it was that frightening anymore.