Return of the Antagonistic Lady Boss-Chapter 574 - 548: Fear and Revelation

Jia Xiufang’s call pressuring Qian into marriage left her feeling a bit unsettled.

Yu Minglang’s attitude was clear to her. He took a half-month leave, and he was so serious—this time, he seemed to be really serious.

Qian went downstairs, but instead of heading directly to the supermarket, she sat on the flower bed, letting the wind blow on her face. She was feeling a bit panicked now.

When Liao Fugui’s call came through, the ringtone had already sounded twice before she heard it, too busy zoning out.

"Qian’er, there’s a case you can take?" Liao Fugui’s voice was a bit hoarse, probably from rushing with Dalong.

"What case?"

"It’s recommended by a friend at the anti-domestic violence center. They said there’s an older sister who was severely beaten by her husband and is undergoing a domestic violence assessment. They suspect she has a compulsive makeup disorder, which is why her husband is abusive—because she spends a huge amount annually on cosmetics. Just on lipstick alone, she spends 20,000 yuan."

"Well, you picked a spendthrift woman. Kneel down and get through it, live if you can, leave if you can’t. What kind of skill is it to beat a woman?"

"The husband’s annual income is less than ten thousand. Her spending on cosmetics exceeds the household expenses, and she even borrowed money to buy them. The husband discussed it several times unsuccessfully and, overwhelmed by the debt, impulsively beat her. They say this older sister has already delayed her main job because of her makeup, pushing the family to the brink."

"I don’t take cases where they’re mutually sabotaging each other. I don’t have that kind of compassion."

With either money or compassion, one has to be on the move. This case had no money and made Qian feel disgusted; she didn’t even want to lend a hand.

"Alright, I’ll look for someone else for her. By the way, Qian’er, what exactly is compulsive makeup disorder?"

Liao Fugui’s profession is assessing who is mentally ill, but when it comes to psychological issues, Qian always has a deeper understanding.

"It’s a type of compulsive disorder, similar in physiological mechanism to addiction." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"That serious? Can’t they control themselves not to put on makeup?"

"They can’t. Both addiction and compulsive makeup disorder start voluntarily, but once addicted, they can’t control themselves anymore. Some people go downstairs in the middle of the night in pajamas to buy a watermelon and still meticulously apply makeup."

The final sentence carried emotions.

"But this person seeking consultation is well-educated. It’s strange how she can be like this."

"It’s precisely well-educated women who are prone to compulsive makeup disorder. Once they have the disorder, the neural pathways in the brain change, showing tendencies of depression and anxiety. Ultimately, people with compulsive makeup disorder are trying to conceal their fear of failure through this behavior. Let me add that psychological issues are unrelated to education level."

Liao Fugui silently noted what Qian said. Although their professions differ, Qian always shares fresh insights that significantly help his work.

"By the way, Qian’er, I heard Auntie say you’re getting married?"

Qian rolled her eyes. Her mom really can’t keep anything under wraps; did she go around announcing it to the whole family right after the call?

"I haven’t thought about it yet; I don’t really want to get married."

"Why?"

In the eyes of the whole family, Qian and Yu Minglang were already a perfect match. Jia Xiufang, excited after hanging up the phone, started planning her daughter’s wedding, and Liao Fugui caught some of the joy. After interacting with Qian a few times, he completely squashed his budding feelings.

He realized he couldn’t handle women like her; it’s better being a big brother, having a smart sister and an... indescribable brother. Liao Fugui felt quite content.

"I feel my current task shouldn’t be marriage; I still have to prepare for the doctoral exam, and he’s busy with work..."

Liao Fugui detected Qian’s evasiveness.

"Qian’er, do you have a fear of commitment?"

Qian’s palms suddenly felt cold and sweaty, and she laughed dryly. "How could I! What am I afraid of? I’ve known him for so long. Why would I have a fear of commitment, hahahaha..."

The last sequence of guilty laughs made even the leaves shake.

"You give me the impression as if you have a fear of commitment, ready at any moment to bolt. I recall I gave you a similar case, and you helped cure someone. Your behavior now seems very much like that consultant! Could fear of commitment also cause uncontrollable changes in one’s brain circuitry?"

What a nuisance Liao Fugui! Usually quite dull bookworm, but suddenly sharp at such critical moments?

"I don’t have a fear of commitment, I, do, not!"

"A great person once said, without a correct view on marriage and love, it’s like having no soul. Qian’er, you need to adjust your mindset now."

"Liao Fugui, are you bullying me for not memorizing the quotes? The original quote is—without a correct political perspective, it’s like having no soul!" Qian was irked.

"You have to apply it flexibly to marriage issues! Your current view on marriage and love is already skewed. I think you should have a good talk with Minglang."

Qian hung up the phone. A leaf fell on her head as she reached to remove it, but she touched another large hand instead.

Yu Minglang stood behind her, not knowing how long he’d been there.

Qian was startled, unsure of how much he’d heard, but he showed no special expression. When he wanted to hide his thoughts, no one could see through him.

"Why did you come out here?" She probed, guilty.

"Just checking where you’ve gotten to with buying that vinegar bottle—I’ve already wrapped the dumplings."

"Uh, I’ve been out here for that long? Forget it. Let’s go back and eat."

Qian dragged his arm to walk back home, but Yu Minglang didn’t move.

"Mei, does being with me make you feel uneasy?"

"If dumplings are eaten without vinegar, only then will I feel uneasy. Come on, let’s eat; I’m starving!" Qian deliberately avoided the topic, fearing he’d continue.

Yu Minglang pursed his lips and didn’t say anything further.

While eating, Qian remained vigilant, worried he might bring up marriage or phone-related topics again. Fortunately, Yu Minglang didn’t mention it, and she thought he probably hadn’t heard her conversation with Fugui.

In the afternoon, Yu Minglang said he was going out to shop, but after nearly two hours, he still hadn’t returned. Qian thought about calling him to ask where he was, but felt it wasn’t quite appropriate.

There was a group meeting at the school next week, discussing the thesis related to phobias. Qian was preparing materials; seeing the word ’fear’ on paper reminded her of what Liao Fugui said.

Could she actually have a fear of commitment?

In a previous life, she fled before marriage. In this life, with Yu Minglang, things were so good; their relationship had never faced any setbacks. He cared for her deeply, and both families were sorted. It was just getting a certificate—what was she afraid of?

Admitting that someone like her also has fear is inherently scary because she felt this wasn’t quite like her style. She’s never been afraid of anything; how could she fear building a family with the man she loved?

Plus, she’s studying clinical psychology; how could such a problem arise—

Psychological problems have nothing to do with education level; those with psychological issues can’t control their actions and brain, unexpectedly flashed the explanation she gave to Fugui.

Qian put down the pen in her hand, looked at the pile of drafts without emotion, and all of this fell into the sight of the just-entered Yu Minglang.