Chapter Sixty-Seven: A Single Tear

Yin Nian arrived at the psychology clinic.

When the door opened, she embraced Liang Zhicheng and Han Duoduo tightly, one after another.

In that moment, silent embraces spoke louder than any words.

Yuan Yi sat in the armchair, watching them, a subtle smile curling at her lips.

Once the embrace ended, Yin Nian took the center seat on the sofa, with Liang Zhicheng and Han Duoduo sitting to her left and right.

Yuan Yi said to Yin Nian, “You’ve seen the drawings in the notebook and watched the video recordings. Do you have any other questions?”

Yin Nian asked, “Do Yang Yongli’s three siblings know about this?”

“They don’t.”

“So, everything that happened while I was monitoring and following Yang Yongli—all of it was real?”

“Anything involving Yang Yongli was real.”

“And… Yan Ming had no idea at all?”

“Yes, he knew nothing. But now, he knows. After you all left on the night of August 27th, I spoke with Yan Ming and explained everything.”

Yin Nian let out a long sigh, as if laying down a heavy burden, and her expression relaxed considerably.

Yuan Yi asked, “Any other questions?”

Yin Nian looked at Han Duoduo. “Duoduo… I have something I want to ask you. I’m not doubting you, I just want to be sure.”

Han Duoduo took Yin Nian’s hand and gently stroked the back of it. “Ask me anything.”

“That Lin Yuan… does he really exist?”

“Actually, even if you didn’t ask, I would have told you,” Han Duoduo replied. “What happened was real, but the person wasn’t real. He’s not named Lin Yuan, and I have no connection to him at all.”

“So that’s why… no wonder I remember the incident but never the name.” Yin Nian glanced at Yuan Yi, who was gazing directly at her and asked, “Doctor Yuan, what is it?”

“Nothing.” Yuan Yi smiled slightly and glanced at the vermilion wardrobe in the corner.

With Yin Nian’s doubts resolved, Yuan Yi conducted a comprehensive psychological restoration for Yin Nian, Liang Zhicheng, and Han Duoduo, dispelling any residual psychological effects from role-playing. She also offered targeted counseling for Yin Nian and Liang Zhicheng’s marriage.

This session not only resolved lingering issues from panoramic behavioral therapy but also gave a deep analysis of Yin Nian and Liang Zhicheng’s relationship, laying important groundwork for their family’s future stability.

Unbeknownst to them, more than an hour had already passed.

At the end of the session, Yuan Yi said to Yin Nian, “There’s someone who’s been waiting here for you. I think you might have something to say to him.”

“Yan Ming, right?”

“That’s correct. He’s in the lounge. You can go see him.”

Yin Nian looked at Liang Zhicheng, about to speak, when he suddenly took her hand and said, “Go ahead, it’s fine. Without Yan Ming’s help, the treatment wouldn’t have gone so smoothly. He’s supported and encouraged you many times when your mood was low. In every respect, I’m grateful to him. He’s an upright person. I trust him—and I trust you even more.”

Seeing such trust from Liang Zhicheng, Yin Nian knew there was nothing more to say and got up to leave.

After she left, Yuan Yi gazed at the wardrobe in the corner, her lips slowly lifting into a mysterious smile. Liang Zhicheng and Han Duoduo exchanged glances, quietly intertwining their hands.

Yin Nian entered the lounge. Yan Ming was seated at the innermost table, arms folded, looking out the window.

“Lawyer Yan,” Yin Nian called.

Yan Ming turned and saw her, a smile appearing on his face.

Though only two days had passed, Yan Ming looked much more haggard than before.

“Is everything sorted out?” Yan Ming asked as she sat down.

“More or less. I know everything now. I just talked with Yuan Yi in the consultation room. She answered some questions. I don’t have any doubts left,” Yin Nian replied.

“I never imagined this was all part of a treatment…” Yan Ming shook his head in wonder.

“Neither did I,” said Yin Nian. “But even though it was a treatment, for us—who had no idea—it was no different from real experience.”

“I think so too…” Yan Ming hesitated.

“Our emotional bond is real, too,” Yin Nian clearly understood what Yan Ming wanted to say.

“To be honest, whether it was treatment or not doesn’t matter to me. What matters are the things we went through together. That will be one of the most unforgettable memories of my life,” Yan Ming said, deeply moved.

“Me as well. I still say, without you, I wouldn’t have made it this far.”

“We’re still friends, right?” Yan Ming looked at Yin Nian.

“Of course. Always,” she replied firmly.

“Those words are enough for me. Actually, this is the best outcome for you. Liang Zhicheng is still your husband, Han Duoduo is still your friend, and you’ve resolved your own issues without losing either of them. It’s perfect,” Yan Ming smiled.

“It is…” Yin Nian sensed a bitterness in Yan Ming’s smile and couldn’t help but ask, “And you—how are you?”

“I’m… alright,” Yan Ming paused.

“I feel like you have something on your mind.”

“It’s nothing. I’m just reflecting on everything that happened…” Yan Ming shrugged.

“Alright…” Yin Nian sensed he didn’t want to talk, so she didn’t press further.

“By the way, here’s that slip of paper Granny Yang gave you. Now it’s back to its rightful owner.” Yan Ming took out a small plastic bag from his pocket and handed it to Yin Nian.

“You keep it,” she didn’t take it. “Whatever the slip means, it doesn’t matter anymore.”

Yan Ming studied her, as if considering her words. After a moment, he put the slip away and said, “Then I’ll keep it for you for now. If you ever need it, just ask me.”

Yin Nian nodded without saying more.

“Are you alright?” Yan Ming noticed something off about her.

“I’m fine, why?”

“You seem a bit… how should I put it, a bit too calm…”

“I don’t know—maybe after all this, I’m not so obsessed with the truth anymore. Sometimes, letting go is the only way to start anew.”

“That’s true.” Yan Ming let out a long sigh and glanced out the window.

The rain had passed and the sky looked freshly washed, bright and blue.

Yin Nian also turned to gaze outside. The two of them sat quietly, watching the sky, neither speaking.

When the sun slipped out from behind a white cloud and the light touched their faces, they turned to each other at the same time. In each other’s faces, they saw a glow, and in that glow, their smiles bloomed.

They stood and embraced.

After the embrace, Yan Ming looked deeply at Yin Nian, then left without turning back.

Yin Nian stood where she was, watching his departing figure, and suddenly felt a strange emptiness inside. A coolness touched her cheek; she reached up and found a tear.

Why was she crying?

She felt no sadness—so why did the tears come?

Yin Nian sat back in the chair, turned to face the window. The sky was bright, almost dazzling. She squinted, expressionless, and let the sunlight wash over her.