Peach-Orange! – Chapter 131 – Confronting One’s Feelings

Translator Note

These next few chapters are a bit short so I’ll release lots. From now on, chapters that are too short will be sold at 2 KitKats instead of the usual 4

“Three times! Three!”

Professor Su had rushed over after reviewing Chi Xiaocheng’s medical records and psychological reports. Learning about the suicide attempts, the doctor couldn’t hold back.

Sitting across from Su Tao, Professor Su assessed her condition first. “Can you handle this conversation?”

Su Tao nodded hastily.

“Then I’ll speak plainly.” Professor Su’s anger spilled over. “What kind of guardian are you? Three critical hospitalizations in one month, twice nearly fatal!

“Don’t tell me you didn’t know about her congenital weakness and malnutrition.

“Those self-harm scars on her arms… I’ll overlook since mentally ill patients often hide such things.

“But once aware, why no intervention? No supervision?

“Did you think she was some invincible warrior? Even legendary steeds need rest!”

Seeing Su Tao shrink further, Professor Su moderated her tone. “If you resent my harshness, curse me later. I don’t mind.

“But this severity is to make you take it seriously!

“She got lucky this time. Next time? The time after? With her instability, any trigger could lead to another attempt.

Su Tao bit her lip. “I understand. There won’t be a next time.”

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Professor Su sighed. “I’m not just here to scold. As her new primary physician, I need full transparency about her condition.”

“Of course.”

Recognizing genuine concern, Su Tao spent the afternoon detailing Chi Xiaocheng’s history from childhood to university.

Yet as the narrative progressed, Professor Su’s expression shifted, mirroring Qian Qing’s earlier reaction.

“Wait. You’re saying her feelings for you are romantic?”

This contradicted Dongfang Yang’s account!

Su Tao nodded faintly. “Two psychologists analyzed it. My childhood misguidance created this situation.”

“Complicated.” Professor Su massaged her temples. “The core issue remains insecurity… believing you don’t care, hence suicidal ideation.

“Normally, finding her a boyfriend would help.

“But that assumes your relationship is sisterly, as Dongfang Yang claimed.”

Su Tao interjected weakly, “Doctor… getting Xiaocheng a boyfriend wouldn’t work.”

“Do you love her then?”

“I… don’t know.”

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Fear overshadowed any affection she might feel.

Great. Now she had to play therapist before doctor.

Fortunately experienced, Professor Su stated bluntly: “Her fundamental need is love, not surveillance.

“Even for symptom management alone, your indecision will only keep hurting her. Understand?”

Su Tao lowered her head again.

“If you don’t love her, how will you respond to her next confession? More lies? More evasion?

“Better release her. Find her a partner, male or female.

“Dongfang Yang would treat her kindly, even out of pity.”

The suggestion panicked Su Tao. “No! Xiaocheng can’t be with Dongfang Yang!”

“Then who?”

“I…” Su Tao wavered, instinctively recoiling until meeting Professor Su’s piercing gaze. “I don’t want her with anyone.”

“Then contact her family. Didn’t she have an elder brother? Or summon her parents.”

This agitated Su Tao further.

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“No… Chi Song and her parents can’t know.”

She’d promised to care for Xiaocheng.

Both Chi Song and Mrs. Chi had entrusted their daughter to her.

In this state, Su Tao couldn’t face these “family” members who cherished them both.

Professor Su slammed the table. “Nothing satisfies you!

“Won’t love her yourself! Won’t let others love her! Won’t allow family to love her!

“Even Dongfang Yang would crack under this treatment!”

Su Tao turtled into herself, speechless. Her own contradictions were undeniable.

Simultaneously fearing yet depending on Chi Xiaocheng.

Professor Su stood calmly. “She’ll regain speech and eating ability soon. Use these two days to decide.

“Without the answer she needs….

“Treatment refusal becomes her suicide method.”

With that, Professor Su headed for the door, pausing imperceptibly to count down silently.

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At “1,” Su Tao spoke: “Doctor… what if I pretend to love her?”

Professor Su turned coldly. “If you’re prepared for eventual exposure and losing her forever, fine by me.”

The response resurrected Chi Xiaocheng’s bridge confrontation:

—Is your love for me just pretend?

And the suicide note’s mention of this very fear.

After a long silence, Su Tao’s hidden hands trembled. “Then… what should I do?”

“Force yourself to love her.”

“Is that the only way?”

“Committing her to psychiatric care is actually better.”

Professor Su exited, leaving Su Tao alone in hollow silence.

Outside, Doctor Wang waited anxiously. “Professor, isn’t forcing love too extreme? Emotions aren’t that simple.”

Professor Su snorted. “I only forced her to confront her feelings.”