I gently helped Liu Yuning to her feet. Her eyes fluttered open, influenced by the outside world. However, her gaze remained profoundly vacant, as if the entire world ceased to exist for her. I held her tightly, closer than I ever had before. I didn't know why, but at that moment, I was truly afraid of losing her.
I guided her to her room. She wasn't physically weak, but she seemed utterly disoriented. Though her eyes appeared normal, she acted as if she couldn't see. When I asked the auntie, I learned about Yuning's abilities in daily life...
Trembling, I took her back to the hospital. Zhang Keying was also there. As we waited for the results, our hearts were wracked with anxiety, fearing that Liu Yuning might be diagnosed with some incurable, grave illness.
I paced the corridor, too restless to sit. I felt that sitting would only amplify the emptiness and desolation within me.
At this moment, countless indescribable emotions swirled in my heart, a complex turmoil that left me unable to settle.
Zhang Keying sat beside me, her demeanor calm. She knew that no amount of words could offer the reassurance of a comforting outcome.
Finally, the doctors emerged. A male doctor with glasses approached me, holding a report. "First," he began, "the victim's cerebellum appears to have been affected by anesthetic and electrical shock over a long period, resulting in minor damage. Second, her consciousness seems to be gone. Her gaze is extremely vacant. We've conducted comprehensive examinations, including GCS and CT scans. Her brain function is normal. Therefore, aside from consciousness, the key issue lies with the cerebellum. This will impact her future life. If treatment is sought, it will likely be very difficult. At present, with our country's medical standards, we can only offer psychological and physical therapy. Third, you mentioned she received stimulation before. However, no one can provide specific details. If hypnosis could be employed to make her reveal the situation, or if you discover specific circumstances during your investigation, it might aid her treatment."
"I understand, Doctor. Our police are actively investigating this case and I believe we will have results soon."
I said this, but in truth, our hope had been pinned on Liu Yuning. Now, from the doctor's tone, I knew our only hope was dashed.
If He Qing were still alive, I wondered if he would have a solution, or would he be as helpless as Doctor Li?
I couldn't fathom it, for he was no longer with us.
Upon my return to the provincial department, everyone said Huangfu Yelei had revealed nothing. I knew then that the outcome was as expected. I picked up my phone and contacted Professor Huo and Professor Xia, who had once taught us.
Upon hearing about Liu Yuning's condition, they became extremely concerned and arrived at the provincial department immediately.
After many years, Professor Huo and Professor Xia, my two esteemed mentors, had aged.
Looking at the two white-haired old men, a myriad of emotions surged within me, an inexplicable sense of melancholy arising spontaneously.
"Professor Huo, Professor Xia, you have both tirelessly dedicated yourselves to the field of criminal investigation over the years. Despite your advanced age, you continue to be active in writing and education. I have read your jointly authored book, 'The Perfect Laws of Criminal Psychology and Forensic Logic.' It is exceptionally brilliant and I believe this publication will have a profound impact on the future of criminal investigation in our country!"
Professor Huo was the first to respond. "You are too kind, He Sheng. You have also performed admirably these past few years, a true credit to me, Huo Liangping, as your mentor. My own children were not as talented, so I had to pass on my former glory to you."
"I have only done my best. Regarding Yuning's situation..."
"We must see her in person. Perhaps you could bring us to your residence when you have time?" Professor Xia suggested.
I nodded. Approximately twenty minutes later, I brought the two of them to the courtyard house.
Again in the attic, the two professors met Yuning. Seeing her vacant gaze, Professor Xia took out a penlight and examined her pupils. Liu Yuning showed no reaction, facing it all with indifference, as if the examination was not of her own body.
After a while, Professor Xia put away the penlight and said to me, "Her physiology has also been affected. However, the main issue is psychological. Theoretically, the absence of any emotion could indicate personality disorders, depression, schizophrenia, or similar conditions. But Liu Yuning's situation is likely a severe form of PTSD. Normally, people with this reaction would still be conscious, and it would only manifest when encountering a specific stimulus. She, however, is completely unresponsive. It's likely that even with stimulation now, it would be futile, unless..."
"Unless what, Professor Xia? Please tell me!" I was exceedingly anxious.
Professor Xia looked somewhat dejected. He took out a book and flipped through it, pointing to a page. "Here are some of our country's latest research theories. You see, this mentions symptoms like Liu Yuning's, primarily caused by electric shock, intimidation, and threats. To treat it, it would be best to evoke certain past memories. Otherwise, it will be very difficult."
"Teacher Xia, past memories? From childhood?"
"Not necessarily. As long as it's something she remembers most vividly from the past. Frankly, I haven't encountered such a case myself, but according to that psychology master, this should be the approach."
"I understand! Thank you very much, Teacher Xia!" I replied, shaking Professor Xia's hand warmly.
"It's nothing. This is all I can do to help, He Sheng."
"I understand. Why don't you both stay for dinner at my place before you leave? I plan to cook!"
"Certainly. We haven't eaten your cooking in such a long time!" Professor Huo replied. Professor Xia nodded in agreement.
Indeed, it had been a long time since I had shared a meal with my two teachers. Recalling our days at the police academy, when the three of us, along with Zhang Keying and Liu Yuning, were together, I truly cherished those memories.
Today, Zhang Keying also came to my home. The three of us ate together, while He Xin had to feed Liu Yuning.
The auntie helped us with the cleaning, keeping the courtyard house orderly. She said she intended to work at the courtyard house permanently. Seeing her diligence and her attentiveness towards Liu Yuning, I agreed.
As we ate, Professor Huo opened a bottle of Maotai. I knew it was his favorite. I couldn't normally drink it, but I braced myself and had a glass with him. I genuinely worried I might just collapse right there while eating.