The Psychologist Episode 26 Recap
> The Psychologist Recap
Li Wei came to He Dun's studio in a highly agitated state, asking if she could trust He Dun completely. He Dun assured her that she was safe and encouraged her to share her pain. Li Wei revealed that she had been suffering from severe insomnia for four or five days.
During her office lunch break she would try to nap for half an hour, but at night, she'd repeatedly take baths and wash her hands, each lasting at least half an hour, sometimes three to four times a night, because she felt dirty. She confessed that this feeling was related to an incident last Friday night. Li Wei explained that on Friday night, her client, Mr. Qi, pressured her to drink excessively as a condition for signing a contract.
She drank so much she could barely stand. Later, as Li Wei was washing her face in the women's restroom, she saw Mr. Qi appear behind her in the mirror. He dragged her into a cubicle and sexually assaulted her, threatening her to stay silent by asking what people would think if they heard her. He promised it would be over quickly if she was cooperative.
Li Wei recalled feeling completely frozen and unable to move or make a sound, staring at the ceiling and wishing for it to end. Afterward, she managed to get emergency contraception and a check-up at a hospital, but dared not report the assault, feeling too defiled and scared to tell anyone. She tearfully questioned why she had to be the victim, constantly reliving the panic and fear whenever she closed her eyes, only finding temporary relief in bathing.
He Dun asked if she felt self-blame. Li Wei confirmed, questioning why she couldn't resist and fearing it meant she willingly debased herself. He Dun explained that responses to stress are complex, and not resisting does not equate to consent. She clarified that extreme fear can cause a "stupor response," where the brain's rational thinking is impaired, similar to how some animals play dead when in danger.
Li Wei then cried, confessing that she felt her body betrayed her by having a physical reaction during the assault, which only deepened her self-loathing. He Dun stopped Li Wei from slapping herself, reassuring her that such physical reactions are involuntary stress responses common among many victims, not an indication of her true desires or that she was "shameless." He Dun emphasized that it was okay to feel sad about what happened, but not to blame herself for it.
At the radio station, Qian Kaiyi's colleagues asked about his meeting with Director Pan. He announced that he chose to remain with "Night Talk to Your Heart" over "Time Interview," explaining that there must be trade-offs to produce quality content. A colleague, Miao, was unhappy and questioned why "Night Talk" wasn't abandoned instead. However, after other team members voiced their support, Miao reluctantly went along with the decision.
The next day, Zhan Lu received a call from HR, informing her that she passed the interview for a literary planning position and offering her the job. Overjoyed, she immediately called He Dun to share the good news. She mentioned her husband was still reluctant to attend psychological counseling, but their communication had significantly improved since she started observing her emotions. He Dun congratulated her, crediting Zhan Lu's own efforts for her progress.
She reminded her of the cognitive triad and encouraged her to continue pursuing activities she enjoyed, as this behavioral activation would lead to greater self-fulfillment and an improved mood. Later that evening, Ye Jiahui visited Lili, bringing her medicine. Mr. Fang, who had been harassing Lili, unexpectedly showed up at her apartment. Ye Jiahui fiercely defended Lili, assaulting Mr. Fang, which led to Ye Jiahui being taken to the police station.
Qian Kaiyi and He Dun arrived to pick up Ye Jiahui and Lili. The police officer lectured Ye Jiahui about the penalties for assault, warning him against future incidents despite the private settlement. Back at He Dun's home, the group relaxed and drank. Qian Kaiyi, becoming tipsy, playfully poked fun at Ye Jiahui's reserved nature before eventually passing out on the sofa. Lili apologized to He Dun for past hurtful words she said because of Mr. Fang.
He Dun expressed admiration for Lili's straightforward character, saying she envied how Lili always expresses her feelings. Lili, in turn, confessed her envy for He Dun's unwavering self-confidence. He Dun then shared that she had turned down Ye Jiahui's confession. Lili then inquired about Qian Kaiyi, "the man with the embroidered shirt." He Dun recalled her initial assessment of him, acknowledging that such a man, symbolizing optimism and cheerfulness, is attractive to "ordinary women," a category she counts herself in.
The following morning at the radio station, Qian Kaiyi was shocked to learn that Miao was quitting "Night Talk to Your Heart" to join "Time Interview." Angered, Qian Kaiyi confronted the "Time Interview" team leader, accusing him of poaching and abandoning professional ethics, but the leader insisted Miao joined willingly. Miao confirmed his decision, saying he always wanted to do "Time Interview" and that Qian Kaiyi had abandoned their original goal of regaining the show.
He added that "Night Talk" lacked meaningful input, confining him to mere research, and accused Qian Kaiyi of mixing personal feelings with work. Meanwhile, Ye Jiahui woke up and went to his secret room, where he gazed intently at a wall covered with intricate pictures, with Professor Ji's image prominently featured in the center. He then called Professor Ji, expressing concern over his numb fingers he had observed.
Ye Jiahui, who had studied acupuncture, offered to treat Professor Ji for his high blood pressure, dizziness, and insomnia. Professor Ji eventually agreed and asked Ye Jiahui to send him his address so he could visit. Shortly after, Lili observed Professor Ji entering Ye Jiahui's house, a sight that made her recall a past conversation between He Dun and the professor, leaving her deep in thought.
