"That little girl you know, the one with the last name Xia. Her family is quite something, and after finding out there was such a teacher in their daughter’s class, who she interacts with daily, their reaction..."
Weng Pinting was quite meaningful: "You really don’t know?"
"Are you talking about Xia Tian?" Nan Zhubin was genuinely surprised this time.
Weng Pinting nodded: "That’s the name."
This beautiful supervisor fixed her gaze on Nan Zhubin, who rarely lost his expression management.
After taking in every detailed expression on Nan Zhubin’s face, she smiled teasingly: "But since you don’t know yet, I won’t say more."
It was an idle chat aside, and Weng Pinting quickly steered the conversation back on track: "I called you over mainly to sign a new contract with you."
Saying this, Weng Pinting slapped a sheet of paper in front of Nan Zhubin.
Even though Nan Zhubin had been doing quite a bit recently, handling many clients, making a big splash at a conference, and even solving a tough case.
He was subtly gaining the reputation of being the top "psychological consultant below Weng Pinting at the Yan Nuo Psychological Consultation Center."
But since he’d been employed for less than two months, for now, he was still just an "intern psychologist."
In terms of rank and salary, he was at the bottom tier among the consultants.
"But your recent performance has been excellent, and after discussing with Howard, we’ve decided to promote you early!"
Weng Pinting’s eyes crinkled with a smile, and although she mentioned a "discussion," Nan Zhubin thought she probably just "informed" the boss.
But what does it matter? This only made Nan Zhubin happier.
Becoming a full-time employee means a higher base salary and a higher consulting commission.
Who would mind having too much money?
"So if I get promoted, can I take on more consultations?" Nan Zhubin eagerly asked, eyes filled with hope.
He handled it skillfully.
And Weng Pinting was in a good mood too.
Weng Pinting just amusingly pointed her slender finger at Nan Zhubin, then regretfully shook her head: "Actually, the consultations you have now are already more than some senior consultants. How could we not let capable people work?"
"But our center is indeed quite new and short on resources."
"Right now, your schedule is already maxed out. If I assign you more clients, other consultants might have opinions."
Nan Zhubin nodded in agreement with this rationale.
He was aware of the state of Yan Nuo Psychological Center.
And as a superior, Weng Pinting had already been very considerate, even acting as a mentor in the workplace towards Nan Zhubin.
Naturally, Nan Zhubin felt too embarrassed to ask for more.
But then, Nan Zhubin suddenly thought and said: "When collaborating with Jiang University projects, can I be arranged to provide consultations for students at Jiang University’s psychological consultation center?"
This question caught Weng Pinting off guard: "Why go there? Doing consultations at school doesn’t pay, and can your body handle it?"
The next moment, Weng Pinting’s expression turned suspicious: "You’re not going there to see that student with the last name Xia, are you?"
[I’m doing it to accumulate consultation hours and gain skills!]
Nan Zhubin muttered inwardly and simply said: "I’ve been learning some new techniques and want more practice."
Weng Pinting stared at Nan Zhubin for a couple of seconds and shook her head: "You still have a student’s mindset. Back in school, our teachers often let us practice consulting for free to hone our skills, but no one does that anymore once they’re employed..."
"If you really want to go, then I’m glad someone on my team is so motivated for self-improvement. But..."
Weng Pinting looked at Nan Zhubin sternly: "It must not interfere with your regular work at Yan Nuo Center, understand?"
The consultations at Yan Nuo must take priority, after all, we’re working professionals.
"Of course!" Nan Zhubin readily agreed.
With this assurance, Weng Pinting waved him off: "I’ll inform Jiang University, and you can coordinate your current consultation schedule with their teachers—by the way, do you have a consultation later today?"
Nan Zhubin checked the time and nodded: "In about forty minutes."
Weng Pinting gestured towards the door: "Howard seems to have something to discuss with you too, you should go. Manage your time, so you don’t miss the upcoming consultation."
As expected, Sister Pingting.
Nan Zhubin raised an eyebrow.
But what business does the boss have with me?
"I heard you got a teacher involved to help with a client?"
When Nan Zhubin came in, Howard lit a cigarette, and amidst the cloud of smoke, he inquired about Nan Zhubin’s recent activities.
"And the teacher involved was from the law school?"
Nan Zhubin observed Howard’s expression.
[Smiling at the mouth, but it’s a long-held social smile, not necessarily cheerful.]
[Slight frown, troubled; he tightened his lips when I came in.]
Nan Zhubin raised his guard, figuring this wasn’t a friendly visit...or rather, am I the visitor?
Whatever, it means the same.
Nan Zhubin began to gauge Howard’s intentions and organized his thoughts.
"Yes, Chen Ting has PTSD," Nan Zhubin observed Howard, remembering he’s not from the field, and explained, "It’s Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder."
Howard’s initially "slightly furrowed" brow turned into a "deep frown," without a word.
So Nan Zhubin continued: "It’s a condition where someone has been harmed before, leaving them with psychological scars. The most straightforward way to heal is to deal with the person who harmed them, and then slowly mend the wounds."
Nan Zhubin used an infinitely simplified explanation, tailored for laypersons.
Howard maintained a solemn expression, but his "deep frown" finally loosened to a "slight one."
This time he understood.
But it wasn’t finished.
"Although I let you have a free hand at Jiang University, getting a teacher, especially one from the law school, involved was a bit much,"
As he said this, Howard retracted his smile a bit: "You strained our relationship with Jiang University."
Nan Zhubin said nothing.
The contrast between Howard and Weng Pinting’s focus on issues was clear.
But Nan Zhubin knew this was just a preface to the real topic.
"And also," Howard’s expression turned entirely blank, "remember why I sent you there?"
"Client maintenance!"
"But I heard the case you just completed didn’t renew after the final consultation?"
Sustaining clients, maintaining economic activity.
This was the real purpose for Howard.