Chapter 274: Chapter 274 Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome

Upon hearing this, Officer Xu became even more excited, but catching a glimpse of her mentor out of the corner of her eye, she quickly composed herself.

However, inside, she couldn’t help the bubbles of excitement bursting within her.

Lili was ten times more beautiful in person than on camera!

Lili smelled so good — how could someone have such a pleasant scent?!

Lili’s demeanor was so graceful! If only she weren’t on a mission right now, she could take a few photos to show off in the fan support group chat and stir some jealousy!

Despite her excitement, she immediately shifted into her professional role and walked over to Hu Zi’s side.

It made sense for the department to send a young female officer, considering Hu Zi was still young and had gone through so much. A young, gentle, and careful female officer could better stabilize a child’s emotions.

But clearly, Hu Zi, now having recovered his memory, wasn’t in the best mental state. Even lying in bed, he tightly grasped his mother’s hand, his lips slightly pale, looking completely vigilant.

Officer Xu understood; in her work, she had encountered numerous young victims who often cried for several days nonstop, and mentioning the crime scene could trigger Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD.

If this psychological condition wasn’t managed well, it could potentially affect the child for a lifetime.

Thus, Officer Xu sat down beside the bed, took Hu Zi’s other hand, and said in the gentlest tone possible, “Hello Hu Zi, do you remember me? We met before.”

Hu Zi nodded but his eyes still brimmed with fear, and his hand in Officer Xu’s grip struggled slightly.

Officer Xu didn’t force him and released his hand.

Hu Zi’s mother sighed, heartachingly embracing her son.

“Don’t worry too much, Officer Xu. Ever since Hu Zi recalled what happened, he hasn’t slept well these past few days, constantly having nightmares, and barely eating–we’re really worried.”

Officer Xu quickly responded, “I understand, ma’am. We have handled many such cases before. Normally, just pay close attention to his mental state. If it gets severe, consider seeing a psychologist.”

“This …” Hu Zi’s mother and the village chief exchanged glances.

These villagers had never received education about mental health, knowing only that physical illnesses required a doctor–they had never heard that psychological issues also needed medical attention.

Jiang Li noticed Hu Zi’s mother’s hesitation and gently explained,

“Ma’am, Officer Xu means no harm. This type of psychological issue isn’t something to be embarrassed about; many young children experience it, especially during adolescence.”

“I have a cousin, older than Hu Zi, who had severe psychological issues at his young age. He even thought about harming himself once. We tried everything to intervene, including consulting a psychologist, which prevented any tragedy.”

Hearing this, Hu Zi’s mother looked shocked.

“Is this psychological issue so severe? Can it threaten life?”

Jiang Li nodded, “You see, due to Hu Zi’s poor mental state, his daily life is already being affected. There’s nothing wrong with consulting a doctor. After all, psychologists are professionals who can offer targeted solutions. Though Hu Zi’s mental state is not ideal, his overall vitality seems good. I believe with some rest, he will recover.”

Relieved at last, Hu Zi’s mother took a deep breath.

Having spent so much time together, the villagers already regarded Jiang Li, who was familiar with fortune-telling, as a revered master.

Since she said Hu Zi would be fine, he most certainly would be.

Thinking this, Hu Zi’s mother quickly squeezed Hu Zi’s hand and said, “Hu Zi, this sister is the one who saved you that day. She is our family’s lifesaver. When you grow up, you must find a way to repay this sister.”

Upon hearing these words, Hu Zi finally looked up at Jiang Li standing by the bed, and a hint of light flickered in his eyes.

He remembered some of the day he drowned.

In his memory, he struggled in the icy darkness for a long time, suffocating, until the moment he was about to embrace death fully, a white figure swam towards him.

He had read in the storybook his mother bought him that angels were all white with white wings and white dresses, kind and beautiful.

So the person who saved him must be an angel!

Hu Zi shifted in his bed, his round face suddenly flushed with a shy red as he reached over his mother and grabbed Jiang Li’s hand.

“Did you save me? Are you Angel Sister?”

Jiang Li bent down and touched his cheek, “Yes, I’m Angel Sister.”

The moment Hu Zi felt that warm touch, he felt instantly reassured.

It was exactly the same as the warm hand that had reached out to him the night he fell into the lake.

Seeing this loving gesture, Officer Xu felt even more gratified.

It was no wonder everyone adored Lili, always so kind and approachable. Being around her felt healing.

Seeing that Hu Zi had calmed down, Officer Xu quickly signaled to Jiang Li.

Jiang Li understood her implication.

The poachers had only been killing some rare animals before, and the police had not obtained any evidence of them committing further crimes.

However, this case involving Hu Zi was different.

If they could get Hu Zi’s testimony, it would confirm the poachers’ intentions of murder, making their crimes even more severe and resulting in a potentially stronger punishment, possibly life imprisonment.

With this in mind, Jiang Li sat next to Hu Zi.

“Do you know why Angel Sister came to see you today?”

Hu Zi shook his head naively.

Jiang Li smiled, “Because Angel Sister is going to catch the bad guys. On that night, Angel Sister saw Hu Zi’s bravery, so she wants to invite Hu Zi to help her catch the bad guys. Would you like that?”

Every child harbors a dream of being a superhero.

Hu Zi was no exception.

Moreover, the request was coming from Angel Sister who had saved him, so he had even more reason to agree.

So, he nodded emphatically and cautiously asked, “Can I really do it?”

“Of course you can.” Jiang Li smiled at him, then looked toward Officer Xu.

Officer Xu quickly took out several photos.

“Hu Zi, do you recognize these people?”

As she flipped through the photos and her fingertips stopped on the photo of a man with a beard, Hu Zi’s face suddenly changed, and he retreated back into his mother’s arms.

“Yes, it’s him! It was him! I saw this uncle and some other people that night, then they discovered me, and I ran away, only to be knocked out and fall into the lake.”

Remembering the terrifying experience, Hu Zi began to sob softly again.

Jiang Li stepped forward and touched his head, “Hu Zi is great, you remember so clearly. Don’t worry, this bad man has been caught. Angel Sister and the police sister will punish him.”

Hu Zi stifled a sob, lifting his misty eyes, “Really?”

“Really, an angel never lies.”