Chapter 65
The smell of turpentine in the air seemed a little stronger, mixed with the faint sweetness of the almond shortbread Lin Xiaoyu had brought, and the fresh earthy scent of the succulent plant. Three people, three pairs of eyes, in the studio bathed in the slanting afternoon sunlight, briefly captured a slightly subtle still life painting.
Su Xiao (Shi Ye) held the folder, her smile bright, but her mind raced. The "Tracing Light Space Internship Assistant" identity provided by the system was seamless, even today's task of "delivering materials and making initial contact" was an opportunity she had "proactively" seized after "coincidentally" overhearing the person in charge mention the recent situation of Miss Shi and the organization's intention to expand into high-end art therapy projects. The project itself was a direction the organization was genuinely developing; she simply conveniently positioned herself as the "coincidentally" appearing driving force.
Perfect. At least on the surface, the logic is flawless.
Her gaze swept quickly over the original owner of Shi Ye—a pale face, empty eyes, fingers twisting the hem of her clothes. Then it swept over Lin Xiaoyu—the lingering blush on her chubby cheeks, and the obvious curiosity and inquiry in her eyes.
"Art therapy...and memory restoration?" The original owner repeated Su Xiao's words, his voice soft and hesitant, his gaze falling on the folder in Su Xiao's arms, but he did not reach out to take it.
Lin Xiaoyu reacted faster. She leaned forward, her tone carrying a protective skepticism: "'Tracing Light Space' has plans in this direction? I haven't heard much about it before. Besides, Sister Shi Ye's situation... is quite special, not just ordinary psychological counseling." She emphasized the word "special," her eyes showing an instinctive wariness of outsider intervention.
Su Xiao's smile remained unchanged, her attitude sincere: "Designer Lin is right. This is indeed a new direction our agency is exploring. It's still in the preliminary research and conceptualization stage, not yet a mature business. It's precisely because we understand Ms. Shi's recent situation and her deep connection with art (her mother is the renowned painter Ms. Su Wan) that we feel we might be able to offer a gentle form of assistance through art creation, without resorting to drugs or traditional psychological interventions. Of course, everything is based on Ms. Shi's wishes and comfort. Today we are only providing some preliminary materials for Ms. Shi and her family to refer to; we have no intention of forcing or immediately pushing forward."
Her words were impeccable, highlighting the "preliminary exploration" nature of the project to reduce its aggressiveness, while subtly bringing up Shi Ye's mother Su Wan's identity as a painter, implying that this was an attempt to "return to authenticity," and finally pushing the decision-making power entirely to the other party.
Lin Xiaoyu's brows relaxed slightly upon hearing this, but she still wasn't completely at ease. She looked at the original owner of the body, Shi Ye, and said, "Sister Shi Ye, what do you think? It's fine to take a look at the information; there's no rush to make a decision."
The original owner's gaze remained somewhat unfocused, lingering repeatedly on the words "art," "memory," and "mother," a struggle evident on her face. Finally, as if making a decision, she slowly extended her hand: "I...let me see."
Su Xiao immediately handed over the simply bound folder on top. The folder cover featured the "Tracing Light Space" logo and the words "Artistic Expression and Inner Repair Exploration Project (Draft)".
The original owner, Shi Ye, took the document and opened it. Inside were some beautifully printed pictures showcasing scenes from various art therapy workshops—quiet studios, workbenches filled with clay, darkrooms with projected light and shadow, and artworks created by participants (faces blurred). Each image was accompanied by a simple psychological analysis. The text explained the theoretical basis of art as an outlet for emotions, a tool for subconscious expression, and a tool for cognitive reconstruction, using professional but not overly obscure language.
She read slowly, her fingertips tracing the pages, her gaze more focused, but her brows still furrowed slightly.
Lin Xiaoyu also joined in the viewing, muttering to herself, "This part that uses color to express emotions... seems interesting. But this clay sculpture... Sister Shi, you don't seem to do this much before?"
The original owner paused for a moment and gave a vague "hmm".
Su Xiao spoke up at the opportune moment, her tone gentle: “Every individual has different preferences and effective methods. Our idea is that, if Miss Shi is interested, she can first engage in several one-on-one, non-directive trial creations. There will be no set theme, no judgment of good or bad, just a safe and supportive environment for Miss Shi to freely choose materials and methods and explore at her own pace. A professional art therapist (with a psychology background) will accompany her during the process, but will not actively intervene unless Miss Shi needs to communicate.” She looked at the original owner of the body, Shi Ye, “The focus is on the process itself, not the result. Perhaps through painting, collage, or even just organizing paints and tools, some sealed feelings or fragments of memory will naturally surface.”
"It sounds... not so scary." The original owner of Shi Ye closed the folder, let out a soft breath, and her tense shoulders seemed to relax a little. Compared to facing the doctor's direct questioning and scrutiny, this roundabout way of touching her heart through "doing things" obviously made her feel less pressured.
Lin Xiaoyu nodded, "If it's just for fun, without any goals or pressure... it seems okay? It's better than being alone and bored." She looked at Su Xiao, "This... does it need to be many times? How much does it cost?"
Su Xiao smiled: "In the initial trial phase, we value the research worth and potential social significance of each case. If Ms. Shi is willing to participate in the preliminary exploratory project as our special observation subject, the expenses can be negotiated, and may even be partially supported by our research fund. The number of sessions is also completely flexible, depending on Ms. Shi's condition; we can stop at any time if she is not satisfied after one session." She once again handed the initiative back to Ms. Shi.
“Special observation subject…” the original owner of this body murmured repeatedly, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She disliked being treated like a specimen, but the conditions offered were indeed so lenient that she found it hard to refuse. More importantly, the possibility that “might help restore memories” held a fatal attraction for her, like a glimmer of light in the darkness.
She looked up at Su Xiao: "You... will you participate?" For some reason, this girl who had suddenly appeared, with a bright smile and clear speech, gave her a strange, yet not entirely unfamiliar, sense of security. It was faint, but present.
Su Xiao's heart skipped a beat, but her expression remained calm: "If Miss Shi wishes, I can participate in some aspects as an assistant coordinator, handling some administrative tasks and record-keeping. The main accompaniment and guidance will be provided by a more professional therapist." She couldn't appear too eager, but it was necessary to leave herself some room to participate.
"Oh..." The original owner of Shi Ye seemed somewhat disappointed, but did not say anything more.
Lin Xiaoyu glanced at Sister Shi Ye, then at Su Xiao, her eyes darting around before she suddenly asked, "Miss Su, you studied art history and curating? So you've also researched art therapy?"
"I have some experience, mainly out of interest and because I've taken some related courses," Su Xiao said modestly. "It's mostly from the perspective of project coordination and observation."
"That's good too." Lin Xiaoyu nodded, then suddenly remembered something. "By the way, Sister Shi Ye, didn't you have some feelings about that painting 'Memory Blank' at the preview last night? Although you weren't very comfortable with it at the time... but isn't that kind of emotional reaction brought about by art? Maybe Ms. Su's project can help you clarify that vague feeling?"
Her words were both an attempt to find a reason for Sister Shi to try and a test of Su Xiao's professional reaction.
Su Xiao immediately chimed in, her tone tinged with appropriate appreciation: "Designer Lin's association is very insightful. Art can sometimes indeed be like a mirror, or a trigger, reflecting or stimulating emotional states deep within us that we ourselves may not even be aware of. If we can slowly confront and process these touched parts in a safe environment, it is itself a form of healing." She looked at the original owner, Shi Ye, "Miss Shi said that the painting 'lacked something,' 'was too full yet too empty,' which is itself a very personal and metaphorical feeling, worthy of in-depth exploration."
The original owner of this body, Shi Ye, was somewhat moved and also seemed a little dizzy by their back-and-forth conversation. She looked down at the folder in her hand, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the edges of the papers.
Just then, the faint sound of a doorbell and voices came from downstairs. After a while, the aunt didn't come up, but the three people in the studio heard clear, steady footsteps coming up the stairs.
Their pace was unhurried, carrying a unique rhythm and presence that was instantly recognizable.
Lin Xiaoyu tensed up first, and blurted out, "Senior?"
The original owner, Shi Ye, trembled violently as she held the folder, her face draining of color, and her eyes instantly filled with tension and...fear.
Su Xiao maintained the calm and slightly curious demeanor befitting a newcomer, but her heart skipped a beat.
Qi Jin has arrived.
Why would she come at this time? Is it a coincidence, or... did she already know about Su Xiao's arrival?
The footsteps stopped at the entrance of the art studio.
The slightly ajar door was gently pushed open.
Qi Jin stood at the door.
She wasn't wearing a suit today, but a soft, dark gray turtleneck cashmere sweater paired with black trousers, and a casual jacket in the same color family casually draped over it. Her hair was loosely tied back, with a few stray strands falling across her forehead. Her face was still pale, but she lacked the sharpness she had displayed in public last night; only her eyes remained calm and deep, like the surface of a lake covered with a thin layer of ice.
Her gaze lingered on Lin Xiaoyu's face for a moment, seemingly unsurprised by her presence. Then, it swept over Su Xiao with lightning speed. That calm, unwavering look made Su Xiao feel as if she had been instantly scanned by some sophisticated instrument, from head to toe.
Finally, her gaze fell on the original owner, Shi Ye, and on the folder in her hand that had the "Tracing Light Space" logo printed on it.
"Busy?" Qi Jin asked, his voice low and devoid of emotion.
The air in the studio seemed even quieter.
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