In the past, Ding Manman seldom went to visit other people at their houses in case of bothering them. Because her parents always taught her to keep a distance from others, she was very careful with interpersonal relationships and was not willing to disturb anyone. However, today she is taken to the house of Zhong Shaoting’s friend even if she does not get ready at all. Looking at Zhong Shaoting who stands aside with a smiling face, Ding Manman is confused: “Why do you take me here? If you want to visit your friend, why not come here alone?” Knowing that Ding Manman would ask this way, Zhong Shaoting answers smilingly: “I think that you are too bored to stay at home, and you have no friends here. So I decide to introduce him to you so that your life will have some fun.” Hearing these, Ding Manman can’t say anything as her mind is in turmoil. On the one hand, Zhong Shaoting’s care gives her some warmth; but on the other hand, his way is too arbitrary as he never asked whether she agreed.
But it is rare that Zhong Shaoting does so much for her, so Ding Manman decides to pluck up her courage to accept this. “Nice to meet you, Nantian. I’m Ding Manman.” After saying these, Ding Manman finds that her introduction is too simple and she wants to add something else. But thinking of her own family background, which is not worth mentioning before these persons, she chooses to be silent. At this time, Zhong Shaoting, who stands aside, also feels Ding’s embarrassment. However, before Zhong does something to save the conversation, Ding Manman starts to speak confidently despite a moment of silence. “I am Zhong Shaoting’s good friend. If you two are friends as well, I believe that we can get on well with each other.”
With such tactful words, which are neither humble nor haughty, Ding Manman almost satisfies Zhong Shaoting who is a little displeased about the description of “friend”. Are they only friends after being so close to each other? But in case of wasting all the previous efforts, Zhong Shaoting can’t lose control of his emotions at this moment, so he tips Song Chen, who stands aside, a wink, after which Song leaves there quickly. Before the three people have seats and drink some tea, Zhong Shaoting’s phone is ringing. After saying something, he stands up awkwardly: “Manman, I am sorry. I need to go because there is something very urgent in the company…” “I also want to go…” Since Zhong Shaoting is about to leave, Ding Manman pouts and says with grievance. Hearing Ding Manman’s complaint, Zhong Shaoting feels himself totally unable to move even one step as if he is fixed to the ground.
Cleaning his mind, Zhong Shaoting forces himself to stay calm: “Manman, listen to me. Nantian is my good friend, so don’t be nervous. I will arrange someone to protect you here, and if you feel uncomfortable, I will take you home immediately.” The comforting words are always not persuasive. But when Ding Manman hears the word “home”, she feels her courage is back again at once. After giving a brave nod, Ding Manman smiles confidently at Zhong Shaoting who stands at the gate, feeling reluctant to leave. “How did you two become friends?” Ding Manman asks Bai curiously after Zhong leaves there. The difference between Zhong Shaoting and Bai Nantian is so big that she can’t help feeling confused about their friendship. “There are various kinds of people in the world. As long as people get along well with each other, they can become friends. Just look at you two. You can have such a close relationship even if your characters are quite different.”
Replying in this way, Bai Nantian avoids answering Ding’s question directly, which makes the latter very embarrassed. With a pout, Ding Manman decides to ask those people left behind by Zhong Shaoting to take her home after a while. Although Bai Nantian, who has mastered some psychological knowledge, can’t read Ding’s mind, he can still notice Ding’s resistance. So he says with a smile: “Do you want to try hypnosis?” The word of “hypnosis” always gives people a mysterious feeling. Hearing the word, Ding Manman, who has become fragile after being injured again and again, wants to refuse at the very beginning. But seeing Bai Nantian’s sincere eyes, she nods and allows him to take her to a quiet room. Entering the room, Bai Nantian takes the initiative to arrange Ding Manman to sit on a big sofa which people can almost lie on. And then Bai says: “I will play a hypnosis game with you in order to see whether you are strong-willed.”
Bai’s words are not that enticing, but Ding Manman is so simple that the game goes on smoothly. Preparing his tools well, Bai Nantian explains: “As you know, the pocket watch is a commonly used prop for hypnotists. Now you can look at the swing of my pocket watch and start to count ten numbers.” “One, two, three…” Ding Manman starts to count, with her eyes fixed on the swing of the pocket watch. But her will is not influenced at all, which makes her very proud, as if this is only an inferior trick which can be exposed as long as she finishes counting the numbers. Maybe it’s too boring, so Ding Manman no longer pays attention to the swing of pocket watch, but to other details on it, like the imprinted Roman numerals which are inlaid with gems, bursting out a strange light when the second hand passes…
Carefully observing the pocket watch again, Ding Manman, who is being hypnotized, plans to expose this trick after her counting is finished, and she even starts to think about how to organize her language… But Bai Nantian, who has hypnotized many people and has been hypnotized many times as well, clearly knows Ding’s mental state when he sees her closed eyes. At this moment, Ding Manman, who lies on the sofa quietly, looks rosy with a warm body, but her breath is as slight as a lifeless person. Nevertheless, Bai Nantian, accustomed to such a scene, does not feel scared. He just sits beside Ding and asks her smilingly: “Tell me the relationship between you and Zhong Shaoting.”
Ding Manman gives him no verbal response. But being hypnotized, Ding raises her arms to make a gesture of embracing after hearing Zhong’s name. To a person who has no guard against others, this means dependence and protection. Feeling satisfied with Ding Manman who is so honest without resistance, Bai Nantian continues to smile to her: “Play some games with me.” If Ding Manman has some severe mental problems, Bai Nantian will not treat her illness so slowly. But according to his observation, Ding’s problems are not that severe. Since everyone has their mood fluctuations, Bai thinks it unnecessary to overreact when his patient is slightly depressed.