Chapter 1638

The psychiatrist was well acquainted with Samuel's complete history, so he couldn't help but show a flicker of surprise. However, he quickly nodded and asked, "Any other unusual occurrences?" Samuel's gaze grew distant as he recalled, "During the episode, she entered the room. Unlike before when I'd grow agitated and furious at any intrusion, this time... it felt like in that frozen, desolate world of mine, the cold wasn't quite so biting anymore." He paused, his voice softening. "When I fully woke at dawn, I realized we'd spent the night in each other's arms. I slept soundly—better than I have in years. To be precise, ever since sharing a bed with her last night, my sleep has been remarkably peaceful." The psychiatrist listened intently, absorbing every word before speaking after a thoughtful silence. "It seems your subconscious has accepted her as part of yourself, Third Master. That's why her presence didn't trigger your usual defensive response. Instead, you embraced the warmth she offered, which helped you through that turbulent night. I believe... she might very well be your key." "A key?" Samuel's brow furrowed slightly in confusion. With an encouraging smile, the psychiatrist nodded. "Imagine the world you fear most—a place of perpetual winter. Suddenly, a blazing sun appears in its sky. She could be that sun, capable of melting the ice and snow, bringing spring back to that frozen landscape. Why not open your heart and give it a try? This might... mark a turning point in your condition." Meanwhile, Xiao Qingqing had spent the morning shopping with Mu Nuan before returning to Yipin Residence after lunch. As Mu Nuan's car idled at the villa's gate, Xiao Qingqing stepped out and invited him inside. Mu Nuan shook his head hesitantly, concern etching his features. "You're really going to redecorate Third Uncle's room like that?" A mischievous grin played on Xiao Qingqing's lips. "What's wrong with it? It'll be perfect." "Well... if you say so." After their farewells, Mu Nuan instructed his driver to take him back to his apartment across from campus. With Qingqing staying here now, he wouldn't need to frequent the dormitory anymore. Hannah would probably be thrilled to hear this... Standing at the entrance, Xiao Qingqing waved at Mu Nuan's departing car before turning to ring the doorbell. The automated lock clicked open. As she walked through the courtyard, she instinctively looked up—and there he was. Samuel stood on the top-floor balcony, his tall, solitary figure silhouetted against the sky as he gazed down at her. The sight of his elegant yet lonely form brought back everything she'd learned that day about his tragic past. An inexplicable ache tightened in her chest, heavy with unspoken sorrow. When people feel utterly helpless and desolate, they often don't wear their sorrow and pain on their faces. Instead, they mask it with another emotion. In the past, she could never understand that aloof, reticent Samuel who seemed so untouchable. But now... it was as if she suddenly comprehended him completely. A radiant smile curved her lips as she raised her hand to wave at Samuel. Her cheerful voice, neither too loud nor too soft, carried clearly to the rooftop where he stood: "Uncle Jing, I'm back..." Xiao Qingqing stepped through the foyer, arms laden with shopping bags, and looked up to see Samuel descending the stairs in a black hoodie. It was the first time she had ever seen him dressed so casually. The usual air of solemn maturity that his suits lent him seemed to have transformed into something bright and youthful in an instant. Xiao Qingqing grinned, deciding then and there that she ought to be nicer to her uncle from now on. Without holding back, she complimented, "Uncle Jing, you look really handsome dressed like this." Samuel smirked. The kid had gone out for a bit and come back with a sweeter tongue. "Was I not handsome before?" "..." The man was perfect in every way—except for his habit of prying into things, just like Nuan Nuan with her endless questions. Honestly, did he really need that mouth? She cleared her throat and said, "Before, it was a mature, refined kind of handsome. Now, you look more youthful!" If anyone else had said that, Samuel would have been disgusted. But coming from Xiao Qingqing, it was different. He was thoroughly pleased. In a good mood, he stepped forward and took the bags from her hands, his tone gentle. "You must be hungry. Let’s eat first." "..." Xiao Qingqing paused. "Uncle Jing... you haven’t eaten yet?" Samuel had just placed the items on the sofa when he turned to look at her. "No, I was waiting for you. What's up?" Xiao Qingqing hesitated, guilt creeping into her voice. "I... already ate." Samuel studied her silently. "I didn't know you'd be waiting to have dinner with me, so..." Qingqing trailed off. "Why didn't you call to let me know?" His tone was calm, yet it made her feel even more at fault. "We... never agreed to eat together, so..." "Qingqing," he said gently, "we're living under the same roof now—we're family. When family members don't come home for meals, they should at least inform each other. Don't you think so?" Her heart sank further. She had resolved to treat her uncle as kindly as possible during her stay here, yet before she could even try, he had already embraced her as family. And now it was almost two in the afternoon—he hadn't eaten because he'd been waiting for her... With a pang of remorse, she nodded. "I'm sorry, Uncle. Next time I'll definitely let you know in advance. Please, go ahead and eat now." Samuel acknowledged her apology as he walked toward the dining table. "I had the department store deliver some new clothes for you. Go check if there's anything else you need, and let me know." "Uncle, you really didn't have to get me clothes. I have everything I need at school." "The Nelson family is watching us closely. If you keep wearing those plain old outfits, they'll think I'm not taking proper care of you—who knows what trouble that might stir up. So we need to pay attention to details. You'll wear those new clothes properly, understood?" His voice was firm yet warm, leaving no room for argument. Recalling the hostility from the Nelson family toward her, Xiao Qingqing didn’t want to cause unnecessary trouble for her third uncle over trivial matters, so she agreed. Carrying the numerous bags of her purchases, she headed upstairs to her room. When she stepped into the walk-in closet, she couldn’t help but gasp. Was this what he meant by "a few pieces of clothing"? Dresses, shoes, hats, handbags… It was practically an entire high-end luxury boutique for women transplanted right into her closet. Third Uncle was beyond extravagant. She picked out a simple-looking set of casual loungewear, changed into it, and went back downstairs. After Samuel finished his meal and retreated to his study to work, she returned upstairs to renovate his room. Two hours later, Samuel, having wrapped up his tasks, grew curious when Xiao Qingqing still hadn’t come back down. What was that little rascal up to? He climbed the stairs to find all the doors closed—except for the faint sound of a cheerful tune drifting from his own room. *"Tiny little me, living life so free, finding joy in simplicity. Carefree soul, never playing by the rules, laughing loud and staying cool…"* A soft chuckle escaped him as he leaned against the wall outside the door, eyes closed in contentment. The off-key humming from inside was utterly out of tune, yet it filled him with an inexplicable warmth—a rare, genuine happiness. After a long while, the singing abruptly stopped, followed by three or four claps. *"Hmm, not bad, not bad at all! Samuel, you’d better appreciate this—the royal treatment from yours truly!"*