Captain Lu was aloof again today.

Chapter 145 Wave after wave

"Of course there is a difference. In fact, most modern people are the same in that they like to surf the Internet when they have nothing to do, which is understandable."

Wei Qingsong patiently began his mini-lecture on psychology: "But internet addicts are different from ordinary internet users, especially those with severe internet addiction. If psychological intervention is not taken, their lives will be seriously affected."

"The so-called internet addiction, since it has the word 'addiction' in it, is obviously a disease. It is characterized by being quick-witted, eloquent, and exceptionally happy when online, but becoming sluggish, depressed, and lost when away from the internet."

“For ordinary netizens, going online in their spare time is just to pass the time and add variety to their lives. They know when to stop and do something else. But internet addicts can’t live without the internet and can’t control their urge to go online. If they don’t go online for a long time, they will experience anxiety and restlessness.”

After digesting the new information for a while, Chen Jin muttered, "It doesn't sound that serious."

“That’s because you’re thinking too simply,” Wei Qingsong said with a helpless shake of his head. “Think about it, internet addicts think about going online all the time, which will squeeze out their time for sleeping, working, and studying. No matter when or where, their minds will be unconsciously occupied by the internet, which will seriously affect their quality of life.”

"Not getting proper rest is secondary; over time, patients will also experience insufficient energy and mental confusion. If left untreated, it can lead to physical exhaustion or even sudden death. Moreover, internet addiction often has complications, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jin changed his tune and said, "From that perspective, the impact is indeed quite significant."

"Yes, I used to find it strange that Li Linlu, a graduate of a prestigious university, was unwilling to go out and find a job. I originally thought she just had a personality flaw, but after hearing what Zhang Tianhua said, I suddenly realized that it was because she was too addicted to the internet."

Wei Qingsong continued her analysis: "I guess the reason she is so dependent on the internet is because of the pressure of studying, coupled with coming from a single-parent family and lacking companionship, which has led to obvious defects such as an introverted and repressed personality."

"She was shy about communicating with people in real life, but she experienced a different life in the online world, so she became addicted to it and couldn't extricate herself."

“Those dozen or so young people who were instigated to commit suicide probably all had some degree of lack of companionship, or were under too much pressure, had low self-esteem and were weak, spiritually empty, or emotionally frustrated. Their internet addiction had reached a severe level, making them very likely to engage in extreme behaviors such as self-harm or suicide.”

"That sounds so pitiful," Xiao Song sighed. "Moreover, the term 'internet addiction' has gradually become a derogatory term. In fact, they are also patients. It's one thing to be unable to control themselves, but they also have to be despised and ostracized by the people around them."

“You’ve hit the nail on the head. If we had just given them a little more care and attention, they wouldn’t have become dependent on a virtual, dreamlike world. It would be too harsh to blame them in the end.” Wei Qingsong nodded in agreement. “As long as we use desensitization therapy and treat them slowly, they can break free from the online world. It’s just that most family members don’t have the patience for that.”

In fact, it's not just internet addiction that's viewed with prejudice.

Mental health issues are more likely to occur when there is stress.

Humans cannot live in a vacuum without pressure, so everyone will have some degree of mental illness.

These diseases are so easily overlooked that people become increasingly unhappy.

In the end, they are criticized for "daydreaming" or stigmatized as "mentally ill." All of this is extremely unfair to people with mental illnesses.

The existence of psychological counseling institutions is absolutely necessary. If some people use the guise of psychological counseling to mislead people, then that is even more unforgivable.

Thinking of this, Wei Qingsong's gaze turned slightly cold.

"Alright, let's get moving. Every second counts. We need to find this killer as soon as possible to prevent new victims from emerging." Lu Jingming tapped the table lightly and then stood up.

According to the group assignments, Lu Jingming planned to go to those three addresses with Wei Qingsong to find the people.

However, before he could even step out of the office, a police officer rushed in and said, "Captain Lu, someone has reported being threatened and intimidated. Director Tong personally received the person and has arranged for them to stay in the meeting room. Director Tong wants you to go there in person."

Lu Jingming paused slightly, his brows furrowing.

It seems like one problem after another is brewing.

Director Tong was a deputy director and didn't usually have a high profile within the municipal bureau, but he still held considerable prestige, so he casually arranged for Lu Jingming to take over.

Lu Jingming hesitated for a moment, then asked in a deep voice, "Didn't you tell him that I still have cases on my hands?"

The officer lowered his head and replied sullenly, "I already said that Director Tong told you to delegate your tasks to your subordinates and also told you not to be too ambitious."

This young police officer was clearly a greenhorn who hadn't experienced the harsh realities of society, and he relayed Director Tong's exact words verbatim.

"I'm too ambitious?" Lu Jingming laughed angrily, his thin lips pressed into a straight line. After a long while, he said coldly, "Fine, I understand."

Wei Qingsong, puzzled, looked at him with concern: "This Director Tong, every word he says is barbed."

"It's nothing, he's been annoyed with me for a long time." Lu Jingming's tone was relaxed. He turned to Xiao Song and said, "Take your men to the old city area. You've been with the Municipal Bureau for so long, always working for me or Chen Jin. Now it's time for you to learn to stand on your own. Be more meticulous and don't miss any clues."

Xiao Song was flattered and straightened up, solemnly saying, "Yes! Don't worry, Captain Lu, I will definitely do my best!"

Perhaps because he was too nervous, the child even moved his hands and feet together when he left the office.

After all the detectives in the office rushed out, Lu Jingming walked towards the reception room.

Wei Qingsong frowned slightly as she walked beside him and asked, "You said he doesn't like you, what's going on?"

Lu Jingming paused for a moment, organizing his thoughts as he said, “Looking at the entire Tangzhou Public Security System, and even the national Public Security System, there are very few criminal investigation team leaders under the age of thirty. He became a deputy criminal investigation team leader at thirty-five and a deputy director at forty-five. Director Wang is about the same age as him. As long as Director Wang doesn’t retire, he will still be inferior to Director Wang.”

His words were somewhat subtle, but Wei Qingsong understood: "To put it bluntly, he's just jealous of your talent."

Lu Jingming chuckled lightly, his gaze cool: "I'm used to it. At least he only made a few sarcastic remarks and didn't make things difficult for me."

He paused, then said casually, "Do you know why our team doesn't have a vice-captain?"

(End of this chapter)