Who would study psychology if they didn't have some kind of problem?

Chapter 364 Trick
Such an indifferent tone, without any politeness.

This demeanor was completely different from the social style that Nan Zhuren usually displayed in front of Vice Principal Ma.

Vice Principal Ma was taken aback.

The conversation began to veer off course in an unfamiliar direction, making him feel somewhat uncomfortable for a moment.

At the same time—it had been a long time since a young teacher had spoken to him like that.

Vice Principal Ma's rationality involuntarily waned further.

However, Vice Principal Ma forcibly suppressed his emotions and put "official business" first.

"Teacher Nan," Vice Principal Ma took a deep breath and tentatively asked, "What are your thoughts on Xu Pengcheng's situation during the day?"

"It's hard to say, but it's very likely due to malnutrition caused by long-term anorexia, which is caused by long-term bullying and academic anxiety."

Nan Zhuren did not hide anything and said calmly, "As for whether these two problems have reached the level of [symptoms], we will have to wait for more in-depth assessment methods, such as scale tests, to know for sure."

Hearing the expected answer, Vice Principal Ma steadied himself; this was his main purpose for today.

"Teacher Nan, do you think there might be a problem with depression?"

[Pupillary diameter dilates, blinking frequency decreases.]

The vertical lines between the eyebrows have deepened, and the cheek muscles show slight tremors.

[—Is this the main purpose of his conversation today—to attract such intense attention?]

Vice Principal Ma paid special attention to whether Xu Pengcheng was suffering from depression.

“It cannot be ruled out,” Nan Zhuren said. “Depression is very common; most psychological problems are accompanied by depression.”

After hearing Nan Zhuren's answer, Vice Principal Ma took a deep breath and exclaimed, "Oh dear, how did things get to this point?"

He couldn't help but shake his head, then began pacing restlessly, seemingly very troubled.

For high schools today, student safety issues stemming from depression are the most common and the most serious.

If the fall was caused by anorexia nervosa or anxiety, it seems easier to explain.
But if we add the issue of depression, it becomes extremely sensitive... right?

and many more.

Nan Zhuren's pupils contracted, and his attention suddenly focused on Vice Principal Ma's face.

His gaze swept quickly across my face before abruptly shifting away; he was observing my reaction.

[The act of frowning lags behind verbal expression; it is a deliberately made expression.]

The frown is too mechanical and stiff, and there's a sense of deliberate exertion.

He's faking his troubles to mask his true feelings!

Why use "worries" to cover up something else?

It means [excitement].

Vice Principal Ma's sudden, rapid movements seemed to stem from frustration, but could also be an unconscious release of excitement.

What is he trying to hide? What is he excited about?
……

Nan Zhuren's tone was somewhat incredulous: "You're happy because Xu Pengcheng might have depression?"

As soon as these words came out.

Vice Principal Ma's comical and chaotic body language suddenly stopped, like a computer that had been malfunctioning and flickering wildly finally crashing. "Teacher Nan, what are you saying? How could I possibly..."

“I’m right,” Nan Zhuren interrupted Vice Principal Ma with certainty.

Vice Principal Ma choked up, his face turning red instantly.

Chonghui, who hadn't spoken a word, leaned back completely on the sofa, watching Nan Zhuren begin his familiar self-questioning and answering again, revealing a satisfied look as if he were appreciating some kind of work of art.

I never get tired of watching it, no matter how many times I watch it.

……

Nan Zhuren's gaze towards Vice Principal Ma gradually turned cold: "You think Xu Pengcheng's depression is actually a good thing?"

"why?"

Nan Zhuren began to think and guess, while confirming his guess with Vice Principal Ma's expression.

"Do you think Xu Pengcheng's depression is better than his anorexia and anxiety? What's 'good' about depression... because it's more common?"

"—I was right."

"Why would it be better if it were more widespread? No, or rather, why is depression so prevalent among high school students? Because of academic pressure—yes, academic pressure."

Nan Zhuren's eyes lit up when he saw Vice Principal Ma's expression, and his mind clicked.

“You want to change the nature of the matter. Because if Xu Pengcheng’s main problem is depression, you can explain it as him developing psychological problems due to academic pressure and failing grades, which led to his downfall.”

"If he suffers from anorexia and anxiety, then it will inevitably be associated with school bullying, or even school bullying instigated by teachers, which is many times more serious than depression."

"You already know it's impossible to suppress this now, but you still want to downplay it, choosing the lesser of two evils?!"

Nan Zhuren understood.

If Xu Pengcheng's fall is directly related to his anorexia, then it is essentially a confirmed teaching accident. It involves not only the teacher's flawed lesson plan but also the issue of instigating bullying.

This is not just a violation of disciplinary regulations, but it involves criminal law.

But if it's depression, then we can discuss it more. Because this situation is so common, it could be attributed to the student's inability to cope, or even that "every year during the college entrance examination, there are always a few such unavoidable cases."

The penalties are much lighter compared to the other situation.

Even anxiety and anorexia can be attributed to depression; or, although bullying may be involved, the ultimate cause of a student's downfall is still depression.

The problem with many things is having no choice, no direction, and only being able to face a single, severe punishment.

But once you have an option to choose the lesser of two evils, you can try to put in the effort and make it happen.

Go—reduce the punishment!
Vice Principal Ma is indeed experienced, and his conversation with Nan Zhuren was clearly an attempt at so-called "operation".

Looking at Vice Principal Ma's expression, Nan Zhuren said decisively, "I was right."

Vice Principal Ma's body language and facial expressions were like a computer that had crashed and then suddenly restarted, but this time it wasn't a comical cover-up.

They were genuinely panicked.

He had never seen Nan Zhuren like this before, let alone anyone else!
How can someone so easily uncover their innermost secrets by asking and answering their own questions?

"Your conversation with me is meant to be a inducement, right? I may not necessarily be responsible for Xu Pengcheng's psychological evaluation afterward, but you plan to entrust me, or recommend me, as the school, to help carry out this matter, and then let me personally diagnose Xu Pengcheng with depression."

Nan Zhuren looked at Vice Principal Ma's expression: "--Very good, I was right again."

(End of this chapter)