My Sister Is Acting Strange - Chapter 27 - Doctor Bai

Tang Huaijin returned home to find the living room empty. Hearing the sound of the range hood in the kitchen, he realized his sister was still not fully recovered from her cold but was cooking, which made him feel a pang of concern.

He changed out of his shoes and walked into the kitchen. Tang Yaoyao was wearing an apron, washing vegetables while humming a tune, seemingly in good spirits.

Relieved, Tang Huaijin approached and hugged his sister, resting his head on her shoulder and gently nuzzling her cheek. “Is your cold better? Why are you cooking?” he asked softly.

Tang Yaoyao stiffened for a moment, then relaxed upon recognizing it was Tang Huaijin. The tickle of his hair made her giggle, and she playfully scolded, “I’m cooking for you, Jin, to reward you for taking care of me last night.”

“It wasn’t hard at all. I’d gladly do it again,” Tang Huaijin replied, feeling a familiar warmth as he held his sister close. Her scent and softness stirred memories of the previous night, making him feel a bit cheeky.

Tang Yaoyao blushed and playfully pushed him away. “Go on, I need to finish cooking,” she said, trying to wriggle free.

“Just a little longer,” Tang Huaijin pleaded, snuggling closer and tightening his embrace.

“Jin, please…” Tang Yaoyao’s voice was soft and pleading, her body slightly yielding to his warmth.

“Alright, alright,” Tang Huaijin laughed, giving her waist a playful squeeze, which earned him a playful glare before he finally let go and left the kitchen.

The past few days had been chaotic, leaving Tang Huaijin feeling restless. But the warmth and sweetness of being with his sister gradually eased his mind, lifting the cloud of anxiety.

During dinner, the roles seemed reversed. Usually, it was Tang Yaoyao who teased Tang Huaijin, but today he was the one making cheeky remarks, causing her to blush repeatedly.

After dinner, Tang Yaoyao intended to retreat to her room, but Tang Huaijin pulled her to the sofa to watch TV.

Holding her hand, he slyly wrapped an arm around her waist. Tang Yaoyao bit her lip, glanced at him, but said nothing. Yet, whenever his hand moved, she would push it away.

Tang Huaijin was puzzled. Everything had been fine last night, so why the change today? He withdrew his hand and turned to face her seriously. “Sister, let’s talk about last night.”

“What about last night… I was drunk and don’t remember,” Tang Yaoyao replied, her face flushing as she glanced at him, her hands fidgeting.

“Are you pretending nothing happened?” Tang Huaijin frowned, pressing on, “Let me remind you. Last night, you kissed me and…”

“Stop it,” Tang Yaoyao interrupted, covering his mouth with her hand, her face burning with embarrassment.

“So you do remember,” Tang Huaijin said, looking at her earnestly. “What does that make us now?”

“Siblings…” Tang Yaoyao mumbled, her face flushed, unable to meet his gaze.

“But we’re not blood-related,” Tang Huaijin insisted, his voice tinged with frustration. “If we’re just siblings, why were you jealous?”

Tang Yaoyao remained silent for a moment before stammering, “We really can’t, Jin…”

Seeing her eyes well up, Tang Huaijin sighed. “What do you want to do, then? Just tell me, and I’ll do it. But don’t say things you don’t mean because of pride.”

Tang Yaoyao bit her lip, hesitating before saying, “I don’t want you to leave me…”

“Does that mean I should stay single forever?” Tang Huaijin asked, exasperated.

“I can be with you…” Tang Yaoyao’s eyes glistened, her fingers nervously twisting her clothes. “You can take small liberties… like in the kitchen earlier…”

Tang Huaijin heard her soft words and blinked. “What about kissing?”

“No… no way!” Tang Yaoyao’s face turned a deeper shade of pink, her voice rising.

“Really?” Tang Huaijin sighed, disappointed. “Then last night was a waste.”

“Don’t say that,” Tang Yaoyao scolded, lightly hitting his shoulder. Seeing his dejected look, she hesitated before conceding, “Once a day, on the cheek.”

Tang Huaijin still seemed unsatisfied. “But you haven’t kissed me today.”

Seeing her hesitation, he teased, “Are you waiting for me to kiss you?”

Tang Yaoyao quickly shook her head, her face inching closer to peck his cheek.

Tang Huaijin seized the moment, turning his head so their lips met briefly. The soft touch was fleeting.

Tang Yaoyao’s eyes widened in shock. She pulled back, glaring at him in embarrassment, pointing a finger. “Jin, have you no shame?”

Seeing him lean in again, she fled to her room, nearly losing a slipper in her haste.

Tang Huaijin chuckled, feeling a warm, steady affection in his heart.

Returning to his room, he closed the door and dialed a number on his phone.

Earlier that afternoon, during a break, Tang Huaijin had spoken with Doctor Wu about his sister’s condition.

The last time his sister had an episode, Doctor Wu, a respected psychologist and family friend, had helped her recover, though she couldn’t remember that week.

Though she recovered quickly this time, Tang Huaijin was still worried and contacted Doctor Wu.

Doctor Wu’s health had declined, and she could no longer assist personally. However, she entrusted the matter to a talented junior in Jingdu named Bai, providing Tang Huaijin with her contact information.

“Hello.”

The call connected, and a young-sounding woman’s voice came through.

“Hello, Doctor Bai. I’m Tang Huaijin. Doctor Wu should have mentioned me,” he said politely, though he was slightly apprehensive about her youth, given his sister’s importance to him.

The woman acknowledged, sounding amused. “I remember you. Teacher Wu briefed me. It’s quite interesting.”

“You’re joking,” Tang Huaijin replied, his tone unchanged, though he felt less favorable towards her for finding amusement in their plight.

Sensing his discomfort, she chuckled. “Don’t misunderstand. I meant your sister’s case is intriguing. May I ask you some questions?”

“Of course, go ahead.”

“Did your sister have any sleepwalking incidents as a child?”

“No, she always slept soundly.”

“I heard your parents passed away. How long after did she start showing symptoms?”

“About two months.”

“Was there a trigger for the first incident?”

Tang Huaijin hesitated, then admitted, “I brought a girlfriend home that day.”

“Oh~” Doctor Bai’s tone was playful. “You seem to know why.”

Tang Huaijin frowned, disliking her teasing manner. “Doctor Bai, we’re discussing treatment. Please be serious.”

She laughed softly. “Did I hit a nerve?”

“It seems we have nothing more to discuss. I’ll find someone else,” Tang Huaijin decided.

“You’re welcome to,” Doctor Bai replied evenly. “But I doubt you’ll find a better psychologist.”

“What do you mean?”

“From what Teacher Wu said, your family isn’t wealthy, right?” Her voice carried a hint of amusement. “Consider if you can afford a better doctor. Frankly, if your case wasn’t interesting and I didn’t owe Doctor Wu, I wouldn’t have agreed to help, especially for free.”

Her words gave Tang Huaijin pause. If true, her eccentricity was understandable, given the circumstances. “Thank you. I apologize for my earlier rudeness.”

To ease the tension, he confessed, “I do know why.”

Doctor Bai remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

“My sister likes me,” Tang Huaijin admitted. “Not as siblings, but romantically.”

“I see,” Doctor Bai replied, her tone amused. “I have some ideas. May I ask more questions? Answer with your first thought.”

“Alright.”

Doctor Bai began, “What’s your sister’s favorite dish?”

“Tiger skin peppers.”

“Favorite TV genre?”

“Variety shows.”

“Favorite color?” Her pace quickened.

“Beige.”

“Favorite music?”

“Folk.”

“…”

“…”

The questions came faster, but Tang Huaijin, knowing his sister well, answered promptly.

“Do you like your sister?” Doctor Bai suddenly asked.

“Yes,” Tang Huaijin replied instinctively, then caught himself, his expression darkening. “First, we’re not blood-related. I’m sure Doctor Wu mentioned that. Second, Doctor Bai, what’s your assessment? I’m curious.”

Doctor Bai stifled a laugh, then teased, “Don’t be mad. I didn’t specify what kind of ‘like.'”

Before Tang Huaijin could protest, she continued, “There are two approaches. I recommend the second.”

Intrigued, Tang Huaijin asked, “What are they?”

Doctor Bai cleared her throat, her tone turning serious. “The first is gradual therapy. I believe your sister hasn’t moved past your parents’ deaths, leaving her insecure. She sees you as her last support. Bringing a girlfriend home made her fear losing you. These pressures intensified her feelings, leading to her subconscious actions.”

“So, address the root cause. Your sister’s insecurity stems from relying solely on you. Reflect on those two months after your parents’ passing. Did you neglect her?”

Tang Huaijin fell silent, acknowledging the truth. He had been lost in grief, finding solace in Lin Ruoxi, while his sister faced it alone.

“You need to reassure her that even with a girlfriend, you won’t abandon her. Gradually, help her accept you don’t belong to her. Meanwhile, find fulfilling activities for her, like hobbies, work, or even romance.”

“But this method is risky. Misjudge, and she might relapse.”

After a pause, Tang Huaijin asked, “What’s the second?”

Doctor Bai sipped water, her tone light. “The second is safer and my recommendation: accept your sister and be with her. I doubt she’d relapse.”

“However, you’d face societal judgment, friends’ shock, and an unblessed union.”

“This tests your love,” she added, seemingly supportive of the idea.

“You don’t mind?” Tang Huaijin was surprised.

“Why should I? I’d admire you if you did,” Doctor Bai replied, her tone dismissive. “Why care about others’ opinions? Life’s short. How you live, with whom, and whether to live at all should be your choice.”

“Thank you for your advice, Doctor Bai,” Tang Huaijin said sincerely. Her insights and professionalism impressed him, aligning with thoughts he’d read in Tang Yaoyao’s diary.

“You’re welcome. I won’t ask your choice. Contact me anytime, but update me weekly,” Doctor Bai chuckled.

Amused by her teasing, Tang Huaijin smiled, bid farewell, and ended the call.

Leaning against the window, he gazed at the dimly lit path below, pondering: I’d choose the second option, but my sister’s reserved nature keeps her distant. What should I do, remain single forever?

Tang Huaijin chuckled wryly, resigned to his fate.