Fluffy WangXian Oneshots Book Two

The Right Fit

The passenger door of his car slams shut after Jiang Cheng slumps into his seat, his expression a comical mix of angry, upset and embarrassed.

"She wants to talk to you," he says sullenly, staring out of his window.

Wei Ying stares at him, trying to guess why. "Your therapist? She wants to talk to me? Why?"

"How the fuck should I know?"

Since Jiang Cheng is about as forthcoming as a slab of granite, Wei Ying goes into the rehab facility to talk to Jiang Cheng's specially appointed-by-a-court therapist.

"Good morning. Mr. Jiang's brother?" She launches straight into it after Wei Ying barely nodded. "I hope you are aware that after the sixth infringement of your brother letting his temper get away from him, the court has made it clear that after this attempt fails, he will go straight to prison if he cannot control his emotions. They're serious."

"How can I help?"

"Good question. The thing is, different patients react differently to therapy. Talking out their emotional state does not always help."

"We don't do well with feelings," Wei Ying attempts to add humour to the situation, but Luo QingYang simply frowns at him.

"An environment that has surely contributed to the present problems."

"Well, it's more his mother-"

"Whatever. The point I am trying to convey is that talking about his feelings isn't working."

"You're giving up on my brother?" Wei Ying should be forgiven for getting upset about this.

Luo QingYang holds a hand up to stop him from jumping to conclusions and says sharply, "Did I say that?"

Wei Ying shakes his head slowly.

"Therapy is not about the individual. It's a group effort and a good doctor will try different methods. That's partially why I wanted to talk to you, since your brother mentioned you."

"Oh? What did he say?" Wei Ying is pleased about this.

"Enough. My point is, you should be encouraging him so that he can beat this."

"That's it?" Wei Ying should also be forgiven for sounding sceptical. "I have to be his cheerleader?"

"And buy him a pet."

"You're joking!" he blurts out, too shocked.

"Do I look like I'm laughing?"

"No...sorry."

"The latest studies into psychological welfare have shown a marked improvement in the temperament of soldiers suffering from PTSD, trauma and in anger management, when the sufferers have been given another life form to nurture. This can range from a fish to a dog, even a plant, though not everyone has green fingers. Since we've exhausted all verbal types of therapy, I am of the professional opinion that action may work better with your brother. Not everyone learns the same way, you know. Forming emotional attachments is a good way of letting go of stress, a precursor to becoming angry, which is the root of his emotional wiring."

Wei Ying taps his nose thoughtfully. "That makes sense. But not a dog."

"The type of pet is not important. But what is extremely necessary is the right fit. Your brother must care about the animal in question, in order for this to work."

"Okay."

"This is his last chance. Remember, the right fit. We cannot ignore the needs of the animal, either."