The white rose I picked up cried and said she liked me.

According to the meteorological observatory, the cold wave that affected the city for several days has officially ended as of today. The strong cold air mass is gradually dissipating, and temperatures across the city will begin a sustained rise.

"In the coming days, the warmth will continue to intensify, and citizens can gradually say goodbye to the cold and feel the comfort brought by the rising temperature."

...

"The weather is going to warm up."

In front of the villa's floor-to-ceiling windows, Xu Nian leaned lazily against the soft sofa, gazing at the treetops outside.

The fine security bars that originally covered the glass windows have been removed, and the view from this spot is excellent.

The shimmering lake, the majestic artificial mountain, and the children laughing and playing in the amusement park are all within sight.

A while ago, there was a light snowfall, and the north wind howled, turning the entire neighborhood into a pristine white landscape.

But now, the ice and snow have melted, the earth has turned green again, and that vibrant scene of life and all things flourishing has returned to our eyes.

"Um."

Xu Xi, sitting in his lap, responded indifferently.

She was still wearing that oversized gray men's pajamas, her two slender, lotus-root-like hands peeking out from the collar, holding a thin laptop, carefully staring at the various data on it.

In two months, it will be Chinese New Year.

During this period, thanks to Xu Nian's meticulous care, her mental state has recovered very well.

Although he hasn't fully recovered from depression, he's almost indistinguishable from a normal person.

This speed of recovery would have been unimaginable in previous years.

She started using her computer to remotely handle some company matters, helping Wen Yao alleviate some of the work pressure.

"Are you almost done with your backlog of work?"

"Soon."

Xu Xi yawned, curled up in the man's arms, and absorbed the reassuring warmth emanating from him.

Xu Nian ran her fingertips through the tips of her silver-white hair and gently rubbed them.

He looked at the snow dripping from the eaves in the distance.

"Let's go out for a walk together later."

Upon hearing this, the girl was slightly taken aback, and immediately shook her head frantically, a hint of fear flashing in her eyes.

"What's wrong?"

Xu Nian noticed the change in her expression and blinked in confusion.

"I...I suddenly remembered that I have an online meeting this afternoon, so I'm busy."

Xu Xi stammered as he explained.

Seeing her anxious and uneasy appearance, Xu Nian frowned, feeling that things were not so simple.

Since Xu Xi's appearance, she has never stepped out of her house.

When my depression was severe, I would spend it in the attic.

Until recently, he was able to step out of the attic and move freely within five steps of him in the villa.

Speaking of which, during her last bout of depression, Xu Xi spent the entire time curled up in the basement.

So, Xu Nian took out her phone and sent a message to Leng Huaqiu.

[Dr. Leng, during the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, is there a strong aversion to going out?]

The status bar showed the other person typing, and after a long while, Leng Huaqiu finally sent a reply.

This is a common situation. Bipolar patients often lose a lot of interest and become lethargic during depressive episodes. Going out means socializing, meeting people, and talking, all of which become a significant burden for them.

In this situation, patients may develop a nesting mentality, which, simply put, means that like a bird building a nest, they isolate themselves in a small, safe, and familiar space, refusing to go out, refuse social interaction, and refuse change.

【What's wrong? Is your little girl going through a depressive phase and doesn't want to go out?】

Xu Nian looked at Xu Xi, who was curled up in her arms, looking nervous and uneasy.

Yes, I just mentioned it to her, and she reacted strongly. Let's just forget about it then; it's better if she doesn't go out.

No, if possible, try to take her out for a walk.

Xu Nian was completely baffled by this statement.

Isn't it said that going out would be a big burden for bipolar patients who experience depressive episodes?

Why take it out for a walk?

Fortunately, Leng Huaqiu's explanation came soon.

When bipolar disorder patients experience a depressive phase, it disrupts hormone secretion, lowering dopamine and serotonin levels, leading to a lack of pleasure.

Staying in the nest constantly feeds the brain thoughts like: I'm incompetent, I'm useless, it's dangerous outside, I can only lie down.

The brain reinforces the depressive circuit: the less you go out → the more afraid you are of going out → the deeper your depression → the less you want to move.

Over time, this could potentially worsen the condition.

If the little girl's physical condition allows, you can take her out for a walk, let her get some sunshine, and enjoy the scenery, which can be beneficial for her recovery from depression.

I see...

Xu Nian put down her phone, rubbed her temples, and fell into deep thought...

......

"That concludes today's meeting. Does anyone have anything to add?"

"That's all, Mr. Xu."

"That's all, Mr. Xu."

Xu Xi closed the computer screen and breathed a sigh of relief.

Before I could relax for long, a message from Wen Yao popped up on my phone.

【No, Your Majesty, are you making fun of this old minister?】

[Wasn't today's meeting content discussed a month ago? Why are you urgently calling us together to discuss it again?]

I thought you'd come up with something new, but it turns out you're just rehashing old stuff!

[Please! I'm almost thirty! Almost a hundred years old, practically an old woman! I finally finished all my work and got a day off, wanting to try and have a baby, but you dragged me back to dawdle! Does Your Majesty really want this old minister to die without an heir?!]

Do you think everyone stays young forever, eternally 18 like you?

[Link: Risks of Advanced Maternal Age]

[Link: Why women should not delay having children]

Xu Xi hurriedly covered her phone screen, nervously turned around, and only breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that the man behind her hadn't seen her.

She gazed wistfully at the children playing outside the window, a hint of envy and longing in her eyes.

After staying at home for months, how could she not feel extremely bored?

But the words "stepping out of the house" are now a word filled with fear for her.

The moment she leaves home, she finds herself in the spotlight, with endless cameras and microphones appearing before her.

Fans and reporters would swarm around her like ants smelling sweetness.

Her current mental state is simply not good enough to be at ease in front of the camera and the public.

She didn't want to say another word.

Socializing with others would drain her already low energy.

"Is the meeting over?"

Xu Nian glanced at the notebook she had closed.

"Um."

Just then, the electronic doorbell rang, its clear sound echoing throughout the entire villa.

"Who is it?"

Xu Xi instinctively curled up into a ball.

If she had a tail, she would probably use it to cover her little face.

"My package has arrived, I'm going to pick it up."

Xu Nian stood up and walked towards the villa's gate.