“Emotions…that’s true, but emotions can sometimes be inductive, which in turn can help us focus more on the question and answer itself.”

The doctor observed his condition.

Judging from her posture, she seemed very natural and relaxed, and at least she didn't seem to have any resistance to the conversation... Judging from her confident attitude, she is probably a very confident person.

He also noticed Lin Jiashu's figure.

"Sir, you must have been exercising regularly? You must have had this habit for quite some time now?"

"Yes, I've been maintaining this habit for the past two years."

Do you remember how many months it was?

"Two years and seven months, I guess."

"You remember it very clearly..."

The question and answer exchanged was more like a casual greeting.

Lin Jiashu's eyes, hidden behind the mask, watched the other person's smiling face with great interest. He knew that the other person was asking these questions partly to create a relaxed atmosphere and partly to understand his personality.

really...

Since you're so suspicious that you're bound to develop some kind of mental health issue, then just go along with it.

"Mr. Cointreau, are you aware of the tone of today's conversation?"

"I think I probably know."

"Okay, then let's try to be more direct?"

"can."

"So, what are your views on interpersonal relationships?"

"Interpersonal relationships are nothing more than attraction, rejection, cooperation, leadership, and obedience expressed through thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, including but not limited to these behaviors... As long as one is not a savage detached from society, everyone will have social interactions. Is there any special perspective on this?"

"You explained it very clearly." The doctor nodded with a smile. "However, you gave the examples of leadership and obedience and placed them last in your comparison. Do you think these two factors carry more weight in interpersonal relationships?"

"It just so happens that I've saved them for last."

"Okay, but what you said is a really good summary."

"Would you prefer me to use a more colloquial tone?" Lin Jiashu laughed. "How about this, interpersonal relationships are more like playing chess to me. The rules are clear, but everyone has a different strategy. I actually prefer to observe other people's strategies."

Observe others...

In the next room, Gin nodded almost imperceptibly when he heard this.

This is indeed the kind of thinking that Cointreau should have.

The doctor in front of Lin Jiashu nodded: "Observation? You sound more like an observer than a participant."

“Participating is too exhausting, and…” Lin Jiashu laughed, “Moreover, most people’s emotional reactions are too predictable. Anger, sadness, happiness, it’s almost like a fixed program.”

"So you prefer to analyze things logically rather than based on feelings?"

"Logic is more reliable. Sometimes, emotions can interfere with judgment, can't they?"

"But humans are social animals after all, and emotional connection is an instinctive need. Doesn't Mr. Cointreau ever feel lonely?"

Lin Jiashu paused for a moment after hearing the doctor's words.

He sat relaxed, his right leg crossed over his left, and seemed a little surprised by the other person's direct question.

Gin is seriously serious this time...

He clearly told the psychologist about some of his guesses about Lin Jiashu's mental state, such as antisocial personality disorder... Therefore, the other party was not exploring what kind of mental abnormality Lin Jiashu had during the conversation, but rather trying to confirm the extent of his mental abnormality.

Although I was speechless, I let him have his way.

"Loneliness...may happen occasionally. But as you said, it's a basic need, and human instincts can be overcome."

“That sounds like you’re challenging Darwin,” the doctor laughed.

Lin Jiashu laughed as well: "Evolutionary theory doesn't say that humans must be dominated by instinct. Do you think that rationality isn't a more advanced product of evolution?"

"Rationality is certainly important, but people who are completely devoid of emotion often lose the ability to empathize with the suffering of others. Mr. Cointreau, do you think this is progress or a flaw?"

"In my view, empathy is a tool, like a doctor. It's like a scalpel; whether you use it or not depends on whether it's necessary—sometimes I choose not to use it, but that doesn't mean I don't know how."

"An interesting analogy. But the scalpel exists to heal, not to ignore pain. If you can empathize but choose not to, could it be because... you're afraid of being influenced by other people's emotions?"

“Fear? No, I just think it’s unnecessary, just like when people play chess, they don’t get emotionally involved in the outcome of the game.”

Lin Jiashu's words were clearly transmitted to the next room through the vent.

Gin finally gave a cold laugh.

It seems Cointreau has indeed been frank this time...

To him, everyone unrelated was a pawn, a tool to carry out his art of murder or to fool others.

"But what if the chess piece is a person?"

"Doctor, are you implying that I lack a sense of morality?"

“Of course not.” The doctor laughed, paused, picked up his teacup, and said, “Let me share my opinion. If someone can understand other people’s emotions but chooses not to get too involved… whether that’s a good thing depends on their purpose. If they are just protecting themselves, then there’s nothing wrong with that; but if they use that to manipulate others, then that’s another matter.”

Lin Jiashu laughed.

He lightly tapped the mask on his face, his voice light and cheerful: "Doctor, have you ever considered that perhaps you are also trying to interpret me right now, and I am also cooperating with your expectations? Isn't that also a kind of manipulation?"

"Maybe. But the difference is that my goal is to help you, not to take advantage of you."

"But what if I told you I don't need help at all? I'm just... more interested in observing how a good psychologist works?"

So you think you're the kind of person who doesn't need to be understood by others?

"..."

Lin Jiashu chose to remain silent.

For the other party, this silence seemed to be a signal, making the smile on his face more genuine.

"Let's end our conversation here, Mr. Cointreau."

"That's fine too... After all, it doesn't seem fair to me to just watch you drink black tea."

"This is indeed a rare and excellent tea."

The other person laughed.

Lin Jiashu got up from the sofa and walked towards the door.

In the next room, Gin, having watched the conversation end, turned off the camera next to him, then got up and went into the room opposite.

Tell me about his specific situation.

He sat down in front of the doctor.

"The conclusion is that Mr. Cointreau is most likely not an antisocial personality, as is Mr. Gin."

"..."

Gin frowned slightly.

He didn't believe the conclusion, but he waited for an answer anyway.

"First, although Mr. Cointreau exhibits a tendency toward instrumental social interaction, which views others as pawns in line with the exploitative characteristics of antisocial personality traits, it is important to note that he acknowledges occasional loneliness, which differs from the complete alienation of typical antisocial personality. Moreover, Mr. Cointreau emphasizes the selectivity of empathy rather than its absence, which is closer to high-functioning narcissistic personality than classic antisocial personality."

"Furthermore, he stated that he is able to clearly recognize other people's emotions, indicating that his ability to empathize has not been lost, but rather actively suppressed."

"Furthermore, from our conversation just now, his statement that he is interested in observing how an excellent psychologist works clearly demonstrates a desire to challenge my professionalism, which may be more in line with the characteristics of intellectual narcissism."

"Moreover, people with antisocial personality disorder usually don't bother to prove they can empathize, but choose not to."

After the doctor finished speaking, Gin didn't say anything more.

However, as he got up to leave, something suddenly occurred to him: "I mentioned that he might also be an expert in psychology. Could that have affected the conversation?"

“Yes,” the doctor replied. “If he uses his psychological expertise to address the resistance, it will inevitably affect the assessment.”

"..."

Gin didn't say anything more and left the room.

Meanwhile, Lin Jiashu had already gone to another room and taken off his mask.

Vodka was diligently making tea, like a little brother.

"Come on, Cointreau."

"Thank you, Mr. Vodka."

"You're welcome."

After saying "You're welcome," Vodka, who was watching Lin Jiashu sitting there drinking tea, seemed to have nothing else to do.

He looked at the door to the room, wondering how much longer his older brother would have to wait.

The two of them remained silent for a while.

Won't Cointreau feel the atmosphere is too cold?

Vodka was inexplicably lost in thought.

Does he think that his silence is disrespectful to him?

"Um, um... Jundu?"

"what happened?"

"You were really with Ms. Yoko Okino that night, weren't you?"

Meeting Lin Jiashu's questioning gaze, Vodka's tone immediately rose a little as he spoke: "I didn't mean anything by it! I just wanted to ask if it would be convenient for you to help me get an autograph from Ms. Okino Yoko?"

"Sure, it's not a difficult task."

Lin Jiashu said with a smile.

Chapter 488: Breaking the Cold War

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by arrogance and conceit. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder often believe they possess special talents and privileges, disregard social norms and the rights of others, are extremely self-centered, require excessive worship, and interact with others with the aim of exploitation and plunder. They also lack empathy.

These patients often have an extremely high opinion of themselves.

Even when faced with setbacks or behaviors that do not conform to social norms, individuals with narcissistic personality disorder unconsciously distort the facts with reasons that benefit themselves to alleviate anxiety, thereby protecting their irrational self-image and self-confidence.

High-functioning narcissistic personality types are individuals who possess narcissistic traits but can maintain good social adaptability.

Compared to ordinary narcissistic personality types, the latter usually have higher social status and hidden narcissistic needs—although they also need external recognition, they can indirectly satisfy these needs through social recognition (such as achievements).

This type of narcissistic personality, characterized by high intelligence, high level of pretense, wealth, or talent, usually has a strong persona, is confident and superior, possesses obvious personal charm, and is not only better at pretense and rationalizing their own behavior, but can also selectively adjust their empathy when needed.

"So, how much of it did you believe?"

The woman with purple nail polish put down the medical record with her slender fingers, and looked at Gin sitting opposite her with a leisurely smile.

"For me, there are only two options: believe or not believe. There is no such thing as a centrist who believes to some extent!"

Gin coldly stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray.

That's always been his attitude.

Once he suspects someone in the organization of being a mole, he will view that person with prejudice and even scheme to find their weaknesses so he can kill them—unless the person can produce evidence that completely dispels his suspicions.

"Your world is always just 1 and 2."

Vermouth smiled.

Looking at the report in her hand, she completely agreed with the diagnosis.

Cointreau has never been an antisocial personality...

His hidden narcissistic needs are evident in his choice to become a famous detective and mystery novelist, as are his skill in disguise and his ability to selectively manipulate his empathy...

This report is entirely accurate.

Vermouth lowered her head in deep thought.

"What were the orders that gentleman gave you?"

“It’s a secret—though I’d ​​like to say it that way, I’ll leave it at that this time.” Vermouth smiled. “The BOSS’s instructions are for me to keep a close eye on Cointreau’s condition and confirm his controllability.”

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